Yu Liang, courtesy name Yuangu, is the older brother of Empress Mu of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. His father, Yu Chen, is mentioned in "Biographies of the Imperial Relatives." Yu Liang is good-looking, eloquent, enjoys reading "Zhuangzi" and "Laozi," conducts himself rigorously, and pays great attention to etiquette. Though not overly serious at home, he naturally maintains decorum. People at the time thought he was similar to Xiahou Taichu and Chen Changwen. At the age of sixteen, the Eastern Sea Prince, Sima Yue, invited him to be his aide, but he declined and stayed with his father in Kuaiji, living a quiet life on his own. People at the time were afraid of his serious and dignified demeanor and dared not disturb him. When Emperor Yuan was stationed in Zhendong, he heard of Yu Liang's reputation and appointed him as a clerk of the Western Cao. After meeting him, Emperor Yuan found Yu Liang's demeanor and speech to be even better than he had imagined, greatly valuing him, and wanted to marry Yu Liang's sister into the palace as the Crown Princess. Yu Liang firmly declined and did not agree. Later, Yu Liang was promoted to serve as a military advisor to the Prime Minister. He participated in the campaign against Hua Yi, made contributions, was appointed as the Marquis of Duting, and further promoted to be in charge of military affairs as the Prime Minister, responsible for managing official documents. When the Eastern Jin Dynasty was just beginning to revive, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Central Secretariat, in charge of handling documents, and also taught the Crown Prince. Many of his teachings were praised by the people. He and Wen Qiao were both commoner friends of the Crown Prince. At that time, the Emperor was vigorously implementing strict laws and even gave the book "Han Feizi" to the Crown Prince. Yu Liang advised that the harsh ideas in Han Feizi would harm public morals and were not suitable for the Crown Prince to learn. The Crown Prince listened to his advice and accepted it. Later, Yu Liang was promoted to various positions, including Yellow Gate Attendant and Cavalier in Regular Attendance. When Wang Dun was in Wuhu, the Emperor dispatched Yu Liang to negotiate with Wang Dun. Wang Dun and Yu Liang discussed state affairs and, without realizing it, changed seats. After Yu Liang left, Wang Dun sighed, "Yu Yuangu is far superior to Pei Yuan." So he recommended Yu Liang to be appointed as the commander of the central army.
After Emperor Ming ascended to the throne, he appointed Yu Liang as the Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Yu Liang submitted a memorial declining the appointment, stating:
"I am an ordinary man with average abilities and limited knowledge. I had no particular talents in my youth. Previously, due to the chaos in the Central Plains and the downfall of the previous dynasty, I fled alongside the late emperor's officials, only seeking a place to survive and have enough to eat. I never expected to find myself in better times. When the late emperor raised his troops, he showed me great favor, not only seeing me as a pillar of the state but also marrying his daughter to me. As a result, I gradually gained the emperor's trust, and my official position continued to rise. Around the age of twenty, I began to work in the court, enjoying the emperor's favor, frequently entering the palace, and even leading the army at one point. Over the course of more than a decade, my rank surpassed that of many predecessors. It's probably rare for someone like me to earn such favor from the emperor. Although my official position is not high, my fortunes are too great, which makes me susceptible to misfortune. I ought to be content with what I have. However, I have been overly ambitious for fame and wealth, constantly seeking promotion, which has drawn much criticism and impacted the court. I had wanted to explain everything to Your Majesty, but the late emperor passed away before I had the chance. Despite my unwavering loyalty, I was never able to convey my sincerity to the late emperor."
After Your Majesty ascended to the throne, you have diligently worked to govern, implemented many new policies, the ministers in the court are all capable, the court is transparent, and there is a flourishing atmosphere, all because of Your Majesty's fairness and selflessness! However, Your Majesty has once again appointed me as the Minister of the Central Secretariat. By appointing me, it is equivalent to demonstrating to the world that you are appointing officials based on personal connections. Why do I say this? Because I am related to you by marriage; I am the brother of your wife. This marital relationship differs from a blood relationship. Although Your Majesty is very fair and never bends the law for personal gain, since ancient times, the decline of moral standards and the complexities of human relationships can easily cloud fair judgment. Throughout the world, everyone has their own interests; if everyone acts out of self-interest, fairness becomes impossible. Therefore, care was taken to curb the influence of imperial relatives and prevent their abuse of power in both the previous and later Han dynasties. If the seven prominent families of the Western Han and the six prominent families of the Eastern Han were not linked to the imperial family, they could all be promoted fairly; even if not all were successful, they would not all have failed. The reason they all fail now is precisely due to their close ties with the royal family.
In observing the lives of ordinary people, I find that they have no political affiliations, no influential connections, and very weak foundations. As long as they avoid major blunders, they can just get by. But for the imperial relatives, it's a different story. They rely on their relationships with the royal family; their influence extends throughout the court and beyond, their roots are deep, and their power is immense. Once they gain power, they instill fear in everyone. If they err, their transgressions are hard to forgive. Their actions can lead to their own downfall, which in turn harms the nation. Why is this so? Because the self-interest stemming from familial ties is unavoidable, so those close to them are easily trusted, while those promoted through marriage relationships are easily suspected. This suspicion builds in the hearts of the populace, leading to turmoil within the palace. These are lessons from previous dynasties that should serve as a wake-up call! All things operate according to certain rules; even the most virtuous individuals do not violate them. Risking it all for a fleeting reputation is not worth it compared to safeguarding against suspicion and upholding fairness. I possess talent, yet also carry this suspicion. If I were to assume a high office in the court, wield military command, and govern the nation this way, it would be unheard of in ancient and modern times. To bring disaster upon myself in this way would be a matter of minutes. Even if the emperor and the two prime ministers recognize my loyalty, and many officials in the court understand my situation to some extent, how can the common people possibly understand me and allow me to feel at ease? While wealth and glory are certainly appealing, I cannot bear poverty and punishment. Following the emperor's orders makes life easier; disobeying the emperor's orders makes life unbearable. Though I may be simple-minded, why would I go against the times, defy the emperor, and invite trouble? I have genuinely reflected on my shortcomings and am indifferent to my own life or death. My sole wish is to prevent disaster for the nation, which is why I persist in voicing my concerns. However, my sincerity has not been adequately conveyed, and Your Majesty has yet to grasp my plight. I hope Your Majesty can see through it all and understand my misguided loyalty, so that even in death, I can feel as at peace as if I were alive.
The memorial was submitted, and the emperor accepted his advice, dispelling the notion. Wang Dun was ambitious, deeply wary of Liang, but on the surface, he showed great respect for him. Liang was worried and afraid, so he resigned from his post, citing illness. Later, he succeeded Wang Dao as the Supervisor of the Palace Secretariat. When Wang Dun rebelled, Liang was appointed as the General of the Left Guard to join other generals in resisting Qian Feng. When Shen Chong fled to Wuxing, the emperor appointed Liang as the Commissioner of Military Expeditions to pursue Shen Chong. After the situation calmed down, in recognition of his achievements, he was granted the title of Duke of Yongchang County and rewarded with 5,400 bolts of silk, which he resolutely declined. He was later promoted to Guard General.
The emperor was very ill and did not want to see anyone; not one minister could see him. At that time, the military governor, Sima Zong of Nandun, and the General of the Right Guard, Yu Yin, who were typically favored by the emperor, colluded with Prince Sima Yang of Xiyang. Zhuge Liang walked directly into the emperor's bedroom, and upon seeing the emperor, he broke down in tears. After crying, Zhuge Liang solemnly told the emperor about the conspiracy involving Sima Yang, Sima Zong, and others to oust the court ministers and seize power for themselves. The nation's safety depended on the events of today; his words were filled with sincerity. The emperor was deeply moved, invited Zhuge Liang to take a seat at the throne, and together with the Grand Tutor Wang Dao, accepted the emperor's will to assist the young emperor. Zhuge Liang was promoted to the position of Imperial Secretary and then transferred to the role of Prefect of the Palace Secretariat. The Empress Dowager took charge of the court, and all major political matters were determined by Zhuge Liang.
