Let's first talk about Zhou Jun, courtesy name Kailin, from Ancheng in Runan. His father is named Pei, who was a Minister of Works. Zhou Jun is both ruthless and highly capable, with a sharp eye for character. In his hometown, there was a man named Shi Yao who used to be quite unremarkable, but Zhou Jun befriended him and even married his sister off to him. Surprisingly, Shi Yao went on to become famous! Zhou Jun initially did not want to hold an official position, but later became a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate in the Wei Kingdom. He continued to be promoted and also served as the General Who Defeats the Enemy and the Governor of Yangzhou, and was eventually granted the title of Marquis of Sheyang.
Now, let's discuss his relatives and friends. His father is Pei, his younger brother, Zhou Fu, and he has a cousin, Zhou Mo. Additionally, the story also mentions Chengong Jian, Gou Xi, Hua Yi, Liu Qiao, and Liu Qiao's grandson, Liu Liu. These characters are likely to reappear in the upcoming stories.
Once upon a time, Wang Hun followed the army to attack the State of Wu, captured the Wu military stronghold in Jiangxi, engaged the main forces of Sun Hao, killed generals such as the so-called Prime Minister Zhang Ti, captured and slaughtered tens of thousands of Wu soldiers, and then the army set up camp at Hengjiang. News arrived that General Longxiang, Wang Jun, had already breached Shangfang, and He Yun said to Wang Jun, "Zhang Ti led the most elite troops of Wu, all of which have been eliminated by us, and the court and the people of Wu are all terrified. Now that you have captured Wuchang, your might is impressive. Flowing downstream, our advance is unstoppable, and Wu is on the brink of collapse. I believe we should hastily cross the river and strike directly at Jianye. Once the army arrives, the Wu army will be paralyzed with fear, and we might even capture Sun Hao without a single battle." Wang Jun thought his idea was good, so he sent someone to discuss with Wang Hun. He Yun said, "Wang Hun is hesitant, solely focused on self-preservation to evade blame; he will definitely not agree." Wang Jun still insisted on sending someone to talk, and sure enough, Wang Hun said, "I was given orders solely to keep the Wu army at bay north of the river, not to act rashly. Although our army is very powerful, can we really subdue Jiangdong on our own? Now, even if we achieve victory by disregarding orders, it won’t matter much; but if we lose, the consequences would be dire. Furthermore, His Majesty has commanded that General Longxiang operates under my command. As long as I get the boats ready, we can cross the river together when the time is right."
He Yun said, "General Longxiang defeated such a powerful enemy as the Wu State and achieved such great merit, but still has to be subject to your command. This is unprecedented! Moreover, the key to wielding military power lies in taking decisive action when the moment calls for it; this is what is called 'accepting orders without refusal'! Now, crossing the river will surely result in total victory, so what is there to worry about? If you doubt the success of crossing the river, that's not a wise stance; to know you should cross the river but choose not to is a betrayal of loyalty. This is why you have earned the resentment of everyone in the state!" Wang Hun refused to listen. Not long after, Wang Jun arrived; Wang Hun sent someone to invite him, but Wang Jun did not come, so he directly attacked Sanshan, and Sun Hao surrendered to Wang Jun. Wang Hun deeply regretted it and sought to claim credit for himself over Wang Jun. He Yun wrote a letter to Wang Jun, saying, "The 'Book of Documents' emphasizes the importance of humility, and the 'Book of Changes' also says that modesty fosters greatness. This has always been praised by the ancients and is also advocated by Taoism. Previously, after eliminating Zhang Ti, the morale of the Wu army had completely collapsed, and General Longxiang, you pursued and attacked them and broke their territory. From the perspective of time, we indeed acted too slowly, and acting slowly will lead to losses and things will not be done. In his pursuit of credit, Wang Hun's refusal to be modest risks losing his reputation for magnanimity and coming across as petty, which is something we should not do." Upon receiving the letter, Wang Jun urged Wang Hun to cease his pursuit of credit, but Wang Hun did not listen, and both eventually submitted memorials to the court. Wang Jun pacified the region south of the Yangtze River and, together with Wang Hun, stationed in the cities of Wu. He pacified the newly surrendered people, was granted the title of Marquis of Chengwu in recognition of his military achievements, with a fief comprising six thousand households, and was also rewarded with six thousand bolts of silk. The following year, he was transferred to Moling. At that time, the Wu region had only recently been pacified, and there were frequent desertions. Wang Jun led troops to suppress rebellions several times. He treated the local populace with respect, actively sought talents, and earned considerable respect; the people of Wu held him in high regard.
At the beginning, when the land of Wu had not yet been stabilized, Wang Jun was in Yiyang, where trade between the north and south was flourishing. However, other generals frequently competed to take credit for themselves by seizing trade caravans. Wu general Cai Min was stationed at the Mian River, while his brother Cai Gui served as a general in Moling. Cai Gui sent a letter to his brother Cai Min, stating: "In ancient times, even in battle, both sides should uphold trust and respect each other. I have heard of the frequent raids on trade caravans at the border, which is really unacceptable. Brother, do not forget the bigger picture over small gains!" The messenger delivered Cai Gui's letter to Wang Jun, who remarked: "This is a true gentleman!" After crossing the Yangtze River, Wang Jun looked for Cai Gui, and when he found him, he asked where his hometown was. Cai Gui replied: "I am from Runan." Wang Jun quipped: "I thought there were no gentlemen in Wu, but it turns out you are my fellow townsman!"
Later on, Wang Jun was appointed as a palace attendant. Emperor Wu asked Wang Jun: "Do you have any worthy descendants in your family?" Wang Jun replied: "My uncle Wang Hui is a loyal minister; my cousin Wang Fu is known for his integrity." Emperor Wu then summoned and appointed them all. Wang Jun was further promoted to the position of Treasurer, concurrently serving as the Grand Architect. After overseeing the restoration of ancestral temples, his territory was expanded by five hundred households. Later, Wang Jun's son Wang Hun became the General overseeing the Yangzhou troops and eventually passed away during his tenure. Wang Jun had three sons: Wang Yi, Wang Song, and Wang Mo. Wang Yi inherited his father's title, and his achievements are documented elsewhere.
Song Zhongzhi, he has a straightforward personality, somewhat arrogant, always using his talents to overshadow others. After Emperor Yuan became the prime minister, he appointed him as a military advisor. Later, after Emperor Yuan became Prince Jin, he promoted him to serve as a court attendant. Song wrote a memorial to Emperor Yuan, saying, "I have heard that those who often conquer the world are often those who do nothing. By the time there are real problems, it is already too late to achieve great things. Therefore, ancient emperors must follow the will of heaven, adapt to the situation, refine their morals before taking action, attain success through humility before gaining the world, so that this way, the country can remain prosperous and shine for generations. Some say Your Highness's grace spreads across the land, benefiting the six provinces and blessing the people. They want to bestow a higher title upon you. I believe the ancestral temple has yet to be restored, the old capital has not been cleaned up, loyal and righteous people are weeping, and the populace is in a state of panic. We should take a cue from Duke Zhou, first, we must wash away the nation's disgrace, offer our best advice sincerely, and when the time is ripe, demonstrate your benevolence, humility, and sincerity; then humbly accept the support of the world, who would dare to refuse or disobey!" This statement angered Emperor Yuan, and he was demoted to govern Xin'an.
