Shen Jiong, courtesy name Li Ming, was from Wukang, Huzhou, Zhejiang. His grandfather Shen Yu once served as the Prefect of Xunyang in the Liang Dynasty; his father Shen Xu was a secretary in the royal court. Shen Jiong was very talented from a young age and was highly valued at the time. He initially served as an attendant of the kingdom, later promoted to the position of Left Minister of Personnel, and then was sent to Wuxian as a county magistrate.
During the chaos of the Hou Jing rebellion, the Prefect of Wu County, Yuan Junzheng, went to the capital to rally support for the king and, before leaving, entrusted Shen Jiong with the management of Wu County. After the capital fell, Hou Jing's subordinate Song Zixian occupied Wuxing and sent someone to invite Shen Jiong to come over, wanting him to serve as a secretary. Shen Jiong resolutely declined, citing illness. Song Zixian was very angry and ordered him to be killed. Shen Jiong took off his clothes in preparation for death, but was blocked by a mulberry tree by the roadside, and was subsequently taken elsewhere. Someone took the opportunity to save him, and he narrowly escaped death. Song Zixian admired his talent and eventually forced him to become a secretary. Later, Song Zixian was defeated by Wang Sengbian, who had long heard of Shen Jiong's reputation, and purchased him for 100,000 iron coins. From then on, Shen Jiong composed various military documents for Wang Sengbian.
After Emperor Jianwen was assassinated, all the provincial governors submitted petitions to Jiangling to support the new emperor. Wang Sengbian had Shen Jiong draft the memorial, which was exceptionally well-written and unmatched by anyone else of his time.
Gaozu headed south, meeting with Wang Sengbian at Baimaowan, where they held a ceremony to swear an oath at the platform, with the oath also written by Shen Jiong. Later, Hou Jing fled to Wu County, where he captured Shen Jiong's wife, Lady Yu, and son, Shen Xingjian, and killed them both. Shen Jiong's younger brother managed to escape with their mother, thus avoiding tragedy. After Hou Jing was defeated, Emperor Yuan of Liang sympathized with the tragic deaths of Shen Jiong's wife and children, and specially granted him the title of Marquis of Yuanxiang County, with a fief of five hundred households. Wang Sengbian was appointed Minister of Works, appointing Shen Jiong as an Attendant Cavalry Commandant. Later, Emperor Yuan of Liang summoned him to the capital, where he became an Attendant in the Yellow Gate and concurrently served as the Deputy of the Left in the Ministry of Personnel.
When Jingzhou City fell, I was captured by Western Wei. The people of Western Wei treated me quite politely, even granting me an official title of 'Yitong Sansi.' However, my mother is still in the east and getting older, so I keep longing to return home. I am afraid that the people of Western Wei will like my literary talent and keep me there, so I keep to myself all day, avoiding others. Whenever I write something, I immediately rip it up, to prevent it from getting out.
Once, I walked alone to the Tiantai of Emperor Wu of Han and wrote a memorial expressing my wish to go home. The memorial said: "I have heard that although Qiao Mountain is covered, the spirit of Ding Lake can still be honored; although the State of Lu has been abandoned, the remnants of the grand courtyard still linger. Your Majesty, your noble virtue resembles that of Yi Lan, inheriting the spirit of abundance. Emperor Wu of Han ascended Mount Tai and could see the immortals, hunt by the sea, observe rituals in the sun, boat on the Fen River, and hold grand banquets in the Bailiang Palace—what joy! However, later he ascended to heaven, became an immortal, and eventually passed away. The once-grand tents and pearl curtains vanished in an instant, the jade bowls of Maoling appeared to remain in the mortal realm, the old tomb site blended into the fields, and the palace ruins faced the tomb, now desolate. How can I, as a captive guest, not weep! Previously, the attendants of Chengming Hall grew weary of court life, allowing Yan Zhu to return east; with horse-drawn carriages, Sima Xiangru was able to return west. Hearing these stories stirred the same thoughts in my heart. Though my offerings may not be valuable, I humbly request your kindness." The memorial was submitted, and that night, I dreamt I had arrived at the heavily guarded imperial palace, where I shared my thoughts. I heard someone say, "I’d be happy to send you back; when can you leave?" A few days later, I was sent back along with Wang Ke and others. In the second year of the Shaotai era, I returned to the capital and was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture, later promoted to the Deputy Imperial Secretary. After the death of Emperor Gaozu of Han, I was appointed as the Attendant Cavalry of the Palace Attendant, and my role as Deputy Secretary remained the same. Since my mother was getting older, I petitioned to return home to care for her, but the Emperor did not grant my request.
