Emperor Xuan had nine sons, namely: Xuan's Five Kings (Pingyuan Wang Gan, Langye Wang Fu, Zi Ji, Dan, Yao, Cui), Duke Jing of Qinghui Pavilion, Fu Feng Wang Jun, Zi Chang, Xin, Liang Wang Rong, and Wen Liu Wang (this part is a list and does not need to be translated). Among Emperor Xuan's nine sons, Emperor Jing, Emperor Wen, and Pingyuan Wang Gan were born to Empress Mu of the Zhang family; Runan's Wencheng Wang Liang, Langye's Wuxi Wang Fu, Duke Jing of Qinghui Pavilion, and Fu Feng's Wuxi Wang Jun were born to Lady Fu; Liang Wang Rong was born to Lady Zhang; and Zhao Wang Lun was born to Lady Bai. The deeds of Liang and Lun are recorded separately.
Pingyuan Wang Gan, styled Ziliang. When he was young, he was appointed as the Marquis of Anyang Ting while still a prince of Wei. Later, he gradually rose to the position of Colonel of the Army, and his title was elevated to Marquis of Pingyang Xiang. After the establishment of the five-rank title system, he was reappointed as the Earl of Dintao. When Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he was enfeoffed as Pingyuan Wang, with a fief of 11,300 households, provided with a music band and two imperial horses, and granted the ceremonial robes of a palace attendant. In the early years of the Xian Ning era, the court ordered the princes to go to their fiefs to govern, but Gan was seriously ill and had an eccentric personality, alternating between moments of clarity and confusion. Despite this, he was generally quiet and content, so the court specifically ordered him to stay in the capital. In the late years of Tai Kang, he was appointed as the Grand Master of Splendor, concurrently serving as a palace attendant, and was specially granted a golden seal and purple ribbon, with an official rank within the Three Excellencies. After Emperor Hui ascended the throne, he was promoted to Left Grand Master of Splendor, with his position as a palace attendant unchanged, allowed to wear a sword and shoes to court, and not required to bow or perform ceremonial rituals during court sessions.
Although King Pingyuan Gan is the lord of a great country, he doesn't take political affairs seriously. When appointing officials, he always chooses based on merit. Despite holding a high rank and receiving a generous salary, he seems indifferent to these things, letting his salary and fabrics pile up and go to waste. On rainy days, he brings his outdoor carriage indoors, saying that things left outside should be brought in. When court officials visit him, even if they're familiar with him, they must first park their carriage outside the gate and sometimes might not get to see him all night. Occasionally, those who do see him find him always respectful and never rude. After his beloved concubine passed away, he didn’t even bother to nail the coffin shut for her burial, keeping it in an empty room and checking on it every few days, letting the body decay until it was buried.
During the reign of King Zhao Lun, Shi Chong was appointed as the Guard General. Later, when Emperor Hui regained power, Shi Chong was promoted to the Privy Council and even given the title of Grand Guardian. When Prince Qi Sima Jiong quelled the rebellion of King Zhao Lun, all the court officials showed up with cattle and wine to celebrate him, except for Shi Chong, who showed up with a hundred coins and congratulated Sima Jiong, cautioning him to be careful with power. After Sima Jiong took power, Shi Chong visited him and was greeted in person by Sima Jiong, who bowed to him. Upon entering, Shi Chong sat right down on Sima Jiong's bed without letting him take a seat, telling him not to turn into someone like King Zhao Lun. Later, when Sima Jiong was killed, Shi Chong cried and mourned the fading of the royal family, worried about the future with people like that being targeted.
Sima Yue raised an army to support the rightful ruler, and when he arrived in Luoyang, he went to visit Shichong. Shichong shut his doors and refused to see him. Sima Yue's carriage lingered for a long time until Shichong finally sent someone to dismiss him, while he secretly watched through the crack in the door. At that moment, no one could fathom Shichong's thoughts. Some said he was sick, while others said he was avoiding trouble. Shichong passed away in the fifth year of Yongjia, at the age of eighty. He missed the opportunity to receive a posthumous title due to Liu Cong's invasion of Luoyang. Shichong had two sons; his eldest son, Shiguang, had died young, and his second son, Shiyong, was appointed as the Duke of Ande County during the Taixi period, eventually attaining the rank of Cavalier in Regular Attendance. Both brothers were good men, but unfortunately, they later met with misfortune, and their entire family was killed.
Langya's King Sima Zong, styled Zijiang, was first appointed as the Marquis of Nan'an Ting during the Zhengshi period. He displayed early talent and ambition, starting as the General of Ning Shuo and becoming renowned for pacifying the people during his defense of Ye City. He later rose to the position of Cavalier in Regular Attendance and was further appointed as the Marquis of Dongwu Xiang, as well as being named the Right General, overseeing military affairs in Yanzhou and serving as the Inspector of Yanzhou. When the system of five ranks of nobility was established, he was appointed as the Earl of Nanpi. He was later promoted to General Who Conquers The Caitiffs, with the authority to wield a ceremonial staff. After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he was named the Prince of Dongguan County, with a fief comprising sixteen thousand households. When the court established the positions of the two ministers, the princes were instructed to select their own officials. Sima Zong respectfully declined in a memorial, but the Emperor insisted. He later entered the court as the Right Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat and General Who Calms The Army, and then served as the Grand General Who Guards The East, with the authority of a ceremonial staff while overseeing military affairs in Xuzhou, taking over from Wei Guan in defending Xiapi. Sima Zong was highly skilled at defending the borders, gaining the unwavering support of his troops, and the people of Wu regarded him with great caution. He was later appointed as the Chief of the Palace Attendants With Golden Tally, with his title elevated to King of Langya, and Dongguan County was also incorporated into his fiefdom.
After pacifying the Wu Kingdom in battle, Sima Zong of Langye led tens of thousands of troops from Tuzhong (place name) to march. Sun Hao personally presented the jade seal and insignia to surrender and seek peace. The court issued a decree stating, "The army led by Sima Zong of Langye has continuously occupied Tuzhong, preventing the Wu army from rescuing each other. He also sent Langye Prefect Liu Hong and others to lead the army to approach the Yangtze River, which frightened the Wu army, prompting them to quickly send envoys with counterfeit jade seals and insignia. Sima Zong then sent his chief of staff Wang Heng to lead the army across the Yangtze River, defeated the Wu army's border defense forces, captured Wu's commander Cai Ji, and killed five to six thousand Wu soldiers who had surrendered or been captured. Zhuge Liang, Sun Yi, and others also submitted to the court, requesting to serve the court until death. Sima Zong's achievements were truly remarkable!" The emperor then appointed his two sons as marquis, each with a fief of three thousand households, and rewarded them with six thousand bolts of silk.
Not long after, Sima Zong also took on the military affairs of Qingzhou and was also appointed as an attendant. Later, he was promoted to Grand General, with the title of Yitong Sanqi, a high-ranking official position, and his rank continued to rise. Sima Zong, due to his prominent family status and his merit in pacifying the Wu Kingdom, was humble and cautious, never arrogant or complacent. His subordinates worked diligently for him, and the people held him in great esteem. When he fell ill, the court provided him with bedding, clothing, money, food, and other necessities, and sent attendants to visit him. In the fourth year of the Taikang era, Sima Zong passed away at the age of fifty-seven. Before his death, he requested to be buried beside his mother's tomb and requested that his title be divided among his four sons, a request that the emperor granted. His eldest son, Sima Ji, inherited the title of Langye Wang. Sima Zong's other three sons were each granted the titles of Wuling Wang, Dong'an Wang, and Huailing Wang.
