d beautiful women. He not only did extensive travelling, enjoying all the beautiful scenery of Hang Zhou, but also took a second wife named Zhao Yun, literally "Morning Cloud," who followed him loyally throughout his much frustrated life lying before him. Su Shi was a very outspoken man. Whenever he saw policies against people's will, and endangering their interests, he gave vent to his indignation through his essays and poems. That eventually led to his banishment and frequent transfer of posts. After he served his term in Hangchow, he was transferred to Mi Zhou, later to Chuchow, and after that to Fuchow, by which time he had already turned 44. Less than three months after he was transferred to Chu Zhou , he was put into prison on the charge of slandering the emperor and the prime minister. It was an unjustified literary persecution. Someone deliberately misinterpreted some of his poems. Su Shi however was not defeated. He learned to train his personality in distress. Gradually an outspoken, offensive and bold character gave way to a moderate, broadminded and mature one. When he was released about 100 days later, Su shi was a completely different person. From then on no sadness in life could defeat him, from then on no trouble in life could worry him. A man was seen walking out from the prison, reborn to life.

A much frustrated life almost always helps to make a great man. Su shi served one good example. Had it not been for a literary persecution, Su shi might not have cultivated such a broad minded attitude toward life, nor could he have come up with some of the greatest masterpieces of Chinese literature. After he was released from jail, Su was banished to Huangzhou, where he served as a deputy captain of the local militia. Forty five year old Su accepted the lowly post philosophically.

Su's five year stay in Huangchow marked the turning point of his life. The passions and arrogance of his younger days wore out gradually in remote and impoverished Huangzhou. His writing style therefore witnessed dramatic change.

Impoverished as he was, Su shi was a happy man. In casual attire he mingled joyfully with villagers and aging?? rustic people.

In 1084, Su left Huangzhou for Huzhou on the emperor's orders. It was such a long, wearing journey that his youngest son died on the way. Grief stricken, Su petitioned the emperor to let the family stay in Chang Zhou temporarily because Ruzhou was very far away and they were running out of money. His request was granted. But just as the Sus were about to go to Chang Zhou, the emperor passed away. The new emperor treated Su Dong Po with great respect. Within less than two years, Su received several promotions and finally was called back to serve in the capital. That was the climax of his political career. Unfortunately, it didn't last long. Back in the capital, Su got into constant strife while fighting for the welfare of the people. In such an unpleasant atmosphere, Su decid

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