Song Lian, whose name is Jinglian and whose name is Qianxi, was an outstanding politician, writer, historian and thinker in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. He was praised by Zhu Yuanzhang, Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, as "the head of the founding scholars", who not only experienced the turbulent and changing era, but also cultivated many outstanding literati politicians, such as Gao Qi, Liu Ji, Ye Chen, etc. His "Sending Dongyang Horses to Life" is widely known, showing his spirit and perseverance in overcoming many difficulties in the process of studying.
Since childhood, Song Lian has had a strong interest in reading, but due to family constraints, there is no collection of books at home. However, he did not give up his thirst for knowledge. He borrowed and copied many books by hand, and no matter how cold and hardship he suffered, his determination to learn was never shaken. When he became an adult, he admired the way of the sages even more, but because he did not have a famous teacher to guide him, he went hundreds of miles away to ask for advice from the virtuous and learned seniors in the township. His humble studious and undaunted spirit are admirable. Song Lian studied day and night, and became famous and famous.
The Yuan Dynasty had intended to let him enter the court as an official, but it was in the chaotic era at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, the war was raging, and the people were struggling to make a living. In 1368, after the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang appointed Song Lian as the prince of the country to supervise the sacrificial wine, and granted the position of the crown prince and the prince. He made a lot of contributions to the cultural construction of the early years of the Ming Dynasty, and many classics, systems and cultural activities recorded in the History of the Ming Dynasty are inseparable from him.
Song Lian not only made achievements in cultural construction, but also participated in the compilation of historical books such as "History of the Yuan Dynasty" and "Records of Taizu of the Ming Dynasty". Among them, the compilation of the "History of the Yuan" is extremely difficult, because the rulers of the Yuan Dynasty were nomads, and many of their deeds did not leave specific information. As a result, historical data is relatively scarce and information is extremely scattered. However, Song Lian and his team overcame many difficulties and finally completed the compilation of this historical book, making a significant contribution to the study of Chinese historiography.
In addition, Song Lian also traveled to foreign countries many times, such as Goryeo, Japan and other places, and wrote geographical chronicles such as "Goryeo Tujing". His knowledge and talent have been praised by people at home and abroad.
Song Lian also wrote to Zhu Yuanzhang, suggesting that the education system be reformed. He proposed that Yingtianfu School be changed to Guozijian, and that all provinces should recommend outstanding students to study in Guozijian. This initiative cultivated a large number of outstanding talents for the Ming Dynasty. Song Lian also often went in and out of the Guozijian with the great Confucian of the Hanlin Academy, giving lectures and teaching to the students. Although he was old at the time, he was energetic and tireless as soon as he stepped on the podium.
In the winter of 1378 A.D., it was unusually cold in Yingtianfu. Song Lian, who had "retired", should go north to Yingtianfu to meet Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of Hongwu. When Ma Junze, a junior from the same township, heard this and came to visit him, Song Lian wrote "Sending Dongyang Ma Shengxu" to encourage Ma Junze and many students to study hard without fear of difficulties. Today, Song Lian's image of a literati with both virtue and ability has become a spiritual representative of ancient and modern scholars.