Liu Yi, courtesy name Zhongxiong, hailing from Yexian in Shandong, was a descendant of Liu Zhang, the King of Chengyang during the Han Dynasty. His father, Liu Jie, worked in the Chancellor's office. Liu Yi was filial from a young age and very honest, but he had a penchant for critiquing others, which struck fear into the hearts of high-ranking officials. He once lived in Pingyang for a period, where the Governor Du Shu invited him to serve as a clerk. As a result, he dismissed over a hundred officials from the county in one go, and this incident became widely known throughout the Three Wei regions. People said, "All we hear about is Liu the Clerk, not Lord Du."
In the late Wei Dynasty, he was recommended from his hometown for his filial piety and integrity and was appointed as an official in the capital. His reputation in the capital soared instantly. Later, Liu Yi planned to impeach the Governor of Henan, but the Chief Military Officer disagreed, saying, "A hunting dog that catches wild game shouldn't let a mouse step on its back." Liu Yi retorted, "Since it can catch wild beasts, it can also kill mice; how does that harm the hunting dog?" After saying this, he tossed the documents aside and walked out. Wang Ji from the same county recommended Liu Yi to the court, stating, "Liu Yi is upright and straightforward, unique in character, never flattering in speech, and never complacent in action. He was a pillar of talent in the county when he served in Pingyang, maintaining a serious demeanor in court, with clear distinctions between right and wrong. He was well-known locally for his filial piety and friendship, loyal to the state of Wei. Just as Sun Yang chose a fine horse at Wuban and Duke Mu of Qin selected Baishi in the business world, Liu Yi just hasn't encountered anyone who appreciates him, so he has never had the opportunity to showcase his talents. I have previously recommended him verbally, and I am now formally applying again."
Zheng Mao from the Ministry of Rites recommended Liu Yi to be a Doctor, and Emperor Wen of Wei summoned him to be an official in the Chancellor's office, but he declined, citing illness, and did not go to work for several years. People of the time believed Liu Yi was loyal to the Wei state, but Emperor Wen was angry at his repeated refusals and intended to apply greater pressure to summon him. Liu Yi was frightened and had no choice but to agree, eventually being appointed as the chief clerk.
After Emperor Wu of Han became emperor, he first arranged for Liu Yi to be Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel and also made him Imperial Son-in-Law Commander. Later, he was promoted to Cavalry Commandant and Director of the Imperial Academy. Emperor Wu felt that Liu Yi was upright and loyal, so he appointed him as an advisor. Later, Liu Yi also served as City Gate Captain, Grand Marshal, and Minister, but he was later dismissed from his position due to a minor offense. During the Xianning period, he was reappointed as Cavalry Commandant and Director of the Imperial Academy. He was then promoted to Sili Xiaowei, responsible for supervising the powerful and wealthy, bringing more order to the capital. Many local officials quickly submitted their resignations and returned their seals as soon as they heard the news. People at that time all said that Liu Yi was upright and just, just like Zhuge Liang and Gai Zhi.
Once, when the Crown Prince entered the palace to pay respects, the band was meant to enter through the East Gate, but Liu Yi felt that this was not in line with etiquette and was disrespectful, so he stopped them at the gate and reported the Crown Prince's nanny and tutor. Emperor Wu granted them a pardon, and the band was then able to enter the palace.
Another time, after the sacrificial ceremony at the Southern Suburbs, Emperor Wu sighed and inquired of Liu Yi, "Who do you think I resemble among the emperors of the Han Dynasty?" Liu Yi replied, "You resemble Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling." Emperor Wu said, "Although my virtues may not compare to the ancient sages, I have restrained myself and served the public, pacified the Wu-Hui region, and unified the world. How can I possibly be compared to them?" Liu Yi said, "Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling sold official positions and titles, with the money going into the national treasury; Your Majesty sells official positions, but the money ends up in private hands. From this perspective, you are not their equal!" Emperor Wu burst into laughter, "During the time of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling, such words were never heard. Things are different now with a loyal minister like you!"
The Minister of the Household Zou Zhan also said, "Everyone says Your Majesty is like Emperor Wen of Han, but not everyone agrees. In the past, Feng Tang advised Emperor Wen to reuse a man named Po Mu, which made Emperor Wen angry. Now Liu Yi speaks his mind, and Your Majesty is pleased. By comparison, Your Majesty's virtues even surpass those of Emperor Wen!" Emperor Wu said, "I brought peace to the realm, but I didn’t hold any grand fengshan ceremonies, and even burned my fancy clothes, wearing coarse cloth instead, and you didn’t say anything back then. Now just for such a minor thing, you praise me so much—why is that?" Zou Zhan replied, "I've heard that when fierce beasts roam the fields, even ordinary folks can handle them with weapons. But if poisonous bees and scorpions are lurking in their sleeves, even the bravest will be taken aback, since it's unexpected. There's a natural hierarchy between a ruler and their subjects, and a natural order in how we speak. When Liu Yi first spoke up, we all reacted. Your Majesty was able to issue such an unexpected decree, which caught us off guard, so it’s only natural we’d be pleased!"
I worked in that department for six years and was promoted to the position of Left Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. At that time, someone discovered a dragon in the well of the arsenal. The emperor personally went to see it, with joy written on his face. All the officials were preparing to congratulate, but I was the only one to voice opposition, saying, "In the past, when a dragon landed outside the capital gate of the Zheng state, Zichan did not congratulate. When a dragon landed in the court of the Xia dynasty, the waters did not cease, and people buried the mud of the dragon, only for disasters to erupt during the reign of King You of Zhou. The Book of Changes says, 'Do not use the hidden dragon, as the sun is below'; this is a well-known ancient teaching, there is simply no ritual for congratulating dragons." The emperor issued a decree saying, "My conduct is not yet refined, and I am not qualified to receive such auspicious signs. Your opinion has made me more vigilant; regarding matters of congratulations, one should carefully consult the classics and act cautiously." After a discussion, Liu Han and the other officials believed, "This dragon is dark green with white patterns, probably a sign that the Great Jin Dynasty is going to promote diligence, develop culture, and reduce military preparations. However, you have cited examples of decline and strangeness to doubt the current auspicious signs, and also said that the dragon in the well is a hidden dragon, which misinterprets the meaning. The meaning of 'hidden' is not visible, but this dragon is vividly colored and displayed to people; it is not hidden at all. You should reconsider your viewpoint." But the emperor did not listen to them. Later, the Yin energy ebbed and flowed again, and I wrote again, saying, "There must be flatterers and deceivers among the courtiers who are misleading the emperor through deceit; they should be punished, yet they have faced no punishment."
I believe that the Wei Kingdom's implementation of the Nine-Rank System failed to select suitable talents and instead resulted in eight drawbacks. Therefore, I submitted a petition to the Emperor, stating: I have heard that establishing a government must fundamentally rely on selecting talents, and there are three difficulties in talent selection, which are crucial to a nation's rise and fall. First, it is difficult to identify talents; second, it is hard to avoid the influence of personal likes and dislikes; third, it is challenging to discern truth from falsehood. Now, with the Nine-Rank System in place, the determination of official ranks and honors is entirely in the hands of a few. Those who wield the monarch's rewards and punishments seize control of the court. Personal preferences dictate decisions, and authenticity is judged solely by individual discretion. Officials face no pressure to be assessed, and there is no fear of mutual exposure among them. People concoct various schemes, and those vying for official positions resort to countless tactics. The spirit of integrity and public service has disappeared, giving way to a culture of seeking personal comfort. People across the realm fiercely compete for ranks, and yielding has become unheard of; I feel ashamed for Your Majesty's court.