Sima Jin, courtesy name Sizu, later served as a Chamberlain of the Imperial Clan. He passed away in the first year of Taixi, at just thirty-five. His son Sima Rui inherited the title of the Prince of Langya and later became Emperor Yuan of Jin. During the early period of the Jin Dynasty's revival, the court successively granted the title of Prince of Langya to the imperial princes Sima Piao, Sima Huan, and Sima Yu, but they all passed away early. During the Xianhe period, the state of Langya was moved to Kuaiji, and Emperor Cheng of Jin conferred the title of Prince of Langya to Emperor Kang of Jin. After Kang Emperor ascended the throne, he conferred the title of Prince of Langya to Emperor Cheng's eldest son, who later became Emperor Ai of Jin. After Emperor Ai ascended the throne, he conferred the title of Prince of Langya to the deposed ruler. After the deposed ruler ascended the throne, he appointed the King of Kuaiji to handle the sacrifices of Langya. After Emperor Jianwen took the throne, there were no heirs left for the title of Prince of Langya. Before his death, Emperor Jianwen conferred the title of Prince of Langya to his youngest son, Sima Daozi. Sima Daozi was later renamed as King of Kuaiji, while Emperor Gong was conferred the title of Prince of Langya. After Emperor Gong ascended the throne, the state of Langya was abolished.
Wuling Zhuangwang Dan, courtesy name Sihong, started as a low-ranking official and was later conferred the title of Duke of Dongwu, overseeing 5,200 households. He was later promoted to General and Central Guard. This person was particularly petty, lacked filial piety, and did not treat his parents well. His younger brother, the Prince of Dong'an Yao, had a good reputation and was loved by their parents, but Dan harbored a deep hatred for him and went to Prince of Runan Liang to speak ill of his brother. Liang, who already had a grudge against Yao, reported this to the emperor, resulting in Yao's demotion and exile. Later, when Prince Zhao Lun rebelled, Dan was appointed as the Commander of the Army. Dan had a good relationship with the brothers Guo Chu from Henan, but one day, after drinking too much, Dan got angry when the brothers mentioned the injustice towards Zhang Hua. He, being unable to hold his liquor, killed the Guo brothers and presented their heads to Prince Zhao Lun, demonstrating his ruthlessness.
Tan's wife, Guo Shi, is Jia Hou's younger sister. At first, she took advantage of her family's influence and showed no respect to Tan's mother. Later, when Prince Qi, Wang Jiong, came to power, Tan's mother, Empress Zhuge, reported that Tan was being unfilial and requested the emperor to reinstate Yao. As a result, both Tan and his wife were exiled to Liaodong. His son, Xi, was just five years old and refused to go, saying, "I want to ask the emperor to bring my father back. We cannot be banished together!" After many years, his grandmother passed away, his younger brother was killed, and he was finally allowed to return. Later, he became a Grand Master of Splendor, a Minister, and the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and was reappointed as the Prince of Wuling. At the end of the Yongjia period, he was murdered by Shi Le, and his son, Ai Wang Zhe, succeeded him. Zhe, whose style name was Jinglin, served as a Cavalier Attendant and was also murdered by Shi Le, leaving no sons behind. Later, Emperor Yuan appointed his own son, Xi, as the Prince of Wuling to pay respects to Tan.
Dong'an Wang Yao, whose style name was Sixuan, was initially titled the Duke of Dong'an, later served as a Cavalier Yellow Gate Attendant, and was promoted to Cavalier Attendant. He was strikingly handsome, sporting a well-groomed beard, of resolute character, highly respected, well-educated, filial to his parents, and very dedicated to mourning. When Yang Jun was executed, Yao was stationed at Yunlong Gate, commanding various armies. He was promoted to Right Guard General, appointed as Chief of Archery, and elevated to the title of Prince of a county, overseeing twenty thousand households, and also appointed as an Attendant while concurrently holding the position of Grand General of Military Affairs. His position as Right Guard General was retained. He was later promoted to Deputy Director of the Right and further appointed as a Cavalier Attendant. On that day, when three hundred individuals were either executed or rewarded, all decisions were made by Yao. Dongyi Colonel Wen Chu, whose father, Wen Qin, had been killed by Yao's maternal grandfather, Zhuge Dan, worried that Wen Chu might seek revenge, so he was also killed that day, despite having committed no crimes.
It is said that Xie Xiong constantly reported to Wang Liang of Runan, but Wang Liang completely ignored him. Later, Xie Xiong started to abuse his power, arbitrarily punishing and rewarding others. Tan seized the opportunity to slander Xie Xiong in front of Wang Liang, and Wang Liang fell for his deceit. He dismissed Xie Xiong from his position, ordering him to retire at home, claiming that he was unreliable in his words and exiled him to Dai Fang. During the Yongkang period, the court summoned Xie Xiong back, reappointed him as an official, and made him the Minister of Rites. He was later promoted to the position of Left Supervisor.
When Emperor Hui was waging war against Wang Ying of Chengdu, Xie Xiong's mother happened to pass away in Ye City. He advised Wang Ying to surrender quickly and not to fight. Consequently, the imperial army was defeated, and Wang Ying harbored a grudge against Xie Xiong and had him executed. Later, the court appointed Sima Jin's son, the King of Langya, Sima Hun, to pay respects to Xie Xiong. Not long after, Sima Hun also died, and the Kingdom of Dong'an was dissolved.
Sima Cui, known as Si Chong, was the King of Yuan in Huailing, initially appointed as the Duke of Guangling, with a fief of 2,900 households. He served as the General of the Left and Cavalry Commandant. When Prince Zhao Lun seized the throne, the three kings rebelled against him, and Sima Cui, together with the General of the Left Guard Wang Yu, killed Sun Xiu, leading to the removal of Prince Zhao Lun. For his great achievements, he was appointed as the King of Huailing, became a Minister of Works, and was later appointed as a Palace Attendant. After his death, his son, King Zhen, Sima Rong, inherited the throne. With no son left by Sima Rong after his death, during the reign of Emperor An, the court appointed Sima Yun of Wuling as the King of Huailing to continue the worship of King Yuan. Sima Yun held the position of Cavalry Commandant, and after his death, with no son left, Sima An, the son of King Linchuan, was appointed as the King of Huailing to carry on the lineage. Eventually, during the Song Dynasty, the Kingdom of Huailing was disbanded.
Marquis Sima Jing of Qing Huiting, styled Zizuo, was granted the title of Marquis of Ting in the late Wei Dynasty. He died at the age of twenty-four and was posthumously appointed as Colonel of Archery, with his title inherited by Sima Ji (styled Taixuan), the son of Emperor Wen. In the first year of the Taishi era, Sima Ji was appointed as the Prince of Yan, with a fief consisting of 6,663 households. After becoming the Prince of Yan, during the Xianning period, he was summoned to serve as Colonel of Infantry, and the court also assigned him jurisdiction over Yuyang County, along with the attire of a Palace Attendant. Later, he was appointed as the Governor of Qingzhou and General Who Guards the East, granted viceroyal authority, and the counties of Beiping, Shanggu, and Guangning, totaling 13,337 households, were added to the territory of Yan, increasing its fief to 20,000 households. Sima Ji passed away without a son, and Prince Qi Sima Jiong recommended his son Sima Ji as his successor. However, Sima Jiong eventually fell from power, and the state of Yan was subsequently dissolved.
