Xiang Xiong, known by his courtesy name Maobo, was from Shanyang, Henan. His father, Xiang Shao, had been Governor of Pengcheng. Xiang Xiong initially served as the chief clerk in the prefecture, working for Governor Wang Jing. When Wang Jing died, Xiang Xiong was particularly heartbroken, and the whole marketplace mourned his passing. Later, Governor Liu Yi randomly beat Xiang Xiong, and when Wu Fen took over Liu Yi's position, he imprisoned Xiang Xiong over a minor issue. At that time, the Inspector of the Capital, Zhong Hui, was also in prison; he saw potential in Xiang Xiong and brought him on as his aide. After Zhong Hui died, no one came to claim his body, so Xiang Xiong took the initiative to receive his coffin and ensure he was buried.
Emperor Wen of Wei called Xiang Xiong in for a reprimand, saying, "Previously, when Wang Jing died, you cried for him in the East Market, and I said nothing. Now that Zhong Hui has rebelled and been killed, you still went to bury him. If this is tolerated, what use is there for the law?" Xiang Xiong replied, "In ancient times, wise kings covered white bones and buried corpses, emphasizing benevolence and righteousness. Did they first weigh the merits and faults of the deceased before deciding to bury them? Now that Zhong Hui has been executed by the court, the legal procedures have been completed. I buried him out of loyalty, and that’s not wrong. The law is one thing, but moral education is another. Why should I go against my conscience and the principles of human relationships to curry favor with you? Your Highness, if you despise the remains and leave them out in the wild, wouldn't that squander a chance to teach future generations of virtuous people? Don’t you think that’s a shame?" Emperor Wen was delighted by this, shared a meal and drinks with him, and then sent him on his way.
Xiang Xiong was later promoted to the position of Minister of the Imperial Court. At that time, Wu Fen and Liu Yi had both become Shizhong and were working in the same department, but Xiang Xiong initially kept his distance from them. When Emperor Wei Wu heard about this, he ordered Xiang Xiong to mend his relationship with them. Xiang Xiong reluctantly visited Liu Yi, deeply bowing and saying, "I am carrying out the emperor's command; there's no longer any loyalty between us, what can I do?" After saying this, he left. When the emperor heard about this, he was very angry and asked Xiang Xiong, "I ordered you to restore the lord-subject relationship; why did you instead sever it?" Xiang Xiong replied, "In ancient times, a gentleman treated promotions and dismissals with courtesy; now, promoting someone is like raising them up, while dismissing someone is like casting them aside. Liu He Nei has not treated me as an enemy; I am already quite fortunate, so how can we talk about any lord-subject bond?" The emperor ultimately agreed with his reasoning.
During the Tai Shi era, the protagonist was promoted all the way to the position of Governor of Qinzhou, and he was granted ceremonial items such as the red banner, curved cover, and drum, as well as a reward of two hundred thousand coins—a truly glorious time! In the Xian Ning years, he returned to the court as the Deputy Inspector, later being promoted to Shizhong, and then sent out to serve as the General of the Expeditionary Forces. During the Tai Kang years, he became the Governor of Henan and was made Marquis of Guannei—a time of smooth official advancement! At that time, Prince Qi Yao was returning to his fief, and the protagonist advised the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, although you have many sons, very few stand out. It would be greatly beneficial for the state if Prince Qi stayed in the capital; Your Majesty must consider this!" Unfortunately, the emperor did not listen to him. He insisted on advising the emperor, which only angered the emperor, and in a fit of rage, he stormed off, eventually leading to his death from anger.
His brother Kuang served as General of the Guards under Emperor Hui.
There is a person named Duan Zhuo (段灼), courtesy name Xiuran, who is from Dunhuang. His family has been a noble family in the Western Regions for generations. Duan Zhuo is upright and eloquent. When he was young, he served as an official in the prefecture and gradually rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Western Commandant under Deng Ai. He fought alongside Deng Ai, subdued the Shu region, and made great contributions. He was granted the title of Marquis of Guannei, and later continued to rise in rank, becoming an official in the imperial court. After the Emperor ascended the throne, Duan Zhuo wrote a memorial on behalf of Deng Ai, stating:
"The former General Deng Ai, who conquered the West, was truly loyal, yet he was accused of treason. He pacified Ba and Shu, but faced the catastrophe of having his family exterminated. I genuinely feel for him! Unfortunately, people say that Deng Ai rebelled! In fact, Deng Ai was hot-tempered, impatient, loved to show off his achievements, did not maintain good relationships with others, and neglected etiquette and customs, losing his gentlemanly demeanor, so no one spoke up for him. I'm putting my life on the line to speak a word of justice for Deng Ai, to explain that he did not rebel!"
Ai was originally a commoner tasked with tending calves on the farm. Emperor Xuan promoted him from among many agricultural officials and appointed him to important positions in the government. Whether in the court or in the local areas, whether in civil or military positions, he was able to accomplish remarkable feats, which shows that Emperor Xuan had an exceptional eye for talent!
Later, a conflict broke out in the west, and the troops suffered a crushing defeat, with Governor Wang Jing besieged in the city. At that time, both provinces were in great danger, and the people of Longyou were in a state of panic, as the nation was on the brink of collapse. The late Emperor was deeply concerned about this, thinking seriously about how to stabilize the border, eliminate the enemy, and believed that no one was better suited for the task than Ai. Therefore, he entrusted him with military command and tasked him with lifting the siege of Didi. Once the siege was lifted, Ai took up position in Shanggui. At that time, the imperial army had just faced a devastating defeat; the soldiers were filled with fear, the commanders had lost their spirit, the storages were bare, and the weapons and supplies were nearly depleted. Ai aimed to first stockpile provisions, bolster his forces, and then wait for the opportune moment to strike. That year saw little rainfall, and he personally developed farming techniques, grasping a plow and a rake, he led the soldiers in tilling the land. With over ten thousand soldiers under his command, yet he toiled just as hard as any ordinary soldier. Therefore, during the battles of Luomen and Duangu, he managed to achieve victory against overwhelming odds, defeating formidable foes and slaying tens of thousands. So, the late Emperor entrusted Ai with the battle plan to pacify Miaosheng and provided him with strategic insights. Upon receiving the orders, Ai fought valiantly, soaring like a dragon and charging like a stallion, with no seemingly invincible foes in sight. The mountain trails in Shu were treacherous and steep, characterized by towering peaks and deep valleys, and Ai commanded an army of fewer than twenty thousand men. Nevertheless, he led his troops, facing immense danger, venturing deep into enemy territory, his courage soaring, which lifted the spirits of his soldiers. This boldness is what caused Liu Chan to be so terrified that he and his ministers surrendered without resistance. Before long, the Ba and Shu regions were brought under control, which clearly demonstrated the late Emperor's exceptional talent for leadership!
General Ai has achieved great success and renown, and this should certainly be recorded in history and passed down through the ages. At over seventy years old, what more could an old man want! When General Ai first assisted His Majesty, the remote areas were still not fully under control. He issued orders on his own, took control of the political situation, and stabilized the country. Although this violated conventional laws, it was in line with ancient principles; as long as one understands his true intentions, this is something that can be discussed in detail. General Zhong Hui of the West Town was determined to take over the world and feared General Ai's prestige. Knowing that General Ai would never cooperate with him, he used doubts against General Ai to frame him. Upon receiving the imperial edict, General Ai immediately dispatched troops, surrendering without putting up a fight. He knew he wouldn’t be sentenced to death if he could see the late emperor. After Zhong Hui was executed, General Ai's subordinates and officers, those misguided people, gathered together and went to find General Ai, broke open the prison carriage, and freed him. In that predicament, General Ai was naturally in a dire situation. Rebellion is not a trivial matter; if someone has bad intentions, they should unite with heroes and then mobilize the masses, but General Ai had not even one trusted aide around. Before his death, he didn’t say a word, facing attacks from both sides all alone; doesn’t that just break your heart? Thus, anyone who saw this would shed tears, and those who heard of it would sigh. This is the reason Jia Yi spoke so passionately before Emperor Wen of Han; indeed, there are so many things in the world that make you want to cry.
