This text lists characters and their relationships, as it lacks any narrative content, so it cannot be translated sentence by sentence into modern spoken English while maintaining story coherence. It is more like a character relationship chart or list, simply listing several names of people in ancient writing style, along with their courtesy names and relationships to others noted in parentheses. To translate, explanations of each name must be provided, along with their relationships: Liu Kui, courtesy name Sunbo. Diao Xie, courtesy name Ziyi, has a son named Kui (whose courtesy name is Yizi Kui). Dai Ruosi, his younger brother is Dai Miao. Zhou Yi is also associated with them, but the original text does not specify their exact relationship. The text itself does not have a story and cannot be translated into a story in a colloquial manner. To create a story, significant plot and background details would need to be added. For example, these people might have been contemporaneous officials, involved in political intrigues, or connected by family ties. However, this information would need to be supplemented, as it is not provided in the original text.
Liu Kui, courtesy name Dalian, hails from Pengcheng and is a descendant of King Yuan of Chu. His father Liu Di served as the magistrate of Dongguang County. Liu Kui showed remarkable talent from a young age and started as a secretary, gradually rising to Champion General and the Interior Minister of Pengcheng. Later, he fled across the Yangtze River to escape the turmoil, and the Emperor appointed him as an Attendant Gentleman. Liu Kui was diligent in studying history and classics, adept at understanding others' thoughts, and held in high regard by the Emperor. He later rose to become the Minister of Justice, responsible for handling criminal law matters.
At that time, the commandant arrested the guard soldiers, but they were rescued by the prefectural commander. Liu Kui submitted a memorial to accuse him of this, resulting in the dismissal of the guard general Dai Ruosi. When the aunt of the Crown Prince, Wang Ji, passed away, he got married during the mourning period, and Liu Kui also submitted a memorial accusing this. The Emperor decreed, "The Book of Songs says 'killing the rites and having many marriages' is to allow women without a husband's family to marry, which applies to Wang Ji's situation and may be allowed as an exception. However, from now on, precautions must be taken in such matters." The Chamberlain for Ceremonial married off his daughter during his uncle's mourning period, and Liu Kui also submitted a memorial accusing him.
Liang Gan, the Prefect of Lu Jiang, was set to remove his mourning clothes the next day, but that night, he hosted a musical banquet attended by more than thirty people, including Zhou Yi, the Prime Minister's Chief Clerk. Liu Wei submitted a memorial stating, "The legitimate wife and eldest son must observe mourning, so King Jing of Zhou observed mourning for three years and only held a banquet after the mourning period was over. The Spring and Autumn Annals criticize this as well. Furthermore, Liang Gan is merely a commoner; hosting a banquet at night and performing sacrifices in the morning violates mourning etiquette. I request that Liang Gan be removed from his official position and stripped of his marquis title. Zhou Yi and the others were aware that Liang Gan was in mourning, yet they attended this inappropriate banquet; they should each have a month's salary deducted as a warning." The emperor approved his memorial.
Song Ting, the Prime Minister's Attendant Officer, was originally a disciple of Liu Tao, the Inspector of Yangzhou. After Liu Tao's death, Song Ting married Liu Tao's favorite concubine as a minor wife. During the Jianxing period, Song Ting embezzled more than six hundred bolts of official cloth, which, by law, was punishable by death, but he was later pardoned due to a general amnesty. Later, General Ruan Kang requested that Song Ting be appointed as Chief Clerk. Liu Wei accused and reported, "Song Ting was disloyal to his deceased master and even seized his master's concubine, violating the ethics of human relations. He should be exiled to a remote area to suppress demons and monsters. I request that Song Ting be removed from his official position and imprisoned for life. However, General Ruan Kang of Fenu still requested his appointment as Chief Clerk. Although Ruan Kang is both a civil and military leader guarding the eastern border, he should promote loyal and virtuous individuals, yet he chose to promote corrupt and incompetent ones. I request that Ruan Kang be removed from his official position and imprisoned for trial." The emperor approved his memorial, and Song Ting later succumbed to illness.
Liu Wei submitted another memorial, stating, "According to the decree, Song Ting has already died, so his guilt will no longer be pursued. I am foolish and slow-witted; I failed to grasp this intention. In the past, the people of Zheng State severed the coffins of the sons' families, and Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty held Sima Qian accountable. The praise and criticism of individuals in the 'Book of Documents' can be traced back hundreds of years. This is not only to investigate the responsibility at that time, but also to establish rules that serve as a warning to future generations. Should we really wait until someone dies to stop distinguishing between good and evil? I request that Song Ting's guilt be investigated in accordance with the previous memorials, dismiss him from his position, and send his concubine back to her family home, to demonstrate the fate of the wicked and announce it to the world." The emperor also agreed to his request. General Wang Han, due to his family's powerful influence, was arrogant and recommended over twenty assistants and local officials at once, many of whom were unsuitable candidates. Liu Wei's impeachment memorial was written with great severity; although the matter was ultimately suppressed, the Wang family harbored a deep resentment towards him. Liu Wei's impeachment memorials have consistently shown a fearless stance against power.
During the Jianxing period, the Chancellor's office executed the Inspectorate's historian Chunyu Bo, with blood splattered on the pillar, creating an extremely tragic scene. Kui submitted a report saying: In ancient times, when handling cases, one must investigate carefully, just like using the Three Huai and Nine Jue to understand the people's sentiments. Even wise kings and capable ministers do not dare to decide a case arbitrarily. Once a person dies, they cannot come back to life; once punishment is imposed, it cannot be taken back, so wise kings are very cautious about punishments. When Cao Can governed the state of Qi, he treated handling cases as an important matter. However, in recent years, due to disasters and famines, there have been too many killings, without distinguishing the severity of the crimes, and the punishments are also inappropriate. I carefully investigated Chunyu Bo's case; after he was executed, the blood splattered on the pillar actually flowed upwards, reaching a height of two zhang and three chi below the top of the pillar, and then flowed down four chi and five cun. The common people were abuzz with discussion, with men, women, young, and old all coming to witness the spectacle, all saying he was wronged. Chunyu Bo shouted his innocence before his death, saying that after his inspection was over, he had returned two months ago and had not left any unfinished business. He accepted bribes, but it was not a crime punishable by death. Moreover, it was a garrison, not a conscripted army; punishing someone for insufficient military supplies is fundamentally unreasonable. For the past four years, there have been delays in various conscriptions and levies, but no one has been punished for affecting military supplies. Why single out Chunyu Bo for punishment? Under severe torture, any confession can be extracted; the prisoners fear pain and can only fabricate lies to cope. The Ministry of Justice is the model of the country, but now they let a loyal person like Chunyu Bo cry out for injustice. I carefully investigated the Chief of the Central Office Zhou Yan, the Legal Officer Liu Yin, and the subordinate Li Kuang; they all received special trust from the Emperor, all held high positions, and should handle political affairs seriously and responsibly, using punishments carefully, so that the common people have no grievances, and no one complains. But they let Chunyu Bo die wronged; his soul cries out in the underworld, and his resentment echoes there, more tragic than the wails of Qi Liang's wife, and more terrifying than the collapse of city walls. That's why frost appears, and ghosts cry at night. During the day, you can still see Chunyu Bo's soul, and Peng Sheng turns into a pig. These strange phenomena resulting from improper executions all occurred simultaneously; comparing ancient times to the present, the reasons are the same. All of this stems from the incompetence of Zhou Yan and his associates, warranting their dismissal from office.
