Kong Yu, whose courtesy name is Jingkang, hailed from Shanyin, Shaoxing, Zhejiang. His ancestors lived in Liang State. His great-grandfather, Kong Qian, served as the Crown Prince's Tutor, and in the late Han Dynasty, to escape the turmoil of war, he fled to Kuaiji where he settled down. His grandfather, Kong Zhu, served as the Prefect of Yuzhang in the State of Wu, his father, Kong Tian, served as the Prefect of Xiangdong, and his cousin Kong Kan served as the Grand Minister of Agriculture. Their family was well-known in the Jiangnan region. Kong Yu became an orphan at the age of thirteen, and his filial piety towards his grandmother was well-known. Along with his fellow townspeople Zhang Mao (courtesy name Weikang) and Ding Tan (courtesy name Shikang), they were known as the "Three Kangs of Kuaiji."
After the fall of Wu, Kong Yu moved to Luoyang. Towards the end of Emperor Hui's reign, he returned to his hometown. While traveling to the Jianghuai region, he encountered the rebellion of Shi Bing and Feng Yun. Feng Yun forced Kong Yu to join the army, but he refused. Feng Yun intended to kill him, but luckily his sergeant Zhang Tong saved him, allowing him to escape. He returned to Kuaiji, hid in Xin'an Mountain, changed his surname to Sun, and made a living by farming and studying, earning a solid reputation in the community. Later, he mysteriously vanished, and people believed he was a deity, and a shrine was erected in his honor.
During the Yongjia period, Emperor Yuan appointed Kong Yu as a military officer under the title of General of Peace in the East to guard Yangzhou. Despite a thorough search by relatives and friends, he remained elusive. It was not until the early years of Jianxing that he responded to the imperial summons. He served as an aide to the Prime Minister, then was promoted to Commandant of the Cavalry and participated in military affairs under the Prime Minister. By then, he was already in his fifties. Due to his achievements in the campaign against Hua Yi, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Yubuting.
Once, when passing by Yubuting, Kong Yu saw someone selling turtles in cages on the road, so he bought them and released them into a stream. The turtle swam to the center of the river and turned back several times to glance at him. Later, when he had his marquis seal cast, the turtle design on the seal also featured a similar glance, and this happened three times. The craftsmen informed him of this, and upon hearing this, Kong Yu finally understood and took great joy in wearing the seal.
The emperor appointed him as the Prince of Jin and also let him concurrently serve in an important position in the Imperial Secretariat. At that time, the two powerful figures Diao Xie and Liu Wei dominated the court, while Wang Dao was pushed far away by them. Xie An candidly told the emperor that Wang Dao was not only loyal but also had made significant contributions, serving as a major contributor to the emperor's success, and thus his opinions should be valued in all matters. As a result, the emperor was displeased and exiled him, appointing him as the Left Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Personnel, and later he was gradually promoted to the position of Administrator of Wuxing.
Later, when Shen Chong rebelled, Xie An resigned from his post and returned to the capital. The emperor appointed him as the Deputy Imperial Censor, and later he was promoted to Palace Attendant and Minister of Rites. When Su Jun rebelled, Xie An, dressed in court attire, stood firm in the ancestral temple, performing his duties diligently. Years ago, when Xie An served as the Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, he did not make an exception for General Wen Qiao's mother's funeral, who could not be buried due to the chaos of war. After Su Jun's rebellion was quelled, Wen Qiao was highly rewarded for his achievements, and Xie An specifically visited him in Shitoucheng. Wen Qiao tightly held Xie An's hand and tearfully said, "In this great chaos of the world, the path of loyalty and filial piety has been lost. Only you have been able to uphold the principles of the ancients, standing tall like a pine tree in winter!" At that time, people praised Wen Qiao for his respect for Xie An's integrity despite being a high-ranking official in the court.
Not long after, Xie An was appointed as the Grand Master of Writing and was promoted to the position of General of Annan and Inspector of Jiangzhou, but he declined to take up the post. He was later appointed as the Right Chief Clerk of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently leading the Donghai Prince's army. Shortly thereafter, he was soon promoted to Left Chief Clerk.
In the year 334 AD, the emperor issued a decree saying, "The Grand Minister of Works, Lu Wan, and the Minister of Justice, Su Yu, you both have diligently remained in your posts, without needing to toil for your own sustenance. You are individuals recognized as talents by the previous dynasty, so I will reward Lu Wan with thirty trusted aides, and Su Yu with twenty trusted aides, as well as some wealth." Su Yu firmly declined in a memorial, despite the emperor's repeated decrees. Su Yu once again stated in a memorial, "I am of mediocre ability, yet have fortunately occupied a high position in the court, and my efficiency in handling affairs is low, which brings no benefit to the court. The strong enemies have not been eliminated, border battles continue, government affairs are heavy, the people are suffering, corrupt officials are rampant, and the lawless run rampant. After the previous great disaster, the treasury is empty, rewards for the deserving are insufficient, the suffering people receive no relief, complaints are widespread, and the very heavens and earth shake. We should streamline the administration, reduce officials, lower salaries, be diligent in caring for the people, and help them through difficult times. We officials cannot rectify education, reform the judicial system, yet be content with high positions, coveting rewards, enjoying salaries without merit. Disasters will surely befall us. I dare not accept these special favors, lest I incur great guilt." The emperor finally agreed to his request.
