Wang Hun, styled Xuan Chong, was a native of Taiyuan, Shanxi. His father, Wang Chang, was the Minister of State of the Wei Kingdom (equivalent to a prime minister). Wang Hun was calm, elegant, and had great leadership abilities. He inherited his father's title and became the Marquis of Jingling, later recruited as a staff officer by the Grand General Cao Shuang. After Cao Shuang was killed, Wang Hun was also dismissed.
He was later appointed as the Magistrate of Huaixian, participated in the military affairs during the reign of Emperor Wen, and steadily rose in ranks, becoming a Cavalry Attendant and a Yellow Gate Attendant. During the Xianxi era, he became the Chief of the Cavalry. After Emperor Wu usurped the Wei throne and declared himself emperor, Wang Hun was appointed as the General of Valor and further promoted to the Governor of Xuzhou. During a famine when the people were starving, Wang Hun ordered the granaries opened to provide relief for the victims of the famine, earning gratitude from the common people. During the Taishi era, his fiefdom expanded by 1,800 households.
After some time, he was promoted to East Palace General, in charge of military affairs in the Huainan region, stationed in Xuchang. He frequently made suggestions to the court, many of which were accepted.
Later, he was promoted to the General Who Conquers the Barbarians, in charge of military affairs in Yuzhou, granted Temporary Authority (an imperial authorization), and also appointed as the Inspector of Yuzhou. Wang Hun's jurisdiction bordered the Wu Kingdom, and he was highly respected, leading many people from Wu to surrender. The Wu generals Xue Ying and Lu Shu, with a reputed army of one hundred thousand, attacked in the direction of Yiyang and Xinxin respectively. At that time, the troops in Yuzhou were on leave, and Wang Hun only led a small force, quietly crossing the Huai River and surprising them. Xue Ying and his men were completely unprepared for the arrival of the Jin army. Wang Hun secured a decisive victory, and for this military merit, he bestowed the title of Marquis Within the Passes on his second son, Wang Shang.
Later, he was promoted to General Andong, responsible for military affairs in the Yangzhou region, stationed in Shou Chun. The people of Wu stationed a large number of troops in Wancheng, planning to create disruption. Wang Hun sent the governor of Yangzhou, Ying Chuo, to lead various troops from Huainan to attack Wancheng. Not only did they capture Wancheng, but they also defeated other Wu troops, burned over 1.8 million hu of grain, over 4,000 hectares of rice fields, and more than 600 ships belonging to Wu. Afterward, Wang Hun positioned his troops along the eastern border, observed the terrain, inspected the enemy city, and studied strategies for taking it.
Wang Hun's campaign against Wu was truly impressive! He led a large army across the Yangtze River, first sending Chen Shen and Zhang Qiao to assault Xunyang Lai Township, defeating Kong Zhong, the general of Wu's Tooth Gate, and capturing five Wu generals including Zhou Xing. After that, he sent Li Chun to occupy Gaowang City, to deal with Wu general Yu Gong, resulting in a resounding victory and considerable spoils. Seeing the unfavorable situation, Wu's Chen Dai and Zhu Ming quickly surrendered.
Wu's Prime Minister Zhang Ti and Grand General Sun Zhen led tens of thousands of troops to attack Chengyang. Wang Hun sent Sun Chou and Zhou Jun to meet them in battle, resulting in the Wu army's defeat, two Wu generals being killed on the spot, and over 7,800 people being captured. The Wu soldiers were left terrified. Sun Hao's Minister of Works, He Zhi, and General Jianwei, Sun Yan, also quickly surrendered to Wang Hun, bringing their seals. Soon after, Wang Jun seized Shitou City, and Sun Hao surrendered as well, further solidifying Wang Hun's reputation.
On the second day, Wang Hun crossed the Yangtze River and entered the Jianye Palace, hosting a grand victory feast. However, he felt somewhat dissatisfied because he thought he had occupied the Yangtze River first, defeated Sun Hao's central army, but ultimately allowed Wang Jun to take the credit because he did not continue the attack, and in the end, it was Wang Jun who accepted Sun Hao's surrender. He felt wronged and frustrated, and repeatedly reported Wang Jun to the court, but everyone laughed at him. The emperor decreed, "Wang Hun, you led a large army close to Moling, forcing Sun Hao to save himself and unable to send troops to support the western front, which contributed to Wang Jun's achievements. You defeated a strong enemy, captured Zhang Ti, and forced Sun Hao into a corner, making him surrender. You pacified Moling; your achievements are great! Now I grant you 8,000 households, promote you to Duke, make your son Cheng a marquis, make your brother Zhan a marquis of the interior, and reward you with 8,000 pieces of silk!" Afterwards, Wang Hun was promoted to the position of General Who Conquers the East and continued to guard Shouyang. Wang Hun was kind-hearted, lenient, and fair in his dealings. At that time, the people of Jiangdong were newly pacified and fearful. Wang Hun showed great compassion for the people, graciously welcomed feedback from everyone, and had many visitors every day, making his residence lively. As a result, the people of Jiangdong were pleased and rallied around him.
The emperor appointed Hun as the Left Minister and also granted him the title of Cavalier Attendant. At that time, the court officials were discussing sending Prince You of Qi to a fief. Hun wrote a memorial to advise the emperor, saying, "I have heard that according to our ancestral customs and regulations, Your Majesty should confer the title of Duke upon Prince You of Qi, conduct a grand ceremony, and then send him to his fiefdom. During the founding of the Zhou Dynasty, the princes were extensively enfeoffed to consolidate the royal family, a practice passed down through generations. However, the Duke of Zhou, the younger brother of King Wu, stayed by King Wu's side to assist in handling state affairs instead of being enfeoffed elsewhere. This was due to their deep brotherly bond, so he did not need to be far from the court. Therefore, the Duke of Zhou was able to assist the young King Cheng thanks to his wisdom and loyalty, as recorded in 'Jin Teng,' which vividly demonstrates the benevolence and righteousness of King Wen and King Wu. Prince You of Qi is as close to Great Jin as Ji Dan was to the Zhou Dynasty. He should remain at court to assist the emperor, engage in state affairs, and become his most loyal confidant. Furthermore, You is upright, trustworthy, and loyal due to his close relationship with the emperor. Now, the emperor wants to send him to his fiefdom, only granting him a nominal title of commander without any real military power, distancing him from the court and excluding him from political affairs. This not only hurts the bond of brotherly kinship but also violates the principle of sincere friendship between ruler and subject, and may go against the expectations of the late emperor and Empress Dowager Wenming for You. If it is deemed inappropriate for You to remain at court due to his reputation, then it would be better to let Prince Liang of Runan replace him. Liang is the son of Emperor Xuan, the brother of Emperor Wen, and his brothers Zhu and Jun hold important positions outside the capital. Their family has influence both in the court and in the regions, so considering the long-term perspective, appointing Liang is not a rash decision. Sending You to his fiefdom will only invite criticism, damage the emperor's image of benevolence, and make the people feel that the emperor does not value family ties. I believe the emperor's decision is inappropriate. If the relatives of concubines are allowed to wield state power, it will repeat the mistakes of Wang Mang's usurpation and Empress Dowager Lu's dominance; if the same surname relatives are given power, it will replay the tragedy of the rebellion of the Seven Kingdoms of Wu and Chu. Throughout history, such matters, regardless of their severity, have brought calamity. We cannot always be suspicious and fearful of potential problems in the future, but should adhere to the right path and seek loyal and reliable talents. If we are always suspicious, even close relatives will be doubted, not to mention distant relatives! When everyone is in danger, how can there be peace? This is the greatest fear of anyone with a country and a family. I believe that Prince You of Qi should be appointed as the Grand Guardian of the Crown Prince, along with Prince Liang of Runan and General Yang Yao, to assist the Crown Prince and engage in state affairs. The three will have equal status, balance each other, help each other, and avoid power imbalances. This will not only demonstrate the emperor's filial piety to his family but also bestow favor upon You. I share the joys and sorrows of the country and should speak frankly. I cannot conceal my true thoughts. I privately admire the spirit of the women of Lu who sacrificed themselves for the country, so I dare to offer my suggestions, though it may offend the heavens. I just hope that the emperor can handle things well and that I can contribute in a small way. If I do not speak up, who else will?" The emperor did not accept his advice.
