Fan Zhongyan

Fan Zhongyan, courtesy name Xiwen (希文), was an accomplished statesman, writer, scholar, and reformer of the northern Song dynasty. After serving multiple regional posts and at the imperial court for over two decades, Fan was appointed as a vice chancellor by Emperor Renzong to lead the Qingli reforms. Although short-lived, the Qingli reforms and Fan Zhongyan's ideas inspired later reformers, most notably Wang Anshi. Fan's attitude towards official service is encapsulated by his oft-quoted line on the proper attitude of scholar-officials: "They were the first to worry the worries of all-under-Heaven, and the last to enjoy its joys". Fan's philosophical, educational and political contributions were exemplar of a Confucian scholar dedicated to public service. He was considered a mentor and leader of the lettered class and a pilot in political reforms. He advocated for the classical prose movement and is well-known for his ci poetry. He elevated the charitable family estate to an important institution promoting social welfare at the community level.