Now, this Marquis of Fufeng, named Sima Jun, styled Zizang, was remarkably intelligent from a young age, capable of writing essays and reciting classics by the age of five or six, impressing all who encountered him. As he grew older, he upheld his integrity and principles, gaining considerable fame within the imperial family. During the Jingchu period, he was appointed as Marquis of Pingyang. When Prince Qi Sima Fang ascended the throne, Sima Jun was just eight years old when he assumed the role of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, tasked with tutoring the Emperor. Shortly after, he was promoted to Colonel of Infantry and Colonel of Stationed Cavalry, while retaining his position as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. He was subsequently granted the title of Marquis of Xiang, appointed as General Who Pacifies the South, holding viceroyal authority and commanding military operations in the Huainan region. He was then further granted the title of Marquis of Pingshou and promoted to General Who Pacifies the East. In the early years of Xianxi, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Dongmou and promoted to Grand General Who Pacifies the East, stationed at Xuchang.
After Sima Yan, known as Emperor Wu of the Jin Dynasty, ascended to the throne, Sima Jun was appointed as the King of Ruyin, with a fief of ten thousand households, and was put in charge of military affairs in Yuzhou. At one point, the Wu Kingdom general Ding Feng launched an attack on Shaobi, but Sima Jun led his troops to fend off the enemy and successfully drove them back. He was subsequently appointed as the Commissioner and Commander of military affairs in Yangzhou, replacing Shi Bao in Shou Chun. Not long after, he was appointed Commander of military affairs in Yuzhou and returned to oversee Xuchang. Later, he was promoted to Grand General of the West, as well as Commissioner and Commander of military affairs in the provinces of Yong and Liang, taking over from Prince Sima Liang of Runan in overseeing Guanzhong, and was also granted the ceremonial attire of a Guanmianzhong official.
Sima Jun was adept at managing the army, balancing authority with benevolence. He actively encouraged agricultural development, worked alongside his soldiers, and limited himself, his subordinates, and soldiers to cultivating only ten mu of land. He reported this to the court, which subsequently ordered all regions to prioritize agricultural production.
In the early years of Xianning, the leader of the Qiang tribe, Shu Jining, and his followers rebelled, and Sima Jun led troops to suppress them, defeating more than three thousand enemies. He was promoted to Grand General of the Western Expedition, established a government office, and held the title of Yitong San Si, while continuing to serve as an envoy and commander. The court then ordered Sima Jun to dispatch seven thousand troops to replace the garrison troops in Liangzhou. Shu Jining, Hou Danbo, and others planned to launch a surprise attack on the garrison, but Sima Jun ordered Pinggu Hujun Wen Chu to lead troops from Liangzhou, Qinzhou, and Yongzhou to station separately to deter them. It was only then that Shu Jining, along with his twenty tribes and Hou Danbo, surrendered, and they sent hostages. The Hu people, including Jikeluo and Hou Jinduo from Anding, Beidi, Jincheng, and over two hundred thousand others from the north, also surrendered in droves. That year, Sima Jun returned to the court and was granted the title of King of Fufeng. Since the Di people resided within the borders, his fief was expanded, and he was also granted feathered tassels and a band of musicians. In the early years of the Taikang era, he was promoted to General of the Valiant Cavalry, while retaining his positions as governor, envoy, and commander.
This person is named Sima Jun, and he is particularly filial to his mother, who is a noble consort, serving in the court alongside his brother Sima Liang. Sima Jun often misses his mother and cries his heart out. If he hears that his mother is feeling unwell, he gets so worried that he can't eat and is extremely anxious, often taking leave to visit her. He loved studying since childhood, could write essays, and even had a debate with Xun Yi over whether benevolence or filial piety is more important, and his writing was quite good. Later, when King Sima You was dispatched to govern a distant region, Sima Jun submitted a letter of advice that was particularly earnest, but unfortunately, the emperor did not listen, which ultimately led to Sima Jun's death from worry. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Grand General, and also given the title of Palace Attendant and granted a ceremonial yellow axe. When people in the west heard of his death, the streets were packed with mourners, and the locals built a monument in his honor; elderly people would kneel and bow at the monument, showing just how beloved he was in life! He left behind ten sons, among whom Sima Chang and Sima Xin are the most famous.
Sima Chang, styled Xuan Shu, was later titled King of Shunyang and held positions such as Attendant of the Court, Colonel of Cavalry, and General of Guerrilla Warfare. Towards the end of the Yongjia period, when Liu Cong invaded Luoyang, what became of Sima Chang after that remains a mystery.
Sima Xin, styled Hong Shu, was later titled King of Xinye. After his brother Sima Chang became a king, he specifically asked the court to give Sima Xin a land grant. During the Taikang period, the court conferred upon him the title of Duke of Xinye County, giving him jurisdiction over 1,800 households, with benefits on par with those of a county king. Even though Sima Xin was born into nobility, he was cautious and lived a disciplined life. After the death of his mother, Consort Zang, he observed mourning rites even more strictly than required, earning a reputation for his filial piety. Later, he also became a Regular Attendant of the Palace.
After Sima Lun usurped the throne of the King of Zhao, Sima Xin was appointed as the General of the Southern Central Army. Prince Qi, Sima Jiong, rebelled and sent out a proclamation to the world. Sima Xin was uncertain about whom to support. His favorite courtier, Wang Sui, said, "The King of Zhao is powerful, while Prince Qi is weak. You should support the King of Zhao." However, his military advisor, Sun Xun, loudly declared in front of everyone, "The King of Zhao is a traitor, and the people of the world should rise up against him. It is an ancient principle to uphold righteousness, even against one's own kin!" After hearing Sun Xun's words, Sima Xin decided to help Sima Jiong. He sent Sun Xun to meet with Sima Jiong, who excitedly grabbed Sun Xun's hand and said, "You are the one who can help me uphold justice, Duke of Xinye!" After Sima Jiong captured Luoyang, Sima Xin personally put on armor and led troops to assist Sima Jiong. In recognition of his achievements, Sima Xin was appointed as the Prince of Xinye County, overseeing twenty thousand households. He later received promotions and became the Governor of Jingzhou, Commander-in-Chief of the military forces in Jingzhou, Grand General of the South, and Supervisor of the Imperial Staff. Sima Xin was set to go to Jingzhou to guard the area, but he traveled with Sima Jiong to pay homage at a tomb. He took the opportunity to advise Sima Jiong, saying, "Prince Chengdu (Sima Ying) is your close relative, and together you have achieved great deeds. You should now let him assist in governing the court. If he cannot fulfill this role, you should strip him of his military power." Unfortunately, Sima Jiong did not listen to him. Not long after, Sima Jiong failed, and Sima Xin, fearing for his safety, sought refuge with Prince Chengdu, Sima Ying.