During the Tai Xi period of the Western Jin Dynasty, Wang Hun was appointed as the Minister of State. After Emperor Hui ascended to the throne, Wang Hun was further appointed as an imperial attendant and established an office in Jingling, comparable in scale to that of Suiling. Later, after the execution of Yang Jun, the court began to value veteran officials and appointed Wang Hun to command the military. However, Wang Hun was a civil official by background, and the Minister of State typically did not command troops, as military leaders typically wore crimson robes. Wang Hun felt that he was only given command of the troops temporarily due to favoritism, and this was not the old system. Therefore, he had all the soldiers wear black uniforms. Contemporaries praised him for his humility, caution, and adherence to tradition.
King Chu, Sima Wei, plotted to eliminate Prince Runan, Sima Liang, and others. Gongsun Hong advised Sima Wei, stating, "When Emperor Xuan deposed Cao Shuang, he had the Grand Commandant Jiang Ji ride in the same carriage to increase prestige. Your Highness is now planning something drastic, so you should find a respected person to reassure everyone. Minister Wang Hun is highly respected and trusted by the three armies, so you should invite him to ride with you." Sima Wei followed his advice. Wang Hun claimed to be ill as a pretext to return home and used over a thousand soldiers to barricade the gates against Sima Wei. Sima Wei did not dare to launch a direct assault. Shortly thereafter, Sima Wei was executed for forging an imperial edict, and only then did Wang Hun finally lead his troops to the court.
The emperor once inquired about the conditions and customs of officials and common people across different regions during the Yuanhui festival. Wang Hun replied, "Your Majesty's wisdom and benevolence are evident, and your edicts reflect humility and caution, even inquiring about the common people. This embodies the consultative approach of King Wen of Zhou and the spirit of humility in learning exemplified by Confucius! In the Yuanhui of the past three dynasties, officials from various regions waited under the pavilion, and the attendant read the edicts, with officials kneeling to receive them. I believe that basing inquiries on previous edicts fails to demonstrate Your Majesty's concern for local matters. It would be better for the Secretariat to read the edicts directly, inquiring about different situations in various regions, such as talents, customs, agricultural production, wrongful cases in the judiciary, and corruption by local officials. For those who are dedicated to serving the government and the people, provide them with paper and pen so they can express themselves freely. Only in this way can Your Majesty's concern for the people of all regions be shown, rather than using the same old rhetoric. Moreover, by examining their responses, the actual abilities of officials from various regions can be assessed. In addition, during the late emperor's reign, after the Yuanhui, the Chief Historians, Sima, and various provincial officials would be welcomed in the East Hall. If it is not possible to receive them one by one now, they can be received under the pavilion, with the attendant inquiring, which would make it easier to assess the local conditions." The emperor agreed to his suggestion and issued an edict for Wang Hun to handle the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel.
Wang Hun held several prestigious positions throughout his career, but his reputation suffered a decline after assuming the role of prime minister. In the seventh year of Yuankang, Wang Hun passed away at the age of seventy-five and was posthumously granted the title of Yuan. His eldest son died early, and his second son, Wang Ji, succeeded him in his title.
Ji Ziwuzi, talented from a young age, charming and full of vigor, unparalleled in his time. He enjoyed archery, was skilled in martial arts, and was proficient in the Book of Changes, Zhuangzi, and Laozi. He was renowned for his literary talent and exceptional skills, gaining fame alongside his peers, his brother-in-law Kong Qiao and Pei Kai. He married Princess Changshan. At the age of twenty, he was appointed as Zhongshu Lang but resigned after his mother's death. He was later appointed as General of the Brave Cavalry, and eventually rose to the position of Shizhong, alongside his peers, Kong Xun, Wang Xun, and Yang Ji, as the most outstanding talents of the time.
Emperor Wu once gathered his ministers and regional officials in the Shiqian Hall, pointing at Ji and Kong Xun and declaring, "These people by my side are truly loyal and trustworthy!" Every time he served the emperor, Emperor Wu would consult him on state affairs and the merits of individuals. Ji was adept at expression, expressing himself with eloquence and tact in his advice, outshining all other courtiers. The emperor grew increasingly close and trusting of him. Although his rapid promotions were not attributed to his marriage to a princess, but rather to his talent, his colleagues regarded him as envious and sharp-tongued, leading to low opinions of him. Due to his father's influence, he constantly ostracized Wang Jun, which earned him criticism from his contemporaries.
Sima You was appointed as King of Qi. Wang Ji not only wrote a personal letter requesting this, but also sent Princesses and Princess Changguang, the wife of Zhen De, to the palace multiple times to kneel and weep, begging the Emperor to keep Sima You. The Emperor angrily said to Wang Rong, "Although brothers are close, now that King Qi is being transferred, this is a family matter. Zhen De and Wang Ji sent their wives to cry!" As a result of angering the Emperor, Wang Ji was demoted to the position of National Sacrificial Official, although he remained a court attendant. Several years later, he was reappointed as an attendant. At that time, Hun Shi, who was serving as the Minister of Works, found that some officials were not performing their duties properly. Wang Ji, known for his strong character, punished them in accordance with the law. He had always had a poor relationship with his cousin Wang You, and Wang You's supporters claimed that Wang Ji was neglecting his father, causing the conflict between father and son to escalate. Later, he was appointed as the Intendant of Henan, but before he could take office, he was dismissed for assaulting officials from the Wang family. Meanwhile, Wang You was being promoted. Wang Ji was ultimately banished from the court and relocated to a new home at the foot of Mount Beimang.
