Sun Hui, styled Deshi, was a native of Fuyang. His grandfather was the Prefect of Yuzhang in the Wu Kingdom. Several generations of his ancestors had served as officials in the Wu Kingdom. Sun Hui was not very eloquent, but he was studious and knowledgeable. Local officials had invited him to take up official positions several times, but he declined and lived in the area of Xiaoxian and Peixian. At the beginning of the Yongning period, he accompanied Prince Qi, Sima Jiong, on a campaign against Prince Zhao, Sima Lun. In recognition of his achievements, he was granted the title of Marquis of Jinxing County, and was later promoted to Assistant in the Eastern Bureau. However, Sima Jiong's arrogance and extravagance disappointed many. Sun Hui advised Sima Jiong using the concepts of "Five Difficulties" and "Four Impermissibles" to admonish him, urging him to return to his own fiefdom, speaking with great sincerity. But Sima Jiong did not listen at all. Fearing repercussions, Sun Hui feigned illness, resigned, and departed. Not long after, Sima Jiong indeed failed.
Later, Sima Ying, the Prince of Chengdu, recommended Sun Hui as a military advisor in the Grand General's office and appointed him as General Fenwei, tasked with the defense of the Baisha region. At that time, Sima Ying was planning to attack Sima Yi, the Prince of Changsha, and appointed Lu Ji as the commander of the vanguard. Sun Hui and Lu Ji were fellow villagers, and he was worried that Lu Ji would attract trouble, so he advised Lu Ji to give up the position to Wang Cui. As a result, Lu Ji and his brothers were later killed, which left Sun Hui deeply saddened. To make matters worse, Sun Hui secretly assassinated Liang Jun, Sima Ying's chief gatekeeper; fearing punishment, he changed his name and went into hiding.
Later, Sima Yue, the Prince of Donghai, rebelled and attacked Xiapi. Sun Hui disguised himself as a hermit named Qin Mi from Mount Nanyue and wrote a letter to Sima Yue that said:
The State of Jin has encountered natural disasters and human calamities, falling into a dire situation. Upon careful observation of this perilous situation, there have been early signs, just like a tree whose branches wither before its roots ultimately die. I hope that you can, with your wisdom and talent, step forward in times of national decline and chaos, even when surrounded by incompetence and treachery, and uphold righteousness. Standing up for righteousness will draw persecution from the wicked; holding loyalty and integrity in your heart may lead to betrayal by traitors. Enduring hardship is not something even saints can bear, and surviving by any means is not the behavior of heroes. Therefore, you should inspire others, be willing to sacrifice, speak candidly to the court, and your loyal advice will be recognized; support the royal family, and your contributions will be remembered for generations. Although success has not yet been achieved, the great cause is promising.
Even the wise Emperor Gaozu of Han faced defeat at Pengcheng; the talented Emperor Wu of Wei also suffered a loss at Puyang. Meng Ming persevered through three retreats to achieve victory; King Goujian suffered heavy losses in manpower but ultimately managed to defeat the State of Wu. Now your name is known throughout the world, your reputation is illustrious, and nations admire your virtue. In addition, the four vassal kings are wise and honorable, friendly towards each other, and in times of national crisis, they will support the royal family together, like the arm supports the hand. Heaven does not show favoritism; only virtue earns support, and when evil prevails, blessings diminish, a truth even spirits and gods would agree upon. You should understand the principles of a nation's rise and fall, the changes of success and failure, examine the situation you are in, reflect on the importance of harmony between humanity and nature, like a vassal king overlooking the East Xia, like a dragon soaring over the sea, take decisive action.
Reach out to Hejian to the west, unite with Zhengzhen to the south, mobilize the elite troops of Wu State to the east, mobilize the elite militia of Youbei to the north, and issue decrees to the Qing and Xuzhou areas to inform all the princes and kings. Widely solicit talents, recruit heroes, unite those who are talented but temporarily overlooked, and clearly define rewards and credits. Think about the emperor being trapped in the Ye Palace, where forged decrees circulate outside, arbitrarily killing the innocent, with wolves at the helm, ruling with cruelty; such things will not be far from us. When people's hearts betray, chaos in the world becomes inevitable. The appearance of the White Star is a troubling sign, as the annual star shifts; heaven has abandoned their virtues. The signs from heaven are unmistakable, and punishment is imminent. Going against the will of heaven will inevitably bring disaster; following the will of heaven will inevitably bring victory. You should consider the relationship between safety and divine will, reflect on the signs and omens of disaster and defeat, and foster humility, diligence, and hard work. Personally visit and recruit talents, deplete the treasury to aid the poor—those who have the ability to help the world and save the people, those like the hermit of Weibin, who possess ingenious strategies; they will definitely be waiting for the call of a wise lord.
Consider those exceptional talents who can assist you, listen to the advice of extraordinary ministers, select and appoint them, and then you will establish immortal achievements.
I find myself caught in this chaotic world, unable to speak out, and I have long admired the loyalty of Mozi and Shen Baoxu, and thus I do not shy away from difficulties and dangers. I have overcome numerous obstacles, coming here to bear this disaster. I hope to assist the court like Guan Zhong, but the timing is not right now, and the road is difficult; I dare not easily show myself. I wait quietly, like the earth itself, always thinking of the country, so I penned this letter to share my thoughts. If Your Majesty is still hesitating, wavering, and in case you luckily escape this danger, I hope you will forgive my boldness.
