Zhou Hongzheng, also known by his courtesy name Sixing, was a native of Ancheng in Runan. He was the ninth-generation grandson of Zhou Yi, a Grand Minister of the Jin Dynasty. His grandfather Zhou Yong served as the Chief Minister during the Qi Dynasty and was in charge of the compilation of works. His father Zhou Shishi served as the Minister of Rites during the Liang Dynasty. Zhou Hongzheng lost his parents at a young age and was raised by his uncle, who held the title of Guard General. At the age of ten, he had already mastered the "Laozi" and the "Book of Changes." His uncle often discussed these with him and was continually impressed by his intelligence and quick wit, remarking, "You seem so bright and quick-witted; you will surely become famous in the future, even more so than me!" Pei Ziye from Hedong held him in high regard and wished to marry his daughter to him. At the age of fifteen, Zhou Hongzheng was recruited as a student at the Imperial Academy, where he taught the "Book of Changes." Many students flocked to learn from him. He entered the academy in the spring and took the exam in the fall. The examiner deemed his study time too brief and did not allow him to pass. However, Doctor Dao Qia remarked, "Zhou Lang is under twenty, yet he can teach the classics independently. Though still a student, he is already capable of teaching; there is no need for him to take the exam." And so, he was directly appointed as a doctor at the Taixue of the Liang Dynasty. Later, when Prince Jin'an was appointed as the Intendant of Danyang, he invited Zhou to serve as his registrar. He was later sent to Yecheng as a county magistrate. After his mother's passing, he resigned from his post to return home and observe the mourning period. After the mourning period, he served as the county magistrates of Qu'a and Anji respectively. During Emperor Pu's reign, the position of Scribe for the Ministry of Justice was created to oversee the affairs of Shouguang Province, and Zhou Hongzheng was appointed as the Deputy Scribe of Justice. In the third year of Zhongdatong, the Crown Prince of Liang, Hua Rong, passed away, and his son Huarong Gong was unable to inherit the position of Crown Prince. As a result, Prince Jin'an was named the Crown Prince. Zhou Hongzheng submitted a memorial, stating:
It is heard that the image of humility originates from the hexagrams of Xi and Xuan, and the source of courtesy and deference arises from the relinquishment of Yao and Shun; its origins are still traceable and can be explored in depth. From the temple halls to the Fen River, different paths lead to the same destination; Ji, Ke, Chao, and Xu, different names but united. The one who rises to power is called the leader, while the one who stays is called the outer minister; all are mutually supportive, inside and out forming a good governance. This has been the guiding principle for countless generations, something that no hundred kings can change. During the time of the Three Kings, there was a gradual decline and devastation, each favoring their own kin and offspring. Up to the Seven Kingdoms contending for supremacy, Liu and Xiang competing, Emperor Han promoting its customs, Jin spreading its influence, the path of humility and deference was abandoned, and many years have since passed. As culture and quality change in succession, the refined and coarse alternate, and the ancient and modern converge; now is the time.
Your Majesty, you were born to be an emperor! Intelligent and wise, with unparalleled martial arts skills, both civil and military, all the people in the world turn their hearts to you. The Emperor has spoken; the edict has been proclaimed, formally appointing you as the heir. You are the cornerstone of the nation! Compared to the historical heirs such as Xia Qi, Zhou Song, Han Heir, and Wei Gongzi, you are far superior!
I hope that you can be like those benevolent and righteous monarchs of ancient times, emulate the noble character of Zizang, reject fame and wealth, treat the throne as if it were an old shoe, and abandon it! Only in this way can we change the current atmosphere of mutual strife and allow the state of Wu to flourish once more! In ancient times, there were such people. Who else can accomplish this but you when hearing such words? If you can achieve these, let the ideal of ruling through inaction rise once more after so long, and let the spirit of royal road be passed down through generations; how wonderful would that be! It would be truly remarkable! Absolutely remarkable!
