Yang Hu, styled Shuzi, was from the southern city of Mount Tai. His ancestors had been officials for several generations, holding positions of over 2,000 shi, and were known for their integrity and honesty. His grandfather, Yang Xu, served as the Governor of Nanyang in the Han Dynasty, and his father, Yang Mao, served as the Governor of Shangdang. Yang Hu was also the grandson of the great calligrapher Cai Yong and was a half-brother to the Empress of Emperor Jing of Han. When Yang Hu was twelve years old, he lost his father, but he was deeply filial, going beyond what was expected of him in terms of etiquette and showing extreme respect to his uncle, Yang Dan. Once, while playing by the Wen River, he met a villager who told him, "Young man, you have a handsome appearance. Before you turn sixty, you will surely achieve great things in the world!" Yang Hu did not know who the villager was at the time.
As Yang Hu grew up, he became knowledgeable, eloquent, and was seven feet three inches tall, with a handsome appearance and exceptional speaking skills. The Magistrate Xiahou Wei admired him and married him to his brother Xiahou Ba's daughter. He was recommended for government positions several times, but he declined every offer. When Cao Shuang summoned him along with Wang Shen, Wang Shen advised him to go, but Yang Hu said, "It's not that easy to depend on others." Later, when Cao Shuang fell from power, Wang Shen was dismissed for being a former subordinate of Cao Shuang. He said to Yang Hu, "I remember what you said before!" Yang Hu replied, "I didn't plan this from the beginning." His foresight and ability to prepare were truly admirable.
After Xiahou Ba surrendered to Shu Han, many relatives cut ties with him, but Yang Hu continued to treat him well and show even more respect. Later, when Yang Hu's mother passed away, followed by the loss of his elder brother, he fell into deep grief. For several years, he lived in seclusion, humble and cautious, much like a hermit or a scholar.
After Emperor Wen of Wei became Grand General, he summoned Yang Hu, but Yang Hu did not go. Later, the court sent a carriage to summon him again, appointing him as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and shortly after promoted him to Secretary and Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. At that time, the Duke of Gaogui liked to pursue literary endeavors, and many people in the court presented poems and essays to praise him. He Yan, a native of Runan, was criticized for his differing opinions, and Yang Hu was caught in the middle. He neither flattered the powerful nor distanced himself from them, keeping a clear head. After the Prince of Chenliu ascended the throne, he appointed Yang Hu as Marquis of Guanzhong with a fief of 100 households. Because Yang Hu found serving the emperor to be too exhausting, he requested to be transferred to a local official position and was appointed as Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat. After the five-tiered nobility system was established, he was granted the title of Juping with a fief of 600 households. At that time, Zhong Hui was powerful and envious of others, and Yang Hu was wary of him as well. After Zhong Hui was executed, Yang Hu was appointed as Assistant to the Chancellor, handling confidential matters alongside Xun Xu. He was later promoted to Central Army Commander, on duty in the palace, exercising significant military authority, and handling all internal and external affairs.
After Emperor Wu of Han abdicated, due to the valuable assistance of Sima Yan (styled Ziyi), Emperor Wu of Jin promoted him to General of the Central Army, also appointing him as a Cavalier Attendant, and changing his title to Duke of the County with a fief of 3,000 households. Sima Yan humbly declined the title of Duke of the County, ultimately accepting promotion to a Marquis and appointment as Prefect of the Masters of Writing, responsible for the duties of the Nine Ministers, and his wife was also bestowed additional honors.
During the Taishi era, Emperor Wu of Jin issued a decree saying, "Managing the court's affairs, coordinating the functions of the six ministries, this is the foundation of governing the country. Sima Yan, your character is noble, loyal and upright, skilled in both civil and military affairs, firm and incorruptible. Although you are at the heart of the court, you have never held the most important pivotal position. This is not my intention to shirk responsibility or be inactive. Now, I appoint you as the Right Minister of the Secretariat and General of the Guards, and provide you with the army of the capital." At that time, Wang You, Jia Chong, and Pei Xiu were all famous ministers of the previous dynasty. Sima Yan always modestly yielded, never boasting of his accomplishments.
Emperor Wu of Jin wanted to destroy the state of Wu, so he appointed Sima Yan as the Commander of the military affairs in Jingzhou, granting him the authority of a temporary imperial seal. The positions of Cavalier In Regular Attendance and General of the Guards remained unchanged. Sima Yan led his troops to station in Nanxia, established schools, brought peace to the people, and won the love of the people in the Jianghan region. He established a relationship of mutual trust with the people of Wu, allowing those who wished to surrender to depart. At that time, when local officials died, their descendants often shunned their old mansions, often destroying them. Sima Yan believed that life and death are fated and unrelated to the houses they occupied, so he ordered each town to prohibit this behavior. The Stone City of Wu was more than 700 miles away from Xiangyang, often causing disturbances on the border. Sima Yan was very worried about this and ultimately devised a strategy to compel Wu to withdraw its troops. As a result, half of the stationed soldiers were reduced, and over 800 acres of land were cultivated, yielding significant benefits. When Sima Yan first took office, the army lacked even a hundred days' worth of food supplies, but by the end of the year, they had accumulated ten years' worth of food. Later, the court abolished the position of Commander of Jiangbei and established the Southern General of the Army, assigning all troops stationed in Handong and Jiangxia to Sima Yan's command.
He always wore light clothing in the military, without armor. Under the bell tower, there were just a handful of guards, but he was often preoccupied with hunting and fishing, neglecting his duties. Once, he wanted to go out at night, but the military officer Xu Yin blocked the camp gate with his halberd and said, "General, you are in charge of thousands of miles of territory; how can you take such risks! Your safety is the country's safety too. This camp gate won't open unless I die!" Sima Yan's expression changed, and he quickly apologized, rarely venturing out on his own after that.
The emperor appointed him as a general with the same status as officials from the three provinces. He firmly declined the appointment in his memorial, saying, "I have heard of the emperor's grace in promoting me to such a high position. Since I entered the service, it has only been a little over ten years. I have held significant positions both in the court and in the provinces. I have always worried that my abilities are not enough to handle high positions, and that favor cannot last long. Therefore, I have been anxious day and night, viewing glory and wealth as sources of anxiety. The ancients said that accepting high positions and rewards before one's virtues are recognized will make talented people lose their ambition; accepting high positions and rewards before one's merits are acknowledged will make diligent people stop working hard. Now I am an outsider, and the matter involves national affairs. The most important thing to guard against is excessive favor. I am afraid that I will be forgotten, but the emperor insists on appointing me to such a high position. What merit do I possess to deserve such an honor? How can my heart be calm? Those who occupy high positions often face downfall. I would prefer to safeguard my ancestors' old home rather than accept such an honor! Disobeying the emperor's decree is a serious offense, and reluctantly accepting it is the same. I have heard that the ancients valued integrity and honesty, and ministers should refuse if they cannot uphold their integrity. Although I am a small person, I dare to uphold this principle despite the favor I have received. Now that the world has been peaceful for eight years, although the emperor has recruited talents extensively and not overlooked any humble person, I have no outstanding merits or virtues. Few recognize my abilities, and more do not. If there are still talented people living in the countryside, and the court ministers have no objections to me, and I myself see no problem, wouldn't the loss be great? Even though I have held significant positions for many years, I have never received such high favor and trust as I do now, equivalent to the prime minister. Although I am ignorant, I know that the Grand Masters Li Xi, Lu Zhi, and Li Yin are upright and incorruptible, honest and straightforward, and lead simple lives. They all retired only when they were old, following the rules. Although they have also experienced favor in their positions, their lives are the same as ordinary people, and they have not been promoted like me. How can I justify my position to others, and how can I account for the time I have been given? Therefore, I swear to uphold my integrity and not have any greedy thoughts. Now that the roads are clear and there are matters to be handled everywhere, I earnestly request the emperor to revoke the decree and let me return to the army quickly. If I delay here, there will certainly be unexpected situations. This is my heartfelt request, and it should not be ignored." The emperor did not listen.
