Lu Ji, courtesy name Shiheng, was from Wu County. His grandfather, Lu Xun, was the Prime Minister of Wu, and his father, Lu Kang, was the Grand Marshal of Wu. Lu Ji was very tall, standing a full seven feet tall, with a booming voice like a bell. He showed exceptional talent from a young age, excelling in writing and was among the best of his time. He highly valued Confucianism and would never do anything that violated proper etiquette. After his father's passing, Lu Ji inherited his father's military authority and became commander of the elite guards. When Wu fell when he was twenty, he returned to his hometown and locked himself away to study diligently, studying for ten years.
Due to his family's generations of service as high officials in Wu and their significant contributions to the state, Lu Ji felt uneasy about how Sun Hao had abandoned their family. He reflected on how Sun Quan had come to power and how Sun Hao had lost the empire, wanting to commemorate his ancestors' achievements. He wrote two essays titled "On the Fall." The first essay argued:
In the past, during the Han Dynasty, control was lost as corrupt officials seized power, chaos erupted in the capital and spread across the country, imperial authority weakened, and the royal family's status diminished. Brave heroes emerged, and righteous armies fought on all fronts. The valiant Emperor of Wu, Sun Quan, marched south with great courage, swiftly capturing Jingzhou. His strategies were endless, his soldiers were loyal and brave, and his might intimidated all around. The enemy was scattered and defeated, ultimately clearing obstacles and honoring their ancestors. At that time, the generals who rose up either controlled provinces or occupied cities, looking fierce like a pack of wild beasts. Even though they claimed to fight for justice and worked together, hidden malice lingered in their hearts, hindering the resistance or fighting without a plan, leading to military failures and emboldening the enemy. People like Lu Kang—loyal, brave, talented, and principled—were truly rare!
After the death of King Wulie, Huan Wang Liu Yi of Changsha, who possessed exceptional talent and wisdom from birth, was quite graceful and dignified at a young age. He recruited the old ministers and generals, engaging in discussions on governance and learning from their experiences. He led his troops on an eastern expedition, achieving victories against overwhelming odds, capturing cities and territories, and remaining undefeated in battle. The rebellious minority groups were all subdued, and the area south of the Yangtze River became stable. He also reformed laws, strengthened the army, and gained widespread acclaim, earning the people's respect. He honored the virtuous and capable, with Zhang Zhao serving as his trusted advisor; he formed alliances with heroes, including Zhou Yu as his distinguished general. Both of these individuals were exceptionally intelligent, talented, and knowledgeable, resulting in a flourishing of talent in the Jiangdong region.
He planned to conquer the Central Plains in the north, defeat the treacherous officials, bring the emperor back to the capital, and become the emperor himself, leveraging the emperor's authority to command the vassals and restore the glory of the Han Dynasty. The army had already set out, and the enemies were too scared to move, but before this great cause could be completed, he passed away at a young age. "Leveraging the emperor's authority to command the vassals" was a clear reflection of his ambitious aspirations! It is a pity that he died young before his ambitions could be fulfilled, leaving people to lament his untimely death.
Oh, our emperor, who employed extraordinary measures to lay his foundation, made astute decisions informed by historical precedents, governed following ancient traditions, and especially emphasized diligence, frugality, the recruitment of talented individuals, strategic planning and decisive action. Therefore, many talented individuals came forward to serve, and ambitious soldiers flocked to him. People of all talents gathered, and there were numerous outstanding generals.
Zhang Zhao became a mentor, and Zhou Yu, Lu Xun, Lu Su, and Lu Meng became the emperor's trusted confidants. Gan Ning, Ling Tong, Cheng Pu, He Qi, Zhu Huan, and Zhu Ran fought valiantly. Han Dang, Pan Zhang, Huang Gai, Jiang Qin, and Zhou Tai also put in great effort. Zhuge Jin, Zhang Cheng, and Bu Zhi leveraged their reputations to serve the nation, while Gu Yong, Pan Jun, Lu Fan, and Lu Dai held key positions due to their abilities. Yu Fan, Lu Ji, and Zhang Dun governed with noble character and talent. Zhao Zi and Shen Heng distinguished themselves in diplomatic missions. Wu Fan and Zhao Da made significant contributions to the nation through their expertise in astronomy and calendrical science. Dong Xi and Chen Wu made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard the emperor, while Luo Tong and Liu Ji dared to speak out and correct the emperor's mistakes.
Therefore, our strategy was sound, and our actions were executed flawlessly. We eventually occupied strategic locations, controlled Jingzhou and Jiangdong, and competed with other forces in the country. Wei mobilized a million troops downstream on countless ships with great momentum, aiming to swallow up Jiangdong. Zhou Yu commanded our elite forces to a decisive victory at Chibi, inflicting heavy losses on the Wei army, which retreated in disarray. Liu Bei, using the emperor's title, led the Shu army to expand his power and seek revenge for Guan Yu's death, trying to seize the western Hunan region. However, Lu Xun decisively defeated Liu Bei's forces at Xiling, inflicting severe losses that compelled them to retreat to Yong'an. Subsequently, we triumphed over the Wei army at Ruxukou and Linchuan, and secured victory at the Battle of Penglai.
Therefore, the morale of the Wei and Shu armies was low, their strength greatly diminished, while our Wu country reaped the rewards. Both Wei and Shu sought peace, and our Wu country eventually became an empire, with our territory extending west to the outskirts of Yongzhou and Yizhou, north to the banks of the Huai River and Han River, east to the lands of the Baiyue, and south to the lands of the southern tribes. We implemented the ceremonial and musical traditions established over eight generations, held grand sacrificial activities, and both civil and military officials fulfilled their duties. The nation thrived, and the people lived in peace; various ethnic groups coexisted harmoniously, and the country was prosperous.
Even the small officials sent to patrol the borders could bring back many treasures; the treasury was overflowing, the people lived in peace and prosperity, without the threat of war, and our empire was thus stabilized.
When the great emperor died and the young emperor ascended the throne, malicious figures began to run rampant and sow discord. Emperor Jing, after ascending the throne, earnestly followed the teachings of his predecessor and governed the realm effectively, being considered a good emperor who maintained the achievements of his predecessors. At the beginning of his reign, the law still held significant deterrent power, and the veteran ministers were still present. Grand Marshal Lu Kang was talented in both civil and military affairs, assisting in court matters; Prime Minister Lu Kai dared to speak out and offer various suggestions; Shi Ji and Fan Shen were highly respected, Ding Feng and Zhong Hui had outstanding military achievements; Meng Zong and Ding Gu held important ministerial positions; Lou Xuan and He Shao managed critical affairs. Although the emperor's health was not good, there were still many excellent ministers assisting in the court.
However, as time went on, these veteran ministers passed away one by one, and the populace began to lose hope, while the country faced the danger of collapse. With the change of fate and the decline of national fortune, the imperial army marched into battle but quickly fell into disarray on the battlefield, with soldiers fleeing in all directions, cities having no defense capabilities, and natural barriers lost. The losses were not due to traditional military tactics like siege engines or encirclement. The nation fell before the army had even engaged for a few days. Even if loyal subjects rose in rebellion, what could they possibly accomplish?
The generals of Cao Wei and Shu Han were not developed over generations, and the armies of that time were not as strong as they once were. The strategies for combat and defense could draw on the experiences of their predecessors, and the advantages of the terrain remain unchanged, but the results are quite different. The reasons behind success and failure can be truly unpredictable! Why is this? Because the situations of both sides are different, and the selection and appointment of generals are also different.
