Gu Rong, courtesy name Yanxian, was born in Suzhou, Jiangsu. He came from a prestigious family—his ancestors served as prime ministers in the Wu Kingdom, and his father was the Prefect of Yidu. Gu Rong was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, and at a young age, he held positions as the Yellow Gate Attendant and Assistant Commandant to the Crown Prince of Wu. After the fall of the Wu Kingdom, he went to Luoyang with his brother Lu Ji, and they were known as the "Three Talents." He later became a Junior Official, then rose in rank to become a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat, an Attendant to the Crown Prince, and the Minister of Justice. He particularly enjoyed drinking, and once, while drunk, he said to his friend Zhang Han: "Only by drinking can one forget their troubles, but getting drunk will make you sick; what am I to do?"
Once, Prince Zhao Lun killed Prince Yun of Huainan and handed Yun's subordinates over to the Minister of Justice for punishment, as everyone wanted to execute them. Gu Rong, however, was just and made efforts to save as many people as he could. Later, when Prince Zhao Lun usurped the throne, his son Lun Qian was appointed Grand General and promoted Gu Rong to be his Chief Clerk. Previously, Gu Rong and his colleagues were drinking together and saw a man roasting meat who looked like he was craving it, so Gu Rong cut off a piece of meat for him to eat. When asked why, Gu Rong replied, "Can’t someone who roasts meat all day not have a taste of it?" After Zhao Lun's failure, Gu Rong was arrested and sentenced to death, but the man who had received the meat became the leader of the enforcement team and saved his life, enabling him to escape.
Prince Qi Jiong summoned him to be the chief scribe to the Grand Marshal. Prince Qi Jiong is a man of great power and arrogance. Gu Rong was afraid of being implicated, so he drank to drown his sorrows all day long and neglected the affairs of the mansion. He shared his concerns with his friend Feng Xiong from Changle. Feng Xiong told Prince Qi Jiong's chief secretary Ge Yu, "Appointing Gu Rong as the chief scribe is to make use of his talents and reputation, entrusting him with important matters. This is not about whether he is a local or not, but to win the hearts of the people! There are so many affairs in the mansion now, and they cannot be solved by drinking." Ge Yu said, "Gu Rong is a famous talent in Jiangnan, and he has not been here for long. It wouldn’t be wise to replace him so soon." Feng Xiong suggested, "He can be transferred to the role of Minister of the Central Secretariat, allowing Gu Rong to maintain his reputation for integrity, and the mansion can also make use of truly talented individuals." Ge Yu thought it made sense, so he reported to Prince Qi Jiong and transferred Gu Rong to the role of Minister of the Central Secretariat.
After becoming the Minister of the Central Secretariat, Gu Rong no longer drank. Someone asked him, "You used to drink all the time. Why suddenly stop drinking?" Gu Rong was afraid of trouble, so he found himself drinking again. He even wrote to his hometown friend Yang Yanming, saying, "I’ve been anxious about getting caught up in this since I became the chief scribe of Prince Qi. Seeing a knife or rope makes me think of ending it all, but no one knows." Eventually, Ge Yu was killed. Gu Rong was rewarded for his role in defeating Ge Yu, and was made the Earl of Jiaxing, and promoted to the Prince's Chief Attendant.
Prince Sima Yi of Changsha was promoted to the position of General of Cavalry and appointed Rong as his Chief of Staff. After Sima Yi's defeat in battle, Rong transferred to serve under Prince Sima Ying of Chengdu as Chancellor. Emperor Hui, Sima Zhong, fled to Linzhang and appointed Rong as his chamberlain, sending him to conduct ancestral rites. However, when Zhang Fang took over Luoyang, Rong was forced to take refuge in Chenliu. When Emperor Hui moved to Chang'an, he summoned Rong to take up the role of Imperial Consultant, but because of the chaos in the realm, Rong declined the position and went back to his home in Wu. Later, Prince Sima Yue of Donghai gathered troops in Xuzhou and appointed Rong as his military adviser.
It is said that that guy Chen Min rebelled, fled south of the Yangtze River, ousted Liu Ji, the Governor of Yangzhou, and Wang Kuang, the Intendant of Danyang, and seized control of the prefecture. He also placed his sons in official positions across various counties, bribed a host of wealthy and influential people, and projected an image of wanting to rival the Sun family for power. Meanwhile, Gu Rong was appointed as the Right General and Intendant of Danyang. Gu Rong was always especially humble and cautious when facing danger.
Later, Chen Min wanted to eliminate some officials, but Gu Rong quickly advised him, saying, "Look at the chaos in the world now, with the northern nomads invading; even the court is powerless to turn the tide, and the common people are running out of options. Although there are some minor disturbances in Jiangnan, at least people are still there, and resources are still relatively intact. I have always been worried that Jiangnan will end up like those feudal lords in the past, killing each other, and in the end, no one will be left. General, you are so powerful, completely capable of unifying Jiangnan like Sun Wu. You have already achieved a lot, with a great reputation, strong troops, and ships as numerous as mountains. Even if there are a few states left in the court, you could easily take them. As long as you can trust those talented people, allow them to do their jobs, eliminate the barriers between everyone, and silence those slanderers, then the great cause will surely succeed!" Chen Min listened to his words and actually entrusted key responsibilities to those powerful families. Chen Min also sent Gan Zhuo to lead troops to Hengjiang, giving him the best equipment. Gu Rong privately said to Gan Zhuo, "If we can accomplish the matters in Jiangdong, let's do it together. But look at Chen Min's situation; is he capable of succeeding? His abilities are limited, lacking a coherent strategy and constantly changing his mind, and his sons are all arrogant and will eventually fail. Although we are now receiving his salary, if he fails, the Jiangxi army will execute us, saying 'the rebel leaders Gu Rong and Gan Zhuo.' Not only will we face ruin, but our descendants will suffer humiliation as well. How can we not plan ahead?" Gan Zhuo agreed with his words.
In the second year, Zhou Qi, Gu Rong, Gan Zhuo, and Ji Zhan secretly plotted to attack Chen Min. Gu Rong took down the bridge and concealed all the boats on the southern bank. When Chen Min led out more than 10,000 troops, they found themselves unable to cross the river. With just a wave of his feather fan, Gu Rong's forces routed Chen Min's army. Once the situation was brought under control, Gu Rong returned to Wu. During the Yongjia era, the court called him up to serve as an attendant, but upon reaching Pengcheng and witnessing the chaos, he quickly returned by boat. This event is also documented in the "Biography of Ji Zhan." When Emperor Yuan was stationed in Jiangdong, he appointed Xie Rong as the military commander and additionally granted him the title of Cavalier Attendant. All major decisions in the court required consultation with Xie Rong first. Xie Rong was already a renowned talent in the south, and now that he occupied a significant position, he commanded respect from all.
At that time, Zheng Guifei, the Emperor Yuan's favored concubine, fell ill. In order to pray for Guifei's recovery, the Emperor Yuan postponed many important state matters. Xie Rong submitted a memorial advising: "In the past, King Wen and his sons were all sages, truly understanding the way to govern a country. Yet even at the end of his life, King Wen did not neglect his duties; the Duke of Zhou, even when taking a bath, had to stop several times to handle state affairs. Why is that? Because there are so many state affairs in a day, not a moment can be delayed; a wrong word may bring disaster immediately! Now it is the end of the decline of the world, in a period of turmoil and unrest, the emperor is in exile, with bandits rampant everywhere, and the roads are blocked. You should set up camp in the wild, going out early and returning late, personally recruiting warriors, proclaiming your resolve to govern the country to the world. Guifei is ill and needs to be treated promptly; of course, praying can also be done; but how can you let prayers interfere with state affairs and meetings with ministers and guests? Now the enemy is right in front of you, rumors are spreading, panic is setting in, and people are fleeing or seeking refuge. You should be open to advice and actively recruit talented individuals, consider urgent matters seriously, put an end to the superstitious rituals, work to restore the nation's unity and redeem its honor, so that the people can live and work in peace, and the realm can enjoy tranquility."
