The Scholar’s Ink: The Life and Legacy of Sun Qifeng Sun Qifeng (1583–1675) remains one of the most profound figures of the Ming Dynasty, a man whose life was a masterclass in the delicate balance between scholarly devotion and the turbulent currents of imperial politics. Born in Rongcheng County, Zhili Province, his early years were marked by an intellect so sharp it allowed him to pass the imperial examination for xiucai at the tender age of thirteen. By 1600, he had achieved the prestigious rank of juren, yet the glittering promise of a bureaucratic career was met with a deep-seated disil…