Du Fu, The Sage of Poetry

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Starting at age 20, Du Fu travelled widely to many places and lived a free life. He had ambitions to become highly ranked in the nation, maybe even higher than the Emperor, but at age 35 he failed the entry exam for a high post. However, after many years of travel and the giving of bribes, Du Fu was finally able to gain a small post.

During the Treason of Anshi, he tried to travel to where Tang Suzong was located, but was captured by the traitors. After escaping, his talents finally found a place of use and he gained the high position in government he had always craved.

Later in his career, his words angered the Emperor and he was banished to become a soldier. But Du Fu refused to be exiled and went home to build a thatched cottage, where many of his master works were written.

On his last excursion, in 770 AD, Du Fu died on board ship.