Thus, General Wang Dao and others submitted a letter taking responsibility and requesting to resign. The emperor said, "The improper handling of political affairs and punishments is entirely due to my own incompetence and folly. I am reflecting on my mistakes and hope to receive honest counsel to address my shortcomings. Yet you wish to resign and take the blame; this is not what I wish to see!" Therefore, Wang Dao and others were ultimately not held accountable. After the establishment of the Jin Dynasty, he was appointed as the Deputy Imperial Censor. Zhou Song, this old man, wanted to marry off his daughter, but his students blocked the road, tore down houses, and even injured two people! The Left Lieutenant of Jiankang went to deal with this matter and was also injured! Wei Xi impeached Zhou Yi's brother Zhou Ye, saying, "Zhou Ye, you are now a prominent figure in the emperor's court, with a high position and significant power. You should abide by the law, coordinate relationships, punish the lawless, and maintain national stability. But you allowed your subordinates to do evil, even injuring the Left Lieutenant in broad daylight in Guangdu, causing panic and a bad influence. This is unacceptable! As a court minister, you have failed to exercise control, thus disappointing the emperor's favor! You should be demoted and punished to suppress their arrogance!" As a result, Zhou Ye was dismissed from his position. At the onset of the Taixing period, Wei Xi also served as a Palace Attendant, and the emperor bestowed upon him the title of Duke of Duxiang. Shortly thereafter, he succeeded Xue Jian as the Prefect of Danyang. He and the Minister of Works, Diao Xie, were both favored by Emperor Yuan and collaborated to suppress the powerful. The stringent laws were all enacted by Wei Xi and Diao Xie. Although Wei Xi served in a remote location, he was well-informed of both significant matters and minor details at court. Later, he was appointed as the General Who Guards the North, Commander of the military forces in the provinces of Qing, Xu, You, and Ping, with the title of Acting General, and was also granted the position of Cavalier in Regular Attendance, commanding ten thousand troops to garrison Siko.
At first, Wei Lin felt that Wang Dun's power was too great and it was beyond his control. He advised the emperor to send trusted generals to guard the regions, so he arranged for Prince Qiao to be appointed as the governor of Xiangzhou, and also appointed Wei Lin and Dai Ruosi as commanders. Wang Dun was very displeased with this arrangement, so he wrote to Wei Lin: "Recently, the emperor has valued you and entrusted you with important tasks. Now, the great enemy has not been defeated, and the Central Plains are in constant turmoil. I want to collaborate with you and others who share the same goals to serve the court and pacify the world. If we succeed, the royal family and the nation will be secure; if we fail, the world will never know peace." Wei Lin replied: "Fish in the river do not know each other; people don't need to know each other to share the same ideals. I will do my best, using my loyalty to serve the country; this is my aspiration." Wang Dun was very angry after reading the letter.
When Wang Dun rebelled, he used the pretext of suppressing Wei Lin to issue an edict summoning Wei Lin back to the capital. All officials welcomed him on the way; Wei Lin wore his hat, walked with his head held high, and remained calm, showing no signs of panic. After entering the palace, he and Diao Xie jointly submitted a memorial requesting the extermination of the Wang family. But the emperor did not agree, and Wei Lin felt a bit apprehensive, so he led his army to station in Jincheng. After Wang Dun captured Shitoucheng, Wei Lin attempted to retake it but was unsuccessful. He then took his leave of the emperor in the palace. The emperor cried as he bid him farewell. In Huaiyin, Wei Lin was ambushed by Liu Xia, and he fled with his wife, children, and over two hundred followers to Shi Le, who appointed him as an official. Wei Lin passed away at the age of 61. His son Wei Sui, who had just succeeded in the imperial examination, was appointed as a military officer and granted imperial favor. He later followed his father to join Shi Le, and he also passed away. His grandson Wei Bo inherited the family business.
Kui Bo, also known as Daoze. He initially served as an aide-de-camp to General Wang Qia under Shi Jilong. After Shi Jilong's death, Wang Qia and Kui Bo surrendered to the Eastern Jin dynasty. Emperor Mu of Jin appointed Kui Bo as the Administrator of Xiangcheng, later promoting him to the Central Army's adviser under Huan Chong. The Grand Marshal Huan Wen marched west to attack Yuan Zhen, leaving the court vacant, so Kui Bo was appointed as General Who Establishes Prestige and Governor of Huainan, in command of five thousand troops stationed at Shitou City. After Shouyang City was captured, the court appointed him as Deputy Minister of the Left, but he declined the appointment and instead became General of the Chariots and Cavalry and Magistrate of Nanjun. At that time, Fu Jian's brother Fu Rong besieged the Inspector of Yongzhou, Zhu Xu, in Xiangyang, and Kui Bo led eight thousand troops to rescue them. However, due to the strength of the enemy forces, he hesitated to advance, resulting in Zhu Xu being captured and the city falling. Kui Bo was dismissed from office due to his timidity and weakness. Later, the court appointed him as General of the Chariots and Cavalry, with multiple promotions, eventually reaching the position of Cavalier Attendant. After Fu Jian's defeat, the court aimed to stabilize the north and appointed Kui Bo as Commander of the Northern Huai Army and Inspector of Jizhou. However, Kui Bo fell ill and was unable to assume the position. He submitted a memorial that stated:
I heard that the vastness of heaven and earth embodies benevolence, and the principles of kings lie in showing kindness to the people. That's why both Emperor Yu and King Tang had achievements in diligent governance. The "Classic of Yao" and the "Book of Yu" both record their vows of diligent governance and love for the people, which is why they were able to bestow blessings on the people and have their merits passed down through the ages. Emperor Xuan established a great foundation and laid the groundwork for the country; during the reigns of Emperor Wen and Emperor Wu, the reins of power were in their hands, yet they still graciously welcomed counsel, humbled themselves, and valued talent. It can be seen how difficult it is to accumulate achievements, how challenging it is to be diligent in royal affairs, the nobility of the previous emperors' virtues, and how profound the blessings they left us with. However, Emperor Hui lacked ambition, delegated political affairs to others, resulting in the decline of the country and the sun and moon lost their light; the imperial tombs were filled with a sense of desolation, while traces of barbarians were left in the palaces; this exemplifies court corruption, causing the people to be displaced and wandering. Fortunately, Emperor Yuan was wise and martial, followed the will of heaven, consolidated the rule of the Huaihai region, saved the country from collapse, rectified the government, and reestablished order. Your Majesty has inherited the magnificent foundation laid by Emperor Xuan and also inherited the credit of Emperor Yuan in consolidating the country, preserving the nation, and quelling rebellions. So those rebels who once roamed the seas like whales, those violent thugs who seized power, upon seeing our flag, fled in all directions in fear, and upon seeing our army, vanished without a trace; the country was peaceful and the people lived in peace. However, in recent years, there have been abnormal celestial phenomena, frequent disasters, and strange incidents one after another. Kuaiji, the former emperor's fiefdom, actually experienced an earthquake for a whole year. In the past, King Wen and King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty felt uneasy because of the omens of fish and crows; not to mention the numerous disasters now, we must be even more vigilant! Gong Dan had a warning of "never rest," and Jia Yi had a metaphor of "accumulating firewood." I have referred to past experiences and lessons, carefully considered the current situation, and that's why I take the liberty to speak frankly and offer my advice.