When Wang Dao heard about this, he strongly disagreed and said to Su Yu in court, "You mentioned corrupt officials and lawless people, who is responsible for these calamities?" Su Yu wanted to elaborate on the gains and losses of the court, but Lu Wan quickly stopped him. Later, Wang Dao wanted Zhao Yin to serve as the commander of the guards, Su Yu said to Wang Dao, "Since the restoration of the dynasty, only Zhou Boren and Ying Siyuan have held this position. Now there is indeed a lack of talent, how can Zhao Yin be entrusted with such an important role?" Wang Dao did not heed his advice. Su Yu was steadfast in his principles. This unwavering stance is precisely why Wang Dao held resentment towards him.
Later, he was promoted to the position of Left and Right Vice Ministers, and then became the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. As he grew older, he repeatedly requested retirement, but the emperor did not allow it. So he was reassigned as the General of the Imperial Guard, and was also given the title of Cavalier Attendant. He was then transferred to the position of General of the Army, with the additional title of Grandee of the Golden Purple, and also served as the Ritual Master of the Imperial Academy. Shortly after, he was reassigned as the General Who Guards the Army, the Governor of Kuaiji, and was also given the title of Cavalier Attendant. In Kuaiji's Juzhang County, there was an old water reservoir from the Han Dynasty that had been abandoned for many centuries. During his inspection, he personally oversaw the restoration of the old dam, irrigating more than two hundred acres of land, turning it into fertile fields. After serving in the county for three years, he bought a few acres of land at the foot of Mount Houshan in Shanyin County, and built a few thatched houses, where he retired. He refused all the money and gifts sent to him. Before his death, he left a will stating he wished to be buried in plain clothes and would not accept any money sent by the villagers. He passed away at the age of seventy-five in the eighth year of the Xiankang era. The court posthumously appointed him as General of Chariots and Cavalry, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title "Zheng."
He had three sons: Kong Xun, Kong Wang, and Kong Anguo. Kong Xun inherited his title and became the Administrator of Jian'an. Kong Xun's grandson, Kong Jing, styled Jigong, served two terms as the Interior Minister of Kuaiji, and later rose to the position of Supervisor of the Left of the Imperial Secretariat, with the additional title of Rear General.
Kong Wang, styled Deze, was studious, ambitious, and principled. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowu, he held the position of Court Attendant. At that time, there was a corrupt official named Ru Qianqiu, who gained favor with Prince Daozi of Kuaiji through flattery. Kong Wang repeatedly advised the emperor, but his advice went unheeded. He was later appointed as the Minister of Ceremonies of the Imperial Secretariat, but due to disagreements with the emperor, he requested reassignment. He was appointed as a Prefect, Commander of Military Affairs in Jianguang, General Who Conquers the Caitiffs, General of the Central Pacification of the Yue, and Governor of Guangzhou. He achieved significant success in his administration and became well-known in the Lingnan region. He passed away in the seventeenth year of Taiyuan.
Kong Anguo, with the courtesy name Anguo, was over thirty years younger than his older brothers. His brothers were not particularly talented or well-known, living off the family's wealth, whereas only Kong Anguo and Kong Wang were raised in poverty and frugality. Kong Wang was known for his integrity and righteousness, while Kong Anguo was renowned for his refinement and simplicity. During Emperor Xiaowu's reign, he received favor from the emperor and rose to the positions of Attendant of the Palace and Minister of Ceremonies. When Emperor Xiaowu passed away, Kong Anguo, who was already frail, wore mourning clothes and cried for several days, earning the admiration of those who viewed him as exceptionally filial. Later, he served as the Governor of Kuaiji and General of the Army. During the Long'an era of Emperor An, a decree praised Kong Anguo for his honesty and integrity, noting his reputation, allowing him to continue as General of the East Sea Prince's army, serving as a bridge among people, grounded in benevolence and effective use of talent. He later held the position of Left and Right Vice Ministers of the Imperial Secretariat. He died in the fourth year of Yixi and was posthumously awarded the title of Left Guanglu Daifu by the court.
Zhou Zhi's grandfather had a high status. Later, Zhou Zhi became the assistant historian under Governor Zhou Zha. However, Zhou Zha was murdered by Shen Chong, and at that time, none of Zhou Zha's friends or subordinates dared to come near him. In spite of the danger, Zhou Zhi personally organized the funeral and sent Zhou Zha back to his hometown Yixing. People at the time admired him for his sense of righteousness.
Zhou Tan, also known by his courtesy name Junping. His grandfather Zhou Chong was the Prefect of Danyang, and his father Zhou Kan was the Minister of Agriculture. From a young age, Zhou Tan was known for his integrity and held in high regard, proficient in the "Spring and Autumn Annals of Master Zuo," and an accomplished writer. When Prince Sima Rui of Jin (later Emperor Yuan) was the Prince of Jin, he appointed Zhou Tan as the teacher of the crown prince. After the Eastern Palace was completed, Zhou Tan was promoted to the position of attendant to the Crown Prince, and later promoted to Gentleman in the Ministry of Personnel. At that time, all newly appointed officials had to take exams. The Emperor himself asked him, "Should Wuxing County still recommend candidates for filial piety and integrity?" Zhou Tan replied, "These four charges have no bearing. Everyone knows the story of killing Gun to establish Yu. Xu Fu's rebellion is his own matter; how could that possibly affect other virtuous individuals in the county?" The Emperor then asked, "Traitors and villains who commit regicide, defile the palace; this is the most serious crime. The four criteria for recommending filial and incorrupt candidates in the past have been abolished; what should we base our recommendations on now?" Zhou Tan replied, "Ji Pingzi drove away Duke Zhao of Lu; does this mean we should abolish Confucius' selection criteria?" The Emperor was unable to stump him in the end.
