Tao Yuanming's retirement in seclusion and the party politics of South Dynasty in Eastern Jin

From South and North Dynasties to today, many scholars did not know much about the true reason for Tao Yuanming's resignation and retirement in seclusion. There is also much exaggeration and deification of Tao's thought and personality among the scholars. A lot of historical data prove that Tao's resignation and retirement in seclusion is not only a step without alternatives due to the disappointed expectation on political promotion for an official of low rank in the environment of party politics in South Dynasty of Eastern Jin, but also a natural result for Tao in view of his deficient capability in politics.