Song was very unhappy in his heart. When he was leaving, he sat with the scattered rider Zhang Yi with the attendant Daicao, commenting on the ministers in the court and speaking ill of Daicao. Daicao secretly told Emperor Yuan about this. Emperor Yuan summoned Song and reproached him face to face, saying, "You are arrogant and conceited, daring to despise the court, all because I am not wise enough!" Song knelt down and apologized, saying, "In ancient times, even with such wise kings as Tang Yao and Yu Shun, there were still bad people like the Four Villains in the court. Your Majesty, although wise, can there be no incompetent ministers?" When Emperor Yuan heard this, he became even angrier and handed him over to the court for punishment. The courtier Hua Heng believed Song had shown disrespect and wanted to sentence him to death. Zhang Yi pleaded for him with his fan, saving him from death but was dismissed as well. At that time, He Yi was in favor, so Emperor Yuan chose to overlook it. After a while, Song was appointed as the Prefect of Luling, but he did not assume the role. Later, he was appointed as the Deputy Imperial Historian.
At this time, because Wang Dun's power was strong, Emperor Yuan gradually distanced himself from and feared Wang Dao and others. Song wrote once more:
"It is said that wise rulers value the right path, so wise and intelligent individuals are happy to serve in their courts; loyal ministers uphold their principles, serving only after considering the times. Being happy to serve in the court, there is no criticism of excessive appointments; upholding their principles, there is no slander of excessive favor. Therefore, the ruler and his ministers thrive, their achievements reaching the heavens and the earth. In recent times, virtue has declined and the path has weakened. Rulers use their strategies to control their ministers, and ministers seek personal gain to serve the ruler. The ruler and his ministers are entangled in personal gain, leading to calamity and chaos, making it difficult to articulate their gains and losses. I request to compare and clarify."
It is said that Fu Shuo assisted Emperor Gaozong, Shen Shuo assisted King Xuan, Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan of Qi, and Cui Fan assisted Duke Wen of Jin. These people were either mentors assisting at a high level, where the emperor did nothing and waited for them to handle things, or they had great power, ultimately helping the monarch to achieve great accomplishments. It is unheard of for them to worry about the emperor suppressing them; instead, they became parasites of the state.
At the beginning, the Tian family held power in the Qi state, and Wang Mang seized control of the Han dynasty, all because of their strong influence and a legacy of power and connections built over generations, taking advantage of the emperors' weaknesses, relying on the power of the empress dowager, forming cliques, gradually expanding and strengthening, and only then could they implement their conspiracies and ultimately seize political power. How could they have faced an emperor who was proactive, received divine assistance, and successfully executed their conspiracies? Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu, on the other hand, was of imperial descent but rose from humble beginnings, seized the opportunity, recruited talents, and ultimately restored the glory of the Han dynasty, achieving a great feat. However, after pacifying the world, he began to suppress his meritorious subjects; why is that? Because the military generals who achieved their victories through force lacked an understanding of the principles of governance; they only relied on their temporary achievements and could not hold power for long. Their rise and fall can also explain this issue.
During the recent Three Kingdoms period, the Wei, Shu, and Wu states all relied on outstanding talents and strong capabilities, appointing talented individuals, ultimately establishing dominance and ensuring their legacies endured, and there were no regrets due to improper appointments.
Now, compared to the wise and talented individuals of the past, Wang Dao and Wang Yi are somewhat lacking. However, they are loyal and devoted, dedicatedly supporting the emperor and together laying a solid foundation, similar to the actions of Zhuge Liang in the past. Although Your Majesty has inherited the legacy of your ancestors and has the advantage of favorable timing and conditions, occupying Jiangdong, controlling the south, and soaring like a dragon to restore the old territories, this is the outcome of everyone's collective efforts, not solely the strength of Your Majesty!
Although King Ye's reign has already been established, the Jie tribe bandits are still not eradicated, and the realm remains in turmoil. There are still many forces that do not obey the court. The country is facing internal and external difficulties; the national treasury is depleted, and the granaries are bare. The imperial tomb has been destroyed, and the empress has not been brought back. It is imperative to appoint talented individuals and vigorously pursue reforms! The achievements are about to be completed, and the rule of the Jin Dynasty is flourishing, but Your Majesty, you have fallen for the slander of a solitary minister, been misled by those seemingly plausible lies, treated danger as safety, alienated loyal supporters, and replaced trusted ministers with treacherous ones. This greatly undermines the wise decisions of the past, hurts the deep friendship with Wang Dao and others, disappoints the expectations of the people, and ruins the hard-earned merits. This will dishearten talented individuals, loyal and righteous individuals will lose their will, not only inviting immediate calamities but also leaving a lasting disgrace. Success and failure depend on orders; survival and demise depend on appointing talents—this has been the case since ancient times. Shouldn't this evoke concern and lament?
My brother and I have been favored by the emperor; we never had any selfish intentions, but I have inadvertently offended your sensibilities and angered your majesty. Why is this? In truth, my only concern is the safety of the realm, just wanting to share these worries with you! Ancient wise rulers were open to criticism and humbly accepted harsh advice to understand the reasons for success and failure. Therefore, they would heed the opinions of lesser ministers, investigate the truth of matters, for the enduring stability and peace of the realm, for the happiness and well-being of the people. I am genuinely concerned and must boldly share these thoughts with you.
The memorial has been submitted, and the emperor has come to his senses, so Wang Dao and the others were able to be saved.
After Wang Dun killed Wang Dao, he sent someone to console Wang Song. Wang Song said, "My brother was working for the people of the world, and he was also killed by the people of the world. What is there to console?" Wang Dun was very angry, but he was afraid of losing people's hearts, so he did not harm Wang Song for the time being and appointed him as a subordinate officer. Wang Song was the brother of Wang Dao's wife. Because of Wang Dao's sudden death, he had been resentful and had once said in front of everyone, "Wang Dun should not be in charge of the military." Wang Dun secretly instructed the malicious person Li Tuo to frame Wang Song and Zhou Yi for colluding in secret, ultimately leading to their deaths. Wang Song, well-versed in Buddhism, even recited scriptures in the bustling market before his execution.
My brother Dai Yi had previously held important positions many times thanks to your favor. After Wang Dun's death, the court posthumously honored Dai Ruosi, Prince Qiao Cheng, and others, but failed to mention my brother. At that time, I was serving as the Rear General of the Army, so I wrote a memorial to you:
My brother Dai Yi had previously enjoyed the late emperor's favor. He was specially promoted and participated in military and political affairs, holding high positions and managing court affairs. He collaborated with the ministers to establish a prosperous era and was in charge of selecting officials. He was frequently trusted and held positions like a mentor, able to interact with you as equals, with a very deep bond of favor. In addition, our family had close ties with the royal family, and with significant responsibilities, our Dai family must do our utmost to repay the court's kindness. Wang Dun rebelled, harboring hatred towards upright individuals. My brother was loyal to the court, choosing death over submission, and ultimately met a tragic end. Who wouldn't be heartbroken when Dai Yi passed away? Furthermore, our brotherly bond was deep; how could I not be utterly devastated!
