Fang Zhongyong (about 1020-1040), lived in the Northern Song Dynasty, was a child prodigy of tragedy. Zhongyong was born in a family ploughed diligently for generations. He was broughted up without education but at the age of 5, something unsual happened. One day, Zhongyong bursted out crying and asked his father for pen and ink. His father was astonished and borrowed some from their neighbours. Zhongyong wrote a poem about the morals to treat parents filially and get along with neighbours immediately. His father sent this poem to the scholars at their town proudly. Zhongyong was highly appreciated. After that, he was able to make poetry at any time when assigned which receives much applaud. All the town were amazed by Zhongyong, many approached to host his father or pay for his works. Zhongyong's father, who had a heart for lust took Zhongyong to show off everyday and prevented him from entering school. Long after that, Zhongyong's talent run out and became normal finally.
Zhongyong was known to us because of Wang Anshi's famous artical Pitiful Zhongyong. [1]