You are now returning to the Central Plains, governing this land. Your prestige is at its peak; with one command, the Five Sacred Mountains can be brought down, and with one order, the rivers can dry up. Moreover, you are now suppressing rebellion and upholding justice, just like a fish breaking through solid ice, a biyu snapping rotten wood, fierce beasts devouring foxes, Mount Tai can crush eggs, and a spark can ignite a prairie fire. These metaphors pale in comparison to your strength. Now is the perfect moment, with all conditions in your favor; you must seize this opportunity. Those who have recently died—from the late emperor to the princes and court scholars—have perished like insects, discarded like refuse in dung heaps and ditches. They were not lacking in loyalty and righteousness, but were blinded by petty gains, leading to their demise. While ordinary people are willing to sacrifice for friends, there is not a single loyal minister in the court willing to sacrifice for the country. This not only brings shame but also regret that such talents have long been absent from the Jin Dynasty. Now all the people are watching; the state is in grave peril, and the ancestral temples are at risk of destruction. Only you and your brothers can save the state; the fate of the country depends on you!
Although my abilities are limited, I find myself in this chaotic era. I will do my best with a loyal heart, holding a weapon to maintain peace in one hand and arrows to eliminate rebels in the other, ready to mount my horse at a moment's notice, awaiting your command. The time is fleeting; any misstep could result in disaster. I feel like a stone, always in danger, not daring to let my guard down, just hoping to stay safe, all depending on your decision!
Yue, a man, wrote a letter to the leader at that time, requesting a meeting through a recommendation. The leader appreciated him very much and granted him a meeting. Yue was then appointed as a secretary officer, mainly responsible for drafting documents and participating in major planning. Later, he was promoted to a cavalry officer, a prince's middle official, and then requested a transfer to the position of Minister of Works. Once, Yue wanted to kill Zhou Mu and others, so he called Wang Yi, a military officer, in the middle of the night to draft a memorial for him. Wang Yi was nervous and scared at the time, tearing up several sheets of paper in frustration. At that moment, Leader Hui was absent, and Yue sighed and remarked, "If Sun Zhonglang (Sun Zhonglang refers to Hui) were here, the memorial would have been completed by now." Later, Yue was promoted to Grand Tutor and appointed Hui as a military adviser, frequently consulting Hui to assess the situation and discuss pros and cons. Every time he wrote official documents, Yue would occasionally send a swift horse to remind Hui, and Hui would immediately complete it, and his writing was outstanding. Later, Hui was appointed as the Secretary of State, but he did not take up the position. He was later reassigned as the Interior Minister of Pengcheng, the magistrate of Guangling, and then promoted to General of Guangwu and Interior Minister of Anfeng. For his contributions in welcoming the emperor back, he was titled as the Duke of Linxiang County. Emperor Yuan sent Gan Zhuo to attack Zhou Fu, who was in Shouyang. Hui led the army to support Gan Zhuo, and Zhou Fu was defeated and fled. He Rui, the Prefect of Lujiang, was temporarily staying in the jurisdiction of Anfeng Prefect at the time. He Rui arrested Hui's subordinates for other reasons and blamed Hui. Hui was not an official formally appointed by the Southern Dynasties court and was always worried about being framed, so he was very scared and attacked and killed He Rui, fleeing into the wilderness. He soon fell ill and passed away at the age of forty-seven. His remains were returned to his hometown, and the court discovered the truth about him and posthumously awarded him a pension.
Xiong Yuan, courtesy name Xiaowen, was from Nanchang, Yuzhang. His grandfather Xiong Qiao was once a servant in the Shi Chong family, but he was honest and upright, with the bearing of a scholar-official. Pan Yue, a court official, found him remarkable and persuaded Shi Chong to release him. Xiong Qiao then returned to his hometown. Xiong Yuan was ambitious, and when the county wanted him to take a position as magistrate, he refused. The county insisted on dressing him in formal attire and escorted him to meet with superiors. Ten days later, the county recommended him to the prefecture, where he took on the role of a literary officer. Xiong Yuan said, "I won’t take on high or low positions." He strongly insisted on staying in the county. The prefect believed that Xiong Yuan was filial and honest. Later, when the prefect planned to lead a campaign against the Di and Qiang tribes, Xiong Yuan chose not to join and instead escorted the prefect to Longyou before heading back. Later, Xia Jing, the Prefect of Kuaiji, left office, and Xiong Yuan escorted him to Kuaiji before returning. The province then hired him as a registrar and a deputy, and he was recommended as a scholar, appointed as the military supervisor of Hua Yi, given command of Wuchang, and assigned as the protector of Ningyuan.