In the past, the late emperor governed the world with benevolent virtues, entrusted significant responsibilities to his successors, adhered to the principles of heaven, and prioritized long-term benefits over immediate achievements. Now, the emperor controls all matters of ritual, music, and warfare, selecting wise and capable officials to coordinate the various ministries. The world is at peace, and the people admire you, but we neither hear the court's melodies nor see the capital's edicts. Is it that the officials are incompetent, or that Your Majesty has not fully utilized them?
A wise and enlightened ruler values loyalty and trustworthiness, upholds righteousness, and rejects evil. Those who corrupt societal morals, even if they are relatives or friends of high status, should be kept at a distance; while those who are honest and upright, even if of low status, should be approached. However, this is no longer the case. The atmosphere has shifted, with an increasing obsession with fame and profit, factions fighting against each other, and constant shifts in public opinion. People scheme and connive, seeking more than they deserve. Capable individuals are suppressed, salaries exceed their merits, those who curry favor with the ruler are deemed loyal, and those who praise each other are seen as virtuous. Throughout the nation, who dares to speak the truth? If Your Majesty fails to implement clear laws to curb this opportunism, fatigue may lead to misgovernance. Furthermore, it has been five years since the fall of Fu Jian, the former capital lies in ruins, the imperial tombs are unguarded, the people are displaced and suffering without relief. I hope Your Majesty can learn from the decline of the Han and Wei dynasties from a distance, understand the downfall of the Western Zhou up close, change your perspective to avert future disasters. Only then can the country enjoy long-lasting peace and the land remain secure. I do not mean to suggest that people today lack loyalty and righteousness; rather, it is the misplacement of talent that leads to the scarcity of capable individuals.
Now the government affairs are chaotic, the corvée is burdensome, various regions are in decline, warehouses are empty, the national treasury is depleted, the common people are being oppressed, and the number of people fleeing is endless. A rough estimate of the population shows that since the time of Xian'an, the population has decreased by one third. The common people are filled with a sense of loss and lamentation, longing for the peace and tranquility of the Zhou capital. Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty once remarked, "The only ones capable of helping me govern the realm are those outstanding 2,000-shi officials!" Therefore, he rewarded and promoted officials who effectively governed their regions, while severely punishing those who enforced harsh and oppressive policies, simplifying high-level government operations, and allowing the people to live and work in peace. But now it is not like that. Those who request resignation often cite poverty at home as an excuse; those who provide aid to the poor and assist detained officials regard the duke's title as mere charity. In ancient times, monarchs were established to serve the people, governing in their best interest; now, it is the people who sustain the monarch, who in turn exploit them, even portraying corrupt individuals as hardworking, while labeling cautious and law-abiding individuals as cowardly. How did we end up with such a reversal of ancient values!
Although the emperor is diligent and frugal, caring for the people, the ministers in the court act recklessly, giving in to their own desires. All six departments are negligent and inactive, with three important matters going unattended. Those who are perceptive sigh at this situation, filled with fear over the ominous signs. In the past, Duke Jing of Song eliminated the disaster of the comet, and King Yin calmed the strange omens of the tripod and pheasant. I hope the emperor can learn from Great Yu's spirit of selfless dedication, heed the mistakes of King Zhou, who was consumed by pleasure, and reflect on the cautionary tale of Gong Gong in the "Book of Songs." Temporarily retracting royal favor, broadly seeking the opinions of ministers and recruiting talented individuals, ordering all officials to fulfill their duties, and listening to everyone's opinions and suggestions. Carefully examining the causes and processes of events, discerning talents, assisting the emperor in governing the country, striving to become a wise ruler to respond to the blessings of heaven. Only then can the world be stable, and the people can live in peace and contentment.
My ancestor, Mr. Wei, once received special favor from the emperor; his upright and honest character is recorded in history books. Although he had ambitions, he did not have the opportunity to fulfill them, departing this world with regrets. Despite my mediocre abilities, I have once again received endless grace from the emperor, blessings that have lasted for generations; even if I exhaust all efforts, I cannot repay. I had written a memorial, but before I could submit it, I suddenly fell seriously ill, fearing that my time is near. I am eager to express my loyalty, but my strength is weak, and I am unable to read it myself.
After completing the memorial, I passed away and was posthumously honored with the title of General. My son, Liu Dan, inherited my title and served as the Prefect of Lujiang during the early years of the Yuanxi era.
My uncle Liu Ne, styled Lingyan, was very knowledgeable and had good character. Upon arriving in Luoyang, he met some famous scholars and exclaimed, "Wang Yifu is too straightforward, Yue Yanfu is someone I admire, Zhang Maoxian I cannot understand, Zhou Hongwu is good at using his own shortcomings, and Du Fangshu is not good at using his own strengths." He eventually rose to the position of Colonel of the Capital.
My son Liu Chou, styled Wang Qiao, had a good reputation from a young age and was skilled in discussing famous theories. Once, he hid from the chaos of war in a dock, where hundreds of Xiongnu wanted to kill him. Liu Chou was not afraid at all. He picked up his flute and played the pieces "Leaving the Frontier" and "Entering the Frontier," evoking their nostalgia. As a result, those Xiongnu left in tears. During the Yongjia period, he was appointed as the Left Chief Historian, but was later killed by Yan Ding. Sikong Cai Mo often sighed, saying, "If Liu Wang Qiao could cross the Yangtze River to the south, he would be the best candidate for the Minister of Works!" When Wang Dao was just appointed as the Minister of Works, he would often say, "If Liu Wang Qiao crosses the river, I will personally visit him." He was so highly regarded by the literati.
My brother's son Shao was very capable and appointed as an aide in the Prime Minister's Office by the King of Langya. During the Xiankang period, he rose through the ranks, becoming the Deputy Imperial Censor, Attendant, Imperial Secretary, and the Prefect of Yuzhang, with a rank equivalent to 2,000 shi.
Shao's younger cousin Huang Lao became a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat during the Taiyuan era. He was very knowledgeable. His commentaries on "Shenzi" and "Laozi" have been passed down.