Due to the chaos of war before, in order to appease the people, those recommended as candidates for filial piety and integrity from distant regions were exempt from taking exams and were appointed directly. At this time, the Emperor restored the old system, and everyone had to take the Confucian classics exam. Those who failed would be dismissed from their positions as provincial governors and prefects. In the third year of Taixing, many people recommended as candidates for filial piety and integrity from various places dared not come, and those who did show up often feigned illness. The Emperor wanted to appoint filial and incorrupt candidates according to the previous system, while the scholars continued to adhere to the old rules. Zhou Tan submitted a memorial:
I have heard that in governing a country, education is paramount. Changing customs and educating the populace are of utmost importance. In ancient times, people would learn while tilling the fields, and within three years, they could comprehend a classic text. Even in times of peace and prosperity, progress must be gradual and cumulative. However, it has been over ten years since the turmoil began, with continuous wars and the interruption of sacrificial rituals and the cessation of learning in every household. The country has also abandoned its schools. Now, suddenly demanding examinations is inappropriate. Although the order was issued three years ago, there have been several ceremonies during this time, yet no exams have been held. The counties near Yangzhou, which are adjacent to the capital, fear repercussions for their superiors, so they dare not come. As for the remote border counties, they mislead the court, hoping to evade the exams. However, when they arrive and are summoned for the exams, they do not dare to participate. I believe that not participating in the exams and not showing up will have the same outcome. If only a portion of people are appointed, those who adhere to the laws will be at a disadvantage, while those who exploit the system will gain official positions, resulting in a decline in moral standards and harm to education. I worry that this might be where it all begins.
Oh, the emperor's words are like silk threads, but what he says is like coarse rope. His actions in changing the rules make everyone think he is short-sighted, and the people are confused when they hear it. I truly feel sorry for him! I think the emperor's orders should be consistent, and the legal system should inspire trust. Last year, when selecting talents, they were all tested with strategy questions. If someone truly can't pass the exam, there's no need to force them to attend; just let them go home without an official position. Furthermore, although the scholars were tested with strategy questions, their knowledge should also be examined. If they genuinely haven't studied, how could they answer everything all at once? There's no need to change the rules over such trivial matters, violate old customs, and come up with new ideas. I think the system should be reformed slowly based on their actual situation. The previous regulations can be clarified further, schools can be actively promoted, and the study time can be extended to five years so that everyone can study well, have unified standards, and set an example for the people. It's important to remember that honesty and laws are the foundation of good governance. Even at home, you can't change the rules overnight, let alone in matters of national importance. How can we treat such matters lightly?
After the emperor listened to my words, he accepted my suggestion. So the study time for scholars was extended to seven years, and the exams for scholars remained the same.
Later, Wanhuan was appointed to manage the affairs of the minority ethnic groups. As a result, the minority groups began accusing one another, and the court suspected Wanhuan of being biased and planned to punish him severely. Wanhuan insisted on not signing the report, so he was rebuked by the emperor and resigned to return to his hometown of Kuaiji. After some time, the court appointed him as the army commander, but he did not take up the position. He happened to be caught up in Wang Dun's rebellion, and Wanhuan and General Yutan of the Right Guard raised troops in Kuaiji to suppress Shen Chong. Once things settled down, he officially assumed the position. Wang Dao, the Governor of Yangzhou, also invited him to be his assistant.
During the Xianhe period, I was transferred to the position of Left Chancellor, which commanded considerable respect and fear in the court. Not long after, Su Jun launched a rebellion, and I, along with Sima Tao, the Minister of Works, said to Wang Dao, "Su Jun has not arrived yet; we should quickly sever the border at Fuling and defend the crucial crossing in Jiangxi. They have fewer troops than we do; a single battle will decide the outcome! If we don’t act now, Su Jun will surely reach us first. Seizing the initiative is a rare opportunity!" Wang Dao thought my words made sense. However, Yu Liang believed Su Jun would come straight for us, seeing it as a good chance to strike at the vulnerable court, so he did not adopt my strategy. As a result, Su Jun breached Gushu, plundered a large quantity of salt and rice, and only then did Yu Liang regret his decision. At that moment, I told others, "Look at Su Jun’s momentum; he’s definitely going to break through Taicheng. If it weren't for the soldiers, they wouldn't even need armor." Later, Taicheng was indeed breached, with most of the armored soldiers dying in battle, while the civilians in their everyday clothes remained unharmed. People at the time praised me for my accurate foresight.
Su Jun took the emperor hostage and fled to Shitoucheng. I quickly sought refuge with Tao Kan, who appointed me as his Chief Clerk. At that time, Tao Kan and his men were fortifying Baishilei overnight, and they were completed by daybreak. Rumor had it that Su Jun's army was formidable, and everyone was afraid of their attack. I said, "It won't happen. If Su Jun wants to attack our fortifications, there must be a northeast wind to prevent our naval forces from coming to the rescue. Today the weather is so calm, the enemy will definitely not act; they will definitely send troops to cross the Yangtze River and attack the area east of Jingkou." The result was just as I expected. At that time, Xi Jian was guarding Jingkou, and Tao Kan and his men each brought troops to meet up. When the troops arrived, I realized that summoning Xi Jian from the start was a mistake, which left the east gate vulnerable. Now we should quickly send him back; even though it was a bit late, it was better than not sending him back at all! Tao Kan and his men hesitated, but I pushed hard for it, and they finally let Xi Jian return to guard Jingkou, stationed Guo Mo at Daye, and had the valiant generals Li Hong, Cao Tong, Zhou Guang, and Guo Mo fight together. This way, the enemy's forces were spread thin, and the final result was just as I expected.