Emperor Yuan appointed me as the Chief Clerk when he became Emperor. At that time, I heard that the Northern Mausoleum was destroyed, and Emperor Yuan was preparing to hold a mourning ceremony. I hurriedly wrote a memorial, saying: "Your Majesty, it's not very reliable to rely on others' reports without personally inspecting the tomb, is it? Moreover, there are multiple tombs being accused of desecration, and people near and far are mourning. We need to address their concerns. I think we should send envoys to investigate and interrogate in Henan Prefecture before proceeding with the funeral. At the same time, we should quickly send troops to Luoyang to repair the tomb and quell the rebellion. In the past, when the State of Song executed Wuwei, King Zhuang led troops to pursue in anger, and the army eventually camped under Song City. Furthermore, this is a great disgrace; we, as loyal subjects, must rise to the occasion! Repairing the tomb is an act of filial piety; quelling the rebellion is in accordance with the will of heaven; saving the state is a righteous act; comforting the people is a benevolent act. If we can accomplish these four goals, all the people in the world will respond, and no one will disobey. When Xiang Yu killed Emperor Yi, he became a criminal; but Han Gaozu mourned for him, which became a righteous act, and the success or failure of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu depended on this action. The current rebels are much weaker than before, but their crimes are heavier than Mount Tai. The Great Jin Dynasty is under heaven's favor, and heaven will not change its favor towards us; the people are eagerly awaiting the court's favor. Now, by heeding the people's will, leading our finest soldiers, and sounding the gongs and drums, with the army following behind, with an imposing presence that shakes the north, only then can we meet the expectations of the righteous in the Western Regions and fulfill the hopes of our people." Unfortunately, at that time, Du Tao's rebellion broke out, and my suggestion was not adopted.
The Jiangdong region had just been established, agricultural production had been neglected, and the people's lives were difficult. I submitted a memorial suggesting that "on the day of the beginning of spring, the emperor should go to pray to God for a good harvest, select an auspicious date, personally take a plow and harrow, and lead the three dukes, nine ministers, lords, and nobles in cultivating the land together to encourage agricultural production. The Book of Songs states, 'If you do not work hard yourself, the people will not believe in you.' Since the onset of chaos in the world, agricultural production has not recovered, and there are many idle people, all due to prioritizing trivial matters over essential ones." This suggestion was appreciated by everyone at the time.
At the onset of the Jianxing period, a grand banquet was planned for New Year's Day. A minister advised, "I carefully examined the 'Book of Documents'; when Emperor Yao passed away, all music ceased throughout the realm. The 'Book of Rites' also states that in times of disaster, the emperor should reduce food and music. Now, the coffin of Emperor Xiaohuai has yet to be returned, and bandits are rampant everywhere; both the common people and the deities are extremely angry. You are highly respected and loved by the people, and the stability of the state relies on you. Currently, Du Ta's army is amassing in the Xiangchuan region like a swarm of ants. After years of relentless warfare, the people are weary, which is why the righteous army has yet to officially rise. New Year's Day marks the beginning of the new year; scholars from across the nation gather in the capital, and people from both the north and south gather here for the morning court, with intellectuals closely watching this morning court. You share in the nation's joys and sorrows, wearing a worried and troubled expression that has yet to fade."
In the past, many countries came uninvited to the Guanze meeting held by Duke Huan of Qi because he was worried about the country and the people. However, later at Kuiqiu, he boasted about his achievements, which resulted in nine countries betraying him. The loyalty of the common people depends on who acts with righteousness. Now you must inherit the legacy of the former emperor, forge a future hegemony, set a moral example, uphold loyalty and filial piety, demonstrate the principles of benevolence and righteousness, cultivate the foundations of etiquette and music, and inspire all scholars to pursue goodness. However, indulging in hedonistic pleasures and losing oneself in entertainment may contradict the beautiful teachings of the "Book of Songs," including "Clouds," "Shao," "Ya," and "Song." This does not adhere to the right path and instead undermines the royal way. I believe it would suffice to host a banquet for the ministers." Emperor Yuan took his advice.
He was promoted to be a military advisor to the Prime Minister. At that time, Wang Jian, the minister of Langye Kingdom, advised the emperor to personally go and conquer Du Tao, and wrote a letter saying: "The court is in chaos, and there is constant warfare in the Central Plains. You have just ascended to the throne and are stationed in the western capital. The imperial coffin of the previous emperor has not yet been returned to the tomb, the specters of the traitors still linger, and the bandits have not been eliminated. You are deeply concerned about state affairs and devoted to the nation. Your decree fills us all with fervor. Du Tao, this petty bandit, has been wreaking havoc in the Xiangchuan region for years and remains unconquered. When Emperor Gaozong attacked the Guifang, it took three years to conquer, and the challenges of military campaigns are not new. In ancient and modern times, when emperors and generals encounter difficulties, some personally go out to establish great achievements, and some send generals to suppress small rebellions. If you lead the campaign yourself, with ample military and logistical support, including ships, vehicles, and weapons, then we can proceed. I propose we send five thousand troops as before, directly marching with the navy, to swiftly resolve the issue without delay. In the past, the Qi Kingdom used Rangju, and the Yan and Jin Kingdoms retreated; the Qin Kingdom used Wang Jian and pacified the southern Jing. As long as capable generals are selected, there is nothing to worry about with this bandit." Later, Du Tao was subdued, and he was promoted to be an attendant, then promoted to be the Prince's Chief Attendant, Left Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and Cavalier In Regular Attendance. The emperor consistently praised his loyalty, saying: "You are always upright and honest in the court, loyal and upright, truly a pillar of the royal family! I hold you in high regard; you must keep up the good work!"
After the resurgence of the dynasty, the emperor wanted to reward those officials who submitted petitions for promotion by one rank. Over twenty thousand petitions were submitted by commoners hoping to be appointed to the position of Minister. The emperor believed, "During the Qin and Han dynasties, granting titles through amnesty is not a long-term solution. Now, it is clear that those who are nearby have stronger feelings, while those who are far away feel less connected. By following the Han dynasty's approach, titles could be awarded nationwide, ensuring equitable distribution of honors and avoiding bias. This would also streamline the review process and help prevent fraud." However, the emperor did not adopt his suggestion.