Diao Xie, known as Xuanliang, was a native of Rao'an in Bohai. His grandfather Diao Gong was the Prefect of Qi Commandery in the Wei Kingdom, and his father Diao You served as the Deputy Censor-in-Chief during the reign of Emperor Wu. Diao Xie loved reading from a young age, had extensive knowledge, and a strong memory. He started out as a literary official in the service of Prince Puyang, gradually rose through the ranks to become a Doctor of the Grand Ancestral Temple, and then the Grand Master of his home commandery. He was invited by Prince Ying of Chengdu to serve as the Cavalry Commander, and later served as a military advisor to Zhao's Prince Lun and as the Cavalry Commander under Prince Yi of Changsha. When Duke Gong Teng was stationed in Linzhang, he appointed Diao Xie as his Chief of Staff, and later promoted him to be the Prefect of Yingchuan. During the Yongjia era, he was appointed as the Governor of Henan, but before taking office, he crossed the Yangtze River seeking refuge. Emperor Yuan appointed him as the Chief Advisor of the Eastern Expedition Army, and later promoted him to be the Chief of Staff. After Emperor Min ascended the throne, he summoned Diao Xie to serve as the Deputy Imperial Censor, but he declined. After Emperor Yuan became Prime Minister, he appointed Diao Xie as the Left Chief Clerk. Following the establishment of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, he was appointed as the Left Minister of Rites. At that time, the court was newly established, and the system was still evolving, with courtiers unfamiliar with the old ceremonial system. Diao Xie had long served in central government and was very familiar with previous affairs, so courtiers frequently sought his counsel on court rules and regulations, and he was highly respected. During the Taixing era, he was promoted to Prefect of the Masters of Writing, served for several years, and was further honored with the title of Grandee of the Golden Purple, but continued to hold the position of Prefect of the Masters of Writing.
This person has a fierce temperament and has a hard time getting along with others. He enjoys putting others down while elevating himself, which has made him very unpopular with the Wang family. He frequently drinks to excess, stirs up trouble, and insults court officials, and everyone avoids him out of fear. However, he genuinely works hard for the country with the intention of helping the emperor, who in turn trusts him. He employs slaves as soldiers, mobilizes generals and officials to transport supplies, all of which he arranges himself, so the common people resent him. Later, Wang Dun rebelled, and someone submitted a memorial accusing him. The emperor ordered him to lead troops to suppress the rebellion. As a result, Wang Dun's army defeated the imperial forces, and he and Liu Wei remained by the emperor's side in the eastern section of the Taiji Hall. The emperor held their hands, weeping, and urging them to hide and avoid disaster. He said, "I would rather die on the battlefield; I dare not entertain any other thoughts." The emperor said, "The situation is critical now; how can you possibly stay?" So he and Liu Wei were given a small force and instructed to find a way to escape. Being old and unable to ride a horse, he lacked connections, making it difficult to recruit soldiers, so he could only leave his fate to chance. Upon reaching Jiangcheng, he was killed, and his head was sent to Wang Dun. Wang Dun, swayed by Diao Shi's words, arranged for his burial. The emperor was heartbroken over his demise, so he secretly apprehended and executed the messenger who brought him the head.
After the chaos caused by Wang Dun, Zhou Yi, Dai Ruosi, and others were posthumously awarded titles, but he was excluded from this honor due to his exile. During the Xiankang period, his son wrote a petition to seek justice for his father. Many people at the time believed that the assessment of his actions during the Ming Emperor's reign had already been determined and could not be changed, and that he did not die a martyr's death but was ultimately killed after fleeing, so his official title could not be restored. Yin Rong, the magistrate of Danyang, said, "Wang Dun committed egregious crimes that deserve no forgiveness, but his merits should also be acknowledged. If it is said that he was loyal but made mistakes in his strategies, blaming him based on this is merely a futile debate. If we consider brutal rebellion as law, how can we deter wrongdoing? When Wang Dun forced his way into the palace, all rewards and punishments were decided by him alone, so Emperor Yuan carefully weighed the situation and used him as a cautionary example. This matter pertains to state affairs, not personal ones. In the past, Kong Ning and the father of Yi Xing worked under a tyrannical ruler, and later the Chu country restored their official positions because they were favored by the monarch. Furthermore, his relationship with the monarch was based on loyalty and obedience. Additionally, as one of the four key officials during the revival, he held a prominent position in the court. At that time, the situation was dire, and he was tasked with resisting the enemy, not avoiding punishment. I believe he should be posthumously awarded an official title to honor his loyalty." At that time, Yu Bing was in charge and was indecisive. Cai Mo, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, wrote a letter to Yu Bing stating:
Let's discuss this. When promoting someone, their achievements should be made public; when punishing someone, their crimes should be exposed to the world. This has been a principle since ancient times. Even the least significant person understands this principle. However, Di Ling, a major hero of the Zhongxing era, died in battle and left a lasting legacy, yet there are no reports of any wrongdoing attributed to him. Instead, all they see is his demotion, leading the Di family to feel wronged, claiming it was in retaliation for Wang Dun. This situation has left loyal officials bewildered, as they cannot understand what is happening. If he truly committed a serious crime, it should be publicly disclosed to demonstrate that the court is not undermining loyal subjects who sacrifice for their country. Look at what the "Spring and Autumn Annals" state, "Use achievements to make up for mistakes." If the mistake is minor but the achievement is significant, one may still be promoted; if the achievement is minor but the mistake is severe, then execution is certain; if the achievement is enough to offset the mistake, then one will not be demoted. Even if an individual has erred in the past, if they support the monarch during critical moments, they should not face outright condemnation. Think about it, Kong Ning and Yi Fu created turmoil in the court alongside Ling Gong, resulting in the king's death and the downfall of the state, yet the state of Chu still held these two individuals in high regard! The ancient texts say that those who have retained their positions despite their mistakes are trusted by the monarch. Therefore, if Di Ling is indeed guilty, and his crimes are more severe than those of Kong Ning and Yi Fu, then his demotion would be justifiable; if he is innocent, then the court should conduct a thorough investigation and restore his reputation.
Some people say that the issue of Diao Ling was already set aside during Emperor Ming's reign and should not be changed now. I believe this statement is misguided. Consider this: the way of the world is simple; different paths lead to the same destination! When dealing with state affairs, some situations are the same, while others are different; just because things are the same doesn’t mean they’re all good, and just because they’re different doesn’t mean they’re all bad. For example, Emperor Yao suppressed Yuan Kai, but he promoted Shun; Emperor Yao didn’t err, nor did Shun. So why can't the abandoned matters of the previous dynasty be changed?
In the Han Dynasty, Xiao He lost his marquis title due to a legal infraction. Emperor Wen did not posthumously honor him; it was Emperor Jing who did. Later, he lost his marquis title again, and neither Emperor Wu nor Emperor Zhao posthumously honored him, but Emperor Xuan did. Consider this: around the beginning of the year, when the emperor sacrificed to Confucius, he specifically paid respects to Confucius' seat; this was something neither Emperor Yuan nor Emperor Ming had done. Furthermore, Diao Ling was merely not posthumously honored by Emperor Ming; he was not killed. Wang Pingzi and Diwu Yi were both killed by Emperor Yuan, but now they have been posthumously honored. Does it feel strange just because the old practices have been altered? In all matters, they should align with ancient principles and modern standards; only then will people not be confused and those punished will not have grievances.