Second paragraph: The emperor still did not heed his request. He insisted on refusing, believing he was undeserving and could not accept such a high position. He was worried that he would bring trouble upon himself because of his high rank, and even more worried that he would not be competent and would disappoint the emperor's expectations. He pointed to several other Guanglu officials, who were all honest, diligent, and dedicated, yet did not receive such a high promotion, while he surpassed them, which left him feeling uneasy and guilty. He believed that he should return to the military to serve the country, rather than get caught up in wealth and fame. He expressed a strong desire, hoping that the emperor could understand his difficulties, revoke the decree, and let him return to his familiar and competent position to serve the country diligently, to prevent any mishaps due to him. Upon returning to the town, the governor of Xiling in Wu, Bu Chan, voluntarily surrendered. However, Wu general Lu Kang pursued him relentlessly and launched a fierce attack on Xiling. The court ordered Yang Hu to meet Bu Chan. Yang Hu led fifty thousand troops from Jiangling and also sent the Governor of Jingzhou, Yang Zhao, to attack Lu Kang, but without success. Bu Chan was eventually captured by Lu Kang. Those in power commented, "Yang Hu led over eighty thousand troops against an enemy of only thirty thousand, yet he lingered in Jiangling, allowing the enemy to prepare. Then he sent Yang Zhao with a small force to attack a dangerous area, with few troops and scarce provisions, resulting in low morale and eventual defeat. This completely goes against the court's orders and is unbecoming of a senior official. He should be relieved of his position and allowed to retire with the treatment of a marquis." Ultimately, Yang Hu was demoted to General Who Pacifies the South, while Yang Zhao was reduced to commoner status.
Yang Hu remembered that Meng Xian stationed his troops in Yingwu Camp, which instilled fear in the people of Zheng; Yan Ruo stationed in Dongyang, leading the people of Laizi to surrender. Therefore, he chose strategically advantageous terrain, built five cities, occupied fertile land, and cut off the supply of resources to Wu. The area west of Shicheng belonged to the Jin Dynasty. Since then, surrenders from Wu became frequent. Yang Hu placed greater emphasis on benevolence and trustworthiness to pacify the newly surrendered people, with the aim of fully annexing Wu. Whenever he fought the Wu army, he would agree on a time to fight and never engage in ambushes. If his generals considered using tricks, he would dissuade them over drinks. When two Wu children were captured as prisoners, Yang Hu returned them home. Later, Wu generals Xia Xiang, Shao Yi, and others surrendered, and the fathers of those two children surrendered along with their men. Wu generals Chen Shang and Pan Jing invaded Jin territory; Yang Hu pursued and defeated them, commending their loyalty and ensuring they received honorable burials. When the sons of Chen Shang and Pan Jing came to collect the bodies, Yang Hu graciously returned them. Wu general Deng Xiang plundered Xiakou; Yang Hu offered a reward for Deng Xiang's capture alive, yet he pardoned him after taking him prisoner. Deng Xiang was deeply appreciative of Yang Hu's kindness and led his followers to surrender.
When Yang Hu's troops marched in Wu territory, when they needed food, they harvested local crops, always ensuring to calculate the amount taken and compensate with silk. Every time they gathered troops for hunting in the Jiang and Mian area, they restricted their activities to Jin territory. If the prey was injured by Wu soldiers and later discovered by Jin troops, Yang Hu would return the game to the Wu. Therefore, the people of Wu held him in high regard, referring to him as "Yang Gong" rather than by his name.
Yang Hu and Lu Kang met and exchanged information. Lu Kang praised Yang Hu's character and talents, saying that even figures like Le Yi and Zhuge Kongming paled in comparison to him. Lu Kang had been ill before, and Yang Hu sent him medicine, which Lu Kang accepted without a second thought. Many advised Lu Kang to be careful, but he said, "How could Yang Hu poison me!" People at the time believed that loyal and righteous individuals like Hua Yuan and Zi Fan had reappeared. Lu Kang often told his soldiers, "They are wholeheartedly good, while we are seen as the bad guys; they'll surrender without a fight. We just need to guard our own borders and not covet those small gains." Sun Hao, upon hearing that the two regions were on good terms, questioned Lu Kang. Lu Kang replied, "A small village or a small town cannot be without credit and morality; how much more so for a great nation! If I do not act this way, it would instead highlight his benevolence, and it won't harm Yang Hu at all."
Yang Hu was upright and honest, free from selfish motives, and he despised evil and treacherous individuals, which made people like Xun Xu and Feng Dan resent him. His nephew Wang Yan once visited Yang Hu to discuss matters, speaking very eloquently, but Yang Hu disagreed with his viewpoint, which led Wang Yan to storm out. Yang Hu looked at the guests present and said, "Wang Yifu holds a high position due to his fame, but he corrupts social morals and harms the common people; this person is bound to run into trouble in the future." In the Battle of Bu Chan, Yang Hu intended to execute Wang Rong according to military law, which caused both Wang Rong and Wang Yan to resent him, often speaking ill of Yang Hu behind his back. At that time, people even composed a catchy saying: "With the two Wangs in charge, Yang Gong's virtue is nonexistent."
In the early years of Xianning, Yang Hu was appointed as the General of the Southern Campaign and was given the authority to appoint officials at his discretion. At first, Yang Hu believed that the campaign against the Wu Kingdom should leverage the advantageous terrain in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. At that time, there was a nursery rhyme circulating in the Wu Kingdom: "A Tong returns, A Tong, with a knife floating down the river. Not afraid of the beasts on the shore, but afraid of the dragon in the water." After hearing this, Yang Hu said, "This surely indicates that the navy is eager to prove itself; we just need to consider who can fill the role of 'A Tong'." Coincidentally, Wang Jun, the governor of Yizhou, was reassigned as the Grand Minister of Agriculture, and Yang Hu was confident in his abilities. Since Wang Jun's nickname was also A Tong, Yang Hu submitted a petition to the court, assigning Wang Jun to oversee military affairs in Yizhou and promoting him to the rank of General of Dragon's Might, secretly instructing him to repair the ships and prepare for an upstream assault on the Wu Kingdom.
The emperor strengthened military training and made extensive preparations for war. At this time, he submitted a memorial stating: "The late emperor followed the will of Heaven, pacified Bashu, reconciled with Wu, allowing the nation to rest and recuperate, and the people to live and work in peace. However, Wu betrayed its promise, leading to the outbreak of war once again. Although the mandate of Heaven determines the rise and fall of a nation, the achievements of a nation must still rely on human effort. If Wu is not completely eradicated, the people will never find peace. This also serves to honor the late emperor's legacy and fulfill the desire for peace throughout the realm. Just like Emperor Yao's campaign against the enemies of Dan Shui and Emperor Shun's expedition against the San Miao, all were aimed at stabilizing the world, stopping wars, and achieving peace. When Bashu was pacified, people believed Wu would soon fall. Thirteen years have passed since then, which marks a full cycle, and the time to pacify Wu has come again. Some people always say that if we use benevolence and righteousness to persuade the regions of Wu and Chu, they will submit; if we first conquer them with military force, they will resist stubbornly. This may have been true in ancient times. Now we must unify the country and cannot use the same methods. Those who only talk about benevolence and righteousness do not understand the need to adapt to circumstances, so while there may be many strategies, the ultimate decision lies with me. Those states that survive by relying on rugged terrain do so because their enemies are of comparable strength; they can protect themselves due to the difficult terrain. If the strength of the enemy and us is vastly different, then even the wisest cannot devise strategies, and the rugged terrain cannot hold. Although Bashu has treacherous terrain, with towering mountains and deep valleys that never see sunlight, and roads that are difficult to traverse, we still conquered it. It is said that one man can hold the pass against ten thousand, but when we advanced, we encountered no obstacles, killed enemy generals, captured enemy flags, and the bodies of the enemy piled up like mountains. We pressed our advantage and marched straight to Chengdu, while the cities of Hanzhong were too frightened to come out. It wasn't that they lacked fighting spirit; they were simply too weak. After Liu Shan surrendered, the defenses of Bashu collapsed on their own.