Wang Dun's rebellion, long-standing and monstrous, is rare in ancient and modern times. Fortunately, Your Majesty's wise and martial prowess allowed for the suppression of the rebellion, the restoration of order, and the pacification of the realm. During the pacification war, Your Majesty did not forget your kindness, showing particular care for Dai Min, the son of Dai Yi, by making him a close attendant. At that moment, I personally requested Your Majesty to allow Dai Min to inherit the marquis title of my deceased father. Bian Rang and Yu Liang were also present, and Bian Rang said, "Let's discuss the posthumous honors once this is all over." Not long after, those words have stuck with me. Now, Prince Qiao Cheng and Gan Zhuo have already regained their reputations, and even Wang Cheng's matter, which happened a long time ago, is still under discussion. Moreover, my brother Dai Yi died in defense of the court, remaining loyal to his duty, even more so than those like Ji Shao who sacrificed their lives! Up to now, there has been no word on posthumous honors, promotions, or rewards. Could it be that my brother is at fault somehow, the only one not receiving any recognition? Is the court too busy with affairs to pay attention to this matter? This is why I am filled with deep sorrow and keep lamenting. Unable to bear the grief in my heart, I humbly present my request to you.
I submitted my memorial, but received no reply. I submitted another memorial, and only then did my brother Dai Yi receive posthumous honors.
Later, I held positions as the Minister of Works, Intendant of Danyang, Palace Attendant, and Central Protector-General, and was appointed as the Marquis of Xiping. After my death, I was posthumously honored as a Golden Purple Radiant Doctor, with the posthumous title of 'Zhen.'
Fu Zixuan was Jun's cousin. His father, Rui, had once served as the magistrate of Anping. When Fu was young, he was already well-known, alongside his friend Cheng Gongjian, both being very accomplished individuals. They both started out working under various princes as literary officials, but Fu quickly rose through the ranks to become the Left Assistant to the Minister of Public Affairs. Minister Wang Hun reported to the emperor, stating: "Fu is diligent, honest, and talented. When he was responsible for formulating the system of nine ranks of officials, he conducted the review work with great care. I have entrusted him with many tasks, and he has handled rewards and punishments clearly and effectively. Please promote him to be a Gentleman of the Ministry!" The emperor agreed. Later, Fu was promoted to Left Chief Clerk of the Minister of Public Affairs and a Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel, and his reputation soared. He was subsequently appointed as the Deputy Imperial Censor and later as an Attendant. He was then appointed as the Governor of Xuzhou and further honored as the Champion General, granting him military command authority. He was later called upon by the court to serve as the Minister of Justice.
Emperor Hui fled to Ye City, and Chengdu King Ying appointed Fu as the Governor of Henan. At this time, Chen Zhen, Shangguan Si, and others supported Prince Tan of Qinghe as the Crown Prince, and also conferred upon Fu the titles of General of the Imperial Guards and Director of the Imperial Secretariat, but Fu refused. Prince Tan of Qinghe asked Fu and Shangguan Si to lead the troops together. Fu felt that Shangguan Si was a despicable and arrogant person who would surely become a disaster for the country in the future, so he conspired with Sima Fen and others to eliminate Shangguan Si. The plan was leaked, and Fu was attacked by Shangguan Si. Sima Fen was killed, but Fu narrowly escaped. Later, Shangguan Si was defeated by Zhang Fang, and Fu was summoned back to act as the Governor of Henan. When Prince Yue of Donghai welcomed the Emperor back to the palace, the court appointed Fu as the Central Army Commander. Before he could take office, he was promoted to the position of Sima, also conferred the title of Cavalier Attendant, and appointed to lead the army in Mianchi. After the Emperor returned to the palace, Fu was appointed as the General Who Pacifies the East, leading the army in Yangzhou, succeeding Liu Zhun as the General Who Guards the East, and along with Zhou Ji and others, he fought against and ultimately defeated Chen Min. For his great achievements, Fu was granted the title of Duke of Yongning.
They say this Wang Fu, from a young age, has witnessed the changes in the world and has always aspired to support the court with genuine loyalty. Due to Prince Yue of Donghai's insufficient loyalty to the court, Wang Fu would speak to him about it sternly every time, which consistently intimidated Prince Yue.
Later, Wang Fu saw that the bandit forces were growing stronger, and Luoyang City was in grave danger, so he quickly proposed relocating the emperor to Shou Chun. In the fourth year of Yongjia, he, along with Changshi Wu Si and Sima Yinshi, wrote to the emperor, saying, "Alas, we never expected to end up in this situation! The Hu and Di people are invading together, and the capital region is on the brink of being breached! Together with Zu Na, Pei Xian, Hua Tan, Sun Hui, and over thirty others, I have discussed countermeasures. We all agree that before the Shang Dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty also relocated its royal family to Qishan. Now there is nothing left in Luoyang City, and we cannot afford to stay there much longer. The Hexi region is barren, the terrain of Xiaoshan and Hangu Passes is treacherous, Wancheng has been repeatedly breached, and the Jianghan region also poses significant dangers. Currently, the southeastern region appears to be relatively safer. The area around the Huai River and Yangzhou, with Tushan to the north as a barrier, Lingyue Mountain to the south blocking the way, surrounded by famous rivers and mountains, is strategically significant, easily defensible, and hard to assault. When the Chu people migrated eastward, they settled in Shou Chun. Xuzhou, Pengcheng, and Donghai County are also sufficient for garrison defense. Additionally, the water transport system there is well-developed, so there is no need to worry about shortages of supplies. Although Your Majesty is wise and martial, and the court ministers are also wise and capable, practicing thrift and working hard to defend the state, relocating the capital would be more secure to ensure the dynasty's longevity. I am willing to select thirty thousand elite soldiers to escort the emperor. I will promptly send word to the former General of the Northern Zhonglang, Pei Xian, to take on the role of Commissioner, supervise military affairs in Yuzhou, and come quickly. Instruct Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, Jiangzhou, and Yangzhou to transport fifteen thousand shi of grain for four years, and fourteen thousand bolts of cloth and silk each, for the use of the imperial family. Have Wang Jun and Gou Xi work together to pacify the Hebei region, and we will spare no effort to secure the southern route. Relocating the capital can quell the rebellion, and this strategy is bound to succeed! When the emperor moves to Shou Chun, I will go to Jiangzhou to continue serving the court. For the sake of the country, I am prepared to risk my life and remain loyal, repaying the court's favor.
Even if I were to pass away tomorrow... I would gladly accept it.
The relationship between the Yuezhou Governor and Gou Xi was not good. Zhou Fu failed to inform the Yuezhou Governor first, but went ahead and submitted a memorial, which infuriated him. Previously, the Yuezhou Governor had summoned Zhou Fu and the Prefect of Huainan, Pei Shuo. Zhou Fu refused to attend and only allowed Pei Shuo to lead the troops ahead. As a result, Pei Shuo, that treacherous fellow, actually rebelled by raising troops, claiming Zhou Fu had acted independently and launched a surprise attack on Zhou Fu. To his surprise, Zhou Fu defeated him. Pei Shuo retreated to Dongcheng City and sought assistance from Emperor Yuan. Emperor Yuan sent Generals Gan Zhuo and Guo Yi to besiege Zhou Fu in Shouchun. Sun Hui, the Prefect of Anfeng, also marched troops to provide support and even enlisted Xie Chi to draft a proclamation. Upon seeing the proclamation, Zhou Fu wept and exclaimed, "It must have been Xie Chi who wrote it." Upon hearing this, Xie Chi quickly tore up the draft. Ten days later, Zhou Fu's forces were routed, fled to Xiang County, and was captured by King Xincai of Xincai. He ultimately succumbed to illness brought on by grief and anger.