Your Majesty, on the day of your ascension, you have demonstrated great generosity. Those who have been killed, regardless of their status, have been honored. General Ai's descendants are allowed to continue the family line, with ongoing sacrifices. Just like how people from the Qin state pitied Bai Qi's wrongful accusation, and people from the Wu state sympathized with Wu Zixu's injustice, they all built shrines for them. People everywhere mourn for General Ai's fate for the same reasons. I believe it is possible to allow General Ai's students and former officials to collect his body, bury him back in his hometown, restore his land and property, and continue to honor his descendants based on his merits in pacifying the Shu region, allowing him to rest in peace, free of regrets. This way, the wronged souls can find peace, and integrity can be established for future generations. Then, all the ambitious scholars and ministers who have made their mark will definitely be willing to die for Your Majesty!
After reading the memorial, Your Majesty greatly appreciated his opinions. Later, Zhuo Hou presented his thoughts to Your Majesty, saying: I heard that the blessings from heaven pale in comparison to favorable conditions, and favorable conditions are not as good as harmony among people. Even if the city walls are only three miles and the area outside the city is only five miles, if surrounded and besieged, it may not be captured. This is when timing is less important than favorable conditions. The city walls are not low, the moat is not shallow, there are many valleys, and the army is not weak. However, if abandoned, it shows that favorable conditions are secondary to harmony among people. Therefore, great kings of antiquity always prioritized bestowing grace and uniting the hearts of the people. As long as the people stand united, even if the city walls are only three miles and the area outside the city is only five miles, they cannot be taken down; if the people are not united, even if the city walls are strong and the moat is deep, they cannot be defended. I would like to elaborate on this idea: Emperor Shun played the five-string zither and sang the poem "Southern Wind," and the world found peace, just like how Emperor Yao allowed relatives to become feudal lords.
In recent years, disasters have been relentless, with treacherous officials and bandits emerging one after another, causing unrest among the people, with flashing blades and countless casualties, cries of anguish echoing across the land. Therefore, I believe Your Majesty should consider carefully and take preventive measures against potential dangers, like Emperor Shun, governing the world with ease while playing the lute and reciting poetry. The key lies in bestowing grace and uniting the people; hence, it is said that bestowing grace preserves the realm; without it, one may struggle to protect even their own family. Thus, Emperor Yao first emphasized fostering close ties among the nine clans, and King Wen of Zhou first emphasized strict self-discipline. Those wise monarchs always prioritized closeness before distance, starting with those around them. I believe that the three princes, the Chancellor, the Minister of Works, and General Wei should remain in Luoyang to guard it, while other princes should recruit capable individuals from various states and send those over fifteen back to their fiefs. Select the General of the Middle Guard, Fu Xiang, who excels in both culture and martial skills, to assist the princes. Allow them to repair their armies in their fiefs and widely share their benevolence. They must treat the common people as they would their own children and cherish their fiefs as they would their own homes. The relationship between rulers and subjects should remain clear and consistent through the generations, which will allow for ongoing expansion and the development of a powerful state like Jin, Lu, or Wei. "The foundation of the Pan Stone" will earn respect for its strength throughout the realm.
Although land is divided, it's like filling a funnel; in the end, it still belongs to one family. If there are concerns about future generations becoming powerful, one can establish a system in advance that allows them to bestow grace on their descendants. In this way, the branches will thrive and gradually dilute power, slowly evolving into a state where all nations come to pay their respects, which will also benefit future generations without worry.
During the Han Dynasty, the Lu family felt uneasy, with relatives such as Zhu Xu and Dong Mou internally, and nine powerful vassal states externally, so they dared not act rashly. The current situation is that the vassal states are powerful and as stable as Mount Tai, and they are not aligned with us. Their thoughts are definitely different. Furthermore, Wei Kingdom's laws restrict the princes, leading to estrangement among relatives, which bodes ill. Recently, the realm has been inexplicably divided, with the establishment of five tiers of vassal states. There is no wise ruler above, and no one below is rewarded based on merit. Right and wrong are blurred, and everyone receives equal rewards. This may seem like a temporary solution, but it is not a long-term strategy. If this continues unchanged, it will make everyone more and more restless, ultimately leading to chaos in the world. A country thrives when kinship among the nine families is strong; a country declines when kinship is distant and the people are disheartened. Therefore, the Xia Dynasty was unstable, and it was only when Yi Yin submitted to the Shang Dynasty that peace was restored. When the Shang Dynasty was in discord, the Lu family was able to enter the Zhou Dynasty. The lessons of the Shang Dynasty are evident in the Xia Dynasty, and the lessons of the past are the mirror for the future.
I further state: When we marched against Shu Kingdom in the past, we recruited soldiers and valiant warriors from Liangzhou and Qianghu, promising them substantial rewards. Over five thousand people followed General Ai to suppress the rebels, and their military accomplishments ranked highest. However, according to the "Yi Hai Edict," the provincial generals and commanders did not receive equal treatment as the central army officers and soldiers. Even with great deeds, no one received rewards. Only Yang Xin's army, under the command of the Prefect of Jincheng, received rewards due to their strategic position near Jiangyou, with thirty individuals being rewarded. West of Jincheng, no one in Yang Xin's army was rewarded. According to central army standards, even minor achievements should warrant at least an enfeoffment; according to the standards of the provinces, even if the military achievements were great, they would not be rewarded. Isn't this what they call "not rewarding those close by, nor showing favor to those far away"?
I heard that fish are caught by the sweet bait, and warriors fight bravely for generous rewards. Therefore, Jing Ke admired Yan Dan's sense of loyalty, and Zhuang Zhu was grateful for He Lü's kindness. Jing Ke's dagger shone in the Qin palace, and Zhuang Zhu's Wu knife radiated brilliance in the fish's belly; they faced death as if it were a homecoming. Was there no reason for this? Fame and heavy rewards are what scholars pursue, and unfair rewards and punishments lead to resentment, a longstanding issue. The Book of Songs says: "The carrion crow is in the mulberry, its offspring are seven. A virtuous person is like a gentleman; their demeanor is the same." I believe these people should be honored.
I have clarified everything from before and hope you can review it. However, my status is humble, and my career has faced many obstacles, so I took a long leave to return to my hometown. Before I left, I had my son submit a memorial saying: My ancestors have received the emperor's grace for three generations, and I have faithfully defended the borders. Unfortunately, I have no achievements and have been inconspicuous for several years. Now I am old, lacking strength, and unable to help. Your Majesty, you are broad-minded, have accepted my suggestions, forgiven my transgression of holding an official position, and have not pursued my offenses against you. This great kindness is more than enough for me. I have heard that loyal subjects regard their sovereigns as filial sons regard their parents: if they can serve the country, they are naturally happy, which does not stem from a desire for official titles; if they cannot serve the country, they are naturally worried, which is not a reluctance to part with official positions. Their aim is to bring glory to their ancestors, a sentiment that comes from the heart.