Later, when Emperor Wen ascended the throne, I submitted a memorial stating, "I have faced misfortune since childhood, becoming an orphan at a young age. My mother and I depended on each other for support, while my siblings supported each other as we grew up. I have always served my mother wholeheartedly, without being particular about my official positions. During the Liang Dynasty, I served as an official, navigating through turbulent times and confronting countless life-threatening situations. My wife and children were tragically killed, my siblings have passed away, and now only my mother and I are left. We are fortunate to have experienced a time of peace. My mother, Lady Liu, is eighty-one years old, my aunt, Lady Qiu, is seventy-five. We have no more relatives or friends left, and Lady Qiu's descendants have also passed away. The two elderly women depend entirely on me for their care. The previous emperor, knowing my plight, appointed me to serve in the provinces and counties, ensuring I was not left idle at home. He also granted me several leaves to visit my mother. I have repeatedly submitted memorials asking to return home, not to evade my duties at court or distance myself from the capital. Firstly, I am nearly sixty years old, my health has significantly declined, and every time I read a letter from home, I feel both fearful and happy, unable to sleep well at night. Secondly, I hold an important official position, a righteous official of the state. If I cannot take care of my own health, how can I handle state affairs well? The previous emperor sympathized with my situation and allowed me to return home, and the palace attendants are aware of this. However, there has been no progress in selecting talents now. Your Majesty has ascended the throne, bestowing grace upon the realm, while my mother is aging rapidly, which fills me with great anxiety. I wholeheartedly wish to return home to care for my mother. I humbly request Your Majesty’s wise and benevolent consideration, to carry on the late emperor's will, implement filial governance throughout the realm, and bestow grace upon all. I respectfully submit this memorial, hoping Your Majesty will approve my request to return home and fulfill my duty of filial piety."
The emperor's reply said: "I have read your petition and understand your intentions. Your reputation has spread throughout Xianyang and Luoyang, and your filial piety has moved the people of Wan and Pei. You have always wanted to return home to serve your mother, but due to the demands of state affairs, you have not been able to do so. While you wish to resign and return home, your responsibilities at court make it hard to do so. The previous emperor valued your talent, appointed you to important positions, entrusted you with significant tasks, and granted you favors many times. After I ascended the throne, I also wish to carry on the great legacy of my predecessor, but state affairs are busy, and I am also very worried. The country needs talented individuals like you to assist me in governance; how can I easily let you leave the court? I will make arrangements for your mother to live in the palace, so she can also enjoy the royal glory, allowing you to fulfill your filial duty without neglecting your responsibilities. I will order arrangements to welcome your mother, so you can both fulfill your filial duty and serve the court."
In the beginning, Emperor Gaozu said that Yu Jiong was a wise talent to assist the emperor, and many national affairs were planned with his participation. Emperor Wen also valued his talent and wanted to promote him. Just as Wang Lin was invading Dali and Liu Yi occupied the east, the emperor wanted Yu Jiong to make achievements in this situation, so he asked him to step down from his position as Zhongcheng and be promoted to Mingwei General, allowing him to recruit soldiers and horses in his hometown. As a result, he fell ill and died in Wudi at the age of fifty-nine. Upon hearing the news, Emperor Wen held a mourning ceremony that same day, sent envoys to offer condolences, posthumously appointed him to the position of Shizhong, and posthumously awarded him the title of Gongzi. He left behind twenty volumes of collected works that have been preserved through the ages.
