Jiang Zong, whose courtesy name was Zongchi, was from Kaocheng in Jiyang. He was the tenth generation grandson of the Grand Commandant of Cavalry during the Jin Dynasty. His great-grandfather Zhan was a Left Senior Official and Chancellor of the Three Excellencies, known for his filial piety and integrity, and was posthumously granted the title Duke of Zhongjian. His grandfather Qian was a Household Senior Official during the Liang Dynasty and was quite renowned at that time. His father Hou was a Provincial Registrar and died young due to excessive grief while mourning; this incident is documented in the "Biography of Filial Piety" from the Book of Liang.
Jiang Zong became an orphan at the age of seven and was fostered by relatives. He was intelligent and kind-hearted from a young age. His uncle, Lord Xiao Mai Wu Pingguang, was very famous at the time and especially fond of him. He once said to Jiang Zong, "Your character is exceptional, and your talent is remarkable; in the future, you will surpass me." When Jiang Zong grew up, he studied hard, demonstrated remarkable literary talent, and had thousands of books at home. He read voraciously, never putting a book down. At the age of eighteen, he was appointed as a military officer at the Xuanhui Wuling Prince's residence. General He Jingrong of Dan Yang recruited staff, all of whom were noble children, and specifically appointed Jiang Zong as the chief scribe of He Jingrong's mansion. He was later promoted to the position of Lang in the Imperial Academy. After Emperor Liang finished "Zhengyan," he also composed "Shuhuai Poetry," to which Jiang Zong contributed. Emperor Liang admired Jiang Zong's poetry very much. Later, Jiang Zong was promoted to the position of attendant. The Shangshu Puyi Fanyang Zhang Zuan, the Duzhi Shangshu Langye Wang Yun, and the Duguan Shangshu Nanyang Liu Zhilin were all talented individuals. Although Jiang Zong was young, he had a good reputation. Zhang Zuan and others admired him greatly and became close friends with him. Liu Zhilin once returned a poem to Jiang Zong, which generally expresses: "Residing in a grand temple, enjoying a high position and generous salary, I hate hearing the cries of the morning postmen and fear the glaring sunlight in the morning. The joy is endless; our conversations are delightful and our time together is truly enjoyable. Playing together, forgetting to rest and eat. How can I overcome my shyness to visit you? For centuries, feel free to share your thoughts!" It can be seen how much respect Jiang Zong received at that time! Later, he was promoted to the role of Prince's Horse Keeper, then served as the magistrate of Lin'an, and then as a military officer within the Xuan Cheng Prince's territory, eventually becoming the Prince's Attendant.
When the Wei and Liang dynasties were on good terms, the court sent envoys to convey formal greetings, but Jiang Zong did not go due to illness. When Hou Jing attacked Jiankang, the court appointed Jiang Zong as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, tasked with overseeing the small temple. After the city fell, Jiang Zong fled the turmoil and wandered for years, finally arriving in Kuaiji County and taking refuge at Longhua Temple. He subsequently composed the "Essay on Self-Cultivation," briefly describing the situation at that time. In the essay, he wrote:
In July of the autumn of 447 AD, I sought refuge at Longhua Temple in Kuaiji. This temple was constructed by my sixth ancestor, Zhou Linghou, the Right Minister of the Song Dynasty, in 445 AD. Zhou Linghou's father, General Heng of the Jin Dynasty, had previously settled in this area and hoped that his descendants would live and work here. The temple was built on the original site of his old home, with a river on the left, a lake on the right, mountains in front, and a valley behind. I lived here alongside some frugal and devoted monks, passing each day in tranquility, reciting scriptures and studying in the morning, listening to the sounds of the wind and gazing at the moonlight at night, and sleeping peacefully.
Oh, I never expected such a thing to happen; the enemy and us are indistinguishable, and the city is in chaos! Thinking about this, my heart feels so heavy! I cried as I wrote these words; how can I ever fully express the sorrow in my heart! I hope that future readers can truly grasp my sentiments.
