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Tang Bohu, known as "The Most Charming Talented Scholar of Jiangnan," was a prodigy who ranked first in the local examination of Yingtian Prefecture. However, he was arrested and imprisoned due to a scandal in the examination system during the following year's imperial examination. After his release, he refused to work as a minor official and made a living by selling paintings. Unlike those favored by the court, Tang Bohu had a significant influence among the people, and the legendary story of "Three Laughs and a Marriage" is well-known. He often took his humor too far and occasionally engaged in mischievous behavior, making him a social rebel of his time and an unconventional talent.
Jin Shengtan
Era: Late Ming and Early Qing
Hometown: Wuxian (now part of Jiangsu)
Occupation: Publisher
Specialty: Commenting on classic works
Hobbies: Eating dog meat, discussing Zen, playing chess, practicing swordplay
Major Work: "Golden Commentary on Water Margin"
Jin Shengtan was wrongfully imprisoned due to the Suzhou Crying Temple Incident and sentenced to death. However, he had a relaxed attitude towards life and death, remaining optimistic even in prison. In a letter to his wife, he wrote, "Let our eldest son read this; eat pickled vegetables with yellow beans for a taste reminiscent of walnuts. If this method spreads, I will have no regrets."
At the execution site, he advised his two sons who came to bid farewell: "My sons! There is something I must tell you. When eating five-spice dried tofu, chew on some peanuts at the same time; the flavor is as delicious as ham. This is a secret, so do not let it out."
On that snowy day, just before his death, Jin Shengtan composed a light verse: "Heaven mourns for me and earth is also sorrowful; mountains and rivers wear white heads. Tomorrow the mountains and rivers will come to pay their respects; tears flow long in every household."
After finishing his recitation, he faced the executioner's blade and laughed wildly, saying, "Beheading is the greatest pain; confiscation is the greatest tragedy; yet, Saint Tan obtained this insight unintentionally. Isn't that strange?"
Jin Shengtan had a unique perspective and was skilled at delivering punchlines; every book he critiqued was filled with clever remarks.
However, a free-spirited genius like him was born into the authoritarian society of the Great Literary Inquisition, and his tragic fate was no coincidence. In ancient times, those who entertained the emperor as close aides often faced danger, let alone intellectuals who observed the world with a critical eye and spoke freely. Feudal rulers feared the art of satire; most ancient Chinese comedians met unfortunate ends—some were imprisoned, others exiled, and the unluckiest, of course, lost their heads like Jin Shengtan.
Ji Yun (Ji Xiaolan)
Era: Qing Dynasty
Place of Origin: Xian County, Hebei (now part of Hebei)
Occupation: Official, Court Scholar, Editor
Specialty: Compiling literature, composing poetry
Major Works: Notes from the Grass Hut
Hobbies: Collecting anecdotes
Similar Comedians: Liu Yong
As a child, Ji Xiaolan was quite mischievous. One winter, wearing a cotton coat and holding a fan, he imitated a silly woman in the classroom, amusing his classmates.
A scholar from the south passed by and felt curious; he stopped to challenge Ji Xiaolan to a couplet contest.
The man recited the first line, "You wear winter clothes while waving a summer fan—confused Spring and Autumn," to which Ji Xiaolan immediately replied with the second line, "You come from the south to the northern land—what nonsense!" The crowd erupted in laughter.
On another occasion, while waiting for the Qianlong Emperor to arrive for a meeting in the court hall, Ji Xiaolan remarked to his colleagues, "Why is the old man so late?"
The words were overheard by the Qianlong Emperor, who sternly asked, "What is an old man?"
While everyone trembled in fear, Ji Xiaolan calmly replied, "Longevity is called 'old,' standing tall is called 'head,' and being the child of Heaven and Earth is called 'son.'"
Upon hearing this, the Qianlong Emperor's anger turned to joy.
Ji Xiaolan was known as a "child prodigy" from a young age. Although mischievous, he achieved great success in his studies. As a close minister, he became the favored jester of the Qianlong Emperor, who was often seen as a connoisseur of culture.
At that time, there was no television, and ordinary people could not see his comedic performances. However, through word of mouth, his classic jokes continue to delight the common folk to this day.
What is truly impressive is that Ji Xiaolan not only wrote poetry and legends but also took part in compiling the massive Complete Library of the Four Treasuries.
If one were to ask what distinguishes comedians of ancient times from those of today, it could be summed up in two words: culture.
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