Li Yu (Li Yü) 937-978

The last Emperor of the Southern Tang, also known as Li Houzhu, he was one of the earlier and best-loved master of ci poetry. He came to the throne in 961 and was taken as a captive to the Song capital in 975 when the Song dynasty annexed his kingdom. His captivity effected a change in his poetic style towards the melancholic and nostalgic. This expanded the scope of the genre from 'popular' topics, like love and nature, to more serious matters.

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