First of all, one needs to recognize that a person's reputation should correspond to their abilities to be deemed upright; a person's conduct must align with reality to be considered fair. The fundamental significance of safety and danger must not be overlooked. Uprightness and fairness reflect a healthy political and social climate; the distortion and abuse of power are major causes of chaos and downfall, which must be closely scrutinized. However, everyone has their own strengths, and few are masters of all trades. People's abilities vary, and success comes at different times. Those who were once unknown but later made a name for themselves deserve swift recognition; those who stand for justice despite going against the grain should be commended for their integrity; those with foresight who look beyond the details should be acknowledged for their independence; those who are honest and forthright should earn a solid reputation for their integrity; those with exceptional abilities who aren't in high positions should be given the chance to take on significant responsibilities. Therefore, although the paths of the Three Sages during the Spring and Autumn Period varied, their ultimate goals were the same; even though the actions of the Four Gentlemen from the Warring States Period differed, they all upheld justice. Chen Ping and Han Xin were initially ridiculed and underestimated in their hometown, yet they ultimately achieved great success before emperors; Qu Yuan and Wu Xu may not have been valued by their rulers, but their names are immortalized in history, which serves as powerful evidence.
Now those self-proclaimed upright individuals do not focus on practical abilities, only concerned with currying favor with the powerful. They evaluate talent unjustly, based purely on personal preferences. Those they want to promote, even if mediocre in ability, are exaggerated and falsely praised to create a façade; those they want to suppress, even with minor flaws, are unfairly magnified and nitpicked. One's status and reputation can change dramatically in just a few days. Some rise through bribery, some through scheming and deceit. Flatterers are bound to succeed, while those who stick to their principles often find themselves struggling. Those who refuse to play the game will inevitably be sidelined; those who benefit the powerful will be satisfied. Therefore, you won’t find high-ranking officials who didn’t come from privilege, and no powerful families among the lowly and poor. Even when there are exceptions, there’s usually a backstory. Ignoring the ruler and missing the right moment is what leads to chaos. The principles that undermine politics are fundamentally the same.
Speaking of the governor, he must be someone recognized by the people of the state, in order to manage various opinions and make decisions with a single word. Don't assume one person can represent all the talent in the state; if someone is not capable, replace them. If that were the case, who hasn't made mistakes throughout history, from Confucius to Fu Xi? Everyone would be unable to work, so why settle for mediocre individuals? The current problem is that positions are valued too highly, while candidates are underestimated. The criteria for selecting candidates seem to be based on Diao You's teachings! Diao You is neither recognized by the people nor qualified for his position. Asking for his opinion now and forcing those who initially disrespected him to heed his words, letting him handle matters he's not responsible for, isn't this just giving troublemakers the chance to stir up conflict? This isn't what selecting a governor should be about, nor is it the kind of caution needed in local governance! Since the leadership holds Diao You in such high regard, several of his recommendations have already risen to high office. Liu Liang got his position through Diao You's recommendation, and Shi Gong was punished because of Diao You's actions. Opposition voices are everywhere in the state, and enmity has arisen among the ministers. Think about it, the Sang family's lawsuit initially affected both Wu and Chu; the cockfighting incident nearly threw the Lu state into chaos. Not to mention the ongoing infighting, the rise of factional disputes, the increasing number of lawsuits, and the deepening roots of calamity. These are two key reasons undermining government affairs.
The system of selecting talent is intended to help people find their rightful places, just like fish swimming in formation, orderly and harmonious. The Nine Ranks system uses those of lower moral character as the benchmark, believing that talent and virtue come in degrees, and that some people are more deserving than others. However, these central officials often choose individuals from far-off places, suppressing local talent and blocking the rise of the truly capable; meanwhile, those of low character are promoted, standing on equal ground with the truly talented. They see this as a standard, but in truth, it only serves their own selfish interests. As a result, complaints will arise from all levels, and there will be no way to rein in corruption within the bureaucracy. This allows the unscrupulous to deceive wise rulers and disrupt social order. The result is that talented individuals are overlooked while the less capable are promoted, and the unworthy occupy important positions—this is pure chaos! This is the third reason for harming governance.
After the emperor ascended the throne, he ushered in an era of benevolence and virtue, issuing edicts that allowed for direct and candid advice, widely welcoming honest and loyal opinions to grasp the sentiments of the people—this is the cornerstone of an unprecedented peaceful and prosperous era! However, regarding rewards and punishments, from noble lords to ordinary citizens, everyone must follow the rules. However, the appointed officials wield significant power and operate without accountability for rewards and punishments. Human nature is complex, and few are truly upright and incorruptible, leading to an increase in grievances and lawsuits. If they are allowed to complain, it will be endless; if they are barred from suing, it will lead to numerous injustices. Instead of dealing with countless lawsuits, it is better to reduce the harm caused by wrongful cases. Now, banning lawsuits silences the voices of the common people across the nation, while giving certain individuals free rein to act without restraint. Those who are wronged build up deeper grievances, receiving no fair justice, but instead are blinded by the deceit of corrupt individuals. As a result, the light of wisdom from above fails to reach below, and the feelings of the people below cannot reach the court. This is the fourth aspect of harming governance.
In the past, those wise emperors who sought to refine the customs of the people and stabilize the populace placed great importance on local morality, upholding ethical relationships like filial piety and brotherly respect. They guided people towards goodness through education, thus revealing both the virtuous and the unworthy. At that time, the elders of the village would report the deeds of good people to the emperor, and the Sima officials would assign positions according to the talents of candidates. Officials at all levels would also evaluate the performance of their peers to determine promotions or demotions. As a result, everyone strived to cultivate their character, localities were filled with a sense of moral integrity, and the court was fair and just, leaving no room for boastful, hypocritical, and treacherous individuals. Now, there are thousands of scholars across the country, some stranded in distant lands, others trying to make a living elsewhere, and many officials do not even know them, let alone understand their talents! As for the impartial officials, how can they judge the talents of these individuals, regardless of their familiarity? They only heed the praises from the government or the slanders from rumors. If they judge for themselves, they risk having a narrow perspective; if they listen to others, they may be biased. Those they know may influence their judgment due to personal likes and dislikes; those they are unfamiliar with may be judged through personal connections. With neither recommendations from village elders nor evaluations of performance from the court, those seeking promotion often neglect their responsibilities, pursue distant opportunities, and focus solely on short-term gains while ignoring long-term development. Promotions are determined solely by results, not by processes; positions are assigned based on party affiliations and empty praises, rather than contributions. This represents the fifth way in which governance is undermined.
To put it simply, the establishment of ranks and official positions is for the purpose of selecting talent and governing the country, not for showing off or competing with each other for superiority. Even virtues such as filial piety and love, if not demonstrated in the court, are family matters that should be dealt with accordingly. Officials have different ranks and tasks of varying difficulty, each with their own merits and rewards, which serve as assessments and rewards for actual contributions of talent. However, the current situation is the opposite—when it's time for promotion, even if the position is high, intentional demotion is enforced. Some individuals with little merit are still promoted, suppressing actual achievements and elevating inflated reputation. By stifling the court's assessment of officials, it encourages those who only know how to flatter, which undermines political affairs, marking the sixth issue.
Every official position has unique responsibilities, and every individual has distinct abilities. Success comes from using the right talent, while failure results from using the wrong talent. The current ranking system overlooks individual abilities and adheres strictly to traditional hierarchies. Selecting based on rank might not yield the most suitable talent, and selecting based on seniority is limited by the restrictions of the current rank. Even if rank and seniority align, they may constrain each other, affecting talent selection and resulting in the failure to find the most suitable individuals. Moreover, the current traditional ranking system often undermines the strengths of officials with whom there are distant relationships and conceals the weaknesses of those with close relationships, focusing only on writing flattering words and deceiving, without considering the actual abilities of officials. How can the country be effectively governed under these circumstances? This is the seventh aspect that damages political affairs.