Take Zhou Pushe and Dai Zhengxi, for instance; they weren’t enemies of Wang Dun, who led the rebellion; they were only killed after the situation calmed down. Zhou Yan and Guo Pu were not killed for resisting rebellion for the emperor; they were killed in peacetime, yet they have been posthumously honored. Is Diao Ling's case less significant than theirs? In recent years, even the outriders can be posthumously honored, let alone Diao Ling, whose rank is higher than the Three Officials! Even if he passes away peacefully, he should still be honored like an outrider! Even if he is not posthumously honored, there is no problem with burying him according to his official position. If someone is honored posthumously for a peaceful death but not for a tragic one, how can this reflect the principle of loyalty to the monarch and inspire the loyalty and righteousness of the subjects? This issue needs to be clearly explained to alleviate the people's doubts.
I also heard that many people feel that Diao Ling should be posthumously awarded. There must be a reason behind anything unreasonable that garners everyone’s support. If it's because Diao Ling was kind and gentle, that's not right, as he was actually rough and tough, offending many people. If it's because of his high status, the Diao family is currently quite lowly positioned. If it's because he was wealthy, the Diao family is currently very poor. So why is everyone supporting this man from humble beginnings and saying these things? You should think carefully about the reasons behind this.
After Bingran's deeds were reported to the court, Emperor Cheng decreed, "Although he was loyal, he failed to uphold the duties of a subordinate, allowing Wang Dun to seek revenge under the pretense of justice, ultimately causing the country to suffer humiliation, and the late Emperor was also ashamed, resulting in a significant disaster. Isn't there a reason for this? If we strictly apply the national law, the previous punishment wasn’t severe. Now we should consider that his past merits deserve recognition, while Wang Dun's rebellious behavior cannot be tolerated, which is why this matter is being discussed. Now he can be reinstated to his original position and be honored with a sacrifice to show that loyalty to the monarch, even if small, will be recognized. Although the punishment was not perfect, it could still serve as a warning." Therefore, his original position was posthumously reinstated, and a sacrifice was held for him.
Yi was upright, but he faced family hardships when he was young. After Wang Dun was executed, Yi killed Wang Dun's followers to avenge his father, then surrendered to the Ministry of Justice to confess his wrongdoing. The court granted him a pardon, and his reputation skyrocketed. He went on to serve as a Lang in the Ministry of Personnel, the Interior Minister of Wu, and was promoted to the position of General of the North and the Inspector of Xu and Yanzhou. He was also granted a ceremonial token and stationed in Guangling, where he eventually passed away while in office.
His son Diao Kui, courtesy name Bodao; his younger brother Diao Chang, courtesy name Zhongyuan; his second son Diao Hong, courtesy name Shuren, all held prominent official positions. During the Long'an period, Kui served as the Governor of Guangzhou and concurrently as General of the Frontier, and was granted an honorary title; Chang served as the Magistrate of Shixing; Hong served as the Governor of Jizhou. The Diao brothers and their nephews were not constrained by reputation and conduct, single-mindedly pursuing wealth, owning vast tracts of fertile land, thousands of slaves and servants, and other wealth beyond measure.
After Huan Xuan usurped the throne, he appointed Kui as General of the Guards of the West and Governor of Yuzhou, stationed at Liyang; Chang as General of the Right Guard; Hong as the Marshal of Huan Xiu's Army. When Liu Yu rebelled and killed Huan Xiu, Chang and Hong plotted to raise an army against Liu Yu. Liu Yu dispatched Liu Yi to quell them; Chang was killed, and Hong fled, his whereabouts unknown. Kui arrested Zhu Ge Changmin, a military officer under Liu Yu, in Liyang and sent him in a prison cart to Huan Xuan. When they reached Dangli, Huan Xuan was defeated; the escorting soldiers broke open the prison cart and freed him, then hurried back to Liyang. Kui abandoned the city and fled, but was captured by his own men and killed at Shitoucheng. His sons and nephews, regardless of age, all died, only the youngest brother Diao Cheng was pardoned and appointed as a court official, but later was killed for rebellion, resulting in the downfall of the Diao family. The Diao family had always been wealthy, with numerous servants, and incredibly miserly, monopolizing the hills and marshes, becoming a major disaster in Jingkou. Liu Yu dispersed their wealth, allowing the people to claim it, but they couldn't collect it all in a single day. At that time, the region was facing famine, and the people relied on these relief measures to survive.
Dai Ruosi, from Guangling in Yangzhou, had a name that clashed with the temple name of the founding emperor. His grandfather, Dai Lie, was the Left General of the Wu Kingdom; his father, Dai Chang, was the Governor of Kuaiji. Dai Ruosi was strikingly handsome and free-spirited, enjoying the company of adventurers in his youth, showing little regard for societal norms. Once, he met Lu Ji, who was heading to Luoyang, and seeing Lu Ji's luxurious boat, Dai Ruosi and his companions stole it. After landing, Dai Ruosi sat on a wooden stool and directed his companions in dividing the spoils, ensuring everything was organized. Lu Ji observed him and recognized that he was someone extraordinary, so he called out from the roof of the boat at a distance, "With your talents, why stoop to robbery?" Deeply moved by these words, Dai Ruosi shed tears, dropped his sword, and joined Lu Ji. After their conversation, Lu Ji greatly admired Dai Ruosi, and they became friends.
Later, Dai Ruosi was recommended as a noble and incorruptible official and went to Luoyang. Lu Ji recommended him to King Zhao Lun, saying, "I have heard that only when a weak country ascends the throne can the merits of strong fortifications be shown; only when the state of Guzhu sets up a stall in the market of Chaoge can the music of divine descent be played. Therefore, wise monarchs must rely on talents from near and far, comparing hidden talents to treasures that harmonize with the Taoyin. I have found Mr. Dai Ruosi from Guangling, who is thirty years old this year, honest and upright, with outstanding moral and intellectual abilities; his thoughts are deep enough to explore profound matters, and his insights are sharp enough to discern all matters; he is content with poverty, content with his ambitions, not seeking fame and fortune, with noble character; he is truly a rare talent in the southeast, a true treasure in the court. If he can enter the court, he can gallop down the wide road like a fine steed; if he can enter the court as an official, he will shine like beautiful jade. I hope you can recognize his talents and not bury them because of idle gossip." King Zhao Lun then summoned him and appointed him as the magistrate of Qinshui, but he did not take up the post, choosing instead to visit his father in Wuling. At that time, Pan Jing from the same county was renowned for his talent-spotting ability, and his father asked Dai Ruosi to talk to Pan Jing. After the conversation, Pan Jing praised Dai Ruosi for his ability to assist the monarch. Dai Ruosi was later promoted multiple times, serving as the military counselor of King Yue of Donghai, then as the governor of Yuzhang, and was appointed as the General of Zhenwei and the commander of the Yi Army. For his contributions in quelling the rebellion, he was appointed as the Marquis of Moling, and later promoted to the Imperial Secretary of the Ministry of Works and the Cavalry Marshal, ultimately attaining the title of Gentleman of the Household.