At first, Hua Tan, after failing in Lujiang, fled to Shou Chun to seek refuge with Zhou Fu. After Zhou Fu's defeat, Hua Tan sought refuge with Emperor Yuan. Emperor Yuan asked him, "Zhou Fu has rebelled; what’s the story?" Hua Tan replied, "Though Zhou Fu is dead, there are still people brave enough to speak the truth! Zhou Fu saw that bandits were becoming more rampant, while the court's authority was waning, so he wanted to move the capital to alleviate the country's crisis. Local officials did not follow his advice, which ultimately led to this conflict. Before long, the capital fell. If they had listened to Zhou Fu's advice, perhaps the country might have held on a bit longer. After careful investigation of the facts, how can we label him a rebel?" Emperor Yuan said, "Zhou Fu, as a general commanding regional forces, was summoned by the court but failed to appear, and he didn't step up during a national crisis; that too is a fault of his!" Hua Tan said, "Yes. Zhou Fu was well-respected at court, known for his exceptional talent; as a local official, he had great responsibilities, but his strategic vision was lacking, he often had conflicts with others, and he did not step forward in times of national crisis; he should share these responsibilities with the people. But to call him a rebel—doesn’t that seem a bit unfair?" Emperor Yuan then understood a little more. Zhou Fu had two sons: Zhou Mi, whose courtesy name was Tai Xuan, was known for his integrity and simplicity; contemporaries regarded him as a gentleman, and he served as a court official; Zhou Jiao, whose courtesy name was Zheng Xuan, was also quite talented.
Cheng Gongjian, courtesy name Zongshu, was from Dongjun. His family had a long line of high-ranking officials (2,000 shi). He was simple and unpretentious, not seeking fame or fortune, and wholeheartedly devoted to his studies; nothing could shake his resolve. He had an exceptional ability to memorize. Zhang Maoxian often said, "Cheng Gongjian's tranquility and indifference can be compared to Yang Ziyun; his memorization ability can be compared to Zhang Anshi." Later, he became a Lang in the Central Secretariat. By this time, Shi Chong had already been appointed as the Colonel Director of Retainers and later promoted to General Who Guards the East. Cheng Gongjian felt his talent was considerable, but not on par with Shi Chong's, so he said to Shi Chong, "Yang Xiong has been a Lang for three generations without moving up, while Wang Mang and Dong Xian became Three Excellencies; this is true both in ancient and modern times!" Shi Chong felt ashamed after hearing this. Cheng Gongjian later became the Crown Prince's Palace Attendant and a Cavalier in Regular Attendance. In the last years of Yongjia, he joined Guo Xi and died in battle with him.
Guo Xi, courtesy name Daojiang, was from Shanyang in Henan. In his youth, he served as an official in the Colonel's office, and Colonel Shi Jian highly valued him. When Prince Donghai became a Palace Attendant, he recruited Guo Xi as a Secretary of the Bureau, and later he gradually rose through the ranks to become the Prefect of Yangping. When Prince Qi Jiong was in power, Guo Xi participated in his military affairs and was appointed Deputy Director of the Right of the Secretariat, later promoted to Deputy Director of the Left. He was known for his honesty and fairness, investigating officials across various departments, and those below the eighth rank all respected him. After the assassination of Prince Qi Jiong, Guo Xi was also dismissed. When Prince Bieqi was appointed General of the Valiant Cavalry, he appointed Guo Xi as a Lang in the Central Secretariat. When Emperor Hui launched a campaign against Prince Ying of Chengdu, he appointed Guo Xi as Acting Commandant of the Northern Army. After Emperor Hui returned to Luoyang, Guo Xi allied himself with Prince Xiao of Fanyang, who authorized Guo Xi to serve as the Inspector of Yanzhou.
When Ji Sang captured Ye City, King Yue of Donghai led his troops to Guandu in preparation to attack Ji Sang, appointing Gou Xi as the vanguard. Ji Sang was always afraid of Gou Xi, so they set up barriers outside the city for defense. When Gou Xi was about to arrive, he set up camp and let the soldiers rest, sending out a cavalry to warn them of the consequences. Ji Sang's army was greatly shocked, abandoned their defenses, and fled under the cover of night, hiding in the city to defend it. Gou Xi overcame their nine encampments, pacified Ye City, and then returned. He then marched west to confront and eliminate figures like Lu Lang. Later, King Tai of Gaomi attacked the bandit Liu Gen in Qingzhou, defeated Ji Sang's former general Gong Shi Fan, and then defeated Shi Le in Hebei. He gained a formidable reputation, and people at that time compared him to Han Xin and Bai Qi. "Promoted to General Who Calms the Army, Acting General, Commander of Military Affairs in Qing and Yanzhou, titled Marquis of Dongping County, with a fief of ten thousand households."
As for Gou Xi, in handling official business in the court, the paperwork piled up to the ceiling, but he handled it swiftly and effectively, with no room for carelessness, and no one dared to play tricks in front of him. He was especially filial to his stepmother, providing her with very good care. When his stepmother's son wanted to become a general, Gou Xi advised him, "I never bend the law for personal gain in my work. If you regret becoming a general, it will be too late!" The stepmother's son insisted on becoming one, so Gou Xi had no choice but to let him become a superintendent. As a result, this young man broke the law, and Gou Xi didn't hesitate to punish him with a beating and execution! His stepmother knelt and begged for mercy, but Gou Xi ignored her. Afterwards, Gou Xi wore plain clothes to mourn, crying and saying, "The one who ordered his execution was the Inspector of Yanzhou, and the one mourning for his brother is Gou Dao Jiang!" This shows how strict he was in enforcing the law.
Gou Xi saw the growing chaos in the court and worried about the consequences for himself, so he networked widely and lavished gifts on everyone. Whenever he received valuable items, he quickly dispatched them to the officials and nobles in Luoyang. Yanzhou lay five hundred miles from Luoyang, and he was concerned that the fresh goods sent over would not be fresh, so he even hired swift oxen capable of covering a thousand miles. Every time a letter was sent, it would be dispatched in the morning and returned in the evening, boasting remarkable efficiency.
After Gou Xi helped King Yue of Donghai take revenge, King Yue was very grateful to him and invited him to his home, becoming sworn brothers. However, Sima Pantao and others, advisors to King Yue, cautioned him, saying, "Yanzhou's geographical location is important. Cao Cao relied on Yanzhou to assist the Han dynasty back then. If Gou Xi harbors ambitions and proves disloyal, letting him stay in Yanzhou for a long time would be a hidden danger! It's better to transfer him to Qingzhou, give him a nice title, and he will definitely be happy. You stay in Yanzhou yourself, govern the world, protect the court; this is a wise precaution!" King Yue thought what they said made sense, so he transferred Gou Xi to Qingzhou, appointing him as the Grand General of the East, along with other titles. Gou Xi was appointed as the governor of Qingzhou and was promoted to a duke. After arriving in Qingzhou, Gou Xi appointed many of his own trusted followers, replaced the original officials, and employed brutal methods to consolidate his power. He killed people every day, resulting in rivers of blood, and the people endured immense suffering, earning him the nickname "Butcher Bo." Later, the Prefect of Dunqiu, Wei Zhi, was driven to flee with an army of fifty to sixty thousand troops and plundered Yanzhou. Gou Xi stationed troops in Wuyan and put his brother Gou Chun in charge of Qingzhou. However, Gou Chun proved to be even more ruthless than his brother, and the locals dubbed him "Little Gou, even more ruthless than Big Gou." Later, Gou Xi defeated Wei Zhi.