He was subsequently promoted to the position of Chief Censor. At that time, the Grand Secretary Diao Xie wielded considerable power, and everyone feared him. The Assistant Imperial Secretary Lu Cheng, who wished to report for duty at the palace, ran into Diao Xie outside the Grand Marshal’s residence. Diao Xie, drunk, commanded the guards to pull Lu Cheng off his horse and only released him when they reached Diao Xie's carriage. Lu Cheng lodged an accusation against Diao Xie in a memorial, requesting his dismissal.
That winter, there was thunder and lightning, along with heavy rain. The emperor issued an edict to reflect on his own mistakes. He wrote another memorial:
"Your Majesty, when the edict was issued in the year of Gengwu, thunder and lightning were raging, and heavy rain poured down. This filled me with deep self-reproach. Even the virtuous kings Yu and Tang cannot compare to the remorse I feel now. I am ignorant and fail to grasp the will of heaven, only able to analyze from a human perspective. Your Majesty is diligent, frugal, and benevolent towards the people, yet the royal authority has not thrived. This is due to the court ministers failing to dedicate themselves to the country, squandering this prosperous era."
Now, the traitors are rampant and cruel, exhibiting tyranny. The remains of the two late emperors have not yet been brought back, and the common people are eagerly awaiting news from the court. But we have not been able to send troops to the north to avenge the former emperor. This is our first grave mistake. After Duke Huan of Qi was defeated, he abstained from meat and alcohol for seven years. What's more, the humiliation we face now is even greater. It is the duty of the ministers to be prepared for battle and to fight for the emperor. If this wish cannot be fulfilled, we should unite, be frugal, provide for the people, train the soldiers, reduce indulgence, and focus on preparing for war. Your Majesty toils day and night, but the court officials do not share your hardships. At every court meeting, they are preoccupied with drinking and revelry. This is the second major mistake.
In terms of selecting officials, there is a lack of emphasis on actual abilities, with a focus solely on reputation. This has created a system that ignores talent and allows nepotism to flourish. Those with talent but no reputation are marginalized, while those with reputation but no talent are promoted. Competent individuals who defy the norm are ridiculed, while those who are superficial are favored. Consequently, justice is compromised, selfishness thrives, the strong prey on the weak, and grievances remain unaddressed. Today, officials regard serious work as trivial, following the law as strict, fulfilling duties as flattery, being carefree as wisdom, being unrestrained as optimism, and being arrogant as carefree. This is the third major mistake.
The so-called "three mistakes" will invite legal repercussions, criticism, and ultimately being marginalized and sinking. The so-called "three virtues" will escape legal punishment, will be praised, and will ultimately rise step by step and achieve great success. As a result, people are flocking to power, engaging in flattery, and disregarding moral integrity and righteousness. Therefore, the chaos in the court and the decline in customs are all due to these reasons. If officials' abilities are not carefully assessed and talented individuals are not selected, this atmosphere will be difficult to change.
Now the high-ranking officials in the court all think that being submissive is seen as a virtue. Anyone who dares to oppose them will face demotion, regardless of whether they are talented or not. Those who dare to speak the truth are often overlooked, so there are few ministers in the court who dare to speak out and argue. Those in office only want to lead a quiet life. Guo Yi spoke frankly and was promoted by the Emperor to be the county magistrate of Tunliu, and even established the role of an official to offer counsel in order to listen to different opinions and encourage everyone to speak boldly, allowing everyone to contribute their talents and voice their opinions freely. Officials should be appointed first, and then rewarded based on their merits. Their positions should be confirmed before they receive their salaries. Officials should be evaluated based on their memorials and political performance, and their merits should be reflected through their clothing and accessories. Even Emperor Shun went through various hardships and tests, but now he is paid before being assessed, which contradicts the wisdom of our ancestors and is the root of the country's chaos! Talent should be sought first from the unknown, and even the privileged should face strict consequences for their errors, in order to ensure that laws are effectively enforced and society remains stable and orderly. Emperor Yao selected Shun from the common people, and Shun selected capable individuals from remote areas. Ji Gong did not show favoritism due to family ties, and Shu Xiang did not violate the law due to personal feelings. Most officials in the court now come from humble backgrounds, so although reports are submitted daily, problems are not truly solved; although officials are selecting capable individuals, they are not truly serving the country. Virtuous individuals should be sought from butchers and fishermen, and honest and resolute individuals should be hired from rural hermits. If this path is not changed, even if organizations are merged and personnel are streamlined, the nation's crisis cannot be averted! As long as there is talent and virtue, why fear rebellion, the migration of tribes, or the sweet talk of sycophants? This highlights the importance of choosing the right people for the job!
He was later promoted to be an Attendant of the Palace and was also appointed as the Governor of Kuaiji. At the time when Wang Dun rebelled, Shen Chong raised troops in response. The court bestowed upon him the title of General of Distant Expeditions, but he declined the title and did not provide military resources to Shen Chong. He was committed to defending the region and stabilizing the people. When Wang Dun attacked Shitoucheng, the court wanted to summon him, so he was appointed as the Minister of Rites and granted the title of Cavalier Attendant. Wang Dun was wary of his integrity and talent, so he appointed him as Chief of Staff. Several months later, he died of illness.