The current strategic position of the Jianghuai region is not as formidable as that of Jian'ge; the mountainous terrain is not as treacherous as that of Minshan and Hanshui; Sun Hao's tyranny surpasses that of Liu Shan; the plight of the Wu kingdom is even more dire than that of Bashu. However, our Jin army is now larger than ever, and our military supplies are more plentiful than ever. If we do not seize this opportunity to pacify the Wu kingdom now and instead continue to remain in a stalemate, the common people will endure the suffering of war for an extended period, and the country will find it difficult to develop sustainably. We should seize this opportunity to unify the realm. If we use Liangyi's troops to launch simultaneous attacks by water and land, and the Jingchu army attacks Jiangling, pacifying the southern and Yuzhou regions, while directly targeting Xiakou, and the armies from Xuzhou, Yangzhou, Qingzhou, and Yanzhou simultaneously attack Muling, using banners to confuse the enemy and employing diverse tactics to mislead them, the small Wu kingdom will be confronted by the combined forces of our nation. They will inevitably disperse their troops to fight on multiple fronts, while our elite forces from Bahans can take advantage of the situation. Once the Wu kingdom collapses in one area, the entire kingdom will be thrown into disarray. The Wu kingdom relies on the Yangtze River for its existence and has no hinterland to speak of; it stretches thousands of miles from east to west, relying solely on city defenses. Faced with a powerful enemy, they cannot find peace. Sun Hao is cruel and despotic, suspicious of his subordinates, and even renowned ministers and capable generals do not dare to trust him, so those like Sun Xiu are forced to ally with him out of necessity. The court is filled with anxiety, and the common people suffer greatly; they have no means to preserve the country and lack resolute determination. Usually, they think of fleeing, and once war breaks out, many will inevitably surrender; they cannot possibly unite to resist to the death, which is predictable. The customs and practices of the Wu kingdom are impulsive and hasty, making it difficult for them to engage in prolonged warfare. Their bows, crossbows, halberds, and shields are not as good as those of our Central Plains army; only in naval battles do they have an advantage. Once we enter their territory, the Yangtze River will no longer serve as their barrier. If they retreat to their cities, it will turn into close quarters combat. Our army is like a bamboo shoot breaking through the ground, and the soldiers are determined to achieve merit and be rewarded. The Wu army, trapped within the city, will surely be compelled to defend it. In this way, it won't be long before we can bring down the Wu kingdom." The emperor wholeheartedly agreed with his proposal.
Qin Liang was said to have faced repeated defeats in battle, and Hu submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying, "With the Wu Kingdom pacified, the Hu people will naturally be at peace. Now the most important thing is to quickly complete the great cause!" However, many people in the court did not agree with his opinion. Hu sighed and said, "There is nothing in this world that goes exactly as one wishes. Out of ten things, seven or eight are usually unsatisfactory. Therefore, some things need to be dealt with decisively. If you let the opportunity slip by, you'll regret it later!"
Later, the emperor issued an edict, dividing the five counties of Wuyang, Mou, Nancheng, Liangfu, and Pingyang located south of Mount Tai, establishing Nancheng Commandery, and appointed him a chancellor, placing him on par with a duke. Hu declined, saying, "When Zhang Liang requested to accept only a fief of ten thousand households, Emperor Gaozu did not force him. I've already received favors from the late emperor. How dare I accept such a high title, that would just stir up gossip!" He firmly refused the appointment, and the emperor finally agreed. Hu always showed humility and modesty when promoted, and his upright character and noble morals led to his unconventional promotion by the emperor. Therefore, his reputation was excellent, and both the court and the people admired him, believing he should serve as prime minister. The emperor was planning to annex other countries and wanted to rely on Hu to handle affairs in the southeast, so he temporarily set aside the matter. During his service in two dynasties, holding important positions, everyone consulted him on government affairs, but he never pursued personal gain. He burned the drafts of his valuable suggestions, so not many people in later generations knew about them. Others did not know where his recommendations came from. Some thought Hu was too cautious, but he retorted, "That's nonsense! Sincerity is required in front of the emperor, caution is needed outside the palace, and secrecy must be maintained between sovereign and subject. I'm worried I'm not cautious enough! If I can't even recommend talented people, how can I say I can judge character? Furthermore, I don’t accept titles in court or express gratitude at home."
Hu's daughter and son-in-law once advised him, "You should invest in some property for future security; wouldn't that be wise?" Hu remained silent. After they left, he said to his sons, "They only see one side of things! As a minister, thinking only of yourself goes against the country's interests—that's a serious mistake! Remember my words." He also wrote a letter to his younger brother Xiu, saying, "Once things settle at the border, I'll don a bamboo hat and head back home to prepare for the future. I'm just an ordinary person, yet I find myself in a high position. How can I not worry about the trouble my success might bring? Shu Guang is my role model!"
I have a special connection with nature. Every time I go out for fun, I must go to Xian Mountain, where I can sip wine and write poetry without getting tired all day. One time, I suddenly sighed and said to my staff, "Since the heavens and the earth exist, this mountain has been here. From ancient times to the present, how many outstanding talents have come here to gaze into the distance, just like me and you! But they all faded into obscurity, which is really sad. If I'm still aware a hundred years from now, my spirit will surely return here!" Zou Zhan said, "You are respected and renowned; your achievements and good name will surely be passed down through the ages just like Xian Mountain. As for us small people, we can only be as you said."
Later, because of my meritorious service in suppressing the bandits of the Wu Kingdom, the court wanted to elevate my title and land, but I asked that these rewards go to my nephew Cai Xi. The emperor made Cai Xi the Marquis of Guannei, giving him a fief of three hundred households.
At this time, the Wu people launched another attack on Yiyang and Jiangxia, plundering the common folk. The court sent envoys with a letter questioning why I hadn't pursued the enemy and was even considering relocating the prefectural government back to its former site. I said, "Jiangxia is eight hundred miles away from Xiangyang. By the time we receive news of the bandits, they will have already fled far away. How could infantry possibly reach them in time? It wouldn’t be wise to expend manpower and resources on assigning blame. During Cao Cao's reign, the governor's offices he established were relatively close to the prefectural government, allowing military force to deter the enemy and maintain local stability. In border areas, mutual cooperation and careful defense are strategies that have proven effective throughout history. If we hastily relocate the prefecture without knowing the enemy's next moves, we will not know where it would be appropriate to move the prefectural government." The envoy was speechless after I said this and could not say anything more.
Lao Zhang fell ill and wanted to enter the palace to see the emperor. When he arrived in Luoyang, he coincided with the funeral procession of Jingxian Palace, which made him extremely sad. The emperor specifically sent someone to inform him to come to the palace despite his illness. The emperor also ordered that he be carried into the hall in a sedan chair without having to bow, truly giving him a great deal of honor. After Lao Zhang sat down, he presented his strategy for attacking Wu to the emperor.
The emperor felt that his health was not good and it was not suitable for him to enter the palace frequently, so he sent the Chancellor, Zhang Hua, to understand his thoughts. Lao Zhang said, "Now that Your Majesty has abdicated and ascended the throne, your reputation is very good, but you have not yet made any remarkable achievements. The tyranny of the Wu Kingdom means we might win without even fighting. If we can unify the nation and promote education, you will be as revered as Yao and Shun. This will usher in a prosperous era for generations. But if we miss this opportunity, if Sun Hao dies and a new emperor is established in Wu, even if Wu has a million troops, the Yangtze River will not be able to stop them, and it could spell disaster!" Zhang Hua greatly agreed with his plan. Lao Zhang said to Zhang Hua, "You are the one who can fulfill my wish."