It is said that the geographical location of Jia Nan Dou is a land of beauty in Eastern Yue! In Han Yu's poem "Guifeng," it is mentioned, and it is also recorded in the Zhou Ji. Here is where the golden book of Da Yu is hidden, the stone carvings of the tyrannical Qin are engraved, Sima Qian visited here, and Zhongli Quan also came here to open the treasure chest. Bamboo arrows are highly valued here, and other treasures are even more rare. Grand rituals are conducted here, as well as ancient Zen temples. This place was originally a garden in the old days of Yuzhang, but now it has become a golden resort. The tranquility here is akin to gazing into a distant mirror. Gazing up at the towering Zengfu Mountain, close to the deep Pinghu Lake. The mountains undulate, the water ripples, monkeys call in the morning, and rats squeak at night. Fruit trees and medicinal herbs are everywhere, peach trees and orange trees form a forest, sunlight shines through the treetops, creating dappled light and shadow. Here, the natural beauty is preserved, abandoning the hustle and bustle of the world. Gazing at the winding islands, facing the rushing river. Boating to admire the moon at night, mist lingering in the morning. The wind blows, cicadas chirp, rain hits the trees making a rustling sound, birds approach humans, clouds gather and disperse mercilessly. Later, Lingta and Zen rooms were built here, with spacious gardens and lush trees. People here walk, study, meditate by the water, observe precepts, and live a simple life. This strong forest can be compared to the strength of the Dharma, and the place of extinction is like cutting off afflictions. The melody of this poem draws to a close, but it evokes infinite sadness, not from the trees' withering. It is simply facing the gloomy, stormy weather, weary of the incessant crowing of roosters, thankfully finding refuge in this elevated spot, relying on the grace of the court.
I have understood the eloquent words of the Four Debates, grasped the profound principles of the Three Vehicles, liberated myself from the ten entanglements, and dispelled the dust of the Five Hindrances. For a long time, I have distanced myself from fame and fortune, forgotten my worries about my wife. Recalling the past ambitions, I hold dear the memories of my close friends. Oh distant guests, why so sad? What use is self-pity?
My ninth uncle, Xiao Bo, first established himself in Guangzhou, and later I rushed from Kuaiji to seek refuge with him. After Emperor Liang pacified the rebellion of Hou Jing, he summoned me to serve as the General of Bright Might and the Prefect of Shixing, and provided me with eight hundred bushels of grain for travel expenses. However, after Jiangling fell, I did not take up the post, and I remained in Lingnan for several years. In the fourth year of Tianjia, the court summoned me back to the capital to directly serve in the Ministry of Personnel as a deputy minister. I then rose through the ranks, becoming the Right Grand Historian, in charge of the records for the Eastern Palace, and also serving as the Attendant of the Yellow Gate. I concurrently held the position of Grand Central Inspector of Southern Xuzhou. I was then appointed as the Prince's Grand Counselor and the Regular Attendant of the Household, retaining my positions in the Eastern Palace and the Central Inspector. Later, I was promoted to the Minister of the Left, then transferred to the Prince's Consultant, while still retaining my position in the Central Inspector. Because the Prince and I often drank all night and I took Chen Shi Liangdi as my adopted daughter, the Emperor was greatly angered and dismissed me from my position. Shortly after, I was appointed as an attendant, concurrently serving as the General of the Left Valiant Cavalry. I then served again as the Minister of the Left, concurrently as the General of the Left Army, but before I could assume the position, I was dismissed due to official matters. Soon after, I was appointed as the Regular Attendant of the Cavalry, the General of Minglie, and was subsequently promoted to the Minister of the Grand Preceptor.