At that time, Sima Pantao, Secretary Liu Wang, and others conspired against me, which infuriated me. I submitted a formal request for the execution of Sima Pantao and his cohorts and requested that Yuezhou's Attendant Liu Qia be appointed as my military commander. However, the officials from Yuezhou opposed my request.
I then loudly said, "Sima Yuanchao is behaving improperly as Prime Minister, causing chaos in the realm. Can we, as men of justice, just stand by while he runs amok? Han Xin could not bear to refuse others' favors and ultimately died by a woman. Now I want to punish the traitors, support the royal family, and emulate Duke Huan of Qi's achievements. Is this still far away?!" I then sent letters to various states, publicizing my merits and listing the crimes of the Yue state.
The emperor has been troubled by Liu Yao and Shi Le's abuse of power, so he issued a decree to Shi Le, saying, "Because of my own lack of virtue, I have caused continuous wars. I am worried about the safety of the ancestral temple and the suffering of the people. Therefore, I must rely on capable local officials like you to defend the realm. You have a renowned reputation. You have beheaded the rebels Fan and Sang and defeated Qiao, Lang, Wei Zhi, and others. Isn't this a demonstration of your foresight, decisiveness, and wisdom? Therefore, I entrust you with heavy responsibilities. Now, Wang Mi and Shi Le have become national disasters, so I am issuing a decree for you to command the troops of the six states. However, you have declined minor matters and disobeyed my orders. This is not how one should act in service of the realm! Now, I am issuing another decree. You must promptly issue orders to the six states, coordinate with the army, and put an end to this national crisis, in order to live up to my expectations!"
After receiving the imperial edict, Shi Le wrote letters to the generals of various states and counties, saying: "The country is in imminent danger, disasters are looming. Liu Yuanhai is causing chaos in Fenyin, and I am mustering troops in the Sanwei region. They have captured the central region, destroyed Ye, camped outside the suburbs, and have also unsettled Yanzhou and Yuzhou, killing three provincial governors, two commanders, and dozens of county officials, causing countless casualties among the people. My abilities are limited, but I have taken on such a great responsibility, so I am only able to station troops by the coast to support Caozhou and Weizhou. Now the emperor has issued yet another edict appointing me as the commander of the army in the eastern region, and I must obey the imperial decree. It is set to advance westward to attack Liyang on the second of this month. I have just received a report from the Prefect of Xingyang, Ding Ye, reporting that Li Yun, Chen Wu, and others led reinforcements in a major battle against the Jie tribe but were defeated and scattered. Huaicheng has already fallen, and the Prefect of Henan, Pei Zheng, has been captured by the enemy. The defenses of the capital are insufficient, and the emperor is also in danger. The situation at the ancestral temple is more precarious than a stack of eggs. The emperor worries and laments daily. I believe that the ancient kings selected virtuous and wise individuals to govern the realm, used rituals to consolidate their rule, and thus solidified the royal family, preventing cities from being breached. Therefore, Duke Huan of Qi blamed the state of Chu for its weak boats and oars; King Xiang was pressured by the Di people, and Duke Wen of Jin sent troops to attack. Now, in order to defend the royal family and serve the court, even if one finds themselves in the midst of flames, one should not shirk their duty. Governors across the regions have enjoyed the emperor's favor and should unite to repay the nation's kindness. Although my martial prowess is limited, I have already taken the initiative to mobilize troops, prepare horses, and stock provisions, waiting for reinforcements from all sides. All our allies must unite to provide aid and earn merit in this endeavor!"
Wang Mi sent Cao Yi to attack Langye, and then they continued north to invade Qi territory. Gou Chun held the city under siege, but Cao Yi's army continued to grow in strength, with camps stretching for miles, creating an impressive show of force! When Gou Xi returned and climbed the city tower, he was taken aback by the sight! Nevertheless, he bravely engaged in numerous battles against Cao Yi's forces, managing to defeat them each time. On the day of the battle, a fierce wind kicked up, and a sandstorm rolled in. Our troops faced a crushing defeat, abandoned the city, and fled under the cover of night. Cao Yi relentlessly pursued them to Dongshan, where Gou Xi's subordinates surrendered. Gou Xi, riding alone, escaped to Gaoping, where he quickly regrouped his troops at his residence and recruited several thousand more soldiers. Despite the defeat, Gou Xi refused to give up, swiftly gathering his forces to make a comeback in Dongshan.
The emperor secretly sent an edict to Wang Jun, ordering him to attack King Yue of Donghai. Wang Jun reported: "Colonel Li Chu from the palace brought the emperor's secret edict to me, which makes me feel extremely distressed. King Yue of Donghai, relying on his royal bloodline, has taken control of the court, favoring corrupt officials, and cultivating his own faction, which led to the former officials Pan Tao, Bi Miao, and Guo Xiang abusing their power and making arbitrary decisions on punishments and rewards. The officials He Sui, Miao Bo, Miao Yin, and Ying Shao, all personally selected by the emperor, were falsely accused by Pan Tao and others, which resulted in their tragic deaths. They even surrounded the palace with troops, killed the emperor's brother, eliminated the imperial guards, and promoted their own people. They also elevated Wei Zhi and recruited fugitives, which caused chaos in the provinces. Roads were destroyed, tribute could not be delivered, ancestral sacrifices could not be made, and the emperor could not even eat. Generals Zhou Fu, Feng Song, and Pei Xian all felt that the court was weak, the powerful were abusing their power, and chaos was imminent, so they led their troops to prepare to welcome the emperor's return, to support the royal family and fulfill their duties. Meanwhile, Pan Tao, Bi Miao, and others took King Yue out of the city, falsified government decrees, forced officials to move, issued orders arbitrarily, and allowed the army to plunder, causing widespread suffering and death. This led to the inefficiency of the local armies, the desolation of cities, and the people in the Huai River and Yuzhou regions are suffering. Although I am very angry, I can only defend the eastern border. I have followed orders, the troops are in high spirits, and we are ready to march, having reached Cangyuan. I just received a letter from the Minister of Works and the Duke of Boling, Wang Jun, saying that Colonel Liu Quan from the palace brought an edict ordering Wang Jun and me to march together. I have sent General Wang Zan as the vanguard to Xiangcheng, demanding King Yue of Donghai surrender, hand over power, and send the heads of Pan Tao and others. I hope Your Majesty can forgive this royal official and allow King Yue to return to his fiefdom. As for other matters, I hope Your Majesty will handle them generously. I have relayed the edict to the armies across different regions, explaining the reasons for the military campaign. I have also sent General Yan Hong with five thousand infantry and cavalry to guard the ancestral temple."
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Next is the second paragraph:
In short, Wang Jun means that the Eastern Sea King Yue and his followers are too arrogant, who are harming the people and threatening the court; they must be dealt with severely. However, he also considered that Eastern Sea King Yue is ultimately a royal relative, so he hopes the emperor will grant him a chance for redemption. At the same time, he reported on his military deployment, stating that he is well-prepared and will certainly accomplish the task of subduing them, and will ensure the safety of the royal ancestral temple. His words express not only loyalty to the emperor but also showcase his military talent and political wisdom, making it a win-win situation.