Xin was very strict in his official duties, causing widespread complaints among the local citizens. Later, when Zhang Chang rebelled in Jiangxia, Xin submitted a request to the court for troops to suppress the rebellion. At that time, King Ai of Changsha was in power and had a strained relationship with King Ying of Chengdu, suspecting Xin of colluding with Ying; consequently, he did not approve Xin's request for troops. As a result, Zhang Chang's power grew stronger. At that time, Sun Xun, serving as the Zhonglang General, advised Xin, saying: "The ancients said that if you indulge the enemy for a day, you will leave a disaster for generations. You are now shouldering the great responsibility of defending the country, with high rank and power. Your request to send troops should be executed immediately; what is there to hesitate for? Now, allowing the treacherous forces to grow stronger and the disaster to become increasingly unpredictable, how can this be said to defend the royal family and stabilize the borders?" Xin originally planned to send troops, but Wang Sui then said: "Those little bandits of Zhang Chang can be dealt with by sending some minor generals; there is no need to disobey the emperor's orders and go to battle personally!" Thus, Xin decided against sending troops. When Zhang Chang attacked Fan City, Xin finally sent troops to resist, but the army suffered defeat, and Xin was killed by Zhang Chang. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title of General of the Cavalry. Xin did not have any sons, so he named his nephew Shao as his heir, who later met his end at the hands of Shi Le during the late Yongjia period.
King Xiao of Liang, Rong, styled Zihui, was recognized for his integrity and caution, lacking any notable talents. He was initially granted the title of Marquis of Pingleting. Once the five-rank nobility system was established, he was re-granted the title of Duke of Kaiping. After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he was enfeoffed as the King of Liang, overseeing a territory of five thousand three hundred fifty-eight households. Upon his arrival at the fief, he was appointed as the Northern Zhonglang General, tasked with the defense of Ye City.
At that time, the kings could choose their own officials, and Rong chose Zhang Fan, the upper official of Ruyin, to be his chief minister. Zhang Fan, originally named Zhang Xiong, was of poor character. His wife, Liu Shi, was skilled in music and had taught singing and dancing under Cao Shuang. Zhang Fan frequently visited He Yan's house and engaged in many wrongdoings. After He Yan was killed, Zhang Fan was exiled to Hejian County, where he changed his name and ingratiated himself with King Rong. Later, he was reported, and the emperor stripped him of part of his fiefdom. During the Xinning years, he was elevated to a secondary state due to the increased fiefdom of Chen State and the southern part of Runan. In the Taikang years, he succeeded Kong Xun as the military supervisor of Yuzhou, was promoted to General of the East, and garrisoned Xuchang. Soon after, he took over the military supervision of Qing and Xuzhou in his official capacity, and his position was elevated to General of the East.
During the Yuan Kang era of the Western Jin, Zhang Hua was first appointed General of the West Expedition, succeeding Prince Sima Jian to be in charge of military affairs in the Guanzhong region, while also acting as the Protector of the Western Rong. His rank continued to rise, leading to his promotion to Palace Attendant, and he also served as the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. The court assigned him one thousand soldiers and one hundred cavalry. Eventually, he was appointed Grand General of the West Expedition, succeeding Prince Sima Lun to garrison Guanzhong and handle military affairs in Liangzhou and Yongzhou, with subordinates such as the left and right Changshi and Sima. He also served as the Western Rong Protector, stationed at Haozhi, commanding General Jianwei Zhou Chu, General Zhenwei Lu Bo, and others leading an attack against the rebel Qiwannian of the Di tribe at Liu Mo. Zhang Hua and Zhou Chu had a strained relationship; he urged Zhou Chu to attack quickly while cutting off Zhou Chu's retreat, which led to Zhou Chu's death in battle. As a result, the court blamed Zhang Hua. Soon after, Zhang Hua was promoted to Grand General, Minister of Shangshu, and Commander of the Army, while continuing to handle the affairs of the Shangshu Tai.
Once, Zhang Hua hosted a banquet and said to the military officer Wang Quan, "My cousin, who is a Minister, cannot afford to eat big chunks of meat. Big chunks of meat are tough to chew!" Wang Quan replied, "It might be even harder for you to chew on it alone here!" Zhang Hua then asked, "Who is the big chunk of meat for the Chief Clerk?" Wang Quan said, "It's for Lu Bo." Zhang Hua said, "He is his retainer, delivering it to him in secret." Wang Quan said, "If everyone in the world becomes a retainer, I'm afraid the laws of the king will not be able to be enforced!" Zhang Hua said again, "Have I done anything wrong in Chang'an?" Pointing to his tattered clothes and patched curtains, he claimed to be honest. Wang Quan replied, "The court and the people all hope that you will recommend talented individuals and keep those who lack righteousness away from the court. You hold a high position, yet you use your tattered clothes and patched curtains to claim honesty; that's hardly impressive!" Zhang Hua, upon hearing this, showed a look of embarrassment on his face.
During the Yongkang period, Zhang Hua was involved in the removal of Jia Hou by Prince Zhao Sima Lun. Afterwards, the court appointed Zhang Hua as the Chancellor, concurrently serving as the Chief Clerk, and increased his fiefdom to twenty thousand households. During the rule of Prince Zhao Sima Lun, there were unusual celestial events, and divination results indicated that it was unfavorable for the Prime Minister. Sun Xiu feared for Sima Lun's safety and thus revoked the position of Minister of Works, established the position of Prime Minister, and conferred it upon Zhang Hua in response to the celestial events, greatly praising him. Some said, "Zhang Hua has no real power, so this is of no benefit to him." Zhang Hua firmly declined the offer. Later, Sima Lun usurped the throne and appointed Zhang Hua as the Imperial Aide, providing him with a hundred armed soldiers and ten musicians responsible for playing music in the palace. After Sima Lun was overthrown, the court appointed Zhang Hua as the Chancellor, concurrently serving as the Minister of Works, and he succeeded King Sima Tai of Gaomi as the Grand Master.
In the second year of the Yongkang era, he died, and the funeral was conducted according to the standards established by Wang Liang of Runan. Doctor Cai Ke from Chenliu suggested a posthumous title, saying: "When Rong was prime minister, he bore great responsibilities and held a prestigious position, being a teacher of the royal family, relied upon by all in the court. However, at critical moments, he did not show unwavering resolve; when faced with danger, he did not take a stand for righteousness; when King Min was deposed, he did not offer any counsel; when a rebellion erupted in Huainan, he did not take the opportunity to support justice; when Zhao Wang Lun seized the throne, he did not resign from the court. During the Spring and Autumn period, when the state of Song experienced the Dong family rebellion, Hua Yuan felt he could no longer remain in office and stated, 'The teachings of the ruler and his subjects are what I should follow. My position in the government is lowly and improper; my guilt is too great!' Even in the small state of Song, there were ministers who did not just sit idly by without contributing, let alone in the imperial court, where there are indeed prime ministers who are complacent! If he is not held accountable for this, what good is the law? I closely examined the 'Law of Posthumous Titles,' which states, 'Those who gain fame without diligence are referred to as Ling.' Rong saw what was right but did not act; he cannot be considered diligent, and he should be given the posthumous title 'Ling.'"
