Yan Zhenqing (709-785) was a great calligrapher as well as a high official in the Tang Dynasty. His artistic accomplishment in Chinese calligraphy parallels the greatest master calligraphers throughout the history, and his regular script style, Yan, is often imitated.
Yan Zhenqing and his family were known for having an honest and forthright character; they would rather die than go against their principles. This quality was eulogized throughout Chinese history. Yan Zhenqing’s brother, Yan Gaoqing, and nephew, Yan Jiming, were captured by An Lushan during the Anshi Rebellion. Yan Aiqing scathingly denounced An Lushan. An Lushan broke his bones, but he refused to retract his words. Then An Lushan cut out his tongue, but he never yielded.
Yan Zhenqing himself was a victim of political frame-up for several times. This note was written to his sons and grandsons during his exile.
There are certain principles for statesmen to follow and they must be followed.
Last year I offended the court by my remonstration and was punished. But I will never sacrifice principle for the sake of pandering to the prevailing ideas. If I did, I would have to stand condemned through the ages. Although I am now exiled to a remote place, I would not feel ashamed of it throughout my life. I hope you will comprehend what I mean and will never abandon the principles.
颜真卿（709-785）是唐代的一个大书法家与朝廷官员。他在艺术上的成就，可以比拟历史上任何一位书法大师，而他的颜体为世人所研习。
颜真卿与其家人以诚实与直率个性而闻名于世。他们宁死也不愿意违反原则。他们的这种品质在历史上为人赞颂。安史之乱时，他的哥哥颜杲卿与侄儿颜季明为安禄山所擒。颜杲卿痛斥安禄山。安禄山断其骨，但是他就是不肯屈服。安禄山再割其舌，但是其还是屈服。
颜真卿本身也受到不少政治陷害。以下是他写给他的儿子与孙子的信。
政可守，不可不守。吾去岁中言事得罪，又不能逆道苟时，为千古罪人也。虽贬居远方，终身不耻。绪汝等当，须谓吾之寸心不可不守也。