Wang Ji is a very extravagant person, dresses in extravagant clothes, and is particular about what he eats and drinks. At that time, the land prices in Luoyang were outrageously expensive. He actually bought a large piece of land to build a horse ranch, and he covered the ground with money, so people nicknamed it "Golden Ditch." Wang Kai, the emperor's uncle, was also very wealthy. He had a fine bull named "Eight Hundred Li Bo" and often polished the hooves and horns of the bull, taking good care of it. Wang Ji made a bet with Wang Kai for ten million coins on an archery competition, with the bull as the stake. Wang Kai believed he was an excellent archer, so he let Wang Ji shoot first. Wang Ji hit the bullseye with one arrow, then sat back casually on a wooden bench and loudly ordered his men to bring him the bull's heart. It was brought over shortly, and Wang Ji directly cut off a piece and ate it. He Jiao, on the other hand, was quite thrifty. He had several good plum trees at home, and when the emperor requested some, he only sent a few dozen. After Wang Ji and He Jiao finished their shift, they gathered a group of young folks and raided his orchard, devouring all the plums, and then cut down the trees. When the emperor visited Wang Ji's house, the banquet was lavish, with all the dishes presented in crystal dishes. One steamed meat dish was particularly delicious, and when the emperor asked how it was made, Wang Ji actually said, "Steamed with human milk." The emperor's expression soured upon hearing this, and he left in a huff before finishing his meal. Wang Ji had a keen understanding of horses. Once, while riding a horse wearing a muddy horse blanket, the horse was reluctant to cross a river. Wang Ji said, "This horse must be worried about the muddy blanket!" So he had someone take off the blanket, and the horse immediately crossed the river. That's why Du Yu remarked that Wang Ji had a "thing for horses."
The emperor once said to He Qiao, "I want to scold Wang Ji first, and then promote him. What do you think?" He Qiao replied, "Wang Ji has a straightforward and open personality; he might not be able to endure this grievance." So the emperor summoned Wang Ji, gave him a stern reprimand, and then asked, "Do you understand what you did wrong?" Wang Ji responded, "The rumor of 'a foot of cloth for a peck of grain' has long embarrassed Your Majesty. Others can keep peace with both their close and distant relations, but I cannot even ensure harmony among my own family, so I feel very guilty towards Your Majesty." The emperor fell silent upon hearing this.
Once, the emperor was playing chess with Wang Ji, and Sun Hao was nearby. The emperor asked Sun Hao, "What do you think is the way to peel off someone else's skin?" Sun Hao replied, "For those who are disrespectful to the ruler, just peel off their skin." At that moment, Wang Ji slipped his foot under the chessboard, and Sun Hao made a sarcastic comment.
Later, the emperor appointed Wang Ji as the Grand Master of Ceremonies, allowing him to dress in plain clothes. Wang Ji passed away at the age of forty-six and was posthumously awarded the title of General of the Cavalry. When it was time for his burial, prominent figures of the time came to pay their respects at the funeral. Sun Chu greatly respected Wang Ji; when he arrived, he cried uncontrollably, and the other guests followed suit. After they finished crying, Sun Chu said to the coffin, "You always loved to mimic a donkey's bray in life; let me give it a try for you now." He imitated it quite well, making the guests burst into laughter. Sun Chu sighed and said, "None of you have died, yet Wang Ji is the only one who has!"
At first, Ji married a princess who was blind and had a particularly jealous nature. Unfortunately, she did not have any children, only two sons from other women. The elder son was named Zhuo, courtesy name Wenxuan, who inherited his father's title and became an official in the Ministry of Personnel. The younger son was named Yu, courtesy name Maoxuan, who inherited the princess's title and became the Marquis of Minyang. Ji also had two younger brothers, one named Cheng, courtesy name Daoshen, and the other named Wen, courtesy name Maoshen. Both brothers were exceptionally intelligent and talented, eventually rising to high-ranking official positions.
Wang Jun, courtesy name Shizhi, came from Hongnong County in Hunan. His family had been high officials for several generations. Wang Jun was knowledgeable and handsome, but he was not particularly concerned about his behavior, and his fellow villagers did not have a high opinion of him. Later, he changed, becoming wise, broad-minded, and ambitious. He once built a house and widened the road in front of it to be several dozen steps wide. Some people thought he was going overboard, but Wang Jun replied, "I want it to be able to accommodate long weapons and banners." Everyone laughed at him, but Wang Jun said, "Chen Sheng once said, 'How can a sparrow know the ambitions of a swan?'" Later, he was appointed as an official in Hedong. When the corrupt officials learned he was coming, they resigned voluntarily. The governor of Yan, Xu Miao, had a daughter who was beautiful and talented and was looking for a husband. Xu Miao hosted a banquet for his daughter to observe the guests. His daughter pointed to Wang Jun and told her mother, so Xu Miao married his daughter to Wang Jun. Later, Wang Jun participated in the southern military campaign, and Yang Hu highly appreciated and valued him. Yang Hu's nephew told him, "Wang Jun has big ambitions, lives extravagantly, and does not follow the rules. We shouldn't fully trust him and should impose some restrictions." Yang Hu said, "Wang Jun is talented, and if he wants to achieve great things, he will definitely be useful." Later, Wang Jun was promoted to Cavalry Commandant, and everyone said that Yang Hu was truly good at discovering and promoting talents. Let me share a story about him. He was originally the Prefect of Ba Commandery. Ba Commandery was near the border of Wu, and the soldiers there were exhausted, with many unable to care for their newborns. This Prefect, named Jun, was different. He immediately established strict rules and regulations while reducing corvée and taxes. He also took special care of those who had children, allowing them time to rest and recuperate. As a result, thousands of children survived!
Later, he was transferred to the position of Governor of Guanghan, continuing to implement benevolent policies, for which the common people were thankful. One night, Jun had a dream in which three knives were hanging on the beam in his house, and soon another knife appeared. He woke up startled and feeling anxious. His chief clerk, named Li Yi, quickly came to congratulate him, saying, "'Three knives' sounds like the character for 'province,' and with an additional one, it turns out he was right—you must be promoted to the Governor of Yizhou!" It turned out to be true! Later, the bandit Zhang Hong killed the Governor of Yizhou, Huangfu Yan, and Jun was indeed appointed as the Governor of Yizhou. He formulated a strategy and successfully defeated Zhang Hong and his followers, earning him the title of Marquis. He was skilled in pacifying various ethnic groups, using his reputation to win them over, and many barbarians on the border surrendered.
Afterward, he was summoned to be the General of the Right Guard and later became the Minister of Agriculture. The General of Chariots and Cavalry, Yang Hu, admired his talents and secretly recommended to the court for him to remain in Yizhou, resulting in his reappointment as the Governor of Yizhou.