Historically, the world was divided into three kingdoms, with Wei controlling the Central Plains, Han governing Sichuan and Yunnan-Guizhou, and Wu occupying Jingzhou and Yangzhou, while also taking control of Jiaozhou and Guangzhou. Although Cao Cao unified many areas, his methods were too harsh, and the people were seething with resentment. As for Liu Bei, he relied on the terrain's advantages to appear shrewd, but his actual abilities were limited, and his subordinates were rather unsophisticated.
On the other hand, Sun Wu, from Sun Ce laying the foundation to Sun Quan inheriting the achievements of his father and brothers, governed with diligence and wisdom—truly wise and broad-minded! He eagerly sought out talent and cared for the people as if they were his own children, treating talented individuals with the highest respect and being even more open-hearted with those close to him. He promoted Lu Meng to help him rise through the ranks and tested Pan Jun in handling prisoner affairs. He trusted his ministers, never fearing deception from others; he appointed officials based on their abilities, never fearing his power being usurped. He respected Lu Xun and valued his reputation; he fully supported Zhou Yu's army. He led a simple life but generously rewarded his loyal subjects; he humbly welcomed advice and acted on his ministers' suggestions. This is why Lu Su was able to assist him with confidence, and Shi Xie risked his life to serve him.
He admires Lu Xun's contributions and cuts back on his own leisure and indulgence; he follows Zhuge Liang's advice, restraining his desires; he listens to Lu Xun's counsel, simplifying the complicated laws; he follows Liu Ji's advice and establishes a three-vow oath; he is humble and cautious, carefully serving the sick Zhang Zhao; he takes care of Ling Tong's orphans, sharing his own food with them; he takes to the platform to honor Lu Su's accomplishments; he believes in Zhang Zhao's loyalty, ignoring his complaints. Therefore, loyal ministers dedicate themselves to providing counsel, allowing ambitious individuals to fully showcase their talents, and Sun Quan's grand blueprint and long-term strategy are never limited by trivial matters. Thus, despite the many state affairs, everything is well-organized. When the capital was first established in Jianye, the courtiers suggested holding a grand ceremony, but Sun Quan refused, saying, "How will the people of the world view me?" The palaces and attire were all very simple.
By the later period of Sun Wu, destiny was already determined, so some shortcomings were gradually improved. Although the systems and policies were not as refined as those of the previous dynasty, they were sufficient to govern the country. Wu was vast and populous, with a million-strong army, fertile land, elite troops, excellent weapons, and a full treasury; to the east lies the sea, and to the west are treacherous passes, the Yangtze River traversed the country, and towering mountains surrounded the borders, providing the nation with unparalleled advantages. If the country could be governed according to morality, use strategies to deal with external enemies, follow ancestral customs, govern with diligence and care for the people, formulate comprehensive strategies, and hold onto strategic locations, then the nation could remain secure indefinitely, free from the threat of downfall.
Some people say, "The states of Wu and Shu are closely connected; when Shu falls, Wu will also be doomed. This is flawed logic." This is not correct! Shu is merely a vassal state that provided support to our country, and Wu's survival is largely independent of Shu. The border between Shu and our territory is rugged, with overlapping mountains and steep terrain; there are no wide, flat roads on land, and the rivers are swift with treacherous waterways. Even with a million soldiers, only a thousand can be mustered at once; even with a fleet of a thousand miles, only a hundred ships will be in the vanguard. So when Liu Bei attacked Shu, Lu Gong compared it to a long snake; this metaphor is quite fitting.
When Shu had just fallen, the courtiers were divided in their opinions. Some suggested piling up massive stones in the rivers to block the Shu army's advance, while others proposed using various contraptions to fend off the Shu army's invasion. The Emperor gathered these opinions and asked Lu Gong what to do. Lu Gong stated that rivers and lakes serve as channels for the earth to regulate and release airflow; they cannot be effectively blocked, and both sides have mechanical weapons. If the enemy forsakes their advantage to exploit our weaknesses, they will only be able to compete with Jingzhou and Chu for ships. In that case, it would be as if heaven is aiding us! All we need to do is guard the pass and wait for the opportunity to capture them.
Later, Bu Chan rebelled, relying on the fortified city walls to resist the powerful enemy, and also used a large amount of treasure to bribe the minority ethnic groups. At that time, the army of the great nation surged like storm clouds, moving with lightning speed, with flags fluttering above the river, and camps established along the river, guarding important passes to prevent the Wu army from advancing westward, while the army of Ba Shu moved down the Yangtze River. General Lu led thirty thousand elite soldiers stationed in Dongkeng, digging deep trenches, building high walls, fully prepared, and sharpening their skills. The rebels were so frightened that they dared not reveal themselves, simply waiting to be slaughtered. After the powerful enemy was defeated, they fled in panic, losing more than half of their forces. General Lu then sent five thousand elite soldiers west to defend against the naval forces. Both the eastern and western forces achieved victory simultaneously, capturing tens of thousands of enemies. Truly, this was the strategy of a wise man, and it did not disappoint us! Since then, there have been few border conflicts, and the country has been less disturbed.
After General Lu's death, hidden dangers began to surface, Wu's aggressive ambitions grew, and the court began to panic. In the battles during the Taikang period, the size of the mobilized army was reduced compared to previous times; the rebellion in Guangzhou inflicted even greater damage than before, resulting in the destruction of the country, with ancestral temples turning into ruins. "When people perish, the nation falls," isn't this a fact?
The Book of Changes says, "King Tang and King Wu initiated revolutions, in accordance with the will of heaven," or "Without thorough resolution in chaotic times, an era of peace and prosperity cannot emerge," implying that the rise and fall of emperors hinge on heavenly timing. The ancients said, "Timing is less important than favorable terrain," the Book of Changes also states, "Princes choose strategic locations to defend their countries," implying that nations must depend on strategic terrain. It also says, "Favorable terrain is not as good as harmony among people," "The key lies in moral integrity, not merely in strategic terrain," meaning that holding strategic terrain, the key lies in people. When Wu rose to power, Sun Quan excelled at uniting talent, as Sun Qing noted, "Combine their strengths"; when Wu fell, they relied solely on strategic terrain, as Sun Qing said, "Abandon their strengths."
After the fall of the Wu kingdom, those areas were not without people, and there was no lack of talent south of the Yangtze River. The terrain was easy to defend, the weapons were sophisticated and easy to use, and the earlier governing strategies were easy to implement. So why did the Wu kingdom not prosper but instead bring disaster upon itself? The reason lies in the mistakes of those who employed talent. Therefore, wise rulers of ancient times established long-term governance strategies, carefully assessed the patterns of rise and fall, humbly and cautiously pacified the people, bestowed kindness to foster harmony, showed tolerance to attract talent, and cultivated love and harmony to earn the people's affection. In this way, when the country is at peace, the people will celebrate with him; when the country is in danger, the people will share the risks with him. Celebrating with the people in times of stability makes it less likely for danger to arise; sharing risks with the people in times of danger makes challenges feel less daunting. It is precisely because of this that the country can protect its territory and ensure stability, without the concerns expressed in "Mai Xiu" over the Yin and Shang dynasties, or the sorrow reflected in "Shu Li" regarding the Zhou dynasty.