His younger brother Guo Jin, who was less renowned than his brother, previously served as Wang Dun's chief secretary and eventually became the Prefect of Poyang. Guo Jin's son, Guo Minghu, eventually became the Prefect of Wuchang.
Wang Jian, styled Maogao, was a native of Tangyi. His father, Wang Jun, once served as the Deputy Censor-in-Chief. Wang Jian gained recognition for his literary talent at an early age and initially served as a Palace Gentleman in Langye during the reign of Emperor Yuan. At that time, Du Tao rebelled, and the Jiangxi region was devastated by war. Wang Dun was unable to pacify the situation, which greatly concerned the court. Wang Jian submitted a memorial urging the Emperor to campaign against Du Tao, stating:
It is said that during the Jin Dynasty, the world was in chaos, turned completely upside down. The suffering in this chaotic world is unprecedented! You, my lord, are currently facing the turbulence of this chaotic world at its most perilous moment, bearing the heavy responsibility of saving the world. The court also hopes that you can turn the situation around. You are about to govern the world, remove obstacles, and restore a peaceful and prosperous era. However, the only place you can depend on is Jiangnan, a mere corner of the Nine Provinces, with a dwindling population. The Baiyue army is casting covetous glances at the Wuling Mountains, and the barbarians and the people of Shu are also stirring, setting their sights on the Xiang River and the Han River. Jiangzhou lies desolate, littered with bones, and Yuzhang commandery is barely surviving. In addition to years of poor harvests, the treasury is bare, and the people are in dire poverty; the warehouses are devoid of food reserves for even a month, and the army is on the brink of starvation. Taxes and corvée are relentless, driving the people to flee in all directions, and the roads are full of refugees. The country is growing increasingly weaker, and the prospect of turning defeat into victory remains elusive. Think about it, the enemy's flags are reversed, the marshal returns triumphantly; this is not something that can be accomplished overnight! Before the Qi army even arrives, Shen Hou is already fearing his old age. Not to mention we have been fighting for three years, the soldiers' armor is infested with lice; shouldn't we think this through carefully? Although the Jiangyang area comprises six commanderies, it is still just a prefectural region. If the war drags on, the people will be unable to endure it, and if the Sanjiang area is occupied by the enemy, Pengli Lake will also be threatened, then the enemy will have breached our gates, threatening our peace. Those aggressive armies are quick to anger, and the frightened populace is equally restless; this is our gravest concern! Since last year, we have suffered the loss of many generals in quick succession, the military advisors have made a series of blunders, the soldiers are worn out, and the enemy has already discerned our weaknesses. Even though we keep sending more troops, it may still fall short.
I think you should personally go to Jiangzhou before calling on the ministers to put in their efforts, in order to inspire the soldiers' morale. Station the Left Flank in Wuchang, imitating Tao Kan's strategy; establish a military fortress in Ancheng, fortifying the defenses like Gan Zhuo did. Then control Jiaozhou and Guangzhou to the south, calm the unrest among the tribes to the west. Control strategic locations, station elite troops, build strong defenses, and be prepared. With sufficient provisions for the army and the soldiers' morale high, we can seize the opportunity, surprise the enemy, strike their stronghold, establish prestige, open up new paths, and Du Tao's head will surely be brought down beneath our horses' hooves!
Some say that this large-scale military operation will be costly and harm the people. I say, temporarily disrupting the people to deal with the enemy is better than allowing the enemy to disturb the people in the long run, right? Think about it, our own bodies are the most precious; if we’re seriously ill, we might need surgery, right? However, we cannot afford to neglect our defenses! I suggest entrusting Wang Dao with a heavy responsibility like Xiao He.
Some say that the small bandits have almost been eliminated now, and there's no need to call the troops into action. I say, consider that Wang Mi also started as just a small-time bandit, right? The government troops underestimated him, which allowed him to become more and more arrogant, eventually leading to the loss of Wen Huai, chaos in the Sanhe region, and the current situation. This is a perfect example! If we can't let small weeds spread, how can we allow fierce enemies like wolves and rhinos to run rampant?
During the period of the Five Hegemons in the Spring and Autumn period, the generals were not weak, the soldiers were not cowardly, but every time they went to war, the monarch had to personally lead the troops into battle! Duke Huan of Qi removed his armor at Shaoling, Duke Wen of Jin donned his battle armor at Chengpu, and personally commanded the troops in battle! Historically, both Emperor Gaozu of Han and Emperor Guangwu, regardless of the distance or size of the enemy, personally beat the drums, shouted, charged into battle, endured wind and sun, suffered hunger and cold, traveled everywhere, never had a moment of peace, and finally established a solid foundation and achieved great merit.
The current situation is even worse than before, and the key to success or failure lies in our hands. It's tough to avoid conflict, keep the emperor out of war, and still achieve great victories! After Cao Cao unified the north, he personally went to battle at Liucheng, waved his flag on Lulong Mountain, and stationed his horse beyond the border. This wasn't due to an urgent situation at the time, but because he was worried that tolerating the enemy for a day would eventually become his own disaster. Therefore, even when facing danger, he didn’t find it hard. Moreover, our current situation is more urgent than his!