Emperor Wu of Wei planned to attack the state of Wu and ordered Jun to build ships. Jun really nailed it, building large and long ships, each one was 120 paces long and able to carry over two thousand people! The ships were equipped with wooden walls, towers, four gates, and even space for horses to run on deck! The bow of the ship was painted with monsters to frighten the river gods. Such large ships had never been seen before in ancient times! The timber for the ships was transported from Shu, and the river was nearly clogged with the persimmon wood used! Wu's Administrator of Jianping, Wu Yan, presented the floating persimmon wood to Sun Hao, saying, "Jin is definitely going to attack Wu; you need to boost the military in Jianping fast. If Jianping cannot hold, Jin will not dare to cross the river." Sun Hao ignored his advice. Not long after, after some rumors started spreading, Jun was appointed as the General Longxiang, overseeing military operations in Liangzhou and Yizhou. You can read all about this in the "Biography of Yang Hu."
The ministers of the court all advised the emperor to attack the Kingdom of Wu, but a minister named Du Yu submitted a letter to the emperor saying, "I’ve investigated the differences between the Kingdom of Wu and the Kingdom of Chu multiple times and found that Emperor Sun Hao is debauched and tyrannical, and not a single person among the common folk in Jingzhou and Yangzhou isn’t complaining. Considering the current timing, geography, and support of the people, this is the best opportunity to attack the Kingdom of Wu. If we don’t act now, unexpected events could come up later, and that could be a real problem. If Sun Hao dies and a wise emperor takes over, with civil and military officials in their right places, it’ll be even harder to deal with the Kingdom of Wu. I’ve been building ships for seven years, and they’re getting old, and I’m already seventy, so I could kick the bucket any day now. If any of these three things goes wrong, it’ll be really hard to succeed, so I’m begging you, Your Majesty, don’t miss this chance!" The emperor listened and found it very reasonable, so he adopted his suggestion.
However, the two ministers, Jia Chong and Xun Xu, were against it, while only Zhang Hua stood firmly by Du Yu. Du Yu then submitted another letter asking to mobilize the troops, and the emperor finally ordered armies to be sent from different regions. Only then did Du Yu begin to command the troops. He first summoned all the able-bodied men from Ba County to prepare for battle. The parents of these able-bodied men warned them, "Lord Wangfu (that’s Du Yu) raised you; you’ve got to work hard and not be scared of dying!"
In the first month of the first year of Taikang, Du Yu set out from Chengdu, leading the military inspector Tang Bin to attack the Wu Kingdom's Danyang, which was soon captured, along with the capture of Sheng Ji, the military inspector of Danyang. The Wu forces had blocked the river at strategic points along the Yangtze River using iron chains and had secretly hidden iron spikes over a foot long in the water to obstruct advancing ships. Earlier, General Yang Hu had captured a spy from the Wu Kingdom, who relayed this information to Du Yu. Du Yu constructed dozens of large wooden rafts, each measuring about a hundred paces on each side, and set up straw dummies dressed in armor and holding weapons on them, allowing skilled swimmers to lead the charge on the rafts. When the rafts encountered the iron spikes, the spikes would puncture the rafts, but the rafts would not sink. He also made large torches over ten zhang long and several circumferences thick, filled with sesame oil, and placed them at the front of the ships; when they encountered the iron chains, he would set them ablaze with the torches, and in a short time, the chains would melt, allowing the ships to pass smoothly.
On the Gengshen day of the second month, he captured the Wu Kingdom's Xiling and took prisoner the Wu Kingdom's General of the South, Liu Xian, General of the South Expedition, Cheng Ju, and the governor of Yidu, Yu Zhong. On the day of Renxu, he captured the cities of Jingmen and Yidao, taking prisoner the military inspector Lu Yan. On the day of Yichou, he captured Lexiang and took prisoner the naval commander Lu Jing. The Wu Kingdom's General of Pacification, Shi Hong, and others also surrendered. On the day of Yihai, the emperor issued an edict promoting Du Yu to General of Pacification of the East, granting him command authority, allowing him to lead the troops of Yizhou and Liangzhou.
Old Zhu set out from Sichuan and advanced with little effort, encountering little significant resistance; in places like Xiakou and Wuchang, no one dared to engage in battle. As a result, he sailed downstream and directly reached Sanshan. Sun Hao dispatched the guerrilla general Zhang Xiang with ten thousand troops to intercept by water, but when he saw Old Zhu's banner, Zhang Xiang immediately surrendered without hesitation.
Sun Hao heard that Lao Zhu's army flags and weapons covered the river surface densely, with a grand momentum, which terrified him. So he followed the advice of the Palace Attendant Xue Ying and the Minister of Works Hu Chong and sent a letter of surrender to Lao Zhu, which read: "Sun Hao of Wu County kneels down to confess. In the past, during the decline of the Han Dynasty and the chaos in the world, my ancestors took advantage of the situation to occupy Jiangnan, relying on the dangerous terrain and isolating themselves from the Wei Kingdom. Now that the Jin Dynasty is flourishing and its grace extends throughout the land, we are incompetent and complacent, failing to understand the will of heaven. Now that you lead a large army to the riverside, our entire nation is frightened, and we dare not delay for a moment, hastily pledging our allegiance to the Heavenly Court. We specially send the Minister of Ceremonies Zhang Kui and others to present our seal and seal of office, requesting to submit."
On the first day of the first month, Lao Zhu entered Shitoucheng. Sun Hao prepared a ceremony for the fall of the country, wearing plain clothes, riding in a white carriage, bare-chested, with a rope around his neck, and a jade bi held in his mouth, leading a sheep. Both civil and military officials wore mourning clothes, carried a coffin, and accompanied by his false crown prince Jin, Jin's brother Prince Lu Qian, and twenty-one others to the camp gate. Lao Zhu personally untied the rope for him, accepted the jade bi, burned the coffin, and then sent them to the capital. Lao Zhu confiscated the documents and books of Sun Wu, sealed their treasury, and the army did not engage in any looting. The emperor also rewarded Lao Zhu's army.
Initially, the court ordered Yang Hu to attack Jianping, instructing him to follow Du Yu's command. When he arrived in Moling, he was to obey Wang Hun's command. When Du Yu arrived in Jiangling, he told his subordinates, "If Yang Hu can take Jianping, then he can proceed downstream and launch a fierce attack all the way; his reputation would have already spread far and wide, so he wouldn't need to be under my command. If he cannot capture it, there is no need for him to be under my command either."
