MEI YAO-CH'EN

born 1002, Hsan-ch'eng, China died 1060, Kaifeng Pinyin Mei Yaochen, courtesy name (tzu) Sheng-y a leading Chinese poet of the Northern Sung dynasty whose verses helped to launch a new poetic style linked with the ku-wen, or ancient literature, revival. Although Mei entered government service through the examination system like other statesmen-poets of the Sung, his political career was undistinguished. While in office, however, he met and became friends with Ou-yang Hsiu (10071072), then a minor official and leading advocate of the ku-wen movement. Deeply influenced by Neo-Confucian ideals, proponents of this movement felt that literature should mirror and comment on contemporary life. Mei thus made social and political issues the focus of his poetry and sought subjects in commonplace events and people. Rejecting the then-fashionable tz'u poetry, which derived from romantic ballads and employed elaborate conceits and hyperbole, Mei returned to the old l-shih, or regulated poetry, perfecting a plainer, more prosaic style to gain what he called an easygoing voice better suited to his themes and subjects.