The relatives of Sun Lin and Rong, the Chamberlain of Liangguo, all said that this was unjust. The court then issued an order saying, "The Jia family holds power, Zhao Wanglun usurped the throne; he suppressed all of this with all his might. At that time, Rong had no way to leave. What logic is there in blaming him for not leaving the court?" Cai Ke also said, "Rong is a royal minister. He cannot restore order during times of national chaos, and when the monarch is deposed, he cannot support it. This is not the behavior expected of a prime minister. 'Spring and Autumn' criticized Hua Yuan for being eager to be an official, saying that he was not a loyal minister. Furthermore, Jia's cruelty is not as severe as Empress Lu's, yet Wang Ling can stay at home; Zhao Wanglun's tyranny is not as bad as King Zhou of Shang, yet Duke Wei can leave him. Recently, Grand Marshal Chen Zhun, an outsider, due to conflicts with his brother Hui, can feign illness and resign from office, not participating in the affairs of the usurper's court. Why is Rong a relative of Zhao Wanglun, but he cannot leave? Zhao Dun's remonstrance was not accepted, and even if he fled, he would not go far. He would still be blamed; let alone Rong cannot leave his position, but instead serves the usurper's court. It should follow the previous proposal to intensify his punishment in order to promote the integrity of being a subject and clarify the principle of serving the monarch." So the court accepted Cai Ke's opinion. Rong's former subordinates continued to appeal, and ultimately, the decision was reversed. It is said that this branch of the royal family initially had no male heir to continue the lineage, so they let the son of Prince Wuling Dan inherit the throne, who later became Prince Huai. Prince Huai was appointed as General of the Campaign against the Lu. Unfortunately, he and Prince Wuling Dan died together in the hands of Shi Le. During the reign of Emperor Yuan, the son of Prince Xiyang Yang, Kui, was established as the king. However, this child died at a young age and was known as the Young King.
Later, Qiao, the son of King Huai, escaped from Shi Le and finally inherited the throne, who took the title of King Sheng. He held the position of Gentleman of the Imperial Guard and died without leaving a son. The court then ordered another son of King Wuling, named Wang Feng, to inherit the title of King Sheng. Wang Feng later became the Tai Pu of Yong'an, but both he and his father, Wang Xi, were deposed and exiled to Xin'an. After Wang Feng's death, during the Taiyuan period, his title was eventually restored, and his son He succeeded him. After He died, his son Zhenzhi succeeded him.
Eventually, Huan Xuan usurped the throne, and court minister Kong Pu took Zhenzhi to Shouyang for refuge. They returned only during the Yixi era, and Zhenzhi rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Left Guard General and the Grand Minister of Ceremonies. Later, when Liu Yu battled Yao Hong, he invited Zhenzhi to serve as a military advisor, but Zhenzhi met his demise at the hands of Liu Yu, thus bringing an end to this royal lineage.
Emperor Wen had nine sons, and his wife, Empress Wenming, bore Emperor Wu, King Xian of Qi, King Ai of Chengyang, King Dingguo of Liaodong, and King Guangde of Guanghan. The mothers of King Jian of Le'an, King Ji of Yan, Prince Yongzuo, and King Yanzuo of Le Ping remain unknown. King Ji of Yan inherited the title of Marquis of Qinghuiting, a title of nobility, and his accomplishments are documented elsewhere. Yongzuo died at a young age, and no records about him remain.
King Xian of Qi, known as Dayou, displayed exceptional intelligence from a young age.
When he grew up, he was upright and gentle, generous to others, sought the company of wise individuals, charitable, fond of reading, capable of writing essays, and skilled at correspondence. He was highly respected by society. His talent and reputation even surpassed that of Emperor Wu, and Emperor Xuan valued him greatly. Emperor Jing had no son, so he designated him as his successor. He accompanied the army in campaigns against Wang Ling and was granted the title of Marquis of Changle Pavilion. When Emperor Jing died, Yucai was only ten years old, and his sorrowful demeanor touched everyone around him; all praised him. Later, he inherited the title of Marquis of Wuyang. He welcomed Jing Xianyang into his home and provided for him in a separate residence, serving the Empress Dowager with great filial piety, and his reputation spread far and wide.
Later, he served as a Cavalier Attendant and Infantry Colonel, and at that time he was just eighteen. He pacified the military camps with great authority and benevolence. After the establishment of the fifth rank titles, he was renamed as the Marquis of Anchang and promoted to General of the Guards. After Emperor Wen died, he was so overwhelmed with grief that he could barely stand with the aid of a cane. Those around him brought him rice porridge and herbal remedies, but he cried and refused to accept them. The Empress Dowager came to personally comfort him, saying, "If you get sick because of this, what will we do? You need to think about the long-term and not dwell solely on your grief." The Empress Dowager frequently sent people to encourage him to eat, and Sima Ji also advised him, saying, "Excessive grief is detrimental to your health; this is not the wisdom of a sage. Moreover, Your Highness is a close relative of the emperor, bearing the heavy responsibility of assisting the court. Even common people cherish their lives and consider their ancestors, let alone you who bear the heavy responsibility of the country, assisting the royal family. How can you grieve excessively, compared to the filial piety of Yan Hui and Min Ziqian? You must not allow the wise to mock you or the foolish to gloat." Sima Ji personally fed him, and Yucai had no option but to eat some out of obligation. After Sima Ji left, Yucai said to those around him, "Sima Ji did this to ensure I didn't neglect my mourning duties and to preserve my frail body."
After Emperor Wu of Han ascended to the throne, he enfeoffed Liu Bi as the King of Qi. At that time, the court had just been established and many tasks were pending. However, Liu Bi took charge of military affairs, stabilizing internal and external affairs, and enjoyed widespread support. When the court discussed the issue of feudal princes appointing local officials, Liu Bi submitted a memorial stating: "In ancient times, wise and enlightened rulers practiced the system of enfeoffment, fostering close relationships with vassals. This practice has been upheld for generations, and no one has dared to change it. If a monarch does not reside in one place for generations, people's hearts will waver. If the common people do not have a fixed ruler, customs and relationships will deteriorate. Therefore, the late emperor understood well the principle of enduring peace and stability, seeking to restore the ancient system, delineating territorial boundaries, and establishing five ranks of nobility to reward virtue and merit. Your Majesty has just begun your reign and should foster good relationships among relatives, allowing feudal states to appoint officials on their own. However, the country has just been established and the system is not yet perfect. Although the Shu region has submitted, the Wu region has not fully surrendered. We should wait until the realm is at peace before considering the restoration of the ancient system." He submitted his memorial three times, only to be rejected by the emperor each time.
Later, the Chancellor of Qi reported a shortage of local officials and requested that the court send someone to select them. Liu Bi issued an order saying, "I have received the emperor's grace, but I am worried and feel I am not up to the task. As for the appointment and assessment of officials, these are matters for the court to handle, not for a vassal state. Let Qi handle the request themselves!" At that time, the royal family of Qi relied on the court for their clothing, food, housing, and transportation. Liu Bi submitted a memorial saying that Qi's taxes were enough to support itself and requested the court to stop the supply. Even after more than ten memorials, the emperor still refused. Although Liu Bi had yet to assume his post in the fief, he distributed land and taxes to civil and military officials, even soldiers, to support their livelihoods and provided aid for their illnesses, deaths, and funerals. Additionally, during times of floods and droughts, he provided money and grain to help the people, repaying gradually after a good harvest, and cut taxes by twenty percent. The people of Qi were very grateful to him.
