Episode 5
《Tang poetry stories》The fifth episode tells in depth the life fragments of Tang Dynasty poet Meng Haoran, especially his deep friendship with his friend Wang Wei, as well as his failure in the imperial examination and his subsequent choice to retire.The plot begins with Meng Haoran going to Chang'an to take the imperial examination in his middle age, and depicts his experience of failing in the imperial examination despite his talent.
This episode particularly emphasizes the interaction between Meng Haoran and Wang Wei, showing their encounter in Chang'an and Wang Wei's attempt to help Meng Haoran gain the appreciation of the court.
In an unexpected meeting, Meng Haoran met Tang Xuanzong without proper identity. Due to his careless words, he failed to gain the emperor's favor, which became a turning point in his career.Meng Haoran's poem "Unable to understand the master's abandonment, often sick and old friends" reflects his feelings about this matter.
Subsequently, the plot turns to Meng Haoran's inner struggle and final choice when he decides to retire.He expressed his yearning for nature and cherishing friendship through poetry, as reflected in "Farewell to Wang Wei", which includes both his yearning for a life of seclusion and his reluctance to part with Wang Wei.
Meng Haoran's path to seclusion was not only the pursuit of personal ideals, but also a response to the social reality at that time.
《Tang poetry stories》The fifth episode uses the story of Meng Haoran to explore the contradiction between the official career and ideals, personal emotions and social reality of the literati in the Tang Dynasty, and how they found spiritual solace in frustration, embodying the Tang DynastyThe poet's desire for freedom and spiritual independence.
