Why did Li Bai give up after being an official for two years?
2024-04-30 10:18:24 中文版

There are many reasons why Li Bai resigned from his post after only two years and left Chang'an to wander the world. First, his background did not allow him to enter politics, as he had never participated in the imperial examination. Although there is no conclusive evidence on Li Bai's background, some say he may be a descendant of a criminal or merchant, both of which would affect his eligibility for the exam.

Then, in 742, Princess Yuzhen, the sister of Emperor Xuanzong, recommended Li Bai's poems to the emperor. Impressed with his talent, the emperor appointed him as an official poet and writer, specifically to compose poems and essays for the emperor. Although he was initially enthusiastic and wrote many good poems, over time, he became tired of the life of a court poet and began associating with other poets, indulging in alcohol and often not attending court.

On one occasion, he got drunk in the palace and even asked the eunuch Gao Lishi to take off his boots for him, an act that offended the emperor and court officials, threatening his status.

Gao Lishi, dissatisfied, sought an excuse to drive Li Bai away. He complained to Yang Guifei, saying that Li Bai compared her to Zhao Feiyan in his poem "Qingpingdiao". This angered Yang Guifei and further alienated the emperor from Li Bai, who began to be treated coldly by those around him.

Finally, unable to bear this life, Li Bai petitioned to return to his hometown, and the emperor granted his request, giving him some money to leave Chang'an.

In summary, Li Bai's departure from Chang'an was caused by various reasons, including his background, dissatisfaction with the life of a court poet, and internal palace politics. After leaving Chang'an, he embarked on a long journey, writing numerous classic poems and becoming an immortal poet in the history of Chinese literature.

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