During the time of Emperor Tai Kang of the Jin Dynasty, as it was nearing its end, Lu Ji and his younger brother Lu Yun went to Luoyang together to visit Zhang Hua, the Grand Guardian. Zhang Hua always valued Lu Ji highly, treating him like an old friend, and said, "In the war against the Wu Kingdom, you have gained two outstanding talents." Lu Ji also once visited Wang Ji, the Palace Attendant, who pointed to a piece of sheep cheese and said to Lu Ji, "What does your Wu Kingdom have that can compare to this?" Lu Ji replied, "A thousand-mile dish of water shield, without added salt and soybeans." At that time, people praised this as a brilliant answer. Zhang Hua recommended Lu Ji to the court officials. Later, the Grand Tutor Yang Jun hired him as a ritual official. After Yang Jun was killed, Lu Ji was promoted to be the Prince's Groom and was later promoted to Director of the Central Military Department, and then transferred to the Palace Attendant. Later, when Prince Zhao Lun came to power, he appointed Lu Ji as a military officer of the State Chancellor. He participated in the operation to kill Jia Mi, and was therefore titled the Marquis of Guanzhong. When Prince Zhao Lun wanted to usurp the throne, he appointed Lu Ji as a Palace Attendant. After Zhao Lun was killed, Prince Qi Jiong suspected him of involvement in drafting the Nine Prohibitions and the abdication decree, and arrested him along with eight others, and handed them over to the Minister of Justice for trial. Fortunately, Prince Ying of Chengdu and Prince Yan of Wu interceded for him, which saved him from execution, and he was eventually released during a general amnesty.
He used to have a remarkable hunting dog named Huang Er, which he loved very much. Later, after drifting in the capital city for a long time without contacting his family, he smiled and said to the dog, "There is no news from my family at all; could you help me take a letter back and check on things?" The dog wagged its tail and barked happily. He then wrote a letter, put it in a bamboo tube, and tied it around the dog's neck. The dog ran south along the road and surprisingly made it back home, bringing back the news. From then on, he frequently used this method to keep in touch with his family. At that time, the world was in turmoil, and people like Gu Rong and Dai Ruosi advised him to return to the State of Wu, but he believed in his own abilities and wanted to make his mark during these chaotic times, so he did not go back.
King Qi Jiong was exceedingly proud and arrogant. Even after being granted a title, he remained unsatisfied. Unable to tolerate this, he penned a piece titled "Ode to a Hero" as a satire against him. The preface of the article is written as follows:
"The foundation of virtue is unchanging, but the path to building achievements is not the same. Why? Those who measure themselves by their own inner cultivation are within me, while those who depend on external circumstances are bound by their situation. Those within me flourish and kill within their domain; those connected to others are abundant and limited by circumstances. Falling leaves await a gentle breeze to descend, and the resonance of the zither fades. Why? The falling leaves that want to fall have no fierce wind to rely on, and the tears that are about to fall are not enough to disturb the sound of sorrow. Therefore, if the time is set by heaven and the principles are fulfilled by man, ordinary people can contribute to the accomplishments of sages and wise. Hence it is said, 'Talent is not half of antiquity, but the achievements are already doubled,' which is obtained from the times. Looking through history, there have been individuals who have attained the accomplishments of their era and occupied the positions of Yi and Zhou."
As for me, even though I am an intelligent person, I often find myself constrained, like a child tied up with a rope; everything influences one another, even the tiniest insects experience this. If you measure those extraordinary achievements by your own standards, even the divine artifacts will look at you differently, and everything will change with your emotions. If you only focus on enjoying a comfortable life, listening to flattery, how can you understand that achievements are not solely yours, and the ability to exceed ordinary people is the most important! Besides, everyone likes glory and fears shame; this is a significant aspect of life. Even being overly content can lead to disaster; even ghosts and deities are not exempt, let alone the ruler who holds power, the world will obey his commands, so, even the heavens can be offended!
Think about it now, those guards standing at the temple gate in beautiful clothes holding weapons, or the soldiers bravely fighting in the fields, if this is the case, what about the rulers who hold power and can dispose of everything in the world at will! Showing kindness might not eliminate resentment, and being diligent in progress might not make up for past harm, so, attempting to take the place of a great craftsman will only lead to self-harm. Moreover, if political power is in the hands of the Ning family, loyal ministers will be indignant; if sacrificial activities are presided over by the ruler, the ruler will struggle to maintain it for long. Therefore, King Shu is very unhappy, deeply dissatisfied with Gong Dan's actions; the Gao Ping and Shi clans also regard Bo Lu's powerful influence with suspicion. However, King Cheng manages to not let these grievances affect him, while Emperor Xuan feels discomfort as if he is carrying a thorn in his side, isn't that the case?
Alas! My achievements are widespread, but my moral conduct cannot be considered admirable; the emperor calls me uncle, but our relationship is not close; ascending to the emperor's throne, my achievements are not considered great; while my integrity and loyalty cannot be deemed exceptional. However, even in turbulent times, I have only preserved myself, like Yi Yin maintaining a clear conscience and suffering slaughter, like Wen Zi holding on to loyalty and respect and being forced into helplessness; such are their fates.
From this perspective, even those like Yi Yin and Wen Zi who possess the most sacred and loyal relationships, such great moral conduct and loyalty, still cannot gain the trust of the monarch, let alone silence the multitude; what about others? This highlights the lesson about danger! Not to mention those who seek fame, offend the taboos of Daoism, and with fleeting talents, attempt to accomplish what even the wisest find challenging? Self-danger stems from excessive power, not knowing to relinquish power for peace; the accumulation of calamities comes from excessive favor, not knowing to renounce favor for blessings. When one sees the people plotting against them, they strengthen the defense of the palace to show their inviolable dignity; fearing the world's rejection, they enforce strict laws and regulations, which only breeds resentment among the people.
Then, power is exhausted, provoking the monarch; resentment spreads throughout, people's hearts grow increasingly distant, a crisis is about to erupt, yet still gazing upward with arrogance, thinking one can boast to the world, mocking the failings of those who came before, forgetting one's own incompetence, only knowing to boast about past achievements, but blind to the inevitable patterns of success and failure. Therefore, when things reach a dead end, they will inevitably fail; when disaster strikes, the consequences are always severe. The sage shuns the pursuit of fame beyond what is rightfully theirs, abhors favor beyond what is appropriate; probably this is the reason.
Well, in the end, both wise and foolish people have their share of bad desires. Those wanderers toil tirelessly for high positions and wealth, and those idealists think about leaving a name in history after death; this might just be the essence of life. If one can accomplish remarkable accomplishments, their reputation will naturally resonate; if one can do as they please, their desires will naturally be satisfied. If this person understands the ways of the world, knows that everything has an end no matter how much one knows, and that things are difficult to preserve for a long time, then they can transcend worldly attachments, gracefully retire, and earn the respect of others like the great figures of antiquity, being remembered by future generations like those who have left a mark in history. In this way, their desires will extend beyond themselves, they will always be happy, their virtues will become more noble, their lives will become more comfortable, and their reputation will become better. If not, they will surely become lost, and in the end, they may end up like rivers and seas, where their former glory fades into a trickle, where small problems accumulate into major issues, ultimately resulting in a tarnished reputation and a painful fate; wouldn't that be a pity! Therefore, I wrote this article, hoping that future generations might glean some wisdom from it. Unfortunately, he did not realize it, and ultimately failed.
This individual believed that the key to governing as a wise king lay in the feudal system, so based on this idea, he wrote an essay titled "On the Five Ranks," in which he said: The governance of the nation and the development of society have always been highly valued by ancient sages; they established systems and laid foundations, all aimed at ensuring the prosperity of future generations. However, governing strategies vary, times change, and methods differ. The feudal system first emerged during the era of the Yellow Emperor and Tang Yao; the system of prefectures and counties began in the Qin and Han dynasties. The successes and failures of these systems are well-documented, allowing for a detailed discussion.
As the old saying goes, being an emperor isn't an easy job. The world is so big, and the responsibility is so heavy. In such a vast world, one person can't manage everything; and with such heavy responsibilities, one person can't bear them alone. To carry the heavy burden, you need to lean on others; to govern vast lands, you need the help of many. That's why it's important to set up various official positions, divide the labor, cooperate, and lighten the load; grassroots organizations are also needed to broaden management. This way, clear boundaries are drawn, along with a hierarchy of closeness and distance, allowing countries to support each other, like a solid stone wall; allowing royal relatives and common people to live together, consolidating the foundation of the country.