I feel deeply saddened and have many regrets: I grew up in a remote area, worked away for a long time, but after returning to Beijing, I fell ill and have never had the opportunity to meet the emperor. The emperor doesn't even know who I am. This is my first regret. I have lived during a prosperous time for the country and witnessed wars, yet I cannot leave my name in history; this is my second regret. I have had the opportunity to serve a wise ruler, but my frail body has left me powerless, and ultimately, I can only face death with regret; this is my third regret. My parents passed away early, and my brothers have also died one after another, leaving me no chance to fulfill my filial obligations; this is my fourth regret. Summer passes so quickly, and the long winter nights have returned. Even reaching a hundred years feels inadequate, yet I have faced misfortune in middle age; this is my fifth regret. I feel I have not repaid the blessings of heaven, earth, and the sun and moon, and have not made any contributions to the country. These five regrets weigh heavily on my heart, which is why I sigh and reflect on my journey home.
As the ancients once said, "Pretty words are false, sincere words are true; bitter medicine is good, while sweet words are the root of illness." I wish to proclaim that the world is at peace, but now I see neither the divine turtle nor the mystical fox, nor have I encountered miraculous herbs or ganoderma; the unicorn is not roaming in the spirit bird garden, and the phoenix is not dancing in the Hall of Supreme Ultimate. Thus, I cannot bring myself to utter sweet lies and become a flatterer.
When Emperor Gaozu of Han had just unified the country, there was a soldier named Lou Jing who wrote to advise him, saying, "Your Majesty, conquering the world is not the same as founding the Zhou Dynasty. If you wish to be as prosperous as the Zhou Dynasty, I believe that’s impossible." After hearing this, Emperor Gaozu was greatly inspired, accepted his advice and even granted him the surname Liu. He then asked Lu Jia, "Help me write a book about why the Qin Dynasty fell and how I managed to unify the realm." Lu Jia wrote "New Sayings," summarizing the rise and fall of past dynasties as a cautionary tale. There was also a man named Tian Ken who had a good idea, saying that only trusted individuals could effectively govern the Qi State, and as a result, he was rewarded with over a thousand gold coins. Thus, future generations say that Emperor Gaozu of Han was open-minded and willing to listen to various opinions, which is why he achieved imperial success.
Now those who comment on the current situation all say that the era of Yao and Shun has come back, and everything's peaceful. But I don’t quite see it that way and have some thoughts I’d like to share. Moreover, the systems of emperors over the ages and the words of sages are lessons we can learn from. Mencius once said: "If Yao cannot hand over the world to Shun, then if Shun possesses the world, that is heaven's will." In the past, when Shun was the chancellor and Yao died, after the three-year mourning period, Shun assigned Yao's son to the Southern River. The feudal lords came from all around to pay their respects and settle disputes, but they didn’t go looking for Yao's son; they all went to Shun instead. Shun claimed it was heaven’s will, and thus he arrived in the capital and inherited the position of the Son of Heaven. If he had stayed in Yao's palace and forced Yao's son, that would not have been heaven's will. In the past, in the West, there was the non-submissive Shu state, and in the East, there was the usurping Wu state, with three feudal states standing strong, each claiming to be the Son of Heaven. Emperor Wen of Wei led a million-strong army and accepted the abdication at Mi Bi, yet he thought he had the same virtues as the ancient Yao and Shun, believing that Emperor Xian of Han was the ancient Yao and that he himself was the present Shun. He also said that Meng Ke and Sun Qing did not understand the flexibility of abdication, and thus wrote an article about abdication, inscribing it on stone to warn the world and pass it on to future generations. Could this really help later generations understand and accept it fully? But Emperor Wen of Wei was just envious of Yao and Shun’s reputation, wanting to make the newly established Wei state as prosperous as the era of Yao and Shun, while ignoring family ties and overlooking the importance of vassal relationships. In the end, he also failed to win the hearts of the people and unify the country, and at that time, nobody advised him; isn’t that his fault?
Sun Qing once said: "The abdication of Yao and Shun was misguided. The responsibility of ruling the world is heavy, not a burden that the strongest person cannot bear; the world is vast, not something the most intelligent person cannot manage; the population is numerous, not something the wisest person cannot understand. These three points are not beyond the reach of a sage." From these words, it can be seen that Sun Qing and Mengzi also have their own different opinions. Your Majesty's acceptance of the abdication and transition from the Eastern Palace to the Western Palace was marked by swords and banners filling the sky. Although it conforms to the will of heaven and is in line with the people's hearts, like Tang Yao and Shun, the laws have seen some adjustments, making it not much different from the reign of the previous Emperor Wen of Wei, so it should rely on these "three principles" to strengthen rule. Although the princes have the title of feudal states, they do not have actual control. Moreover, the Shu territory has natural strategic locations, historically coveted by villains, a gathering place for fugitives, but without relatives to guard it, how can this be seen as foresight or a means of preventing future dangers?
Emperor Wen of Han established his rule, bringing peace and harmony to the world. However, Jia Yi once remarked that it's like placing fire beneath a stack of firewood, sleeping on top, thinking it is safe before the fire has even started burning. This suggests that one should remain vigilant for danger even in peaceful times, not forgetting the risks just because of tranquility. I also hope Your Majesty stays vigilant and doesn't become complacent, always remembering the principle of being on the edge of danger, and not forgetting to be cautious when walking on thin ice.
Eradicate the Wei dynasty's malpractices entirely and implement beneficial new policies, making all the people in the world happy and earnestly supporting Your Majesty's benevolence, so that all living beings can benefit from it. The court sings songs of peace and prosperity, and no one dares to cut down trees in the mountains and forests, which is exactly what the people desire! Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, decrees permitting open counsel have been issued, positions of advisors have been established, and officials who dare to speak frankly have been specially promoted, showing that Your Majesty values honest feedback. However, now those who would offer advice have fallen silent because they know that speaking frankly will be ignored, and auspicious signs have ceased to appear as a result!
I have no talent, nor am I an advisor, but I have heard that there should be courtiers around a wise monarch who dare to speak their minds. This is because courtiers should be bold enough to speak frankly and not conceal the truth. Even though I hold a lowly position and my words may not be believed, I still take the liberty to discuss the rise and fall of renowned monarchs of the past and those who lost their thrones, including the selection of talented individuals, the expansion of the retirement system, the importance of integrity, and the establishment of a mechanism for discussing state affairs—five points in total. What I have shared is based on historical and contemporary events, and is not meant to be strange or novel. My words are straightforward and may not be worthy of consideration. However, I believe these words may still provoke Your Majesty's awareness and reflection. I hope Your Majesty can appreciate my misguided loyalty and candor, and not let the people be implicated because of my frankness.
My illness is getting worse, and I think of the poem, "The trees want to be still but the wind will not cease, the child wants to support but the parent does not wait." Reflecting on why a fox perishes in its den, I have decided to retire and return to my hometown, close to my ancestors' graves. Even though I have departed from the palace, I remain concerned about the court and find it hard to let go, and that is why I am writing this letter to share my thoughts with Your Majesty.
I have heard that doing good deeds follows principles recorded in the classics; doing bad deeds comes with punishments warned in the legal codes. From ancient times to the Qin and Han dynasties, the deeds of those prominent emperors and tyrants, as well as those foolish monarchs who lost their states, can all be used for evaluation; as for the loyal and upright ministers and the treacherous and sycophantic officials, they can also be discussed. Therefore, if there are ministers in the court who dare to speak honestly and offer counsel, the nation is bound to perish; if only those who flatter are employed, the nation will certainly decline. Thus, all sovereigns who establish their states seek loyal ministers to assist them and recommend talented individuals to help them; while those rulers who lose their states do so because of improper appointments. So-called wise men are often not truly capable, and loyal ministers may not be genuinely loyal. I hereby recount the reasons for the prosperity of former wise rulers and the downfall caused by employing unworthy officials.