Xie Rong also found that many talented people in the south had not been fully utilized. He wrote in a memorial, "Lu Shiguang is upright, honest, and noble, as precious as gold and jade; Gan Jisi is loyal, reliable, and decisive; Yin Qingyuan is knowledgeable, strategic, and accomplished in both civil and military matters; my clan brother Xie Rang is honest, upright, and unwavering in his principles, never changing them even in the face of difficulties; Yang Yanming and Xie Xingyan from Kuaiji hold Confucian ideals in high regard and are worthy talents for your reuse; He Sheng Shen Qian is a promising young talent; although the Tao brothers are somewhat lacking in ability, they are extremely dedicated in their work. These people are all outstanding talents from the south!" Emperor Yuan read Xie Rong's memorial and adopted his suggestions.
Six years later, Xie Rong passed away. Emperor Yuan personally went to the funeral to express his condolences and sought to posthumously promote Xie Rong's official position, honoring him with a posthumous promotion in line with the standards for the Duke of Qi's meritorious officials. The Intendant of Wu County, Yin You, wrote a memorial:
It is said that back then, the villain Chen Min abused his power and acted arrogantly, and his relatives controlled the states and counties, oppressing the people and making their lives miserable, leaving everyone feeling hopeless. At this time, the Cavalry Attendant, Commander of the Eastern Army, and Count of Jiaxing, Gu Rong, stood up. He was of noble character and profound strategies, loyal, and demonstrated exceptional performance in times of crisis. He took significant risks, traveling extensively, always thinking of the country, secretly united with like-minded individuals, and planned to overthrow Chen Min. His reputation spread far and wide, and he had a strong appeal, gathering responders from all over who took up arms and joined his cause. Gu Rong led by example, charging into battle for his country, forgetting about his own safety. After years of effort, he finally quelled Chen Min's rebellion in a single decisive blow, swiftly restoring peace across the six provinces, a remarkable achievement achieved without bloodshed! His contributions are unparalleled, earning him renown throughout the realm.
However, it is said that when it came time to reward merits, based on the opinion of Grand Marshal Qi Wang, Gu Rong did not take part in the secret schemes and only engaged in battles in the provinces, so he did not receive any titles or rewards, and even his descendants did not receive any rewards. After this news spread, everyone felt it was unfair, and the people in the Jiangbei region felt utterly disheartened. Although Qi Wang was a close relative of the emperor, with high status and power, in control of the military, and supported by five state armies, and the royal family also helped him, he had been waging war for a long time, resulting in significant loss of life and resources. Although he achieved victory, the losses were also significant. As for Gu Rong, he commanded very few soldiers and was isolated beyond the Jiangbei region, where imperial orders did not reach him; yet he kept his composure in the face of danger, made decisions on his own, and sacrificed for the country without costing the court a dime or causing any suffering to the people. After pacifying the rebellion, he sealed the granaries, waiting for the arrival of the main army, allowing the common people to live in peace and contentment, teaching them about righteousness and virtue. Now that the country is stable, this credit should rightly go to Gu Rong! Compared to Qi Wang, their situations were completely different, and the disparity in their merits was clear at a glance. However, the aides in the Qi Wang Mansion, those who supported Qi Wang behind the scenes, even though they didn’t devise strategies themselves, all received rewards; some became officials, and some became marquises. As for Gu Rong, he was the planner and leader of this war; his merits were even greater than the marshal's, yet he only received insignificant rewards. This is an absolute injustice! The merit system that undermines the court above disheartens loyal and righteous individuals below. Examining achievements, rewards and punishments are clear; this is the rule of the court. Not to mention someone like Gu Rong, who saved the country—his contributions should be recognized first. Throughout history, there has been no one like him who achieved such great feats yet received such unfair treatment.
Let me put it this way: the emperor posthumously conferred the titles of Rongshizhong, Biaoqijiangjun, and Yitongsansi on the deceased, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Yuan. When the emperor ascended to the throne as King of Jin, he posthumously elevated him to the rank of Duke, bestowed him with a fief, and regarded him as a founding hero.
Rong was particularly passionate about playing the qin. After his death, his family kept the qin beside his spirit tablet. Zhang Han from Wu County wept inconsolably. After a while, he climbed onto the mourning bed, played a few tunes on the qin, and sighed, "Does Gu Yanxian (Rong's courtesy name) still appreciate this?" After saying this, he wept once more and left without even expressing condolences to the bereaved family. Rong's son, Rong Pi, inherited his father's rank and later served as a Cavalier Attendant.
Ji Zhan, courtesy name Siyuan, was from Danyang Moling. His grandfather, Ji Liang, served as the Minister of Works in Wu, and his father, Ji Zhi, served as the Grand Secretary. Ji Zhan was renowned for his integrity from a young age. After Wu's downfall, his family relocated to Liyang Commandery. He was later recommended as a Filial and Incorrupt Person, but he was not appointed.
Oh, Lu Ji, this scholar, who was promoted to the position of Shangshu Lang, began to inquire. He exclaimed: "In the past, the enlightened rulers of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties accomplished great things. Although their methods of governance were different, their ultimate goals were the same. The people of the Xia Dynasty valued sincerity and simplicity, but too much sincerity made them appear crude, and the best remedy for this crudeness was to emphasize etiquette. The Shang Dynasty made improvements; however, an excessive focus on etiquette led to superstitious beliefs, and the best way to counter superstition was to promote culture. The Zhou Dynasty adjusted the direction again; yet, an overemphasis on culture resulted in superficiality, and the best way to solve superficiality was to return to sincerity. So, does the royal road always repeat in cycles, lacking a fixed pattern? Is it due to different ancestors that achievements vary? Since the absence of a sage king, the world has been in turmoil for a long time. What are the causes behind the rise and fall of these three dynasties and the shifts among the people? Now, in order to solve the problems, we must restore the ancient system and foster virtuous customs to cleanse society. Which dynasty's governance should we follow? How do the governance methods of ancient times differ?"
Zhan (the person answering the question) replied, "I have heard that everyone with a country and a family hopes for the country to become better and for governance to flourish, ensuring virtues are passed down through the ages. However, societal issues and customs are always evolving. Governing a country cannot be done by sticking to old ways. Even sages and wise men cannot change this rule. Therefore, excessive loyalty can come across as naïve, and being too focused on etiquette appears burdensome. The Zhou dynasty took lessons from the Xia and Shang dynasties, emphasizing culture to differentiate social classes. As a result, those who fled became superficial and lacked sincerity. Lack of sincerity led back to an emphasis on loyalty. The governance methods of the three generations complement each other, just like water and fire aiding each other. This is the principle of adapting to changes in the times and the method of resolving shortcomings. The era of Fuxi and Nuwa was simple and unadorned, allowing the world to naturally transform without intervention. Later sage kings inherited and developed, possibly doing things differently. This is not because the abilities of the wise and sage individuals differ, but because of the changes in the era. Now, during the prosperous Jin dynasty, the emperor's achievements are becoming increasingly prominent. Adapting to the timing, the nation's prosperity draws in rulers from far and wide. However, the Way has long passed, and changes in people's hearts have been long-standing. If now it is said that one should abandon burdensome rituals, restore simple systems, and return to the origin, then the people can gradually be educated, and the world can be at peace."
He continued, "In the past, the wise emperors placed great importance on various matters and objects. The Mingtang served as a place for heavenly sacrifices, the Qing Miao was for ancestor worship, the Biyong was for teaching etiquette, and the Taixue was for teaching classics. These were all significant ceremonies and institutions symbolizing national prosperity! After the fall of the Qin dynasty, these were all abandoned, and the system fell into disarray. Scholars have different opinions on this matter, each with their own interpretations. What was left from the Han dynasty is considered different by some, while Cai Yong in the 'Yueling' says they are the same thing. What’s the best way to understand this?"