After being promoted to Governor of Wu County, Kong Tan felt that there were many talented individuals in Wu County, but feeling he was still too young and unsuitable for the role, he declined. Wang Dao and Yu Liang were still insistent on having him serve as the Intendant of Danyang. At that time, the world had just experienced wars, and the people were suffering. Kong Tan declined once again. Kong Tan said earnestly, "When the emperor passed away before, all the ministers stood by the imperial bed and accepted the will together. I, Kong Tan, have a humble position and am not even among those entrusted by the emperor. Given the country's troubles, it falls upon me, a low-ranking official, to bear the burden. I feel like meat on a chopping block, completely at the mercy of others!" With that, he stormed off. Wang Dao and the others had no choice but to give up. Later, Kong Tan was appointed as the Prefect of Wuxing, granted the title of Lord of Jinling, and promoted to the position of General Jianwei. In a year of famine, he donated his own grain to aid the impoverished, and the people were very grateful to him.
Once, Kong Tan recruited refugees from the Jianghuai region to join the army. As a result, some palace guards who had fled the chaos returned and sought refuge with Kong Tan. Unaware of their identities, Kong Tan took them in. Someone reported to the court, reporting Kong Tan for harboring rebels, which led to Kong Tan's dismissal. Shortly after, he was appointed as a court attendant.
In the inaugural year of Xiankang, Shi Cong attacked Liyang, and Wang Dao served as the Grand Marshal, leading the army to fight against Shi Cong, and requested that Kong Tan serve as his Marshal. Coincidentally, Shi Le had recently passed away, and Shi Jilong had taken over power, with both Shi Cong and Peng Biao, the Prefect of Qiao County, sending envoys to surrender. Kong Tan subsequently penned a letter to Shi Cong:
The roads between the Central Plains and the North are cut off, with a vast distance between north and south. We long for the era of peace and prosperity, but often feel hungry and cold. Several natural disasters and man-made calamities have brought suffering to the Jin dynasty, and malicious foes have seized the opportunity to instigate chaos. Though our country is weakened, fate has not yet altered. With the new emperor ascending the throne, the world should return to a peaceful and prosperous era. After more than a hundred years of hardships, the country has finally ushered in a new era of development. However, the land of Shenzhou remains in turmoil; the people are displaced and forced to bow to the barbarians, hiding in dens of wolves. The court is often worried and distressed about this situation. Divine retribution has struck, and the ringleader lies dead, yet they turn against each other. Is this the result of the people's simmering grievances, or divine retribution? Both the good and the wicked suffer alike; it is indeed a tragedy! We must feel pity for them, not take pleasure in their misfortune. The emperor is benevolent and should grant amnesty to all, except for Shi Jilong, who must be punished. Peng Biao's messenger has arrived, and I have grasped the situation. I know, General, that you despise those villains and are eager to unite against them. I feel elated, as if I have won a victory myself. You are truly wise and perceptive, making profound truths as clear as striking a hard stone! I eagerly await your swift return to court; why has there been no word yet?
The general hails from a prestigious family, once flourishing with many descendants. However, as the world shifted, the nation fell, and his family was shattered, leaving him separated from his loved ones and forced to be fostered in another family. Though he seems to enjoy favor from the puppet court, what good is it! Anyone who hears this feels regret, especially the general who has lived through it all; how can he not feel a deep anger and indignation? They are not of our kin; their thoughts surely diverge from ours. Now is the moment to reclaim our traditions and forge new accomplishments.
If the general can adopt my suggestion, declare to the allies, lead the army in the Guanzhong region, assist the army in Henan, impress the states of Zhao and Wei, and charge forward for the country, what a great achievement it would be! Even if Dou Rong defended Xihai and Qing Bu left Xiang Yu, they are far inferior compared to the general. The Emperor is wise and generous, and the Prime Minister can tolerate advice; even in the case of the controversial "shoot the hook" incident, the Emperor rewarded those who contributed. Yong Chi made a big mistake but was eventually appointed as a marquis. Moreover, General, you have not made any mistakes before, and now you have such a good opportunity; you should follow the will of heaven—why hesitate?
Now the six armies are on alert, and the land and naval forces are mobilized at the same time. The soldiers are brave, rushing to the front; once they engage in battle, they will shatter like glass. Even if they regret it afterward, it will be too late! Although I am not capable enough, I have been favored by the Emperor and trusted by the court. Although I have not done well enough, I am indeed serving the country. I am expressing my humble intentions in this letter. Things rarely go as planned, and few escape regret. General, please think more about your own well-being!
In the end, the court did not launch a northern expedition, and everyone felt a deep sense of resentment about it.
After working for several years, Tan was promoted to the position of Attendant to the Emperor. At that time, Emperor Cheng often visited the residence of Prime Minister Wang Dao to visit Wang Dao's wife, Lady Cao, treating her as if she were family. Tan advised Emperor Cheng on many occasions. At that time, Emperor Cheng had set a date for his marriage, but when the Minister of Works Wang Bin passed away, some people believed that the wedding should be postponed. Tan said, "The importance of a wedding is greater than saving an eclipse. Saving an eclipse can be postponed in the event of a funeral or if the Crown Prince falls into a well. The wedding is a grand occasion; how can it be canceled because a minister has died?" Emperor Cheng followed his advice. After Emperor Cheng reached adulthood, he still entrusted state affairs to Wang Dao, which greatly dissatisfied Tan. He took state affairs to heart and once tactfully said to Emperor Cheng, "Your Majesty is getting older, your wisdom is increasing day by day; you should listen to the opinions of courtiers extensively and consult on the way to govern the country." This offended Wang Dao, leading to Tan's demotion to Minister of Justice, which left him very unhappy. He stepped down due to illness. Later, he was appointed as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance and was promoted to the position of Minister, but he had not yet taken office.
Yun Liang went to visit his seriously ill brother Yun Bing, and Yun Bing burst into tears. Yun Bing said emotionally, "Shouldn't a great man think about the country's safety and his family before he dies? How can he cry like that?" Yun Liang immediately apologized.
