An Inquiry into the Causes of the Discrepancy in Evaluations of Su Shi's Stay in Huizhou and Han Yu's Tenure in Chaozhou

Su Shi's stay in Huizhou surpassed Han Yu's in Chaozhou in terms of duration, literary output, and overall achievements. However, evaluations of the two figures in later times vary significantly. Through painstaking literature research on their works and local historical records, this study endeavors to explore the causes of the evaluative bias concerning Su Shis legacy in Huizhou. The findings reveal that the Yuanyou Party Struggle precipitated Su Shi's political downfall, as he was listed on the Yuanyou Party Tablet, ending his career. Socially, his low rank subjected him to strict surveillance, and even got those helping him into trouble, isolating him. Culturally, his works and inscriptions were damaged. In contrast, Han Yu was forgiven when relegated to Yuanzhou and had fewer negative impacts. The privacy of letters made most of Su Shi's achievement records in Huizhou disappear. While his construction of "Two Bridges and One Dyke" in Huizhou West Lake was public and documented, causing later generations to focus more on his West Lake contributions. Hence, Su Shi's achievements in Huizhou were long underestimated.