The emperor wanted General Zhang to command the troops while bedridden. General Zhang said, "It is not necessary for me to personally attack the Wu Kingdom. As long as we win, the rest can be left to you to handle, Your Majesty. I do not seek fame or recognition. When the matter is done, someone needs to take over. I hope Your Majesty can carefully select the right person."
General Zhang's illness became increasingly severe, so he then recommended Du Yu to take over his position. He passed away shortly after, at the age of fifty-eight. The emperor donned plain clothes to mourn him, deeply saddened. It was an especially cold day; the emperor's tears froze in his beard and hair. People from various southern states heard the news of General Zhang's death that day, and all wept bitterly. The markets closed, the streets and alleys echoed with cries, and even the soldiers on the border of the Wu Kingdom wept. This shows just how many people were touched by General Zhang's kindness! The emperor bestowed upon him a set of precious items from the Eastern Garden, a set of court robes, three hundred thousand coins, and one hundred bolts of cloth. The imperial edict read: "General Zhang Hu, Marquis of Nancheng, was of noble character, with pure and lofty ideals. While serving in the palace, he was loyal and assisted the royal family, participating in confidential affairs within and leading the region externally. He should have made great achievements, forever assisting us, but sadly passed away at a young age, which has caused us great sorrow. He is posthumously honored with the titles of Grand Preceptor and Supervisor, with other honors unchanged."
The old marquis lived a modest lifestyle, dressing in a plain manner. He devoted all his salary to supporting his extended family and rewarding his soldiers, leaving no extra funds at home. Before his death, he specifically instructed his family not to place the seal of the Marquis of South City into his coffin. His brothers understood his wishes and wanted to bury him next to the ancestral tomb. The emperor did not agree and granted him a burial plot ten miles away from the imperial tomb, spanning one hectare, and posthumously honored him with the title "Marquis Cheng." When the old marquis's funeral procession began, the emperor was still saying farewell south of the Grand Marshal's Gate. The old marquis's nephew, Prince Qi You, wrote that the old marquis's wife did not wish for him to be buried with the honors of a marquis. The emperor then issued a decree saying, "The old marquis had repeatedly declined his title while he was alive, and his resolve was unwavering and steadfast. Even in death, he remains so humble, and his integrity is even more commendable. This is comparable to the wisdom of Yi Shu and the integrity of Ji Zi! We shall now honor his final wishes by restoring his original title to recognize his noble character."
When Emperor Wen died, the old Marquis said to Fu Xuan, "Observing mourning for three years should be followed even by high-ranking officials and nobles, from the emperor to the common people; but Emperor Wen abolished this system, destroyed the rituals, and harmed human relationships, which I have been sighing about. Now the emperor is filial by nature, with the virtues of Confucius and Mencius. Although he has been excused from his mourning period, he still earnestly carried out the funeral rites. If the funeral rites are carried out seriously, why remove the mourning attire? If we can seize this opportunity to abolish the frivolous rituals that have persisted since the Han and Wei dynasties, restore the laws of the ancient kings, educate customs, and leave a lasting legacy for generations, wouldn't that be a good thing?" Fu Xuan said, "Emperor Wen abolished it because the social climate at that time was superficial and it would be difficult to suddenly restore it now." The old Marquis said, "Even if we cannot make all people in the world follow the rituals, as long as the emperor can personally observe mourning, wouldn't that be good?" Fu Xuan said, "If the emperor does not remove his mourning clothes while all the people in the world do, then there will only be father-son affection and no loyalty between ruler and subjects, thus breaking the Three Principles and Five Virtues." The old Marquis then stopped. The writings of the old Marquis, along with his commentary on the "Laozi," have been passed down through the ages. The people of Xiangyang constructed a temple for him on Mount Xian, where the old Marquis used to visit frequently during his lifetime, and they worship him every year. Anyone who sees the monument can't help but shed tears, so Du Yu named it the "Tear-Dropping Monument." In Jingzhou, to avoid mentioning the name of the old Marquis, every household replaced the character '户' (household) with '门' (door), changing "户曹" to "辞曹."
General Hu had served for many years; he was humble and cautious, never shunned talent. It wasn't until shortly before his death that he appointed some advisors. Unfortunately, he passed away before they could be formally appointed, and they never had the chance to take office. Therefore, his staff members Liu Kuai, Zhao Yin, Liu Mi, Sun Bo, and others jointly submitted a memorial to the court stating: "In the past, we were mistakenly appointed and, fortunately, became the general's subordinates, participating in various affairs. The general was upright and honest, with a noble character; despite holding a high position and great power, he was humble and cautious, and behaved respectfully. Previously, the court entrusted him to pacify the south, not only granting him the official position of San Si but also appointing him as the Grand General. But although he held a high position, he never once abused his power. Up to now, people across the realm looked up to him, and many outstanding talents admired him. Those who visited his residence became upright, even the greedy, and those who were weak-willed found their purpose. Even the wisest of ancient monarchs could not match his virtue. Since he had been guarding the south, his governance brought benefits to the Jianghan region. He had formulated long-term strategies, effectively expanded the territory, and all his plans were meticulous and well-organized. He was dedicated to the country, diligent, and responsible, appointing four advisors shortly before his death, but unfortunately, he passed away before they could take office.
The duty of court officials is to recommend talented individuals to serve the country; it is also their responsibility to discover and promote unknown talents. It is a regret for court officials when a general passes away before fulfilling his wishes. The general was humble and cautious for many years, but unfortunately did not have a good ending in his later years, which brought sorrow to people both near and far. In ancient times, people honored the trees where the deceased had rested or played. If people remember and protect trees in memory of the deceased, how much more should those officials, whom the general appointed during his lifetime, be honored and given their due positions? We humbly request the Emperor to allow them to be appointed according to the treatment of the officials appointed by the general during his lifetime. The memorial further stated: "Although the general opened his mansion, he did not have enough subordinates, which reflects his humility. He appointed talented individuals even while ill, but unfortunately passed away without any descendants. The government did not appoint the officials he wanted to appoint during his lifetime, which not only reflects the hopes of the local people but also our own concerns. Those who have served the country faithfully should be honored after their passing. Even Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang generously granted four thousand households of land to comfort the descendants of Zhao. We request the Emperor to approve our request." Nevertheless, the Emperor ultimately denied their request.
When Hu was two years old, the state of Wu had been pacified, and the ministers gathered to wish the emperor longevity. The emperor held a wine cup and cried, saying, "This is all thanks to Grand Tutor Yang!" Therefore, because of Hu's role in pacifying the state of Wu, the emperor went to his temple to pay his respects, and following the precedent set by Xiao He, he bestowed honors upon his wife. The emperor's edict read: "The emperor sends the envoy Du Hong to inform the late Grand Preceptor and Prime Minister Ju Pingcheng, Marquis Hu: In the past, the state of Wu was disrespectful, taking advantage of its strategic location to claim kingship and emperorship, and the border regions did not pay tribute to the court for many years. Hu accepted the task of pacifying the state of Wu, wholeheartedly seeking to quell the chaos of conflict, promoting civilization externally, establishing temple strategies internally, using virtue to win people over, with sincerity and earnestness. The people of the Jianghan region all pledged their loyalty to the court; his contributions were remarkable, his strategies comprehensive. Unfortunately, his ambitions were not fulfilled, and I am deeply saddened. Therefore, I ordered the various armies to attack Wu, and the war did not last long; one campaign destroyed the state of Wu, as if it had been predetermined. Rewards should not overlook merit. The state has such regulations and should expand his fiefdom to honor his past contributions, but also consider his modest character during his lifetime. Now his wife, Lady Xiahou, has been appointed as the Lady of Wansui Township, with a fief consisting of five thousand households, and was awarded ten thousand bolts of silk and ten thousand bushels of grain."