Before his death, Yu Bing wrote a letter to Yu Liang: "I never expected my illness to become so severe, leaving me so weak all of a sudden. Time seems to fly by, and in the blink of an eye, I find myself at the end. The length of life is determined by fate, so what is there to be sad about! It's just that after I die, my name will also fade away. I haven't had the chance to repay the court's kindness, and I haven't accomplished what I wanted to do. That's my regret! As my uncle, you have a noble status and are renowned. I always hoped to follow you, assist you in achieving great things, unify the world, and establish great achievements in the Central Plains. This has been my lifelong dream! Now that I am dying before my time, how unfortunate it is! If there is awareness after death, I hope you will hear my heartfelt words!" After saying these words, Yu Bing passed away at the age of fifty-one. The court posthumously conferred upon him the official title of Guanglu Xun and posthumously named him "Jian."
Yu Liang replied: "The Minister of Justice, Lord Kong (referring to Yu Bing), has passed away, alas, it's too sad! I received your letter from August 15, knowing that your condition worsened and you ultimately couldn't recover. I am consumed by grief and cannot contain my emotions. You were in your prime and rarely fell ill, and even though fate is difficult to defy, this calamity came too suddenly. Moreover, you were talented, and the country needed someone like you. Now that you're gone, I am even more heartbroken. My abilities are limited, but I bear heavy responsibilities, and the nation's disgrace remains unavenged, causing me endless worry. I always hoped you could support me from afar, working together for the country, but this wish has not been fulfilled before your letter arrived. I read your letter over and over, tears streaming down my face. I deeply understand your aspirations and feel heartbroken that they could not be realized. Now that we are separated by life and death, what more is there to say? I have sent offerings, hoping you will accept them." Yu Bing's son inherited his title.
Mr. Yan's grandfather, Yan Yi, served as the magistrate of Quanjiao County and was known for his keen insight. Once, when someone delivered wine to him, Yan Yi had just taken the wine inside when he called out to the delivery person from a distance, asking, "Someone brought me two bottles of wine; why is one of them wrong?" Upon checking, they found that one bottle was actually filled with water. When asked how he figured it out, Yan Yi smiled and replied, "Wine is heavier than water, so the person carrying it would notice the difference in weight, which is how I knew." He was quite accomplished during his time in office, and after his death, the locals mourned as if they had lost a beloved mother. His father, Yan Lun, also served as a Yellow Gate Attendant.
Mr. Yan served as an official in the prefecture when he was young and later became the Minister of Personnel and a Chamberlain of the Court. When Yin Hao became the Governor of Yangzhou, he invited Mr. Yan to be his assistant. Later, Mr. Yan was promoted to the Deputy Minister of Works. At that time, the court attached great importance to Yin Hao and wanted him to confront Huan Wen, which made Huan Wen very unhappy. Yin Hao also recruited some talents from remote areas, hoping to make achievements on the border. Mr. Yan said to Yin Hao, "The current situation is very difficult; it can be said to be chaotic. You should take a step back and handle political affairs, seizing the opportunity. The emperor is busy with state affairs day and night, always thinking about strengthening the foundation and securing the borders. Where is there room for personal gain? However, those in important positions have their own agendas, and rumors are rampant. The recent weather and public sentiment are disheartening. In governing a country, guarding against rumors is more crucial than guarding against floods. Having often served by your side, I have shared my thoughts. I don't know how you plan to deal with it in the end? 'By not competing, nothing can compete with you.' This sentence must be taken seriously! I think the court should clearly divide labor, with people like Han Xin and Peng Yue responsible for military campaigns, and people like Xiao He and Cao Shen responsible for logistics support, with each person in charge of their own area. We should seriously consider the mutual respect between Lian Po and Lin Xiangru, as well as the cooperation between Qu Yuan and Shen Baoxu, so that all levels can work in harmony, and everyone is satisfied. Then we can maintain the overall situation, achieve success, and stabilize the world. As for those who have recently surrendered, they are all those with a human facade but beastly hearts, greedy and ruthless, difficult to influence with morality. They gather in the capital, mingling among the people, and you often exhaust yourself to receive them, drawing from the national treasury to support them, which will only mislead and confuse." Yin Hao deeply agreed.
When Emperor Ai ascended the throne, there were many different opinions on who should inherit the throne. Mr. Yan and Dan Yang's Yin Yu He discussed and said, "We should follow the ancestral rules; family bonds are unbreakable, and we should appoint Emperor Cheng as the heir." Many Confucian scholars believed Mr. Yan's opinion to be the best and ultimately adopted his recommendation. In the first year of Longhe, the emperor issued a decree stating, "There have been unusual astronomical phenomena; even though the Grand Astrologer had already conducted sacrifices and prayers, disasters continue to occur. I would like to personally conduct a solemn sacrifice in front of the Taiji Hall according to the 'Hongsi' system." Yan respectfully advised, "Although 'Hongsi' comes from the 'Shangshu Dachuan', previous Confucian scholars have not studied it in depth, and it has not been implemented in the past. How can such an important event of receiving divine spirits be approached ambiguously? Heaven shows no favoritism; only virtue can earn divine assistance. Your Majesty, as long as you remain respectful and care for the people, you can alleviate disasters and restore good fortune. You have already been doing this, and your virtue has moved Heaven; you have been praying for a long time. Why lower yourself to perform those trivial sacrifices? A monarch's actions should be documented; shouldn't you exercise caution?" The emperor appreciated his advice and therefore stopped the plan. Later, the emperor wanted to appoint him as the Grand Middle Judge of Yangzhou, but Yan Jing refused. The relevant authorities requested his dismissal from office, but the emperor made an exception and appointed him as a marquis and a Shangshu.