Answer: "The Mingtang of the Zhou Dynasty was established for ancestor worship and to commune with the heavens, to express reverence for ancestors and uphold filial piety. It has six important aspects. In ancient times, the wise emperors sat facing south to manage state affairs, with the Mingtang at the heart of these six aspects. Moreover, the central main hall of the Mingtang is the Grand Temple, which aligns with the celestial order, implements laws, sacrifices to ancestors, honors the wise and the elderly, educates children, summons feudal lords, selects talents, refines rituals, and distinguishes various objects—all of which are the foundation of education. Therefore, from the sacrificial perspective, it's referred to as the Qing Temple; from the appearance of the main hall, it's called the Grand Temple; from the inside of the palace, it's called the Grand Chamber; from the main hall of the palace, it's called the Mingtang; from the educational halls at the palace's four gates, it's called the Grand School; from the circular and smooth water pools surrounding the palace, reminiscent of jade, it's called Biyong. Although the names are different, their functions are essentially all one and the same. So Cai Yong said they are one and the same."
He continued to ask, "When the people live in harmony and the country thrives, it is like the Tang Dynasty; since heaven has already sent auspicious signs, talents should also flourish. Therefore, the Book of Documents praises virtuous and good men, and the Book of Changes also praises the union of gold and orchids. This is the reason for the rise and fall of dynasties throughout history, the strength and decline of nations. Those monarchs who achieved great deeds were diligent in seeking talents; those talents who are remembered in history were eager to serve the country. In theory, this should ideally be a harmonious balance, but why has it been so mismatched for centuries? What strategies did those flourishing ancient dynasties employ? What shortcomings plagued the later declining dynasties?"
The other party replied, "The key to a thriving regime lies in selecting talented people; the key to a peaceful and prosperous era is to actively promote talent. Therefore, if outstanding talents can be selected, then government affairs will be well-ordered; even if there are ten rebels, the world can still be peaceful. King Wu Ding highly valued Fu Yan and others, and King Wen of Zhou valued talents from the Wei River region, appointing them to important positions and entrusting them with state affairs, which is why they were able to achieve great accomplishments, with their merits passed down through generations. Even the ancient kings, living in simple thatched houses, would search everywhere for talents, elevating those who were previously unknown, ensuring that hidden talents in the mountains were not overlooked and the forgotten songs in the fields were remembered. As a result, the social atmosphere was pure, all things were in harmony, spirits were blessed, auspicious signs appeared frequently, dew was abundant, spiritual springs gushed forth, vermilion grass grew on its own, all things flourished, the brilliance of the sun and moon shone again, a spirit of harmony filled the heavens and the earth, and the era of great governance was realized. There was courtesy and righteousness between rulers and subjects, affection between fathers and sons, morality between husbands and wives, and order between elders and juniors. From the Nine Provinces to the Eight Extremes, even foreign nations were pleased and willingly paid their respects, continuously praising and worshiping, allowing the monarch to govern the world in peace."
"Nowadays, the channels for recommending talents are open, but the education sector hasn't developed sufficiently, so people have a strong desire for fame and profit, but not much enthusiasm for learning. If we can create more opportunities, attract talent, promote the five virtues, and uphold morality; assess achievements, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and then assign them to various departments to perform their duties and govern the country, we can certainly make the country prosperous, reminiscent of ancient times. Virtuous individuals will emerge, and the bonds of friendship will flourish again."
Then he asked again, "In the times of Tang, Yao, and Shun, the Five Punishments were implemented as a form of moral education, and the Duke of Zhou established the system of the Four Punishments. Therefore, future generations praised their integrity and honesty, and sang praises of the prosperous era they ushered in. The number of wrongdoers is on the rise, and the legal texts are becoming more complicated. By the time of the Spring and Autumn Period, people advocated for the 'Three Exiles' penal law, and the brutal Qin Dynasty introduced the harsh practice of collective punishment. Various severe punishments emerged endlessly, and tyranny has reached unprecedented levels. The Han Dynasty and Wei Dynasty continued this practice without any reforms. This is also because the times have changed, and so have the methods of salvation, which was done out of necessity. Between severity and leniency, how can we strike a suitable balance? Can collective punishment serve as a permanent solution?"
Answer: "When heaven and earth are separated, all things can grow, leading to both benefits and harms. The emergence of benefits and harms has its reasons. In ancient times, people promoted moral education, disdained violence, and advocated benevolence and righteousness. When benevolence and righteousness are upheld, the strong do not bully the weak, and the majority do not oppress the minority. In the era of the Three Sovereigns, records were maintained using knotted cords, which brought peace to the land. This was not maintained solely through criminal law. Furthermore, in ancient times, people had a good understanding of the law, resulting in very few prisons. However, as time went on, although criminals still existed, the number of prisons rose, violence increased, laws multiplied, and the number of thieves grew. The Book of Documents states: 'Only by carefully enforcing the five punishments can the three virtues be realized.' During the Spring and Autumn period, society experienced decline, leading to the emergence of the 'three executions' laws. By the time of Duke Wen, even harsher tortures had been introduced. An endless array of harsh penalties emerged, disrupting societal harmony, affecting future generations without any chance of change. Consequently, Emperor Gaozu of Han implemented a lenient policy that was widely embraced. The Wei Dynasty continued the practices of late Han without reform, likely because changes in social customs take time, and it was merely a stopgap measure. Now that the world is unified, people are contemplating a return to fundamental principles, gradually embracing simplicity, thus preventing greedy individuals from engaging in conflict; honoring the wise and virtuous while disdaining the unworthy, ensuring that the unrighteous remain distant. Thus, you should carefully consider the severity of punishments, abolish cruel punishments, allow everything to find its rightful place, and society will thrive, enduring for generations."
Someone asked, "Look, the five elements transform each other, and yin and yang depend on each other; only then can the energies of yin and yang nurture all things, and only then can the four seasons alternate and change. The Book of Changes states, 'in heaven, form takes shape; on earth, form takes form.' The formation of various phenomena follows the principle of yin and yang's interdependence. If yin and yang are out of balance, the situation will be reversed; if one weakens, nothing can exist independently. This is all evidence of the balance of yin and yang! Now there are hot springs but no volcanoes; why is that? I want to hear your explanation, explain the principle of imbalance between yin and yang."
The answer: "I have heard that the energies of yin and yang rise and fall in alternation, and there will be an exchange of energies between mountains and marshes, as the Book of Changes states in the first hexagram, 'Hidden Dragon, do not act.' The formation of hot springs lies in the warm earth energy. Water flows to low places, fire surges to high places; hardness and softness, dryness and humidity are all natural attributes, so yang energy is active externally, while yin energy is still internally. Yin is soft and weak, based on tolerance; yang is strong and firm, with external action as its purpose. Therefore, the brilliance of metal and water is internal, while the radiance of fire and the sun shines outward; strong things give, while weak things receive. When yang energy is strong, yin energy diminishes. The reason water is warm is that it has the characteristic of tolerance."
Another person asked, "Being able to perceive the heavenly secrets and grasp the laws of change, this is the height of talent; being able to fully utilize various things to benefit the people, this represents the pinnacle of achievement. Governing a country with such talent can inherit the governance of the Yellow Emperor and Emperor Fu Xi; quelling rebellions with such talent can inherit the achievements of ancient sage kings. However, why is it that over time, people's thoughts become more complex, while morality deteriorates? Is it because once a simple social structure collapses, it cannot be rebuilt? Or has the governance of the sages weakened?"
In response, he said: "Politics should thrive with the changes of the times, and strategies should be adjusted according to specific circumstances. Therefore, the wise rulers must investigate the underlying causes of change, analyze the course of events, and strive to address the world's needs based on the current situation. In ancient times, the imperial dynasties were characterized by simplicity and purity, disasters were rare, and people used knotted cords as a means of communication; everyone knew what to follow. Once the right path deviates, cleverness and talent can disrupt society; peace and turmoil are different, and good fortune and misfortune follow their own patterns. Therefore, the rise and fall of wise rulers during the Tang and Yu periods, as well as the laws of the emperors during the Xia and Shang periods, all have reasons for prosperity and decline, and reflect adjustments in urgency and importance. This is the way to gain insight into the workings of the universe, grasp the laws of change, adapt to the situation, and does not diminish the governing principles of the wise."
