Song Qi (宋祁, 998–1061), courtesy name Zijing, was a distinguished statesman, historian, and poet of the Northern Song Dynasty. Alongside his elder brother Song Xiang, he was part of the celebrated "Two Songs" (二宋) duo, both of whom achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations. While he reached the pinnacle of political power as a Chancellor, his lasting fame rests on a single, masterful word choice that changed the course of Chinese poetic imagery.
He is affectionately known in literary history as the "Red Apricot Chancellor" (红杏尚书), a title earned from his famous line: "Spring spirit frolics on the tips of the red apricot branches" (红杏枝头春意闹). His use of the word "闹" (frolic/bustle) to describe the silent blooming of flowers was considered a stroke of genius, bringing the entire landscape to life. Beyond his lyrics, he was a monumental scholar who co-authored the New Book of Tang (新唐书) with Ouyang Xiu. His work radiates a Vibe of Spring Splendor, blending the refined elegance of a high official with a vivid, almost playful sensitivity to the natural world.
At CN-Poetry, we explore the brilliant and multifaceted voice of Song Qi through exquisite English translations. Experience the "Vibe" of the man who defined the energy of spring and recorded the history of an empire. Discover the enduring artistry of the Red Apricot Chancellor within our digital archives.