Yang Hu arrived in Xiling, and Du Yu wrote to him: "Since you have already breached the western defense line of Jianping, you should directly attack Moling, completely eradicate those longstanding rebellious traitors, and deliver the people of Wu from their dire straits. Enter the Huai River from the Yangtze River, then to the Si and Bian Rivers, and then upstream, returning triumphantly to the capital. This is an unprecedented event in history!" Yang Hu was very happy and reported Du Yu's letter to the court. When Yang Hu was about to arrive in Moling, Wang Hun sent a messenger to request a meeting. Yang Hu sailed forward directly, replying: "The wind is favorable; we can't stop now!" Wang Hun had previously secured a decisive victory at Haozhongjun, killing Zhang Ti and others, but he hesitated to advance. In contrast, Yang Hu capitalized on his victory and accepted Wu's surrender. Wang Hun was both ashamed and angry, and he reported to the court that Yang Hu had defied the imperial decree, did not obey the restraint, and fabricated some charges to frame him. The authorities then dispatched guards to escort Yang Hu in a prison transport, but the emperor did not agree and instead chastised Yang Hu, saying: "The matter of attacking Wu is very important and must have a unified command. The previous decree instructed you to obey General Wang Hun's restraint. Wang Hun has considered the matter carefully and is ready to meet you. Why did you advance directly and not obey Wang Hun's orders, violate the system, and ignore the overall situation? This is truly against all principles of justice! Your contributions are noted, but you must adhere to the decree and uphold the law. How can you act without restraint just because of your achievements? How can We govern the world in the future?" Yang Hu wrote to defend himself, saying: "The decree I received on Gengxu day stated: 'The army should pursue the victory; morale is high, and we should advance downstream and directly attack Moling.' After receiving the decree, I immediately set off eastward. Moreover, the previous decree also stated, 'Grand Commandant Jia Chong leads all the armies, from General Zhen Dong Du Yu to Wang Hun, Yang Hu, and Du Bin, all obey Jia Chong's command,' and did not require me to follow Wang Hun's command separately."
I set out from Dabaqiu, advancing with unstoppable momentum, knowing that Sun Hao was powerless to change his fate. I arrived at Niuzhu on the fourteenth day, 200 miles away from Moling. I hurriedly set up camp, preparing to assault Moling and seize the authority of the military governor. When I reached Sanshan, I saw General Hun's army on the north bank. He sent a messenger to inform me that we could meet temporarily to discuss a plan, but he did not explicitly state that he wanted me to take on the role of military governor. My naval forces pressed the attack, rapidly advancing toward the enemy stronghold, with the units moving in an orderly manner. Due to not being able to turn the ships around in Changliu and passing through General Hun's army, the front and rear units became disconnected.
Soon after, Sun Hao sent messengers to surrender. I promptly wrote to General Hun, enclosing Sun Hao's letter of surrender and explaining the situation in detail, asking him to come quickly. I would await his arrival in Shitoucheng. The army reached Moling by noon, and it was only in the evening that General Hun commanded me to accept the military governor's seal and asked me to bring all troops back to Shitoucheng the next morning to ensure Sun Hao did not escape. He also requested the troop lists from Shu and Zhen Nan.
I believed that Sun Hao had already arrived in the capital and there was no need to waste troops surrounding the city. Moreover, providing the troop lists was not urgent, and thus I couldn't comply. The Emperor believed I was defying the imperial decree and acting independently. After reading the imperial decree, I was terrified, unsure whether I would live or die. Not only was I anxious, but the morale of the entire army had plummeted. I was entrusted with a significant responsibility by the nation and worried that I would not be able to complete the task and live up to the Emperor's expectations, which drove me to risk my life and journey thousands of miles. I am grateful for the Emperor's generosity, which afforded me the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities.
Today's victory is entirely due to Your Majesty's wise decisions and brilliant strategies. I am merely following orders, like a loyal hound obeying your commands. I have no merit to boast about, and I would never dare to disobey the imperial decree for personal gain.
I arrived at Moling on the fifteenth, while the imperial edict was not sent from Luoyang until the sixteenth; the timing was too tight, and there was no chance to meet up, so I humbly ask Your Majesty to understand and forgive my mistake. Even if Sun Hao still puts on a brave front like a mantis wielding an axe, and I entered Wu with a small force, any losses would be well-deserved. The over eighty thousand troops under my command are relentlessly pursuing the enemy. Sun Hao, having lost all his allies to infighting, is alone and unable to protect even his own family; those people are like cornered rats, only focused on survival. The northern army was unaware of Wu's true situation; they should have captured Sun Hao sooner; this can be seen as their oversight. After I arrived, I heard numerous complaints and expressions of anger; they all complained that they had guarded the traitor for a hundred days, only to see others reap the benefits in the end. Rumors were flying around, but they were simply not credible.
According to the principles of the "Spring and Autumn Annals," ministers sent to the borders have the authority to make decisions independently. Although I am simple-minded, I believe that serving the monarch should be done with absolute loyalty, selflessness, and resourcefulness, risking everything for the benefit of the country. If one is overly cautious, burdened by worries, and only thinking of evading responsibility, that is the true mark of disloyalty for a minister, and it is certainly not a blessing for a wise ruler and the state. Though I may be unworthy and forget my lowly status, with a sincere heart, I wish to lay bare my heart, striving to assist Your Majesty with unwavering loyalty, hoping to eliminate treachery, bring peace to the realm, and usher in a prosperous era akin to the times of Tang and Yu. Your Majesty must have seen my foolish loyalty and genuine desire to serve, which is why you entrusted me with the heavy responsibility of governing the border and assigned me the task of attacking the State of Wu. Even the trust that King Zhao of Yan had in Yue Yi and that Emperor Gaozu of Han had in Xiao He cannot compare to the trust Your Majesty has in me. I am profoundly grateful for such kindness, which I cannot repay even in death, yet due to my clumsiness, I have repeatedly made mistakes and mishandled affairs. Your Majesty’s kindness is immense, and your reprimands are stern; I am overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, hoping only that Your Majesty can understand my sincere heart.
Hun also presented a letter from Zhou Jun, stating that Zhou Jun's army had obtained treasures from the State of Wu. Zhou Jun subsequently submitted a memorial stating:
I received the edict from the year of Renxu, which referred to the letter from Yangzhou’s governor, Zhou Jun. The letter stated that my army had obtained treasures from Sun Hao and mentioned that the gate general, Li Gao, had set fire to Sun Hao’s palace. I promptly drafted an official report to inform the Minister of State, detailing the sequence of events. I have also learned that Hun is plotting against me. I am inherently loyal, perhaps foolishly so; I conduct myself with integrity in both my words and actions, and I only wish to be true to my conscience and the heavens. The situation in Moling mirrors exactly what I reported earlier, yet those small-minded individuals have twisted the truth, spread lies, and sought my ruin, turning white into black in this enlightened era.
Since ancient times, wicked schemers have always harmed the country. For example, Wu Ji annihilated Chu, Zai Pi annihilated Wu, and Shi Xian disrupted the Han Dynasty. These are all recorded in history books, serving as cautionary tales for future generations. When Le Yi attacked the Qi state, he captured seventy cities but was eventually framed by traitors and had to flee to a foreign land. After Le Yang rebelled, his letters of slander filled boxes. I am foolish and isolated; how can I possibly escape these slanders and false accusations? I rely on Your Majesty's wisdom and benevolence, hoping that these rumors will not take hold. However, I am alone, without any allies in court, constantly neglected, with all connections severed, offending the powerful and provoking the influential families. I am as fragile as an egg, yet surrounded by dangers, like a silkworm in a den of wolves, ready to be devoured at any moment. I lack the power to resist!