In the early years of Yongkang, the local government recommended another scholar from a poor family, and the Grand Marshal appointed him as the Libationer of the Eastern Pavilion. That year, he was appointed as the Prime Minister of Yanling Country, but he declined the position. The following year, he was demoted to the Marquis of Songzi. During the Taian period, he resigned from his position and returned home, and along with Gu Rong and others, he was involved in the assassination of Chen Min (this event is documented in Gu Rong's biography).
I was appointed as Minister of Rites and went to Luoyang with Rong. On the way, we discussed the Taiji in the Book of Changes together. Rong said, "Taiji likely refers to the state of primordial chaos, when things are indistinct, the sun and moon conceal their radiance, the Bagua hides its mystery, heaven and earth are intertwined, with the sages concealed within. Then, heaven and earth are separated, distinguishing the clear from the turbid; yin and yang emerge and unite, all things begin to flourish, revealing the four corners of the universe. Laozi stated that 'something in a mixed state, before heaven and earth came into being,' this is exactly the Taiji in the Book of Changes. But Wang Bi said 'Taiji is heaven and earth,' which I believe is a misunderstanding. The term 'Two Yi' refers to heaven and earth in a material sense, and to yin and yang in terms of qi. If Taiji implies that heaven and earth generated themselves without producing any entities within them, then it contradicts the essence of creation. Laozi also stated that 'heaven and earth endure because they do not generate themselves, allowing them to persist'; 'one begets two, two begets three, and three begets all things,' utilizing the original vital energy to harmonize all things. To investigate the essence of vital energy and seek the origins of heaven and earth, we ought to consider this as our standard."
I continued, "In the past, Fuxi drew the Bagua, and the principles of yin and yang were embedded within it. King Wen and Confucius inherited and promoted Fuxi's ideology, with the three sages successively passing it down, their thoughts completely consistent, all believing that the Book of Changes conforms to the will of heaven, and there are no alternative interpretations. The sky is clear and the earth is peaceful, yin and yang are in harmony, the four seasons change, the sun and moon move within them; these are all natural laws. Even sages—who can truly know their origins? You say 'chaos was not divided,' how is that possible! Even sages are human; how could they have hidden in chaos before it was ever opened?! Laozi's theory about the pre-heaven may well be a misconception, not the true meaning of the Book of Changes. I believe your understanding of Tai Chi is quite profound and deserves no doubt. Perhaps Tai Chi is just a term for the extreme, indicating that its principles have reached their extreme, without external form; only when the external form reaches its extreme do yin and yang emerge. Wang Bi's viewpoint can be said to be relatively close. The ancients used the extreme to explain that yin and yang emerged from this state, not that they had parents. If we must say there are parents, besides heaven and earth, what else could possibly exist?" Rong stopped arguing.
When we arrived in Xuzhou, we heard that the warfare was getting worse, so we decided to turn back. Just then, the governor Pei Dun received a letter from the Prince of Donghai, Yue, and seeing our hesitation, he politely escorted us out with full military honors. Thus, along with Rong, Lu Wan, and others, we unloaded the goods from the ship, abandoned the carts and horses, and traveled day and night, covering three hundred miles in just one day and night, finally returning to Yangzhou.
It is said that when Emperor Yuan was appointed as the General of Andong, he recognized Wang Zhan's talent and appointed him as his military adviser, later promoting him to be the Chief of Zhen Dong. Emperor Yuan even personally visited Wang Zhan's home, riding in the same carriage with him back to the palace. Due to Wang Zhan's significant achievements in the campaign against Zhou Fu and Hua Yi, he was bestowed the title of Marquis of Duxiang.
Later, Shi Le led his troops to invade, so the court promoted Wang Zhan to the title of General Yangwei, to command the army in the area from Jingkou south to Wuhu to resist Shi Le's attack. After Shi Le retreated, Wang Zhan was appointed as the Interior Minister of Kuaiji Province. Even though the magistrate had already been taken away, Wang Zhan felt something was off and suspected it was a forgery. He barged into the prison and rescued the magistrate, then interrogated the messenger sternly, and the messenger admitted he had forged the documents. Not long after, Wang Zhan was promoted to the role of Military Advisor to the Prime Minister. Due to his achievements in the campaign against Chen Min, he was also granted the title of Marquis of Linxiang County. The court further elevated him to the rank of Palace Attendant, a prestigious position, but he turned it down.
They say that Chang'an has fallen. Xie An and Wang Dao went to the palace together to persuade Emperor Jin Jianwen to ascend the throne. Emperor Jianwen refused. Xie An said, "Your Majesty, although you like to study celestial phenomena and history, and look at the rise and fall of ancient people, the current situation is clear at a glance. Both emperors have passed away, the ancestral shrine is empty, and the throne has been vacant for two years. The late emperor's coffin has not been buried yet, and both gods and mortals have lost their ruler. Your ascension to the throne is heaven's decree! As long as you ascend the throne, the world will change, distant barbarians will come to pay homage, the ancestral shrine will be rebuilt, the gods will be reinstalled, the hearts of millions will be restored, and people of all ethnic groups will come to pay tribute, just like the stars guarding the North Star, all rivers flowing into the sea. But you still want to be modest; this isn't just about honoring your ancestors; it's about reviving the nation! Traitors must be dealt with now; you need to swallow your pride and make amends. If you defy the moment, ignore the people's will, and lose your strategic position, if you lose any of these three things, no matter how hard you try in the future, you will not be able to save your ancestors from danger! Timing is ever-changing, and only by following the way of the world and seizing the opportunity can great achievements be made. The rise and fall of the Jin Dynasty has come to an end. If you take the throne swiftly, you can lead the revival; if you hesitate, you will give the traitors a chance to grow stronger. Your Majesty is in a crisis now. If you inherit the throne, who in the royal family dares to compete with you? You should take up this heavy responsibility; this is the so-called 'timing.' Our four ancestors of the Jin Dynasty created such a great foundation; now the five capitals have been burned, the ancestral shrine is unattended, and Liu Yao has stolen the sacred objects in the northwest. Your Majesty, you want to be modest in the southeast; this is like 'handing over the torch'! We small officials cannot tolerate it, let alone Your Majesty, who deserves the heavens and earth, radiating brilliance. How can you miss this once-in-a-thousand-year opportunity?" Emperor Jianwen still refused and ordered General Han Ji to remove the throne. Xie An pointed at Han Ji and shouted, "The emperor's seat corresponds to the stars. Whoever dares to touch it will face execution!" Emperor Jianwen's face changed at this moment.
Later, Emperor Jianwen ascended the throne, and Xie An was appointed as a Courtier. He was later promoted to the position of Minister of State. He often submitted memorials advising the emperor, and many of his suggestions were accepted. Emperor Jianwen greatly appreciated his loyalty and integrity. Later, Xie An fell seriously ill and was unable to attend court, so he wrote a letter saying: "My health is poor; I have been unwell for quite some time and have yet to recover. Previously, I wrote to express my loyalty, but did not receive your understanding. Now that I am so seriously ill, lying in bed, feeling anxious and afraid, I do not know how I will be buried after I die. I've heard that time and youth slip away easily and won't come back, so in ancient times, those who were ambitious and had integrity did their best to serve the country, even if it meant singing and performing in the streets; they strived to achieve their ambitions in a timely manner and let their names be passed down through the ages. However, there are countless failures and only a few successes. Most people are greedy for fame and fortune, and I'm of average talent, just lucky; I haven't accomplished anything remarkable, nor have I made great progress in the market, yet I have unexpectedly received favor from the court and repeatedly made mistakes of corruption and bribery. Although I also want to emulate the ancients and contribute to the country, in reality, I have no significant achievements. Now that I am old, burdened by illness, lying in bed waiting for death, it has been over a hundred days, and every day I feel death approaching closer. If heaven could give me more time and Your Majesty could bestow me some grace, allowing me to barely survive, to linger in the humble alleyways, I wouldn't have a chance to return to court. My eyes can no longer see clearly, my teeth have fallen out, my chest and belly feel cold, wounds have not healed, my legs are still lame, and the disease torments me unbearably. I am already seventy years old; according to ritual law, I am already at the age of retirement, and the signs of aging are unmistakable. Even if I want to work hard to maintain my health, where can I possibly go?"