After the emperor ascended the throne, he appointed me as the Minister of the Cult of Ancestors, also serving as the General of the Left Wing Cavalry, and participating in the selection of officials. Later on, I was transferred to be the Chief of the Secretariat and Minister of Personnel. I was then promoted to Prefect of the Masters of Writing, continuing to be involved in government affairs as before. In the fourth year of the Zhide era, I was further honored as General of the Transmitting Benevolence, with the corresponding aides. Subsequently, I was granted the position of Prefect of the Masters of Writing, along with a set of musicians, as well as additional titles and ranks, while my other duties remained unchanged. The emperor's decree said: "In the administration of the state, you are the keystone of our literary and military affairs; Weibiao calls you the key to the pivot, and Li Gu is the measure of the extreme. Moreover, the five ministries are integrated, and all the officials are in harmony. You hold the same office as the prime minister, and you are solely responsible for the duties of the Imperial Study. Your reputation is esteemed, your capacity is profound, you excel in the standards of propriety, and your elegance serves as a model. You have mastered the six ministries, and your gaze reaches far and wide. Your enlightened governance reaches the eight seats, and your dignified appearance is admired from afar. You hold the reins of governance, which is what We expect from you. You have honored us greatly by establishing your distinguished reputation, and you have illuminated our state and nation. How can We not be careful!" In the second year of the Zhenming era, my official position was elevated to General of the Central Authority. After the capital fell, I sought refuge with the Sui Dynasty, serving as the Minister of Works. In the fourteenth year of the Kaihuang era, I passed away in Jiangdu at the age of seventy-six. I have briefly recounted my experiences, saying... I rose through the ranks to become a senior minister in the court, but I never flattered the powerful or sought personal gain. I once sighed deeply to the sky: Zhuang Qingzhai became Prime Minister, yet left no trace in the history books; Zhao Yuanshu was just a minor official, yet his name is recorded in history. Throughout my time in office, I never fawned or interfered with any matter. Many people resented me for not conforming to worldly ways, but I never cared about fame or fortune. During the Taijian era, power fell into the hands of villains, who wielded their power through flattery, jealousy, and exclusion. I was demoted several times; ah, it was simply my fate!
Before the emperor ascended the throne, he was fond of literature and the arts, and had long held me in deep regard. After he took the throne, he governed the country with remarkable efficiency and political achievements. He had oversight of all laws and regulations. It's like Emperor Wu of Jin once asked Xun Gong: "The prime minister of the Zhou Dynasty is equivalent to the current Chancellor, right?" Moreover, my abilities are far inferior to those of the ancients. I am just an ordinary person. General Lu Wan of Jin once said: "If I were to hold one of the Three Excellencies, there would be no one left in the world." Those high-ranking officials with generous rewards were beyond my expectations. I embraced Buddhism at a young age and received the Bodhisattva precepts at the Lingyao Temple on Zhongshan when I was in my twenties. In my later years in office, I had close interactions with the hermits of She Mountain, gaining profound insights into the suffering and emptiness of life, and furthering my practice with compassion and kindness towards others. Although I tried to improve myself, I found it difficult to escape worldly entanglements, which made me feel guilty all my life.
In conclusion, this is my personal account, which people say is a true record. I am upright, generous, gentle, fond of learning, and able to write, especially skilled in composing five-character and seven-character poems. However, my poems were too ornate, which is why they were favored by the emperor. I wrote many poems that were circulated among people and are still being passed down today. During the emperor's reign, I held a high position but did not participate in politics. Every day, I would enjoy leisure time with the emperor in the palace, along with Chen Xuan, Kong Fan, Wang Cuo, and about a dozen others, who were known as the "court companions." As a result, state affairs gradually deteriorated, and laws and regulations became lax. Those who dared to remonstrate were punished, resulting in a breakdown of the relationship between the ruler and his subjects, ultimately leading to the downfall of the country. I have a collection of thirty volumes of writings that have been passed down through the ages.
My eldest son, Yi, style name Shenyuan, was very talented in literature. However, he was arrogant and bullied others, even his relatives and friends, defaming and intimidating them. He held various official positions such as Assistant Secretary for Writing, Prince's Attendant, Imperial Stableman, Deputy Director of the Palace Secretariat, and Prince's Attendant in the Sui Dynasty.
The seventh son, named Cui, has served as a Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, a Secretariat Gentleman, a Sui Attendant, and has also held the title of Bachelor in the Direct Secretariat.