Liu Bei climbed Han Mountain himself, leading to Xiahou Yuan's defeat; Sun Quan personally led the battle on the Yangtze River, resulting in Guan Yu being killed; Yuan Shao was indecisive, missed opportunities, and lost two-thirds of his territory; Liu Biao remained idle and eventually lost the entire Jingzhou. Look at the rulers who have restored order in both ancient and modern times; even the sages, none of them succeeded without facing challenges and putting in hard work. The lessons of history are right before us, like using yarrow stalks and tortoise shells for divination, we can draw on and learn from them!
Some people say that it's blazing hot right now and not a good time to go to war. I say we should prepare quickly now and take action in the fall. With the wind at our backs and the current in our favor, our warships will arrive in Yuzhang in less than ten days. From Yuzhang to the enemy's territory, there is still a thousand miles to go, but as long as we go with great momentum, we can win. First, we need to secure the Xiang River Basin and Ying in Chu, then reward the soldiers to acknowledge their hard work; call them back and regroup, be kind to the people, and reduce taxes. In a few years, our country will be thriving and strong, and the army will be powerful enough to dominate the world. Who wouldn't submit? Where couldn't we go? Duke Huan’s accomplishments were just like this, and we can achieve them too! But now, out of fear of complications, we’re letting a dying enemy slip away, and that's a real shame for our country, a deep concern for a loyal subject!
I know I’m not an expert, but I have been appreciated and promoted by the emperor, and I only want to contribute my meager efforts to the country. A wise king won’t ignore my humble thoughts, and the soldiers' strategies will also be adopted. I hope you will seriously consider what I have said.
After I submitted my memorial, the emperor really liked my suggestions and immediately ordered a nationwide curfew to get ready to personally take on Tao Kan. However, Tao Kan had already quelled the rebellion, so the campaign was canceled.
Later, as the court thrived, I was appointed as the Marquis of the Imperial Guard and was then sent to serve as the magistrate of Yongxing County. General Wang Dun wanted me to be his aide and military advisor, but I sadly passed away before I could take office at forty-one. My writings have survived through the years.
My younger brother, Chen Tao, and my son, Chen Yan, were also pretty talented. Chen Tao, styled Maolue, worked as a Compiler and the magistrate of Wuxi County. Chen Yan, styled Tingjian, also worked as a Compiler. They both left us too soon.
Chen Yun, courtesy name Yansi, was a native of Ku County in Chen State. He was studious from a young age and very talented in writing. When his father wanted to build a house, Chen Yun said, "It should be built to accommodate a carriage." His father smiled and agreed. Chen Yun later became the county magistrate and a local official, capturing three thousand hidden criminals, ranking first in the state. Governor Liu Xiang promoted him to registrar, and the state also appointed him as a department official. He rode a carriage back home, bringing great honor to his family.
Oh, this is quite a story. The case of Prince Pei has not been completed yet, and Yang Zhun was reassigned before it was finished, with Jie taking over as the governor. Prince Pei had a good relationship with Prince Hejian, so this matter was entrusted to him. When Jie took office, he asked Shi Feng, the registrar, "Prince Pei is a relative of the imperial family; how could the state dare to arrest him?" At that time, Yun was also present and replied, "In the Jiawu year, the imperial edict clearly stated that the governor was acting under orders! Throughout the country, except for the central government, as long as they are within the state, the governor has the authority to manage. The evidence in this case is conclusive, and all the documents are here, with seven imperial edicts referring to this matter. The state's accusations against Prince Pei are entirely justified!"
Upon hearing this, Yúan said calmly, "You can't believe everything you hear. We must follow the law and thoroughly investigate the case!" He then asked the other officials, "Why is it that Hebei, with its rich land and wealthy people, doesn’t produce many talented folks? Every time officials are selected, there are fewer people from Hebei. What's going on?" Someone replied, "The Book of Songs says, 'When the gods descended on Weiyue, they gave birth to Fu and Shen,' meaning that most talented individuals come from the mountains and rivers. Hebei is flat, with average climate; the grass barely grows; how could it nurture talent?" Yúan laughed and replied, "Zhang Yanzhen claims that the people of Ruying are clever and eloquent, but they probably can't compare to the refined scholars of Qing and Xu regions." Yú shot back, "Zhang Yanzhen and Yuan Li don’t get along; that's just him being spiteful. Laozi and Zhuangzi are from Chen and Liang states, Fuxi, Fushuo, Shikuang, and Daxiang are from Yangxia, and the two founders of the Han Dynasty came from Pei and Qiao counties. Yuzhou has plenty of talent; other regions just can’t compete!" Yúan was taken aback by what Yú said and remarked, "The talents in Yuzhou do indeed make up half of the nation; that's absolutely correct!" Later, Yúan was appointed as a court official, and he wished he could have made better use of Yú's talents. During the Yuankang period, Yú was recommended as an upright and honest official, but the local officials wanted to hold onto him. Yú then recommended his fellow villager Jiao Bao, saying, "Jiao Bao comes from a humble background; he’s a straight shooter. If he can participate in important court affairs, he will definitely help out at court and earn the respect of the officials. This way, Yuzhou won’t be missing talents like Huang Xian anymore, and I won’t have to deal with the criticism anymore." The local officials hired Jiao Bao after that.