When Hu was five years old, he asked the wet nurse to find the gold ring he had lost while playing. The wet nurse replied, "You never had this before!" Hu then ran to the mulberry tree outside the east wall of the neighbor Li's house and found the gold ring. The owner of the Li family was astonished and exclaimed, "This is something my deceased son lost; how could you have it?" The wet nurse told the Li family what had happened, and the Li family was overcome with grief and lamentation. People at the time found it quite strange and claimed that Li's son was Hu's reincarnation. Some people skilled in feng shui said that Hu's ancestors' grave had the aura of royalty, and if it were opened, the Hu family would have no descendants. Consequently, Hu actually dug up the ancestral grave. Those feng shui experts then said, "Although it will be dug up, there will eventually be a San Gong who breaks his arm," and indeed, Hu later broke his arm after falling from a horse and attained the rank of San Gong, but had no descendants. The emperor appointed Hu's nephew Ji as Hu's heir, but Ji, because of his father's death, was unwilling to accept a new father. The emperor then made Ji's younger brother Yi Hu's heir, but Yi also refused the imperial decree. The emperor was furious and stripped both brothers of their positions. In the second year of Taikang, the emperor appointed Yi's younger brother Pian as the Duke of Juping, granting him Hu's title. Pian was honest and cautious in his official duties; he kept a cow at his office, and when the cow gave birth to a calf, he took the calf along with him during his transfer. He eventually rose to the rank of Sanqi Changshi but passed away young.
It is said that in the first year of the Xiaowu era, the emperor granted the title of Marquis of Juping to Fa Xing, the great-great-grandson of Yang Hu's brother, along with a fief of five thousand households. Later, because Fa Xing was associated with Huan Xuan, he was executed by the court, and his title was stripped. At that time, there was a man named Xun Bozi, an official in the Ministry of Rites, who wrote a memorial to the emperor, stating: "I have heard that after Jiuyao died without an heir, Zang Wenzhong deeply sighed for this; the fief of the Bo family was taken away, but Guan Zhong deemed it a righteous act. Great achievements can be passed down for generations; titles given excessively can be taken back in a day. Yang Hu, the Grand Tutor and Marquis of Juping, was both virtuous and talented, a true pillar of the state. His achievements were comparable to those of assisting the emperor and pacifying the war against the Wu state. However, his descendants have no one to carry on the family line, and no one to perform the sacrifices. During the Han Dynasty, due to the great achievements of Xiao He, his title was inherited by descendants for generations. I believe that the fief of the Marquis of Juping should be hereditary like that of Zenguo. Furthermore, the Grand Commandant, Guangling Duke, was involved in rebellion, causing trouble in Huainan, yet he still profited from it and seized the fief of a great state. At that time, the laws and regulations of the Western Jin court were not in order, so his title was never revoked even after the dynasty was restored. Now that the court aims to restore rightful governance, shouldn't they clearly distinguish between good and evil and revoke Guangling's title? There is also the Grand Preceptor Wei Guan, who was originally the Duke of Ziyang County but was wrongly killed. The court posthumously granted him the title of the Marquis of Lanling, which was later changed to the Marquis of Jiangxia. Many renowned ministers have not received the honors they deserved after their deaths. Wei Guan's achievements are no less than those of Yang Hu, yet he only received unfair rewards. I believe his marquis title should be rescinded to ensure that rewards and punishments are clear, distinguishing good from evil." However, the emperor ultimately ignored him.
Yang Hu's mother, the daughter of Kong Rong, had two sons: one named Yang Fa, who became the Governor of Huai Bei and held the title of Protector of the Army; the other was Yang Hu. Initially, both of Yang Hu's brothers, Yang Cheng and Yang Fa, were very ill. Yang Hu's mother feared that neither son could be saved, so she devoted herself to caring for Yang Fa. As a result, Yang Fa recovered, but Yang Cheng passed away.
The eldest, Lun, became the Magistrate of Gaoyang County. Lun's brother, Ji, became the governor of Yangping. His brother, Yi, began his career as an aide to General Jia Chong, and later rose to the position of General Pingnan and commander of military affairs in Jiangbei, stationed in Wancheng, where he was ultimately slain by Zhang Chang. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of General of Zhen Nan. Hu's uncle Mi became the Governor of Jingzhao. His son, Zhi, became the governor of Wei County. Mi's grandson, Liang, known by his courtesy name Changxuan, was a shrewd and calculating individual. He feigned sincerity with everyone he interacted with, and everyone thought he was genuine, but that was not the case at all. He initially served as an aide to Grand Tutor Yang Jun, during a time when there were many thieves in Jingzhao. Yang Jun proposed increasing penalties, suggesting the death penalty for stealing as little as a hundred coins, and asked his subordinates to discuss it together. Liang said, "In the past, there was a man named Jiang Yi in the State of Chu, whose mother lost a piece of cloth and suspected the governor of stealing it. If you are upright and honest, thieves will naturally refrain from stealing; why increase the penalties?" Yang Jun felt embarrassed upon hearing this and quickly dismissed the idea. Liang later advanced to the role of Grand Minister of Ceremonies. At that time, Emperor Hui resided in Chang'an, and Liang secretly contacted people from the eastern regions. Feeling uneasy, he fled to Bingzhou, where he ultimately met his end at the hands of Liu Yuanhai. Liang's brother, Tao, rose to become the Inspector of Xuzhou.
Du Yu, courtesy name Yuankai, was from Duling, Jingzhao. His grandfather, Ji, was the Minister of Works in the Wei state. His father, Shu, was the Governor of Youzhou. Du Yu was well-educated and talented, with a deep understanding of the dynamics of rise and fall. He often said, "High moral standards are hard to attain, but it is possible to strive for achievements and establish a reputation." At first, his father had a bad relationship with Emperor Xuan, and as a result, Du Yu was not able to gain favor for many years. After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, Du Yu married the Emperor's sister, Princess Gaolu, and became an Official of the Imperial Secretariat, inheriting the title of Marquis of Fengleting, a title passed down from his ancestors. After four years of service as an Official of the Imperial Secretariat, he was promoted to the military office of the Imperial Secretariat. During Zhong Hui's campaign against Shu, Du Yu was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Western Garrison. After Zhong Hui's rebellion, his subordinates were all killed, but Du Yu managed to escape thanks to his cleverness and was granted an additional 1,150 households.
I worked with General Jia Chong and his team to formulate laws and regulations. After finalizing them, I specifically wrote annotations for them. I then submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying: "Laws, in essence, are rules defined by ropes and measuring lines. They are not grand theories that delve into principles or refine human nature. Thus, laws should be concise and clear, with direct provisions, convenient enforcement, and minimal prohibitions. Direct provisions are easy to understand; fewer prohibitions lead to fewer mistakes. When laws are easy to understand, people know what to avoid, and fewer mistakes result in fewer punishments. The basis of punishment should be simplicity and clarity, so distinctions must be made carefully among different situations. To make careful distinctions among different situations, one must tolerate some minor unreasonable details. In ancient times, criminal laws were inscribed on bells and cauldrons, cast in gold and stone, to eliminate various corrupt practices and prevent fanciful interpretations. The annotations I have written now encompass the spirit of the law and evaluate various circumstances. Those who enforce the law can refer to these regulations and circumstances to guide their actions, thereby upholding the principles of the law and avoiding strained interpretations." The emperor ordered these to be distributed throughout the country. In essence, this memorial emphasizes that laws and regulations should be concise and easy to understand, not overly complex and difficult to comprehend. It emphasizes the practicality and operability of the law, stating that the essence of the law is simplicity, clarity, and ease of understanding and enforcement, in order to effectively reduce crime and maintain social order. It rejects strained interpretations and believes that actions should strictly adhere to the law, avoiding deviations in enforcement that arise from differing personal interpretations. Finally, it uses the example of ancient criminal laws inscribed on bells and cauldrons and gold and stone to underscore the authority and seriousness of legal texts, reminding people to respect the law and avoid trying to exploit loopholes.