In the past, the Nine-rank system of officials recorded the merits and demerits of officials as a basis for rewards and punishments. At that time, people were more restrained and dared not easily cross the line. The current Nine-rank system fails to publicly punish officials for their mistakes, nor does it publicly commend those who have merits. The system of rewards and punishments has been abolished, and officials' promotions and demotions are decided solely based on personal preferences, blending the good and the bad to cater to personal whims to satisfy their desires. Therefore, now more emphasis is placed on formality to control the masses, forcing them to heed their commands. Without clear rewards and punishments, the social atmosphere will deteriorate, and how can the common people take life and work seriously? This is the eighth aspect of damaging politics.
In simple terms, when selecting officials, if the wrong people are chosen and there are no reward and punishment measures in place after decentralizing power, or if there is no mechanism for supervision and inspection, it will enable the wrongdoers to thrive and misbehave. It may seem like a fair selection on the surface, but in reality, it is controlled by corrupt officials; it may seem like a Nine-rank system, but in reality, it has eighty percent of disadvantages. Sometimes, due to family grudges, suspicions between relatives are constant, and one is trapped by enemies, even future generations suffer. This has been a calamity throughout the ages, not just a problem of the present. Therefore, rulers of all ages have formulated laws based on the actual situation at the time to prevent evil and chaos, and there is no unchanging system. The Zhou dynasty inherited the system from the Shang dynasty and made many modifications and additions. As for the Nine-rank system, the wise of ancient times never adopted it. Would they not see the drawbacks of this? The fundamental reason is that a good political system should not adopt this method. Since the establishment of the Wei state, the Nine-rank system has not seen any credit in selecting talents, but instead has brought about much hatred and dissatisfaction, tarnishing the social atmosphere, and being of no benefit to education. This is perhaps the greatest mistake in both ancient and modern times. I believe that the Nine-rank system should be abolished, the flawed system of the Wei family should be abolished, and a good system for a new era should be established.
I submitted my opinions, and the emperor responded to my memorial. Later, Sima Kong Wei-guan and others also submitted a memorial, suggesting that the Nine Ranks System of Officials should be simplified and the previous local recommendation system restored. However, the emperor ultimately chose not to implement it. He worked diligently every day, often sitting until dawn, speaking and acting with great candor, never mincing words, and was highly respected by both the court and the people. Once, while fasting, he fell ill. When his wife visited him, he even asked the emperor to punish her and requested to lift his fast. If his wife made a mistake, he would immediately reprimand her; he was that principled. However, because he was too upright, he was unable to rise to a higher official position. Noticing his poverty, the emperor rewarded him with three hundred thousand coins and provided rice and meat daily. At seventy years old, he requested retirement, and after a while, the emperor approved his request, allowing him to return home to enjoy his retirement as a Senior Gentleman, and even sent an escort to accompany him home, and additionally granted him one million coins.
Situ Ju Yi became the Grand Chancellor of Qingzhou, but the Minister of Personnel said that he was already of retirement age and should not be burdened with menial tasks. Chen Liu's Prefect Le An Sun Yin submitted a letter stating, "According to the established norms, those in lower positions should do the hard labor, while those in higher positions should enjoy ease and comfort; this is the normal order. Situ Wei Shu and Situ and Xiali Xiaowei Yan Xun are about the same age as Ju Yi, and they were both previously Gentlemen of the Cavalry. Later, they took charge of internal and external affairs, with similar experiences in navigating their careers. Now, Yan Xun manages a large state with four hundred thousand households and oversees the officials in the state, tasked with managing sensitive affairs; Wei Shu also governs a vast area and is responsible for the selection of officials in the nine ranks, assessing and evaluating officials in sixteen states, yet those departments do not consider their workloads burdensome. However, Ju Yi only manages one state, and it is said that he should not be allowed to worry about trivial matters, which shows clear favoritism towards Ju Yi and is unjust to Yan Xun and Wei Shu! If he was allowed to retire before, then he should not be given a new official position, much like how Zheng Mao, the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, was appointed Minister of Works. Those who can recognize talent are truly wise, but this is too difficult for the emperor. Ju Yi could still be entrusted with important responsibilities, but it cannot be that his character is questioned over such trivial matters; I have some reservations about this. In the past, Duke Wu of Zheng was over eighty years old and still served as the Grand Justice of the Zhou Dynasty; even past retirement age, he still had valuable contributions to make. When Ju Yi was Situ and Xiali Xiaowei, he enforced the law impartially and was upright, and many ministers in the court were impeached by him. As the saying goes, 'Even if punished by Emperor Yao, it does not diminish his worth.' Upright ministers have always been factionless, a truth that spans history. Thus, Ji An died in Huaiyang, and Dong Zhongshu only served as the Chancellor of the vassal states. Yet Ju Yi remains close to the wise emperor, never straying from the court's center, which is something that scholars of the current age envy. Although Ju Yi has some rheumatism, his ambitions are great, and he is exceptionally intelligent; the evaluation of a single state's officials is hardly a burden for him. The overseeing departments extend him such preferential treatment, keeping him away from practical affairs, probably due to concerns that his words might offend others; this serves to deliberately marginalize him, creating a disconnect from state affairs! The most virtuous and capable individual in our state is undoubtedly Ju Yi; if he is not used, then the eloquent scholars will run amok, and the state affairs will become chaotic.
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In conclusion, the Shangshu's decision to excessively favor Juyi while treating other officials unfairly has raised concerns. Sun Yin believes that with Juyi's ability and experience, he is more than capable of managing state and county affairs, and his integrity and willingness to speak out are just what the court needs. He cited the example of Duke Zhengwu to illustrate that even in old age, as long as one has the ability, they can still serve the nation. Sun Yin also pointed out that although Juyi may be a bit under the weather, he is mentally sharp, and managing state and county affairs is well within his capabilities. He believes that the court's special treatment of Juyi stems from their fear of him, worried that his candidness and advice might offend the powerful, thus intentionally keeping him away from the center of power. Finally, Sun Yin emphasized that not utilizing Juyi will mislead the country and harm the court's interests. He urged the court to rethink their stance and make full use of Juyi's talents for the benefit of the nation.
Goodness, officials ranked Erpin and above in Qingzhou have begun to take action. Grand Master Shijian and others submitted a memorial together, stating: "We have carefully read the memorial of Sun Yin, the magistrate of Chenliu, along with the contents of his letter to us. It is probably written like this: 'Our Qingzhou, located between the seas and mountains, close to the regions of Qilu, which makes the common people practical and hardworking, and the social atmosphere is quite simple and honest. Although not as prosperous as before, good traditions still persist, so the relationships between people are harmonious, and scholars understand what values they should uphold. Previously, Lord Situ requested that I recommend a candidate for the state's magistrate. Everyone thinks that Grand Master Yi is a devoted son with noble character and an outstanding reputation in the village. He is dedicated to his work, never chasing fame or fortune, and focused solely on performing his duties well. He is principled, leads by example, champions fairness, sets aside personal gain, possesses noble character, is honest, and maintains his principles both in court and in the community. Therefore, many aspiring individuals look up to him as a role model, and the people in the state admire his integrity and honesty. Though he is elderly and not in great health, he remains full of vigor and is truly the ideal candidate in the eyes of the people of Qingzhou. He is upright, prestigious, and convincing without much need for explanation, like a clear breeze that can cleanse all impurities, fully meeting the expectations of the people of the whole state. I believe that promoting talent and valuing character are crucial aspects of education. The court's system of rewards and punishments can guide, and the ultimate goal for scholars is rooted in human relationships. We officials have limited abilities, and what we previously stated may not have sufficed, but after receiving Sun Yin's memorial, we must report it. Sun Yin's memorial not only seeks to enhance Yi's reputation but also indicates that the court should follow this standard in selecting talents. As for the correctness of Sun Yin's statements, we leave it to the court to decide.'"