Yu Li, courtesy name Shanpi, was from Yuyao in Kuaiji. His grandfather, Yu Quan, served as the Minister of Justice and the Governor of Yongjia during the Liang Dynasty. His father, Yu Jian, was a military advisor to the Prince of Shixing in Pingbei. Yu Li was intelligent and ambitious from a young age. At the age of nine, he accompanied his uncle Yu Chan to visit the Tai Chang Lu Cui. Lu Cui asked him ten questions about the "Five Classics," and Yu Li was able to answer them all fluently, greatly impressing Lu Cui. He also visited the recluse He Yin, who was also present with the Prince of Hengyang. He Yin informed the Prince of Hengyang about Yu Li, who expressed a desire to meet him. However, Yu Li declined, saying, "I am not prepared with an appropriate greeting, so I cannot meet you." The Prince of Hengyang admired Yu Li's lofty ambitions and held him in high regard. When he returned to his jurisdiction, he offered Yu Li a position as a chief clerk, which Yu Li declined due to his young age.
As he grew older, Yu Li became handsome, well-read, and proficient in writing. He initially served as a military officer in the Western Division of the Liang Dynasty, then as a military officer in the Ministry of Law, while also serving as the Chief of the Danyang Jail. Emperor Wu of Liang built the Shilin Pavilion in the west of the city, and Yu Li wrote an inscription for it, which the Emperor ordered to be engraved in the pavilion. He was also appointed as a scholar at the Shilin Pavilion. He later rose to the position of Siwen Lang, then to the position of Tongzhi Sanqi Shilang, also serving in the Imperial Secretariat. While many officials at the court were involved in power struggles and entangled in internal and external affairs, Yu Li and Gu Xie remained aloof, focusing on their work in the Western Province and becoming known for their literary and historical skills. They were praised for their integrity. Yu Li later held the position of Dazuosuo.
During the Hou Jing Rebellion, Yu Li took his family into Taicheng and was appointed as a military advisor for Zhenxi, retaining his position as a member of the Secretariat. After the fall of Taicheng, he fled back to his hometown. After Hou Jing was subdued, Emperor Yuan summoned him to serve as a Gentleman of the Library and the Marquis of Zhenyang, but he declined all of them.
When Zhang Biao took control of Kuaiji, Mr. Li was present. Later, when Emperor Wen pacified Zhang Biao, Emperor Gaozu wrote a letter to Mr. Li, saying, "Since the great chaos in the world, many talented and virtuous individuals have vanished. Your talent is outstanding, and your reputation has spread to Xuchang and Luoyang. Now the court is reforming and recruiting talents extensively. How can you continue to stay in the remote east and only think of yourself? I have already sent your nephew to bring you to the capital. I hope you can answer the court's summons."
Emperor Wen also wrote him a letter saying, "You have a good reputation in the southeast region, and everyone knows you. You should soar to the capital like a wild goose to help govern the country's problems. Instead, you are secluding yourself in the countryside, preoccupied only with your own integrity. Do you wish to be seen as an orchid in a secluded valley, admired by no one? I hope you will soon prepare to journey to the capital. I am very eager to see you, waiting for that day." Mr. Li reluctantly accepted and went to the capital.
After Emperor Gaozu's death, Emperor Wen ascended the throne and appointed Mr. Li as the Prince's Tutor, continuing to serve the prince in his studies. Soon after, he was promoted to a senior position, overseeing the two provinces of Dongyangzhou and Yangzhou, while still retaining his position as the Prince's Tutor.
Initially, Mr. Li's mother followed him to the capital and passed away there. When the capital fell, he was unable to perform his filial obligations, so he led a simple life, subsisting on vegetarian meals, donning coarse garments, and shunning music. Although he was highly esteemed by the court, he lived modestly and did not seek fame or fortune. Emperor Wen greatly esteemed him, often keeping him by his side and greeting him every day. Mr. Li was a composed individual who spoke sparingly, and his suggestions were often difficult for others to interpret. As a result, detailed records of him are scarce in history.