At that time, King Yi of Donghai wanted to use water buffalo to collect money in the Haiyan and Qiantang areas. The emperor initially agreed, but Yan Jing advised against it, and the emperor changed his mind. Initially, the emperor would sometimes lavishly bestow favors, using money and cloth to reward close confidants. Yan Jing then advised that all extra rewards and imperial meals should be reduced. The emperor said, "Most of the close confidants are poor, that's why they are rewarded. Now I have decided to stop. The imperial meals should also be reduced. Think it over carefully and give me a detailed report." Yan Jing made many improvements in this regard and provided the emperor with many good suggestions.
During the Taihe era, Yan Jing was promoted to Prefect of Wuxing, and his rank was raised to Zhong Erqian Shi. He was good at governing the local area and was well-loved by the people. At that time, in Yuhang, a woman sold her own son after years of famine to save her husband's nephew. In Wukang County, two brothers had pregnant wives, and the younger brother did not return after going out. Faced with famine, they could not take care of both children, so they abandoned their own child to care for their brother's child. Yan Jing praised and recognized these two acts. He also actively selected talents, and people praised him widely. Five years later, he resigned due to illness and passed away at home.
His three sons - Daomin, the Interior Minister of Xuancheng; Jingmin, the Cavalry Attendant Officer; and Fumin, the Prince's Stableman - were all eventually killed by Sun En.
Lin Qun, courtesy name Jinglin, is the child of Uncle Yan. He is very talented, but has a free-spirited and unruly nature. When Su Jun attacked Shitou City, Kuang Shu was highly trusted by Su Jun and was quite favored. Lin Qun and his cousin Lin Yu walked in Hengtang together and met Kuang Shu. Lin Yu stopped to talk to Kuang Shu, but Lin Qun didn't even look at him. Kuang Shu became furious and wanted to kill him. Lin Yu dismounted and hugged Kuang Shu, saying, "My brother is crazy, sir, please spare him!" This saved Lin Qun from death. Later, Su Jun was subdued, and Wang Dao saved Kuang Shu. Once, Wang Dao held a banquet and asked Kuang Shu to toast Lin Qun, in an effort to mend old grievances in Hengtang. Lin Qun replied, "I am not Confucius; I won't pander to the powerful like Kuang Shu. Even if spring returns to the earth and eagles turn into doves, discerning people will still dislike their eyes." Wang Dao listened and displayed a look of guilt. Lin Qun later became a minister. He had a particular fondness for drinking, and Wang Dao once advised him, saying, "You always drink; haven't you seen those worn-out cloths in the tavern? They all end up rotting after a while, don't they?" Lin Qun replied, "Haven't you seen things marinated in meat sauce last longer?" He once wrote in a letter to his relatives, "This year, we harvested seven hundred stones of millet in the fields; still not enough for making wine!" His love for alcohol was evident. In the end, Lin Qun died while in office. He had a son named Lin Chen.
Lin Chen, courtesy name Dedu, was well-regarded. He was recommended by He Chong to Wang Dao, saying, "He is quick-witted and talented, and should be given an important position." Wang Dao appointed him as Minister of State and Literary Prince of Langye, but he declined the positions. His cousin Lin Tan gave him a fox fur coat, which he initially refused. Lin Tan said, "Yan Ying was very frugal. When sacrificing to ancestors, there was only enough pork for a small piece. He wore this fox fur coat for decades, so why turn it down?" Lin Chen then accepted and wore the fox fur coat. At that time, Lin Chen was recognized alongside Wei Yi, Yu Qiu, Yu Cun, and Xie Feng as one of the four talented individuals of the Lin family.
Lin Chen's son, Lin Xin, rose to the position of Governor of Wuxing and Court Official. Lin Xin's son, Lin Linzhi, was renowned for his cursive calligraphy and also served as Governor of Wuxing and Attendant.
Ding Tan, courtesy name Shikang, was from Shan Yin in Kuaiji. His grandfather, Ding Gu, served as the Minister of State for Wu, and his father, Ding Mi, served as the Governor of Liangzhou. Ding Tan initially served as a county magistrate, was recognized for his filial piety, appointed as a Langzhong, and gradually rose to the position of Western Pavilion Supervisor under the Prime Minister. During the reign of Emperor Yuan, he submitted a memorial stating:
For a country to develop, it needs talented individuals, just as high-ranking officials must carefully assess their abilities and select the right candidates. Once the right people are chosen, they should be allowed to work in their positions for a long time, so that officials in office can be responsible, and subordinates can work with peace of mind. This is the best way to govern a country. Nowadays, officials are promoted too frequently, spending considerable sums on gifts. In ancient times, officials were assessed every three years, and based on their performance after three assessments, they were either promoted or demoted. Average officials could only work at the grassroots level, making it challenging for them to advance quickly.
In the final analysis, the army is meant to prevent wars and suppress riots. Look at the Zhou Dynasty; even with three wise monarchs, the ultimate achievement of dominance still relied on military force. In this era of turmoil, it is more important to focus on military development, carefully selecting and training elite soldiers for any eventuality to be prepared for any situation. Train them well in peacetime, and let them contribute in times of war. I heard that the condition of the soldiers is not very good now; some are privately sent to do other things, leading to insufficient military strength. Running a country is much like managing a household; it must be done within one's means, carefully considering the importance and urgency of matters, avoiding difficult tasks and cutting off unnecessary ones. The military is not yet strong enough; proper planning is necessary, gradually developing without depleting manpower and resources before securing a major victory; otherwise, it will damage the reputation.