This reflects a long-term strategy for governing the world and a deep understanding of human relationships: instead of trying to control others, it’s better to focus on doing well yourself; rather than thinking about taking advantage of others, it’s better to consider your own interests first. If you want those above to feel secure, you need to keep those below happy; if you want to achieve your own success, you must first help others. The Book of Changes says, "Lead others with joy, and they'll forget their fatigue," and Sun Tzu also said, "Do not seek profit first, profit others first, then you can ultimately gain greater benefits." So, by sharing the world and letting everyone enjoy prosperity, you can share their worries; by sharing abundant benefits with the world, you can share risks with them. With widespread benefits, deep gratitude, shared joy, and mutual struggles, that's why the vassals can enjoy fertile lands and people from all nations can experience peace and prosperity for generations.
In this way, the monarchs who are revered in the south each perform their duties, and all the people in the world know who their master is. As a result, the bonds between superiors and subordinates flourish, trust among individuals is established, and an era of peace and prosperity can be maintained for a long time. Even if there are some disturbances, they can be promptly controlled. Therefore, even powerful countries cannot dominate alone, and ambitious individuals cannot find the opportunity to dominate the world. The stability of the country comes from the unity of the people across all nations; the monarch's nobility stems from the officials' dedication to serving the nation. This is like everyone searching for direction together, and the heavens will naturally unfold; only with complete limbs can the body and mind find peace. This is the reason why the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were able to maintain long-lasting peace, as well as why the later four kings were able to preserve their foundations. As they say, the rise and fall of nations is a natural cycle, and the prosperity or decline of education depends on how those in power act. Laws and systems should be reasonable, but sometimes reason is not always upheld. Therefore, when later rulers had problems with strong rule, the benevolence towards the people gradually decreased, and the calamity of invading the weak started with the partition of Jin in the Spring and Autumn period, ultimately leading to the situation of the Seven Warring States. King Tang of Shang learned from the downfall of the Xia dynasty, and Duke of Zhou took the failure of the Shang dynasty as a warning. They balanced civil governance and military achievements, constantly improving and perfecting the system. However, the Zhou dynasty's five-tier peerage system did not adapt to the changing times, and the system of enfeoffment also experienced prosperity and decline. Did they not realize the lessons of the downfall of the Xia and Shang dynasties, and did they not seriously contemplate the ways of governing the country? In fact, the rise and fall of centuries later is unpredictable, and even the best system is bound to have drawbacks. The humiliation of invasion is far worse than the fall of a nation, and the pain of a nation collapsing is far worse than gradual decline. Therefore, governing a country should start with accumulating virtue and doing good deeds, and long-term considerations can reduce disasters. This isn't to say that the feudal system is flawed, and the system of counties and prefectures is not the best way of governance. Therefore, in times of national crisis, ministers often resign voluntarily, and when the monarch is weak, the ministers will step up.
However, later on, as the problems accumulated, the status of the Zhou royal family declined increasingly. Although they still retained their name and position, the imperial lineage persisted. Though the sacred artifacts underwent turmoil, they were never lost. Isn't this all a result of the circumstances? By the time of the fall of the Qin Dynasty, they abandoned the right path, merely engaging in power plays while claiming to learn from the Zhou Dynasty's lessons. From the beginning, they ignored weaker countries and solely relished the fruits of their victories, not sharing in times of national crisis. Therefore, the Qin Dynasty fell swiftly, not merely due to their singular approach, but because they were isolated and lacked support. They fixated on petty grievances, neglecting the significance of nations coming to pay tribute. They recognized the dangers of decline, yet were oblivious to the agony of national collapse. The decline of the Zhou Dynasty had its reasons; for centuries, it suffered from a lack of wise monarchs. However, as long as the monarch called upon them, the feudal lords would certainly respond. Once the monarch grew arrogant, it was the distant states that would first rebel. This explains why the powerful Jin State could reclaim lost territories while the Chu State established its hegemony. Liu Bang and Xiang Yu dared to eye Hangu Pass, while Han Xin and Peng Yue sought to dominate their regions. Had the Qin Dynasty followed the Zhou Dynasty's system, even with their brutality and injustice, there would still have been people coexisting with them, and their downfall would not have come so swiftly!
The Han Dynasty corrected the tyranny of the Qin Dynasty, massively granting fiefs to kings and aggressively expanding territory, disregarding the old system. Jia Yi feared it would lead to danger, and Chao Cuo despised it for causing chaos. Therefore, the lords depended on their own wealth and the strength of their people; the powerful rebelled quickly, while the weaker ones resisted gradually. Six ministers exploited the court's weaknesses, and seven princes broke through the court's loopholes. Their ancestors were annihilated in the Qian region, and the Western Capital (Chang'an) fell into decline due to the eastern emperor. These disasters stemmed from rulers overreacting, not from enfeoffing the lords.
However, during the Lü Clan Rebellion, the court ministers were solely self-interested, and Song Chang supported the Han Dynasty, depending on the lords' power. By the middle of the Han Dynasty, the emperor, fearing disobedience from the lords, weakened the power of the imperial relatives, resulting in chaos across the land and following the same path as the downfall of the Qin Dynasty. Therefore, the Five Marquises wielded power, ignoring the needs of the people; the new dynasty replaced the Han Dynasty as easily as picking up a fallen leaf. Emperor Guangwu rejuvenated the dynasty after inheriting the throne, but allowed the roots of the nation's decline to persist, lasting only a few generations before corrupt officials filled the court. Ultimately, a dictatorship by powerful ministers emerged, controlling the people; one individual could sway politics, leading to the fall of cities. Isn't that a danger?!
During the decline of the Zhou Dynasty, it was difficult for the royal family to thrive. Seven ministers engaged in debauchery, three princes seized power, and the monarch who ascended the throne forsook the Nine Tripods. A brutal family took over the capital, war drums shook the palace, swords ran red with blood in the imperial palace, but the chaos remained confined to the capital and did not spread to the entire country. The realm was at peace, biding its time for impending danger. King Xuan rose during the Republic period, and Kings Xiang and Hui flourished in the states of Jin and Zheng. How can the situation compare to the brief chaos in the Han Dynasty, which caused the entire country to boil and fall into chaos as soon as corrupt officials entered the court in the morning?
Thinking back to the usurpation of power by Wang Mang in ancient times, and looking at the time when Dong Zhuo held absolute power, millions mourned deeply; both the foolish and the wise were heartbroken. But the Zhou Dynasty survived while the Han Dynasty perished. Why is that? Is it that the world now lacks the wise ministers of yore, and scholars lack the ambition to support the country? Perhaps past achievements struggle to adapt to changing times, and ambitions are thwarted by lowly positions. Therefore, martyrs lamented their fate, ultimately falling to the enemy; the mediocre compromised their integrity to aid the tyrants in their wickedness. Although at times like-minded people gathered to serve the royal family, without a wise monarch above and with commoners below, the army lacking a predetermined organization, and no willingness to support each other between ruler and subjects, the righteous army, though assembled, could not avert the impending massacre. With the people's hearts unmoved, the Han Dynasty had already met its demise.
Some say that the position of the vassal states isn't always stable, as foolish and tyrannical rulers can sometimes slip in, which is why the Five Orders often lead to chaos. "Vassal positions don't always have to be filled; foolish and tyrannical rulers sometimes leave their mark, which is why the Five Orders often lead to chaos." Today's local officials are mostly mediocre appointees of the court, and even when they make mistakes, they still have better odds of success, making the prefecture and county system easier to manage. "The current governors and officials are all mediocre; even if they make mistakes, they still have many opportunities, thus prefectures and counties are easier to govern."