Five years later, the emperor issued another edict to Wang Jun, saying: "Grand Tutor Jia Nanfeng has employed wicked people, seized power alone, ignored laws and regulations in the court, failed to coordinate with various states outside, and as a result, allowed the barbarians to rampage, burning, killing, and plundering everywhere, resulting in unbearable chaos throughout the realm! Even though she is my relative, I must punish her nonetheless, just like Duke Huan of Lu and Duke Wen of Jin. The crucial task of dealing with her is entrusted to you! Think carefully about how to conduct the campaign and devise a solid strategy. The journey is long, so I have written two decrees for you, personally signed and sealed." Wang Jun replied: "I have received your decree to lead the campaign against the rebels, with the comparison to Duke Wen of Jin, and the two decrees you wrote. I read them while kneeling, and I was so moved that it felt like my insides were in turmoil. Since Jia Nanfeng seized power, she has favored wicked people, dominated the court, harmed the people outside, forged decrees, attempted to usurp power, and allowed the army to burn, kill, and plunder, not even sparing the imperial palaces and temples. The former Commandant of Justice Liu Lun, the Director of the Imperial Secretariat Wen Ji, and the Right General Du Yu have all fallen victim to her attacks and robberies. Princess Guangping, Princess Wuan, and even the body of the late emperor have all been dishonored by her! Her crimes are truly unforgivable! In accordance with your orders, I have mobilized the troops and sent Wang Zan to lead Chen Wu and others to bring her to justice and restore order!"
Initially, Sima Yue suspected a conspiracy between Wang Jun and the emperor, so he sent scouts to the Chenggao area for reconnaissance. They caught Wang Jun's messenger, who indeed carried the imperial edict and court documents, which only deepened Sima Yue's suspicions. Sima Yue was appointed as the governor of Yuzhou to launch a campaign against Wang Jun and issued a proclamation listing Wang Jun's crimes. He appointed Yang Mai as the Governor of Yanzhou, and together with the inspector of Xuzhou, Pei Dun, they marched against Wang Jun. Wang Jun sent troops to capture the Prefect of Henan, Pan Tao, who escaped under cover of night. Wang Jun then captured the Minister of Construction, Liu Zeng, and the Palace Attendant, Cheng Yan, and had them executed. At that time, Sima Yue coincidentally passed away, and Pei Dun was defeated. The emperor subsequently appointed Wang Jun as Grand General and Commander-in-Chief, commanding the forces of six provinces: Qing, Xu, Yan, Yu, Jing, and Yang, granting him an additional 20,000 households and a yellow ceremonial axe, while maintaining his current official position.
Meanwhile, Shi Le attacked Luoyang, struggling with famine and chaos, the situation deteriorating daily. Shi Zun felt that things were untenable and petitioned the court for a relocation of the capital. He also dispatched an official named Liu Hui, accompanied by dozens of ships, five hundred guards, and over a thousand hu of grain to welcome the emperor. The court officials had differing opinions on this matter, resulting in heated debates among the officials. Not long after, Luoyang fell. Shi Zun and Wang Zan stood together defending the city walls. Prince Yuzhang, Shi Duan, and others fled eastward to Shi Zun, who, along with his ministers, supported Shi Duan as the crown prince and established a provisional administration. Shi Duan appointed Shi Zun as the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, in command of the national army while also serving as Minister of Construction. They then moved from Cangyuan to Mengcheng for their headquarters, while Wang Zan was stationed in Yangxia.
Shi Zun was of humble origins and quickly rose to the rank of General, becoming somewhat arrogant. He kept over a thousand servants and dozens of concubines at home, never ventured out, indulging in pleasure all day, and was also particularly strict, punishing people at the slightest offense. There was a man named Yan Heng in Liaoxi who wrote a letter advising him, but upon hearing it, Shi Zun flew into a rage and had Yan Heng executed. One of Shi Zun's officials, Ming Yu, was ill at home at that time. Upon hearing about this, he summoned the strength to advise Shi Zun: "The Jin Dynasty is currently in a crisis; you wield great power; you should help the country and eliminate tyranny. Yan Heng is a talented person; why did you kill him for no reason?" Shi Zun became even angrier upon hearing this: "What does my killing Yan Heng have to do with you? You frail one, coming here to lecture me!" Everyone around was frightened. Ming Yu said, "You have always treated others with respect, and I also want to advise you with courtesy. If you get angry now, others will be just as angry with you! In ancient times, Yao and Shun became emperors through benevolence and righteousness, prospered; while Jie and Zhou ruled through tyranny, and eventually their countries perished. If even emperors are like this, how much more for you, a mere subject! You should calm down first and think about my words!" Shi Zun felt a bit embarrassed after that.
From then on, everyone's loyalty turned against Shi Zun, and no one did things for him properly. With the added burden of plague and famine, his generals, Wen Ji and Fu Xuan, both rebelled. Shi Le attacked Yangxia, defeated Wang Zan, quickly attacked Mengcheng, captured Shi Zun, appointed him as a Sima officer, and executed him a month later. Shi Zun had no sons, and his brother, Shi Chun, met the same fate.
Hua Yi, courtesy name Yanxia, was a native of Pingyuan and the great-grandson of Wang Ling, the Grand Commandant of Wei. His grandfather Hua Biao held the position of Grand Master of the Palace, and his father Hua Dan served as the Intendant of Henan. Hua Yi was talented from a young age, well-known, made many friends, and was well-liked. He started out as a Doctor and later rose step by step to become a Cavalier Attendant. The Prince of Donghai, Sima Yue, who was serving as the Inspector of Yanzhou, invited him to serve as the Chief Historian of the Lu Prefecture. During the Yongjia period, he was promoted to General Who Spreads Valor and the Inspector of Jiangzhou.
Although the world was in chaos at that time, he always attached great importance to rituals and etiquette, and even established the position of Libationer of the Confucian Temple to promote Confucian education. He ordered, "The world is in great chaos now, and the rituals and etiquette have been neglected. The court also has no one managing this matter, which has troubled me. Therefore, I have established this position specifically to promote Confucianism. Du Yi is a man of noble character, lofty ideals, profound knowledge, and high moral integrity, making him an excellent choice for the position of Libationer of the Confucian Temple." Not long after, the Prince of Donghai, Sima Yue, dispatched him to help suppress the rebels. Hua Yi appointed the former Prefect of Jiangxia, Tao Kan, as General Who Displays Valor, leading three thousand troops to station at Xiakou as reinforcements.
During his time as the Inspector of Jiangzhou, Hua Yi was highly respected and befriended by local scholars, deeply loved by the people of Jiangzhou, and many refugees flocked to him, feeling as though they were returning home.
It is said that at that time, the emperor's situation was dire, and the country was in chaos. Su Jun was determined to save the realm. Therefore, he often sent people to offer tribute to Luoyang, consistently upholding the conduct of a loyal minister. He told the messengers, "If the road to Luoyang is cut off, you can send the tribute to Prince Langya, so as to demonstrate my loyalty to the Sima family." Su Jun believed he was dispatched by the Luoyang court yet was under the control of Shou Chun, and at that time, Luoyang had not yet fallen. He did not fully comply with Emperor Yuan's orders. Many counties urged him to reconsider, but he refused, saying, "I only wish to see the emperor's edict."