After the emperor ascended the throne, he appointed me as the Marquis of Fuma, the Minister of the Court, and the Minister of Rites. At that time, Prince Langye had just been enfeoffed, and the emperor wanted to select talented officials from the court to serve as the prime minister of Langye, so he asked the Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, He Xun. He Xun said, "The position of Minister of the Imperial Clan is very high; the selection of personnel must be done with care. You are upright and virtuous, with noble character; the emperor values you, and your abilities indeed suit this position." So I became the Minister of the Imperial Clan of Prince Langye.
Later, Prince Langye passed away, and I submitted a memorial requesting to follow the full set of funeral rituals, stating, "According to ancient ritual regulations, there are clear rules, but in recent times, sometimes it may be simplified according to the situation. I believe it should be corrected to set a good example for future generations. I have checked the laws and regulations; for the funerals of princes and dukes, officials wear mourning attire, and after the burial, they remove the mourning clothes. Now that Langye has no heir and there is no principal mourner for the funeral, my status is humble, and I cannot bear this heavy responsibility. Having taken on this duty, I should fulfill the complete set of funeral rites." The emperor then ordered a broad consultation for opinions.
The opinion of the Grand Sacrificial Official Du Yi is: "In ancient times, there was a belief that one should refrain from discussing political matters for three years following the death of one's parents. During the Zhou Dynasty, this practice underwent changes. In the Spring and Autumn Period, the emperor and vassals would remove their mourning clothes after the burial. This marked a shift in etiquette over the span of three dynasties, so the three-year mourning period was no longer observed. Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty's decree reflected the realities of that time, and all rulers of the country should abide by it, not only the emperor. According to the ritual system, children who die young and those without heirs are to mourn longer than adults. Those with heirs would remove their mourning clothes after the burial. Now, we cannot make exceptions simply because there are no heirs. I believe I should remove my mourning clothes, preside over the sacrifices, and then privately observe filial piety for three years."
The opinion of the Grand Minister He Xun is: "According to the ritual system, the emperor and vassals are the highest rulers, and throughout history, the etiquette governing the relationship between rulers and subjects has remained consistent. Therefore, if the etiquette is elaborate, it should be observed in full, and if the etiquette is simplified, it should correspondingly be simplified. In the Spring and Autumn Period, the emperor and vassals did not mourn for three years. Subjects mourning for the monarch should also follow the mourning period of the monarch. If the monarch removes mourning clothes, subjects should do the same, and vice versa. Current laws stipulate that officials serving vassals must wear mourning attire for the monarch, but remove them after the burial. The law specifies that the mourning period for vassals differs from that of the emperor. If I continue to mourn, it will complicate the determination of the mourning period for subjects. If everyone removes mourning clothes, then no one can be an exception. In the ritual system, there are substitutes for sacrificial offerings, but not for mourning, so close relatives should mourn for the deceased, conduct sacrifices again, wear mourning clothes, and mourn for three years. If the mourning period for vassals and the emperor is the same, then if the ruler has heirs, mourning will not be complete. However, if the ruler mourns, wears plain clothes to preside over sacrifices, and refrains from auspicious matters for three years, this is to respect the law. If one wants to emulate the old system before the three dynasties, not following the law, then the mourning period for vassals would all be the same, and not just for one person."
Finally, the emperor ordered me to remove my mourning clothes, but I will privately observe filial piety in my heart for three years.
In the year 326 AD, Wang Dao was appointed as the Commander of the Cavalry, later becoming an Official of the Central Secretariat, then serving as General of Guangwu and the Prefect of Dongyang. Because of his integrity, he had a good reputation. The court summoned him to be the Left Guardian of the Crown Prince, but he declined. After Emperor Cheng ascended the throne, he appointed Wang Dao as the Cavalier Attendant and the Attendant. Later, when Su Jun rebelled and the Emperor fled to Shitoucheng, only Wang Dao, along with Attendant Zhong Ya, Liu Chao, and others, remained by the Emperor's side. After Su Jun was defeated, due to Wang Dao's contributions, he was enfeoffed as the Earl of Yong'an, promoted to Grand Master of Writing, transferred to the Ministry of Justice, and later rose several ranks to become the Left Grandee of the Palace, the Chief Sacrificer of the Imperial Academy, the Chief Minister of the State, and was also granted the title of Cavalier Attendant.
After Emperor Kang succeeded the throne, Wang Dao repeatedly requested retirement in memorial. The Emperor issued a decree allowing him to retire with the title of Grand Master of Rites, providing him with a carriage and horses, ensuring he received the same benefits as before, assigning him two officers to convey imperial edicts, rewarding him with 200,000 coins, as well as beds, bedding, and furnishings. He passed away at the age of eighty. The court posthumously honored him with the title of Attendant, keeping his official rank unchanged, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of "Jian." Wang Dao once said that Kong Jingkang had talent but a bad reputation, while Ding Shikang had a good reputation but lacked talent. His son, Wang Hua, achieved the rank of Cavalier Attendant.