I’m just a country scholar with limited knowledge, and I don’t feel worthy of praise. My ancestors have lived in Ruzhou and Yingzhou for generations, all of them loyal and honorable people. My ancestors once served as officials in the Cao Wei dynasty, who dared to speak up and advise, remaining loyal and upright, and were outspoken in court. Even if the prosperous times come to an end, the spirit of speaking out with integrity has never died out. So, I’m bold enough to share my thoughts with you, even if they sound foolish. Even if my words are as insignificant as weeds, I hope you’ll still listen. Even if I end up beheaded, tossed into a boiling pot, or thrown off a cliff for it, I’m willing to die with my conscience clear! That’s what I mean by my frank advice. Wow, Mr. Hongzheng has been promoted to the position of National Scholar! Back then, he built a Shilin Pavilion in the west of the city just for lectures, and it was packed with people, both from the court and the outside.
Then, Mr. Hongzheng wrote fifty questions about the Book of Changes to Emperor Liang Wu, and specifically asked the emperor to explain the two chapters "Qian," "Kun," and "Commentary." He said, "I have heard that in the Book of Changes, it is said to establish images to convey thoughts and to articulate words to express ideas, in order to understand the thoughts of the sages, and perhaps catch a glimpse of their intentions. If one cannot deeply understand, exhaust changes, and penetrate the mysteries, how can one possibly grasp the aspirations of the sages, fulfill their work, explore profound truths, and achieve great goals? Confucius compared it to shackles and wore out the binding; after Xuanyuan Huangdi understood it, he lost the precious Xuanzhu by the Chishui River. Your Majesty, you have to deal with so many matters every day, how can you have time to think about these things? You just need to calm down and contemplate the fundamental principles of the Book of Changes, and you will naturally understand the mysteries within it; your wisdom shines through and cannot be concealed. As for the hexagrams contained in the Six Classics and the profound words in the Commentary, those famous Confucian scholars have discussed it for many years, and knowledgeable scholars have also studied it for many years, yet they have not been able to fully understand it, let alone grasp its entirety. Your personal explanation of the principles of the Book of Changes, clarifying even the smallest details, is like melting an ice cube in a warm valley. I am grateful for your grace in teaching this knowledge; there are also many students, and it can finally be passed down. However, the deep meanings of the hexagrams "Qian" and "Kun" have not been fully explained, and the wonders of the Commentary have not been completely elucidated, so many people still have many questions. I am not particularly bright and have limited ability, so my students and I, including Zhang Ji from Qinghe and 312 others, still do not quite understand the contents of "Qian," "Kun," "Commentary," "Images," and "Lines." I humbly request that you take a moment from your busy schedule to explain to us, so that we can study well and pass on this knowledge to future generations. I feel incredibly lucky to be studying in such a prosperous time, dedicating my life to learning, forgetting that I am getting old. Although I know you are very busy, I still dare to ask you; I'm not sure how to put my request into words.
The source text is currently missing. Please provide the Simplified Chinese text for translation.
The emperor replied, "The Book of Changes' hexagrams symbolize many things, and the text is profound; the explanations in the Appended Judgments are equally profound. From the ancient state of Lu, where Confucius studied the Book of Changes, to the Marquis of Xi, who, troubled by the state of the world, authored the Book of Changes, it has been a long time since then, with seven sages having succeeded one another. From Qu of the Shang Dynasty to Ziyong, generation after generation has inherited it, but the bamboo slips have deteriorated over time. Tian Ba is renowned in Zichuan, and Liang Qiuju is well-known in Langya. Mr. Fan from Dai County and the Wang family from Shanyang all treasure the wisdom of the Book of Changes, offering varied interpretations and emphases. Many scholars have raised doubts about the Book of Changes, and I have addressed them individually. I know that you, Zhang Ji, and 312 others need explanations on Qian, Kun, Wenyan, and the Appended Judgments. Let's discuss it together when I have some time."
Zhou Hongzheng, who was well-versed in astronomy and geography, was skilled at predicting fortunes and misfortunes. Near the end of the Great Harmony period, he once said to his brother Zhou Hongrang, "The country is headed for trouble; there will definitely be a war within a few years, and we won't know where to run." Later, Emperor Liang Wu surprisingly accepted Hou Jing, and Zhou Hongzheng said to Zhou Hongrang, "Looks like chaos is about to unfold!"