The emperor summoned him to be the Right General of the Eastern Command. Just as he was about to set out on an expedition against Du Tuo, the emperor promoted him and appointed him as the General of the Front. However, before he even set out, Du Tuo was already subdued. Later, when the emperor became the King of Jin, he appointed him as Minister of State. After the establishment of Eastern Jin, the emperor appointed him as the General of the Guard, and then promoted him to Chief of Staff, but he declined the offers. Later, the emperor sent him to be the General of the Western Campaign, in charge of military affairs in six provinces: Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Youzhou, Jizhou, Yongzhou, and Bingzhou, granting him the authority to act on behalf of the emperor, and further ennobling him as a Cavalry Attendant. He recruited one thousand royal officials as military officers and drafted ten thousand household servants from Yangzhou to serve as soldiers, to be assigned to these military officers. He also appointed the Cavalry Attendant Wang Xia as his military officer, stationed at Shouyang, to join Liu Wei in the campaign. The emperor personally visited the military camp to console the soldiers, hosted a farewell banquet before they left, and even wrote a poem.
When he arrived in Hefei, Wang Dun rebelled, so the emperor ordered him back to the capital to defend the dynasty, promoted him to General of Cavalry, and had him and General Guo Yi build fortifications north of Daheng for defense. Not long after, the city of Shitou was lost, and he and other troops attacked it, resulting in a major defeat. He rushed into the palace with over a hundred followers to receive the imperial decree, and then met Wang Dun with other officials in Shitou. Wang Dun asked him, "Do you still have strength left from the battle a few days ago?" Without hesitation, he replied, "How could I dare to claim I have strength left? I simply lacked the power." Wang Dun then asked, "How will the people view my rebellion this time?" He replied, "On the surface, it looks like rebellion, but in truth, it is loyalty." Wang Dun laughed and said, "You are truly eloquent!" Wang Dun's aide, Lu Yi, a former court officer skilled in writing, was cunning and had a grudge against him from when Dai Ruosi was still a chancellor and disliked him. At this moment, Lu Yi said to Wang Dun, "Zhou Yi and Dai Ruosi have great reputations, enough to confuse people's minds. Lately, their actions and words have not been wrong. If you do not eliminate them, they may rebel again, becoming a major threat to you in the future!" Wang Dun thought it made sense, already wary of them, so he quickly sent Deng Yue and Miao Tan to arrest Dai Ruosi, ultimately causing his death. Dai Ruosi was widely respected and mourned by everyone. After the rebellion was quelled, the court posthumously awarded him the titles of Right Guanglu Daifu and Yitong Sansi, with the posthumous title "Jian."
Now, there was a man named Wang Mai, who had a passion for learning from a young age, especially excelling in the "Records of the Grand Historian" and the "Book of Han." Although his talent was not as exceptional as those extraordinary figures, his knowledge was far more extensive than theirs. He passed the imperial examination at a young age, later rising to become a royal equerry, and then being sent as an official to Xiyang. During the Yongjia period, the Emperor appointed him as the Internal Historian of Shaoling, Military Advisor to the Prime Minister, and later sent him to serve as the Commander of the Southern Expeditionary Army.
At that time, everything was just beginning to be rebuilt, and the schools had not yet been established. Wang Miao wrote a letter to the emperor, saying the following:
"I have heard that the greatest aspect of Heaven's Way is the balance of yin and yang; the emperor's most important task is to promote rites and music education. Therefore, in ancient times, countries established educational institutions such as Mingtang and Biyong, and there were schools in villages like Xiangxu and Huangxiao, all to guide people in broadening their horizons and enlightening their minds. This is similar to the 'Six Four' hexagram in the I Ching, which highlights the shortcomings of ignorance, and a nobleman must strive to cultivate correct virtues. In the past, Confucius was just a grand officer of the state of Lu, but by promoting rites and music education along the Zhu and Si rivers, talented young people from all directions flocked to him, eventually becoming his disciples, with more than seventy disciples. However, since then, for over a thousand years, such prosperity has not been seen again. Is the world smaller than the states of Lu and Wei, and are there fewer wise men and philosophers than before? The root cause is whether education is given due importance!"
Since the country suffered this great disaster, the state was on the brink of collapse, and the barbarian cavalry had even reached the Yangtze River, brutally seizing vast territories and plunging the Central Plains into desolation, with sparse population everywhere. The emperor was worried all day long, and the people suffered greatly from the chaos of war. The barbarian leaders declared themselves kings in the Central Plains; who has time to bother with rites and music rituals anymore? However, if rites and music are not emphasized for three years, the whole system will fall apart; if music is not emphasized for three years, it will decline, let alone the many years of neglect already! The younger generation today has never seen the rituals of bowing and yielding, nor heard the music of bells, drums, and strings. Great works of literature have vanished, and divination has been lost. It's truly disheartening! Valuing culture in peacetime and valuing military force in times of war, the paths of culture and martial arts go hand in hand to ensure lasting peace and stability, just like the cycle of day and night in the universe, as has been the case since ancient times.
Now some people say that the realm has not yet been unified, and it is not the time to establish rituals and music. This statement seems reasonable, but it is not true. The Confucian teachings are profound and extensive, not achieved overnight. In ancient times, outstanding talents had to study for three years to understand a classic work. After achieving success and fame, who would set the rituals and create music when the world is at peace? Furthermore, not every noble-born child has the ability to lead troops into battle, nor have they all experienced the trials of military service. It would be a shame for them to learn Confucian ethics at a young age, like a beautiful jade that shines even brighter when polished, and a rough jade to exhibit its glory after being carved.
I feel that the world has been in decline for a long time, with people becoming immersed in existing customs. Pure traditions are disappearing, and superficial trends are becoming more prevalent, like a candle burning out while people remain oblivious. Today, with the world being renewed and everything just beginning, the wise court, guided by virtuous conduct, has seized the opportunity for change. They are eliminating the shortcomings of recent times, reviving the interrupted right path of thousands of years, promoting Confucianism, and establishing a grand enterprise. The emperor promotes it from above, while the prime minister supervises from below. What the upper class likes, the lower class likes even more, hence the flourishing of dual sword dance, the trend of flowing white calligraphy, the refinement of zither playing, and the increase in collaborative music composition. The virtue of a gentleman influences the masses as the wind does, while the virtue of a villain is swayed like grass in the wind, all because of the inspiration everyone receives. I am dull and shallow, unable to see far or articulate profound truths. I am simply following the emperor's orders and boldly stating my thoughts. I believe that we should gradually build etiquette and music facilities during the three idle seasons of farming.
The memorial was submitted, the emperor agreed, and so the construction of the ritual and music facilities began.