If leaders are virtuous and the laws are clear, and promotions and demotions are handled according to the system, everyone will fulfill their responsibilities, and foolish rulers will have no chance to make mistakes, so how could the country not fall into chaos? That's why previous dynasties managed to prosper! Once they start to decline, various systems fall apart, officials sell positions for profit, and corruption will spread everywhere, so how could the country not fall into chaos? That's why later dynasties would perish as a result! In simple terms, vassals under the enfeoffment system prioritize their own interests in political matters; while officials in the prefecture and county system focus on government achievements. "The rulers of the Five Orders think for themselves; the leaders of prefectures and counties think of the people." Why is this said? Because the desire for promotion is a common mindset among officials; self-improvement and family harmony are the goals of exemplary individuals. "Aspiring for progress and advancement is a common goal among officials; self-improvement and benefiting others are the aspirations of virtuous individuals."
However, the desire for promotion is very strong, while the reputation for self-cultivation and maintaining peace is slow to come. Therefore, those who exploit the interests of the people for personal gain will not be restrained by those in power; those who damage actual government affairs to maintain their reputation are greatly admired by officials. As the saying goes, "Those eager for advancement are sharp, while those seeking a reputation for peace are slow." The monarch has no long-term plan, and the ministers only care about immediate benefits. The situation under the system of enfeoffment is different; the vassals treat the country as their own land, and the people as their own people. When the people live in peace and happiness, they benefit, but when the country is harmed, they suffer. "Knowing the country as one's own land, all regard me as their people; when the people are at peace, I benefit; when the country is harmed, my family suffers." Therefore, previous monarchs wanted to pass the country on to their descendants, and the descendants also wanted to inherit the ancestral business, without neglecting their duties. If capable individuals are in power, their achievements will vary; if all foolish individuals govern, there will be differences in faults. Therefore, from the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties to the Qin and Han dynasties, the system can be explained by a single principle; the laws and systems of the Qin and Han dynasties can be summed up in a single principle.
As for King Ying of Chengdu, he is known for his humility and low profile, never seeking credit and treating his subordinates very well. Lu Ji, on the other hand, is very grateful for King Ying's favor towards him, and noticing the unrest in the court, he believes that King Ying has the potential to revitalize the Jin dynasty, so he follows him. King Ying allows Lu Ji to participate in the military strategies of the Grand General and promotes him to be the Governor of Pingyuan.
During the early years of the Taian period, King Ying and King Yong of Hejian launched a joint campaign against King Yi of Changsha, appointing Lu Ji as the General of the Rear and the Grand Commander of Hebei, commanding more than 200,000 troops, including generals such as Wang Cui and Qian Xiu. Lu Ji's family had been military generals for three generations, which was considered somewhat taboo at the time. Combined with his previous position as a local official, this suddenly elevated him above his peers. Wang Cui, Qian Xiu, and others harbored some resentment and reluctantly rejected Lu Ji's appointment as Grand Commander. King Ying was not in agreement. Lu Ji's fellow villager Sun Hui also advised him to give up the commander position to Wang Cui, but Lu Ji said, "If I retreat now, it will only show fear of the enemy and bring disaster more quickly!" So he accepted the appointment. King Ying said to Lu Ji, "If we win this battle, I will grant you the title of county duke and let you become a high-ranking official in the court. General, you must strive diligently!" Lu Ji replied, "In the past, Duke Huan of Qi's heavy use of Guan Zhong achieved great success, while King Hui of Yan's suspicion of Yue Yi led to failure. The outcome of today's battle hinges on you, not me." King Ying's Left Historian Lu Zhi, envious of Lu Ji's favor, spoke to King Ying, "Lu Ji compares himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, and even looks down on you in secret. Throughout history, there has never been a case where a subject disrespects the ruler and still wins a battle!" King Ying remained silent after hearing this. Upon Lu Ji's arrival at the front line, he found the camp flags already torn, which made him very uncomfortable. The army was lined up from Chaoge to Heqiao, with the sound of drums echoing across hundreds of miles. From the Han Dynasty to the Wei Dynasty, such a large-scale military operation had not been witnessed before. King Yi of Changsha fought against Lu Ji in Luyuan with the emperor, and Lu Ji's army was defeated, with countless casualties piled up like mountains. The river became blocked, and even General Jia Leng fell in battle.
At first, the eunuch Meng Jiu and his brother Meng Chao were both favored by Emperor Ying. Meng Chao led ten thousand soldiers as a small general, but before he even engaged in battle, he plundered everywhere. Lu Ji recorded this incident and wanted to punish Meng Chao. Meng Chao, with more than a hundred cavalry, directly charged to Lu Ji's camp and took away the records, pointing his finger at Lu Ji and shouting, "You fool, can you also be a general?" Lu Ji's assistant, Sun Zheng, advised Lu Ji to kill Meng Chao, but Lu Ji did not listen. Meng Chao shouted in front of everyone, "Lu Ji is going to rebel!" He even wrote to Meng Jiu, saying that Lu Ji was playing both sides and delaying battles. When the real battle came, Meng Chao did not listen to Lu Ji's commands, recklessly leading his troops into battle and ended up dying in battle. Meng Jiu suspected that Lu Ji had killed his brother, so he went to Emperor Ying to accuse Lu Ji of treason. Generals Wang Chan, Hao Chang, and Gong Shifan were all allies of Meng Jiu, and they testified against Lu Ji along with Qian Xiu.
Emperor Ying was furious upon hearing this and ordered Qian Xiu to secretly arrest Lu Ji. That night, Lu Ji dreamed of a black cover surrounding his carriage that he couldn't shake off, and the next morning, Qian Xiu's men arrived. Lu Ji took off his armor, put on a white headscarf, and calmly met with Qian Xiu, saying, "Since the downfall of Wu, my family has received great favor from the country, serving the emperor in the palace and leading troops in battle. The King of Chengdu appointed me to a high position, and I could not refuse. If I am to be killed today, then it must be fate!" He then wrote a letter to Emperor Ying, in which he expressed his sorrow. He sighed and said, "**How can the cranes' cries in Huating ever be heard again!**" Finally, Lu Ji was executed in the military camp, at the age of forty-three. His two sons, Wei and Xia, were also killed. Lu Ji's death was a grave injustice, and the soldiers were deeply saddened, shedding tears. That evening, a thick fog rolled in, strong winds knocked down trees, and a thick layer of snow covered the ground; people claimed it was an omen of Lu Ji's wrongful death.
Lu Ji was talented and brilliant, with magnificent literary style. Zhang Hua once said of him: "**In the world of literature, one often laments the lack of talent, yet you, my friend, are burdened by an excess of it.**" His younger brother Lu Yun also wrote to him, saying: "**Whenever one sees your writings, they feel compelled to burn their own brushes and inkstones.**" Later, Ge Hong wrote a book and praised Lu Ji's writings, saying: "**Lu Ji's writings are like the accumulated jade in Xuanpu, shining like the luminous night sky, flowing like the rivers of Wuhe, with a source as clear as a spring. His grandeur, elegance, brilliance, and sharpness truly set him apart as a genius of his generation!**" It is evident how highly regarded Lu Ji was at that time! However, he mingled with the elite, had a good relationship with Jia Mi, and was criticized for seeking promotion. He left behind over three hundred articles that have been passed down through the ages.