In the later years of Yao, four scoundrels remained in the court without being dismissed, and eight talented individuals stayed at home without being appointed, yet the world was still peaceful, and the four gates were secure, thanks to Shun's role as prime minister. Xia Jie was exiled at Ming Tiao, and Shang Zhou was killed at Muye; these were rulers of vast states who met ruin and death for failing to value capable ministers, listened to the slanders of women, indulged in debauchery, became addicted to wine and pleasure, spent whole nights drinking and reveling, climbed onto refuse mounds, approached the wine pool, watched cattle drink, and gazed at the meat-laden banquet. Loyal minister Long Feng was killed, and loyal minister Bi Gan was cut open and died; this is why they were detested by the people. Tai Jia was tyrannical and overthrew the system of King Tang, so Yi Yin exiled him to Tong Palace. As a result, Tai Jia reformed himself and returned to Bo three years later. After being exiled, Tai Jia was reinstated, and the power of the Shang dynasty weakened and then revived, with all the vassals submitting to him and referring to him as Taizong; this was all due to Yi Yin's loyalty and diligence.
After the decline of the Zhou Dynasty, the vassals fought against each other, the authority of the Zhou monarch waned, and political affairs deteriorated day by day. Duke Huan of Qi was a debauched and tyrannical ruler; but he was able to achieve the significant achievement of uniting the vassals and restoring order, all in the name of honoring the Zhou monarch, thanks entirely to Guan Zhong’s strategies. However, after his death, corruption emerged - was this not a mistake made in appointing Shu Diao? While Duke Huan of Qi’s appointment of Guan Zhong led to great achievements, appointing Shu Diao resulted in chaos. A country’s rise and fall, its glory and shame, all depend on the people appointed - should this not be carefully considered? The state of Qin is a descendant of Boyi, initially just a small settlement, it began to gain power under Duke Zhao of Qin, establishing effective systems of chariots, music, and court attendants. From Duke Mu of Qin to Qin Shi Huang, they all valued talents, searching far and wide for capable individuals, recruiting talents from the Western Rong, obtaining Bai Li Xi from the city of Wan, Pi Bao from Jinxiang, and Jian Shu from the Zong clan. Consequently, talents from all over flocked to their service, allowing Qin to grow strong for generations, annex vassals, unify the nation, and proclaim emperor, all thanks to the guidance of skilled strategists.
The Taoist culture was still in its infancy when Qin Shi Huang died in Shaqiu. Hu Hai was brutal and was misled by his own deceit, unable to inherit his ancestors' legacy and fulfill the nation’s potential, instead undermining benevolence and righteousness and harming the people. This led to the rebellion of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, which was met with widespread support. Zhao Gao usurped power, and Yan Le acted on orders; Qin Er Shi was at the end of his rope and committed suicide in Wangyi Palace. Although Zi Ying ascended the throne and abolished the title of emperor to call himself king, he was alone and powerless, with no one to assist him, and he died in forty days. This was a result of treacherous ministers usurping power, who called a deer a horse, leading to the rapid downfall of the Qin Dynasty. With the Qin Dynasty losing the world, heroes and ambitious figures competed for power; Xiang Yu initially claimed the world but then lost it, because he executed Han Xin and did not use Fan Zeng's strategy. If Xiang Yu had not heeded the poor advice of Xiang Bo and had killed Liu Bang at the Hongmen Banquet, establishing his capital in Xianyang and commanding the feudal lords, then he would have been invincible. However, Xiang Yu did not heed Han Xin's loyal advice or adopt Fan Zeng's brilliant plans, thinking that his career as the Overlord was already accomplished, establishing his capital in Pengcheng, returning to his hometown, while donning luxurious garments. This reflected a worldly attachment to familial ties, and Xiang Yu took pride in it. Therefore, five years later, he was captured by the Han Dynasty and until his death did not understand, saying, "Heaven wants to destroy me; it is not the fault of defeat," which is truly tragic!
Scholars gravitate towards benevolence and righteousness, like water flowing to low places, birds and beasts running to the wilderness; hence the saying goes: "Just as otters drive fish into rivers and eagles drive birds into forests, driving the people to submit to Tang and Wu are Jie and Zhou." Emperor Gaozu of Han rose from the common people, wielding a three-foot sword to seize control of the realm, utilizing talents from the six states, unlike Yao and Shun, who abdicated their thrones, merely showcasing the wisdom and strength of heroes. This was also due to the Xiang clan's self-inflicted downfall, essentially sewing the wedding dress for Emperor Gaozu. The descendants of the Han dynasty inherited the throne for over two hundred years, until the time of Emperor Cheng of Han, when power was entrusted to the relatives. Marquis Anchang, Zhang Yu, was one of the three officials of the Han dynasty, the teacher of Emperor Cheng, who frequently visited him, seeking Zhang Yu's insights on natural disasters and human misfortunes. As a minister, Zhang Yu should have been deeply concerned about the country's future, offering loyal advice and clever strategies to prevent the Wang clan from monopolizing power, and Wang Mang from seizing the throne of the Han dynasty. Zhang Yu engaged in flattery, showing disloyalty to the court, only flattering and pleasing among the five marquises. Therefore, Zhu Yun protested and requested the imperial sword to execute Zhang Yu as a warning to others, truly a loyal subject. However, Emperor Cheng failed to grasp this, instead considering Zhu Yun to be disrespectful to his teacher, sentencing him to death and ordering the arrest of Zhu Yun, planning to execute him. Zhu Yun clung to a palace pillar; fortunately, General Xin Qingji knelt and bled, risking his life to save him. Otherwise, Zhu Yun would have been killed. Although Zhu Yun was later pardoned and not held accountable, intending to commend upright officials, what good does this do for the downfall of the Han dynasty?
However, the people considered Wang Mang to be the worst of all the traitors and usurpers, just as they claimed that King Zhou of Shang's crimes were less severe than Wang Mang's. Historical records say that Wang Mang originally came from a prominent family, but he was humble and cautious, working diligently to build his reputation. His family praised his filial piety, and his friends held him in high regard. When he assisted Emperor Cheng and Emperor Ai, he was diligent in state affairs, earning him widespread acclaim. At that time, numerous officials recommended Wang Mang at the court, and both the officials and the common people praised his achievements. With the Han Dynasty weakening, the throne vacant three times, and the Empress Dowager enjoying a long life, she became Wang Mang's support, allowing him to seize the throne. Historically, the revolutions of Tang and Wu also began with seizing power before consolidating their rule. If Wang Mang followed the governance methods of the Yin and Zhou dynasties, promoted morality, emphasized benevolence and righteousness, stressed sincerity, eliminated hypocrisy, and extended benevolence to the people, after more than a decade, his benevolence could have swayed the populace, and his righteousness would have been enough to unite heroes. If the people remembered his kindness and the heroes all worked for him, then the foundation of the Han Dynasty would not perish, and even Emperor Guangwu, for all his wisdom, would have struggled to accomplish great feats. After Wang Mang ascended the throne, he believed he had the support of heaven and earth and considered his accomplishments greater than those of the Three Sovereigns and his virtues superior to those of Yao and Shun.