My brother Yu Li's second brother lived in Fujian and lived with Chen Baoying. Every time I mention him, I can't help but cry. Emperor Wen felt for me and said, "I also have a younger brother far away, and this feeling of separation between relatives is hard for others to understand." So he ordered Chen Baoying to send him back, but Chen Baoying refused to comply. My brother fell ill from worry, and Emperor Wen personally visited him several times. Emperor Wen also ordered my brother's family to move into the palace, but my brother said the palace was not a private residence and requested to live outside the city. Emperor Wen disagreed and allowed him to stay at Lantai. Emperor Wen visited him many times in person and even sent eunuchs to convey his orders, catching glimpses of each other from afar on the road. Because my brother had been a vegetarian for a long time and was struggling with it, Emperor Wen said, "While it’s noble to live simply and frugally, you are getting older and your strength is declining. I want to promote you, so you should take care of your health. Now I'm giving you fish to eat, so stop insisting on not eating it!" But my brother still wouldn't budge. In the second year of Tianjia, my brother passed away at fifty-nine. Emperor Wen was very sad and posthumously appointed him as a Zhong official, with the posthumous title of "Dezi." After my brother's death, his coffin was carried back to his hometown, and Emperor Wen personally escorted the funeral procession out of the city, which was a grand affair. My brother's sons, Shiji and Shinan, were well-known from a young age.
My younger brother, Yu Ji, whose courtesy name was Zi An, has been exceptionally bright since childhood. When some guests came to visit his father, they encountered him at the door and teased him, saying, "With a last name like Yu, you must be pretty dumb!" Yu Ji shot back immediately, "If you can't even read, how can you call me stupid?" The guests were left feeling quite embarrassed. After returning home, they told Yu Ji's father, "This child is not ordinary. What he said just now is not something an ordinary person could come up with." As he grew older, Yu Ji developed a passion for learning and excelled in writing. He was calm by nature and dreamed of a life in seclusion. He passed the imperial examination with flying colors at a young age. He initially served as the Left Attendant in the Kingdom of Liang Xuan. During the Datong era, a heavy rain caused colorful pearls to appear in front of the palace. Emperor Liang Wu was very happy when he saw them, so Yu Ji composed a poem titled "Ode to Auspicious Rain." Emperor Liang Wu said to Yu Ji's brother, Yu Li, "This poem is beautifully written and eloquent. Your family is truly talented! How do you plan to promote him?" Upon hearing this, Yu Ji sighed, "I just wanted to express my genuine feelings with flowery language. I did not become an official for fame and fortune!" So, he pretended to be ill and spent his time reading in solitude. Later on, King Yueyang appointed him as the Governor of Kuaiji, then promoted him to be a Secretary Officer, concurrently serving as the County Five Officials. He was later transferred to the Central Secretariat, while still retaining the position of County Five Officials. He streamlined the office’s operations, kept an eye on the bigger picture, and maintained a quiet atmosphere all day long.
During the rebellion led by Hou Jing, I followed my elder brother to Taizhou and became a military advisor for the King of Zhen Nan Xiang Dong, and was also appointed General Zhenwei. When the capital fell, I fled back to my hometown. Later, Zhang Biao went to Linchuan and insisted that I come with him, and I sat on a boat with Zhang Biao's subordinate Zheng Wei. Zheng Wei, who had previously offended Zhang Biao, kidnapped me and fled to Jin'an. At that time, Chen Baoying controlled the region of Minzhong, and he was quite pleased to have me on his side. After Gaozu quelled the rebellion of Hou Jing, I advised Chen Baoying to submit to the court. He accepted my advice and sent people to the court to show his submission. In the first year of Chengsheng, I was appointed General He Rong, but although he admired my talents, he never let me take office, claiming the journey was too far. He always wanted me to be his subordinate, responsible for clerical work, but I firmly refused, which allowed me to avoid dismissal.
