Xue Tao, also known as Hongdu, was a Tang Dynasty courtesan and Qing guest. She was a female school scholar and poet in Sichuan, and was known as one of the four talented women in Sichuan, along with Zhuo Wenjun, Huarui Lady, and Huang E. She was also known as one of the four great female poets of the Tang Dynasty, along with Yu Xuanji, Li Ye, and Liu Caichun. Over 90 poems have been passed down and collected in the “Jinjiang Collection”. Below, the history encyclopedia editor brings relevant content to share with you.
A person who can speak poetry at the age of eight is definitely extraordinary, and this person is Xue Tao, one of the four great female poets of the Tang Dynasty. At that time, Xue Tao’s father was sitting under a tree enjoying the cool breeze when he suddenly felt: “A ancient paulownia tree has been removed from the courtyard, and its trunk has risen into the clouds. Upon hearing this, Xue Tao next to him added, “Branches welcome birds from the north and south, leaves send winds back and forth.
Xue Tao’s father was shocked, after all, Xue Tao was only 8 years old and still a girl. Being able to have such talent was like the smoke rising from his ancestors’ graves. However, Xue Tao’s father did not feel complacent because talented people always suffer setbacks. He did not want his daughter to be like others, carrying talent but having a bumpy fate. After Xue Yun’s death, the Xue family’s fortunes declined, and Xue Tao’s life quickly fell into difficulties and became unsustainable. So she resolutely entered the music industry and became an official prostitute.
Later, Xue Tao met the military governor at that time, Wei Gao. Wei Gao was infatuated with Xue Tao’s beauty and appreciated her talent, recommending her to become a female school teacher. However, Xue Tao was a bit arrogant and spoiled. Later, she actually put away the bribe. In a fit of anger, Wei Gao sent Xue Tao away. During the process of getting married, Xue Tao wrote another poem called “Ten Departure Poems” to Wei Gao. Xue Tao played an emotional card, but Wei Gao softened his heart and asked Xue Tao to come back. At this time, Xue Tao was only 20 years old. Xue Tao gradually realized that the officialdom was not suitable for her, so she shed her identity as a courtesan and regained her freedom.
Xue Tao met Yuan Zhen, who had a smooth career. At first sight, Xue Tao was attracted by her handsome and talented appearance. Afterwards, Xue Tao and his younger brother began a passionate relationship as siblings. After a three-month period of intense love, Yuan Zhen had to leave due to official transfer. Yuan Zhen was a rational person who knew that this middle-aged woman was not suitable for him. Firstly, she was much older than him, and secondly, her background as a prostitute was not conducive to his own development. So after leaving, Yuan Zhen did not return to Xue Tao’s side. Xue Tao finally saw through emotions and wore a Taoist robe for the rest of his life.