Sun Zheng, with the courtesy name Xianshi, was from Fuyang, Zhejiang. He was a talented writer and served as a Huangmen Lang in the state of Wu. During Sun Hao's reign, many courtiers fell out of favor with the emperor, but Sun Zheng and Gu Rong managed to save themselves with their intelligence. After the fall of Wu, Sun Zheng became the magistrate of Zhuo County and achieved notable achievements in governance. Later, he was falsely accused by Meng Jiu and others, arrested, tortured to the point that his ankle bones were visible, but he remained steadfast in his testimony. His students Fei Ci and Zai Yi went to the prison to defend him, but Sun Zheng advised them to leave, saying: "**My innocence cannot be distorted, so why should you worry?**" Fei Ci and Zai Yi replied: "**How can we betray you?**" In the end, Sun Zheng died in prison, and Fei Ci and Zai Yi also met their end as martyrs.
Lu Yun, courtesy name Shilong, could write by the age of six. He was honest and exceptionally talented. When he was young, he was renowned alongside his brother Lu Ji. Though his writing did not match Lu Ji's, his debating skills surpassed Lu Ji's, and people called them "Er Lu" (the two Lus). When Lu Yun was seen by Minister Min Hong of the State of Wu, he was taken aback and said, "If this child isn’t a dragon, he must surely be a phoenix!" Later, at sixteen, Lu Yun was recognized as a virtuous individual. After the State of Wu was destroyed, he went to Luoyang. When Lu Ji paid his first visit to Zhang Hua, Zhang Hua asked where Lu Yun was. Lu Ji said, "Lu Yun has a laughing condition and dares not come to see you." Soon after, Lu Yun arrived. Zhang Hua was quite particular about his appearance and liked to wrap ribbons around his beard. Upon seeing him, Lu Yun couldn't help but burst into laughter and couldn't stop. Earlier, Lu Yun had once worn mourning clothes on a boat, and when he saw his reflection in the water, he laughed so hard that he fell into the water, but fortunately, he was rescued. Lu Yun and Xun Yin were not previously acquainted. One time, while they were guests at Zhang Hua's home, Zhang Hua said, "Today you two meet, let's not discuss mundane matters." Lu Yun then said, "I am Lu Shilong from Jiangnan." Xun Yin said, "I am Xun Minghe from the land of the sun." "Minghe" was Xun Yin's courtesy name. Lu Yun then said, "Now that we've broadened our horizons and seen the beautiful pheasants, why not draw the bow and shoot?" Xun Yin replied, "I originally thought it was a majestic dragon, but it turned out to be a small deer. The prey may be small, but the bow is strong, so I have been reluctant to shoot." Zhang Hua clapped his hands and laughed. The governor Zhou Jun appointed Lu Yun as an official and said to others, "Lu Shilong is the Yan Hui of our time!" I was appointed as an official in the government office and later was sent to serve as the county magistrate of Junyi County. Junyi County was notorious for its difficulty in governance. After I took office, I enforced the law seriously and sternly, and the common folk dared not deceive. The market transactions were fair, and there was no price manipulation.
One day, a murder occurred and the killer's identity was unknown. I discovered it was the victim's wife, but I didn't question her right away; instead, I let her go. More than ten days later, I secretly sent my men to follow her and instructed them, "She will not go more than ten miles away; there will be a man waiting for her. Capture her and that man together when the time comes." As expected, they captured the man. Upon interrogation, he confessed to having an affair with the victim’s wife, and the two conspired to murder the victim. He heard that his wife had been released and wanted to meet her privately, but feared being discovered too close to the county, so they arranged to meet far away. After this incident, everyone in the county praised my cleverness.
The county magistrate envied my abilities and constantly nitpicked at me. In the end, I simply resigned. The people missed me dearly and even painted my portrait and enshrined it in the county temple.
Later, I was appointed as the Langzhongling under King Wu Yan. King Wu Yan built a luxurious mansion in the West Garden, and I submitted a memorial advising, "I believe that Emperor Wuzong was known for his humility and caution, encouraging frugality among the people. He was emperor for twenty-six years and did not build any new palaces or towers, repeatedly issuing warnings against extravagance and waste. We are now continuing his legacy and should follow his teachings, but the current social atmosphere is deteriorating, with people all striving for luxurious living, and extravagance and waste becoming increasingly prevalent. Even though the emperor has repeatedly issued warnings against it, this trend seems unstoppable. Every time people see the imperial edict, they can only sigh.
When Prince Qinghe was constructing his tomb, he even wrote a letter recounting the late emperor's teachings on frugality, spreading his sincere intentions across the nation. In response to the emperor's decree, Prince Qinghe even destroyed the already built house, bringing solace to the whole nation.
Your Majesty, I am but a humble servant. I believe that the late emperor's teachings are increasingly being neglected nowadays. Only you, Your Highness, can now champion frugality for the nation and carry on the late emperor's legacy. We can only educate the populace by setting a good example and embracing simplicity. All matters related to the construction of palaces should strictly manage expenses to align with the emperor's wishes and meet the people's expectations. While I may lack talent and knowledge, I am grateful for your grace and hope to repay it with my loyalty. Thus, I take the liberty to voice my thoughts. I hope you will overlook any shortcomings in my words. If my suggestions are of any value, I hope you will consider them thoughtfully.
It is said that Prime Minister Yan trusts his subordinates very much, so he sent them to investigate the finances of various departments. He then wrote in a memorial, "I have seen your order to have Li Xian, Feng Nan, Sima Wu Ding, and Shi Xu Tai inspect the financial records of various departments. I believe that Your Majesty's virtuous governance is like the rise of a dragon, the nation is strong, and the officials selected are all talented individuals, and the people are diligent in their work. The middle-ranking officials and large farmers are all honest and responsible, and their subordinates are also ordinary people. Although there may be some oversights and shortcomings, overall they can be fair and honest, without major mistakes. Li Xian and Feng Nan are just small figures in the military camp, while Wu Ding and Xu Tai are merely soldiers and servants; they lack a reputation for integrity and loyalty. Sending ministers to investigate makes them feel that the situation is unclear, and they need to send Li Xian and others to re-inspect before they can believe it. This not only goes against the principle of not using small-minded people when founding the country, but also damages Your Highness's open and generous mind. Even if Li Xian and others can work diligently and make a hundred times the effort for the country, making a huge contribution, it is not as effective as trusting subordinates openly and sincerely. Moreover, this approach can only bring temporary benefits at most, but it allows small-minded people to hold power. In the long run, the country's future will be jeopardized, which is why I feel deeply distressed. As a minister, my responsibility is to offer advice and suggestions; as long as I have ideas, I will boldly speak up. I believe that this order should be revoked, and this kind of auditing should be halted, with all matters handed over to the Ministry of Administration to handle, so that trust can be established between superiors and subordinates, and everyone will work diligently."
"'Virtuous governance leads to the rise of a dragon, only with a great country,' what a magnificent sight!" Prime Minister Yan wrote in the memorial, meaning that our country is thriving now, with many talented individuals. He continued, "Those middle-ranking officials and large farmers are all good officials, and most of their subordinates are honest and diligent; although there may be minor flaws, overall there are no major issues."
"But you insist on sending Li Xian and the others to check the accounts. They are all just low-ranking officials; what kind of experience do they even have? This shows a lack of trust! You sent ministers to investigate before, but they didn't find anything. Now you're sending these small characters to recheck; doesn't this imply that the ministers are failing in their duties? This could really damage your reputation! Even if they truly find something, the potential gains from their findings won't outweigh the benefits of trusting your subordinates. It might only empower the unscrupulous and lead to trouble!" Prime Minister Yan spoke passionately, "As a minister, I can't bear to see this, that's why I'm compelled to advise you in writing!" Lord Yun is particularly devoted to nurturing talent and has made numerous recommendations.