My job is responsible for household registration and taxation, which is a very important job for the country. Nowadays, the world is in chaos, the people are struggling, the country has just undergone a huge transformation, there is much to be done, and manpower is needed for military conscription and transportation. Although I feel overwhelmed working hard day and night, now that I am ill like this, I will have to be away from my post for an extended period, which could hinder important national affairs. If the court shows me special mercy because of my illness, I will feel even more burdened; if the court dismisses me because of my illness, it will lead to a vacancy in the official position and paralysis of government affairs; if I continue to work, my health will deteriorate. Now, thanks to your mercy, I can be relieved of my duties and rest at home, but I feel guilty for failing to meet the court's expectations. There are many talented people in the world now, and yet I am holding onto an official position, not giving talented individuals a chance. It goes against the long-standing principles of talent selection for a person like me, who is seriously ill, to continue to hold an official position.
I only hope that Your Majesty can show a measure of kindness, grant me a scrap of cloth to wrap my body in upon my death, to ensure I have a proper burial; at the same time, you can select talented individuals to take over my work, sparing me from punishment, which would be a tremendous kindness to me!
Due to my illness, I am resigning from my post. Later, they asked me to serve as the Right Deputy of the Ministry of Personnel, and I declined several times, yet they insisted. So, I said that I was very ill and wanted to go home, but they would not permit it.
At that time, Xi Jian was stationed in Zoushan and frequently troubled by Shi Le and his followers. I felt that Xi Jian had the qualities of a capable minister and worried that the court would abandon him. So I submitted a memorial to the court, urging them to summon him. I said, "I have heard that in a prosperous dynasty, there must be assistants who are as sharp as claws and teeth to defend the city, which serves as the emperor's sharp weapon. Therefore, Yu Shun appointed sixteen ministers so that he could focus on governing and managing state affairs. 'Shang Shu · Yao Dian' says, 'It means to maintain one's center.' I see the former Assistant General Xi Jian, who has demonstrated integrity and noble character from a young age, a high reputation, and both civil and military talents. He is a talent of the time. He and Dai Ruosi were summoned together and sent to desolate places, very isolated with almost no troops or reinforcements. But he was still able to pacify and gather the remaining people, defend key strategic locations for many years, and prevent the enemy from invading the south. However, due to a lack of troops, he could not achieve great success, although he served as a governor and a baron. If Xi Jian is allowed to work in the court, carrying out the emperor's orders, he will definitely be diligent and responsible, addressing the court's shortcomings. Historically, the court has set precedents for appointing officials. Dai Ruosi served as a minister, governor of six provinces, General of the West, and was also appointed as a chamberlain; Liu Wei guarded the north; Chen Min guarded the east. In terms of age, Xi Jian is comparable to Dai Ruosi; in terms of official position, they have both held the rank of eighth grade officials. Moreover, Xi Jian has a high reputation and is a famous minister of the time. A wise court governs the realm with fairness and impartiality, only looking at abilities and talents. So even though I hold a humble position, I still want to share my thoughts with you, hoping you will be open-minded and wise, listen to my suggestions, even if there's only a one in ten thousand chance of success."
Once, during Emperor Ming's reign, he called Zhang Zhan into a spacious room alone, sighed with concern for the country, and said, "It's probably impossible to find even ten pillars of the state, what are we going to do?" Then he counted on his fingers one by one and said, "You can be one." Zhang Zhan humbly declined. Emperor Ming said, "I wanted to have a serious talk with you, why are you still so modest?" Zhang Zhan was well-versed in both civil and military affairs, and people in the court praised him for his loyalty, integrity, and noble character. Before long, he was promoted to the position of leading general, and everyone admired his strictness and decisiveness. Although he was often ill, the troops held him in great respect. Due to his long-term illness, Zhang Zhan requested to resign from office, but the emperor refused and instead appointed him as a cavalier attendant.
During the rebellion of Wang Dun, the emperor sent someone to tell Zhang Zhan, "Although you are ill, as long as you stay in bed to help keep the army steady for me, it will be a great help to the country." So he received a reward of a thousand pieces of cloth. Zhang Zhan did not take it home, but chose to distribute it among his soldiers. After the rebellion was quelled, Zhang Zhan once again requested to return home, but the emperor did not agree. He insisted on retiring, but the emperor still refused. The emperor declared, "Zhang Zhan is loyal, upright, knowledgeable, and talented. He has repeatedly requested retirement due to old age and frequent illnesses. We know him well and respect his wishes. Now we approve his request, appointing him as the Cavalry General, while keeping his position as a cavalier attendant unchanged. His official attire and treatment will be carried out according to previous regulations." An envoy was sent to his home to bestow the official title, permitting him to serve from home. Zhang Zhan passed away shortly after at the age of seventy-two. He was posthumously granted his original official position, appointed as the Governor of Yitong, and posthumously honored with the title Mu. An imperial censor was sent to supervise his funeral with the imperial insignia. Due to his contributions in suppressing Wang Han, he was posthumously given the title Huarongzi, his previous title was elevated two ranks, and his second son was made a Marquis.
The old man is generally quite reserved, not particularly sociable, and prefers reading, sometimes even hand-copying texts. He has written numerous poems, essays, articles, and letters, amounting to several dozen in total. He is knowledgeable about music and has nearly mastered various musical techniques. He leads a rather refined lifestyle, having built a beautiful large house in Wuyi Lane, which is lavishly decorated, with the yard adorned with bamboo and trees, creating a pleasing sight.
He is cautious and has a deep appreciation for talent, which becomes increasingly apparent with age. Shangshu Min Hong, Taichang Xue Jian, Guangchuan Taishou Henan Chu Shen, Geishi Zhong Xuan Cheng Zhang Liao, and Liyang Taishou Pei Guo Wu Ju maintain a cordial relationship with the old man, but all respect his noble character, entrusting their final affairs to him before their death. The old man dedicates himself wholeheartedly to caring for their families, assisting them in building homes and establishing their lives, treating them like his own family.
When he was young, he had a good relationship with the brothers Lu Ji. Later, after Lu Ji was killed, the old man saw to it that Lu Ji's daughter was married off, providing a dowry equal to that of his own daughter. His eldest son Jing died young. Jing's son You inherited the title and later became the Minister of Justice. Jing's younger brother Jian held the title of Prince's son and the General's Attendant, but died before the old man.
He Xun, styled Yanxian, is from Kuaiji Mountain Yin. His ancestor, He Qingpu, was a scholar of the "Li Ji," thus, their family was known as "Qing's Study" during that time. His great-grandfather He Chun was knowledgeable and had a great reputation, serving as an attendant during the reign of Emperor An of Han. He changed his surname to He to avoid sharing the name with Emperor An's father. His grandfather He Qi served as a general in the state of Wu. His father He Shao was the Minister of the Central Secretariat but was later killed by Sun Hao, and his entire family was subsequently exiled to a remote region.
He Xun went through family upheaval in his childhood and was banished to the coast, only returning to his hometown after the fall of the Wu state. He had grand aspirations from an early age, and his demeanor set him apart from other children, placing a strong emphasis on etiquette in both speech and conduct. At that time, the Prime Minister Ding Yi recognized his potential and appointed him to a position. The governor Ji Xi saw his talent and recommended him to be the magistrate of Yangxian County. He ruled with a philosophy of generosity and compassion, not pursuing political achievements. Later, he became the magistrate of Wukang County, where the local customs involved lavish funerals and numerous superstitions, resulting in funeral delays as people avoided certain days for interment. He banned these practices, and his reforms were highly effective, prompting neighboring towns to adopt similar practices. However, he lacked influential connections and remained unpromoted at court.