Later, Chen Baoying conspired with Liu Yi to secretly plan a rebellion, and I vaguely sensed his intentions. Every time I spoke with him, I would tactfully advise him not to rebel, but he always made excuses to appease me. He often had his subordinates read "The Book of Han" to him while he lay there listening. When they read the part where Kuai Tong advised Han Xin, "The nobility of your back makes it impossible to speak," Chen Baoying suddenly sat up and said, "This is a truly clever person!" I solemnly said, "Helping Xiang Yu betray Liu Bang is not clever enough; isn't it better to follow Ban Biao's 'The Mandate' and know who to submit to?" I knew that Chen Baoying could not be persuaded, so I was worried about my own safety and put on a layman's robe to refuse to participate in his affairs. I often stayed at Dongshan Temple, pretending to have a leg injury and staying in bed all the time. Chen Baoying thought I was feigning illness, so he ordered someone to set fire to the house where I lived, but I lay quietly in bed without moving. When his men tried to carry me out, I said, "It is my fate, where can I hide?" The arsonist quickly extinguished the fire. From then on, Chen Baoying finally believed that I was not pretending to be ill.
When the rebellion led by Liuyi was about to break out, Chen Baoying provided him with troops. I then wrote a letter to strongly advise him:
General Dongshan Yu sent a letter to General Ming, saying: "As someone who is exiled and wandering, I am grateful for the hospitality and the treatment you have shown me as a distinguished guest. Your kindness and generosity have deeply moved me. However, I find myself still lingering in obscurity, constantly fearing that I might end up in an unmarked grave, forgotten by all. That is why I feel compelled to share my thoughts and concerns, hoping that you will consider my words and thoughts, so that when my time comes, I can leave this world without regrets.
Hey, whether a person can be safe and avoid disasters does not solely depend on fate, but also on how one conducts oneself. As the saying goes, "a small error can lead to a great disaster!" Therefore, wise individuals, even those in high positions, will not let power cloud their judgment, and even when faced with major decisions, they will not make mistakes. How could they be swayed by empty words and flattery? General, you are exceptionally talented in both civil and military affairs, brave and extraordinary. You have experienced many hardships in the past, picking up weapons for the country, leading the army, raising the flag, rallying everyone, and intimidating enemies from afar. Isn't that all for defending against foreign invaders, protecting the nation, upholding justice, and safeguarding the people? Therefore, even children are eager to follow you into battle!"
When Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Wu established the country, how difficult it was! The world was in chaos, the people were displaced, there were bandits and robbers everywhere, killing each other, and the common people were anxious and didn't know what to do. General, you seized the opportunity at that time, chose the right direction, and joined the court. This is a testament to your foresight and unwavering loyalty! Later, when the emperor ascended the throne, he was wise and martial, selecting talents, uniting the court officials, and the emperor valued you and conferred upon you the title of prince. Isn't this a clear sign of the emperor's genuine hope and trust in you? The emperor has issued many edicts favoring you; the relationship between ruler and subject is clear, and the bond between ruler and subject is deep. I never anticipated that you would be swayed by the slander of malicious individuals, which deeply pains me; I have cried until my tears ran dry and bled my heart out! What a pity for you to let such a promising situation slip away! Though I may be old and my words might not hold much weight, as the saying goes, "even a thousand thoughts can lead to one good idea," I still want to take the liberty to offer a few suggestions.
I hope that you can restrain your anger a little, wait a bit, and allow me to share my thoughts and heartfelt sincerity, so that even if you unfortunately pass away in the future, you will have no regrets in your life.
Even heaven cannot overlook the misdeeds of the Liang Dynasty; disasters have struck one after another, the world is in chaos, heroes rise up in rebellion one after another, too many to count, each believing they could accomplish great things. But ultimately, the rebellion was suppressed, the crisis was averted, and the people rallied behind the Chen Dynasty, which was blessed by heaven and successfully ascended the throne. Isn't this the will of heaven, predestined and timely? This first point is abundantly clear.
After the emperor ascended the throne, he enacted benevolent governance, and his blessings were felt throughout the land. The national order was restored, and society became stable and united. Powerful rebel factions such as Wang Lin and Hou Han, who were strong enough to shake the Central Plains and contend for supremacy, were either defeated by a small force or swayed by a few words. Wang Lin was ultimately defeated and fled to parts unknown, while Hou Han sought forgiveness from the court. This was yet another instance of heaven aiding the Chen dynasty in vanquishing its foes. This second point is also very clear.