After the fall of the capital, Zhou Hongzheng served as the Governor of Hengyang. At that time, the Emperor Yuan was in Jiangling, and he wrote to him, "I’m so glad to hear that my virtuous brother is safe and sound! However, all the officials and nobles in the capital have surrendered to Hou Jing. Wang Ke has become a vassal of Hou Jing, Lu Mian has become a soldier of the rebel army; only you, Zhou Sheng (referring to Zhou Hongzheng), have remained steadfast and admirable! Speaking of the army in the west (referring to the Emperor Yuan's army), I can hardly hold back my tears, always hoping that you can come back, just like waiting for a bountiful harvest. Now, the loyal ministers in the court are like pines and cypresses, and you are the last one standing!"
When Wang Sengbian was attacking Hou Jing, Zhou Hongzheng and Zhou Hongrang took the initiative to welcome the army. Wang Sengbian was very happy and immediately reported to the Emperor Yuan. The Emperor Yuan personally wrote to Zhou Hongzheng, "These treacherous rebels have been causing chaos for a long time; the loyal and righteous in the court have either died or scattered, and hardly anyone is recognizable. Even someone as clever as Han Fei could not escape the disaster of the Qin prison; someone as knowledgeable as Liu Xin ultimately died in the chaos of the Xin Dynasty. I have been very worried about not hearing from you! I originally wanted to run to Shandong to find Sima Xiangru, run to Guanzhong to find Yang Xiong, and finally received your message; I am really happy! After waiting for so long, finally receiving your letter brings me great relief." The Emperor Yuan also sent envoys to welcome Zhou Hongzheng and told the courtiers, "When the Jin Dynasty defeated Wu, I happily received the two brothers Lu Ji and Lu Yun; now that we have defeated Hou Jing, we have also received the two brothers Zhou Hongzheng and Zhou Hongrang. Ancient and modern, they can truly be compared!"
After Zhou Hongzheng arrived, the Emperor Yuan honored him far more than the other courtiers. He was appointed as an Attendant of the Yellow Gate, serving the Emperor directly in the Imperial Secretariat. Not long after, he was promoted to Left Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and was later appointed as a Cavalier in Regular Attendance.
Emperor Yuan once wrote the book "Golden Tower," in which he stated: "The monk I respect most is Master Zhaoti Yan, the hermit I respect most is Huayang Tao Zhenbai, and the scholar I respect most is Runan Zhou Hongzheng. The principles they discuss are both clear and profound, endlessly so; all are renowned figures of their time!" After the turmoil caused by Hou Jing was quelled, Wang Sengbian submitted the confiscated books and archives, and Emperor Yuan ordered Zhou Hongzheng to oversee the proofreading.
At that time, the court wanted to move the capital, and the officials in Jingzhou strongly opposed the relocation. Only Hongzheng and Minister Wang Piao went to persuade Emperor Yuan, saying: "Knowledgeable scholars know that the capital's location has never been fixed. There is no need to worry about relocating the capital. However, the common people are different. If they don't witness the emperor's carriage entering Jianye in person, they will think he is just a prince of a vassal state, not yet an emperor. Therefore, we should follow the will of the people and meet the expectations of the whole nation." At that time, people in Jingzhou and Shaanxi were all saying that Wang Hongzheng and Zhou Wenyu were both from the east and wanted to return to the east; this notion is probably not trustworthy. Hongzheng directly refuted them, saying: "If you think it's a bad idea for us easterners to suggest returning east, then is it a good idea for you westerners to head back west?" Emperor Yuan burst out laughing upon hearing this and ultimately decided against moving the capital.
