Textual Variations and Historical Context: Revisiting the Kaicheng Era Poetic Examination in Yunxi Youyi

Abstract

This paper examines the historical and cultural significance of the record Reviving Ancient Practices in Yunxi Youyi. It focuses on the Kaicheng-era poetic examination, during which Li Hong's poem The Dance of the Feathered Garments earned top honors. The imperial edict by Emperor Wenzong sought to revive traditional cultural practices by emphasizing the stylistic norms of the Qi and Liang dynasties in poetry. Li Hong's achievements, rooted in his imperial lineage and poetic excellence, exemplify the interplay between political patronage and literary merit. The study also explores the textual variations across primary sources, including Records of Tang Poetry and Taiping Guangji, analyzing their implications for reconstructing the examination's historical context. Additional evidence from epitaphs and literary connections with figures such as Li Shangyin further sheds light on Li Hong's life and career, suggesting his prominence in the Tang intellectual milieu. Finally, the study highlights Emperor Wenzong's broader cultural aspirations, including the reconstruction of Kaiyuan-era music and dance, as reflected in the examination's themes. This analysis underscores the intertwined roles of politics, culture, and literature in Tang Dynasty examinations, offering fresh insights into the period's intellectual and cultural landscape.