While rebellion against authority may lead to mitigated punishment, offending the powerful can have dire and unpredictable consequences. Zhu Yun spoke his mind and angered the emperor; only through Qing Ji's plea was he spared. Wang Zhi and Zhou Kan offended Shi Xian, and despite the court's sympathy for them, they were quickly killed. This is what I fear the most! Now, my relatives and friends are colluding inside and out, holding key positions. I heard they sent people to Luoyang to spread rumors about me, distorting the truth. Everyone knows Zeng Can did not kill anyone, but because of three people spreading rumors, his mother thought he did and threw away the shuttle. My conduct is not as upright as Zeng Can's, yet the voices slandering me are overwhelming, far more than three people attacking me, with accomplices both inside and outside the court, working in concert. Even a mythical creature would fear fierce beasts in its way; let alone someone as weak as me. How can I not be afraid!
The pretenders of Wu are still alive and can be asked to clarify the truth of the matter. Previously, the pretender Zhonglangjiang Kong Shu said that Wuchang fell two months ago, and the navy only arrived then. At that time, I was in Shitou City, and my subordinates were all shouting with knives, "We will fight to the death for Your Majesty!" I was overjoyed and believed they would surely succeed, so I rewarded them with all the gold and silver treasures. As a result, those ingrates seized the opportunity to make off with everything. I got scared and planned to surrender. Just as the messenger had left, my subordinates began to plunder property, even taking wives and concubines, and set fire to the palace. I fled for my life, fearing I wouldn't survive, and fortunately, you came and sent someone to put out the fire. Zhou Jun stormed into my palace sixteen days ago, and at that time, I dispatched someone to inspect the records, but Zhou Jun captured all of them. If there were any remaining treasures, Zhou Jun would have taken them long ago; it shouldn't have waited until later for someone to take them, which is clearly a ploy to cover their tracks!
Previously, I received a letter from Zhou Jun at San Mountain, which said: "Sima Hao has rewarded the soldiers with treasures, and the treasury is almost empty." Now he says, "The gold and silver boxes number over ten thousand," suspecting that my army took them. His statements are full of contradictions and are utterly nonsensical. Together with Military Commander Zhang Mu and Ru Nan Xiang Feng Yan, I entered the palace to check, and there wasn't even a single spot to sit down. Later, I went with Zhang Mu and others to inspect Sima Hao's ship, and Zhou Jun actually boarded the ship a day earlier than I did to inspect it; he saw everything on the ship. When I checked, it was after him, so if there were any treasures, Zhou Jun must have taken them long ago.
Furthermore, my army is disciplined, and soldiers do not leave the camp without permission. In the army in Moling, there are a total of two hundred thousand troops. My army was the first to arrive; we are the rightful masters of this land. The people support me, and I strictly command my subordinates not to overstep their bounds. All transactions are recorded, and those who violate the rules face punishment, with thirteen executions in total; the people of Wu know about this. Other armies are roaming about, masquerading as my troops, but most of my soldiers are from Shu; fortunately, we can distinguish them by this. Are all of Zhou Jun's soldiers paragons of virtue while mine are nothing but thieves? At that time, over eight hundred bandits looted cloth in Shitoucheng. My General Ma Qian captured more than twenty people, reported the names of their commanders to Zhou Jun, and let him handle it, but there was absolutely no response; they were probably released, completely covering up the incident.
I heard that the people of Wu said that when Zhang Ti was engaged in battle, he killed two thousand enemies, but Hun and Jun inflated the enemy casualties to tens of thousands. The son of Wu Gang from Wu became a registrar, and they sent Wu Gang to Luoyang to inflate the enemy kill count. If what I heard is true, that Hun and Jun fabricated their achievements and dared to mislead the Emperor, then why would they give me a second thought?
They said I stockpiled troops in Shu and did not send them to Sun Hao on time, with the intention of rebelling. They are concerned about provoking the people of Wu, claiming I deserve execution and even wishing to take my wife and children away, hoping they will rise up in rebellion for revenge. Rebellion is a grave offense and should certainly be punished, and the slander against me deserves even harsher punishment. What they say holds the most truth; I have reflected on it myself and feel deeply ashamed and frightened. This year's pacification of Wu is certainly a significant achievement, but for me, it has only brought greater guilt. I lack the talent for attracting capable individuals like Meng Changjun, but I have allowed treacherous individuals to infiltrate the court, corrupting the court's atmosphere and tarnishing the royal family's reputation. This is entirely due to my own foolishness and negligence. As I write memorials, I am drenched in sweat, unsure of what to convey.
Upon arriving in the capital, the relevant authorities reported that in Jun's memorial, the dates of the seven edicts issued by the previous emperor were not clearly specified. Furthermore, after being pardoned, Jun disobeyed the imperial edict and refused to accept the restraint imposed by Hun, which was a serious act of disrespect and should be referred to the judicial department for punishment. The emperor said, "Jun received the decree and went directly to Moling before receiving the restraint order from Hun. The delay in delivering the decree does not excuse his refusal to accept it. Jun should have immediately reported that he received the decree conveyed by Hun, and this is subject to criticism. However, Jun also has military achievements and should not have his accomplishments entirely overshadowed by a single mistake." The relevant authorities also reported that after the pardon, Jun burned 135 enemy warships without permission, and this should be addressed by the judicial department. The emperor said, "No need for investigation." The emperor appointed Jun as Grand General of State Assistance and concurrently as Colonel of Infantry. Previously, there were only five Colonels, and the formation of this battalion began with Jun. The relevant authorities reported again that the position of Grand General of State Assistance was not sufficiently elevated, and he should not be assigned a Sima or provided with official horses. The emperor then ordered that Jun be provided with 500 large carts according to the standards of a military garrison, increased the manpower of the Assistance Battalion by 500 soldiers, provided him with 100 personal guards and 10 official horses, and appointed a Sima for him. Jun was granted the title of Marquis of Xiangyang County, with a fief of ten thousand households. His son Yi was granted the title of Marquis of Yangxiangting County, with a fief of fifteen hundred households, and was given ten thousand bolts of silk, a set of clothes, three hundred thousand coins, and provisions.
Lao Jun, feeling that he had made great achievements, was constantly feeling oppressed by the Hun family and local tyrants, and the authorities repeatedly lodged complaints against him. Every time he went to see the emperor, he would vent his frustrations, saying how hard he fought in battles and how he was wronged. At times, his anger would drive him to storm out without even greeting the emperor. The emperor consistently tolerated his outbursts and refrained from confronting him. Yizhou's guard, Fan Tong, a relative of Lao Jun, advised him, "Your achievements are indeed great; however, you have not handled them perfectly." Lao Jun asked, "What do you mean?" Fan Tong said, "After you triumphantly returned to the capital, you settled into a private residence wearing a casual cap without mentioning anything about pacifying Wu State. If anyone asks, just say, 'It's all thanks to the emperor's wisdom, the soldiers all worked hard, what achievements do I have!' In this way, you'll come across as even humbler than Yan Hui and more refined than Gong Su. Lin Xiangru could humble himself to let Lian Po; what does Wang Hun have to feel guilty about?" Lao Jun said, "Initially, I feared repeating Bu Deng Ai's fate, worried about putting my family at risk, so I didn't say anything, but I was actually very upset inside; this is also my fault." Many people believed that Lao Jun's accomplishments were significant, yet his rewards were insufficient. Scholars Qin Xiu, Prince's stableman Meng Kang, former magistrate Li Mi, and others jointly petitioned for Lao Jun's injustice. Only then did the emperor promote Lao Jun to General of the Army, add him as a Cavalier Attendant, and appoint him as the General of the Rear Army. Wang Hun went to see Lao Jun, and Lao Jun issued a stern warning before agreeing to meet him, highlighting the deep distrust between them.
