A Comparative Study of Academic Exchange and Historical Perspectives of CHEN Shu and JIN Yufu from the 1930s to 1940s

CHEN Shu and JIN Yufu were both renowned scholars in the history of Liao and Jin Dynasties. They first met in Nanjing, around the end of 1936 or the beginning of 1937. From 1938 to 1940, they exchanged letters discussing various academic topics. On December 26, 1940, with the consultation of JIN and FU Sinian, a well-known scholar of history in China then, CHEN was transferred to the Research Office of Northeast History, Geography, and Economy of Northeast University at Santai County (1938-1946) as a researcher. They went from being academic colleagues to colleagues in the same institution. During their time at Santai, CHEN and JIN engaged in scholarly discussions and debates. The latter often invited the former to go on outings and visit friends. While their research on the history of the Liao and Jin Dynasties shared similarities, there were also differences. Firstly, both of them excelled in textual research and emphasized the importance of epigraphic evidence. Secondly, JIN advocated for broad knowledge from specialization, while CHEN adhered to the path of specialization. Thirdly, in terms of their understanding of the historical significance of the Liao and Jin Dynasties, JIN regarded the Song Dynasty as the main historical source, with the Liao and Jin Dynasties as alternative history. In contrast, CHEN considered the Liao, Jin, and Song Dynasties as the second Northern and Southern Dynasties in China’s history. This lesser-known friendship between them highlights the scholarly achievements and patriotic spirit of intellectuals of their era.