Let me put it this way, Wang Yi later became the governor of the province. He carefully selected officials, distinguishing between good and bad people, and even dared to impeach and dismiss royal relatives when they made mistakes. In the sixth year of Tai Kang, Wang Yi passed away, and Emperor Wu was very shocked, banging his fist on the table and exclaiming, "Ah, I have lost a good minister! He could have become one of the Three Dukes!" Therefore, Emperor Wu posthumously granted Wang Yi the title of Yitong San Si and sent envoys to handle his funeral affairs.
The King of Beihai wrote to the court saying, "Your Majesty, you issued an edict to commend Wang Yi for his loyalty and integrity, posthumously granting him the title of Bantaisi, which is indeed a benevolent act of the Holy Dynasty to honor meritorious ministers! However, posthumous titles are based on a person's actions, while noble titles are based on merit. Now Wang Yi's achievements and virtues are both outstanding, yet he has only a noble title and no posthumous title, which doesn't logically make sense. The historical records in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' illustrate this point; 'The Law of Posthumous Titles' primarily considers actions and is not limited by noble titles. However, since the Han and Wei Dynasties, noble titles have not been granted to those who are not marquises; even if they have noble character, they are not awarded posthumous titles after death, resulting in a situation where meritorious ministers are undervalued compared to generals who engage in warfare. This difference in reputation is too great! I hope Your Majesty can take inspiration from the system in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' and change the old restrictions on noble titles, allowing both merit and virtue to be recognized. If we are to change the old system, it will take time, but Wang Yi's loyalty deserves recognition; even if he didn't conquer cities or seize land, he should still be awarded a noble title. I dare to follow the example of Wei Xingfu's request to the Zhou King for rewards, detailing Wang Yi's achievements and virtues." Emperor Wu presented the memorial for discussion among his ministers, and many agreed with the opinion of the King of Beihai. However, in the end, the matter ultimately went nowhere and no further action was taken. Wang Yi had two sons: Wang Tan and Wang Zong.
Wang Tun, style name Changsheng, was a person of integrity who inherited his father's excellent qualities. In the early years of Taikang, he became a scholar and participated in discussions on the feudal rituals of Prince Qiyou. However, his views clashed with those of the other scholars and the emperor during the meeting. Emperor Wudi was furious and had Wang Tun and others arrested and handed over to the court for trial. Later, during a general amnesty, Wang Tun was released but stripped of his official position. Earlier, while Wang Yi was ill, he recognized Feng Dan's treachery and intended to impeach him, but he passed away before he could act. By the time Feng Dan's position had risen, Wang Tun lamented, "If my father were still alive, he wouldn't let Feng Dan be so arrogant!"
This person first served as the magistrate of Suanzao County and later rose to become an imperial censor. One day, the chief registrar Liu Yu, who served under Minister Wang Hun, committed a crime that implicated a man named Tun. Wang Hun wanted to bury the case to save face, so he argued with Tun about it and left in anger. As a result, Tun impeached Wang Hun, saying, "Minister Wang Hun, although you enjoy the country's favor and hold a high position, you have not done your job well. You have failed to assist the emperor, govern the country, and have allowed your subordinates to act recklessly, creating a mess in legal matters. In the past, Chen Ping did not respond to Emperor Han Wen's inquiries, and Bing Ji refrained from participating in the trial of a deceased individual. That's how a prime minister ought to conduct himself! You, on the other hand, become angry and leave home in a fit of pique when dealing with criminal cases, acting impulsively and lacking the gravitas of a minister. Your official position should be revoked! Also, the Right Chief Historian Yang Qiutinghou Liu Zhao, who only knows how to flatter, should also be reduced in rank!" Those who heard his memorial at the time praised him highly.
Later, a fire broke out in the armory, and Minister Guo Zhang, with over a hundred people for his own protection, did not go to put out the fire. Tun Yan Su sternly questioned him, and Guo Zhang arrogantly replied, "I could have you executed!" Tun Yan Su was furious and said, "How dare you be so arrogant and domineering just because of the emperor's favor? The emperor wears the crown, and you still want to cut off my head?" With that, he quickly found pen and paper to impeach him. Guo Zhang was so frightened that he couldn't say a word, and the people around him quickly came out to explain, diffusing the tension. Guo Zhang had relied on his power and lived a lavish lifestyle, always going out with more than a hundred people. Since then, he became much more honest, and his life became simpler.
Later, Tun was promoted to Governor of Taiyuan. When Prince Zhao Lun seized the throne and appointed him as General of Conquering the Xiongnu, he declined the offer and chose to rebel alongside three other regional kings. After Emperor Hui ascended the throne again, Tun was appointed as Left Minister, renowned for his integrity and honesty in the court. Not long after, he also served as Chief of the Imperial Censorate, impeaching and dismissing over ten officials, including the Minister of Works, Duke Dong'an, and others like Wang Cui and Dong Ai. The court highly appreciated him and officially appointed him as Chief of the Imperial Censorate. Later, he was promoted to Middle Privy Counselor, General of the Left Guard, and Colonel of the Imperial Army, impeaching and dismissing Prince Wanling Tan as well as He Sui, Liu Tan, Wen Ji, and Li Xuan. Prince Yi of Changsha campaigned against Prince Jiong of Qi, and Tun participated in the planning and was appointed Duke of Zhuxu County, with a fief of 1,800 households. Later, when Prince Yi of Changsha died, Tun was subsequently dismissed. After a while, he was reappointed as Colonel of the Imperial Army.
It is said that Emperor Hui went on a trip to Chang'an, leaving Tun in Luoyang to look after the family. As a result, Prince Yong of Hejian sent someone to poison and kill Queen Yang, and Tun, along with Liu Fan, the Left Supervisor of the Retainers, the Intendant of Henan Zhou Fu, and others, submitted a joint memorial, stating that the Queen was innocent. This incident is documented in the "Hou Zhuan." When Yong saw the memorial, he was furious and promptly dispatched Chen Yan and Lv Lang with five thousand cavalry to arrest Tun. Tun had no option but to flee eastward, seeking refuge with King Lue of Gaomi. Just then, Liu Gen rebelled, and Lue appointed Tun as the Grand Commander, also adding the title of General Who Guards the Army, and sent him to fight Liu Gen. Unfortunately, Tun lost the battle and returned to Luoyang in a dejected manner. When he reached Suanzao, he met Prince Yue of Donghai who was heading to welcome the Emperor back to the palace. When the Emperor returned to Luoyang, Queen Yang also returned to the palace. Later, the Queen sent someone to thank Tun, saying, "Thanks to your unwavering loyalty, I am where I am today." Therefore, Tun's previous title was restored, and he was also appointed as a Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. Tun's wife had died early and had already been laid to rest. His son had just gotten married, and as per family tradition, the daughter-in-law had to pay respects at the tomb. So, he set off with dozens of carriages filled with guests and relatives, carrying wine and food. Earlier, Luoyang Prefect Wang Leng had a good relationship with Prince Yue of Donghai but held Tun in contempt. Tun had tried to confront him several times, and Wang Leng had always held a grudge. At that time, Liu Cong and Wang Mi were stationed in Hebei, and the people of Luoyang were in a state of panic. Wang Leng told Prince Yue of Donghai that Tun and Wang Mi were fellow villagers and wanted to seek refuge with him. Upon hearing this, Yue immediately sent cavalry to chase Tun. Fortunately, the Right Chief Clerk Fu Xuan explained the situation to Tun, preventing the cavalry from catching up to him. After hearing about this incident, Tun turned back before reaching the tomb and confronted Prince Yue of Donghai with a sense of indignation, leaving Yue feeling quite embarrassed.