Secondly, I want to emphasize that there is more than one way to achieve success in a person's career. Although Wu Qi was greedy and did not return home to mourn when his mother died, and even killed his own wife in order to become a general, this behavior was indeed unfilial. However, when he was in the State of Wei, he kept the State of Qin from launching an eastern invasion; when he was in the State of Chu, he also prevented the State of Jin from plotting in the south. Zeng Can and Min Qian were truly filial sons; they couldn't even bear to leave their parents at night. How could they abandon their families and careers to take such risks! Now the State of Jin is in a flourishing period, Duke Huan of Qi's wisdom rivals that of Emperor Shun, but the people of the State of Wu still do not submit, secretly declaring themselves as emperor. This is really a disgrace to the nation! Your Majesty, if you really want to attract those brave and loyal soldiers, allow them to make their mark along the Huai River and make the people of the barbaric regions submit, then you must gather opinions widely, choose talents from all corners, open the doors to attract talent, seek out wise individuals living in seclusion, choose outstanding individuals through examinations, and firmly reject those who don't meet the standards. The current court's selection system is outdated, only concerned with the Nine-rank system, so those who land high positions and rewards are either noble descendants or the relatives of those in power. If this continues, how can talented individuals from humble backgrounds not be overlooked!
Thirdly, in the past, Tian Zifang cared for aging horses, and this provided a refuge for impoverished scholars. Moreover, you now occupy the highest position in the land and follow the most virtuous path! In the past, those wise rulers all took care of the elderly. While there may be many elderly individuals, not all are wise, making it impossible to care for everyone. Therefore, we should respect the elderly to demonstrate filial piety; we should respect the five elders to demonstrate reverence. Mencius said, "Care for the elderly as we care for ourselves, and care for the young as we care for ourselves." Although the world is now unified, there are no herds of horses grazing at the foot of Huashan, and there are no resting oxen under the peach trees, all because the people of Wu have yet to fully submit! Hungry people are easily satisfied with food, and thirsty people with water, and the common people are all looking forward to new policies! I hope Your Majesty can emulate the benevolent heart of Tian Zifang, sympathize with the people's hardships, consider what the people can offer in return, issue benevolent decrees to benefit the people, and widely implement a system for caring for the elderly.
The fourth point is about the rewards and punishments of decrees, and nothing is more important than trustworthiness. The ancients said, "If a person is untrustworthy, their value is uncertain." Moreover, relying on favor to support people and using virtue to guide them, how can one not keep their word? When I was the governor of Xijun, I received a decree from the state which stated, "The Qiang and Hu people live far away; only recruit those who are willing to go, do not force those who are unwilling." After receiving the decree, I immediately highlighted the court's benevolence, actively recruited, and assured them that the promised rewards would be honored. The roster of recruits was immediately submitted to the General of the West. The Jin people could be conscripted according to regulations; as for the Qiang and Hu people, if they are not approached with understanding and kindness, how could they be willing to go past Jincheng and Hexi? Every time I led troops to cross the river in the past, everything went smoothly, so Governor Guo Sui praised my leadership skills highly, encouraged me greatly, and promised to reward me generously. Therefore, the soldiers I recruited performed great deeds out of gratitude for the generous rewards, and my contributions were recognized as the greatest. Now the state generals have all been rewarded, with some Qiang and Hu warriors being granted titles of kings or marquises, but I have not been promoted at all. Even Duke Wen of Jin did not seek land at the expense of trust, and Duke Huan of Qi did not shy away from relinquishing land or breaking treaties, much less our emperor!
You see, even wise rulers like Duke Wen of Jin and Duke Huan of Qi would not dare to betray others' trust, let alone our emperor! When I was the governor of Xijun, I carried out the imperial edict to recruit soldiers for battle. The edict clearly stated that recruiting the Qiang and Hu tribes should be voluntary and not forced. However, in order to accomplish the task, I used many methods, appealing to both reason and emotion, and offered generous rewards, so I managed to recruit many soldiers, and they all fought valiantly. In the end, we achieved great victories in battle, and my contributions were the most significant. Now, all the other generals have been promoted, but I have not, which is truly unfair! This is similar to how Duke Wen of Jin did not covet land and maintained his trust with others, and Duke Huan of Qi was not stingy with land and did not violate agreements; they both understood the importance of credit, and our emperor should understand this principle even more!
In the past, when the Zhou and Han dynasties were newly established, they particularly valued kinship and virtue. The Zhou dynasty established five ranks of nobility, and the Han dynasty had agreements such as the "Oath of Rivers and Mountains." However, once they declined, power fell into the hands of influential ministers, and the country changed hands. The Qin dynasty destroyed the Zhou dynasty, which was unrelated to the Ji surname of the Zhou; the Wei dynasty replaced the Han dynasty, which was unrelated to the Liu surname of the Han. Therefore, in matters of state today, we cannot allow individuals of different surnames to hold vast territories, nor can we allow people of the same surname to occupy contiguous cities. Even if the descendants of various kings intermarry, that would be like the Chu state losing power in the Yunmengze area without losing their bows and arrows; the situation would not be dire. As long as the throne does not fall to other ethnic groups, the ancestral temples and the names of future generations can be passed down forever.
Currently, the Jin Dynasty has more than twenty kings, and the total number of nobles, including dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons, adds up to over five hundred titles. If we claim these states are small, remember that Han Gaozu had not a single inch of land when he raised his army, much less ruled a country! Are we to believe that the Jin Dynasty has been governed by wise sages for generations, while the descendants of the feudal lords are perpetually inept? This cannot be the case. Emperor Yao was so wise, yet he had a worthless son, Dan Zhu; although Gu Sou was stubborn and fierce, he gave birth to the great filial son Yu Shun. Major affairs of the world require military force, but there is no need to unnecessarily increase military strength, which only expands the roots of chaos. Therefore, I say that this five-tier nobility system is flawed. I believe it is best to follow my previous suggestion, to increase the fiefs and military strength of the princes, enabling them to defend the borders and establish a balance of power, so that Your Majesty can rest easy. I think the titles of the nobles should be standardized, and the system of nobility, salary treatment, and ceremonial standards should be unified with other lords across the realm.
I have heard that those who tread the same path as a toppled cart never find stability; those who suffer the same illness as the dead never survive; those who follow the same path as a fallen nation never preserve their state. Moreover, our great Jin is on the verge of ascending Mount Tai to pay homage at Mount Liangfu, inscribing achievements on stone, and leaving a legacy for generations to come! We must learn from the rise and fall of past dynasties, take strict precautions, and document everything. In the past, Yi Yin felt ashamed because his lord was not as wise as Yao and Shun, which is why I feel a deep indignation and disregard my own safety.
After he completed the memorial and submitted it, the emperor greatly appreciated it and promoted him to General Mingwei and Governor of Weixing. In the end, he died in office.
Yan Zuan, courtesy name Xubo, was from Anhan, Sichuan. His grandfather Yan Pu served as a magistrate for Zhang Lu, encouraging Zhang Lu to surrender to the Wei Kingdom, and was granted the title of Marquis of Pinglexiang. His father Yan Pu inherited the title and served as the Prefect of Zangke in the Wu Kingdom. Yan Zuan later moved to Xin'an in Henan province, where he mingled with many heroes and made friends, and was knowledgeable about a wide range of topics. After his father's death, his stepmother was unkind to him, but Yan Zuan remained filial and cautious in all matters. However, his stepmother's illness worsened, and she falsely accused Yan Zuan of stealing his father's treasures, reporting him to the officials. As a result, Yan Zuan endured over a decade of injustice, but he bore no grudges and remained filial. Eventually, his stepmother realized her mistake, changed her opinion of him, and re-applied for his official position, allowing him to restore his rank.