Before, Wang Dao assisted in government; he was kind and gentle, well-liked by the people. Zhuge Liang was strict in enforcing the law and handled things more forcefully, so many people were dissatisfied with him. Moreover, the late emperor's testament praised some ministers, but Tao Kan and Zu Yue were not among them. Tao Kan and Zu Yue suspected that Zhuge Liang had altered the testament and held grudges against him. Zhuge Liang was worried about rebellion, so he sent Wen Qiao to Jiangzhou to take up an important position to strengthen his own power, while also reinforcing "Stone City" as a precaution. "Stone City" here refers to Nanjing City.
At this time, the King of Nandun, Sima Zong, plotted to abolish the chief ministers. Zhuge Liang killed Sima Zong and also removed Sima Zong's brother, Sima Yang. Sima Zong was a close relative of the emperor, and Sima Yang was an elder of the imperial family as well as the late emperor's nanny. People believed Zhuge Liang was oppressing the royal family.
Bian Xian, a Langya man and a member of the clan, was killed along with his family. Bian Xian's brother, Bian Chan, escaped and sought refuge with Su Jun. Su Jun took in Bian Chan and hid him. Su Jun harbored many fugitives and often resorted to harsh measures. Zhuge Liang knew that Su Jun would definitely rebel, so he summoned him to serve as the Minister of Agriculture. The court found it unacceptable. General Wen Qiao of Pingnan wrote to advise him several times, but it was of no use.
Su Jun indeed rebelled with Zu Yue. When Wen Qiao learned that Su Jun was defying the imperial edict, he intended to lead troops to defend the capital. He also wanted to rebel in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, but Zhuge Liang disagreed and wrote back to Wen Qiao, saying, "I'm more concerned about the western border now, much more than I am about Liyang. You must not take a step beyond the Thunder Pool!" Later, Su Jun's general Han Huang attacked Xuancheng, and Zhuge Liang sent troops to resist, but they couldn't hold them off. Su Jun took advantage of the situation and attacked the capital. The court appointed Zhuge Liang as the commander to lead the army to suppress Su Jun, and the two sides clashed outside Jianyang Gate.
The battle had not yet begun, and the soldiers discarded their armor and ran away. Liang escaped to the west on a small boat, while the fleeing soldiers were looting everywhere. The soldiers around Liang shot at the enemy, accidentally injuring the boatman. The boatman collapsed, and everyone on the boat went pale with fear, wanting to escape. Liang remained unfazed and calmly said, "How can these arrows be used to shoot thieves!" Everyone finally calmed down.
Liang took his three brothers Yi, Tiao, and Yi to seek refuge with Wen Qiao. Wen Qiao had always respected Liang, and even though Liang was defeated in battle and on the run, Wen Qiao still wanted him to be the leader. Liang firmly declined, so he and Wen Qiao together elected Tao Kan as the leader. When Tao Kan arrived in Xunyang, he felt somewhat dissatisfied with Liang. Many people said Tao Kan wanted to kill the prime minister to atone to the world. Liang was very afraid, but when he saw Tao Kan, he took the initiative to apologize, with such sincerity that it moved those around him. Tao Kan felt relieved and said to Liang, "You used to build a Taoist temple on Shitou Mountain, imitating Laozi, and today you come to me for help. It's truly unpredictable how things unfold in the world!" Then they chatted, drank, and enjoyed each other's company all day. Liang ate garlic and left the garlic cloves. Tao Kan asked, "What are you keeping that for?" Liang said, "To plant it." Tao Kan admired him even more, saying, "He's not just handsome and charming; he also has the skills to govern effectively."
Zhuge Liang arrived at Shitou City and sent the military commander Wang Zhang to attack Zhang Jun of the Jun faction. However, he was defeated by Zhang Jun. Zhuge Liang then sent a message to Xie Kan, who replied, "Even ancient figures faced defeat three times. You have only been defeated twice. The situation is urgent now, so don’t dwell on it too much." Xie Kan also said, "There are too many intrigues in the court, which is the root of disaster. This chaos is not solely the responsibility of Zhang Jun!" At that time, Zhuge Liang defended Baishilei with only two thousand soldiers, while Zhang Jun led tens of thousands of infantry to attack from all directions, which instilled fear in everyone. Zhuge Liang encouraged his soldiers to fight desperately, and after a fierce pursuit, Zhang Jun's army retreated, with hundreds killed.
After Zhang Jun was pacified, the emperor arrived at the scene aboard Wen Qiao's boat, and Zhuge Liang was able to enter the palace to meet him. He kowtowed in apology, choked with emotion and unable to speak. The emperor ordered all the courtiers to join Zhuge Liang at the throne. The next day, Zhuge Liang kowtowed again, apologized, and requested retirement, wishing to retreat into the mountains and seas. The emperor sent the Minister of Personnel and the Imperial Secretary with a comforting decree, saying, "This is a major matter concerning the country, not a burden that should fall on someone like you!" Zhuge Liang then submitted another memorial:
I am just a rough and unrefined individual, of mediocre talent, lacking the ability to govern and bring stability to the nation. It is only because of my relationship with the royal family that I have been entrusted with important tasks multiple times, which I truly feel unworthy of. Therefore, rumors and gossip about me have only grown. With so many disasters befalling the royal family one after another, I cannot shy away from my responsibilities, so I have been continuously handling various affairs and undertaking important duties. Before the late emperor passed away, I served by his side, attending to his daily needs. After his death, I was also involved in handling his funeral arrangements, not due to any exceptional abilities of my own, but rather because of our familial connection. I know my talents are modest, but I do not dare to evade my responsibilities. Even among ordinary friends in the countryside, there is a tradition of mutual support, let alone the righteousness between ruler and subject, which is only natural. I grieve deeply for the late emperor, and I cannot bring myself to defy the imperial command. Moreover, the late emperor treated me with the same kindness he showed to common folk, and now his kindness towards me is profound, while my talents are modest. Therefore, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and moved to tears, forgetting about my own safety. In addition, Your Majesty, when you ascended the throne, the court affairs were unclear, and you personally handled both internal and external matters. In my position, I have been exerting all my efforts for the country, not daring to let my guard down. Although I know my skills do not match my responsibilities, I have longed to repay the emperor's kindness, even if it meant sacrificing my life. However, I have grown proud and complacent from the favoritism I've received, gradually losing self-awareness. I have failed to stabilize the situation both inside and out, nor can I recommend talented individuals, leading to unrest and rampant rumors across the realm.
Alas, Zuyue, Su Jun, and their followers are too arrogant and overbearing, all because of me! The country is on the verge of collapse, the ancestral shrines are deserted, Your Majesty, you’ve grown white-haired over this issue, haven’t eaten properly for more than a year, and the entire nation is suffering. This is entirely my responsibility, my fault! Even if the court were to torture me and execute my entire family, it cannot make up for the sins against the ancestors, nor calm the anger of the people. I am sorry for the country; my crimes are unforgivable; the heavens and earth cannot bear my existence! Yet, Your Majesty has shown me mercy, and the court officials have spared me. From ancient times to the present, there may be no one as disloyal and unfilial as I am! I lack even the courage to take my own life in atonement; I live in shame, no different from being dead. The court even puts me in the ranks of officials; I have no face to stand with others!
I wish to retreat to the deep mountains and forests to reflect on my wrongdoings, but Your Majesty believes I am being selfish. You misunderstand my intentions, which only adds to my guilt. I hope Your Majesty recognizes the past dynasties' mistakes in choosing officials. Even if you wish to forgive me and spare my life, you should exile me to a remote area; allow me to fend for myself; only then can it serve as a warning to everyone.