Later, Liu Yao led troops to attack Luoyang, appointing Tan as the General of the Armies and giving him the authority of a provisional seal, allowing him to be responsible for the city’s defense. After Liu Yao withdrew his troops, Tan was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel. Wang Yue, the King of Donghai, had long been wary of Tan's extended time in the inspection department and his popularity, so he transferred him to the position of Right Minister of Rites, concurrently serving as the Prince's Tutor, and added the title of Gentleman of the Cavalry. On the surface, it appeared to be a promotion, but in reality, it was essentially a demotion. Emperor Huai issued an edict for Tan to lead the Imperial Guards and also added the title of Court Attendant Scholar. Later, he made Tan the Colonel of the Inspectorate of the Capital and also added the title of Attendant Scholar. Tan served as the Colonel of the Inspectorate five times, which shows he was indeed well-liked.
Wang Mi invaded Luoyang, and all the court officials were killed. Because Wang Mi had a high reputation in his hometown of Tan, he was not implicated. Tan advised Wang Mi, saying, “Now that heroes and talents have emerged, the world has split into several factions, and those capable of achieving great things cannot be accommodated. Since you raised your troops, when have you not won a battle? However, your relationship with Liu Yao is not good; you should consider the fate of Wen Zhong and learn from Fan Li’s example! It would be best if you do not think about becoming emperor; first, occupy a few states in the east, assess the situation, and then decide. If fortune favors you, you can unify the country; if not, you can share the world like Sun Quan and Liu Bei. Wouldn’t that be a good outcome? You should ponder the words of Kuai Tong carefully.” Wang Mi felt he was right and sent Tan to Qingzhou to discuss with Cao Yi and summoned him.
When Tan reached Dong'a, he was captured by Shi Le's cavalry. Shi Le, seeing Tan's letter to Cao Yi, was infuriated and executed Tan. Tan had two sons, one named You and the other Bai. You worked under the Grand Tutor, while Bai served as an aide to the Crown Prince. Bai was a talented person, and Wang Yue envied him, secretly sending the military leader He Lun with over a hundred men to raid Tan's home, where they killed Bai.
Zong Zihongji was a diligent and principled individual; his uncle, Zong Biao, rose to the rank of General of the Northern Army.
Cheng Wei, courtesy name Changxuan, hailed from Quzhou in Guangping. He was known for his integrity and upright character from a young age. Upon hearing of his reputation, Liu Yi appointed him as a government official. Liu Yi reported to the emperor that the military officer Yang Xiu had committed a crime warranting execution. The emperor, who had a close relationship with Yang Xiu, sent Prince Qi You to persuade Liu Yi. However, Cheng Wei objected and took decisive action by investigating Yang Xiu's subordinates and reporting Yang Xiu's crimes directly to the emperor before informing Liu Yi. As a result, Cheng Wei's reputation became widely known, and officials began to strictly adhere to the law. He was later appointed as a clerk in the public office and rose through the ranks due to his exemplary performance. He eventually served as the magistrate of Luoyang, Taiyuan, and Dunqiu, achieving notable success in each position until his death in office.
He Qiao, courtesy name Changyu, was from Xiping in Runan. His grandfather had served as the Minister of Works in the Wei Kingdom, and his father as the Minister of Personnel. He Qiao was known for his grace and strict self-discipline from an early age, emulating his uncle Xiahou Xuan. He was highly respected for his ability to reform customs and regulate relationships between people. He inherited his father's title and became the Earl of Shangcai, initially serving as an official in the Crown Prince's residence. He gradually rose through the ranks to become the Prefect of Yingchuan, known for his honest and simple governance that endeared him to the people. The Palace Attendant Yu Yi praised him as a pillar of the state, likening him to a towering pine tree, a true pillar for great constructions. Jia Chong also valued him highly and praised him in front of the emperor, leading to He Qiao being appointed as a Yellow Gate Attendant and later as the Minister of the Palace Secretariat, earning the emperor's favor.
In the past, the officials would travel together to the palace to meet the emperor, and at that time, Xun Xu served as a monitor. He Qiao held Xun Xu in disdain and always displayed an air of arrogance; every time they shared a carriage, he arrogantly insisted on taking the whole carriage. Starting with He Qiao, the officials began to travel in separate carriages. After the fall of Wu, due to his contributions to the campaign against Wu, the emperor granted his brother He Yu the title of Marquis of Runan. He Qiao was promoted to Imperial Attendant and received even more favor and respect from the emperor, and he maintained a close relationship with Ren Kai and Zhang Hua. When He Qiao noticed the crown prince's improper behavior, he took the opportunity while in service to the emperor, he remarked, "The crown prince has a simple and ancient character, but now the world is in decline, and people's hearts are treacherous; I fear he may struggle to manage the affairs of Your Majesty's court." The emperor remained silent and did not respond. Later, He Qiao served the emperor alongside Xun Yi and Xun Xu, and the emperor remarked, "The crown prince has made considerable progress recently; you should go see him and discuss some worldly matters with him." After they were summoned to meet the crown prince and returned, both Xun Yi and Xun Xu said that the crown prince was knowledgeable and dignified, just as the edict proclaimed. However, He Qiao said, "The crown prince's true nature remains unchanged!" The emperor was greatly displeased to hear this and got up to leave.
From then on, He Qiao withdrew from the limelight, often sighing and lamenting, knowing he would not be reused, yet still unable to let go. Whenever he discussed state affairs in front of the emperor, he constantly worried about the crown prince. The emperor knew that his candid advice was unwelcome and never responded to him. Later, when the emperor spoke with He Qiao, he stopped discussing state matters altogether. Someone informed Consort Jia of this matter, and she was furious. Towards the end of the Tai Kang era, He Qiao held the position of Minister of Personnel and resigned following the death of his mother.
After Emperor Hui ascended to the throne, he appointed Wang Jiao as the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince and also bestowed upon him the titles of Cavalier Attendant and Grand Minister of Splendid Happiness. One day, when the Crown Prince went to the Western Palace, Wang Jiao followed him. Empress Jia asked the Emperor to inquire of Wang Jiao, "You once said that I do not understand how to manage household affairs. What do you think of it now?" Wang Jiao replied, "I did indeed say such words while serving by the late Emperor's side. However, those words had no effect and instead brought blessings to the nation! How could I dare to shirk this responsibility?" In the second year of Yuan Kang, Wang Jiao passed away. The court posthumously honored him as the Grand Minister of Splendid Happiness in Gold and Purple and bestowed upon him the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon, retaining his former rank. In the early years of Yongping, the court conferred upon him the posthumous title of "Jian." Wang Jiao's family was exceptionally wealthy, rivaling even the imperial family, but he was known for being extremely stingy, which led to public criticism. Du Yu believed that Wang Jiao had an obsession with money. His younger brother Wang Yu's son, Wang Ji, inherited his title and rose to the position of Gentleman of the Palace Library. Wang Yu, style name Zhongyu, did not match his brother Wang Jiao's talent or renown, but he was known for his efficient handling of affairs. He held important positions such as Supervisor of the Left and Right of the Masters of Writing, Prefect of the Palace Secretariat, and Prefect of the Masters of Writing. After the fall of Luoyang, he fled to the home of Guo Xi, where he soon fell ill and died.
