Abstract:

The long lost handwritten copy of Qiantang Yi Shi is Liu Yiqing’s work and published in theYuan dynasty. It‘s transcript is a unique copy which was collected by Wang Qishu resurfaced in 1773due to the compilation of the Siku Quanshu. The following year this copy was inscribed with a poem inthe hand of Emperor Qianlong and was returned to the Wang Qishu. Afterward it remained missing for along time. The current circulating editions of Qiantang Yi Shi all originate from the Siku Quanshu whichhas been collated and arbitrarily altered by the imperial librarians namely some people who compiled SikuQuanshu. Shanghai Library possesses a copy of this book which features a poem written by EmperorQianlong on the front matter bearing the Imperial Academy seal in both Manchu and Chinese charactersand containing traces of corrections made by the imperial librarians. This copy which collected inShanghai Library is the very same edition that was originally in the collection of Wang Qishu and can becross-referenced with other book submissions made by the Wang family to the imperial court. Consequentlythis copy is of great importance in reconstructing the original appearance of the book’s edition as well asin reflecting the traces of alterations and the level of collation expertise exhibited by the imperiallibrarians. Emperor Qianlong personally participated in the research of the author of the book throughinscribing two poems thereby reinforcing his political stance of criticizing turncoat officials like QianQianyi for their equally difficult to go on or retreat . This is a unique and vivid case in the readinghistory of the Siku Quanshu.

Key words: Qiantang Yi Shi Siku, Master Copy, Wang Qishu, Shanghai Library, Documentary value