After the memorial was presented, Your Majesty issued the decree: "I have read your memorial and felt your sincerity. As the uncle of the Empress, to show such courage and sense of responsibility is commendable, and I understand. However, when it comes to what is right, though the principles you stand by are not incorrect, why get caught up in these trivial details?"
Su Jun, this scoundrel, is truly extremely arrogant. Neither heaven nor earth can tolerate him, and both man and heaven should punish him! If he doesn't rebel this year, he will surely rebel next year; this is clear to everyone. You and your colleagues took up arms against the rebellion out of righteous indignation, precisely because you could not tolerate such disrespect towards the monarch. How can anyone say you're disloyal when it comes to reason and justice? If you personally lead the troops into battle and are defeated, then the court should of course deal with you according to the law to maintain national order; this is understandable. However, you actively sought support from local officials, led a large army to suppress the rebellion, personally led the charge, and Su Jun was eventually beheaded. With the major issue settled, peace was restored, the court was back to normal, the nation was secure, and the ancestors' temples could be worshipped. Isn't all this thanks to you and your local officials' dedication and sacrifice in this deadly struggle? Now's the time to reward merit, so why dwell on past mistakes?
Ah, now the world is in chaos, with thousands of people dead, and we are facing off against those bandits across the river. Uncle, you should shoulder the late emperor's wish, save the people from danger, and give the common people someone to rely on; this is what truly benefits the world!
Zhuge Liang wanted to make a stealthy escape, heading east from Ji Yang, but the court ordered his ships to be confiscated. With no other choice, Zhuge Liang had to volunteer for exile and was finally appointed as the General of Yuzhou and Yangzhou, Pacifier of the West, Acting General, Governor of Yuzhou, and concurrently Interior Minister of Xuan Cheng. He accepted the appointment and took up his post in Wuhu.
After a while, General Guo Mo staged a rebellion at Penkou, and Zhuge Liang submitted a memorial requesting to personally lead the expedition. Therefore, the court appointed him as the expedition commander, allowing him to lead a force of twenty thousand infantry and cavalry, including Generals Lu Yong, Mao Bao, Zhao Yin, Kuang Shu, Liu Shi, and others, to join forces with Grand Commandant Tao Kan and defeat Guo Mo's forces. After Zhuge Liang returned to Wuhu, he firmly declined the court's rewards. Tao Kan wrote to him, "Rewards and punishments, promotions and demotions, are important matters of the state. I truly do not understand why you are declining them; you really are a true gentleman!" Zhuge Liang replied, "Marshal, you are too modest. I'm just a military man following orders; what merit do I have?" He kept insisting on declining the rewards. Later, the court promoted him and granted him the title of General Who Guards the West, but he still firmly declined. Years earlier, for his achievements in pacifying the rebellion of Wang Dun, he was granted the title of Duke of Yongchang County. He petitioned to relinquish the title dozens of times until he was finally granted permission. After Tao Kan passed away, Zhuge Liang was appointed as the commander overseeing military affairs in the six provinces of Jiang, Jing, Yu, Yi, Liang, and Yong, while also holding the titles of General Who Conquers the West, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and Acting Colonel. He also turned down the position of Prefect of the Masters of Writing and was eventually reassigned to garrison duty in Wuchang. By this time, Wang Dao primarily focused on the big picture; the emperor was young, and the country was in a crisis. Wang Dao delegated power to generals like Zhao Yin and Jia Ning, who didn’t really follow the laws. The court ministers were very concerned. Tao Kan once wanted to lead troops to remove Wang Dao from power, but Xi Jian disagreed, so the plan was scrapped. By this time, Zhuge Liang also wanted to rally troops to oust Wang Dao, so he consulted Xi Jian, but he still disagreed. Zhuge Liang sent a letter to Xi Jian:
When I was in Wuhu before, I repeatedly told you that although Wang Dao's transgressions are quite serious, the country is in a dire situation now. Even if local officials are allowed to gain power, it can serve as a deterrent, so we have endured and explained on behalf of Tao Gong. From that time until now, Wang Dao has not repented at all.
Since the emperor was eight or nine years old, until he grew up, he was served by palace maids in the palace, and when he left the palace, he was accompanied only by military officers and some subordinates, with no chance to study or learn, and no chance to consult with true gentlemen. Although the ministers who served the emperor were not exceptional talents, they were among the better ones at the time, knew some historical allusions, and could offer advice to the emperor, but how could they possibly compare to the generals and commanders in the court? The emperor should be selecting more capable ministers instead of generals and commanders. How can Jia Yi's hope for a monarch with good virtues who continuously improves through learning ever be realized? Qin Shihuang wanted to deceive the people, and everyone knew that this was impractical, let alone trying to deceive the emperor! When the emperor was young, he did not select talented people to assist in educating him. Now that the country is strong, wise politics should be restored. The emperor has not relinquished power to the ministers but instead has taken on the role of the master; the emperor is now an adult, yet still has to endure the disobedience of his subjects. The emperor knew that the relationship between monarch and subjects should not be like this, but had to adopt some special etiquette. The emperor, as the supreme ruler, is like a towering dragon, holding a high position of power, but has no capable assistants. Relying on the majesty of the monarch to control the officials, no official dared to disobey. This is because the previous emperor did not leave behind capable ministers to counter them, so they were controlled by those arrogant and treacherous figures. Individuals like Zhao Gao and Jia Yi harbor disloyal thoughts toward the monarch. If such things can be tolerated, what else could possibly be tolerated?
In the past, the emperor has always been tolerant and forgiving of these issues, believing that their sins could be forgiven, primarily because the country was in crisis and could not afford to engage in frequent wars. He hoped they would repent and change, fearing they wouldn't self-reflect. However, recently, the emperor's indulgent attitude has emboldened those in power and instilled fearlessness in those beneath them, thinking that by nurturing more scoundrels, they can maintain their grip on power. Both you and I have received the grace of the late emperor, bearing great responsibilities. If we fail to eliminate these great villains, how can we honor the late emperor's spirit? I urge you to seriously consider the nation's long-term stability, reevaluate the responsibilities we both bear, weigh the pros and cons, and make the right choice. Since the emperor did not agree with our views, this issue has quieted for now.
When Zhuge Liang heard that Shi Le had just died, he developed a strategy to reclaim the Central Plains. So, he entrusted Yuzhou to General Mao Bao, allowing him to lead ten thousand elite troops to garrison Zhucheng. He also appointed Tao Kan as the General of the South Central Army and the Magistrate of Jiangxia, leading five thousand troops into the Mian River basin. Zhuge Liang's brother, Zhuge Yi, was appointed Colonel of the Southern Barbarians and Magistrate of Nanjun, stationed in Jiangling. He also appointed Wuchang Prefect Chen Xiao as the Assistant General and Governor of Liangzhou, ordering him to make haste to Ziwu Valley. At the same time, Zhuge Liang sent out a separate force to launch an offensive against Shu, and this force reached Jiangyang, capturing the pretender Governor of Jingzhou, Li Hong, and the Prefect of Bajun, Huang Zhi, escorting them back to the capital.
Zhuge Liang planned to lead a hundred thousand troops to garrison at Shicheng as support for various armies. So he wrote to the emperor, saying, "The two types of bandits, the Shu and the Hu, are becoming more and more brutal and violent. They kill each other internally, and the people's hearts are scattered, leading to widespread disloyalty. Shu is very weak, while the Hu remain strong. We should cultivate while defending and prepare for attack. Xiangyang is connected to Wancheng and Xuchang in the north and relies on the Hanshui River in the south. The terrain is treacherous, the land is fertile, and it can be self-sufficient. I think I should move my station to Shicheng in Xiangyang, and concurrently send various forces to secure the Jianghan area. After a few years, when the army is well-trained, we can seize the opportunity to attack north together and advance to the Heluo area. By then, the situation will become dire; everyone will know that survival is at stake, and we can carve out a path to peace, pardoning those who have been forced into crime. Adapting to the timing, meeting the people's expectations, punishing the rebels, and redressing national humiliation should be the court's top priorities. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to discuss specific strategic plans with Huaiji (referring to senior court officials)." The emperor approved his request.