Now, General, with your royal lineage and the formidable forces in the southeast region, faithfully assisting the emperor and diligently supporting him in his efforts, wouldn't your contributions surpass those of Dou Rong and your favor exceed that of Wu Rui? You could completely establish your own domain, proclaim yourself king or even emperor! This third point is also very obvious.
Furthermore, the court has always been generous and forgiving, willing to overlook past grievances if one shows genuine repentance and reform. People like Yu Xiaoqing, Pan Chuntuo, Li Xiaoqin, and Ouyang Wei have all been entrusted with important responsibilities by the emperor, showing his generous and forgiving nature. Besides, General, you are not like Zhang Xiu; your crimes are not comparable to Bi Chen's, so what reason do you have to fear ruin and loss of wealth and status? This fourth point is also very clear.
Currently, the relations between the Zhou and Qi states are friendly, the borders are secure, and concentrating forces to attack you is only a matter of time. It is not like the situation of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu contending for supremacy, nor is it like the combined attack of the Chu and Zhao states. Why should you remain complacent and wait for an opportunity like King Wen of Zhou? This fifth point is also very clear.
Moreover, you are now defending one area alone, suffering repeated defeats that tarnish your reputation and lower morale. People like Gao Geng, Xiang Wenzheng, Liu Yu, and Huang Ziyu, whom you know, are all opportunists solely focused on their own interests. Other generals are the same. Who else can be as brave and adept in battle as you, venturing deep into enemy territory, bravely engaging the enemy, and charging into battle? This sixth point is also very clear.
Furthermore, no matter how strong you are, can you hold a candle to Hou Jing? No matter how many soldiers you have, can you compare to Wang Lin? Emperor Wu eliminated Hou Jing, and the current emperor defeated Wang Lin. This is destiny, not something achievable by mere human effort. Moreover, after the war is over, the people are tired of the chaos of war. Who would abandon their ancestors' graves, leave behind their families, and risk their lives to follow you into battle? This seventh point is also very clear.
Look at historical examples: Zi Yang and Ji Meng were successively destroyed, and Yu Shan and You Qu successively failed. It's hard to go against heaven's will, and earthly advantages are also unreliable. Furthermore, you want to rely on the forces of a few counties to resist the armies of the world and to defy the orders of the emperor with the power of the feudal lords. The power dynamics are clear; the outcome is already decided. Can this succeed? This eighth point is also very clear.
Furthermore, those outside our clan will have different loyalties. If you do not love your own family, how can you love others? You are in a high position, your son even married a princess, yet you would abandon the emperor's favor, betray the wise ruler, and fight alone. Who can share hardships with you and not betray you? When the soldiers are exhausted and afraid of being killed, in order to receive rewards, there will definitely be people imitating the strategies of Han Xin and Zhao Bo in Jinyang, Zhang Er and Chen Yu in Jingxing. This ninth point is also very clear.
Furthermore, the northern army is advancing relentlessly. You are fighting on your own territory, and the soldiers are all thinking about retreating. The Liang Dynasty betrayed the court, and you are relying on just a handful of people, with a disparity in military strength and unequal leadership abilities. Without a legitimate reason for deploying troops and without a plan of action, this military campaign is unlikely to succeed. Like the Wu and Chu of the Han Dynasty, and the Ying and Yong of the Jin Dynasty, although they had numerous cities and strong military forces, they ultimately failed to establish their own rule. This tenth point is also very clear.
The best way to follow the advice you gave the general is to quickly withdraw the troops and sever ties with the Liu family. Qin Lang and Kuai Lang should be sent as hostages, surrender their weapons, and obey the court's orders. Furthermore, the court has promised the guarantee of iron-clad promises and sworn by the White Horse Oath; I will not break my word—this is a solemn vow to the heavens and our ancestors! I hope you can understand that wise people have already recognized the situation, and clever ones won't hesitate any longer. Success or failure hinges on this one decision, so do not doubt yourself, General. Now is the critical moment; the situation is incredibly dire. The court currently has few vassals, the prince is young, and all imperial relatives are favored and supported by the emperor. Moreover, you possess excellent territory, remarkable talent, a stellar reputation, and formidable power. If you can maintain your vassal state and submit to the north, is it worth comparing your achievements with those of Liu Ze, who is of the same age? Isn't it more reassuring to ensure the longevity of your state and leave a lasting legacy in history? I hope you can consider this carefully and do not take it lightly.