In the early Taishi period, I served as the magistrate of Henan. I envisioned the capital as the starting point of royal governance, placing emphasis on the broader aspects of the policies I enacted. I was tasked with establishing an examination system, the main points of which are as follows: I heard that in ancient times, governance aligned with the natural order, with humility and sincerity to earn the trust and obedience of the people, attract divine favor, win over hearts, and bring peace to the world. As the atmosphere of simplicity and purity gradually faded, the distinctions between good and evil became apparent, official positions were created, tasks assigned, titles granted, the six rites promoted, and officials thoroughly evaluated. However, it still depended on wise counsel, set up loyal departments, ensuring that reputation did not overshadow merit or vice versa, seeking broad consultations and fully absorbing opinions. In later times, evaluations should not focus solely on details but consider the bigger picture, not question others' intentions based on hearsay, or believe in brief written records. The more concise the documents became, the more hypocritical the officials appeared; the more laws, the more deceitful. In the past, during the Han Dynasty, provincial governors reported on political matters at the end of each year without setting evaluation standards, only roughly assessing officials' integrity. The examination system of the Wei Dynasty inherited the principles of Jing Fang, with very detailed provisions. However, because excessive detail contradicted its fundamental principles, it was never fully implemented in subsequent dynasties. Wouldn't it be wiser to restore the old system of the Yao and Shun periods, simplify procedures, and make it easier to implement? The key to promoting sound principles and making them evident lies with the people. Relying solely on laws without considering the people will violate reason. The current imperial examination system pales in comparison to entrusting authority to high-ranking officials, letting them evaluate officials under their jurisdiction. After one year in office, one official is recognized as outstanding and another as inferior each year, based on which they report. After six years, the supervising officials compile the evaluation results, promoting those who have consistently received outstanding ratings and demoting those who have consistently been rated inferior, promoting those with more outstanding ratings and demoting those with more inferior ratings. The standards of the current examinations vary in difficulty, presenting real challenges. If excellence is judged by difficult standards and inferiority by easy standards, supervising officials should make slight adjustments based on urgency, without adhering strictly to legal provisions.
The "Jichou Edict" believes that evaluations are difficult to implement and allows for the method of recommendation. The rationale for recommendations is similarly based on public opinion. Recommendations occur once every six years, and the process of promotions and demotions lacks a gradual approach. When dealing with officials, there is no official who has been rated as poor performance six times or excellent six times in six years. Supervisory officials will also impeach accordingly. If there is mutual protection between upper and lower ranks, it becomes a serious drawback, and there is no talk of promotions and demotions.
That old scoundrel Shi Jian, because he had a grudge against Yang Yu in the past, reported him for impeachment, which led to Yang Yu's dismissal. At that time, the Longyou region frequently faced invasions from foreign tribes, and the court sent Yang Yu to be the commander of the Anxi army, providing him with three hundred soldiers and one hundred horses. Upon arriving in Chang'an, he was promoted to the position of Governor of Qinzhou, also taking on the roles of Eastern Qiang General and Light Cavalry General, and was granted the power of a false seal, which held considerable power.
Just as the enemy's forces were gaining strength, Shi Jian, who was then the General of Anxi, ordered Yang Yu to lead the troops into battle. Yang Yu felt that the enemy's horses were strong and their morale was high, while our official army was lacking in supplies; we should concentrate our forces and prepare well, and wait until spring to launch an attack. He listed five reasons against going to war and four reasons why it was unnecessary. Shi Jian was furious upon hearing this and reported that Yang Yu had unilaterally modified the city gates and official residences, delaying the army's preparations, and then sent the censor to escort Yang Yu to the Court of Judicial Review in a prisoner cart. Because Yang Yu was a relative of the empress and fell under the protection of the "Eight Discussions," he ultimately only had his marquis title used as a penalty, which was seen as a lenient punishment. Later, the situation in Longyou indeed unfolded as Yang Yu had anticipated.
At that time, everyone in the court believed that Yang Yu had great insight in military strategy. Later, the Xiongnu chieftain Liu Meng rebelled, attacking from Bingzhou to Hedong and Pingyang. The court then let Yang Yu, a marquis, come up with strategies. Not long after, Yang Yu was appointed as the Minister of Revenue, a high-ranking official in charge of finances. Upon taking office, Yang Yu suggested restoring the "land redistribution" policy, enhancing border defenses, and proposed many important recommendations regarding the country's military and financial matters. He also designed new farming tools, built Changping granaries to stabilize grain prices, reformed the salt transportation and taxation system, ultimately proposing over fifty recommendations that benefited the nation and its people, all of which were accepted by the court. When Shi Jian returned from the front lines, Yang Yu exposed his exaggerated military achievements, leading to a falling out between the two. They attacked each other and were eventually dismissed due to their quarrel, although Yang Yu managed to keep his marquis rank. After a few years, he was reappointed as the Minister of Revenue.
Empress Dowager Zi Gong was to be moved to Junyang Tomb. According to tradition, after the empress's burial, the emperor and the ministers were to hold ceremonial rites. The ministers proposed that the crown prince should also change out of his mourning attire. However, Yang Yu suggested, "The crown prince should follow ancient customs and observe the mourning period," and his suggestion was accepted. "The crown prince should return to the classical, to respect the mourning regulations."
Now, Du Yu believed there were issues with the current calendar, so he developed a calendar called the "Dual Yuan Qian Du Calendar" and officially reported it to the court for use. He also found that the Mengjin ferry was too dangerous and prone to accidents, so he suggested building a bridge at Fuping Ferry. Some opposed, arguing that the formidable emperors of the Yin, Shang, and Zhou dynasties had not built bridges in this location, so why should they? Du Yu responded, "The saying 'Building boats to cross the river' actually refers to constructing bridges!" Once the bridge was completed, the emperor and a group of ministers came to inspect it. The emperor raised his cup in a toast to Du Yu and said, "If it weren't for you, this bridge wouldn't have been built!" Du Yu modestly replied, "Without Your Majesty's wisdom, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities."
The ceremonial vessels of the Zhou Dynasty, even as late as the Eastern Han capital, were still displayed in the imperial palace. Unfortunately, during the chaos of the late Han Dynasty, these treasures were lost, and their forms were lost to history. Du Yu, relying on his memories, recreated one and presented it to the emperor, who was delighted. In the autumn of the fourth year of the Xianning era, heavy rain and a locust plague struck. Du Yu submitted a memorial to the court, proposing numerous solutions to agricultural issues, which were all documented in the "Records of Food and Goods." Du Yu spent seven years in the court, accomplishing a multitude of significant achievements, earning praise from both inside and outside the court, and earned the nickname "Du Wuku," implying he was well-versed in everything.
At that time, the emperor was planning to eliminate the state of Wu, but many courtiers were against it. Only Du Yu, Yang Hu, and Zhang Hua supported the emperor's plan. When Yang Hu fell ill, he recommended Du Yu to take his place, entrusting him with command and appointing him as the General Who Pacifies the East, in charge of the southern military affairs. After Yang Hu's death, Du Yu was appointed as Grand General Who Guards the South, overseeing military affairs in Jingzhou, and was also bestowed a special ceremonial chariot, a position equivalent to the emperor's son-in-law. After assuming command, Du Yu quickly reorganized the army, strengthened military preparations, and selected elite soldiers to conduct a surprise assault against Zhang Zheng, the governor of Xiling in Wu, achieving a great victory and being rewarded with 365 households. Zhang Zheng, a renowned general of Wu, guarding an important pass, suffered a loss of face and felt humiliated, and thus he was reluctant to report his defeat to Sun Hao.
Du Yu sought to weaken the morale of Wu's forces, so he submitted a memorial to the court and returned all captured Wu soldiers to Sun Hao. Sun Hao then recalled Zhang Zheng and sent Wuchang supervisor Liu Xian to replace him. With this leadership change, when Du Yu's army advanced, the leadership of Wu had all been replaced, making it easier to defeat them.
