The Legend of Fu Cannon

"A most extraordinary genius, rare even in all the world. His memory is the best, and so is his understanding. He can do the most delicate work with an embroidery needle, yet he also has the boldness to wield a great blade. He is a scholar of the highest learning, while also being a born leader, the most capable of getting things done and organizing others. His emotions burn with tremendous intensity, often explosively; at the same time, he is the gentlest, most rational, most orderly, lovable and approachable person. These qualities and talents are rarely found together in one person, yet our Mengzhen truly possesses them all."

Had these glowing words about Fu Sinian come from anyone else, they might have seemed like flattery and empty praise. But they came from Hu Shi, who never indulged in such pointless behavior.

Looking back over the life of Fu Sinian, a great master of his generation, Hu Shi's words were an exact portrayal of the man he was.