My power is weak, and my influence is limited; I’m only speaking out of gratitude. Even if it means my death, I will accept it willingly.
Baoying was furious after reading the letter. Someone said to Baoying, "Lord Yu (the one who wrote it) is getting sicker, and his words are getting more confused." Baoying was slightly less angry because he believed Lord Yu held great respect among the people, so he forgave him. After Baoying was defeated and fled, he arrived in Putian at night and turned to his son Han Qin and said, "If only I had heeded Lord Yu's advice sooner, I wouldn't have ended up in this situation today." Han Qin could do nothing but cry. After Baoying was captured, all his guests faced punishment; only Lord Yu was spared execution due to his foresight.
At first, the monk Shiming was exceptionally talented. When Baoying raised his troops, he composed a five-character poem to bid Baoying farewell:
"Sending off the horse by the water, the flag flutters slightly in the wind. The moon looks beautiful tonight; it should enter the Purple Palace."
Baoying was very pleased. Huibiao brought this poem to Ji, and Ji glanced at it, then fell silent, his expression serious. After Huibiao left, Ji told those close to him, "Since Huibiao started like this, he will surely meet the same fate in the end." Later, Huibiao was indeed killed because of this.
Emperor Wendi ordered Zhang Zhaoda to bring Ji back to the court. After Ji returned to the capital, Emperor Wendi summoned him that very day and inquired with genuine concern, "Is Guanning doing well?" You can see how deeply the Emperor cared for him. After a while, Emperor Wendi said to Dao Zhongju, "Although Prince Hengyang has just moved out of the palace and has not yet arranged the officials in the mansion, he needs someone to accompany him every day, manage the documents, and we should find a person who is reputable and talented." Dao Zhongju was at a loss for whom to recommend; Emperor Wendi said, "I have already thought about it." Then he personally appointed Ji. Ji expressed his gratitude, and Emperor Wendi said, "I send you temporarily to the fiefdom, not only to handle documents but also to serve as his mentor." He was subsequently appointed as a Cavalier Attendant and sent on a mission to the State of Qi. Ji declined on the grounds of old age and frailty, and was instead appointed as a National Scholar.
Not long after, he submitted a petition to resign and return to his hometown. Emperor Wendi approved his request and granted him permission to return to his hometown in the east. He was then appointed as the Deputy of East Yangzhou, but he once again declined, citing illness. When Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, he was summoned to serve as the Magistrate of Yangzhou and as the Left Minister of Personnel, but he declined the offer. He was later appointed as the advisor to Prince Jian'an and was also given the title of General of Rongzhao, but he declined again, citing his poor health and inability to attend to the prince daily. Prince Jian'an then issued a specific order that any questions regarding the mansion should be directed to him for decision, and that reports should only be submitted on the first and fifteenth of each month. In the eighth year of the Taijian era, he was further appointed as Grand Master of the Palace, while retaining his position as General. He passed away in the eleventh year, at the age of seventy.
From a young age, Ji was known for his good moral character, treating everyone kindly wherever and whenever, even treating his servants with kindness. In times of danger, he remained fearless, facing blades without flinching. Since moving to the south, he became estranged from his brother Guan Li, which led to his illness. Every time he received a letter from his brother, his condition worsened, which nearly jeopardized his life on several occasions. He never completed a full term in any official position he held, often resigning after just a few months, saying, "Contentment prevents disgrace, and I have found contentment." After resigning and returning home, whenever princes passed by his house when they were serving as county officials, they would always visit him and would allow him to sit beside them with his cane instead of requiring him to kneel. Whenever he went to nearby temples, the villagers would come out to greet him, kneeling by the roadside. Some even made a pact with him, promising not to deceive him because of his admirable character. Many of his writings were lost in the chaos of war. Ma Shu, whose courtesy name was Yaoli, hailed from Meixian in Fufeng. His grandfather, Ma Lingqing, had served as a military secretary under Prince Jingling of Qi. Ma Shu lost his parents at a young age and was raised by his aunt. By the age of six, he could recite the Classic of Filial Piety, the Analects of Confucius, and the Tao Te Ching. As he grew, he studied extensively, particularly excelling in Buddhist texts, the Book of Changes, and Laozi's teachings.