He later became an aide to the Grand Tutor Yang Jun and was promoted to the position of magistrate of Anfu County. When Yang Jun was killed, Yan Zuan resigned to his hometown, and along with Yang Jun's former advisers Pan Yue and Cui Ji, he buried him. Pan Yue and Cui Ji feared being implicated, so they suggested that Yan Zuan take charge of the arrangements. After the tomb was built and they were about to bury Yang Jun, Yang Jun's cousin Yang Mo went to inform Prince Wuling Sima Dan, hoping to impeach those involved in the funeral. Everyone was afraid and ran away, leaving only Yan Zuan to complete Yang Jun's burial with his own resources before leaving. The National Teacher Zou Zhan thought highly of Yan Zuan's talent and recommended him for a position as a writer, but the Secretary Hua Qiao said, "This position is leisurely and well-paid; many high-ranking officials are competing for it. Who has time to consider character and ability?" So, he was not selected. Later, Prince Hejian Sima Yong summoned him to be the General of the Western Qiang, where Yan Zuan distinguished himself and was enfeoffed once again as the Marquis of Pinglexiang.
When Prince Min was deposed, Yan Zuan carried the coffin to the palace gate and submitted a memorial to seek justice for Prince Min, stating in the document:
I was shocked and frightened to see the edict pardoning Prince Yu and the confession written by the prince himself. Throughout history, I have never seen a case as severe as his, where a minister revolts against his sovereign. Fortunately, the emperor showed mercy and spared his life. Reflecting on Prince Yu, born under the care of the holy father, yet reduced to this state, it is all because he grew up in the deep palace, indulged in a life of luxury, and was overly favored by the late emperor, with parents who spoiled him.
Every time his teachers and palace officials were chosen, they were always from wealthy families, enjoying the finest things in life, with very few scholars from humble backgrounds like Wei Wan, Zhou Wen, Shi Fen, and Shu Guang. Even positions like the stable hand and palace attendants did not have talents like Ji An and Zheng Zhuang. Thus, the prince never learned how to properly serve his father. I consulted ancient texts and found that the prince should treat others with the etiquette of a scholar and interact equally with the common people, indicating that the late king wanted the prince to first understand what is lowly before he could comprehend what is noble. Recently, the Eastern Palace has become too extravagant, and this is why he has failed.
Not just the Eastern Palace, but look at the other princes; their teachers, friends, and literary companions are all recommended by powerful families, with very few like Gong Sui and Wang Yang who can morally educate the prince. His friends lack upright and loyal virtues, and those who call themselves literary companions hardly read at all; they only know how to wear beautiful clothes, ride fine horses, drink, party, and gamble. Where is the opportunity for mutual learning and growth? I have always worried that the royal family will decline because of this, and I often sigh. Now, the matter of Prince Yu can serve as a warning; I fear that once he is reprimanded and exiled to a remote area, it will be too late for him to regret it, and by then, it will be too late for anything to be done.
In the past, Crown Prince Liu Li made a grave mistake by leading troops against the imperial order. In response, three respected elders from Huguan submitted a memorial to the Emperor. Among them, Tian Qianqiu said, "Crown Prince, you are using your father's soldiers to oppose your father. At most, your punishment should be just a beating!" Emperor Wu of Han listened to these words and had an epiphany, leading to the construction of Sizi Terrace.
Now, Crown Prince Yu has also made a mistake by being disrespectful in his speech. When it is time for punishment, we cannot show favoritism towards him. However, he is less serious than Crown Prince Liu Li and is still manageable. Therefore, it is essential to carefully choose suitable caretakers and teachers for his education. For example, Sikong Zhang Hua, who is esteemed and loyal, should serve as his teacher. Guanglu Daifu Liu Shi, who has been poor since childhood and has persevered in his studies, similar in age to Lu Shang, and has never stopped learning, should serve as his caretaker. The Shangshu Puyi, who is principled and just, should be his friend. Additionally, find some eloquent teachers for him, choosing knowledgeable, virtuous individuals from humble backgrounds who have worked hard to achieve success. He should be kept away from the children of high-ranking officials and superficial guests. Surround him with people of integrity and virtue.
The teachers should hold a lesson for him every ten days, followed by discussions. The Emperor should instruct them to only teach stories of filial sons, loving mothers, loyal subjects, and the value of self-improvement. By listening to positive teachings, he might be inspired to change for the better.
Once, Tai Jia made a mistake and was exiled for three years. Later, he repented and became King Ming of Yin. Emperor Wen of Wei, fearing deposition, was cautious day and night, and in the end, he preserved himself. There is also Emperor Ming, who was stripped of his title as Marquis of Pingyuan because his mother committed a crime. However, he was given loyal subjects, illegitimate sons, teachers, and friends, who were all virtuous men, supervising and assisting one another. He was cautious, filial to his father, and after his father's death, he was filial to his mother; his reputation spread far and wide, and he is still celebrated to this day.
Emperor Gaozu of Han held banquets in the palace several times, wanting to depose the crown prince. Later, Si Hao became the crown prince's teacher, and Zhang Liang became the crown prince's mentor. In the end, the crown prince successfully ascended to the throne. This serves as a lesson from the past and guidance for the future! Mencius once said, "A loyal minister or a virtuous son, when anxious, troubled, and deeply concerned, can achieve many great things." Li Si also said, "A kind mother may spoil her child, while a strict father raises a filial son." Your Majesty, your excessive indulgence of the crown prince has led us to this situation. I hope that after the crown prince is punished, he can reflect on his actions and reform himself.
The world is currently in turmoil, the borders are still unstable, and enemy nations are waiting for an opportunity to strike. The position of the heir cannot remain vacant. Your Majesty should consider the bigger picture and not rush to depose the crown prince. Instead, educate him properly. Following the example of Emperor Ming from years ago, surround him with virtuous individuals. If he remains unrepentant, it won't be too late to remove him.
I was born into poverty and come from a humble background; I did not serve by the side of the crown prince, and I have no personal ties to him. In the past, a girl from the State of Chu advised her king, saying, "A king without a crown prince," meaning that the king was already forty years old and had not yet established a crown prince. Although I have held some minor official positions in the court, I never had the opportunity to serve the emperor directly, but my loyalty is as steadfast as that of the palace guards; everything is for the country. When my aged mother saw that I had been promoted, she read my fortune and warned me, "Once you submit the memorial, you will meet your end." My wife and children clung to me, crying and begging me not to go. But I couldn't help but think, the emperor has promoted me multiple times and made me a close minister; I can never forget this kindness. How can I repay it? Only by being loyal and repaying with my life! So I prepared a coffin and a quilt, waiting to face the consequences.
The memorial was submitted, but the emperor paid no attention. Later, Zhang Hua was killed, and Jia Mi was also executed; everyone in the court and the public were terrified, and I was the only one weeping over Zhang Hua's body, crying out, "I warned you to step down, but you refused to listen; now you really cannot escape this calamity; that's just how fate works!" Then I pointed at Jia Mi's corpse and cursed, "This scoundrel has thrown the state into chaos; killing him is already too late!"
After the crown prince ascended the throne, I submitted another memorial: I had previously written to say that the crown prince was wronged, but you, Your Majesty, never even glanced at it. In the past, three commoners from Huguan presented the crown prince's grievances, and Emperor Wu of Han even built the Temple of Mourning for his son! The High Temple official Tian Qianqiu submitted a memorial but dared not speak directly; instead, he used the guise of a dream from the gods, which moved Emperor Xiaowu so much that he rose swiftly through the ranks, eventually becoming Prime Minister and even entering the palace in a carriage, earning him the nickname "Carriage Official." Alas, my meager sincerity could not touch you at all, resulting in the crown prince being lost and ultimately dying in Xuchang. If only you had listened to my words back then, this tragedy would not have happened!