King Qi Jiong rebelled, and the province sent Guo Yun to lead troops to assist. He was then appointed as Duke of the Imperial Guard. When chaos broke out, he fled to Jiangxi. Later, Zhu Yan, the Prefect of Liyang, invited him to serve as a military adviser. Yuan Xiu, an official serving in Zhen Dong, recommended Guo Yun to Emperor Yuan. Guo Yun was promoted to the position of military adviser of Zhen Dong, overseeing the legal and military affairs. Guo Yun wrote to Wang Dao, saying, "The reason our country is in such disarray and the world is fragmented is mainly because the way talents are selected is wrong. People promote their reputations before doing real work; everyone praises each other and runs around to get promoted. Those who speak the loudest get promoted first, while those who talk less are left behind. This creates a culture of comparison that ultimately leads to the country's decline. Even worse, those who espouse Laozi’s philosophy confuse the court. Those who merely talk are seen as refined, while those who actually work are viewed as commoners. The nobles are indifferent to political affairs, and laws and regulations are gradually neglected. To govern far-off lands, we must first address local issues. So, if your words are true, even those thousands of miles away will heed you. We need to rectify this situation and clarify the rewards and punishments, employing talents like Zhuo Mao from Mi County and Zhu Yi from Tongxiang, just like in the past, to accomplish great things and aspire for the country's revival!"
During the Jianxing period when the new system was just being implemented, Guo Hui was appointed as a clerk. At that time, many subordinate officials took advantage of the bad habit of seeking fame from the former Western Department, acting cautiously while putting on a facade of maturity, but instead mistaking this behavior for elegance, adopting an arrogant attitude and looking down on others. Even now, court officials indulge themselves, act carelessly, and evade responsibilities, which has led to the country's imminent downfall. Just like a hundred-foot-high building that can be set ablaze by a small spark; a thousand-mile-long embankment that collapses from a tiny ant hole. The ancients always avoided disasters by being cautious and vigilant. From now on, those officials who claim to be ill when sent on missions and only take action when pushed should all be removed from their positions!
In the past, King Zhao Lun seized power, and consequently, three princes united to rebel, establishing the "Jihai Code" to assess merits and allocate rewards. Although the scale of rewards was somewhat limited afterward, everyone still followed this "Jihai Code." However, a man named Jun believed this approach was flawed and should not be treated as a standard system. He argued, "A wise ruler grants titles to those who deserve them, and enacts laws to punish those who violate them. Once these systems are clearly defined, people will work tirelessly for the country. Furthermore, titles and positions should not be given arbitrarily. Giving them to undeserving individuals will only lead to disaster, as countless historical precedents illustrate. For instance, Sun Xiu once spouted nonsense and distorted the mandate of heaven, leading to the ousting of Emperor Hui, which resulted in chaos in the realm. The three princes revolted, rallied the nation, and gained the people's support, which is why they established the "Jihai Righteous Code" to respond to the pressing crisis of the moment. This was merely a stopgap solution, not a standard practice. However, since the success of the rebellion, titles have been indiscriminately awarded based on this precedent, with some individuals being elevated to nobility without deserving it, others being appointed as officials in the military, and some even having servants bestowed titles. Consequently, the positions of high-ranking officials have been devalued, and noble titles lost their value. This is not a legitimate system and has undermined the court's order and the dignity of titles. Therefore, I propose that we put an end to this practice moving forward."
This person is rather proud and aloof, often submitting suggestions in memorials, which most court officials find disagreeable. Eventually, he was assigned as the governor of Qiao County. During the Taixing era, he was summoned back to court due to illness. After a long time, he was appointed as a minister in casual attire and seized the opportunity to offer some political advice to the court. He said, "Previously, the area south of the Yangtze River had only just been pacified, while the Central Plains region was still chaotic, so the court stopped the examination and selection of talented individuals. Now, we should gradually restore the old system, actively seek out reclusive scholars, and select talents through examinations. People like Ma Long and Meng Guan, although born in poverty, have made great contributions. However, because they do not understand military affairs, allowing them to command troops seldom results in success. Therefore, we should openly select individuals with military talent for leadership roles, conduct thorough assessments to gauge their abilities, and then entrust them with significant responsibilities based on their capabilities. Even if we select just one suitable candidate out of ten, it is better than not selecting any, let alone possibly selecting two or three. Consider the example of Ri Di from the Han Dynasty, who served in the palace for seven generations after his surrender; You Yu was a Rongdi person, but eventually became the prime minister of the Qin state. Does one really need to come from a prestigious family to succeed in government? Therefore, we should promote talented individuals who have been overlooked, and diminish the influence of those officials who are merely famous in name, in order to achieve peace in the world and communicate with the gods."
Old Xie later became the governor of Tianmen, and the local folks enjoyed a stable life. He picked a few trusted buddies to serve as military officers in Jingzhou, and they would report back to him right away if anything came up, so he was always prepared in advance. When General Tao Kan returned triumphantly, Old Xie arrived at Baling earlier to welcome him. General Tao Kan thought highly of Old Xie's abilities and recommended him as the governor of Liangzhou. Old Xie did a fantastic job managing the neglected Liangzhou and was deeply loved by the people. Unfortunately, some big families in Liangzhou got jealous of him and spread rumors that Old Xie was getting old, deaf, and blind. Tao Kan then recalled Old Xie and appointed Jiang Xun, the governor of Xiyang, to replace him. Old Xie passed away at sixty-nine.
