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。
An Ode on Southern China to the tune of Narcissus
水仙子·咏江南
The fogy woods are reflected in the smoky river water,
一江烟水照晴岚，
Houses with painted eves on the banks are adjacent to each other.
两岸人家接画檐。
Gently on the patches of lotuses shines the autumnal light,
芰荷丛一段秋光淡，
Up and down in the sky are dancing gulls white.
看沙鸥舞再三，
The pearl-woven curtains are bathed in the fragrant wind of ten miles,
卷香风十里珠帘。
Painted boats come from the distant horizon beyond isles.
画船儿天边至，
In the wind flags of wine shops flutter and fly,
酒旗儿风外飐，
Oh,ho lovely is the southern scenery to the eye!
爱煞江南。