Your Majesty, you have finally granted mercy. The three senior ministers made suggestions, and that commoner was executed, the criminal has received the punishment he deserved, and the Crown Prince's injustice has been rectified. Although I regret not advising you earlier, it is too late now. Your Majesty's edict is filled with compassion and mourning, welcoming back the Crown Prince's coffin for reburial, restoring his rites and title, which truly meets everyone's expectations. However, unexpected events like those involving Empress Lü and Huo Guang have occurred once more today! I saw in the edict that a crown prince will be established, which is truly excellent! Your Majesty, by doing this, you are following the rules of our ancestors, stabilizing the country, comforting the spirit of the unjustly deceased Crown Prince, and providing the people with someone to rely on. Think about that commoner; his actions were utterly outrageous, as he almost destroyed the royal ancestral temple. Fortunately, the Prime Minister and Grand Preceptor were loyal and resolute, rising up to eliminate the traitors, planning in secret, swiftly eliminating the threat, assisting Your Majesty in achieving this great feat. Even the execution of two uncles during the Zhou Dynasty and the eradication of the Lü clan in the Han Dynasty pale in comparison to this achievement!
I hope Your Majesty will take this as a lesson to thoroughly reform and establish a lasting system. Establish a crown prince, afford him the status of a scholar-official, and allow him to interact with officials as friends and equals, instead of adhering strictly to the hierarchical norms of monarch and subject. This way, you can fulfill your expectations of filial piety and avoid the father-son relationship being too serious and formal, facilitating mutual advice and correction.
It is said that Emperor Wu of Han believed the slander of malicious individuals, framed the crown prince, and even believed in divination techniques, wanting to execute all the prisoners. Bing Ji knew that the imperial grandson was also inside, so he remained indoors and resolutely defied the imperial decree. Later, he protected the imperial grandson and raised him to adulthood, even overseeing the imperial grandson's wet nurse. Finally, the imperial grandson successfully ascended to the throne as Emperor Xuan of Han. You see, as long as you hold loyalty and righteousness in your heart, there is nothing you cannot accomplish! Looking back at the stories of ancient people, although they were not afraid of death, it was also because the societal climate at that time was relatively permissive, allowing them to uphold their integrity. Even though Bing Ji defied the emperor's decree, his intentions were rooted in loyalty and righteousness, so the emperor forgave him and did not hold him accountable.
Since the establishment of the Jin Dynasty, the enforcement of laws has become excessively harsh. If you do things a little slower or faster, you will be executed. It is acceptable for someone who commits a crime to be killed, but now it is too harsh to exterminate entire families at the slightest offense! Back then, when Empress Lu was in power and acting with impunity, Zhou Chang was the prime minister of the Zhao Kingdom. When Empress Lu summoned the King of Zhao three times, Zhou Chang refused to let him go, so Empress Lu first summoned Zhou Chang before summoning the King of Zhao. This was because the system of the Han Dynasty was relatively lenient, allowing Zhou Chang to be so bold. If this were to happen today, Empress Lu would likely annihilate his entire family. Who would still dare to sacrifice themselves for justice? Therefore, these laws definitely need reform to endure.
During the early days of the Han Dynasty, King Zhang Ao of Zhao was deposed, and his minister Guan Gao had once planned to assassinate Gaozu, but Gaozu did not kill him, to showcase his magnanimity and virtue. Ten individuals, including Tian Shu and Meng Shu, were enslaved and served King Zhao while shackled, secretly taking care of the king's relatives, so that King Zhao could be safe. If the laws of the Jin Dynasty could also tolerate such righteous acts, the courtiers of the Eastern Palace could be as upright as Zhou Chang, as protective of the crown prince as Bing Ji, not punished for disobeying imperial orders, daring to speak out even if it meant remonstrating, then the emperor's thoughts would surely change, and the crown prince could be safe. If serving the lord like Tian Shu and Meng Shu would not be punished, the people around the crown prince would be loyal, and malicious schemers would not have the opportunity to harm the crown prince, and the crown prince would not die prematurely.
I have previously criticized the officials of the Eastern Palace many times for failing to adequately serve the crown prince. Later, I heard that some officials would bow from afar to bid farewell to the crown prince's carriage on the road, only to be arrested by the government and thrown into Luoyang prison, and faced accusations against them. However, I did not investigate their responsibilities. There is a reason for this. Originally, three leaders were set up to command the troops and bolster military strength, for guarding and preventing accidents. But when the messengers suddenly arrived, none reported in a timely manner or conducted thorough inquiries, because they were fearful of being annihilated! Now the imperial grandson is still young, with many things around him; in the event of emergencies, if the powerful ministers monopolize power, and treacherous villains cause chaos, even if there is a Prime Minister to protect and guide the crown prince, like Bing Ji, it would only guarantee the crown prince's safety, but precautions should be taken in advance. Thus, an order should be issued: from now on, in case of emergencies, all officials can immediately submit a solemn report, must personally go to the court, receive instructions face to face, and then execute. Only then can we be like Zhou Chang, not obeying Wang Mang's orders, permitting courtiers to hide familial connections, like Tian Shu and Meng Shu, not be punished, to solidify the heir's position for the long term and consider the future.
The past is unpredictable, but lessons can be learned. I have seen many times in the past where Zhang Shi Pei Quan was sincere, and Qin Ji repeatedly advised otherwise; while Yuan Qian was rewarded, Pei Quan was loyal but did not receive any rewards. I believe we should follow the example of rewarding Yuan Qian to honor his loyalty. By reviewing the memorials, such as those from Qin Ji and others, as well as the reports from the Sili Office, those who bowed to bid farewell to the Crown Prince on the road should be publicly commended, distinguishing them and encouraging them to do good deeds and inspire future generations.
I would also like to add: although the Prime Minister has protected and assisted the Crown Prince, ensuring his safety, for daily teachings, accompanying him, and various challenges, we should choose those who come from humble backgrounds, are loyal and upright, and are aged yet still vigorous, such as the City Gate Captain Liang Liu and the White-Clothed Zhu Chong from Nan'an, to take on the role of the Crown Prince's mentors. As for the civil and military officials below the Crown Prince's attendants, we should avoid selecting individuals from wealthy and powerful families, such as those from the Wu Empress's family, as well as the followers of Jia and Guo. These people are born wealthy, are often complacent, are mostly superficial and indulgent, and are of little assistance to our young master. We should choose those from humble backgrounds, who possess integrity, deep knowledge, extensive experience, and strong character to assist the Crown Prince, while simplifying the protocols to resemble those of ancient times, to foster mutual learning and collective progress.
In the past, when Crown Prince Wei was still the crown prince, he was good friends with Xu Gan and Liu Zhen. The three of them would engage in literary discussions, and their relationship was as close as one person. The crown prince of Wu, Deng, was friends with Gu Tan, and Zhuge Ke was his guest. The two shared a tent, traveled together, and interacted just like regular folks, calling each other by their first names. This is a relatively obvious example from modern times. The emperor's son does not have to worry about missing out on money or status, nor about not being respected or feared by others; rather, he should worry about becoming arrogant and complacent, unable to listen to others' opinions, and not understanding the hardships of farming. What’s even worse is not knowing the names of livestock—how can that be acceptable? In the past, the Duke of Zhou personally reprimanded Boqin, and Cao Can struck Zhuo two hundred times, yet those wise kings and loving fathers managed to keep intact their father-son relationships. Now, they are unwilling to maintain even this minor matter, allowing the father-son relationship to become strained and then blaming each other. Isn't that a grave mistake?