After the Wu state was pacified, Lao Jun, due to his great contributions and high official rank, no longer lived as simply as he once did. He began to indulge in fine food and luxurious clothing, enjoying a lavish lifestyle. Most of the people he promoted were fellow villagers from Sichuan, indicating that he had not forgotten his old friends. Later, he was promoted to General of the Guard, established a government office with rank equivalent to the Three Excellencies, and was also bestowed the title of Special Grandee, while retaining the positions of Cavalry Commandant and General of the Rear Army. In the sixth year of Taikang, Lao Jun passed away at the age of eighty, posthumously honored with the title "Martial." He was buried in Baigu Mountain, where the tomb was quite large, with a wall surrounding it that measured forty-five li, and an additional gate, adorned with lush pine and cypress trees. His son Ju inherited his title.
Lao Jun's brother, Chang, served as a Cavalry Commandant. Chang's son, Cui, was commanded by Emperor Wu in the tenth year of Taikang to marry the Princess of Yingchuan, and later rose to the position of Prefect of Weijun.
It is said that Wang Jun had two grandsons, and because their grandfather's contributions were not documented, they lived in poverty.
Later, General Anxi Huan Wen was stationed at Jiangling and submitted a memorial to the court, which roughly states: "I have heard that valuing virtues and rewarding heroes is the first thing to do in governing a country; reviving a declining nation and continuing the ancestral lineage is what all emperors should strive for. Therefore, if one's virtues align with the times, one can receive ancestral offerings for generations; if achievements are outstanding, one can forever receive blessings. Look at General Wang Jun; he has served in the court all his life, excelling in both civil and military affairs, with a keen strategic mind and resolute bravery, always thinking for the country without caring about personal gains or losses. He led his troops south, sweeping across thousands of miles, destroyed the state of Wu, subdued the state of Wei, and now the court's favor has spread across the land, and education has reached remote areas. However, his title of King of Xiangyang has no heirs, and the court's favor has been cut off from future generations. People near and far feel regret about this, and I sympathize as well. General Wang Jun now has two grandsons, both over sixty years old, living in abject poverty by the riverside, unable to even afford the vegetables for their festival offerings. In the past, Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang rewarded the descendants of Yue Yi after founding the country; Emperor Wu also honored the descendants of Zhuge Liang. Those who were loyal to different dynasties and who achieved for different countries all received praise from the world, not to be forgotten. Moreover, General Wang Jun established great military achievements for the court back then and should be honored even posthumously. His achievements are the cornerstone of the Southern Dynasties; the prosperity of the Jiangnan region is inseparable from his contributions, and now the country is flourishing and the land is stable, isn't it because of his efforts! Therefore, the court should show them some kindness, extend a little compassion, acknowledge Wang Jun's past contributions, and bestow upon them land and titles. This way, the court's favor can be widely recognized, and the aspirations of loyal subjects will be remembered for generations." Unfortunately, the memorial was submitted but received no response.
Tang Bin, courtesy name Ruzong, hailed from Zouxian in Shandong. His father, Tang Tai, had served as the governor of Tai Mountain. Tang Bin had great abilities in governing the country and maintaining peace, but he was somewhat lax in his personal conduct. In his youth, he was skilled in horseback riding and archery, enjoyed hunting, was tall, faster than a deer, and significantly stronger than most. Later, he diligently studied classical texts and histories, with a particular proficiency in the "I Ching." He studied under a teacher and later taught at home, often drawing hundreds of students.
At first, he served as a junior official in the commandery, and later was promoted to principal clerk. The inspector Wang Shen gathered all his staff to enthusiastically discuss strategies for a campaign against the Kingdom of Wu and sought input from officials across nine commanderies. Tang Bin and Zhang Yun, the principal clerk of Qiao Commandery, offered arguments for why the Kingdom of Wu was conquerable, and Wang Shen valued their responses. Wang Shen then asked Tang Bin to refute arguments against attacking Wu, but Tang Bin's arguments effectively countered the opposition. After that, Tang Bin was promoted to a position overseeing merit, recommended for his filial piety and integrity, and was later appointed as principal clerk by the province, eventually being promoted to a different office.
Tang Bin is loyal, upright, and straightforward, always wholeheartedly advising and correcting mistakes, but he never boasts about his achievements. Once, he was ordered to handle matters at the Prime Minister's residence, where all the officials were prominent scholars and talents of the time. They greatly admired Tang Bin and praised him in front of Emperor Wei Wen, recommending him for an official position. Emperor Wei Wen asked his military advisor Kong Hao about Tang Bin, but Kong Hao, who was jealous of Tang Bin's talents, hesitated for a long time before answering. Chen Qian, who was also present, put down the wooden board in his hand and said, "Tang Bin's abilities are far superior to mine." Emperor Wei Wen smiled and said, "As long as one can be like you, that's already quite rare, so why talk about strength and weakness?" Therefore, Emperor Wei Wen appointed Tang Bin as an official in the military office. Emperor Wei Wen asked him, "Why were you summoned?" Tang Bin replied, "I have been diligently studying in humble surroundings, studying the deeds of ancient sages. My words and actions have never given anyone cause for complaint." Emperor Wei Wen looked around and said, "Indeed, reputation is not unfounded." A few days later, Emperor Wei Wen said to Kong Hao, "I recently met Tang Bin; you are responsible for overlooking talented individuals!" Initially, after Deng Ai was killed, Emperor Wei Wen was worried that Deng Ai, who had long been popular among soldiers in the Longyou region, suddenly being eliminated might cause unrest on the border, so he secretly sent Tang Bin to investigate the situation. When Tang Bin returned, he reported to Emperor Wei Wen, saying, "Deng Ai is jealous, cruel, cunning, narrow-minded, and arrogant. Those who obey him, he thinks are capable, and those who dare to speak frankly, he thinks are challenging his authority. Even the Chief Clerk, Sima, assistants, and guards, if their answers don't please him, he insults them. He is rude to others, which has alienated him from the people. He also likes to arrange labor randomly, often overworking the soldiers. The people of Longyou despise him, and they are happy to hear of his death, unwilling to serve under him. Now that troops from all directions have arrived, it is enough to suppress internal and external threats, so Your Majesty need not worry."
I was appointed as the Minister of Water. In the early years of the Tai Shi era, the emperor granted me the title of Marquis of Guannei. Later, I was transferred to be the county magistrate of Ye County, where I emphasized morality and proper conduct in governance, which led to significant improvements in the local area within a month. Subsequently, I was promoted to Governor of Yiyang, where I implemented clear prohibitions and preventive measures, enabling the common people to live and work in peace and contentment. After my mother passed away, I resigned from my official position.