Wu Lian, courtesy name Yuanxia, was a native of Zhuyi in the State of Pei. His father, Wu Zhou, was the Chief of the Guards in the State of Wei. Wu Lian was calm and quick-witted, very talented, and earned a good reputation early on. He and his two brothers, Wu Shao (courtesy name Shuxia) and Wu Mao (courtesy name Jixia), were renowned from childhood. Even their elders and respected figures in their hometown couldn't tell which of the three brothers was superior. Liu Gongrong, a local talent scout, was excellent at recognizing potential and often visited Wu Zhou, who would then introduce him to his three sons. Liu Gongrong said, "All three of them are exceptional talents who could be pillars of the nation! Yuanxia is the most exceptional, possessing the capability to assist the ruler. If he applies himself, he could attain high office and become a marquis (akin to a prime minister). Shuxia and Jixia are just as capable as senior officials or ministers."
In his youth, Gaishao was upright and maintained a close friendship with Chen Tai of Yingchuan. During the reign of Emperor Ming of Wei, he rose through the ranks to become the Administrator of Xiapi. Later, during the reign of Emperor Jing, he was appointed as a Chamberlain of the Imperial Guards and later transferred to the Minister of Ceremonies. He was initially granted the title of Marquis of a Pavilion, the highest title among the fifth rank of nobility, and later changed to Marquis of Xue County. Emperor Wen of Wei held him in high regard and frequently engaged him in discussions about prominent figures of the time. Once, Emperor Wen asked him who was more powerful between Chen Tai and his father Chen Qun, and Gaishao highlighted their respective strengths, ultimately concluding that Chen Qun and Chen Tai were equally impressive, with no clear superiority. Emperor Wen also agreed with his assessment. During the Taishi period, he was appointed as a Master of Writing, in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, and later promoted to Left Supervisor, Left Household Counselor, and granted the title of Household Counselor with equal rank. Given his seniority and status as a veteran minister, Gaishao held a high position, yet he believed he had not made any significant contributions, having already been a senior minister during the Wei dynasty. Therefore, he reluctantly accepted these positions, remaining humble and cautious throughout his career, upholding his integrity. Contemporaries regarded his performance highly. He passed away while in office and was posthumously granted the title "Marquis Ding." His son Gaifu inherited his title. Gaifu held various official positions, including Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel, Prefect of the Right Guard of the Crown Prince, and Cavalier in Regular Attendance.
Gai Mao was famous for his good character, second only to his brother Gai. He served as the Governor of Luoyang, Cavalier Attendant, Minister, and Secretary. Xun Kai from Yingchuan was younger than Gai Mao. He was the uncle of Emperor Wu and wanted to be friends with Gai Mao due to his prestigious family background. However, Gai Mao ignored him, leading Xun Kai to hold a grudge against him. Later, when Yang Jun was killed, Xun Kai, who was Chief of Staff at the time, framed Gai Mao as Yang Jun's accomplice because Gai Mao was Yang Jun's maternal cousin. As a result, Gai Mao was killed. Gai Mao was known for his honesty and integrity, and both the court and the people lamented his sudden tragic fate. Minister Fu Zhi specifically petitioned for his innocence, and later he was posthumously appointed as Minister of Rites.
Ren Kai, styled Yuanbao, was from Bochang in Le'an. His father Ren Hao was the Grand Minister of Wei. Ren Kai showed great knowledge and talent from a young age, and he married the daughter of Emperor Ming of Wei. He steadily rose in rank to become a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat and an Attendant Cavalier. After the establishment of the Jin Dynasty, he became a Minister and was granted the title of Marquis of Changguo County.
He Ceng was a talented individual who managed both major national affairs and minor details with great efficiency. He was loyal and upright, considering state affairs his personal responsibility. The Emperor highly valued him and frequently consulted him on political matters. During the Taishi era, elderly officials such as Zheng Chong, Wang Xiang, He Ceng, Xun Yi, and Pei Xiu retired due to old age and frailty. The Emperor, fond of his ministers, sought to spare them from overwork, so he often sent He Ceng to visit and discuss national affairs with them, analyzing the pros and cons. He Ceng was critical of Jia Chong, believing he shouldn't wield power for an extended period, so he constantly restricted him. Jia Chong was infuriated by this but felt powerless to act.
Later, someone whispered in the emperor's ear that He Zeng was loyal and upright, and should assist the Crown Prince. So the emperor appointed He Zeng as the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, while still retaining his position as an Imperial Attendant. This completely thwarted Jia Chong's plans. Coincidentally, at that time, there were rebellions in Qinzhou and Yongzhou, which greatly worried the emperor. He Zeng then said to the emperor, "The defeat in Qinzhou and Liangzhou, and the unrest in the Guanzhong region, are major national issues! We must quickly send troops to suppress the unrest, stabilize the people's hearts, or else the consequences could be dire. This matter requires a minister of high prestige and strategic acumen to pacify the Western Regions." The emperor asked, "Who do you think is suitable?" He Zeng replied, "Jia Chong is quite suitable." The Minister of the Central Secretariat, Yu Chun, also agreed, so the emperor ordered Jia Chong to take command of Chang'an. However, Jia Chong later believed in Xun Xu's strategy and was able to stay in Chang'an.
Since receiving the emperor's favor, Jia Chong sought to consolidate power and establish his prestige. Yu Chun, Zhang Hua, Wen Ying, Xiang Xiu, and He Qiao were all close to He Zeng, while Yang Yao, Wang Xun, and Hua Hao were close to Jia Chong. As a result, two factions formed in the court, clashing. When the emperor learned of this, he summoned Jia Chong and He Zeng to Shiqian Palace for a feast, saying, "The court should be united, and the ministers should work together harmoniously." Jia Chong and He Zeng both expressed their gratitude and then left. However, because the emperor knew of their conflicts but did not punish them, they grew increasingly resentful of each other, outwardly respectful but secretly vying for power.
Someone suggested to Jia Chong, "He Zeng holds a key position in the Ministry of Personnel and can frequently approach the emperor. You should advise the emperor to reassign him and gradually sideline him; he is just a minor official, the Minister of Personnel. Besides, finding talent among the lower ranks is quite challenging; as long as you find an opportunity, you can easily bring him down." Seizing the opportunity, Jia Chong praised He Zeng’s abilities, claiming he was well-suited for the role of Minister of Personnel. The emperor had no doubts and believed the talents Jia Chong recommended were indeed suitable, so he appointed He Zeng as the Minister of Personnel that very day and also promoted him to the position of General of the Carriage Department.
When Wang Kai was working in the Ministry of Personnel, he was known for his fairness and integrity in talent selection, diligent and responsible. However, his opportunities to meet the emperor dwindled. Collaborating with Xun Xu and Feng Dan, he constantly slandered him in front of the emperor, claiming that he lived extravagantly and used royal utensils. Jia Chong then sent the Deputy Minister of Personnel, Wang Gui, to report Wang Kai to the emperor, resulting in Wang Kai being dismissed. The relevant authorities launched an investigation into the Imperial Kitchen's management and found that those royal utensils were gifts received by Wang Kai's wife, Princess Qi Chang, dating back to the Wei dynasty. After Wang Kai was dismissed, the slander against him intensified, and the emperor gradually grew indifferent to him. However, Shan Tao recognized Wang Kai's intelligence and exceptional ability to manage affairs, recommending him for the position of Governor of Henan. Later, due to an unresolved theft case, he was dismissed again. He was later appointed as the Grand Master of Ceremonies.
