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The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke
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The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke

Lu Jiandong

4.51140 learners

This book chronicles the final twenty years (1949–1969) of Chen Yinke, one of 20th-century China’s preeminent historians, as he navigates profound political upheaval in Lingnan (Guangzhou). After rejecting offers to relocate to Taiwan, Chen was warmly welcomed by Lingnan University president Chen Xujing, who shielded him from early political pressures and enabled his academic work. Though facing declining student interest, ideological campaigns, and repeated attempts to co-opt his scholarship, Chen unwaveringly defended his core creed: "independent spirit, free thought." He refused a top position at the Chinese Academy of Sciences rather than compromise his academic autonomy, and produced landmark works like *On Regeneration* and *Liu Rushi Biography*—pieces blending rigorous textual research with personal lament for fading traditional culture. The book traces his struggles through purges, the Cultural Revolution, and physical decline, highlighting his unyielding commitment to intellectual integrity as a symbol of cultural resilience amid chaos.

Academic FreedomCultural resilienceChen YinkeIndependent SpiritOn Regeneration
Scenario

Wu Mi's Last Visit

In 1961, Wu Mi traveled from Chongqing to Guangzhou to see Chen. They talked all night; Chen said it felt like a final farewell, which later came true.

Chen YinkeWu Milast meeting
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 5
Scenario

Jin Yingxi's Criticism

In 1958, Chen's former student Jin Yingxi wrote a long article criticizing him. Chen was furious and banned Jin from his home forever.

Chen YinkeJin Yingxi1958 criticism
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 4
Scenario

Breaking Leg Accident

In July 1962, 72-year-old Chen slipped in the bathtub and broke his right leg. Surgery was too risky, so he used a wheelchair for life.

DisabilityChen Yinke1962 accident
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 5
Scenario

Cultural Revolution Attacks

In 1966, Chen's home was covered with big-character posters. His books and manuscripts were seized, and he was forced to move out.

PersecutionCultural RevolutionChen Yinke
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 6
Scenario

Xian Yuqing's Return

In 1964, Chen's friend Xian Yuqing went to Hong Kong for treatment but returned to Guangzhou. She donated most of her 500k HK dollars to the motherland.

PatriotismChen YinkeXian Yuqing
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 5
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Writing for Red Women

Chen Yinke self-mockingly said: 'My only writing is to praise women in red.' It reflected his frustration with traditional culture's decline.

Chen Yinkeself-mockerytraditional culture
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 3
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Life's Learning for Burial

Chen Yinke wrote: 'My life's learning is for burial; late poems lack the courage to be beheaded.' It showed his sadness about his academic fate.

SadnessChen Yinkeacademic fate
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 4
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Refusing to Leave China

In 1949, KMT's education minister Hang Liwu offered Chen Yinke 100,000 HK dollars and a new house to leave mainland China, but Chen and Lingnan University President Chen Xujing rejected it firmly.

Chen Yinke1949refusal to leave
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 1
Insight

Cultural Revival Belief

Chen Yinke believed Chinese culture peaked in the Song Dynasty and would eventually revive, even amid its decline in his time.

Song DynastyCultural RevivalChen Yinke
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 6
Quote

Independent Spirit

Chen Yinke wrote in Wang Guowei's monument: 'The independent spirit and free thought will last forever with heaven and earth, shining alongside the sun, moon, and stars.'

Chen YinkeIndependent Spiritfree thought
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 2
Insight

Academic Freedom

Chen Yinke insisted academic research needs independent spirit and free thought. He refused to let Marxism guide his medieval history research when invited to Beijing in 1953.

MarxismAcademic FreedomChen Yinke
The Last Twenty Years of Chen Yinke · Chapter 2