The eastern part of Yizhou borders the Wu State's army, and the position of military supervisor was vacant. The court discussed appointing either Yang Zong, the Governor of Wuling, or myself for the position. Emperor Wu asked the opinion of Wen Li, the Cavalry Regular Attendant, who said, "Neither Yang Zong nor I can be easily relinquished. However, I tend to be more greedy for wealth, while Yang Zong is addicted to alcohol. Your Majesty, you decide for yourself." Emperor Wu replied, "Wealth can be satisfied, but a drinking problem is hard to overcome." Thus, I was chosen. Not long after, the emperor ordered me to oversee the military in the Badong area and promoted me to General Guangwu. I submitted a strategy for attacking the Wu State, which was very much to the emperor's liking.
Later, Wang Jun and I jointly attacked the Wu State, where I was tasked with occupying key strategic locations and leading the army into battle. I often used the tactic of feigned troops, adapting to the situation based on the battlefield conditions, successfully capturing Xiling and Lexiang, and capturing numerous enemies. From Baling to the east of Miankou, all the gathering places of the Wu State's bandits were filled with fear and surrendered, laying down their weapons. I realized that the Wu State's bandits had been nearly wiped out, and Sun Hao was about to surrender. When we were two hundred miles away from Jianye, I feigned illness, deliberately delaying our journey to avoid claiming credit. Sure enough, those who arrived first in Jianye rushed to grab the spoils of war, while those who arrived later competed for accolades. At that time, many wise individuals greatly admired my actions.
After the Wu state was pacified, the emperor issued a decree saying: "General of Guangwu, Tang Bin, you were assigned to the frontier strongholds, defending against the Wu army to the east, and guarding the Man and Yue territories to the south, maintaining peace at the borders and achieving significant success in pacification and governance. You have always been passionate and ambitious, aiming to achieve great accomplishments. In the recent campaign, you carried out orders despite being ill, took the lead in the attack, and delivered the heads of captured enemies, achieving notable military merit. Therefore, I appoint you as Right General and Commander of the military affairs in Badong." The emperor also summoned me as the Military Officer of the Wing Army, re-granted me the title of Marquis of Shangyong County, with a fief of six thousand households, and bestowed six thousand bolts of silk. Whenever there were controversial issues in the court, I often participated in discussions.
When the northern nomadic tribes invaded Beiping, the court sent Lu Zhi as an envoy, also assigning him to oversee the military in Youzhou, concurrently serving as Protector of the Wuwan tribes and Right General. Upon arriving in Youzhou, Lu Zhi began training soldiers, forging weapons, encouraging agricultural production, and confidently announcing the court's orders, showing the court's favor and loyalty. As a result, the Xianbei tribe's Da Mohe and Chi He sent their sons to offer tribute. Lu Zhi also established schools, working hard to educate the people, implementing benevolent governance and spreading kindness throughout the region.
As a result, he not only recaptured the land that had been lost before, but also recaptured a thousand miles all at once! He rebuilt the Great Wall of Qin, stretching from Wencheng all the way to Jieshi Mountain, stretching across the valleys for a full three thousand miles! He stationed his troops in batches at various fortresses, with beacon towers responding to each other one after another. From then on, the border was stable, and the sound of barking dogs as an alarm was no longer heard, a feat that even the generals of the Han and Wei dynasties had failed to accomplish! The different Xianbei tribes feared Lu Zhi, even resorting to killing the great Mo Xi. Lu Zhi originally wanted to attack them, but worried that if he reported to the court, he would have to wait for a response while the enemy would have already fled, so he first gathered vehicles and livestock from Youzhou and Jizhou in preparation for action. As a result, one of his officers, Xu Zhi, secretly informed the court about this. The court then sent an imperial censor to arrest Lu Zhi in a prisoner cart and turned him over to the Minister of Justice for questioning. However, once the situation was clarified, Lu Zhi was released. The common people fondly remembered Lu Zhi's contributions and even erected a monument in his honor! When Lu Zhi was young, he studied under Mr. Yan De by the East China Sea, where he had many fellow students, but Mr. Yan De believed that Lu Zhi alone had the talent to assist a ruler. By the time Lu Zhi rose to high office, Mr. Yan De had already passed away, and Lu Zhi erected a monument in memory of his teacher.
During the Yuankang period, Lu Zhi was appointed as Envoy, former General, Commander of the Western Rong, and governor of Yongzhou. He stated, "Yongzhou is a renowned province filled with talented individuals. Recluses like Huangfu Shenshu, Yan Shulong, Jiang Maoshi, and Liang Ziyuan are all people of noble character and integrity. When they hear of my arrival, they are all eager to earn my recognition. I plan to treat them informally. Let’s meet in casual clothes and discuss ideas together, without adhering to the rules of officialdom, so as not to stifle their noble character. Each county should prepare to receive them with proper etiquette to meet the expectations of the prefecture." Thus, all four individuals came, and Lu Zhi welcomed them with great respect. In the fourth year of Yuankang, Lu Zhi passed away at sixty. The court posthumously conferred upon him the title "Xiang" and bestowed two hundred bolts of silk and two hundred thousand coins upon him. His eldest son succeeded him and later became the Prefect of Guangling; his younger son, Lu Qi, rose to become the Marshal of the Northern Campaigns.
In the historical records, it is said that the Sun family, with the natural barrier of the Yangtze River and the auspicious omen of the Niu Dou star, quickly took control of the southern water towns and opposed the Central Plains dynasty. Two princes were ordered to go to war, quickly leading troops into battle. General Hun had already achieved victory and crossed the Yangtze River, while General Jun successfully captured Jianye. At that time, although there were many generals attacking the Wu kingdom, the credit for pacifying the Wu kingdom primarily belonged to these two. If General Hongfan had not rushed into battle, but had instead humbly reported his achievements to the court like Xia Yu, relying on his soldiers, wouldn't the credit have been greater, and the outcome better? Unfortunately, this did not happen, as some were arrogant and others abused their power, competing for credit and causing chaos. This not only served as a warning to the meritorious officials but also became a topic of widespread discussion, which is truly regrettable! Wang Jun inherited his father's narrow-mindedness, contending with his son for credit, going against the principles of being a loyal subject. Even with many talented individuals, what good did it do? Tang Bin, fearing competition for credit, feigned illness and delayed his actions, showing much more humility and deference than Generals Hun and Jun. The historical records describe him as having "behaved improperly," but how could anyone expect him to embody the dignity of an elder? It is noteworthy that the two princes commanded the army, with everything south of the Huai River and north of Haizhou under their jurisdiction. General Hun caused the deaths of good people, while General Jun grew arrogant and complacent. Wu Zi (Wang Jun) was bold and joined the court at a young age. He indulged his desires, acting with the ferocity of a bull; yet he restrained his emotions, being gentle like a horse. The Confucian master Tang Bin understood humility, avoiding fame and fortune, preserving his integrity.