At that time, the emperor dispatched General Yang Lie, Zhou Fang, to command the troops stationed in Pengze to guard against Su Jun. When Zhou Fang passed by Gusu, the writer Gan Bao went to see him and asked him what was going on. Zhou Fang said, "The court has given me the task of stationing in Pengze, which serves as the gateway to western Jiangzhou. Su Jun truly cares about the country and its people, but he refuses to be manipulated. Recent events have led to chaos, creating a rift between the two. There is no reason to send troops to guard his gate now; isn't that just provoking him on purpose? I intend to set up camp in the old county of Xunyang, which is located in Jiangxi and can defend against the north without seeming to pressure him."
Eventually, Luoyang fell, and Sikong Xun Fan issued a proclamation to declare the emperor as the leader.
As a result, the Emperor ordered a replacement of local officials, but Su Jun refused to comply. So, the Emperor sent General Wang Dun to lead Gan Zhuo, Zhou Fang, Song Dian, Zhao You, and others to attack him. Su Jun stationed Chen Xiong in Pengze to resist Wang Dun, while he led a naval force as reinforcement. Wuchang Prefect Feng Yi was defeated by Zhou Fang at the port of Penkou. Former Jiangzhou Inspector Wei Zhan, who was unhappy with Su Jun, teamed up with Yuzhang Prefect Zhou Guang to secretly attack Su Jun. Su Jun's army was defeated. He fled to Ancheng and was eventually captured and executed, along with his five sons. Their severed heads were sent to Jianye.
Initially, Gao Kui, from Guangling and living in Jiangzhou, was recruited by Su Jun as a clerk in the Western Bureau. After Su Jun's defeat, Gao Kui hid Su Jun's wife and two sons for several years. After he received amnesty, Gao Kui surrendered with them, and the Emperor appreciated his actions and pardoned him.
Liu Qiao, whose courtesy name was Zhongyan, was from Nanyang. His ancestors were from the Han Dynasty's royal family and were granted the title of Marquis of Anzhong, a hereditary title for three generations. His grandfather Liu Yi was the Minister of Wei, and his father Liu Fu was the Prefect of Chenliu. When Liu Qiao was young, he served as a Secretariat Clerk, and later General Wang Rong appointed him as his aide. During the campaign against Wu, Wang Rong sent Liu Qiao and aide Luo Shang to cross the river and capture Wuchang. After the war, Liu Qiao was appointed as the county magistrate of Xingyang, and later promoted to be the Prince's Chamberlain. For his role in the execution of Yang Jun, he was granted the title of Marquis of Guanzhong and appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Right. He also participated in the execution of Jia Mi and was enfeoffed as a Marquis of Anzhong, with his official ranks steadily rising until he reached the position of Cavalier in Regular Attendance.
King Qi Jiong became the Grand Marshal. Initially, Ji Shao was highly favored by King Qi Jiong, who would always come down to welcome him. Liu Qiao said to King Qi Jiong, "The ministers in the court are afraid of Sun Xiu, so they dare not refuse his wealth. What does Ji Shao have to fear? Why is he amassing the Pei family's chariots, horses, and cattle, as well as the Zhang family's slaves? When Yue Yanfu came, you didn't even get out of bed to greet him; why are you so respectful to Ji Shao?" After hearing Liu Qiao's words, King Qi Jiong stopped this behavior. Later, Ji Shao asked Liu Qiao, "Why doesn't the Grand Marshal come to greet guests anymore?" Liu Qiao said, "It seems someone spoke the truth, claiming you’re not worthy of a greeting." Ji Shao asked, "Who spoke the truth?" Liu Qiao said, "This person is close by." After hearing this, Ji Shao fell silent. Not long after, Liu Qiao was promoted to Chief Imperial Censor.
Dong Ai, King Qi Jiong's trusted confidant, wielded immense power, and no officials dared to oppose his orders. In just twenty years, Liu Qiao lodged six accusations against Dong Ai for his crimes. Dong Ai instigated the Deputy Secretary Gou Xi to remove Liu Qiao from his post and demote him to Colonel of the Stables. Later, when Zhang Chang staged a rebellion, Liu Qiao was appointed as General of Wei Yuan and Governor of Yuzhou. He and Liu Hong, the Governor of Jingzhou, quelled Zhang Chang's rebellion and eventually rose to the rank of General of the Left.
Emperor Hui fled to Chang'an, and Qiao Xuan led the troops from various states and counties to welcome the emperor. Sima Yue, the King of Donghai, took it upon himself to promote Qiao Xuan to the position of General of Anbei and Governor of Jizhou Province, and also appointed Sima Xiao, the King of Fanyang, as Governor of Yuzhou. Qiao Xuan believed that Sima Xiao was not appointed directly by the emperor, so he refused to listen to Sima Xiao and led his troops to resist. Liu Yu, the Prefect of Yingchuan, was closely allied with Sima Xiao, so Qiao Xuan wrote a letter to the court outlining Liu Yu's crimes. Sima Yong, the King of Hejian, received Qiao Xuan's report and ordered Zhen Nan General Liu Hong, General Zhengdong Liu Zhun, and Prince of Pengcheng Sima Shi to join forces with Qiao Xuan to attack Sima Xiao in Xuchang. Liu Kun, the brother of Liu Yu, led his troops to aid Sima Xiao, but before the rescue, he arrived, and Sima Xiao had already been defeated, fleeing to Hebei with Liu Kun. Not long after, Liu Kun crossed the Yellow River with five thousand cavalry to attack Qiao Xuan. Qiao Xuan captured his father Liu Fan, confined him in a cart, and then defended Kaocheng against Sima Xiao, but his forces were outnumbered, leading to his defeat.
After the defeat of Qiao Xuan, the situation became even more complicated. We'll have to wait and see what happens next. General Qiao gathered the scattered troops and stationed them at Pingshi. King Sima Yong promoted him, appointed him as General of Zhendong, gave him the imperial seal, and appointed Qiao's eldest son Qiao You as the Prefect of Dongjun. He also sent Liu Hong, Liu Zhun, Prince Shi, and others to reinforce General Qiao.
Liu Hong wrote to General Qiao, "I just heard that Fanyang wants to take your place as governor. You are an official appointed by the court, holding the title of a marquis, and should act according to the rules, assisting the court together as a team. Suddenly being replaced is really not right! However, as the ancients used to say, 'It is indeed a sin to lead the ox to trample on others' fields, but leading the ox away is too harsh a punishment.' You have chosen not to express your righteous anger and willingly act as the vanguard against enemies; I think you are going a bit too far. Why? The way of a true man in the world is to use it when needed and hide it when needed. Even the deepest humiliation can be endured, let alone this suspicion of being replaced, which is a minor issue! Fanyang is from the same country as us, and you are a royal relative. Since the Zhou Dynasty, there has been a family alliance, with distinctions between relatives. Matters should be handled appropriately, and where the responsibility lies, you should take it. Even renowned generals like Lian Po and Lin Xiangru from the Warring States period could adapt their ranks to serve the country's interests, let alone a scholar like you! Now the world is in chaos, the emperor is in exile; it is the time for loyal officials and righteous men to unite. My abilities are limited, favored by the emperor, and I hope to work alongside you in supporting our leader, working together closely like a flock of geese, eliminating the bandits together, saving the people from water and fire, and putting the North Star back in its place in the sky. Since this great achievement has yet to be realized, we should avoid any conflicts. I am very grateful for your care; this friendship is truly special. I want to be honest with you and cannot hide anything. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the vassals often fought each other, but many later reconciled and became in-laws. I hope you can set aside past grievances, follow the right path, untangle this web of issues, and restore the previous friendly relationship. Fanyang will likely regret past mistakes and strive to be more trustworthy in the future."