Prince Xiao Lun of the Liang Dynasty served as the governor of Southern Xuzhou and had long heard of Ma Shu's reputation, so he invited him to serve as a scholar. At that time, Xiao Lun himself lectured on the "Dazhi Sutra" and asked Ma Shu to lecture on the "Vimalakirti Sutra," "Laozi," and "Zhou Yi." He posed daily questions, and more than two thousand monks and common people listened to the lectures. Prince Xiao wanted to see who was more talented, so he said to everyone, "When debating with Master Ma, you must make him convinced, not just talk." Several scholars stood up to ask questions, and Ma Shu analyzed them one by one, clarified the core issues, and then explained them clearly, citing classics and engaging in endless debates, while the audience listened in silence. Xiao Lun held him in high regard and planned to recommend him to the court. Later, during the chaos caused by the rebellion of Hou Jing, Xiao Lun led troops to rescue Jiankang, and before leaving, entrusted twenty thousand books to Ma Shu. Ma Shu read them diligently and nearly finished them all, and then sighed and said, "I have heard that those who seek high positions and wealth see Chao Fu and Xu You as shackles that bind them; those who love to hide in the mountains and forests regard Yi Yin and Lv Shang as the cages that trap them. Those obsessed with fame and fortune tend to speak in vulgar and shallow terms; those immersed in peace and emptiness will only speak empty and meaningless words. Upon reflection, these statements are merely matters of personal preference. However, the abdication of Boyi and the arrogance of Shu Qi, these eternal good words will never be forgotten by people. Those with aspirations often stop halfway on the path of pursuing their ideals. Does heaven not favor noble individuals? Is it really true that living in seclusion in the mountains is so obscure?" So, he secluded himself in Maoshan, planning to spend the remainder of his days there.
In the first year of the Tianjia era, Emperor Wu of Liang summoned him to take up the position of Minister of Revenue, but he declined the offer. At that time, Ma Shu's family and friends resided in Jingkou, and he would go there to enjoy leisure time during the autumn and winter. Later, Prince Xiaohui of Poyang admired Ma Shu's noble character very much when he served as the governor of Nanxuzhou, but he felt too shy to invite him directly. He employed various means and sent multiple messengers to extend invitations many times, but Ma Shu always declined, claiming illness as his reason. His students advised him, "Prince Xiaohui treats you as a mentor and friend, not for your official position. You can maintain your tranquility in the court." Ma Shu had no option but to comply. Prince Xiaohui had a house specially constructed for him, but Ma Shu found the house too extravagant for his taste, so he constructed a thatched hut in the bamboo grove for his residence. Whenever the nobility and officials sent gifts, Ma Shu could not refuse and accepted only one-tenth of them.
Shen Jiong grew up amidst the turmoil of war, and wherever he resided, thieves and bandits stayed away, always attracting hundreds of households to his side. He had exceptionally keen eyesight, allowing him to see clearly even at night. A pair of white swallows nested in his courtyard, were quite friendly with people, often fluttering to the eaves, and sometimes landing on the desk. This continued for over thirty years. He passed away in the thirteenth year of the Taijian era, at the age of sixty. His twenty-volume work "Daojue Lun" has been preserved through the ages.
According to historians, Shen Jiong served as an official during the Liang Dynasty, and by the time he reached the age of understanding his fate, although he held merely a minor post, such as a Langshu or county magistrate, when he penned memorials, treaties, and admonitions, his majestic prose and soaring style truly distinguished him among scholars! His strategies and unwavering loyalty significantly benefited the court during that period. "The humble official of Ji Langshu, merely a lowly county magistrate," refers to his lowly official status; "When he wrote on the altar, submitting admonitions and stirring passions, he was truly a great figure among scholars!" refers to his outstanding literary talent.