The crown prince attends to the emperor's meals and daily needs every morning and evening, asking for his well-being before sleeping and greeting him after waking up, fulfilling his familial duties. However, the five-day audience system appears brief in terms of respect and distant in emotional terms, making it easy for people to create rifts. As the saying goes, "A day without an audience can hide a knife." The five-day audience system was established by Emperor Gaozu of Han; when he became emperor, his father was just an ordinary man, and there were many national affairs, so there was less private filial piety. Now, when the emperor holds court, the crown prince has little to do, mainly fulfilling his filial duty, and this rule definitely needs to be revised. In the "Prince of Wen" chapter, it is said: "Wang Ji, the father of King Wen, treats one meal as one meal, and two meals as two meals." How can he be so relaxed, only visiting the father emperor once every five days?
He then continued:
We now have to welcome the return of His Royal Highness’s remains to the capital. The Crown Prince is all alone, and the Crown Prince's grandson is too young to personally greet him. I propose sending a consort to greet him, with her father Yan accompanying her for protection. The Crown Prince has been wrongly accused from the start. My family has had generations of marriage ties with the royal family, and three generations have served the royal family wholeheartedly. From my family, one can see the country's situation. I have long known that the Crown Prince would be in danger. Therefore, I request to serve as the Vice Regent, wishing to emulate the story of Bing Ji, to stop those envoys, and to protect the Crown Prince well, personally taking care of his diet, daily life, and medical needs, hoping to save him from danger. However, the person in charge believes my reputation and status are inadequate, refusing to let me take on this role. People mock me, claiming this position is a no-win situation where failure could lead to death. However, I believe that as long as we can safeguard the heir, even if it costs me my life like Jia Yi, I would gladly accept. The Imperial Censor and Vice Regent are both facing the punishment that extends to three generations, and the guards are not performing well, all of which they have brought upon themselves. I consider them all to be small-minded individuals, not worth discussing. As Confucius wisely stated: "To entrust a six-foot orphan, to face great principles without wavering." Therefore, wise kings will carefully choose their assistants. Henan Intendant Xiang Xiong, who previously risked burying the former general Zhong Hui, was greatly admired by Emperor Wen, and later promoted and used by the emperor, until the late emperor, who appointed him as the Right Commandant. In such urgent times, if we can find someone like Xiang Xiong, there’s nothing to fear! These two envoys are merely foolish and timid, not complicit in the rebellion. At most, they will be executed, preserving their families. Individuals like Guo Chu and Guo Bin should face legal consequences.
We must now receive the prince's remains. The young heir is too young to attend. Therefore, I believe it would be better for the princess to go and welcome him, with her father Yan accompanying her for protection. The prince was framed from the very beginning. My family's history reflects the state of the nation, and I had long foreseen the prince's danger. Thus, I requested the position of deputy regent, hoping to emulate Ping Ji in withstanding the pressure from those envoys, protect the prince, and personally take care of his diet, daily life, and medical needs, hoping to save him. However, those in power believe my reputation and status are inadequate, and they refuse to allow me to do so. Everyone laughs at me, saying that this position is difficult to hold, and if not done well, it could lead to death. But I believe that as long as I can protect the heir, even if I end up like Jia Yi and accept that fate, I would still be willing. Currently, the censor and deputy regent risk punishment for their entire families, and the guards are underperforming; it’s all their fault. I find them all to be petty individuals, unworthy of further discussion. Confucius said, "One can entrust a six-foot orphan to uphold great principles without wavering." Thus, wise rulers carefully select their talents. Xiang Xiong, the governor of Henan, once took risks to bury the deceased general Zhong Hui, and Emperor Wen appreciated him. He was later reused and served under the late emperor as right commander. In a situation like this, finding someone like Xiang Xiong would alleviate all our worries! Those two envoys are merely foolish and cowardly; they are not part of the conspiracy. Their demise will only serve to protect their families. Individuals like Guo Chu and Guo Bin must be dealt with according to the law.
Oh, Your Majesty, the Eastern Palace should also carefully select loyal and upright talents, just like those talented and visionary individuals in the past. Your Majesty, a hundred years from now, the Crown Prince is still young. When selecting guards to protect him, you must choose loyal and upright officials and generals, like Zhou Chang. Nowadays, the moral fabric is deteriorating, and many scholars lack integrity. Take that brat Jia Mi, for example; relying on the Emperor's favor, he is arrogant and overbearing, and those sycophants are even more sycophantic to each other, so people at that time called them the "Twenty-Four Friends of Lu Gong." Jia Mi even said something defending my memorial for the Crown Prince; he said, "Yan wrote this memorial quite skillfully, but from his tone, it seems like he wants to team up with those officials from the Sima family to go against me." These words really chill my heart!
Your Majesty praised Ming Fen and Le Guang in the edict, but the Assistant Minister Jia Yin has a close relationship with Jia Mi, yet deliberately keeps him at a distance. Jia Yin previously mourned his father's death for five years at home; although it seems like a small matter, knowledgeable people respect him. Pan Yue, Miao Zheng, and others are Jia Mi's followers; they collude with each other, and everyone looks down on them. It is said that they live quite comfortably, which is hard to believe. Now the edict has publicly exposed their crimes and expelled them; the common people feel relieved, but something just doesn’t sit right with me. Those like Pan Yue and Miao Zheng, the twenty-four of them should all be dismissed together to rectify the atmosphere.
The court valued his loyalty and integrity and promoted him to be the Prefect of Han Zhong. After Prince Zhao Lun died and was buried, Zuan even had a carriage run over his tomb. Later, Zhang Hua's nephew Jing was transferred to Han Zhong, and Zuan submitted a memorial to have him transferred back. Zuan generally doesn’t sweat the small stuff, but he has a strong sense of integrity. He passed away in his position at the age of fifty-nine. Zuan had five sons, and each one was intelligent and capable.
His eldest son, Heng, was appointed as the Governor of Liaoxi, but unfortunately, Wang Jun preferred to rely solely on his own associates, and Heng was not appointed to any official position. Later, he sought refuge with the Inspector of Qingzhou, Gou Xi. Gou Xi was notorious for his harsh punishments and brutal tactics. Heng attempted to counsel him multiple times, but ultimately met his death at Gou Xi's hands. Historical records state that when the Crown Prince was deposed, everyone believed he had been wronged. However, people feared being caught up in political strife and facing execution, as well as the cruelty of corrupt officials. Therefore, cunning ministers had no choice but to stay silent, and righteous scholars had to suppress their anger. Yan Xubo held a lowly official position, not even that of a Deputy Minister. However, he valued loyalty above his own life and was prepared to be executed, even preparing his own coffin. Just think about it—his words and actions were remarkably loyal and forthright! But looking at the officials of the Jin Dynasty at that time, they held someone like him in utter disdain. Yan Xubo remained loyal until the end, weeping for Wang Jing. After his death, people remembered his achievements, and consequently, the wrongful conviction of Deng Ai was overturned. Therefore, his loyalty resonated with the court of his time, and his righteous acts moved future generations. While there were instances in the past where Zhu Bo exonerated Xin Xi Hou and Luan Bu spoke up for Peng Yue, their influence was not as great as Yan Xubo's. In conclusion, Yan Xubo was loyal and unwavering, clearing Deng Ai's name even in death. His actions were on par with those of other loyal and righteous men, and his reputation was equally renowned. Yan Xubo, a man who brought his own coffin to surrender, is truly admirable. Unfortunately, with corrupt officials in power, his loyalty and ambitions ultimately went unfulfilled. Reflecting on his tears before his death is truly heartbreaking.