Wang Kai has always been insightful and judicious, and coupled with his diligent work in the officialdom, he has received high praise from both the court and the public. However, Jia Chong's followers incited relevant departments to report that Wang Kai had a close relationship with Liu You, who was then serving as the official responsible for issuing edicts. This matter was submitted to the Ministry of Justice, and Wang Kai defended himself and firmly denied the accusations. Minister Du You and the Chief Justice, Liu Liang, were both upright and loyal officials; they knew that Wang Kai was being suppressed by Jia Chong and wanted to vindicate him, so they intentionally delayed their decision and refrained from making an immediate ruling. As a result, Wang Kai, Liu You, and Du You were all dismissed from their positions. After losing his official post, Wang Kai indulged in excess, becoming addicted to wine and pleasure, and lived an extremely extravagant life. Initially, He Shao was famous for his luxurious lifestyle, as he wanted to taste all the delicacies of the world at every meal, but Wang Kai surpassed him, spending over ten thousand yuan on a single meal and still saying, "I still feel like there’s nothing worth eating." When Wang Kai attended court, the emperor sometimes comforted and advised him; at first, Wang Kai would not say a word and only silently shed tears. Later, he was appointed as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, and subsequently promoted to the Minister of Rites.
At first, Wei Shu had served as a county governor several times but had never been entrusted with significant responsibilities. While Wang Kai was serving as the palace attendant, he recommended Wei Shu for the position of Palace Attendant. By this time, Wei Shu had risen to the rank of Right Grand Minister, holding the title of Special Advisor to the Three Departments, and was also overseeing the Ministry of Education. The emperor even personally summoned Wang Kai to bestow the official position upon him in the palace. While Wei Shu was known for his generosity and kindness, people at the time believed Wang Kai had the potential to assist the emperor, while Wei Shu was promoted to the Three Dukes, and Wang Kai was merely a minor palace attendant. Many felt indignant on his behalf. Due to his unfulfilled ambitions, Wang Kai ultimately died of melancholy at the age of sixty-one, posthumously granted the title of Yuan, and his son, Wang Han, succeeded him in his title.
Wang Han, also known as Zilun, was well-educated at home from a young age, but his talents and reputation did not match his father's. He was known for his integrity and was an honest and upright official. He served as Attendant of the Yellow Gate, Cavalier in Regular Attendance, Governor of Yanzhou, and Grand Herald.
Cui Hong, also known as Liangbo, was from Anping, Hebei. His ancestor Cui Shi was a well-known figure during the Han Dynasty. His father Cui Zan had served as the Minister of Personnel and Left Minister of Wei State, known for his kindness and generosity. Cui Hong was known for his integrity and straightforward nature from a young age, with a resolute character that distinguished him from others. If someone made a mistake, he would point it out directly and never mention it again afterwards.
During the reign of Emperor Wu, Cui Hong served as the Imperial Historiographer. At that time, there was a man named Feng Hui, whose father had been the Administrator of Hongnong and favored his youngest son Feng Shu, wanting to pass on his title to him. After Feng Hui's father passed away, he returned to his hometown after the mourning period, built a thatched hut to live in, pretended to be deaf and mute, allowing Feng Shu to inherit the title without any issues. Later, Feng Hui became the Head of the Imperial Academy, and Cavalier in Regular Attendance Zhai Ying even recommended him for his noble character and exceptional conduct, comparing him to the virtuous ministers of ancient times. However, Cui Hong reported that Feng Hui did not focus on Confucian studies at all, and even made his students take turns serving by his side. While Feng Hui had some minor virtues, he was far from being considered an outstanding talent, and Zhai Ying was just exaggerating. Consequently, Zhai Ying was dismissed from his position, and the court officials grew wary of Cui Hong.
Not long after, Cui Hongsheng was appointed as the Left Chancellor of the Ministry of Personnel. At that time, someone described him as follows: "Thorns and brambles grow thickly, coming from Boling. In the south, he’s a hawk; in the north, he’s an eagle." Later, he was very fair in selecting talents, never accepting bribes. He also recommended the Governor of Yongzhou, Xi Shen, to replace him as the Left Chancellor. However, Xi Shen later accused Cui Hongsheng. Cui Hongsheng remarked to others, "I recommended Xi Shen to be the Left Chancellor, but he turned around and accused me. It’s like shooting yourself in the foot!" Upon hearing this, Xi Shen said, "In the past, Zhao Xuanshi appointed Han Jue as his general, and Han Jue killed Zhao Xuanshi's servant according to military law. Zhao Xuanshi told the other ministers, 'Congratulations to me, I chose the right person to handle the matter.' Cui selects talents for the country, and I was selected because of my talent. We should all focus on doing our own jobs well, act justly, so why do you still speak ill of me behind my back?" Cui Hongsheng respected him even more after hearing Xi Shen's words.
Cui Hongsheng never spoke of money or accepted jewels. Prince Ru'nan Liang often entertained court ministers with wine in crystal goblets. When it was Cui Hongsheng's turn, he refused the cup. Liang asked him why, and Cui Hongsheng replied, "I worry it might look like I’m fond of luxury." In fact, this wasn’t really Cui Hongsheng’s true feelings, but just an excuse he made up on the spot. Later, Yang Jun was executed, and Cui Hongsheng was implicated and dismissed from his post due to his close relationship with the envoy to the capital, Wang You. He later served as the Grand Minister of Agriculture and died in office. His son, Cui Kuò, served as a Gentleman of the Imperial Guard, also renowned for his integrity.
Guo Yi, styled Daye, was a native of Yangqu in Taiyuan. He was well-known at a young age, with Shantao praising him for his integrity and simplicity, and his dignified demeanor. He initially served as the magistrate of Yewang County, where Yang Hu often visited him. Guo Yi sighed and said, "Uncle Yang, why do you have to be less accomplished than me, Guo Daye!" After some time, Yang Hu visited again, and Guo Yi sighed and said, "Uncle Yang, you are far superior to me!" He even escorted Yang Hu several hundred miles beyond the border, which ultimately resulted in his dismissal from office. In the late years of the Xianxi era, he became the Prime Minister's chief clerk under Emperor Wen. At that time, Zhong Hui rebelled in Shu, and Xun Xu, Zhong Hui's nephew, grew up in Zhong Hui's household and was an advisor to Emperor Wen. Guo Yi submitted a memorial requesting Xun Xu's transfer from the court. Although the emperor did not take his advice, he recognized Guo Yi's integrity.
After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he established the Eastern Palace and appointed Guo Yi and Zheng Mo as Counsellors. Later, Guo Yi was promoted to the position of Right Guard Commander and Valiant Cavalry General, and was granted the title of Baron of Pingling. Early in the Xianning era, he was further promoted to the position of Inspector of Yongzhou and General of Eagle Raising, and was soon bestowed with the honor of carrying the Red Pennant and beating the drums. Guo Yi had a widowed sister who served as an official with him. Some of the servants in his sister's household were reported for misconduct. After looking into it, Guo Yi remarked, "How can a man pursue these matters just to protect his sister's reputation?" So he let the matter go and did not pursue it further. A talented village head named Li Han was marginalized by wealthy families because of his poor background. Guo Yi promoted him to a higher position, and Li Han later rose to a high-ranking official position. People praised Guo Yi for his keen judgment of character.