At that time, Wang Dao and Zhuge Liang agreed on the same opinion, while Xi Jian believed that because the military funds were not ready, it was not suitable for a large-scale military operation. Zhuge Liang wrote again requesting to move to Xiangyang. Unfortunately, at that time, the bandits captured Zhu Cheng, and Mao Bao was killed in battle. Zhuge Liang offered his apologies to the court for this, voluntarily accepting a demotion to the third rank and serving as the General of Anxi. The court issued an edict restoring his original position. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Minister of Works, with no change in other official positions, but he firmly declined the appointment.
Zhuge Liang's descendants, Zhuge Liang himself was worried and anxious after the fall of Zhucheng, and his anxiety worsened into illness. At this time, Wang Dao passed away, and the court summoned Zhuge Liang to take up the positions of Minister of Works, Governor of Yangzhou, and Director of the Imperial Secretariat. He resolutely declined, but the Emperor insisted. In the sixth year of Xiankang, Zhuge Liang passed away at the age of fifty-two. The court posthumously promoted him to General and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Wenko. The Emperor personally went to pay his respects, and at the burial, he also conferred upon him the title of Duke of Yongchang. Zhuge Liang's brother, Zhuge Bing, wrote a memorial stating: "I have carefully reviewed my late brother's life, and I have heard him say that he declined these official positions multiple times over nearly ten years. This was not out of disrespect, but rather because the previous wars had just ended, thanks to the late Emperor's wise strategies. Victory was not achieved by human effort alone. Men like my brother could only fulfill their duties thanks to the Emperor's wise strategies. How can we measure their contributions and rewards? Later on, his health declined, and his responsibilities exceeded his previous achievements, so Your Majesty graciously granted his request. My brother only wanted to repay the grace of heaven, but he did not expect to feel unfulfilled in such a prosperous era, overwhelmed with grief. I hope Your Majesty can recognize the truth and fulfill his previous grace, so that my brother may be remembered for generations, even in death." The Emperor agreed to his request. At Zhuge Liang's burial, He Chong came to pay his respects and lamented, "How can we find peace burying such a talent?"
Zhuge Liang rode a horse named "You Lu" during his lifetime. Yin Hao believed that the horse's name was inauspicious and could bring misfortune to its master, so he advised Zhuge Liang to sell the horse. Zhuge Liang said, "Why should one pass their own unease onto someone else?" Yin Hao walked away in shame. When Zhuge Liang was in Wuchang, his subordinates, including Yin Hao, ascended the South Tower on a crisp autumn night. They did not notice that Zhuge Liang was also there and were about to excuse themselves. Zhuge Liang slowly said, "Wait a moment, I am also interested here." He then sat down on a bamboo couch and engaged in discussions of poetry and philosophy with Yin Hao and the others until late into the night. He was known for his frankness, and there were many similar stories. Zhuge Liang had three sons: Zhuge Bin, Zhuge Xi, and Zhuge He. Zhuge Bin was very young but exuded a remarkable composure beyond his years. Wen Qiao once tried to scare him in secret, but Zhuge Bin remained calm and slowly knelt down to Wen Qiao, saying, "Why go to such extremes, my lord?" People remarked that Zhuge Bin's composure was every bit as impressive as that of his father, Zhuge Liang. Tragically, Zhuge Bin lost his life during the rebellion led by Su Jun.
It is said that Wang Xizhi was quite famous when he was young, starting out as the Prefect of Wu (modern-day Suzhou, Jiangsu). At that time, Emperor Mu (Emperor Mu of Jin, Sima Dan) had a fondness for scholars and poets. When Wang Xizhi arrived in the county, he presented some poems, which included some words of counsel. He then submitted a memorial, essentially stating: "Your Majesty, you are wise and martial, desiring to govern the country as well as the times of Tang Yao and Shun, but now the corvée labor is burdensome, and the common people are all poor and destitute. Taking the tax revenue of a few provinces to support the expenses of the entire country, the toil and hardships involved are beyond words! In the past, even Emperor Wen of Han, when the country was strong, was frugal and thrifty, personally deciding cases, in an effort to minimize punishments, only deciding on a little over four hundred cases per year. Even the talented Jia Yi lamented that the accumulation of firewood would lead to a conflagration. When comparing the ancient situation to the present, my worries deepen. Your Majesty is intelligent and wise, with keen insight; the wise strategies for governing the country need not come from someone as unworthy as I. Having enjoyed imperial favor for generations, I only wish to serve my country to the best of my ability. Having come to serve in the east, I have witnessed all this firsthand, so I dare to offer my humble opinion. I hope Your Majesty can take a look at my memorial in your spare time." Many of the poems he wrote at that time have largely been lost to history. Unfortunately, Wang Xizhi passed away just as he was on the verge of fulfilling his ambitions. His son Wang Zhun, during the Taiyuan period, succeeded Huan Shiqian as the Inspector of Yuzhou and the General of the Western Central Army, stationed in Liyang, and ultimately passed away while in office. Wang Zhun's son Wang Yue became the Inspector of Jiangzhou during the Yixi era. Wang Zhun's younger brother Wang Kai also has a biography of his own recorded.
He Zi loved learning from a young age and could even write essays. When his uncle Yi was about to be transferred to Xiangyang, He Zi, who was only fifteen years old at the time, wrote a letter of remonstrance, saying: "If you go to Xiangyang, it will be a great opportunity to dominate the Jingchu region, with farming on one side and guarding on the other, gradually advancing towards the Heluo area, making those who are willing to submit feel genuinely willing, and making those who are fierce and ignorant afraid and repentant. The foundation for a peaceful and prosperous era could be laid in no time. In the past, the Yin and Shang dynasties defeated their enemies in three years; Yue Yi defended the state of Qi for a long time. Although the court is powerful now, it is not as powerful as the Yin and Shang dynasties; while the fierce Jie tribes may be weakened, they still have a substantial number. And on both sides of the Han River, there are no dangerous cliffs; although Fangcheng is high and steep, it is not as dangerous as a thousand feet. In addition, transporting grain and supplies against the current is extremely difficult, and the soldiers who fight are exhausted. If the ruthless enemy approaches and fights to the death, attacking from both the east and the west, front and back, our grain and supplies will be cut off, and long-distance strategic operations will be difficult to implement. It's a dilemma; I see little chance of victory. These are things that clear-sighted people can see, and intelligent people can understand, let alone decision-makers like you! I urge you to withdraw your troops, carefully choose the right time, repair the city, build fortresses, develop agriculture, and train the army. If the enemy's luck has run out and the heavens want to destroy these barbarians, then we can cross the Yellow River by boat, advance in an orderly fashion, both by land and water, and take them down in less than a month. I hope you can carefully consider long-term strategies and figure out which plan is feasible." Uncle Yi was very surprised by this. During the Shengping period, He Zi took over as the Dan Yang Yin, replacing Kong Yan, and submitted a request to exempt more than sixty heavy corvee tasks. During the Taihe period, he took over as the Zhong Lingjun, replacing Wang Ke, and eventually died in office. His son Heng rose to the rank of Minister of Personnel and was posthumously honored as a Guanglu Daifu.