The official Lu Ji wrote a memorial recommending He Xun, saying: "I have heard that He Xun, the magistrate of Wukang County, is of noble character, outstanding talent, integrity, and uprightness. He has served as an official in two counties with notable achievements. Former magistrate Guo Ne of Yangxian County is broad-minded, cheerful, knowledgeable, and highly capable. He Xun has served as an official in a remote small county and has remained relatively unknown; Guo Ne returned to his hometown and has not been promoted for many years. They are both officials of the new dynasty, lacking connections at court, serving in remote areas, and unable to advance in rank. As time goes by, neither has been promoted, which is regrettable for both the officials and the people. I believe that when the court sends officials to local areas, it is not merely to distribute official positions evenly and benefit different regions. Because customs vary in different places, and information is limited, the challenges in remote areas are even more pronounced. For example, Jingzhou and Yangzhou have populations of tens of thousands, yet currently, there are no court officials in Yangzhou, and no one from the Jiangnan region of Jingzhou is serving as an official in the capital. This reflects poorly on the emperor's attitude towards local officials. Based on the talents and qualifications of He Xun and Guo Ne, I believe He Xun should be appointed as a Shangshu Lang, and Guo Ne can be appointed as an attendant to the Crown Prince or a palace attendant. This reflects a common wish among all, not just to help them rise in rank and wealth, but to enrich the court's talent pool. I have included their official ranks for your review." Eventually, He Xun was summoned back by the court and appointed as an attendant to the Crown Prince.
Zhao Wanglun usurped the throne and appointed Wang Jun as a Deputy Censor. Wang Jun resigned from his post, citing illness, and returned home. Later, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk of the Southern Zhonglang, but he did not take up the position. Meanwhile, the rebel Li Chen rose in Jiangxia, and the imperial troops dispatched to suppress him were defeated and fled in fear. Li Chen sent the general Shi Bing to attack Yangzhou, expelling Zhang Jing, the Prefect of Kuaiji. Cheng Chao, who had previously served as the Protector of Ningyuan, replaced Zhang Jing, and Cheng Chao's Chief Clerk was appointed as the Magistrate of Shanyin County. Wang Ju, Gu Mi, Zhou Qi, and others answered the call and issued a decree urging all states and counties to attack Li Chen. Wang Jun also gathered troops in response. Shi Bing's general Kang Chong had several thousand soldiers and horses under his command, stationed in the county's lecture hall. Wang Jun wrote a letter to Kang Chong, analyzing the situation, which led to Kang Chong's flight. Cheng Chao and the Chief Clerk surrendered, and the entire Kuaiji prefecture was brought under control. Wang Jun welcomed Zhang Jing back to the county, promptly disbanded the soldiers, and remained indoors. When it was time to reward achievements, he did not request anything.
Later, Chen Min rebelled and forged an imperial decree, attempting to appoint Wang Jun as the Prefect of Danyang. Wang Jun claimed to have a foot ailment and that his hands were too weak to hold a pen. He deliberately took cold medicine, let his hair hang loose, and wore his clothes untied to demonstrate that he was unfit for the role. Ultimately, Chen Min did not dare to force him. At that time, many influential figures in the province joined Chen Min's rebellion. Some of the older or sick individuals were promoted by Chen Min, but only Wang Jun and Zhu Dan of Wu County refrained from participating. After Chen Min was defeated, General Zhou Fu recommended Wang Jun as the Prefect of Kuaiji, and then as the Interior Minister of Wu. The court even dispatched official vehicles to summon virtuous individuals, but Wang Jun declined.
After Emperor Yuan became the General of Andong, he recommended Wang Jun to be the historian of the Wu State. When discussing Wu State's political affairs with Wang Jun, he asked casually, "Sun Hao once used a saw to cut the head of someone surnamed He in half, who was it?" Before Wang Jun could answer, Emperor Yuan himself understood, "It's He Shao!" Wang Jun cried and said, "My father suffered from Sun Hao's cruel rule back then; my heart has been in pain, and I can't express it in words." Emperor Yuan felt ashamed and skipped court for three days. Sima Yue, the King of Donghai, asked him to serve as a military officer and then called him to be a scholar, but he did not go.
When Emperor Yuan was promoted to Grand General of Zhendong, he let Wang Jun take over the position of Gu Rong, who had passed away. Wang Jun said he was very ill and wrote over ten times requesting to resign. Emperor Yuan wrote to him:
...
As the saying goes, everyone has their own aspirations, and the paths they take are different. It's all about following our own paths and accepting our fates. If the world is peaceful and social order is well-established, then we should just go with the flow and do what we need to do. Some people like peace and quiet, keeping a low profile, living freely and contentedly, all because of the peaceful and prosperous times that allow them to be so leisurely. But if the country is in danger and the situation is turbulent, those brave and responsible heroes will step forward to save the people. Just like Zhu Zhiwu taking risks to enter Qin, Yuan Qi helping the Han Dynasty, these are the kinds of actions great men should take, adapting their actions to the changing times!
As for me, my qualifications are mediocre, my character is shallow, yet I have received favor and hold an important position. I have always admired those of noble character, always thinking about resigning from my official position and living a simple life, but I can never bring myself to do it. Why? Because of the invasion of foreign enemies, the country is in turmoil, not even the imperial palace can be safeguarded, and the people are suffering. So I worry day and night, with a deep desire to serve my country. In the past, Gu Yong assisted the court, and with his brilliant strategies, stabilized the country. After Yuan Kai ascended the throne, the Chaohu region also regained peace. But now, the country is declining, the people are suffering, everyone is hoping for someone to step forward, and that person is you! How could I refuse if it's a matter of justice? Isn't this what people with aspirations do? I hope you’ll consider my suggestion and help our country. I have been ordered to invite you to take on the role of military commander; please do us the honor.
He (Xun) still refused.
Later, the emperor ordered him to serve as a military advisor. He (Xun) claimed to be ill, but after repeated urging from the emperor, he reluctantly went to the palace. The emperor personally went to his ship to seek advice on governing the country. Since he was too ill to kneel, he accepted the emperor's rewards in court attire, including a residence in the capital, chariots, horses, bedding, clothing, and so on. But he turned them all down, refusing to accept anything.
The magistrate Zhang Kai lived in a small market, wanting to enlarge his home; he seized the houses of his neighbors and built a city gate privately, closing it early and opening it late, causing significant distress to the locals. They all complained to the state government, but nothing came of it. Later, when he (Xun) was on an inspection and arrived at Pogang, the people there all complained to him. He said, "After I meet with Magistrate Zhang, I'll speak up for you." When Zhang Kai heard about this, he quickly demolished the city gate and personally went to apologize to him. That's how he earned everyone's respect.
Back then, the Jiangdong region had only recently stabilized, but banditry was rampant. The Emperor wanted to find a way to deal with the issue, so he asked Xun. Xun replied, "The Yangtze River basin is so vast, spanning five provinces, and the court's tribute and commercial travelers all pass through here. Some suggested fortifying Xuan Cheng or having each county provide its own troops. I think the county magistrate's authority is too limited, and their capabilities might not suffice. If we rely on forced labor without strict oversight, it likely won't be effective. I believe that only the Helu area in the entire Yangtze River basin is strategically significant for bandits to hide. It is best to station heavy troops there and capitalize on this to eliminate them completely. Each county along the river has its own jurisdiction; the county magistrate is in charge and can allocate troops based on the terrain, set up more checkpoints, patrol regularly, enforce rules strictly, and have clear rewards and punishments. Those who exceed their tasks should be rewarded, while those who fail should face penalties, in order to ensure strict discipline. Additionally, it's important to rotate and allow rest so the common people aren't overworked, and rotation should also be regular. Just look at the Han Dynasty's system, where they set up a checkpoint every ten miles to enhance security. Even if we can't implement that now, we need a solid plan to ensure we have enough troops. If there are too many bandits for one area to handle, you can report their whereabouts and positions, and let the commander go and attack. The problem now is that the common people and the army patrolling together leads to neither side being fully committed and no one taking responsibility, so while it may seem like there's a defense in place, it’s actually ineffective." The Emperor took his advice to heart and implemented it.