The emperor has already decided to punish me, so I seized the opportunity to request sending troops to attack the State of Wu. The emperor said we should wait until next year for a full-scale attack, but I submitted a plan ahead of time, which stated: "Since the intercalary month, the State of Wu has only strengthened its defenses, and no soldiers have dared to report the situation. From the current situation, the State of Wu is already at a dead end, lacking sufficient troops. They will certainly prioritize protecting the upstream areas, strengthen defenses east of Xiakou to regroup, and won't have time to mobilize a large number of troops to the west. Their capital will be left empty. However, Your Majesty, you have heeded the advice of others, abandoned this grand strategy, giving the enemy an opening. This is a major matter concerning the long-term interests of the country. If we fail in war, it might be better not to fight at all. We must formulate a plan that is both sound and reliable. If successful, it will establish the foundation of a peaceful and prosperous era; even if it fails, it will only waste some time. We shouldn't hesitate. If we wait until the year after next, the timing, conditions, and people may not necessarily align. I'm concerned it will be even harder then. Your Majesty, you have already decided to order us to advance with divided forces. If we act in unison, there will be no chance of failure. I've already made up my mind, not wanting to leave any loose ends because of vague ideas. I just hope Your Majesty will give it careful thought."
About ten days later, I submitted another memorial: "Yang Hu holds differing opinions from many ministers in the court. He did not first widely solicit everyone's opinions, but privately conspired with Your Majesty on this matter, which has resulted in a variety of opinions. Every matter should be weighed carefully in terms of pros and cons; if we deploy troops now, there is an eighty to ninety percent likelihood of success. If we fail, it would merely be a wasted effort. Those who claim this will fail cannot present any evidence; they are merely too embarrassed to acknowledge their prior opinions because the strategy did not originate from them, and the credit will not go to them, which is why they oppose it." "Recently, various opinions have emerged in the court regarding major and minor matters. Although there is a lack of unity among the people, it stems from their reliance on the Emperor's favor and does not consider the difficulties that may arise in the future, resulting in a dismissal of these differing opinions. In the past, when Emperor Xuan of Han deliberated on the strategy put forth by Zhao Chongguo, after the matter was successful, he questioned those who opposed it, and they all bowed and admitted their mistakes, thus silencing heretical views. Since autumn, the plan to attack Wu has already been leaked. If we stop now, Sun Hao will surely become fearful and devise countermeasures, possibly relocating the capital to Wuchang, strengthening and repairing the cities in Jiangnan, and relocating the populace. By then, the cities will be impregnable, and there will be no place to plunder in the wild. Wu will also stockpile a large number of warships at Xiakou, making it likely that next year's plan will not be achievable." At that moment, the Emperor was playing chess with the Chancellor Zhang Hua, and my memorial was just delivered. Zhang Hua set down his pieces and said, "Your Majesty is wise and powerful, the court and the people are stable, the country is prosperous, the army is strong, and commands are unified. To launch an attack against him, we are certain to secure an easy victory." The Emperor ultimately agreed to my request. In the first month of the inaugural year of Tai Kang, we established our formation in Jiangling and dispatched the troops under the command of military advisors Fan Xian, Yin Lin, Deng Gui, and the governor of Xiangyang, Zhou Qi, giving them full authority to command. Within just a few days, we successfully captured several cities in rapid succession, proceeding entirely according to plan.
We sent Yamen Guanding, Zhou Zhi, and Wu Chao with eight hundred elite soldiers to secretly cross the river under the cover of darkness and attack Lexiang. They displayed many flags, set fires on Ba Mountain, and appeared from unexpected places to throw the enemy into disarray. Wu State's commander Sun Xin was so frightened that he wrote a letter to Wu Yan saying, "The army coming from the north actually crossed the Yangtze River with such speed!" Over ten thousand men, women, and children from Wu State surrendered. Zhou Zhi and Wu Chao set an ambush outside Lexiang. Sun Xin sent troops to intercept Wang Jun, but they were soundly defeated and forced to retreat. Zhou Zhi and his troops then sprang from their hiding place and charged into the city alongside Sun Xin's army. Sun Xin was taken by surprise and captured right under his tent. As a result, a saying began to circulate in the army: "Use strategy instead of fighting, once and for all." We then approached Jiangling. Wu State's general Wu Yan pretended to surrender but set up troops on the city wall, ready to ambush us, only to be defeated by us. After pacifying the upstream, from the south of Yuanshui and Xiangshui to Jiaozhou and Guangzhou, the various states and counties of Wu began to surrender one after another, voluntarily sending their seals of surrender. We accepted their surrenders and dispatched people to reassure them. In total, we killed or captured fourteen commanders and officials of Wu State, as well as more than one hundred twenty Yamen and county officials. Seizing this momentum, we relocated the soldiers and their families to settle in the northern river region. New officials were appointed to replace those in the original locations of Nanchun, and the Jingzhou region quickly stabilized. For the people of Wu State, surrender felt like coming home.
Wang Jun was the first to send Sun Xin's head to the emperor, which drove the people of Luoyang into a frenzy of laughter. During a meeting at that time, someone said, "The disaster of Wu State has lasted for over a hundred years; we can't claim it has been completely eradicated in one fell swoop. It's summer now, with heavy rains and impending floods. An epidemic will soon break out, so we should wait until winter to launch a large-scale attack." Wang Jun said, "In the past, Le Yi defeated the powerful Qi State with just one battle in Jixi. Now our prestige has already intimidated the enemy; it's like splitting bamboo—once you get through a few joints, the rest will follow easily." So, he ordered the generals to march straight towards Maling. Along the way, not a single city dared to put up a fight; they all surrendered without a fuss. Later, everyone sent a report to the emperor about this matter.
After Sun Hao was subdued, we returned to court, and the emperor, in recognition of my contributions, awarded me the title of Marquis of Dayang County, increasing my fief to a total of 9,600 households. Adding my previous fief, it all came to that amount. He also granted my son Dan the title of Ting Marquis, giving him a fief of 1,000 households, and rewarded me with 8,000 bolts of silk.
At first, when attacking Jiangling, the people of Wu knew that Du Yu had a severe neck tumor and were very afraid of his intelligence. They presented him with a gourd tied around a dog's neck, and whenever they saw a tree tumor on a big tree, they would strip the bark to expose the white underneath and write the words "Du Yu's Neck" on it. Once the city fell, they wiped out all the people of Wu.
Later, Du Yu returned to the garrison and repeatedly stated the official positions held by his family for several generations, emphasizing that his military achievements were not his main credit, and asked to retire. However, the court did not approve.
Du Yu believed that although the world was at peace, forgetting about war could pose a threat. Therefore, he diligently trained the army, built the Pan Palace (an ancient school), showed kindness in the Jianghan region, and spread his teachings across a thousand miles. He also defeated the ethnic minorities in the mountainous regions, cleverly set up camps, occupied key locations, and bolstered the defenses. He repaired the relics of Shao Xincheng, used the Tai River and Yu River to irrigate over ten thousand acres of farmland, defined borders, carved inscriptions, and erected monuments to mark land boundaries, benefiting both the community and individuals. The common people all benefited from this and referred to him as "Father Du." Previously, the waterways only allowed access to Jiangling via the Mian River and Han River, which was a journey of over a thousand miles, with no routes from the north. Baqiu Lake was the confluence of the Yuan River and Xiang River, surrounded by perilous mountains, and was a place where the tribes of Jingzhou relied on for survival. Du Yu then excavated Yangkou and constructed a waterway of over a thousand miles from the Xia River to Baling, eliminating the dangers of the Yangtze River and opening up the water transport route between Lingling and Guilin. People in the south sang praises of him: "In future generations, there will be no rebellions thanks to Du Gong; who knows the wisdom and bravery of his achievements?"