Later, the city of Jiangling fell, and Hong Zheng escaped from the encirclement and returned to the capital. Emperor Jing appointed him as the Chief Clerk to Grand Marshal Wang Sengbian, in charge of affairs in Yangzhou. In the first year of Taiping, he was appointed as the Court Attendant and concurrently served as the Director of the National Confucian Sacrificial Ceremony, later promoted to the Minister of Rites and Minister of Justice. After Gaozu usurped the throne, he was appointed as the Crown Prince's Attendant. In the first year of Tianjia, he was promoted to Court Attendant and Director of the National Confucian Sacrificial Ceremony, and went to Chang'an to welcome Gaozong. Three years later, he returned from the Zhou Dynasty and was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness by the court, awarded the Golden Purple Ribbon, and concurrently served as the Cixun Grand Household Steward. After Emperor Fei ascended the throne, he served as the Minister of Justice, overseeing the court's five ceremonial affairs. At the same time, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk to the Grand Preceptor and given the title of Mingwei General. After Gaozong ascended the throne, he was promoted to Senior Advisor, while continuing as the National Confucian Sacrificial Official and Grand Censor of Yuzhou, with additional duties. In the fifth year of Taijian, he was appointed as the Deputy Director of the Right of the Ministry of Personnel, retaining his positions as the National Confucian Sacrificial Official and Grand Censor. Shortly after, he was summoned to the Eastern Palace to teach the Analects and the Classic of Filial Piety to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince respected Hong Zheng greatly because of his esteemed position and reputation as a senior statesman of the court, and humbly sought his counsel, demonstrating utmost respect akin to that of a student towards a teacher.
Hong Zheng, especially skilled in metaphysics and well-versed in Buddhist scriptures, even the most renowned monks often sought his advice to resolve their doubts. He passed away after six years of service as an official, at the age of seventy-nine. The emperor issued a decree saying, "In remembrance of our ancestors' merits and recognition of his virtues, as is our tradition. Hong Zheng, Right Deputy of Rites, Chief Priest of the National Confucian Temple, and Grand Prefect of Yuzhou, was profoundly knowledgeable, talented, versatile, and eloquent. He was a pillar of the nation, a role model for the people. His virtues shone brightly in the schools, and his reputation was esteemed and respected. His sudden passing has deeply saddened me. I posthumously appoint him as the Court Attendant and the Director of the Palace Library, and will provide extra funds for his funeral." The emperor personally went to mourn and offer sacrifices to him. He was posthumously honored with the title Jianzi. His works include 16 volumes titled "Explanations of the Book of Changes," 11 volumes of "Explanations of the Analects," 8 volumes of "Explanations of Zhuangzi," 5 volumes of "Explanations of Laozi," 2 volumes of "Explanations of the Classic of Filial Piety," and 20 volumes of collected works, which have been passed down through the ages. His son rose to become an official in the Ministry of Personnel.
Hong Zheng had two younger brothers: Hong Rang and Hong Zhi. Hong Rang was humble and unpretentious, yet possessed profound knowledge and many talents. During the Tianjia era, he was appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the Grand Master of Splendor while still a commoner, and was even granted a gold seal and purple sash.
Hong Zhi, styled Sifang, was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. He initially served as the Doctor of Taixue in the Liang State and gradually rose through the ranks to become a military officer in the Records Office of the Western Zhonglang under Prince Jiangdong, serving as a secretary with Bao Quan from Donghai, Zong Min from Nanyang, Liu Huan from Pingyuan, and Liu Wei from Pei County. He later entered the court and became a Gentleman of the Palace Library. When Prince Jiangdong was stationed in Jiangzhou and Jingzhou, Hong Zhi also advanced in rank to become a military advisor, while also serving as the magistrate of Chaisang and Dangyang counties. After Liang Emperor Yuan came to power, Hong Zhi was appointed as a General with False Titles, General of England, and Chief Historian to the Crown Prince. He was later promoted to General of Wisdom and Valor and Interior Minister of Hengyang. He then rose to the position of General of Virtue and Resolution, Chief Historian of Pingnan, Interior Minister of Changsha, acting as the governor of Xiangzhou Province, and was granted the title of Marquis of Xiangbin County, with a fief of six hundred households. He also served as the Prefect of Shaoling and Lingling, General of the Cloud Banner, and Inspector of Changzhou. During the rebellion led by Wang Lin, Hong Zhi was in Xiangzhou, and returned to court only after Wang Lin's defeat. During the Tianjia era, he held various positions, including National Scholar and Chief Historian to the Prince of Luling, Deputy Minister of the Left Department, Commander of the Feathered Forest, Senior Palace Attendant, and Director of the Imperial Secretariat, in charge of national history. He was later promoted to Minister of the Imperial Ancestral Cult, Grand Master of Rites, and was awarded the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon.