Yao Cha, courtesy name Bosun, is from Wuxing Wukang. Nine generations earlier, his ancestor Yao Xin served as the Grand Minister of Wu State and was well-known in the Jiangnan region. "Nine generations ago, Xin, the Grand Minister of Wu, was famous in Jiangnan." Yao Cha was exceptionally filial from a young age, and his reputation for filial piety was widely known. By the age of six, he could recite thousands of characters. He didn't enjoy childish games or pastimes like chess and was focused on his studies, often studying late into the night. By the age of twelve, he could write well-crafted essays. His father, Yao Sengyuan, held the title of Kai Fu during the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang and was well-known in the court, receiving favor from Emperor Wu and the Crown Prince (later Emperor Jianwen of Liang). Whenever the court granted rewards, he would give them to Yao Cha and his brothers to support their education and living costs. Yao Cha saved this money to purchase books, greatly expanding his knowledge. At the age of thirteen, when Emperor Jianwen of Liang was still in the Eastern Palace and actively fostering cultural initiatives, he invited Yao Cha to Xuan Youtang for lectures and academic debates, where he received praise from many scholars. When Emperor Jianwen ascended the throne, he held Yao Cha in even higher regard. He was initially appointed as the Left Attendant of Nanhai and concurrently as the Minister of Literature, and later served as Military Advisor to Nanjun, also holding the title of Gentleman of the Chariot in the Ministry of Personnel.
When the Liang Dynasty fell, Yao Cha followed his parents back to their hometown of Jinling. At that time, there was constant warfare in the north, the people were starving, and there were even horrifying instances of cannibalism. Yao Cha came from a large family, so they relied on foraging wild vegetables to avoid starvation. Yao Cha searched high and low, trying every means to find food to support his family, and managed to keep them afloat. He often shared his own portion of food with his younger siblings, and even helped friends and relatives in need, while he himself made do with simple meals. Even in the chaos of war and displacement, he never gave up on his studies.
After Emperor Yuan of Liang ascended the throne in Jingzhou, Yao Cha's father, like other officials, went to Jingzhou for his new position, and Emperor Yuan appointed Yao Cha as the county magistrate of his hometown. At that time, the county was in dire straits, with many people fleeing and not returning. Yao Cha reduced the taxes on the people, encouraged them to farm, and as a result, the population of the county grew. The locals continue to praise him to this day.
Yao Cha had a close relationship with Du Zhiwei, who recommended Yao Cha for the position of Assistant Clerk responsible for literary affairs, and even invited him to help compile historical records. In the early years of the Yongding period, Yao Cha was appointed as the Military Officer at the Xingwang Mansion, and soon after was promoted to the Scholar of Jiade Hall, and later transferred to the positions of Zhongwei, Yitong, and Military Officer of the Xingwang Mansion. The Minister of Personnel, Xu Ling, who was in charge of writings at the time, once again brought Yao Cha on board as an assistant for historical records. When Xu Ling retired, he requested that Yao Cha be reinstated, exclaiming, "I can't compare to him!" In the early years of the Taijian period, Yao Cha was appointed as a Scholar of Xuanming Hall, and later promoted to Cavalier Attendant, and then Left Chamberlain. He also held the position of Cavalier Attendant and was dispatched on a mission to the Zhou Dynasty. Senior officials in Jiangnan, who had previously served in the Guanzhong region, held him in high regard.
Liu Zhen from Pei State visited Cha Shen at his residence in private to ask him over a dozen questions from the "Book of Han." Cha Shen analyzed and answered each of them, backed by references. Liu Zhen told his relatives and friends, "He truly lives up to his reputation!" Cha Shen also wrote "Records of the Western Mission to the Daoist Temple," which contains detailed accounts of events. After returning from his mission, Cha Shen was appointed as a scholar in the Eastern Palace. Notable figures such as Jiang Zong from Jiyang, Gu Yewang from Wuguo, Lu Qiong, Lu Qiong's brother Lu Yu, Chu Jie from Henan, Fu Zai from Beidi, and others, all with outstanding talents, often kept him company morning and night. Every time Cha Shen spoke or drafted documents, he earned their praise and respect. The Crown Prince held him in high regard, even more than other officials. Whenever documents needed drafting in the palace, they were handed over to Cha Shen. The Crown Prince often had Cha Shen and Gu Yewang ask each other questions, test their knowledge, and frequently rewarded them.