Du Yu handled public affairs personally, knowing everything and capable of anything. Every project he managed was carefully planned, resulting in very few failures. Some criticized him for being overly meticulous, but Du Yu said, "The achievements of Dayu and Houji aimed to save the common people; that is the true goal worth pursuing!"
Du Yu placed great importance on his reputation after death, often saying, "High banks turn into valleys, deep valleys turn into hills." He also inscribed two stone tablets recording his achievements, one submerged under the mountains and the other standing atop Xianshan, inscribed with: "Who knows if this might not become a valley or a hill in the future!"
Old Du Yu, in his youth, wasn't particularly skilled at horseback riding or archery, but when it came to battle, he quickly became a great general leading his troops. He was incredibly humble and courteous in his interactions with others, always asking questions openly, eager to teach others, diligent in his work, and thoughtful in his speech.
After achieving success and fame, he became quite relaxed and began studying the classics, even authoring his own book titled "Collection and Commentary on the Zuo Zhuan." He also referenced many genealogies and wrote a book called "Explanation." He created "Alliance Diagram" and "Chronicles of the Spring and Autumn Period," which can be considered a distinct school of thought he developed later in life. He also penned "Praise for Women." At that time, people thought that Du Yu's articles, although simple and straightforward, were not particularly esteemed; only Zhi Yu, the Secretariat Supervisor, appreciated his work, noting, "Zuo Qiuming initially wrote a commentary on the 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' but the 'Zuo Zhuan' became a unique work; 'Explanation' was originally written for the 'Zuo Zhuan,' but the principles it discussed extend beyond the 'Zuo Zhuan,' making it unique as well." At that time, Wang Ji had a particular interest in studying horses and admired Du Yu; while He Jiao had a penchant for accumulating wealth, Du Yu would often remark, "Wang Ji has a 'horse addiction,' and He Jiao has a 'money addiction.'" When Emperor Wu heard about this, he asked Du Yu, "What are your hobbies?" Du Yu replied, "I have a 'Zuo Zhuan' addiction." When Du Yu was stationed in a certain area, he often sent food to the nobles in Luoyang. When questioned about his actions, he replied, "I am merely concerned they might pose a threat to the country, not seeking to curry favor." During my youth in Jingzhou, I once attended a banquet, got drunk, and fell asleep in the study. People outside heard me vomiting and peeked through the door crack, only to see a large snake with its head lowered, spitting something out. Those who learned of this found it quite peculiar. Later, I was appointed as Colonel of the Imperial Guard and promoted to a special position, but ultimately passed away in Deng County at the age of sixty-three. The Emperor was very saddened, posthumously appointing me as Grand General for the Southern Campaign and as Palace Attendant with Ceremonial Privileges, and granting me the posthumous title of "Cheng."
I left a will before my death: "In ancient times, joint burials were not practiced, which reflects the principles of life and death, as if they were nonexistent. The sages of the medieval period altered this practice and began to conduct joint burials, probably to educate future generations through this. Since then, the practices of the elite regarding joint burials have varied; if one cannot fully grasp life while alive, how can one comprehend death? Therefore, everyone acts according to their own ideas. I was once a court official and had the opportunity to visit Xingshan in Mixian County on official duty. On the mountain, there is a tomb. I asked the farmers working the land, and they told me it was the tomb of Ji Zhong, a minister of Zheng Guo, while others said it was the tomb of Zi Chan. Thus, I led my followers to pay my respects and admire the tomb.
This tomb is built on the mountaintop, with an expansive view that can be seen from all sides. The mountain runs north-south, with a slight lean toward the northeast, facing the city of Xinzheng, symbolizing the importance of remembering one's roots. Its tomb path is blocked only at the back; the front remains open and unfilled, suggesting that the tomb contains no treasures and does not seek deep burial or extravagant interment. The mountain is home to many beautiful stones that remain unused, yet they chose natural stones from the Weishui River for the tomb, valuing the lack of labor expended in carving, as these stones were not originally meant for other purposes. A gentleman appreciates it as it makes sense, while a petty person sees no advantage to gain. After a thousand years, it remains undamaged, which is the outcome of simplicity. Last spring, I went to the capital to pay my respects following the death of a member of the Guo family. Due to the old custom of burial accompaniment, I submitted a personal request to choose a plot of land on the southern side of Shouyang Mountain, east of Luoyang City, for my future burial site."
On that piece of land, there is a small hill, and there are no ancient tombs there. Although its height and scenery cannot compare to Xing Mountain, to the east, it is close to two imperial tombs, to the west, it overlooks the palace, to the south, one can see the Yiluo River, and to the north, it overlooks the land of Yishu. The view is wide and refreshing, making it a place where I find peace. So I submitted a request to construct a road and designated the site for the tomb. The road leading to the tomb will be built with round stones from the Luo River, heading south, with the ceremonial standards modeled after those of the nobles of Zheng, seeking to refine myself through simplicity. Matters regarding the coffin and burial should all be handled according to this standard.” My descendants followed my will to do so. My son, Zixi (锡), inherited my title.
Zixi, with the character "Xi," was well-known from a young age. He began serving and studying under Wang Yi in Changsha and gradually rose to the position of Crown Prince's chamberlain. He was upright and loyal, often offering candid advice to the Crown Prince, which the Crown Prince greatly resented. Later, the Crown Prince concealed a needle in the mat where Zixi usually sat and pricked him, resulting in significant blood loss. Several days later, the Crown Prince asked Zixi, “What were you doing that day?” Zixi replied, “I was drunk and don’t know.” The Crown Prince reproached him, “You often blame others; why don’t you admit your own mistakes?” Later, Zixi was reassigned as the General of the Guard. After Zhao Wang Lun seized the throne, he appointed Zixi as an Imperial Censor. Though Sun Xiu held a grudge, he dared not harm Zixi due to his esteemed reputation. After Emperor Hui regained power, Zixi was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel and Governor of Chengyang, but he declined the post and was instead promoted to Left Minister of the Secretariat. He died at the age of forty-eight and was posthumously granted the title of Regular Attendant. His son Yi succeeded him, as recorded in the "Biographies of the Imperial In-Laws."
The historian commented: During the Tai Shi era, people only offered gifts as congratulations, while Yang Gong proposed a strategy to pacify the Wu state, which reflected his grand ambitions! Once, there was a commoner in the State of Qi, and in the Yan state, people worshipped the deities of the North Gate; in the Zhao state, there was Li Mu, which led the Qin king to abandon his plan to advance eastward and conquer Zhao. The branches of the mulberry tree do not vie for height, and when the fruits ripen, there is only regret left. Yang Gong established great prestige in the south, moving the people of Wu to submit to the Han dynasty, and the rivers and roads became unobstructed, with people helping the elderly and carrying the young, all flocking to him. However, after achieving success, he remained humble, dressing in simple clothes and living in a remote alley, carefree and elegant. If Du Yu did not possess innate talent, then even if he were employed, he could only learn from experience; Du Yu was able to devise great strategies, capture cities and territories, and also had a refined demeanor, able to stay composed on the battlefield. Among Confucius's disciples, there were four outstanding individuals, and Du Yu could be compared to three of them; among the five hegemons of the "Spring and Autumn" period, Du Yu stood out alone, wasn't he exceptional? The three-year mourning period applies to everyone, regardless of rank or status. It’s regrettable to hastily interrupt the mourning of those in power; and after the mourning period ends, the heir apparent immediately abolishes it, which is truly cruel. In order to seek temporary comfort and disregard what is just, contemporary outstanding talents have become the illegitimate sons of feudal lords, which is exactly what the "Dan Gong" describes as a violation of rites, and Du Yu was also influenced by this.
Praise: The Han pool is treacherous to the west, and the Wu River bends left. Yang Gong's grace and trust, a million return. The oaths of past travelers—few are those who truly value the classics. Yuan Kai in the literary field is known as the armory.