In the seventh year of the Taijian era, I fell ill and was nearing death. I left a will for my family, saying: "Since the beginning of this year, my health has been deteriorating; I could say I was aging. Yet, I was unaware of my attachment to life, only wanting to enjoy life to the fullest, not realizing that aging was creeping up on me. Now that my lifespan has reached its limit, I will vanish like morning dew. Having lived for over seventy years, I've had my fill. I've taken care of everything and have no regrets. After my death, you should get a small coffin from the market, one that is easy to carry. Bury me in my usual clothes, following the customs of the ancients. When meeting our ancestors, you need to dress neatly, wearing my usual clothes, a skirt, and old shoes. Make sure to fulfill your filial duty and prepare the mourning clothes, and if good friends come to see me off, prepare incense and candles. Just put a white cloth handkerchief and a simple incense burner in the coffin, and nothing more." I died at home at the age of seventy-six, leaving behind twenty volumes of my writings. My son's name is Que, and he will carry on my legacy.
My son Que, whose courtesy name is Shi Qian, is handsome, generous, upright, well-versed in history and classics, and has a particular fondness for metaphysics. My father, Hong Zheng, dotes on him. He served as a doctoral candidate at the Imperial Academy during the Liang Dynasty, Minister of Ceremonies, and Chief Clerk of the Prince of Jin'an. After the founding emperor took the throne, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Imperial Palace Secretariat, and later promoted to the position of Registrar of the Prince of Ancheng. After Emperor Gao Zong ascended the throne, he was appointed as an Attendant of the Eastern Palace. Following his mother's passing, he resigned and returned home to observe mourning. After Ouyang He quelled the rebellion, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Imperial Library and sent to Guangzhou to visit and comfort the soldiers. Once his mourning period was over, he took on the role of Minister of Ceremonies. He later served as the Tutor of the Crown Prince, Left Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, and Steward of the Crown Prince's Residence. Due to his father's passing, he resigned and returned home to observe mourning. Shortly after, he was appointed General of Zhenwei and Prefect of Wuxian, but he firmly declined the roles and did not take them up. In the first year of the Zhide reign, he was appointed as the Left Guard of the Crown Prince, Gentleman of the Imperial Library, promoted to Cavalry Commandant, and appointed as the Chief Historian of the Prince of Nanping's Mansion, serving as the acting governor of Yangzhou. He governed with integrity and fairness, earning a reputation as an exemplary official. He later rose to the position of Minister of Justice. In the early years of the Zhengming era, he fell ill and died in office at the age of fifty-nine. The court posthumously awarded him the titles of Cavalry Commandant and Minister of Ceremonies, and took charge of his funeral arrangements.
Yuan Xian, whose courtesy name was De Zhang, was the younger brother of Yuan Shu, the Left Deputy of the Imperial Secretariat. He was intelligent and studious from a young age, open-minded and generous. Emperor Wu of Liang built schools and opened five academies, one of which was situated just west of Yuan Xian's home. Yuan Xian often invited students to his home to discuss various topics with them, always providing unexpected insights, which earned him the admiration of his peers.
In the year 488 AD, Emperor Wu wrote the book "The Correct Words and Phrases of Confucius," and then ordered the significance of this book to be taught at the Imperial College. At that time, Xiancai was fourteen years old and was summoned to the Imperial College to study "Correct Words" and to meet the Chief Priest Dao Gai. Dao Gai immediately took a liking to Xiancai's vibrant demeanor.