Cha Shen was promoted to the position of Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites. This department was responsible for the affairs of the suburban temple sacrifices. Previously, when Prince Wei solemnly offered sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, he established the music of the palace county and the dance of the Eight Yues, which had been followed without change ever since. Emperor Wu of Liang believed that the sacrifices to humans should be grand, while the sacrifices to gods should be simple, without the rituals of the palace county from ancient times. In the early years of the Chen Dynasty, this practice was continued without change. Emperor Gaozu wanted to reset the music for sacrifices, so he handed it over to the appropriate departments for review, arguing that Emperor Wu of Liang's practices were flawed. At that time, esteemed scholars and court officials all supported the emperor's view, expressing their agreement. Only Cha Shen cited numerous classics and historical references, and alone opposed everyone's opinions, maintaining that Emperor Wu of Liang’s practices were indeed correct. Everyone was taken aback, feeling both ashamed and convinced. The Minister of Works, Xu Ling, also changed his mind and agreed with Cha Shen's opinion. Cha Shen stood his ground, and that was his approach.
I was appointed Chief Recorder for King Xuanhuiyi, as well as Scholar at the Eastern Palace. Later, I successively served as Advisory Recorder for the Kings of Renwei Huainan and Pingnan Jian'an, and resigned due to my father's death. Not long after, I was appointed General Rongzhao, responsible for compiling the History of Liang. Although I strongly declined, I could not refuse. Later, when the emperor took the throne, he ordered me to also serve as the Attendant Scholar at the Eastern Palace, and my roles as General and compiler of the History of Liang remained the same. The emperor also ordered me to specifically draft documents related to conferment and posthumous titles. In the first year of the Zhide era, I was appointed Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, and later promoted to Prince's Attendant, with all other duties remaining the same.
After the fall of the Liang Dynasty, my father, Master Yuan, went to Chang'an to lead a simple, frugal life, eating vegetarian, wearing plain clothes, and never listening to music. When my father's death was reported in Jiangnan, my mother, Wei Shi, had just finished her mourning period. The emperor knew that I was physically weak and worried that excessive grief would harm my health, so he secretly sent Sima Shen, the Attendant of the Central Secretariat, to my home to console me, specifically instructing him to comfort me. Later, the emperor sent Sima Shen to convey his decree, advising me, "I know you are grieving excessively and I am very concerned. You are alone and it is your duty to mourn your late father. Excessive grief that harms your health is against the sacred teachings. You should mourn properly and observe the rites. I know your grief runs deep, which is why I sent someone specifically to comfort you."
Not long after, I was appointed as General Zhongyi once more, and also served as a secretary in charge of communication at the Eastern Palace. I was wholeheartedly focused on completing the funeral arrangements and repeatedly submitted resignation letters, but the emperor did not allow it. I also submitted a memorial to explain my circumstances, saying, "My family has suffered misfortune, and I have also been affected. Fortunately, I survived and hope to fulfill my filial duties. However, illnesses have come one after another; my health is failing, and I feel like a shadow of my former self, close to death. I never expected the emperor's grace to be so profound, allowing me to hold important positions and wear splendid official robes, which fills me with even greater shame. Furthermore, the affairs of the court are demanding, and I, a person with such a weak body, am really not suitable to participate. I earnestly beseech the emperor to show mercy on my plight, let me catch my breath, and complete the rest of my life." The emperor replied, "I have received your memorial and understand your intentions. Your character is esteemed, and your reputation is renowned. In theory, you should be allowed to fulfill your filial duties instead of being burdened with paperwork. However, your participation in court affairs is my expectation of you, so I cannot permit you to resign." Soon after, the emperor ordered me to be in charge of the affairs of a secretary, and after the mourning period, I was appointed as the Yellow Gate Attendant, also responsible for writing. Yao Cha, burdened by long-term worries and toil, along with years of a vegetarian diet, developed a respiratory ailment despite having relieved his worries. The emperor once summoned him alone and, seeing Yao Cha looking emaciated, was very moved and said to him, "The court holds you in high regard, and you must also take care of yourself! You have been a vegetarian for many years; you can stop fasting for long periods now." The emperor also sent the Minister of Works, Wang Yuan, to convey his instructions, offering comfort and advising him to eat at a later time. The emperor also personally wrote a letter saying, "You have become so thin and have been a vegetarian for so many years; you should not eat only vegetarian meals every meal, as this is not beneficial for your ability to manage government affairs. If you can follow my advice, that would be great." Despite receiving the emperor's decree, Yao Cha still insisted on his previous vow.
