Zhang Yanghao (1270-1329) styled Ximeng, also known by his literary name Yunzhuang, was born in Jinan of Shandong Province. As an imperial official, he was known for his outspoken criticism of the current policies. His Sanqu poems, mostly written after he resigned from his office and lived as a recluse, giving expressions to his reflections on the conspiratorial bureaucracy. He differed from Guan Hanqing and Ma Zhiyuan in that he inherited much from poets of previous dynasties.
张养浩（1270-1329） 字希孟，号云庄，山东济南人。为官以切直敢谏著称。散曲多为归隐林泉时所作，在大量讴歌隐居之乐和自然风景的同时，透露了宦途险恶的慨叹。艺术上较多汲取前代诗人、词家的成就，与关汉卿、马致远等人有别。
Stay at Home Idle to the tune of Sky Scouring Sand
天净沙·闲居
Don't say we are right or someone is of wrong school,
休言咱是谁非，
The best policy is to play a drunkard or a fool.
只宜似醉如痴。
What's the point after all of gaining success and fame?
便得功名待怎的？
In this boundless world out of frame,
无穷天地，
Where can your talent be employed as a useful tool?
那驼儿用你精细。