Later, he replaced Liu Wei as the Prefect of Danyang. When Wang Dun rebelled, he was promoted to General of the Left. When Wang Dun gained power, he was worried about being implicated, so he resigned and returned home. After Wang Dun was killed, he was posthumously granted the title of Minister of the Secretariat. He passed away while in office, posthumously granted the title of General Wei, with the posthumous title of Mu. His son Mi inherited his title, later becoming the Yi Xing Prefect and Grand Minister of Agriculture and Commerce.
Zhou Yi, styled Boren, was the son of General Zhou Jun of Andong. He had a great reputation from a young age, outstanding demeanor and radiant spirit. Although he was close to his peers, no one dared to disrespect him. The Minister of Works, Ben Song, from the same county, was known for his integrity and cleanliness. After seeing Zhou Yi, he exclaimed, "The Ying region truly produces talents! Recently, the righteous path has been waning, but now with Zhou Boren, he will revive the old ways and provide the people of our country with clean and honest governance!" Dai Ruosi from Guangling was a talented scholar in the southeast region. After passing the imperial examination, he went to Luoyang and had already heard of Zhou Yi's great name. He specially visited him, but ended up leaving after a short chat, hesitant to showcase his talents and eloquence. Zhou Yi's younger brother, Zhou Mu, who was also well-known, sought to prove himself in front of Zhou Yi, trying to surpass him. However, Zhou Yi remained calm and did not argue with him at all, so people respected and admired him even more. He declined all invitations from the provinces and counties. Zhou Yi inherited his father's title of Marquis of Wucheng before he was twenty years old, appointed as a Secretary, and later promoted to Minister of Personnel. The son of Prince Donghai, Yue Pi, served as the Garrison General, appointing Zhou Yi as his Chief of Staff.
When Emperor Yuan was stationed in the Jiangzuo region, he requested Zhou Yi to serve as the military advisor and ritual official, and later appointed him as General of Ningyuan, Governor of Jingzhou, Commander of the Southern Barbarians, and Acting General. When he just took office in Jingzhou, the exiled Fu Mi and others instigated a rebellion, welcoming the bandit Du Tao. Zhou Yi was in a state of panic and confusion at the time. Tao Kan sent General Wu Ji to rescue him, allowing Zhou Yi to escape danger and flee to Yuzhang to seek refuge with Wang Dun. Wang Dun took him in. Military officer Dai Miao remarked, "Although Zhou Yi was defeated in battle, he had no faults in governing the people. His prestige has always been very high, so he should be reinstated." However, Wang Dun did not listen. The emperor summoned Zhou Yi back to the court and appointed him as General Yangwei and Governor of Yanzhou. After Zhou Yi returned to Jiankang, the emperor kept him there and did not allow him to leave again, appointing him as military advisor and soon promoting him to Right Chief Historian. After the establishment of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Zhou Yi was appointed as Minister of Personnel. After a period of time, he resigned from his official position due to a drunken incident and then wore civilian clothes. Later, he was dismissed from office after one of his students injured someone.
During the Taixing period of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Wang Dao was promoted to Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince while retaining his position as Chief Secretary. He wrote a letter of resignation, saying, "Upon careful reflection, I realize that I have not even grasped a single classic text, and my abilities are not adequate for holding an official position. It is already a challenge for me to be content with my current situation, let alone fulfill my duties. I occupy a prominent position that far exceeds my capabilities. The emperor does not see through my stupidity and faults and still wants me to wield great power in selecting officials in the court and serve as the prince's teacher. I am as delicate as a cicada's wing, yet burdened with an enormous responsibility, which is simply unachievable. If I were to take on this responsibility, it would surely bring disgrace to the court. I feel immense fear and shame, unsure of what to do."
The emperor said, "The crown prince is still young and needs someone like you to guide him and clear his confusion. Your dignified and steady demeanor is a silent form of teaching in itself; what specific knowledge could be more valuable? This is akin to engaging with Wen of Hotan and Su Qin, being able to forget their despicable thoughts. Please accept this appointment, do not decline." So, Wang Dao was transferred to the position of Left Deputy of the Ministry of Justice, while still retaining the position of Minister of Personnel.
Yue Liang once said to Wang Dao, "Everyone says you are like Yue Guang." Wang Dao replied, "This is like comparing a plain woman to Xi Shi, isn't it unreasonable?" Once, the emperor held a banquet for his ministers in the Western Hall. After three rounds of drinks, the emperor casually said, "Today, many renowned ministers are gathered here; how does this stack up against the times of Yao and Shun?" Wang Dao, drunk, loudly replied, "Although there are monarchs like you now, how can it compare to the era of the sage kings!" The emperor was furious and immediately wrote an edict to the court official to execute Wang Dao, but he was granted a reprieve a few days later.
After Wang Dao came out, the ministers visited him. Wang Dao remarked, "Of course, I won't be executed for this." Shortly after, Wang Dao replaced Dai Ruosi as the General of the Imperial Guards. Minister Ji Zhan hosted a feast for Wang Dao and other officials, and Wang Dao, drunk and behaving improperly, was impeached by the relevant authorities. The emperor said, "Wang Dao is involved in assisting in state affairs and holds the authority to appoint officials. He should be cautious in his words and actions, setting a good example. He has been punished several times for drinking. I understand his happiness, but this serves as a lesson. I believe Wang Dao will be able to correct his mistakes and restore propriety; therefore, he will not face any punishment at this time."
At first, Wang Dao's younger brother Wang Yi enjoyed a good reputation nationwide, but later his reputation was damaged due to his love of alcohol. After becoming an official, he was drunk almost every day, and people called him "Drunken Minister." Yu Liang commented, "In his later years, the so-called virtues of Minister Zhou declined." When Wang Yi was in the north, he could drink up to a stone of alcohol. After moving south, he got drunk every day but still felt he hadn't found a worthy opponent. By chance, he ran into an old drinking buddy from the north, which made Wang Yi very happy. He brought out two stones of wine and drank heavily with his friend, and both ended up completely drunk. When Wang Yi woke up and went to see his guest, he found that the man had died from drinking too much.
Wang Yi was exceptionally kind and friendly. One time, his brother Wang Song got angry after drinking and stared at Wang Yi, saying, "Your talent isn't as great as mine, so why are you more famous?" He then threw a lit candle at Wang Yi. Wang Yi was not angry at all and calmly said, "Using fire against me is quite a foolish move." Wang Dao held Wang Yi in high regard, once resting his head on Wang Yi's knee and asking, "What is in your stomach?" Wang Yi replied, "My stomach's empty, but it's big enough to fit hundreds of you." On another occasion, Wang Yi proudly sang and recited poetry for Wang Dao, who asked, "Do you want to learn from Ji Kang and Ruan Ji?" Wang Yi replied, "How could I dare to compare myself to you? I just want to learn a bit from Ji Kang and Ruan Ji from afar."
Wen Qiao asked, "What do you think about Wang Dun's rebellion? Do you think he’s gone too far?" Wen Qiao replied, "You're still young and inexperienced. The emperor isn’t a sage like Yao or Shun; how can he be perfect? As a subject, how can you threaten the emperor with military force? He was elected as Grand Marshal just a few years ago, and now he has turned against us. Isn't this just chaos? Wang Dun is arrogant and overbearing, with boundless ambition."