The emperor appointed him as the Secretary of the Secretariat and concurrently as the Director of the Academy of Literature, but he repeatedly declined. The emperor granted him numerous favors and did not allow him to refuse. Yao Cha actively revised classical texts in the Secretariat and submitted the "Collected Works of the Central Secretariat." He was later appointed as the Cavalier Attendant and shortly after as the Minister of Revenue. Just a few days later, he was promoted to the Minister of Personnel while still concurrently serving as the Director of the Academy of Literature. Yao Cha was knowledgeable and especially skilled in talent identification, from the origins of surnames to the propagation of family branches, official positions, marriages, rise and fall, and honor and disgrace; he could discuss them in detail without leaving anything out. Moreover, people at the time regarded him as skilled as a master craftsman. After his transfer to the Ministry of Personnel, he received praise from all corners of society. Initially, when the Minister of Personnel Cai Zheng was transferred to be the Prefect of the Central Secretariat, the emperor was seeking suitable candidates. The Prefect Jiang Zong and others unanimously recommended Yao Cha, to which the emperor responded: "Yao Cha not only has profound knowledge but also has high moral character. Selecting talent requires such individuals, and we've finally found one!" The emperor personally penned the decree and read it to Yao Cha, who turned it down multiple times.
The emperor summoned Yao Cha to discuss the selection of officials. Yao Cha cried and thanked the emperor, saying, "My Yao family is a humble family, my abilities are quite ordinary, and I am not qualified for such a high position. I have felt quite uneasy. During this period, I have been favored by Your Majesty. I have long known that my abilities are insufficient and I cannot bear the responsibility. Today, being able to obtain this position is not because of my abilities. Even if Your Majesty were to promote me exceptionally, what will happen to the many talented people in the court? In my nine generations of ancestors, only my ancestor Yao Xin served in the Selection Department, with a prominent reputation, but no talented person has emerged since then. I have been promoted and am deeply favored by Your Majesty, but I have always been worried that I might hinder those who are truly talented. While I may lack knowledge, I still know my own abilities. My words and actions have never sought wealth and glory. I never imagined I would be given such an important position. I am truly unworthy. Moreover, Your Majesty governs the country better than any emperor in history. There are many talented people in the court. Only by utilizing everyone's talents can one be competent. I have been well-educated since childhood and I deeply understand my own limitations."
The emperor said, "Everyone unanimously recommended you, and you are also everyone's first choice. Like Mao Jie with noble character, Lu Yu with fairness and integrity, Wang Yun with insight, Shan Tao with the ability to recommend talents, we chose you because we value these qualities in you. Although we have a ruler-subject relationship, our friendship is extraordinary. You are also someone I have high hopes for. I hope you will not disappoint me."
Yao Cha held a high position, yet he was remarkably honest. Apart from his official salary, he never accepted gifts from anyone. Once, a student hesitant to give a valuable gift only brought a piece of coarse cloth and a piece of flowered cloth. Yao Cha told him, "I usually wear coarse linen clothes. These things are of no use to me. If you want to be friends with me, don't bother anymore." The person insisted that Yao Cha accept, but Yao Cha firmly refused him. After that, no one dared to offer him gifts again.
After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, Yao Cha swore allegiance to the Sui Dynasty. In the ninth year of the Kaihuang reign, he was appointed as Deputy Secretary and was specially tasked with compiling historical records of the Liang and Chen Dynasties, as well as being appointed Chief Advisor of the Zhu Hua Pavilion. Emperor Wen of Sui knew that Yao Cha lived a simple life, so one day he summoned him to the palace, rewarded him with some fruits and vegetables, and then pointed at Yao Cha and said to the courtiers, "I have heard that Yao Cha's knowledge and character are unmatched today. I gained such a talent after pacifying the Chen Dynasty." In the thirteenth year of the Kaihuang reign, Yao Cha was granted the title of Duke of Beijiang. When Yao Cha was young, he once served as an official in the Zhou Dynasty, so he was able to see his father Yao Sengyuan. As they were about to part, Yao Sengyuan passed away unexpectedly. Later, Yao Cha inherited the title, overwhelmed with grief, and everyone who saw him sighed for him.