Xie Yi of Yuzhang has been admired by his brother Xie An since he was young for his easy-going nature. In his youth, Sima Yang, the King of Xiyang, sought to appoint him as an official, but Xie Yi declined. Later, Sima Chong, the King of Donghai, held the position of Chief Water Officer and, recognizing Xie Yi's meticulousness, promoted him to the role of military officer. Xie Yi then successively served as the magistrate of Jiyang County, Sima Chong's Chief Military Officer, and Cavalry Officer, eventually rising to the rank of Left Guard General. Due to his achievements in the campaign against Su Jun, he was granted the title of Marquis of Guangrao. He later served as the Prefect of Linchuan, overseeing military affairs in Liangzhou and Yongzhou, and was promoted to the position of Assistant General of the State and Governor of Liangzhou, with the authority of a "provisional festival" to guard Weixing. At that time, his brother Xie An was in charge of military affairs in six states. Because of Xie Yi's generosity and skill in uniting people, Xie An assigned him to remote regions as a military safeguard on both fronts. Not long after, Xie Yi was promoted to oversee military affairs concerning the Di and Qiang tribes in Qinzhou.
Xie Yi sent General Huo Zuo to meet the families of the soldiers, but Huo Zuo took more than three hundred people and defected to Shi Jilong's side. Xie An reported this to the court, and Xie Yi was demoted to General Jianwei. The court initially wanted to recall him, but Xie An wrote a memorial saying: "Xie Yi's methods of governing the people are simple and benevolent. Although the counties under his governance are small, the people live and work in peace thanks to his lenient policies. The number of deserters led by Huo Zuo is relatively small. Moreover, Xie Yi has a stellar reputation, and his position should not be changed lightly over a minor incident. Now that his army has stabilized, the bandit leader Ai Xiu sent envoys to pledge loyalty, and over five hundred bandits surrendered in Luoyang. It is hoped that he can continue to govern with peace of mind, without any further concerns." The court agreed after hearing Xie An's memorial. Later, because the location where Xie Yi was stationed was remote and rugged, the supply of food and provisions was insufficient. The court ordered Xie Yi to return his troops to Banzhou for garrison duty. Shortly afterwards, he was promoted to General Fuguo, Governor of Yuzhou, and then further promoted to General of the Western Central Army, overseeing military affairs in the four counties of Xuancheng, Lujiang, Liyang, and Anfeng, and was granted temporary command authority to defend Wuhu.
Xie Yi once presented Emperor Cheng with a white feather fan. Emperor Cheng found the fan to be old, so he returned it to him. The courtier Liu Shao remarked, "When building the Bo Liang Terrace, the finest craftsmen must first work from the ground up; when performing complex orchestral music, the musician Kui must first listen to the music. Xie Yi offered the fan, appreciating its quality over its novelty." After hearing about this incident, Xie Yi said, "This person should serve by the emperor's side." Xie Yi also once presented poisoned wine as a gift to the Inspector of Jiangzhou, Wang Yunzhi. Wang Yunzhi discovered the wine was tainted, so he had a dog drink it. The dog died, and Wang Yunzhi secretly reported to the court. Emperor Cheng remarked, "My elder nephew has already stirred chaos in the realm; does my younger nephew wish to do the same?" Upon hearing this, Xie Yi took the poisoned wine and ended his life. He was fifty years old that year. The court posthumously appointed him as an attendant and general, and posthumously named him "Jian." His son Xie Tong inherited his title.
Zong, styled Changren, was famous from a young age. Officials sought to recruit him, such as the Minister of Works and the Grand Commandant, but he did not accept any of the offers. Later, he was appointed as the General Who Calms the Army and the King of Kuaiji's Marshal, then he was dispatched and became the General Who Establishes Might, the Guard of Ningyi, and the Prefect of Xunyang. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of twenty-nine. People at the time remarked on his talent and lamented his early death. His son, Xuanzhi, later became the Interior Minister of Xuancheng.
Bing, styled Jijian, had an older brother, Liang, who had a good reputation, high moral character, and excellent teaching skills. Bing, in contrast, was elegant yet unpretentious, possessing a refined demeanor. His younger brothers followed their elder brother's example and conducted themselves admirably, so everyone respected the brothers. His older brother Liang often said that Bing was the treasure of the Yu family. He received an invitation to become the Minister of Works, but graciously declined. Later, he was summoned to be the Gentleman of the Palace. He participated in the suppression of Hua Yi, achieved merit, and was granted the title of Marquis of Duxiang. Wang Dao invited him to be the Right Chief Clerk of the Minister of Works, but he did not go. Later, he was sent away and became the Interior Minister of Wuxing.
Su Jun rebelled and sent troops to attack Bing, but Bing was unable to fend off the attack, so he resigned from his post as the county magistrate and fled to Kuaiji. The Interior Minister of Kuaiji, Wang Shu, appointed Bing as the General of Fendou and sent him to fight against Zhang Jian, who was under Su Jun's command, in Wu. At that time, Zhang Jian had great power, and other generals dared not make a move. Bing led his troops to defeat Zhang Jian, pursued him, and headed straight for the capital. He also sent Sima Tenghan to attack the bandits in the city of Shitou and captured the city. Bing achieved great success and was appointed as the Marquis of Xinwu County, but he resolutely declined. Later, the court later appointed him as the Yellow Gate Attendant, but he declined again. Sikong Xi Jian asked him to be the Chief Historian, but he still did not go. Later, he was sent away and became the General of Zhenwei and the Interior Minister of Kuaiji. The court again summoned him to be the General of the Army, but he refused. Finally, he became the Director of the Palace Library, the Inspector of Yangzhou, the Commander of the military in Yang, Yu, and Yanzhou, the General Conquering the Enemies, and the Acting Commissioner.
At that time, Wang Dao had just passed away, and everyone was quite anxious. Bing's brother, Xie An, originally firmly declined to enter the court as an official, but everyone hoped he would come out to oversee the situation. Since he took on this heavy responsibility, he took government affairs seriously, worked day and night, received ministers from the court, and promoted talented individuals. Therefore, both the court and the populace greatly admired him, saying he was a wise chancellor.
At the beginning, when Wang Dao was assisting in governance, he was generally more lenient and compassionate, while Xie An paid more attention to the use of criminal law. Yin Rong once advised him, and Xie An said, "Even the wise Wang Dao before me found it difficult to fully implement benevolent governance, let alone me!" Fan Wang also told Xie An, "Lately, the celestial phenomena have been abnormal; you should employ all available means to address it." Xie An replied, "How can I predict the changes in celestial phenomena? I can only focus on doing what I must." He also secretly checked the household registration and found that more than 10,000 households were not registered, which he used to bolster troop numbers.
Later, the court wanted to commend Xie An for his previous achievements, but Xie An wrote a memorial saying: "My family has been unlucky. I've tried to help the court with my limited abilities, but instead, I've brought misfortune to the court, causing harm to my family and relatives. According to the laws and regulations of the Jin Dynasty, we should have been executed long ago. But at that time, the world was in turmoil, and the legal system was temporarily ineffective, which gave us the opportunity to serve the country. Those ministers who served the country rose up after committing great crimes and established merit when the country was on the verge of collapse. This is the reason why we can continue to live between heaven and earth. Your Majesty need not pursue past mistakes anymore. This favor is truly too great; how could I dare to ask for promotion and rewards? I only hope that Your Majesty can bestow grace and forgiveness for my sins and order the relevant departments to approve my request; then I will be content." The Emperor agreed to his request.