I was promoted to Cavalry General and was also allowed to set up a government office, with benefits on par with the Three Dukes. I strive to be humble and sincere with others. I always think officials shouldn't sweat the small stuff, but I am in charge of the army and must ensure its combat effectiveness, so I said, "Ancient sages ruled the world by making rewards and punishments clear, using whips to keep the lazy in line and maintain order. Even in prosperous times like those of Tang Yao and Yu Shun, someone must oversee and check. I initially wanted to sort these matters out and set some rules, but I worried it might get too complicated and wasn't sure how to decide, so I had Liu Jun and Cheng Jun look into them closely. However, after thinking it over, about Zheng Guo's making of torture devices, even Shu Xiang thought it was a bad idea; about Fan Xuan's laws, Confucius criticized him for it. So, we'll stick to the old rules and not change a thing. For things not covered by the usual rules, we'll handle them case by case. All officials need to give their best and think about how the ancient upright and honest officials operated. If there are any slip-ups, it's up to you capable assistants to fix them, so that I can avoid making mistakes." As a result, everything inside and outside became orderly. At that time, the Cavalry General's army was set to withdraw, but thousands of soldiers didn’t want to leave me and blocked the gate of Jingzhao Prefecture to talk to me about it. When the Emperor heard about this, he ordered me to keep the army.
Lao You, every day in court, discusses major issues, and he always expresses his opinions seriously. The emperor said that in recent years there have been famines, and we need to think of ways to save money. Lao You then stated: "I heard that ancient wise kings taught the people by first focusing on the fundamentals. Prioritizing agriculture is crucial for the nation. Now, all regions are very peaceful, soldiers have laid down their arms and are on extended leave to engage in farming. But local officials have not fully prioritized the welfare of the people and have not maximized the potential of the land. Emperor Xuan of Han once exclaimed, 'The only ones who can help me govern the world are those excellent county magistrates and prefects!' Therefore, we must be diligent in both rewarding and punishing, promoting the talented and dismissing the incompetent, so as to unite everyone and select outstanding officials. Currently, there is still land available, but there are many people who do not farm, and those who engage in other industries are deceiving and harming agriculture. If the whole country comes up with a solution together, this will surely reduce the number of people suffering from famine. We should now issue strict orders to the provinces to investigate and address those who deceive and harm agriculture, encouraging everyone to commit to farming and prioritize agriculture. In this way, the national food supply can return to its previous level, and we won’t need to worry about hunger caused by temporary droughts or floods! Assessing the performance of officials, rewards and punishments must be clear, instilling both respect and gratitude in the people, so that everyone will work hard. Moreover, there are too many idle people in the capital, engaging in craftsmanship, small businesses, and luxurious clothing. The wealthy enjoy all the glory and luxury, all of which are bad habits inherited from the Wei and Jin periods that have not been completely eliminated, wasting money and damaging agriculture, leading to annual losses of tens of thousands of guan. We should strictly enforce the old laws and resolutely prohibit these things. Encourage frugality among the people to ensure the farming season is not delayed, fully cultivate the land, and fill the granaries. In this way, a sense of honor, accountability, and proper etiquette will naturally develop, the social atmosphere will also improve, and everything will get back on the right track."
This passage was spoken by Lao You in the court, which means that to tackle the issue of famine, we need to address it at its roots: agriculture. Local officials must be diligent and responsible, and the common people must commit to farming honestly. At the same time, the culture of extravagance and waste must be curtailed to ensure a sufficient food supply for the country and prevent famine. He cited Emperor Xuan of Han to highlight the importance of talent selection and clear rewards and punishments, while also addressing the issues of extravagance and waste that plagued society at the time, and proposed practical solutions. In summary, Lao You's memorial is both strategic and detailed, offering a comprehensive approach.
Wow, he got promoted! He has become the Grand Marshal of the Army and even added the title of Privy Councilor. The grandeur, with feathered hats and drums and flutes, is like the treatment befitting the Prince's tutor! After a few years, he was promoted again, directly becoming the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. Then, he gave the Crown Prince a lesson, which was really well said! He said, "In the past, the late emperor, he established the nation, studied the heavens, and surveyed the land, laid the foundation, spread benevolent rule, in order to ensure the people's peace and prosperity, the incense continues to burn, and the country remains stable; that's why he appointed you as the Crown Prince. Appointing you as the Crown Prince is to inherit and carry forward the late emperor's great achievements and also to make you the late emperor's capable assistant. You have now cultivated enough virtue, and the country has a solid foundation. You must know, only by being close to honest and upright people can a country prosper; if you mingle with treacherous villains all day long, the country will sooner or later be doomed! Therefore, the ministers who assist you must be wise and talented. In the past, during the reign of King Cheng of Zhou, Duke of Zhou served as his teacher, assisting the king with noble character externally, consolidating the royal family with affection internally, governing the country with morality and justice, and naturally harmonizing affection. The Qin state fell suddenly because it abandoned familial affection, while the Han dynasty could maintain its prosperity because it valued brotherly friendship. The state of Chu fell due to the troublemaker Wuji, and the state of Song fell due to the troublemaker Yili. The treacherous minister Zhang Yu's flattery nearly brought down the Western Han dynasty. If the ministers assisting the monarch are not loyal, calamity will befall them and also harm the country. Don't assume that close relatives won't betray you; in history, Jiang Chong is an example; don't think that close relatives won't betray, Pan Chong is a cautionary tale. Flowery words can deceive the truth, and slander can sow discord in relationships. Li Ji's slander made Marquis Jin doubt Shen Sheng. Consolidate relationships through morality rather than relying solely on favors; cultivate yourself with respect, not just relying on noble status. Those who sacrifice their own interests may find unexpected gains, while those who only take will end up with nothing. Not a single important national matter can be neglected, not a single fundamental plan can be relaxed. Be vigilant when you see danger, contemplate how to maintain peace when you see tranquility. As the heir, I must share these words with you and cannot hide anything." Everyone agreed that he spoke exceptionally well.
The Crown Prince listened to these words like a bolt from the blue, gaining invaluable insight! He understood the weight of these words and the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. From then on, he became even more cautious and meticulous, striving to study hard and prepare for inheriting the throne in the future. He kept in mind the teachings of the Grand Tutor, honored the virtuous and distanced himself from the wicked, ruled with integrity, and eventually became a wise ruler of his time. These words were passed down through generations as a classic admonition.
In the year 262 AD, I was appointed as Minister of Public Works while continuing to serve as Palace Attendant and Grand Tutor. In the past, I was the most favored courtier of Emperor Wen, who would affectionately pat the bed whenever he saw me and call me by my childhood name, saying, "This is the seat of the future Crown Prince!" I was nearly named Crown Prince on several occasions! Later, when Emperor Wen fell seriously ill, he worried about my future and tearfully told me the stories of the Prince of Huainan from the Han Dynasty and Prince Chen Si of the Wei Kingdom. Before his death, he held my hand and entrusted me to the new Emperor Wu.