When he was young, Yao Cha once went to the Mingqing Temple on Zhongshan Mountain to study under Master Shang and received the Bodhisattva precepts. Later, he became an official and donated all his salary to the temple for construction, even erecting a stele for the master with beautifully crafted inscriptions. Later, he happened to see a poem written by Xiao Ziyun, the National Teacher of the Liang Dynasty, for the temple meditation room. After reading it, he was deeply moved, so he used the rhyme of Xiao Ziyun's poem to write a poem expressing his own feelings, which was equally poignant, earning him even more praise. After his mother Du passed away, he resigned from his official position. During his mourning period, a pair of white doves built a nest at his doorstep.
In the second year of the Renshou era, the emperor issued a decree that read: "Former Secretariat Chief and Duke of Beijiang Yao Cha, diligent, eager to learn, humble, and always seeking advice, well-read, cultivating moral integrity and persevering throughout his life, even in times of sadness and pain, should be granted special consideration. He is now appointed as an honorary attendant, with no change in his title." The emperor also ordered Prince Jin Zhao to learn from his virtues. When Emperor Yang of Sui was still in the Eastern Palace, he frequently summoned Yao Cha to seek advice on books and classics. After ascending the throne, Emperor Yang immediately appointed Yao Cha as an imperial attendant for the crown prince, without any changes to his other roles. Whenever the emperor went on inspection tours, Yao Cha accompanied him. Later, when the emperor wanted to reform the attire and ceremonial practices, he often consulted Yao Cha, almost always turning to him for advice.
When my grandfather was seventy-four years old, in the second year of the Daye era, he finally returned to the Eastern Capital. Before he passed away, he left a will, requesting a simple burial. The will probably said: "Our family has always been ordinary, with our own customs. I wish to wear proper cloth mourning attire, with the earth simply needing to cover my body. I am also worried that you may not be able to do this. If that is the case, then construct a simple coffin from pine boards that will accommodate my body, with the earth only needing to be buried around the coffin. On the day of the funeral, use a simple cart to take me directly to the family cemetery in the north. When I was in the Liang Dynasty, I received the Bodhisattva vows from Master Shanshi at the Zhongshan Mingqing Temple at the age of fourteen. Since then, I have come to deeply understand the emptiness and suffering of life, as well as the importance of dedicating merits. I once spent some time at Liulian Temple and lost track of time, forgetting to return home. Later, I served as an official in the Chen Dynasty, and many literati recognized my talents. With the emperor's appreciation, my career progressed smoothly. Since entering the court, I have always been favored by the emperor. However, I have been caught up in worldly concerns and have not been able to fulfill my original intentions. Furthermore, I have been a vegetarian for over fifty years, never wavering. After I pass away, there's no need for a memorial hall; just set up a small bed, change the water daily, and on fasting days, provide vegetarian meals along with fruits and vegetables. It doesn't matter if the house is prepared or not."
When my grandfather was young, he aspired to complete a Buddhist scripture, and he actually achieved it. He felt no pain at all before he passed away, sitting facing west, silently reciting "all is empty and quiet" to himself. Afterwards, his body became soft, and his complexion remained the same. The two empress dowagers in the palace were deeply saddened, and they offered many tributes for the funeral.
Grandfather is filial and is highly moral and virtuous. He is humble and never shows off his talents. He remains calm every day and enjoys nothing more than reading and writing, and has read a wide range of books. Every article he writes is innovative and is admired by others for his profound knowledge. He is dedicated to writing, even in old age, and never seems to tire. He is particularly fond of researching ancient and modern texts, correcting textual errors, and his articles are eloquent and vibrant, even in his old age. He is also proficient in Buddhist scriptures, and his articles on temples, pagodas, and monks are exquisite. Many people in the court quote his articles, and he is commended for his good deeds. If he encounters something beyond his duty, he uses reason to resolve it. He serves the court wholeheartedly without refusal. He is responsible for confidential matters of the court and has never disclosed any confidential information. Although he holds a high position and dresses decently, he yearns for peace and shuns fame and fortune. He lives a simple life, possessing little wealth, and uses his earnings to assist the less fortunate.