When Emperor Cheng fell seriously ill, someone forged the seal of the Grand Secretary and ordered that the prime minister not be allowed to enter the palace, which scared everyone nearby. Xie An, on the other hand, stayed calm and said, "This has to be a fake." After an investigation, it was indeed found to be forged, and everyone was relieved. Later, Xie An was promoted to General of the Left. After Emperor Kang ascended the throne, he was promoted to Chariots and Cavalry General. Xie An was worried about having too much power, so he asked to be reassigned. Coincidentally, his brother Xie Yi was going to campaign against Shi Jilong, so Xie An was appointed as the military commander of seven states including Jiangzhou, Jingzhou, Ningzhou, Yizhou, Liangzhou, Jiaozhou, and Guangzhou, as well as the four counties of Yuzhou, concurrently serving as the Inspector of Jiangzhou, holding command and stationed in Wuchang to support Xie Yi. Before Xie An set off, he wrote a memorial saying:
I have risen to a high position in the government thanks to my family connections, but my aspirations are modest and my understanding is limited. Lately, the court has been busy with many disasters, and all the talented pillars of the country have fallen one by one. Yet, by some twist of fate, I have found favor. I have served diligently for five years, having done nothing to earn the emperor's favor or to better govern the country. However, the emperor holds me in high regard, continuously depending on me, as if I were a weary horse forced to run a thousand miles. If not for the emperor's deep favor, how could this be possible? Therefore, I take the liberty of expressing my loyalty, hoping the emperor can humble himself and listen to everyone's opinions.
The strong enemies have not yet been eliminated, the war is not over, the border defenses are weak, the people are exhausted, and the enemy's invasion is unpredictable. The lives of the common people have not yet stabilized, and talents have not been fully utilized. However, Your Majesty, your exalted status places you at a distance from the common people. To grasp the situation, you must rely on your ministers. Ministers should be loyal, but without guidance, they may lack initiative; officials should be diligent, but without supervision, they will not work actively. Therefore, historical emperors were attentive to seeking counsel, even when dealing with countless state affairs every day, they would listen to the opinions of their ministers and generals. At times, they would also heed the voices of ordinary citizens, seeking criticism and correction, which is very reasonable. Moreover, the current situation is dire, having reached a breaking point, and Your Majesty stands at a pivotal juncture, confronting immense challenges. The entire nation mourns its past while holding hope for the future. We all hope the bad situation can end, and the good times can come; this moment is critical.
Therefore, I sincerely hope that the emperor can be as tolerant as the sky, as solid as the earth, with humility as the foundation, and diligence as the goal. Utilize talented individuals widely, listen to their advice on governing the country, make the emperor aware of the gains and losses of the court, and understand the true thoughts of the people. Then, based on the overall situation, the emperor can govern the country, be frugal and thrifty, and the golden age of Yao and Shun will not be far off. Who can compare to Duke Wen of Jin, who wore simple clothes? As the ancients said, "It's not hard to know, but it's hard to act; it's not hard to act, but it's hard to persist." I ponder these thoughts daily, yet I find it hard to articulate them clearly. When writing memorials, I hesitate repeatedly, and before I know it, it's already written.
Shortly after, the Empress Dowager took charge of the court and summoned Bing to serve as regent, but Bing declined due to illness. He soon passed away at the age of forty-nine. He was posthumously appointed as the Supervisor and given the posthumous title of Zhongcheng, and honorary sacrifices were performed for him.
Bing was known for his integrity and prudence, always living a simple life. When his son Xie once borrowed ten pieces of silk from the government, Bing was very angry, gave Xie a stern reprimand, and then returned the silk to the government. Before his death, Bing told his chief secretary Jiang Chen, "I am about to die; the regret is that my aspiration to serve the country has not been fulfilled. Alas, fate, there's nothing I can do! After I die, use ordinary clothes for my burial; do not use anything from the government." After his death, his household didn't even have a piece of silk to use as a shroud. Furthermore, he had no concubines, did not hoard money in private, and he was praised by future generations for this. Bing had seven sons: Xi, Xie, You, Yun, Qian, Miao, and Rou.
Xi Zishi Yan. He was initially appointed as a Secretary Lang and was promoted step by step to the position of Right Chief Historian, Yellow Gate Attendant, and Prefect of Jian'an. Before he could take office, he was reassigned as Chief Historian while also serving as Right Guard General, then further promoted to Attendant of the Palace, and finally appointed as an Assistant General of the State and the Minister of the Interior of Wu. Because Xi was a younger relative of Bing and Bing's daughter was the consort of the Duke of Haixi, Xi and his brothers all rose to prominence. During the Taihe era, Xi served as General of the Northern Army and Governor of Xu and Yan provinces, Yun served as Governor of Guangzhou, and both were granted the title of Commander. You served as the Governor of Dongyang, Qian served as Chief Historian to the Grand Preceptor, Miao served as an Advisor to the Prince of Kuaiji, and Rou served as Cavalry Attendant. Qian was the most talented and capable, and Huan Wen was very wary of him.
Initially, Murong Li surrounded Liangfu, cut off the Jian River's flow, and the Prefect of Mount Tai, Zhuge You, fled to Zoushan. Several counties such as Lu and Gaoping were occupied. Xi was dismissed from office due to this incident. After some time, the court summoned him to take up the position of General of the Guard. Xi was furious and firmly declined. When Xi was just dismissed, many military supplies of the Northern Army were stolen, and Huan Wen suggested that the relevant authorities should accuse him, and subsequently dismissed him on charges. He then retreated to Jiyang in Jinling. In his youth, Guo Pu read Bing's fortune, saying, "Your descendants will surely face great calamities; only by invoking the 'Three Yang' can there be descendants." Thus, Xi requested to be stationed at Shanyang, You served as the Governor of Dongyang, and their family eventually settled in Jiyang.
After Haixi Gong was deposed, Huan Wen falsely accused Qian and Rou of being supporters of the Wuling King and had them killed. Upon hearing this news, Xi quickly took his younger brother Miao and son Youzhi to hide in the lakes of Hailing. Yun committed suicide by drinking poisoned wine in Guangzhou. His friend was initially sentenced to death, but his wife, being Huan Wen's daughter, pleaded for his life, and he was spared. Wushen, the Governor of Qingzhou, was Xi's maternal cousin and secretly supported Xi for several years. Later, when Huan Wen found out about this, he sent troops to capture Xi.
Wushen's son, Zun, gathered a group of people by the sea with Xi, seized fishermen's boats, and secretly infiltrated Jingkou City at night. The General of Pingbei, Bian Dan, climbed over the wall and escaped to Qu'a, where the city's officials and soldiers scattered and fled. Xi released hundreds of prisoners in the city and armed them, while Zun gathered forces outside, proclaiming: This is Haixi Gong's secret order; Huan Wen deposed the emperor and killed the king. We must eradicate these traitors! Chaos erupted in the capital, enforcing martial law both inside and outside the city, and security was strengthened at all six city gates. Liu Shi, the General of Pingbei, Gaoping Prefect Xi Yizhi, and Military Supervisor Guo Long gathered forces to resist Xi. Bian Dan, along with Hong Rong and the people of Qu'a, mobilized two thousand soldiers from nearby counties to set up camp in Xincheng, preparing to attack Xi.
Xi was defeated and retreated into the city. Huan Wen sent the Governor of Donghai, Zhou Shaosun, to attack him. The city was breached, and Xi was captured. Xi, Miao, his son, nephew, and five others were beheaded in the bustling market of Jiankang, while Zun and his associates were also executed; only Xi's friend and Yun's sons survived. Xi's friend's son, Shuxuan, became a General of the Right Guard, while Yun's son, Kuozhi, became the Prefect of Dongyang.
Tiao Zi was initially an official in Dazaifu and gradually rose through the ranks to become a Court Attendant and the Governor of Yuzhang. The court summoned him to serve as the Secretary of the Secretariat, granted him the title of Marquis of Xiangting, and appointed him as the General of Champions and the Governor of Linchuan. In Yuzhang, there was a man named Huang Tao who referred to himself as the Filial God Emperor, with Li Gao from Linchuan acting as his Prime Minister. They gathered a few hundred people, dressed in black robes and riding in ox carts, and attacked the counties. Tiao successfully suppressed their rebellion. Among his brothers, Tiao was the least distinguished, which explained his relatively low official rank. He eventually died while in office and was posthumously honored with the title of Left General.