Gao Song, also known as Maoyan, was from Guangling. His father, Gao Kui, passed away when he was young, but he was famous for being very filial to his mother. When he was thirteen and there was a famine, the family couldn't even get enough to eat, and Gao Kui always saved the best food for his mother. He was also very kind to his younger brothers, showing a lot of brotherly love. Later, their family moved to Jiangzhou, where the governor, Hua Yi, saw his talent and made him a scribe in the Western Bureau. When Hua Yi fell from power, Gao Kui kept his son hidden for years until he was let go during an amnesty. Emperor Yuan was really touched when he heard about it, forgave Gao Kui, and made him a military officer. He got promoted all the way up to be the magistrate of Danyang, a big shot in the Imperial Household, and was even granted the title of Jianchang Earl.
Gao Song had a passion for learning from a young age, particularly talented in history. When he was still a child, Sikong Hechong praised him as intelligent and talented. After Hechong became the governor of Yangzhou, he invited Gao Song to serve as his chief secretary and showed even more respect for him. Later, Gao Song took on the role of chief secretary of the Cavalry and was recognized as an outstanding talent in the province. He also became a Doctor at the Imperial Academy. After his father passed away, he stepped down from his official post. Gao Kuai, his father, had previously been dismissed from office for taking a concubine. After Gao Kuai's death, Gao Song personally went to the judicial office to seek justice for his father. He mourned for five years without laying his father to rest and filed dozens of petitions for a retrial. The Emperor was touched by his filial devotion and determination and issued a decree declaring: "Gao Kuai once held an important position and was dismissed from office for violating the law, which had happened long ago. His son Gao Song has relentlessly sought justice for his father. I hereby grant him the title of Marquis." This event catapulted Gao Song to great fame. He later served as a Gentleman of the Palace Library and a Minister of the Yellow Gate.
During the reign of Emperor Jianwen, Wang Song was appointed as General. At that time, Huan Wen wielded great power, leading his troops on a northern campaign and stationed in Wuchang, which caused great concern for Emperor Jianwen. Wang Song said, "We should write him a letter outlining the benefits and drawbacks, and he will naturally withdraw his troops. If he does not listen, then prepare the troops, and when the time comes, we will see whether he complies or resists. If there are other strategies, we should first gauge the situation." Wang Song then drafted a letter on the spot for Emperor Jianwen: "Timing is crucial for pacifying rebellions, as is the gathering of troops. This is indeed a long-term national plan and an important strategic decision. Besides you, who else could have brought about this gathering? However, mobilization must be supported by adequate supplies. In ancient times, logistical supply was considered difficult, so one should not easily act without careful consideration. I have been indecisive lately, and this is the reason why. However, unconventional actions can instill fear, and rumors may abound; I believe you have heard some. If not handled properly, the consequences could be dire. Perhaps it can intimidate the enemy and make them disperse immediately. If not, both parties will suffer, and the nation's critical matters will be jeopardized. All of this stems from my incompetence and my failure to uphold virtue and credibility, failing to stabilize the people and fortify the city defenses, so I feel guilty in my heart and ashamed before my friends. Although our positions differ internally and externally, our goal is the same for the stability of the country and the defense of the state. The stability of the realm hinges on your wise and virtuous rule. First, ensure internal stability, then strategize externally to strengthen the royal foundation; this is my hope for you. How can I hold back my sincere intentions out of fear?"
After Huan Wen received the letter, he went back. Wang Song was later promoted multiple times and became a Chamberlain. At that time, Xie Wan served as the governor of Yuzhou, exhausted from entertaining and bidding farewell to relatives and friends; Xie Wan was resting in his room. Wang Song went to visit him directly and asked, "How do you plan to manage the western border now?" Xie Wan briefly talked about his thoughts. Wang Song then detailed hundreds of principles of governance. Xie Wan immediately sat up, called Wang Song by his nickname, and said, "Aling! You are indeed talented!" Emperor Ai liked to take medicinal pills, and Wang Song advised him, "This is not something an emperor should do. Your Majesty is actually harming your own body by doing this." He was later dismissed from his official duties and passed away at home. His son, Wang Qi, rose to the position of Cavalier Attendant.
Historical records say that although Zhang Liang was a bit clumsy in negotiations with Xiang Yu, he was very good at giving advice to Liu Bang; although Sun Hui failed to persuade King Qi to adopt his strategies, he demonstrated his talents in the East Sea region. In the end, they willingly served the prosperous dynasty as generals in expeditions and hunts, but their achievements ultimately did not continue. Was it because they encountered bad timing? Or was it because their governing methods were not accepted? They were too focused on their loyalty, unable to see the situation clearly, and were already on the wrong path; how could they possibly succeed in the end? Xiong Yuan and Wang Jian had the ability to assist the monarch, like pillars supporting a building!
Song maligned Wen Qiao, obstructed their alliances, thwarted their wasteful strategies, elaborated on their views in the Ruying area, emulated Guo Jia's sharp insights, inherited Zhu Yu's lingering charm, so Huan Wen abandoned Xu You's strategies and dispelled suspicions towards Wang Lang. This is the method used by historians!
Praise: Linxiang excels in talent and wisdom. His name is renowned, and his writings are exceptional. He is filial and loyal, and his words are commendable. His exceptional talents and craftsmanship are notable. The noble heritage continues, and the noble families stand out.