Earlier, when the Empress Dowager was seriously ill, she recovered. Emperor Wen and I toasted to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday, but I couldn't hold back my tears at the memory of her previous illness. Emperor Wen felt quite embarrassed at that moment. When I served Emperor Wen and he fell ill, I was always deeply worried, and people praised my unwavering loyalty. Before the Empress Dowager passed away, she cried and told Emperor Wen, "Taofu is impatient, and you, as his elder brother, are not affectionate enough. If I die, I'm afraid you two brothers will not get along in the future. I entrust this to you; please remember my words!"
In the emperor's later years, several of his sons were considered inept, and the crown prince was no good. Both the Minister of the Central Secretariat, Xun Xu, and the Palace Attendant, Feng Dan, were desperately trying to win the emperor's favor by pushing for the Prince of Qi, Sima You. Sima You had always held them in disdain. Xun Xu and Feng Dan were worried that Sima You, who had the backing of all the ministers, might take revenge on them if he became emperor. They whispered to the emperor, "Your Majesty, when you’re gone, the crown prince can’t be allowed to inherit the throne!" The emperor asked, "Why?" Xun Xu said, "All the officials, both inside and outside the court, are backing the Prince of Qi. Your Majesty should consider issuing a decree to send the Prince of Qi back to his territory. See if there’s any backlash in the court, and then you’ll know I’m right." Feng Dan also added, "Your Majesty, back when you granted titles to nobles, you set up a five-tier nobility system, starting with relatives. Of all your relatives, the closest is definitely the Prince of Qi."
The emperor believed Xun Xu's words, adopted Feng Ran's suggestions, and in the third year of Taikang, issued a decree saying, "In ancient times, one had to receive the imperial mandate nine times to become a vassal king, some engaged in court politics, while others governed local regions. Jiang Taigong of the Zhou Dynasty assisted King Wu of Zhou in establishing dominance and was granted the title of the ruler of the Qi State. Zhong Shu, Sikong, and the Prince of Qi, Sima You, possesses noble character, loyalty, and reliability. As the emperor's brother, he held important roles in assisting the emperor, made contributions to the country, and worked hard and earned high accolades. He should be given a prominent position to match his talents and merits. He was specially appointed as the Grand Marshal, commander of the military in Qingzhou, while his position as Zhong Shu remained unchanged. He was granted the ceremonial axe, provided with a personal force of one thousand troops, and his personal cavalry, under the command of a Sikong, and large chariots remained the same as before. A new musical band was added, with twenty official cavalry and an additional five cavalry commanders. For other matters, the responsible officials should carefully review and implement the existing regulations." Sima You felt quite discontented, and his chief clerk Ding Yi advised him, "When Jiang Taigong was granted the title of ruler of the Qi State, he only managed the area around the Eastern Sea; Duke Huan of Qi had to seize power nine times before becoming a leader among his peers. Moreover, Your Highness, you are talented and virtuous, you govern your fiefdom adeptly, and have a great reputation known far and wide. Why must you go to the Luoyang court to realize your ambitions?" Sima You said, "I lack the ability to support the state; you're saying too much."
The following year, Ce You remarked, "Hey! Fate is not immutable. Heaven has already transferred the realm of the Wei Kingdom. Since our Jin Dynasty has received clear authorization from Heaven, we have established a powerful kingdom in the east to glorify our ancestors. We have granted the state of Qing She (referring to the Qi Kingdom) a vassal status to consolidate our country's foundation. You must strive diligently and not be negligent to ensure the ancestral legacy endures." He then ordered the Ministry of Ceremonies to discuss what rewards should be given to the Qi Kingdom, and thus granted Jinan County to them. He also appointed You's son Sima Shi as the King of Beihai. A variety of sacrificial items and ceremonies were meticulously prepared, including music and dance performances, as well as ceremonial weapons, chariots, and palanquins.
You knew that Xu and Mang were plotting against him, feeling both angry and wronged. He became seriously ill and requested to guard the imperial tomb, but the emperor refused his request. The emperor dispatched imperial physicians to attend to him, but they flattered the emperor, insisting he was not ill. His condition worsened, yet he insisted on going to pay his respects. Despite his severe illness, he made the effort to maintain a dignified appearance, behaving as usual, which only heightened the emperor's suspicions regarding his illness. A few days after bidding farewell, he vomited blood and died at the age of thirty-six. The emperor was deeply saddened, but Feng Mang remarked, "The King of Qi had a great reputation, but lacked ability. His passing is, in fact, beneficial for the country. Why is Your Majesty so sad?" The emperor then ceased his tears. The emperor decreed that his funeral be conducted in accordance with the standards set for the late King Sima Fu of Anping, with music performances and offerings in the ancestral temple. His son Sima Rong succeeded him, and his deeds are recorded separately.
He is a person who is very particular about etiquette and rarely makes mistakes. When borrowing books from others, he would definitely mark any errors found in the book with a pen before returning it. Moreover, his temperament is exceptionally kind and gentle, surpassing ordinary people. If someone were to offend his taboos, he would immediately be moved to tears. Even Emperor Wu, Sima Yan, held him in high regard. Every time he was with him, he would carefully consider his words before speaking. He had three sons: Sima Rui, Sima Zan, and Sima Shi. Rui, whose courtesy name was Jinghui, was adopted by the King of Liaodong, Dingguo. Initially, he was quite obedient, and during the Taikang period, he was even conferred the title of King of Donglai, promoted in rank to Colonel of Infantry and Colonel of Tuntian. However, Rui was hot-tempered, had a penchant for drinking, and often bullied his younger brother Jiong, who tolerated it because they were brothers. Later, Jiong rebelled, and Prince Zhao Lun arrested Rui and his younger brother, the King of Beihai, Shi, and imprisoned them in the Tingwei Prison, facing imminent execution. At this time, Zuna, the Prince's Chief Minister, submitted a memorial advising, "Guilt should not implicate the innocent, and evil deeds should be stopped at the evildoer himself. This is the great teaching of the ancient sages and the governing principle upheld by past emperors. Just as Yu's father Gun was executed, Yu was still able to inherit the throne; the second uncle of the Xia Dynasty was executed and exiled, yet Xingguo and Weiguo were not implicated. However, from the Warring States period through the Qin and Han dynasties, this magnanimous practice gradually faded, suspicion and resentment prevailed, and hostage and collective punishment systems were established to control the people, using the method of implicating others to combat crime. The origins of this practice are, in fact, a legacy of the Three Dynasties! Rui and Shi are the children of the King of Xian, inheriting their father's excellent morals, and should be pardoned to preserve the harmonious and close relationship between the ruler and his subjects."
At that moment, Sun Xiu died, which spared them all from execution. Jiong marched his army into Luoyang, while Rui went to greet him on the way. However, Jiong refused to meet him, insisting on waiting for the token to be delivered first. Rui was furious and shouted, "I nearly lost my head because of you, and you show no loyalty at all!"
At that time, Yang Jun served as regent, and the emperor ordered Sima Rui, the Prince of Donglai, to be the Cavalry Attendant, promoted to Grand General, Rear General, Attendant, and Special Advancement, and increased his fief to a total of 20,000 households. Sima Rui requested Yang Jun's permission to establish a government office, but Yang Jun said, "The sons of Emperor Wu, the King of Wu and the King of Yuzhang, have not established a government office, so you should hold off for now." Sima Rui's resentment towards Yang Jun grew even stronger, so he secretly drafted a memorial accusing Yang Jun of usurping power and conspired with the General of the Left Guard, Wang Yu, to overthrow Yang Jun. As a result, the conspiracy was uncovered, and Sima Rui was stripped of his title and reduced to commoner status.