The emperor has written many articles, with scrolls stacked up like mountains. He also made a copy for Yao Cha for proofreading, and Yao Cha corrected any doubts. Yao Cha also dedicated himself to the task with complete transparency. The emperor once casually told his ministers, "Yao Cha is knowledgeable and writes in an elegant, refined style. Even in ancient times, it would be hard to find anyone who could match him; in today's world, he could easily be a teacher to many. His detailed and clear answers make listening to him a pleasure." Every time Yao Cha finishes writing an article, the emperor immediately requests the manuscript, saying, "I not only appreciate Yao Cha's work; he is truly a master in this field!"
Xu Ling was quite renowned back then, and every time he saw an article written by Yao Cha, he highly praised it. He once said to his son Xu Jian, "Yao Cha's character and scholarship are top-notch; you can take him as a role model for your studies." Jiang Zong, the Minister of Personnel, had a close relationship with Yao Cha. Every time he wrote an article, he would first show it to Yao Cha for his input before publishing it. When Jiang Zong served as the Grand Historian, he once wrote a 500-word poem about the palace city, and many scholars at the time, including the Vice-Jun and Xu Ling, collaborated on this poem. Later on, Xu Ling mentioned to Jiang Zong, "I have written a fifty-line poem to accompany your poem, to be included in your anthology." However, when Jiang Zong was compiling his works, he realized he couldn't find Yao Cha's poem. Jiang Zong conveyed Xu Ling's meaning to Yao Cha, saying, "You are incredibly talented and knowledgeable, and your work can enhance the brilliance of my humble work. I now need you to write a 500-word poem to complement mine, so that it matches Xu Ling's contribution." Yao Cha was very modest and reluctant to agree immediately. Jiang Zong said, "If I can't get your article, then my poem will have to be abandoned, which would waste Xu Ling's contribution. Wouldn't that leave me empty-handed on both ends?" Yao Cha had no choice but to write an article for him. Many scholars held Yao Cha in high regard like this, and this situation was very common.
He authored thirty volumes of "Han Shu Xun Zuan," ten volumes of "Shuo Lin," along with "Xi Pin," "Yu Xi," "Jian Kang San Zhong," and others, each with only one volume. These books were all comprehensive and in-depth, and in addition, there were twenty volumes of "Collected Works," which have stood the test of time. Although he did not complete the historical texts on the Liang and Chen dynasties, during the Kaihuang era under Emperor Wen of Sui, Emperor Wen of Sui sent the Neishi Shen Yu Shiji to request the manuscripts, which were then presented to the emperor. These manuscripts are still housed in the palace. He authored most of the historical texts on the Liang and Chen dynasties, though some sections of the prefaces, official histories, and biographies remain unfinished. Before his death, he specifically instructed his son Jiang Zong Silian on the writing format and entrusted him to continue collecting materials to complete them. Silian tearfully promised to fulfill his father's wishes and diligently honored his father's legacy.
During the Chen Dynasty, Si Lian served as a legal officer at the royal palace of Hengyang and was later promoted to the position of chief clerk for the King of Kuaiji. After the Sui Dynasty, he was appointed as a military officer at the Han royal palace, responsible for managing documents and archives. Shortly after, he was promoted to the chief judicial officer of Hejian County. During the Daye period, the Interior Minister Yu Shiji reported that Si Lian had completed the continuation of the historical records of the Liang and Chen dynasties. Since then, the historical records of the Liang and Chen dynasties were gradually completed.
Historians commented that Jiang Zong was a man of high character, unpretentious and elegant in his writings. He once served as a teacher for the Six Ministries and was respected by both the court and the common people. We historians have inherited his excellent character and promoted his noble behavior, which can be used to uphold social customs and promote moral values. He delved deep into the study of various scholarly texts, records of famous mountains and scenic spots, classics of Jiju and Kongfu, and articles preserved in jade and gold boxes. His knowledge far exceeded that of his teachers, and scholars viewed him as a paragon. He held many important official positions, and the emperor often consulted him on national policies, legal matters, and various contentious issues to make decisions.
