Bai Juyi, also known as Bo Juyi or Po Chü-i, was a prominent figure in Chinese literature during the Tang dynasty. Born on February twenty-eighth in the year seven hundred seventy-two, he was not only a poet and writer but also a skilled musician, calligrapher, and politician. His courtesy name, Letian, reflects his artistic spirit and dedication to his craft.
Throughout his life, Bai Juyi served as the governor of three different provinces, where he drew inspiration from his experiences and observations of everyday life. His poetry, characterized by a low-key and near vernacular style, resonated with audiences across medieval East Asia, making him a celebrated literary figure.
Among his most notable works are the long narrative poems