He wrote a letter to Tai Chang Fu, recommending his fellow villager Zhang Shan. The letter reads: "I have heard that in ancient times, the wise kings all governed the world in accordance with the will of heaven, vigorously promoting good virtues, thinking about how to harmonize relations between humans and gods. They all valued the system of rites and music to educate the people, establishing ritual music education to elevate people's moral cultivation. That's why Emperor Yao could shine brilliantly, with his righteousness reaching heaven and earth, and King Wen of Zhou could govern with culture, allowing the Zhou Dynasty to continue for two generations. Now that the Great Jin Dynasty has been established, with sacrifices to heaven and earth, the country unified, the system of rites and music should also flourish. Your Excellency, you are in this prosperous era, shouldering the important task of assisting the king and following the will of heaven; you should recruit talents widely and promote the system of rites and music. I have found that the scholar of the General's Mansion, also my fellow villager Zhang Shan, has noble character and quick thinking. He has looked up to the sages since childhood, dedicated himself to his studies, gradually improving, eventually entering the core of the court. He immerses himself in ancient texts, is well-read, and his writing is exceptional. He serves in the court, modest and reserved, yet overflowing with talent. Although he holds a lowly position, he harbors great ambitions, quietly building his skills, waiting for the right opportunity. Those high-ranking officials all regret not recognizing his talents. Now is a good opportunity for the court to recruit talents; with peace throughout the country, everyone is looking for talents, this is the perfect moment for someone like Zhang Shan to emerge. But he has remained largely unnoticed, and everyone feels sorry for him. If he could be appointed to the Imperial Academy, study the classics, and display his talents in the court, he would truly be a gem for the court! By then, he will be able to make contributions to the country in the court!"
"In ancient times, it is said that the holy king who inherited the mandate of Heaven promoted virtue and harmony between people and the divine. All respected the teachings and followed the rituals to educate their thoughts, and cultivated the rites and studied to nurture their minds. Thus, Emperor Yao radiated brilliance, harmonizing humanity with the heavens, and the Duke of Zhou upheld culture and prospered in two generations. The great Jin dynasty was established, honoring the heavens and the earth, blending the Xia and Shang dynasties, and the rites and music flourished. Princes and nobles should align with the cycle of fate, praise the will of heaven and man, attract talents and foster excellence, and carry forward the traditions."
"I have seen Zhang Shan, a retainer of General Wei and a fellow villager, a man of great virtue and deep understanding. Initially drawn to the sacred teachings, he settled his heart with determination, opened the path and ascended the ranks, and then reached the core. He drew inspiration from the hidden palace and adorned himself with golden finery, appreciated the music of the Hundred Schools, and collected their treasures; his words surpassed the Imperial Academy, and his speech was eloquent. He delved into the obscure and collected the rare, pondered deeply and connected with the divine; his discussions on the Way were included in books, and his essays shone brightly. He held strange treasures in his government office, and his public gate was grand. He resided in quiet seclusion with hidden treasures; he wore embroidered silk robes and was draped in jade. He changed his path like a flowing spring, his carriage was ready to move, he descended from the high position, and his years were marked by frequent changes."
"The gentlemen of the literati class carried with them feelings of regret and resentment. Currently, the Taiqing Hall is open, the four gates are unlocked, the mysterious principles embrace the earth, and the heavenly net is cast wide; the auspicious clouds rise to summon dragons, and the harmonious winds lift the phoenix. Truly, it is the season of brilliance in the caves and the day of the river crossing. Yet, Shan's descent to a lower position is mourned by many. If he were appointed to the Imperial Academy, he would be able to combine and refine the classics; if he were granted the honor of discussing the Way in the Purple Palace, he would truly become a treasure of the imperial family and a great instrument of the sacred temple. With the nine performances of Guangle, he is destined to ascend to the heavenly court; with the six variations of Shao and Xia, he will surely partake in the sacrifice to the gods."
"He initially served as a Gentleman in the imperial court, a Censor, a Junior Attendant to the Crown Prince, and a Deputy Director of the Palace Library, and his official position grew larger. Later, Prince Chengdu, Sima Ying, recommended him to be the Interior Minister of Qinghe. Sima Ying wanted to attack Prince Qi, Sima Rong, so he appointed Shi Le as the vanguard commander, leading the troops into battle. As a result, Sima Rong was killed, Shi Le was promoted, and became the Grand General and Right Sima."
But later, Sima Ying grew older and his political abilities began to wane. Shi Le offended him by frequently speaking out and offering unsolicited advice. A man named Meng Jiu wanted to secure his father's appointment as the county magistrate in Handan. Left Chief Lu Zhi and others also buttered up Meng Jiu, hoping to make his wish come true. However, Shi Le firmly disagreed, stating, "County magistrates in Handan can only be appointed by court officials. How can we let the father of a Yellow Gate Attendant take that position?" Meng Jiu was furious and bore a grudge against Shi Le. Later on, when Zhang Chang rebelled, Sima Ying appointed Shi Le as the Commissioner, Grand Commander, and Vanguard General to lead the campaign against him. However, just as they were preparing to attack the King of Changsha, the campaign against Zhang Chang was temporarily halted.
Oh, Lu Ji was defeated this time and will be executed alongside others. Jiang Tong, Cai Ke, and Zao Song, these officials wrote to the Yingchuan Prefect, saying, "We have heard that you are wise and martial, and we all do our best. We do not dare to withhold our thoughts. Previously, we heard that you wanted to punish Lu Ji for delaying the battle and causing the army to be defeated. Everyone thought this was appropriate; indeed, it could rectify the army and deter the four directions, the saying goes, 'punishing one serves as a warning to all.' However, we heard that you believed Lu Ji was plotting rebellion and wanted to exterminate his entire family. Many people do not understand the reasoning behind this. When the court rewards people, it is to share joy together; punishing wrongdoers publicly serves to reject evil together. Therefore, punishment has always been very cautious. Now you are raising troops to suppress the bandits in order to pacify the country in peril; the entire nation stands united in response. The fate of criminals hangs by a thread, and a peaceful and prosperous era is imminent. The Lu brothers have been favored by you, shouldering important responsibilities; they should not betray your kindness by siding with the soon-to-be-defeated enemies, giving up a stable life and taking great risks. Just because Lu Ji's strategy is too superficial, he cannot command the generals well, resulting in failure to kill the enemy successfully. There are some ambiguities in his decisions, so you have not seen the truth of the matter. Executing someone is a major event. Claiming that Lu Ji shows signs of rebellion, Wang Cui and Qian Xiu should investigate clearly. Wait until the truth is made public, then punish Lu Ji; it is not too late. This current approach is too harsh. If handled properly, everyone will believe it. If handled improperly, people's hearts will disperse. This must be considered carefully and approached with caution! We, as minor officials, are not just pleading for Lu Ji alone, but are worried about the pros and cons of doing so. We dare to speak out just to avoid criticism in the future." The Yingchuan Prefect ignored them. They requested again, and the Yingchuan Prefect hesitated for three days. Lu Zhi said, "Before, Zhao Wang killed the middle army guard Zhao Jun, but pardoned his son Zhao Xiang. Zhao Xiang later fled to you and attacked Zhao Wang together. This is an example!" Cai Ke rushed to the Yingchuan Prefect, bowing his head until he bled, saying, "Lu Ji is resented by Meng Jiu; everyone knows this. Now killing him without clarifying the charges will make everyone doubt. I worry for you!" Several dozen officials who followed Cai Ke in also cried for mercy. The Yingchuan Prefect began to waver and seemed to want to spare Lu Ji. Meng Jiu urged the Yingchuan Prefect to act swiftly against Lu Ji. At that time, Lu Ji was forty-two years old, with two daughters and no sons. His students and former subordinates carried his body back to his hometown of Qinghe for burial, built a tomb, erected a monument in his memory, and worshipped him throughout the four seasons. He wrote three hundred and forty-nine articles and ten chapters of "New Book," which have been passed down through the ages.