During the Tai Kang period, Guo Yi was summoned to serve as Shangshu. He had a great reputation, and the ministers in court at that time could not compare to him. The emperor had entrusted all power to Yang Jun, and Guo Yi submitted a memorial stating that Yang Jun's narrow-mindedness should not allow him to handle national affairs. The emperor ignored his advice, and as a result, Yang Jun was later executed. When Guo Yi fell ill, the emperor issued an edict granting him 200,000 coins and provided him with wine and rice daily. In the eighth year of Tai Kang, Guo Yi passed away, and the Ministry of Rites submitted a memorial requesting the posthumous title "Jing" for him. However, some believed that posthumous titles should match one's status and position, and since "Jing" was the same as the emperor's posthumous title "Jing Huang," it was deemed inappropriate, prompting a request to change it to "Mu." The emperor issued an edict saying, "Posthumous titles honor merit and character. The 'Posthumous Title Law' states that those who are noble and persevering are called 'Jian.' Guo Yi was loyal, resolute, upright, and clean, and his merits were consistent throughout." Therefore, he was posthumously honored with the title "Jian."
Hou Shiguang, styled Xiaoming, was from Yexian, Shandong. He was smart and perceptive from a young age, studying under Liu Xia in the same county. He was recognized for his filial duty and was appointed as a deputy by the local government. In the early years of the Xianxi period, he served as the Agricultural General in Luoyang and was granted the title of Marquis of Guanzhong. In the early years of the Taishi period, he was appointed as an Attendant and soon also took on the role of Palace Attendant. Together with Huangfu Tao and Xun Kao, he was assigned to inspect local customs, and upon returning, he reported the findings to the emperor, who was quite pleased. As a result, he was promoted to City Gate Commander, and his title was elevated to Marquis of Linhai. That year, the emperor issued an edict stating, "Shiguang is loyal and upright, and he is known for his integrity both in and out of court. He has worked diligently for the public in all his positions. Let him serve as the Deputy Inspector General. Although this lowers his official rank, it actually allows him to better leverage his integrity." During his tenure as Deputy Inspector General, Shiguang managed matters leniently without being indulgent.
Grand Minister Wang Xiang has been unwell and unable to attend court for an extended period. Shi Guang submitted a memorial requesting to relieve Wang Xiang of his duties, but the Emperor, showing sympathy for Wang Xiang, suppressed Shi Guang's memorial. Later, Shi Guang was promoted to Shao Fu and eventually passed away in office. The Emperor issued a decree granting him a set of court attire, a garment, 300,000 coins, and one hundred pieces of cloth. After his burial, the Emperor issued another decree saying, "Shi Guang had great ambitions, kept his word, and had a clear and upright character. His family was very poor and simple, so I will grant him an additional 500,000 coins." Shi Guang was well-educated and knowledgeable in ancient texts and achieved success in various official roles. His memorials and articles were clear and organized. His eldest son, Shi Xuan, became the governor of Xuan Tu; after Shi Guang's death, his son Shi Shi succeeded him and became the governor of Dongguan.
He Pan, also known by his courtesy name Huixing, was from Pixian in Sichuan. He served as the chief registrar in the local government. At the time, Governor Huang Fu Yan was killed by Zhang Hong of the Yamen, who falsely accused Huang Fu Yan of treason. He Pan's mother passed away at that time, so he traveled to Liangzhou to submit a memorial, which ultimately cleared Huang Fu Yan's name.
After Wang Jun became the governor of Yizhou, he appointed He Pan as his deputy. Wang Jun planned to attack the state of Wu and sent He Pan to the capital to present his strategic plans for battle. He was summoned to court twice and was asked to discuss the timing and strategy for attacking Wu alongside Zhang Hua. Wang Jun also sent He Pan to visit Yang Hu to collaboratively discuss strategies for attacking Wu. He Pan was adept at following orders, and the Emperor valued him and ordered his participation in Wang Jun's military campaigns. After Sun Hao surrendered to Wang Jun, Wang Hun became angry over post-surrender arrangements and wanted to confront Wang Jun. He Pan advised Wang Jun to transfer Sun Hao to Wang Hun, which resolved the conflict.
Later, He Pan was appointed as Wang Jun's Assistant Minister of State and was granted the title of Marquis of Guanneihou. He was then transferred to be the magistrate of Xingyang County, where he submitted ten proposals in a memorial that earned him a solid reputation. He was later promoted to Chief Justice. At that time, the Chief Justice, Zhuge Chong, looked down on He Pan because he was from Shu, but after handling difficult cases together, Zhuge Chong began to respect him. He Pan was promoted to be the Governor of Xuan Cheng, but he declined the position and was instead appointed as a Cavalier Attendant.
When Yang Jun was in power, he promoted many relatives and lavishly rewarded them in an attempt to secure his own position. He Pan believed this was wrong, so he and Shi Chong jointly submitted a memorial advising against it, as noted in Shi Chong's biography. However, the emperor did not accept their advice. Due to He Pan's involvement in the execution of Yang Jun, he was granted the title of Marquis of Xicheng, with a fief of ten thousand households and a reward of ten thousand bolts of silk. His brother was titled Marquis of Pingxiang, and his nephew was titled Marquis of Guanzhong. He Pan adamantly declined half of the fief and silk, distributing the remaining rewards to relatives, both immediate and extended, leaving almost nothing for himself.
Afterwards, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel of the Yijun, and shortly after was transferred to serve as Colonel of Dongqiang. Later, he was summoned to be the Governor of Yangzhou, and after serving for three years, he was promoted to Minister of Agriculture. He was then appointed as the Governor of Yanzhou and given the title General of the Eagle's Wing, but he firmly declined the position. Taichang Cheng Can and Left General Bian Cui urged him to take up the post, and the court issued an edict urging him, but he still declined, citing illness as the reason. After Zhao Wang Lun usurped the throne, he sent someone to summon He Pan, who once again claimed to be seriously ill. Zhao Wang Lun was furious and ordered his execution, so He Pan had no choice but to travel to Luoyang despite his condition. Ultimately, He Pan passed away in Luoyang at the age of fifty-eight. He Pan was a man of integrity and fairness, upright in his official duties, caring for the people, and placing great importance on Confucianism and talent. During his tenure as the Zhongzheng official for Liangzhou and Yizhou, he promoted many talented individuals who had been unjustly slandered by their fellow villagers for several years. He Pan sought justice for them, allowing them to finally clear their names. Although He Pan held a high position, his family was very poor, without concubines or entertainers, dedicated to helping the poor and needy. His son, He Zhang, carried on his legacy.
The historical records say that during the reigns of King You and King Li, they were unfit to be emperors. Even those with noble character considered advising them to amend their ways; however, when Gong Gong was in power, even the great sages could not tolerate it. Let alone those with ambition and benevolence, how could they possibly seek to flatter or ingratiate themselves with them? Those riches and honors were merely instruments for controlling their lives and fates. Even if they were eloquent, speaking as beautifully as gold melts, or drawing their swords to the sky and submitting memorials to the court, advising the emperor was challenging, and criticizing the ministers was even harder. Liu Yi was able to realize his ambitions only because he encountered an enlightened emperor; Ren He, after being reprimanded by the emperor twice, demonstrated that everyone harbored their own thoughts. As for Wu Lian, who harbored ambitions to assist the emperor like Wei Zheng, and Cui Hong, who emulated the integrity and honesty of Xie Shen, Chang Sheng advised King Mi to honor rituals and laws, while He Pan followed Zhao Lun's orders. We can glean their character from how these gentlemen approached their duties.
It is said that when Zhong Xiong first became an official, he was renowned for his loyalty and integrity throughout the court and the world. He was like Zhuge Liang, while the emperor was like Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling of Han, foolish and incompetent. One cannot achieve great accomplishments through sycophancy, as exemplified by Yang Guozhong, and Yuan Bao mocked the character of Jia Kui. He Shi's memorials were well-structured and clear, serving as a blueprint for governing the country. Although Cui Hong did not seek out the powerful, his reputation nonetheless spread throughout the court. Hou Shi and Wu Lian were both outstanding talents in assisting the monarch. He Pan handled matters justly and fairly, and he rectified many wrongful cases.