Later, Emperor Min ascended the throne and summoned Xun to serve as the Minister of the Imperial Clan. Emperor Yuan was stationed in one region and recommended Xun to serve as an attendant in the court, but Xun declined to go due to the treacherous journey. Because of his achievements in suppressing Hua Yi, the court wanted to appoint him as a county marquis, but Xun claimed he was too ill to leave home and firmly declined the title and reward. In the early years of Jianwu, he was appointed as the Prefect of the Palace Secretariat and also as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance. However, he firmly resigned from his position, citing old age and frailty. The emperor ordered, "My virtues are shallow, yet I have received this great position; it’s like sailing on a vast sea not knowing what to rely on. Xun's words and actions conform to propriety; he is a model of the present age and a role model for the people. The stability of the country depends on his planning. Although he is in poor health, I still hope he can advise me even while bedridden, but he insists on declining, showing great sincerity. This is the behavior of a wise man who honors his commitments, conforms to the will of heaven, and shows nobility through humility. Now let's follow his request!" So he was appointed as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, while retaining his position as Cavalier In Regular Attendance. Xun believed that the positions of the Nine Ministers should not be added to, and now that he was ill, it was not appropriate to hold two positions concurrently, so he only accepted the position of Grand Minister.
It is said that our ancestral temple has just been completed, and many old customs are no longer complete. Some people say that Emperor Hui and Emperor Huai should each be counted as a generation, which would result in more than seven memorial tablets in the Yingchuan area (where ancestors are worshiped in the ancestral temple); therefore, some should be removed. This matter was reported to the Ministry of Ceremonies for review.
After discussing at the Taichang Temple, the people there believed that according to the rules, brothers cannot inherit the throne from each other, and they cannot each be considered a separate generation due to their inheritance. King Pan Geng of the Yin Dynasty did not include Yang Jia in the list of ancestral sacrifices, and Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty did not include Emperor Cheng in the list of ancestral sacrifices, instead building separate temples to worship them, which reflected the practices of previous dynasties and clarified the inheritance system. Emperor Hui had no sons, so Emperor Huai ascended to the throne. A younger brother cannot inherit his older brother's position, so Emperor Huai directly inherited the position of the founding emperor, not Emperor Hui, similar to the cases of Yang Jia in the Yin Dynasty and Emperor Cheng in the Han Dynasty. However, some believed that Emperor Hui and Emperor Huai were of high virtue, making it inconvenient to alter established rules. Such matters of etiquette had never been previously discussed. Therefore, Emperor Hui's tablet remains in the ancestral temple, and Emperor Huai's tablet has been added, making a total of eight tablets.
The situation with these eight tablets is because Emperor Hui's tablet has not been moved, not because the tablets of the previous generations should have been moved. The tablets of the next generation have been elevated, and only then should the tablets of the previous generation be moved. Moving and building anew are relative terms and should not be confused. It has never been heard of that the tablets of the next generation are elevated by one generation while the tablets of the previous generation are removed two generations. Emperor Hui and Emperor Huai are both successors of the founding emperor; they are brothers, and their relationship is close, so they should be considered the same generation. However, now they are being counted as one generation instead of two. Now that Emperor Hui has passed away, the Yuzhang (where Emperor Hui's tablet is worshipped) has been dismantled, Emperor Huai's tablet has been added, and Yingchuan is going to be dismantled, leading to the ancestral tablets being relocated twice within one generation. The positions of the ancestral tablets are in chaos, which is unprecedented in ancient customs. It remains uncertain whether Emperor Hui's tablet ought to be relocated, let alone dismantling an ancestral tablet without precedent. There is no reason to dismantle Yingchuan, thus the number of spirit tablets has increased to eight for a reason, rather than seven. Since there are eight spirit tablets, another room must be added beyond the existing seven rooms.
The emperor thinks that Emperor Hui and Emperor Huai are both brothers, both descendants of the founding emperor (Taizu), not directly in the line of succession, so their divine positions should be treated separately, and the ancestral temple doesn't always need to have eight rooms. Furthermore, when Emperor Wu first built the ancestral temple, there were only seven principal deities, and Yang Yuanhou’s divine position was also placed in a separate room. In the first year of the Yongxi era, the posthumous title of the founding emperor was enshrined among the eight rooms of the ancestral temple, which indicates that having eight divine positions doesn't necessarily mean adhering to the previous rule of seven rooms.
Some say that Emperor Jing is already enshrined in the ancestral temple, so Emperor Hui and Emperor Huai should be treated the same. Emperor Jing made great contributions and is the foundation of the imperial family. His merits are recorded in history and will never be forgotten, which is why he is specially enshrined in the ancestral temple. Moreover, Emperor Jing lived closer to our time, making it easier to organize ceremonies without encroaching on the positions of the ancestors. Just like the Wang family ancestral temple system, when it is full, a new temple should be built. The current situation is different, with varying priorities, and the seven temples are determined by familial relationships; the Wang family system emphasizes father-son relationships. If the temples of brothers are full, destroying the ancestral temples leaves their tablets in limbo and disrupts the lineage. What purpose would three additional temples serve in reaching a total of seven? The seven-temple system originates from the Wang family. From Mi Heng to the high ancestor, there are four generations of close relatives, and five or six generations of ancestors above the highest ancestor who are not in mourning. Thus, three temples for the high ancestors and one for the highest ancestor together account for seven temples in total. When Emperor Shizu established the rituals for the suburban temple sacrifices, the relatives from Jingzhao, Yingchuan, and the Gao family included five generations in Yuzhang and six in Zhengxi to align with this system. Now that the emperor has succeeded, there should also be five or six generations of ancestors, with six generations in Yuzhang and five in Yingchuan that ought not to be destroyed. Saying that Yuzhang should be destroyed first and then Yingchuan means that only relatives below the highest ancestor are left in the temple, with no ancestors two generations above the highest ancestor, which contradicts the principles of the Wang family system. This results in a deficiency of two of the three temples designated for the high ancestors, which fundamentally contradicts the ancestral temple system and represents a significant deviation from the originally established ritual system.
At that time, Diao Xie, the Minister of Works, had different opinions from Kong Xun. Kong Xun's response was very reasonable, but he talked too much, so I won't record all of it here. In the end, Kong Xun's opinions were adopted. Whenever there were questions in the court, people would go to ask Kong Xun, who always answered according to the classics and rituals, and was respected as a great master of Confucianism by the people of that time.
Later, the emperor found that Kong Xun lived a life of simplicity. He then ordered, "Kong Xun is a person of integrity and righteousness; his behavior is a role model for the world. He holds a high position, yet dresses modestly and lives in a simple house just for shelter. I recently visited his home and was deeply moved. I will reward him with a six-foot-wide bed, a mat, a mattress, and two hundred thousand coins to show my respect and express my intentions." Kong Xun declined to accept the gifts, but the emperor had no choice but to insist he keep them. Kong Xun did not use these items at first. After the emperor ascended the throne, someone suggested that the Prince of Langya should be honored as the emperor's father. Kong Xun said, "According to the rituals, a son cannot use his own title to enfeoff his father." The emperor accepted his advice. Shortly after, Kong Xun was appointed as the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, while his position as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies remained unchanged.
As for Fan Zhen, he fell ill due to a severe headache and felt that he had not fulfilled his duties as a courtier. The emperor showed him special favor, and the officials respected him greatly. He was worried that this would break the rules, so he repeatedly turned down the emperor's kindness. The emperor believed Fan Zhen's virtues could influence others, even in silence, so he repeatedly comforted him, insisting that he accept this grace. He even sent the Crown Prince to visit him in person. Even though he was in frail health, Fan Zhen was very respectful when receiving the Crown Prince. The emperor also ordered a halt to all visits from guests, demonstrating how highly he regarded Fan Zhen.