At first, Lu Yun went on a trip and stayed overnight near a friend's house. As night fell, he got lost and didn’t know which way to go. Suddenly, he saw a flickering light in the grass and hurried over. He arrived at a house and asked to stay the night. He saw a young man who was very handsome, and their conversation was profound and philosophical. As dawn approached, Lu Yun bid farewell and left, walking over ten miles to his friend's house. It was only then that Lu Yun realized there were no signs of life along that stretch. So, he went back to find the place he had stayed the previous night and discovered that it turned out to be the tomb of Wang Bi. Lu Yun had little knowledge of metaphysics before, but after that discussion on Laozi, his understanding deepened significantly.
Lu Yun's younger brother, Lu Dan, served as the Pingdong Priest and was well-respected. Later, he was killed along with Lu Yun. General Sun Hui, an officer serving under the Grand General, wrote to Zhu Dan, the Interior Minister of Huainan, stating, "I never expected that brothers Lu Ji and Lu Yun were secretly involved in court politics and were tragically killed in an instant. Their studies were cut short, and the pain of their loss is beyond words. The country has lost such exceptional talents, and the grief is beyond words!" It can be seen that the local community mourned deeply for the deaths of Lu Ji and Lu Yun. Later, Prince Sima Yue of Donghai attacked Yingzhou and issued a nationwide proclamation, accusing Yingzhou of the murders of brothers Lu Ji and Lu Yun.
Lu Xi, also known by his courtesy name Gongzhong. His father, Lu Mao, served as the Minister of Personnel in the State of Wu. Lu Xi held various official positions in Wu, eventually rising to Minister of Personnel. He gained fame at a young age for his studiousness and talent. He once wrote an autobiography, the gist of which is as follows: "After Liu Xiang read 'Xinyu', he wrote 'Xin Xu', and after Huan Tan read 'Xin Xu', he wrote 'Xin Lun'. I, feeling unworthy, was inspired by Ziyun's 'Fayan' to write 'Yandao', admired Jia Yi's talent, which led me to write 'Fang Lun', studied 'Hong Fan' by Zizheng and subsequently wrote 'Ancient and Modern History', referenced Jiang Zitong's 'Wanji' before writing 'Shenji', and after reading 'Youtong', 'Sixuan', and 'Sichou', I wrote 'Yubin' and 'Jiusi', feeling truly ashamed!" He authored nearly a hundred works.
Wu Ping wrote a book called "Qing Lun of Xizhou," which has been passed down to this day. He used Zhuge Liang's tone to express his own views. There is an article in the book called "On Comparative Quality," which says: "Someone asked me if Xue Ying is the top national scholar? I answered, 'Logically speaking, his ranking is probably around fourth or fifth.' The person asking was very surprised and asked again, 'Then who do you think is the most powerful?' I replied, 'Sun Hao, that tyrant—cruel and unscrupulous, like a hidden dragon or a crouching tiger, quietly lurking, deeply concealed, making him hard to fathom, that is the first place.' 'Content with a life of seclusion, not chasing after high office or wealth, content with farming, peaceful and low desires, indifferent to fame and fortune, this is the second place.' 'Open and honest, dedicated to the country, wishing to contribute to its governance, not fearing the powerful, daring to speak directly, not afraid of power during their rule, this is the third place.' 'Able to adjust strategies according to changes in the situation, able to showcase their talents even in chaotic times, always loyal to the country, and timely proposing some beneficial suggestions, this is the fourth place.' 'Gentle and respectful, cautious and careful, not flattering, although without outstanding achievements, able to safeguard their own well-being, this is the fifth place.' 'Those who surpass these five are not worth mentioning again. Therefore, those ranked in the top two often remain obscure and later regret it; while those ranked third and beyond, although they have gained a certain reputation and status, are also more likely to invite trouble. Therefore, truly wise individuals conceal their brilliance and adopt a gentle, unassuming demeanor.' The person asking said, 'I have gained so much from your insightful words today; I will remember them for a lifetime!'"
During the Taikang period, the court issued an edict, stating: "The false Grand Secretary Lu Xi and fifteen others, known as loyal and upright scholars in the south, were unable to find their footing in Sun Hao's court because of their integrity and honesty. Some were punished for their loyalty, while others retreated to the mountains to engage in self-cultivation. The court decided to demote them and reappoint them to their original official ranks, instructing all regions to treat them with respect, escort them to their new positions, and rearrange their duties based on their abilities." Thus, Lu Xi was appointed as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance, but soon passed away. His son Lu Yu later became Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat and the Prefect of Yiyang.
Ancient people said: "Even if the talents of the state of Chu are abundant, the state of Jin will also value them." Consider the two brothers Lu Ji and Lu Yun, the pillars of Jingzhou and Hengzhou, brilliant and exceptional since childhood, graceful and distinguished, standing out in their time, with eloquent and passionate speeches seldom matched throughout history. Their writings are extraordinarily brilliant, shining like a bright moon; their rhetoric unfolds in layers, grand like overlapping mountains. Their articles are clear and structured, like lightning piercing the sky, melting frost and snow; their sentences flow effortlessly, like pearls on a string, harmonious like fine jade. Their writings are profound and elegant, with meanings that are both broad and clear, far surpassing Mei Cheng and Sima Xiangru, on par with Wang Bao and Liu Xiang, making them unparalleled figures in the literary world for centuries.
Their distinguished ancestors held power in the state of Wu, excelling in both civil and military roles, serving as generals for generations. Lu Ji possessed the talent for governing the nation and serving the people, a pillar of the country, who should have inherited his ancestors' glory, assisted the monarch, showcased his talents, and achieved merit. Unfortunately, with the fall of the state of Wu and the loss of Jinling, the monarch was killed, their family was destroyed, and they were forced to migrate south. Like birds migrating south and fish swimming upstream, they all met their end in those chaotic times. As a result, the two Lu brothers died young, leading to the family's decline. With their aspirations unfulfilled, they died prematurely—a true tragedy!
A person's standing in society should be based on accomplishments; in politics, one should aspire to wealth and prestige. However, everyone wants wealth and prestige while trying to avoid disaster and disgrace. Therefore, preserving a good reputation in a stable environment is the mark of a true gentleman; a wise person wouldn’t risk danger in the pursuit of wealth and status. Just like orchids growing by the roadside will not stay green for long, while osmanthus trees growing in quiet valleys will remain vibrant red for a long time. This is not because orchids dislike the roadside or osmanthus trees prefer valleys, but because their different environments lead to different destinies. Therefore, boasting about one’s talents rarely leads to lasting stability; hiding talents and choosing the right time is what ensures self-preservation.
Looking at the experiences of Lu Ji and Lu Yun, their wisdom pales in comparison to their remarkable writings. From their experiences, we learn a truth: knowing is easy, but doing is hard. They believed their exceptional talents were enough to establish themselves, assist the ruler, maintain their reputation, and honor their ancestors. Yet, they failed to recognize the social unrest and uncertainty of their times. They could neither uphold justice nor withdraw to save themselves, instead wholeheartedly serving a troubled country and assisting a foolish ruler. Their loyalty went unrecognized, and instead they were met with slander and suspicion, ultimately leading to their premature deaths and the decline of their family. Just like the dog from Shangcai that failed to learn its lesson, and the crane from Huating ultimately regretting its choices. It’s truly regrettable that the Lu family ultimately died out! Three generations of generals, yet the disaster persisted for their descendants; executing and betraying ministers is ill-fated, with calamity affecting future generations.
Therefore, the Battle of Xiling marked the beginning of this disaster, while the Battle of Heqiao marked its end. This is fate—can it really be swayed by human effort?!
