“小脚老太”与“中国大儒”

Group 1 - Shen Zengzhi, a prominent late Qing scholar and calligrapher, is recognized for his unique and often criticized calligraphy style, which some consider unattractive yet still holds prestige in the art community [2][3] - Despite his late-career decline in calligraphy aesthetics, Shen's scholarly contributions, particularly in historical geography and Mongolian studies, are highly regarded, with contemporaries acknowledging his expertise [3][4] - His works, including "Mongolian Origins" and "Annotations on the Secret History of the Yuan," showcase his extensive knowledge and have made significant impacts on the academic landscape [4][5] Group 2 - Shen's research extends to the historical governance of the South China Sea and Southeast Asia, providing historical evidence for China's claims over these territories, which is relevant to current geopolitical discussions [5] - The "Hai Ri Lou Za Cong" (海日楼札丛) is considered one of the finest academic notes from the late Qing period, praised for its depth and breadth of knowledge, yet it remains underappreciated in contemporary scholarship [6]