Later, when Wang Dun's army suffered defeat, Wen Qiao was sent to meet him. Wang Dun said, "Bo Ren, you have disappointed me!" Wen Qiao responded, "General, you led a rebellion, and as a court minister, I led the army to resist, but we failed, leading to the defeat of our forces. So I have indeed disappointed you." Wang Dun was taken aback by Wen Qiao's stern words and was at a loss for words. The emperor summoned Wen Qiao and asked about the recent events, inquiring about the well-being of the Crown Prince, the emperor's brother, and the others. He also asked if the Grand Marshal had let everyone down. Wen Qiao replied, "The fate of the Crown Prince and the emperor's brother depends on Your Majesty's decision. As courtiers, we don't really know." The Chief Military Officer, Hao Gu, and others advised Wen Qiao to hide from Wang Dun, but Wen Qiao replied, "As a court minister, with the court in chaos, how can I just hide in the countryside or run off to some foreign land?"
Not long after, Wen Qiao and Dai Ruosi were arrested. When passing by the Imperial Ancestral Temple, Wen Qiao shouted loudly, "Heavenly spirits, ancestors above! The treacherous minister Wang Dun has subverted the state, unjustly killed loyal subjects, and harmed the people. The gods are watching; Wang Dun must be quickly killed—do not let him continue to do evil and harm the royal family!" Before he could finish speaking, the escort stabbed his mouth with a halberd, blood flowing down to his ankles. Despite this, his expression remained unchanged and his posture calm, which moved the onlookers to tears. In the end, Wen Qiao was killed on a stone slab outside the south gate of Shitoucheng. He was fifty-four years old that year.
After Wen Qiao's death, a junior officer under Wang Dun had his horse killed at a gambling den. He said to Wang Dun, "The Zhou family has been prominent for generations, but their status is not as high as yours. Wen Qiao was supposed to be promoted, but ended up like this, just like my horse." Wang Dun replied, "When I was young, I met Wen Qiao at the Eastern Palace. We became like brothers at first sight, and I promised him three things. I never thought that he would lose his life because of me in the end." Wang Dun had always been wary of Wen Qiao, blushing at the sight of him, even in winter, always fanning himself with a fan, never stopping. Wang Dun sent Miu Tan to search Wen Qiao's home, only finding a few plain cloth bags containing old cotton, some jars of wine, and some rice. The ministers praised Wen Qiao for his integrity and frugality. After Wang Dun's death, Wen Qiao was posthumously appointed as Left Minister of Guanglu and Yitong Sanqi, posthumously named "Kang," and offered sacrifices to him with a small ritual.
At the outset, when Wang Dun raised his troops, Liu Wei advised the emperor to kill all the princes. Sikong Dao went to the gate of the imperial palace with a group of people to plead guilty, coincidentally encountering Zhou Yi, who was entering to see the emperor. Dao called out to Zhou Yi, "Bo Ren, you’re dragging our whole family down with you!" Zhou Yi went straight in without looking back.
After meeting the emperor, Zhou Yi claimed that Sikong Dao was loyal and strongly pleaded for him. The emperor believed his words. Zhou Yi joyfully began drinking and didn't come out until he was drunk. Sikong Dao was still waiting at the palace gate and called out to Zhou Yi. Zhou Yi ignored him and turned to those around him, saying, "This year, we will kill those bandits. When the time comes, the golden seal I receive will be as big as a bushel, hanging from my elbow!" After coming out, Zhou Yi submitted another memorial, once again pleading for Sikong Dao, speaking very earnestly. Sikong Dao was unaware that Zhou Yi was trying to save him; instead, he felt very angry.
After Wang Dun rose to power, he asked Sikong Dao, "Zhou Yi and Dai Ruosi are renowned figures from the north and south. Is there any issue with appointing them to the Three Excellencies?" Sikong Dao did not answer. Wang Dun said again, "If they are not appointed as the Three Excellencies, do I need to kill you?" Sikong Dao still did not answer. Wang Dun said, "If not, I will have to kill you!" Sikong Dao still did not say a word. Later, Sikong Dao reviewed the files of the Secretariat and saw the memorial Zhou Yi had submitted for him, which was written with deep emotion and sincerity. Sikong Dao wept bitterly while clutching the memorial, overwhelmed with grief, and told his sons, "Although I did not personally kill Boren, he died because of me. In the underworld, I owe this good friend an apology!"
Zhou Yi had three sons: Zhou Min, Zhou Tian, and Zhou Yi. Zhou Min, also known as Ziqian, was an upright man who inherited his father's virtues. He served as the Administrator of Hengyang, Administrator of Jian'an, Administrator of Linchuan, Palace Attendant, General of the Central Army, Minister of Personnel, Left Deputy Director of the Secretariat, and was also appointed as General of the Central Army. He later became the Protector of the Army while also serving as the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Golden Purple Guanglu Daifu and was posthumously honored as Liet. Zhou Min had no sons, so the eldest son of his brother Zhou Yi, Zhou Lin, inherited the family line. Zhou Lin later served as the Administrator of Dongyang. Zhou Tian and Zhou Yi also held official positions as ministers and administrators. Zhou Wen, the youngest son of Zhou Lin, rose to the position of Adviser to the General of the Agile Cavalry.
The historian said: People who are too rigid are easily broken, and those who are too cunning often end up isolated. If such people are used in governing a country, it will harm the nation; if used in handling family matters, it will bring disaster to the household. This is not the way of governance advocated by the ancient kings. The magistrate of Dalian, secretly guessing the thoughts of the ruler, proposed the extreme suggestion of cutting the coffin when it was time to enact laws.
Xuan Liang, known for his stubbornness, did not get along well with many people. Although he intended to be loyal to the court, he ruled with an iron fist. Stubbornness and flexibility cannot coexist, nor can they skillfully utilize the advantages of timing, location, and human resources. As a result, wise officials were marginalized, leading to chaos in the country, and the powerful ministers took advantage of this opportunity to rebel under the banner of Xuan Liang. In the end, he almost ruined the country, though he managed to save his life; but he brought shame to the emperor and only cared about saving his own life. Eventually, he ended up in exile, not merely an unfortunate event, but a direct result of his own choices.
If he had been able to temper his stubbornness, thought carefully, delved into the reasons of things, behaved righteously like Bo Ren, maintained frugality even in prosperous times, and participated in the planning of national affairs with talented and virtuous individuals like them, how much better things could have been! When the capital fell, they could have stuck to their beliefs, unwaveringly willing to sacrifice themselves to preserve their integrity; that is true loyalty to the monarch! While Xuan Liang faced significant criticism, especially regarding his drinking habits, as stated in the "Book of Rites," "A flaw does not hide a gem," his shortcomings cannot overshadow his strengths.
Praise: Liu Diao is straightforward and dedicated to the king's prosperity. Treachery leads to disgrace and ultimately to exile. Zhou Dai is honest and upright, providing loyal and sincere counsel. The path belongs to Tun Meng, and calamity arises from wickedness and depravity.