Later, Fan Zhen's condition became more and more serious and submitted a request to retire. The emperor returned his official seal and appointed him as Left Minister of Guanglu and Grand Secretary. The emperor personally came to the front of the palace and sent envoys to bring the official seal and insignia to him. Although Fan Zhen could not speak, he still directed the people around him to set aside his ceremonial robes. The emperor personally visited him, and they held hands and wept openly. The crown prince visited him three times, bowing each time, and many scholars at the time considered it a great honor. In the second year of Taixing, Fan Zhen passed away at the age of sixty. The emperor wore plain clothes to mourn him, weeping deeply. The emperor posthumously honored him with the title of Sikong, with the posthumous name of Mu. When it was time for the funeral, the emperor personally wept in front of the coffin and sent an envoy with a ceremonial tablet to oversee the funeral arrangements. The crown prince also personally escorted the burial to the outskirts, watching the spirit boat sail away with tears streaming down his face.
Fan Zhen loved reading when he was young, was an excellent writer, and well-versed in a wide array of literature, especially in ceremonial etiquette. He had a remarkable talent for recognizing potential and promoted his fellow villager Yang Fang, who went on to achieve fame. His son, Fan Xi, attained the position of Linhai Prefect during the reign of Emperor Kang.
Yang Fang, styled Gonghui, was naturally talented in his studies from a young age. Initially, he served as a minor official in the county, tasked with maintaining order and enforcing regulations. In his spare time, he secretly studied the "Five Classics," without the villagers knowing. Later, the Interior Minister, Zhuge Hui, recognized his talent and took him under his wing as a student. From then on, Yang Fang began to navigate the circles of high-ranking officials and nobles.
At that time, the Yu brothers were quite renowned in Confucian circles, and they also admired Yang Fang and praised him everywhere. Zhuge Hui once asked Yang Fang to write an article and recommended him to be the chief clerk of the district. After reading the article, Yu Xi was highly impressed by it and even handed it to the governor at that time. The governor replied, "This young man has lofty aspirations. It's clear he is exceptional. I never anticipated his talent would be so remarkable! His writings are truly unique and clearly heartfelt, worthy of national admiration, far beyond merely standing out among the rural folk! I heard that he is humble and cautious among his old friends, which is also an important aspect of living in the world. But now, the world is in decline, people's values have changed, and talents are withering. Whenever I hear that someone is aspiring to morality, I feel a deep hope and anticipation. People like Yang Fang are like promising seedlings sprouting from barren land, thriving crops flourishing in saline-alkali soil. His aptitude is already very good, just yet to be fully nurtured; once he is planted in fertile soil, he is sure to yield a bountiful harvest. You are now a distinguished talent in the realm, holding an important position in the court; your virtue is commendable, and your influence is far-reaching—this is what true nobility looks like. In the past, Xu Zijiang promoted Fan Zhongzhao, and Guo Linzong promoted Wei Degong, both of whom identified talent among the common folk. If you can promote talents like them, the impact of your efforts would be immeasurable." The governor then recommended Yang Fang to the court.
Sima Wangdao recruited him as his assistant and later promoted him to be the Administrator of Dong'an, then further promoted him to a military advisor. When Yang Fang was in the capital, all the high-ranking officials treated him well. However, he felt that the life in the capital was too ostentatious for his taste and not suitable for him. Unwilling to stay in the capital for long, he requested to be transferred to a remote area to find a quiet place to write. Wangdao agreed to his request and appointed him as the Administrator of Gaoliang. He served as the Administrator of Gaoliang for several years, writing "The Five Classics Revisited," "Chronicles of Wu and Yue," and several other notable works that became well-known. As he grew older, he stepped down from his post and returned home. Wangdao wanted to recommend him for a higher position, but he firmly declined, returning to his hometown and eventually passing away there.
Xue Jian, styled Lingchang, was from Danyang. His grandfather Xue Zong served as the Minister of Works in the State of Wu. His father Xue Ying was also well-known in Wu. After the downfall of Wu, Xue Ying became a Cavalier Attendant in the Imperial Court. Xue Jian was well-groomed and charismatic, and in his youth, he was renowned alongside his fellow villagers Ji Zhan, Min Hong from Guangling, Gu Rong from Wu County, and He Xun from Kuaiji, known collectively as the "Five Beauties."
Upon his arrival in Luoyang, the Minister of Works Zhang Hua was impressed by him, saying, "All of them are gold from the south!" Xue Jian was recognized as a Filial and Incorrupt official in Henan, summoned to serve in the government office, and later appointed as the Magistrate of Biyang County, where he distinguished himself. He then served as the Stablemaster, Cavalier Attendant, and Magistrate of Huaixian. The Minister of Works and Prince of Donghai valued his talents, appointing him as a military advisor, later promoting him to the position of libationer, and finally bestowing upon him the title of Viscount of Anyang.
After Emperor Yuan became the General of An Dong, he appointed Xue Jian as the military advisor and ritual official, gradually promoting him to Chief Historian. Xue Jian worked diligently for the court, and despite his high salary, he lived frugally, only wanting enough to get by. Later, he was given the title of Marquis of Anyang and appointed Governor of Danyang. When the Eastern Jin Dynasty was established, he was promoted to Intendant of Danyang, with a rank equivalent to 2,000 stones, and later rose to the position of Minister while also serving as the Tutor to the Crown Prince. From Xue Zong to Xue Jian, three generations of the Xue family have served as educators in the Eastern Palace, which was highly regarded by the people.
In the early years of Yongchang, Wang Dun was appointed as the Grand Minister, concurrently holding other positions. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, he further conferred upon him the title of Cavalier Attendant. Emperor Ming felt that when Wang Dun was in the Eastern Palace before, he was his teacher and should be treated with more respect. So he issued an edict saying, "My talent is mediocre, and I have suffered misfortune in my early years. Yet I have been promoted above Wang Dun. I feel anxious and uneasy, overwhelmed with worry, as if I have fallen into a deep abyss. Confucius once said, 'Even an emperor must have someone worthy of respect.' I intend to treat you as I would a teacher and seek your advice on governing the country. The Grand Preceptor, King of Xi Yang, holds a lofty position and is highly esteemed, yet he humbly treats others. The Prime Minister, Duke of Wuchang, and Minister of Works, Master Ji, are of noble character and outstanding achievements, close friends of the late emperor and my mentors. The Grand Minister, Marquis of Anyang, is loyal and assists me with unwavering loyalty. Respecting elders and honoring talents are highly valued by the late emperor. I will treat these four ministers with the same respect as when I was in the Eastern Palace." That same year, Wang Dun passed away. Emperor Ming issued an edict saying, "The Grand Minister, Marquis of Anyang, Wang Dun, was of noble character and loyal. I had hoped he would assist me in governing the country, but unfortunately he has passed away. I am deeply saddened. I hereby posthumously bestow upon him the titles of Left Guanglu Daifu and Kaifu Yitong Sansi. I hope his spirit in the afterlife can sense this honor." When Wang Dun was buried, it coincided with the turmoil following his rebellion, causing chaos in the court, so he was not able to receive a posthumous title in time. Only envoys were dispatched to conduct sacrifices in his honor. His son, Wang Yu, had died earlier and left no heirs.
Historians commented that Emperor Yuan laid the foundation in the Huaihai region, with many things ready to flourish. He widely recruited talented individuals to govern the country together and restore social order. Gu Rong, Ji Zhan, He Xun, Xue Jian, and others all came from prominent families, and they devoted themselves to the court, participating in politics. The court's laws and systems relied on them for revision and improvement, and major military and state affairs also depended on their planning. They were highly respected and admired by the people, with Emperor Yuan placing particular trust in Wang Dun, allowing him to rise to a high position, gaining renown and bringing glory to his family. This was not only because they were favored by Emperor Yuan, but also because they truly had talent and knowledge. They gradually rose from low positions to become trusted advisors, attaining high-ranking positions in the court, even receiving personal visits from the emperor. The favor shown to Zhang Yu by the Western Han and the treatment of Huan Rong by the Eastern Han pale in comparison to the attention Emperor Yuan bestowed upon them.
Praise: They are knowledgeable and principled, with visionary ideas. Xue is pure and steadfast, while He is devoted to scholarship. They met the right time and master, soaring like a bird on the wind.