The emperor then decreed, "The Grand Marshal Yang Jun, with his knowledge and judgment, as well as superior strategy, has led everyone to work together and stabilize the country. According to records from ancient books, the achievements of the Duke of Zhou in the Zhou Dynasty do not compare to his, so I hereby appoint him to the highest position of chancellor. The Prince of Donglai, Sima Rui, secretly harbored resentment and jealousy, scheming with Wang Yu to frame Yang Jun. On the day Wang Yu was captured, Sima Rui and a servant fled in a carriage in plain clothes, running all night before returning. His treachery and malicious intentions were laid bare, causing confusion among the court and the populace. Furthermore, his previous accusations against Yang Jun were very serious, even more serious than the misconduct of Guan Shu, Cai Shu, and the two troublemakers, Ya and Qing. According to the records of the "Spring and Autumn Annals," for the greater good one can eliminate their own relatives, so I have exiled him to Shangyong." Later, he was titled Marquis of Weiyang. In the early Yongning period, Chen Zhong, the governor of Shangyong, executed Sima Rui as per Yang Jun's orders. Upon learning this, the emperor ordered Chen Zhong's execution, restored Sima Rui's title, and reburied him with royal rites.
Sima Zan, styled Jingqi, inherited the title of King Shang of Guanghan from Sima Guangde. He passed away at the age of six in the first year of Taikang, posthumously honored with the title King Chong.
Sima Shi, styled Jingshen, initially held the title of Marquis of Changle Pavilion. After the passing of Sima Zan, he succeeded to the position of King Shang of Guanghan and was renamed King of Beihai. In the early Yongning period, he was appointed as General Who Pacifies the East, holding command and also given the title of Cavalier Attendant, replacing Prince of Qi Yang Jun to guard Xuchang. Shortly after, he was promoted to General Who Pacifies the South, overseeing military affairs in Yuzhou, with his fiefdom increased to a total of twenty thousand households. Before setting off, he was retained in the court, serving as Palace Attendant and General of the Upper Army, with a thousand infantry and a hundred cavalry assigned to him.
Speaking of the mournful King Zhaoyang of Chengyang, whose nickname was Qianqiu, he died at just ten years old. Later, when Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he issued an edict saying, "My brother Qianqiu was bright and gifted from an early age. It is a pity that he passed away young, which brought immense sorrow to our father and mother. They originally wanted Qianqiu's son to inherit the throne, but this was never realized. Every time they think of this, it pains them deeply. Now, let Prince Jingdu take Qianqiu's throne! Though this isn't traditional, it is a common practice nowadays and can be considered fulfilling our father and mother's wishes." Therefore, Emperor Wu posthumously conferred the title of the mournful King of Zhaoyang. Later, Jingdu passed away in the sixth year of Taishi, and his fifth son Xian inherited the title of the mournful king. After Xian's passing, his sixth son Zhi inherited the title of the King of Donghai, continuing the legacy of the mournful king. After Zhi's passing, in the early years of Xianning, the thirteenth son Xia was awarded the title of the King of Qinghe, continuing the legacy of Zhaoyang.
The mournful King Daohui of Liaodong, who died at just three years old. In the early years of Xianning, his posthumous title was granted, and Prince Qi You let his eldest son Rui inherit the throne. After Rui's passing, his son Zun inherited the throne.
The mournful King Guangde of Guanhan, who died at just two years old. In the early years of Xianning, his posthumous title was awarded, and Prince Qi You let his fifth son Zan inherit the throne. After Zan's passing, You let his second son Shi take on the title of the mournful King of Guanhan.
Prince Jian of Le'an, styled Daming, was initially granted the title of Marquis of Lin Si Pavilion. After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he was conferred the title of King of Le'an. Emperor Wu also specifically chose teachers and friends for Jian and King Ji of Yan, and issued a decree saying: "King Jian of Le'an and King Ji of Yan have grown up and should be provided with good teachers and friends to study the classics and Confucianism, to cultivate their character and instill habits of frugality, instilling a sense of reverence in them. In ancient times, Han Qi and Tian Su studied together, encouraging each other to become gentlemen; you must also find such people." During the Taishi era, Jian was appointed as the Cavalry Commander of Yue. In the early years of Xianning, he was awarded the land of Liang and Zou in Qi, and he went to the local area to govern, dressed in the attire of a palace attendant. In the early years of Yuankang, he was summoned as a Cavalry Attendant and General of the Upper Army, concurrently serving as the Cavalry Commander of Shooting Signals. Soon after, he was appointed as the envoy with the authority to command military affairs in Yuzhou and General of Annam, replacing King Qingshan of He at Xuchang, but he was unable to take office because of illness. He passed away seven years afterwards, and his son King Shang of Ji succeeded his title. After Ji's death, as he had no son, King Qi of Jiong made his son Bing inherit Jian's title. He then transformed the 11,219 households of Jiyin into Guanyang State, establishing Bing as King of Guanyang. Later, Jiong failed and was deposed.
King Yanzuo of Leping, styled Dasi, had been weak and sickly since childhood and was unable to bear the title. At the beginning of the Taikang era, the emperor issued an edict saying: "My brother Yanzuo has been orphaned since childhood and is not sensible; I have great sympathy for him. He has suffered from severe illness since he was young, and I have always hoped for his recovery. Now he is gravely ill and has no hope left, which saddens me greatly. Therefore, I will confer upon him the title of King of Leping, giving him a title to ease my heart." Shortly thereafter, Yanzuo passed away, leaving no sons.
The historian commented that King Pingyuan's character is capricious and hard for people to grasp. However, during turbulent times and power struggles, he managed to stay away from harm and enjoy this fortune. His naivety is truly enviable! Prince Langye excelled in martial arts and was embellished by gentleness and humility; Prince Fufeng was successful in education and filial piety, both worthy figures in the royal family. Prince Qi, with his close relationship with the emperor, promoted education and was revered by all, and the people held high expectations for him. However, due to land disputes, he faced pressure, and his refinement became a vulnerability that Xun and Feng exploited, falling into their schemes. Ultimately, he was stripped of his title by the emperor and exiled to a distant region as a marquis. Before he could leave, he succumbed to anger and despair, which is truly a tragedy! If he had lived longer, removed the evil men, assisted the king, and governed the country, perhaps there would have been a turning point in the country's fate, and there would have been hope for peace; there would not have been the chaos of the Eight Princes or the upheaval of the Five Barbarians. As the Book of Songs states: "When a person dies, the state declines." This statement rings true: "The cunning schemes of treacherous ministers plunge the state into chaos." This refers to Xun and Feng!
In praise: The descendants of Emperor Wenxuan include both the virtuous and the foolish. Prince Fufeng left behind grace and virtue, while Prince Langye practiced self-discipline and public service. Those sycophantic and ruthless traitorous ministers were doomed to their sins from the start. While some may choose to remain hidden, their characters defy logic. Prince Qixian was truly exceptional and remarkable. He was strict with himself, able to govern the country, and possessed both literary and martial talents. Regrettably, his brilliance was cut short, like a beautiful tree snapped in its prime or a fragrant orchid scorched.