This young man was named Xie Yi, courtesy name Zhigong. He was not only handsome but also charismatic, with great insight and ambition from a young age. At that time, Du Yi from Jingzhao and Yin Hao from Chenjun were both well-known for their talents, but Xie Yi held them in low regard. He often told others, "These people should be taken care of properly first, and we can consider using them when the world is at peace." He foresaw that Huan Wen would become a significant figure in the future and went to Emperor Cheng to say, "Huan Wen is extraordinary; Your Majesty should not treat him as an ordinary person, but entrust him with important responsibilities and allow him to accomplish great things. He is destined to achieve great things in the future."
Later, Su Jun rebelled, and Xie Yi was only twenty-two years old at the time. His brother Xie Liang led a few hundred men in civilian clothing to guard Stone City. Unfortunately, his brother was defeated, and Xie Yi fled alongside him. After the rebellion was quelled, Xie Yi was appointed as an advisor in the household of Grand Commandant Tao Kan and later promoted to be a military aide, gradually rising to the position of Attendant Officer. He was known for his eloquence and unique insights in government affairs. Before long, he was promoted to General of Pacifying the South and Governor of Poyang, and later promoted to General of Establishing Might and Governor of Xiyang. He had a distinctive approach to governance, and the common folk held him in high regard. He was later promoted to Colonel of the Southern Barbarians, concurrently serving as Prefect of Nanjun, and was also appointed as an Auxiliary General with the authority of military command. When Zhu Cheng was lost and Stone City was besieged, Xie Yi employed clever tactics repeatedly to secretly transport food and weapons, ultimately saving Stone City. This was a significant achievement for Xie Yi! The Emperor even bestowed upon him the title of Marquis of Duting!
After Zhuge Liang's death, Liu Shan appointed Yang Yi to a crucial position, overseeing the military affairs of six provinces: Jiangzhou, Jingzhou, Sizhou, Yongzhou, Liangzhou, and Yizhou, and entrusted him with Zhuge Liang's responsibilities in Wuchang. Because Yang Yi was the Emperor's uncle, and at a young age held such a high position, the entire nation was watching him closely, and many people were worried about his abilities. However, Yang Yi worked hard, was modest and cautious, never slackened, maintained strict discipline within the army, and had a broad strategic vision. Over the years, the nation and its people thrived, and everyone supported him, saying he was very capable. Therefore, the regions south of the Yangtze River willingly pledged their allegiance to him; even Dai Kai, the Prefect of Runan under Shi Le, surrendered with thousands of troops. He also sent envoys to Liaodong and Liangzhou to establish connections with those forces, intending to launch a large-scale campaign together. Both Murong Huang and Zhang Jun sent envoys in response, expressing their readiness to collaborate.
Yang Yi is a very ambitious person. He has the idea of defeating the northern ethnic minorities and pacifying Shu, and his ambitions are evident in his words and actions. There is a general by the name of Qian Ji, whose suggestions are in line with Yang Yi's ideas. Yang Yi immediately promoted him to the rank of General of the Fifth Rank and rewarded him with two hundred piculs of grain. At that time, the eastern region had heavy taxes, and the common people fled to Guangzhou, taking to the sea. Deng Yue, the Governor of Guangzhou, was also mass-producing weapons, so the southern ethnic minorities learned to make weapons as well. Yang Yi reported to the court that the eastern border areas are vital resources for the country, but they are often harassed. The common people are fleeing more and more, and the ethnic minorities have been biding their time. If they all learn to make weapons, it will be even harder to control them in the future.
Yin Hao was conscripted into service but achieved nothing, while Yin Yi requested to serve as his military officer or army commander, but he outright refused. Yin Yi wrote a letter to Yin Hao, sharing his thoughts with him. Previously, Yin Hao's father, Yin Xian, was the governor of Changsha and was notoriously corrupt. Yin Hao's brother, Yin Bing, also wrote a letter to Yin Yi, asking him to put in a good word.
Yin Yi replied, "When Yin Hao first went to Changsha, although there were many arrogant and domineering local powerful figures, he did have some ability to keep them in check. Probably because the Yin family had such a good son and brother like him, no one really tried to undermine him. But later on, he became increasingly derelict in his duties, became increasingly entangled in personal matters, yet showed no remorse for it. I respect Yin Hao and have a good relationship with him. How could I possibly judge the actions of his father and brother based on trivial favors? In the end, the political situation in Jiangdong has been ruined by these powerful figures who bend their backs and oppress the people; they are the true parasites preying on the people! As soon as they achieve even minor political success, they target the poor and suffering. For example, a few years ago, they stole a million hu of warehouse rice, all done by those powerful generals, but ultimately, only the warehouse supervisor was scapegoated. Shan Xia served as the magistrate of Yuyao for half a year and drove away two thousand households. Although his political achievements were chaotic, he was still a strong official, but in the end, he was driven away by everyone and couldn't even enjoy a stable life. Ji Mu and Xu Ning were sent to investigate in Jiangdong, but as soon as their boat arrived at the dock, Huan Yi sent them back, and both envoys were dismissed from their positions. Although all of this was caused by the incompetence of the former magistrates, the situation in Jiangdong has deteriorated due to this prevailing atmosphere! It's unfortunate that the two brothers have found themselves caught in this mess, and I can't escape either, so we can only join forces to govern effectively. Among the twenty counties under the jurisdiction of Jingzhou, Changsha is the worst! If they fail to dismiss him despite his poor performance, what's the difference between him and those who killed the warehouse supervisor to take the blame?" Yin Yi demonstrated remarkable courage in both his words and actions, and his insights were astute.
Emperor Kang had just ascended the throne, and Huan Wen was already thinking about leading the army northward. He wrote to the emperor, saying, "That rebel Shi Le is already sixty years old, living a luxurious and indulgent life, and has reached his peak. His subordinates are grumbling and are prepared to fight to the bitter end, planning to advance toward Liaodong. Although Shi Le is brave and skilled in battle, he may not be able to hold on. If there are no enemies in the north to distract him, the Jiangnan region will fall just like Liaodong. So, I am taking the risk of being punished and mobilizing the troops northward without permission. However, it's unclear if the forces on both the eastern and western fronts can move at the same time. I plan to first head north, station the army in Anlu, navigate five hundred miles up the Mian River, and make use of the water route of the Lian River for transportation. I'll command thirty thousand elite troops, including Wang Qiqi, the governor of Nanjun, Xie Shang, the magistrate of Jiangxia, Yuan Zhen, the magistrate of Xunyang, and Cao Ju, the magistrate of Xiyang, to quickly set off. At the same time, I have ordered General Huan Xuan to attack Shi Jilong north of the Yellow River, aiming to control the Danshui River and intimidate the provinces of Qinzhou and Yongzhou. By controlling the warhorses with long reins and waiting for opportunities, I estimate that we will be able to recover lost territory in a few years. After I reach Xuchang and Luoyang, I believe Huan Wen can cross the river and station in Guangling, He Chong can station in Huaihe, Sishui, and Zheqi, and Lu Yongjin can station in Hefei. I earnestly ask that you decide on the day you receive the memorial, without widely soliciting opinions, to avoid missing the opportunity. War requires speed, not procrastination." So Huan Wen mobilized slaves and a large number of carts, oxen, donkeys, and horses from six provinces, leading to widespread discontent among the people. At that time, Huan Wen wanted to attack Xiangyang but feared the court wouldn’t approve, so he deceived everyone by claiming he was heading to Anlu. The emperor and court officials sent envoys to dissuade him, and the military official Sun Chuo also wrote a letter of advice. Yet Huan Wen ignored the warnings, defied the emperor's orders, and set off anyway.