After studying at the Imperial College for a year, Imperial Scholar Zhou Hongzheng asked Xiancai's father, Jun Zheng, "Do you think your son is ready to take the exam now?" Jun Zheng said, "His understanding of the classics is still relatively shallow; I don't think he’s ready to take the exam yet." A few days later, Jun Zheng sent his guest Cen Wenhao to accompany Xiancai to meet Zhou Hongzheng. Just as Zhou Hongzheng was getting ready to lecture, all the students had gathered. Zhou Hongzheng called Xiancai into the room, handed him a whisk, and asked him to explain the concepts. At that time, Xie Qi and He Tuo were also in the room, and Zhou Hongzheng said to them, "Even though you two are experts in the intricacies of the classics, do you feel it is difficult for this junior to handle?" So He Tuo and Xie Qi took turns to raise questions on the meaning, delving deep into the discussion. Xiancai debated with them back and forth several times, responding effortlessly and quickly. Zhou Hongzheng said to He Tuo, "Feel free to ask, don't go easy on him just because he's a child." The classroom was crowded with students and many onlookers, but Xiancai stayed calm and collected, more than capable of holding his own in the debate. Zhou Hongzheng intentionally posed several difficult questions, but Xiancai was able to answer them all, impressing Zhou Hongzheng, who then told Cen Wenhao, "Go back and tell Yuan Wu County (Xiancai's father), this child is ready to take over the position of the Imperial Scholar!"
At that time, many students participating in the exam resorted to bribery. Cen Wenhao wanted to bribe, but Jun Zheng said, "How could I possibly use money to buy an official position for my son?" The officials at the National Academy were equally displeased. When it came time for the imperial examination, the examiners deliberately posed many tricky questions, but Xian answered with fluency and clarity. Dao Gai, observing Xian, remarked, "Yuan Jun Zheng indeed has a worthy successor!" Later, Jun Zheng wanted to take Xian to Wu County, and Dao Gai saw him off at the Zhenlu Pavilion, saying to Jun Zheng, "A few days ago, in the exams, Xiao Minsun and Xu Xiaoke, although they also understood the classics, when it comes to understanding and applying the classics, they are far inferior to your son." Shortly after, Xian passed the imperial examination. As a member of a prestigious family, he was selected as a son-in-law and married Princess Nansha, who was the daughter of Emperor Jianwen of Liang.
In the year 536 AD, I was appointed as a secretary. In 548 AD, I was promoted to be the Crown Prince's attendant. Later, when Hou Jing rebelled, I fled to Wu County for refuge, and not long after, my father passed away. I was so grief-stricken that it exceeded the customary standards of mourning. The Emperor ordered me to be the Chamberlain of the Palace. After Gaozu became Prime Minister, I was appointed as Minister of the Ministry of Housing. In 557 AD, I was promoted to Vice Minister of the Central Secretariat, also serving as a Cavalier Attendant. Later, Wang Yu and I were dispatched as envoys to the State of Qi, and we were absent for several years, only returning to court during the Tianjia era (560 AD). In 564 AD, I was again appointed as Vice Minister of the Central Secretariat, working directly in the Palace Secretariat. In 567 AD, I became the Palace Attendant of the Yellow Gate, also in charge of the affairs of the Ministry of Ceremonies. In 568 AD, I was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, then became a Cavalier Attendant, serving in the Eastern Palace. In 569 AD, I was promoted to Deputy Director of the Imperial Censorate, also overseeing the Imperial Guards. At that time, Prince Shuying of Yuzhang flouted the law, forcibly seizing horses from the people. I lodged a formal complaint against him based on the evidence, and he was dismissed as a result. From that point onward, both the court and the public held me in great respect and awe.
I am very familiar with the rules and regulations of the court, particularly adept at adjudicating cases. Sometimes, before a case is completely resolved, the relevant departments have already closed the case following legal protocols. In my spare time, I submit numerous reports to the emperor. Once, I accompanied the emperor to a banquet at Chengxiang Pavilion. After the guests left, Emperor Gaozong asked me and Wei Fanjun to stay behind, chatting and drinking in the mountain pavilion until dark. Emperor Gaozong looked at me and said to Fanjun, "The Yuan family is indeed extraordinary!" This shows that the emperor holds me in high regard.
In 571, I became a Court Attendant. In 572, I was appointed as the governor of Wu County, but I declined the position because my father had recently passed away. I was later appointed as General Mingwei and Governor of Nankang. In 575, my term ended, and I was appointed as a Cavalier Attendant, concurrently serving as Minister of Personnel, and later confirmed. Because I held important positions for a long time, I repeatedly requested to resign. Emperor Gaozong said, "Many people in the court are often slandered while in office. You have handled government affairs a lot and can be said to be upright and incorruptible. I will consider appointing someone else. You should not resign for the time being." In 579, I was promoted to Right Deputy Chief, participating in the selection of officials. My brother Yuan Jianyi had previously served as Left Deputy Chief, and at this time, I served as Right Deputy Chief. The court referred to my brother as the Senior Deputy Chief and me as the Junior Deputy Chief, which was a great honor.
