Throughout history, the Chinese royal family has been an integral force in the preservation, development, and dissemination of knowledge. By sponsoring the publication of various classical books, the royal family not only preserved China’s rich intellectual traditions but also ensured that knowledge could be passed down across generations. The Chinese imperial courts, especially during the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, played a significant role in patronizing works of literature, philosophy, history, and science that would go on to become pillars of Chinese culture. This article explores the classic books that were sponsored by the Chinese royal family, highlighting their impact on Chinese society and intellectual life.

1. The Role of the Royal Family in Intellectual Patronage

The patronage of literature and the arts by the Chinese royal family was part of a broader imperial policy aimed at fostering intellectual growth and preserving cultural heritage. Emperors and members of the royal family understood the importance of books and scholarly works in maintaining governance, promoting moral values, and ensuring a stable and prosperous society.

In imperial China, the royal family played a direct role in the development of educational and literary traditions. This support came in the form of both direct sponsorship of works and the establishment of institutions dedicated to scholarship. In particular, the emperors’ involvement in the publishing of classical texts was aimed at reinforcing the moral and philosophical ideals that were central to the Confucian state.

Through royal patronage, the publishing of books became an official practice in China, ensuring that works of great intellectual and cultural value were distributed widely. Royal sponsorship of books often extended beyond mere support for the content; it also involved the development of state-run printing presses, bookbinding workshops, and translation efforts to disseminate works to scholars, officials, and the general public.

2. The Four Books and Five Classics: The Foundation of Confucian Learning

Among the most important works supported by the Chinese royal family were the “Four Books” and “Five Classics,” the central texts of Confucianism. These texts, which have shaped Chinese philosophy, ethics, and governance for centuries, were commissioned by the imperial court to be taught at schools and used in the civil service examination system.

The Five Classics

The “Five Classics” are a collection of ancient Chinese texts that form the foundation of Confucian thought. They are:

1. The Yijing (I Ching or Book of Changes) – A divination text that has had a profound influence on Chinese philosophy, particularly Daoism and Confucianism.
2. The Shujing (Book of Documents) – A compilation of historical records and speeches that outline the moral and political ideals of ancient Chinese rulers.
3. The Shijing (Book of Songs) – A collection of ancient poems and songs that capture the culture, values, and daily life of early China.
4. The Liji (Book of Rites) – A text that outlines the principles of ritual, ceremony, and governance, focusing on maintaining social harmony through ritual.
5. The Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn Annals) – A historical record of the state of Lu, which Confucius is believed to have edited, focusing on events that demonstrate the moral qualities of rulers and their governments.

These texts were vital to the intellectual life of the empire. The emperors sponsored their study, ensuring that these works were preserved, widely distributed, and incorporated into state governance. Emperors, particularly during the Han Dynasty, were committed to preserving and promoting these texts as a way to instill Confucian virtues in their officials and citizens.

The Four Books

The Four Books are also essential to Confucian thought and are considered key educational texts for anyone wishing to enter government service through the imperial civil service examination system. The Four Books include:

1. The Analects (Lunyu) – A collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius, compiled by his disciples. It serves as a guide to ethics, politics, and personal conduct.
2. The Mencius (Mengzi) – A text that presents the teachings of the Confucian philosopher Mencius, emphasizing the inherent goodness of human nature and the role of rulers in promoting the welfare of the people.
3. The Great Learning (Daxue) – A text that discusses the cultivation of virtue and the importance of education, governance, and the relationship between rulers and subjects.
4. The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong) – A text focused on the importance of balance, harmony, and moderation in both personal behavior and state governance.

These Four Books were especially emphasized during the Song dynasty (960–1279) when Emperor Taizu and subsequent Song rulers recognized their importance in promoting Confucian ideals in education and governance. The Four Books became a core part of the curriculum in imperial academies, with imperial sponsorship ensuring their widespread distribution and influence.

3. The Imperial Library and the Compilation of Classic Texts

During the Tang dynasty (618–907), the imperial court made significant efforts to collect and preserve texts that were important to Chinese culture and intellectual life. Emperor Taizong (r. 626–649) established the Imperial Library, which became a key center for the collection and dissemination of important texts.

One of the most notable accomplishments of the Tang dynasty was the imperial sponsorship of the Siku Quanshu, or Complete Library of the Four Treasuries, which was commissioned during the Qing dynasty by Emperor Qianlong. The Siku Quanshu was one of the largest and most ambitious literary projects in Chinese history. It aimed to compile all known classic texts into a comprehensive library that could be used for scholarly research and study. The project involved the work of thousands of scholars who collected, edited, and annotated the texts.

The Siku Quanshu encompassed not only Confucian texts but also works from other intellectual traditions such as Daoism, Buddhism, history, medicine, and science. The publication of this massive work was an important initiative in preserving Chinese literary and intellectual heritage. It was widely distributed across China and remains an invaluable resource for scholars today.

4. Historical Texts and the Royal Patronage of Historians

The royal family also played a vital role in preserving and promoting historical records. Emperors recognized the importance of history in shaping governance and maintaining order within the empire. The compilation of historical texts was often a state-sponsored project, and many of the most famous historians in Chinese history were employed by the royal court.

One of the most significant historical works commissioned by the royal family was the Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government), compiled by the historian Sima Guang during the Song dynasty. This monumental work, which spans over 1,000 volumes, covers the history of China from the Warring States period (403–221 BCE) to the end of the Tang dynasty (907). It provided a comprehensive overview of Chinese history and served as a guide for imperial rulers on how to govern wisely and maintain stability.

Sima Guang’s work was sponsored by Emperor Shenzong of the Song dynasty, who valued the role of history in education and governance. The Zizhi Tongjian became an essential resource for future generations of scholars and officials, influencing Chinese political thought for centuries.

5. The Role of the Royal Family in Promoting Literary Innovation

Beyond preserving and disseminating traditional classical texts, the Chinese royal family also supported the creation of new works that contributed to literary and intellectual life. Emperors and members of the royal family recognized the importance of intellectual creativity and patronized authors who wrote in various genres, including poetry, philosophy, and historical writing.

During the Tang dynasty, the imperial court supported the development of poetry and literary arts, leading to the flourishing of Chinese poetry. Poets such as Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei were well known in the imperial court, and their works were celebrated by emperors, who recognized the importance of literature in shaping Chinese culture. The support of the Tang royal family allowed poets to gain patronage, ensuring the survival of their works and their influence on future generations.

Similarly, during the Qing dynasty, Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong supported the creation of new works of literature, including scholarly and poetic texts. The Qing emperors themselves were also skilled writers and poets, contributing to the development of Chinese literature during their reigns.

6. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Royal Patronage in Chinese Literature

The royal family of China played a crucial role in the preservation, development, and dissemination of classical literature and knowledge. By sponsoring the publication of works such as the Four Books and Five Classics, the royal family ensured that Confucian ideals would remain at the heart of Chinese governance and education. Their support of the Siku Quanshu and historical works like the Zizhi Tongjian preserved China’s rich intellectual heritage for future generations.

In doing so, the imperial family not only helped shape the intellectual landscape of China but also ensured that the nation’s literary and philosophical traditions would endure. The legacy of royal patronage continues to be felt in modern China, where many of the classical texts supported by the royal family remain foundational to Chinese education, philosophy, and culture. The importance of these royal-backed literary efforts cannot be overstated, as they have left an indelible mark on the history of Chinese thought and civilization.