Upon arriving in Xiakou, he submitted another memorial, stating: "Recently, I noticed signs of decline among the Hu people (referring to ethnic minorities in the north). Therefore, I temporarily led the army north to attack the northern mountain region, dividing the troops to occupy some areas and recapture several cities in Jiangxia. We departed from Wuchang on September 19th and arrived in Xiakou on the 24th, swiftly organizing the army and preparing to continue advancing. However, the cattle and horses that were requisitioned came from distant sources, and the food and forage available were scarce and of poor quality, making long-distance travel difficult. Additionally, as winter is approaching, the wild grass has withered, and with a round trip of two thousand miles, it would be difficult to handle any issues that may arise. After careful consideration, I have decided to temporarily halt this operation. Furthermore, the water levels in the southern mountain cities drop significantly in autumn and winter, making transportation extremely difficult."
Xiangyang is located in the ancient land of Jingchu, bordering Yizhou and Liangzhou to the west, and in close proximity to the Guanzhong region. It is less than a thousand kilometers north to the Luo River. The land here is fertile, the farmland is fertile, Fangcheng Mountain is steep, and water transportation is convenient, with no congestion in transportation. In an offensive, we could easily sweep through the states of Qin and Zhao; in defense, we could firmly occupy the upper reaches. Although my military skills are limited, and my strategies are rather basic, I have been entrusted by the court and have always wanted to serve the country. Therefore, for the past four years, I have made training the army the main task, hoping to utilize the court's prestige and wise strategies, and relying on the patriotism of the soldiers and the people, gradually approaching the enemy during their weakness. In the spring of the eighth year, I submitted a memorial requesting to occupy Lexiang, develop agriculture, stockpile food, and wait for the opportunity to strike the enemy. However, there has been no response from above, with various debates within the court, and my loyalty has not been adequately recognized.
Since then, the court has been observing celestial phenomena and pondering heaven's will, while also collecting confessions from surrendered captives to assess the imminent decline of the barbarian forces. Although I have not yet been able to lead my troops north to the Central Plains to defeat the enemy, I must still secure strategic locations and think about attack strategies. Therefore, I plan to set up camp in Mianyang and relocate my base to Xiangyang. As for Xie Shang and Wang Qianqi, I’ll send them back to their original posts, and once they arrive, I will immediately report to the court.
Xie Shi commands an army of forty thousand. The court has appointed him as the commander to lead the troops on a campaign. When the army arrived in Xiangyang, Xie Shi gathered all the generals, set up flags and weapons, and personally distributed bows and arrows to them, saying, "This expedition of mine is like shooting arrows, with a clear target and hitting the mark in one shot!" He then shot arrows three times in a row, each hitting the bullseye, leaving the soldiers in awe and boosting their morale tenfold!
Initially, many in the court opposed Xie Shi's transfer to Xiangyang, with some saying he was avoiding defeat. Only his brother Xie Bing supported him, along with Huan Wen and Prince Qiao Sima Wuji. At this point, Xie Bing voluntarily requested to guard Wuchang to support Xie Shi. The court felt that Xie Bing should not leave, so he backed down. The court then promoted Xie Shi to General Who Conquers the West, concurrently serving as Colonel of the Southern Barbarians. Later, five to six hundred Hu cavalrymen emerged from Fancheng, and Xie Shi sent General Cao Ju to pursue them to the north of Nao Gou, scoring a major victory, killing nearly half the enemy and capturing a hundred horses. While managing the border regions, Xie Shi placed a high value on recruiting talent, specifically building guesthouses and appointing officials to host visitors.
After Huan Xuan's death, Xie Shi appointed his eldest son, Xie Fangzhi, to take over Huan Xuan's position as Prefect of Yicheng; at the same time, he appointed Sima Yingdan as the Dragon Xiang General and Prefect of Xiangyang, and appointed Sima Xun as the Jianwei General and Governor of Liangzhou, stationed in Xicheng. When Emperor Kang died, Xie Bing also passed away. Due to the major affairs of the state, Xie Shi allowed Xie Fangzhi to continue to stay in Xiangyang, while he himself returned to Xiakou to take up his post. He reassigned all of Xie Bing's former troops to his command and appointed his nephew Xie Tong as the Prefect of Xunyang. The court also ordered Xie Shi to return to Jiangzhou to oversee military affairs and appointed him as the Governor of Yuzhou, but he refused the position of Governor of Yuzhou. Later, he wanted to relocate to Lexiang for garrison duty, but the court did not approve. He took proactive measures to repair military equipment, vigorously stored food, and made plans for the future. He also sent the Governor of Yizhou, Zhou Fu, and the Prefect of Xiyang, Cao Ju, to attack Shu territory, and defeated the Shu general Li Huan at Jiangyang. One day, Xie Shi saw an object resembling a Fangxiangshi (an ancient ghost-repelling deity) while using the toilet, and shortly after, he developed a festering sore. His condition worsened, and he recommended his second son, Xie Yuanzhi, for the position of Assistant General and Governor of Jingzhou, and appointed Sima Zhutao as the Colonel of the Southern Barbarians, sending a thousand troops to garrison Baling. In the first year of Yonghe, Xie Shi passed away at the age of forty-one. The court posthumously appointed him as a General of Chariots and Cavalry and bestowed him the posthumous title "Su." Not long after Xie Shi's death, his subordinates, Gan Zan, Dai Xi, and others, rebelled, killing General Cao Ju. Xie Shi's Chief Clerk Jiang Chen, Sima Zhutao, and General Yuan Zhen together suppressed the rebellion. As for Huan Wen, he dismissed Yuanzhi from his post. After being dismissed, Huan Wen appointed the General Who Conquers the Caitiffs, Liu Gan, to be in charge of military affairs in the Mianzhong area, also appointing him as the Prefect of Yicheng, succeeding Yuanzhi in that role. Yuanzhi and Fangzhi were both transferred to Yuzhang.
In historical records, it is said that the powerful families are closely connected to the imperial palace, with their relatives as close as family, all of them leveraging their royal and noble status to gain advantages. Their wealth makes them arrogant and domineering, and riding imperial horses only adds to their arrogance. In ancient times, wise officials were positioned on the right while powerful families were on the left to prevent personal interests from taking precedence. Even if they were favored, their flaws were highlighted to guard against the disasters that could arise from their arrogance. They were rewarded generously but rarely promoted to important positions. The Tu Shan family in the Xia Dynasty did not serve the king in the same way as Yi Yin and Ji did; the Si family in the Zhou Dynasty did not engage in political decision-making. The sages had long-term considerations and deep foresight!
Individuals like Xi Jian engaged in politics and assisted the emperor. His eloquence and writing skills made him stand out among the elites. Unfortunately, he lacked both the vision necessary for governing and the foresight for long-term stability, failing to consider the long-term stability of the nation. Consequently, he was executed, and many believed he got what he deserved; his lesson warned future generations, and the emperor regretted it. This ultimately led to Su Jun's rebellion, which nearly resulted in the royal family's downfall. Later, he grew suspicious of the court ministers and sought to dismiss all the officials who had served him well. Had Xi Jian been involved then, it would have led to armed conflict, akin to the situations with Xia Jie, Shang Zhou, King Li of Zhou, or Qin Shi Huang. Fortunately, he narrowly avoided disaster and escaped disgrace, a significant stroke of luck for the Yu family, rather than a period of political clarity in the Jin Dynasty! Xi Yin was merciless and poisoned Lian Lü. Several generations later, although some descendants survived, they ultimately faced the consequences of their actions.
It is said: On the surface, Chi Jian seems very upright, but he is favored in the imperial court. He has limited understanding and does not know how to govern the country. The chaos and turmoil are all opportunities he has exploited. His banishment to Changsha truly tarnishes the title of loyal minister. Yu Liang is upright and honest, renowned for his integrity across the realm. Even in a high position, he remains humble and prudent, never arrogant or rash. Yu Yi is bold and generous, a true hero in his own right.