Emperor Gaozong was in poor health, and I (Yuan Xian) and the Minister of Personnel, Mao Xi, were entrusted with important tasks by the emperor. At that time, Prince Shuling of Shixing rebelled, and I commanded and deployed the army, putting in considerable effort. Later, the emperor became very ill, holding my hand and saying, "My son is still young; I entrust the future to you." I replied, "Everyone is looking forward to Your Majesty's early recovery. I cannot accept your wishes to discuss future matters at this time." For my achievements, I was appointed as the Count of Jian'an County with a fief of 400 households, serving as the Prince's Household Minister, while retaining my other official positions. Shortly after, I was promoted to Court Attendant, General of Integrity, and Prince's Consultant.
In the first year of Zhide, the crown prince held the crown ceremony, and in the second year, he held the sacrificial ceremony. I submitted a request to resign, but the Emperor did not agree. Instead, he assigned me two attendants, promoted my rank to General of Yunhui, and assigned me a historian. The crown prince didn't adhere to the rules and didn't study diligently. I counseled him ten times, citing examples from both ancient and modern times, using earnest and straightforward language. Though the crown prince pretended to accept it on the surface, he did not truly repent. Later, the Emperor wanted to make the son of the favored concubine, Zhang, the crown prince and mentioned this to me. The Minister of Personnel, Cai, praised the Emperor's idea, but I strongly opposed him, saying, "The crown prince is the heir to the throne, and his position affects the well-being of millions. Who are you to casually discuss deposing the crown prince?" Ultimately, the Emperor deposed the crown prince that summer, making him the King of Wuxing. The Emperor knew that I had advised him before and exclaimed, "Yuan Dechang is truly a loyal and upright minister!" That day, he appointed me as the Minister of Works.
In the third year of Zhengming, the Sui army attacked us. Sui general He Ruobi led soldiers to burn the North Yemoon of the palace. The palace guards fled, and the courtiers all escaped for their lives, but I stayed by the Emperor's side to protect him. The Emperor said to me, "I have always treated you fairly. Today, seeing you, I understand the true meaning of 'only in the cold of winter do we know the strength of the pine and cypress!'" The Emperor panicked and sought to flee, but I said solemnly, "The northern army entering the city will not create chaos. This is a major event. Your Majesty, please do not panic. I hope you will tidy up your attire and go to the front hall, just like Emperor Liang Wu did when facing Hou Jing." The Emperor did not listen to me and fled directly. I entered the rear hall and saw the Emperor had committed suicide by jumping into a well. I knelt on the ground and wept as I emerged.
Beijing fell and subsequently submitted to the Sui Dynasty. The Emperor of the Sui Dynasty appointed him as the commander, military governor of Changzhou, and held three equal offices of state, as well as the governor of Changzhou, holding a relatively high official position. In the fourteenth year of the Kaihuang era, he was appointed Chief Historian at the Jin Prince's residence. He passed away in the eighteenth year of his life, at the age of seventy. Posthumously, he was appointed Grand General and Duke of Ancheng County and awarded the posthumous title of "Jian." His eldest son, Cheng Jia, also held official positions in the Sui Dynasty, rising to the position of Secretary of the Imperial Academy and Minister of Education.
Historical records describe him as follows: "Emperor Yuan of Liang valued the Rounan man Zhou Hongzheng very much, and this statement is indeed true!" His extraordinary demeanor and expertise in metaphysics mark him as a truly national teacher. Yuan Xian was known for his integrity and strictness, characterized by a bright and honest demeanor, and he adhered firmly to his principles. Han Yu stated that a loyal subject should emulate him—steadfast in loyalty and free of duplicity. Yuan Xian upheld his principles throughout his life, which is truly worthy of our respect and emulation.