Hong wrote to Yue: "I heard that you are leading troops to attack the Governor of Qiaozhou, alleging it's because he disobeyed orders. This is of course to uphold justice and suppress rebellion. But I believe this approach is misguided. Why? The court is currently in turmoil, and various princes from all over are working for the royal family. As key officials of the court, we should also be loyal to the country and contribute at this critical moment. While Prince Fanyang wants to replace the Governor of Qiaozhou, it makes no sense for us to participate in this attack. Instead, this could backfire and paint us as the villains. Think about how Duke Huan of Qi forgave Guan Zhong's hatred, and Duke Wen of Jin forgot Bo Di's resentment, ultimately achieving greatness. Now, with corrupt officials in power and the situation critical, this is a matter of concern for everyone. We should set aside personal grievances, uphold righteousness together, endure for the greater good, quickly support the court, and not forget great kindness and virtues over petty grievances. If we can empathize with one another and diligently fulfill our duties, the Governor of Qiaozhou will surely be grateful and repay the court's kindness. We should not let momentary impulses lead to greater conflicts and fall into the enemy's trap. Although I am just a commoner, I also hope you can unite both internally and externally to stabilize the royal family. I truly cannot bear to see everyone resorting to violence and vying for power and profit. I hope you will consider this carefully."
Hong submitted a memorial to the court, saying, "The Prince of Fanyang wants to replace Qiao, the Governor of Yuzhou. When Qiao led his troops in resistance, the Minister of Works and the Prince of Donghai intended to attack Qiao. I believe Qiao is favored by the court and holds an important position. He only seeks to serve the country and has committed no wrongdoing. The Prince of Fanyang's attempt to replace him is unfair. However, Qiao shouldn't take up arms on his own because of Fanyang's mistake; he should be punished as a warning to others. Recently, ongoing conflicts and mutual suspicions have arisen, which may lead to larger conflicts and endanger the royal family. The border defenses are weak, the court is facing challenges, and court officials are only focused on their own power struggles, which only makes things riskier. If enemies invade, it could spell disaster. I recommend issuing an edict right away to tell both sides to put aside their prejudices and stay in their roles. In the future, anyone who takes up arms without the court's permission will face a united response from the people. As the Book of Songs puts it, 'Who can hold a hot iron without cooling it in water?' If cooled in time, there will be no burns, and the country can remain stable."
At that time, Wang Yong of Hejian was in conflict with the people of the Guandong region, relying on the help of the Qiao clan, but he completely ignored Qiao's advice. King Sima Yue of Donghai sent out an edict to the world, leading thirty thousand soldiers to prepare to welcome the emperor back to Luoyang. When the army reached Xiaoxian, Qiao was frightened and sent his son Qiao You to intercept Sima Yue at Lingbi, located in Xiaoxian. Liu Kun then sent troops to attack Xuchang, and the people of Xuchang welcomed him with open arms. Liu Kun himself led troops from Xingyang to meet Sima Yue, but encountered Qiao You on the way, which led to the army's defeat and Qiao You's death. The Qiao clan's power quickly crumbled, and he managed to flee to Pingshi with just five hundred cavalry. When the emperor returned to Luoyang, he declared a general amnesty, and Sima Yue once again recommended Qiao for the positions of Grand Tutor and Military Advisor. After Sima Yue's death, Qiao was appointed as the Commander of Military Affairs in Yuzhou, General of the East, and Inspector of Yuzhou. Qiao passed away while in office at the age of sixty-three. During the reign of Emperor Min, he was posthumously given the title of Minister of Works. His son, Qiao Ting, became the Prefect of Yingchuan. Qiao Ting's son was Qiao Dan.
Qiao Dan, courtesy name Jingdao, was known for his uprightness and loyalty from a young age, which earned him the respect of his clan. He was knowledgeable in the Book of Songs, the Book of Rites, and the Records of the Grand Historian. He became the Minister of Revenue and was later appointed as a Cavalier Attendant. He was fair and honest in his position, cautious and meticulous, achieving notable political success. Huan Xuan was Qiao Dan's son-in-law. When Huan Xuan rose to power, he wanted Qiao Dan to be the Minister of the Interior and also appointed him as an Attendant, but Qiao Dan turned it down. He was later appointed as a Special Attendant and a Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. Not long after, Qiao Dan passed away and was posthumously honored as Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and given the title of Imperial Chancellor. Qiao Dan's son was named Qiao Liu.
Qiao Liu, style name Shu Hui, was quite renowned. He became a clean official when he was young and later served as the Left and Right Supervisors of the Imperial Secretariat. At that time, the Deputy Minister Fu Di liked to read books but did not understand their meaning. Qiao Liu only read "Laozi." Fu Di always held Qiao Liu in contempt. Qiao Liu said, "Although you read a lot of books, you don't understand them at all; you can only be called a bookshelf!" People at that time thought he was quite reasonable. Later, Qiao Liu served as the Inspector of Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Jiangzhou. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Master of Light and General of the Household. Qiao's younger brother, Qiao Yi, served as the Prefect of Shi'an. Qiao Yi's son, Qiao Cheng, served as the Intendant of Danyang.
Historical records say that Zhou Jun was very insightful in his dealings with others, Zhou Fu was highly capable in managing affairs, Hua Yi attached great importance to etiquette, and Liu Qiao was upright and responsible. Therefore, they were all able to achieve high positions both inside and outside the court and made many contributions. However, Zu Xuan advocated for the relocation of the capital, which offended the Prince of Donghai. Yan Xia was single-minded in assisting the emperor but made mistakes in Langye, which led to a tarnished reputation and harsh penalties. It is truly regrettable! If they had been able to hold on to Yichuan, establish a base in the Huai River Basin, rely on the natural defenses of Fangcheng, utilize the resources of the Chu region, organize the military forces of Wuyue, and gather the grain of Huaihai, even if they could not protect the country, at least they could have alleviated the crisis and delayed the time of destruction. Alas! This truly illustrates the saying: "Not using virtuous and loyal officials, but instead relying on treacherous individuals, ultimately leads to the destruction of the country."
As for Gou Xi, he rose from humble beginnings to become a first-class general. However, before he could make any achievements, he revealed his greedy and cruel nature, using the hands of Shilong, ultimately leading to large-scale massacres. It is like the ancients said: "When so many lives are lost, how can there be no retribution?"
It is said that Kailin (Zhou Jun) is talented and has administrative skills, and as a result, he has steadily risen, achieving many military victories on the battlefield, and his virtuous governance has also spread throughout the Jianghuai region. Huayi respects the Emperor, and Zhou Fu also wholeheartedly assists the Emperor, but both faced misfortune due to ill fortune, contrary to the will of heaven, which is why it turned out this way. Liu Qiao led the army but failed to protect himself. Gou Xi commanded troops in battle and earned a reputation, but his notorious greed and cruelty were well known, ultimately failing to receive the recognition he deserved.