Zhang Mao, whose courtesy name was Weikang, was born into a poor family. However, he was determined and upright, and was highly respected by the people in his hometown. He initially rose up to fight against the rebel Chen Bin and quelled the rebellion in the entire county. Emperor Yuan summoned him to serve as his advisor. At that time, the government was keeping dozens of old oxen for sale. Zhang Mao said, "Slaughtering the oxen is prohibited; the buyers cannot just kill them at will. These old oxen have become a burden to the people." After hearing his words, Emperor Yuan canceled the plan to sell the oxen. Later, Zhang Mao was promoted to the position of Right Guard Commander of the Crown Prince and was also appointed as the Governor of Wuxing. During the uprising led by Shen Chongzhi, Zhang Mao and his three sons were killed. Zhang Mao's younger brother, Zhang Ang, served as a general under Zhou Zha and later participated in the campaign against Zhou Zha, where he was also killed in battle. The court posthumously appointed Zhang Mao as the Grand Minister. When Zhang Mao was young, he dreamed of acquiring a large elephant, so he consulted a fortune teller. The fortune teller replied, "You will receive a high official position, but you won't meet a good end." Zhang Mao asked why, and the fortune teller said, "An elephant is a large mammal that walks, symbolizing protection, hence you know you will receive a high position. But elephants use their tusks to start fires, and you will be killed by someone." The outcome was just as the fortune teller had predicted. Tao Hui was a native of Danyang. His grandfather, Tao Ji, served as the Inspector of Jiaozhou for the state of Wu; his father, Tao Kang, served as the Attendant Officer of the Crown Prince. Tao Hui was invited to serve as the Chief Clerk in the Central Army, but he declined the invitation. Later, the Grand General Wang Dun appointed him as a military advisor, and he was subsequently promoted to the position of State Carriage Driver. After Wang Dun's death, the Minister of Works, Wang Dao, appointed him as his Attendant Officer, and later he was promoted to the position of Sima.
During Su Jun's rebellion, Tao Hui and Kong Tan advised Wang Dao to quickly send troops to guard the river mouth. This is also noted in Kong Tan's biography. When Su Jun's army was approaching, Tao Hui told Wang Dao, "Su Jun knows that Shitoucheng is heavily defended and dares not attack directly. He will definitely take the southern path around Danyang. We should set an ambush there to catch him off guard!" However, Wang Dao ignored his advice. As a result, Su Jun did indeed come from the southern path of Danyang, passing through Moling and ended up getting lost. He encountered locals who acted as guides. At that time, Su Jun was marching at night, and his troops were in chaos. Wang Dao deeply regretted not heeding Tao Hui's advice. Later, the imperial forces were defeated. Tao Hui returned to his hometown, raised a militia of over a thousand foot soldiers, and alongside Tao Kan and Wen Jiao, they launched a full-scale attack on Su Jun. They also defeated Han Huang separately and were granted the title of Earl of Kangle for their accomplishments.
At that time, right after the rebellion was suppressed, social order was chaotic. Situ Wang Dao thought that Tao Hui was very capable, so he promoted him to be a lieutenant in the Northern Army. Not long after, he was promoted to the Central Guard. After a period of time, he was promoted to General of the Conquering of the Barbarians and the Prefect of Wuxing. At that time, the common people were starving, and grain prices were alarmingly high, especially in the Jiangnan Sanwu region. The court wanted to allow the common people to buy and sell grain to address the immediate crisis. Tao Hui submitted a memorial opposing this, saying, "Currently, there is no widespread famine in the world. Only the price of grain in the east is particularly high. If we allow the buying and selling of grain, if the news gets out, the enemies from the north will definitely take advantage of it to invade the border. In my opinion, it is better to open the government granaries to aid the common people." Without waiting for the court's reply, he opened the granaries himself and took out tens of thousands of shi of grain from the government warehouses and military camps to help the victims, thus saving the people in Wuxing. Later, the court issued a decree, ordering Kuaiji and Wu counties to follow Tao Hui's practice of aiding the victims, benefiting the people of the two counties. Tao Hui held the position of Prefect of Wuxing for four years. The court summoned him to be the General of the Army and also appointed him as a Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, while retaining his position as General of the Conquering of the Barbarians.
Tao Hui was straightforward and not afraid to offend the powerful. At that time, the Prefect of Danyang, Huan Jing, was skilled at currying favor with Wang Dao and had a particularly good relationship with him. Tao Hui always sternly said that Huan Jing was not a good person and should not associate too closely with him. Once, when Mars lingered in the sky for several days, Wang Dao said to Tao Hui, "The South Dipper star corresponds to Yangzhou. Now that Mars is blocking it, should I step down to avoid misfortune?" Tao Hui immediately retorted, "You rose to the position of Prime Minister due to your noble character, assisting the wise emperor. You should be close to loyal and honest people and avoid those sly sycophants. Why are you so close to Huan Jing? How can Mars possibly clear?" After hearing this, Wang Dao was very ashamed.
In the second year of the Xianhe era, Wang Dao wanted to resign due to illness, but the Emperor refused. He was then appointed as the General of the Guard, while his other titles, such as Grand Preceptor and General of the Army, remained unchanged. However, before he could take office, he died at the age of fifty-one and was posthumously given the title "Wei." He left behind four sons: Wang, Lou, Yin, and Wuji. The eldest son, Wang, inherited the title and rose to the rank of General Supporting the State and Intendant of Xuancheng; the second son, Lou, became a Champion General; the third son, Yin, served as the Minister of Finance; and the fourth son, Wuji, served as a Palace Attendant. All the brothers held significant positions in the court and made their mark.
Historical records comment that Kong Yu and his son, Ding Tan, along with others, relied on their outstanding abilities and seized good opportunities to enter the court and serve as officials. They thrived in their official careers, held various positions, and eventually attained high-ranking positions. They publicized their achievements, provided counsel within the court, assisted the Emperor wholeheartedly, loyally defended the nation, and upheld their integrity throughout. Notably, Kong Yu turned down a substantial bribe and relinquished a large estate, choosing a simple life and exemplifying honesty and frugality. Tao Hui boldly criticized the insidious flattery of Huan Jing, emphasizing the perils of corruption and bribery, and frequently spoke candidly to address the court's shortcomings, which is highly commendable.
Praise: Yu possessed both talent and virtue, while Tan was known for his public esteem. Leading the army with grace, Pingyue was both loyal and insightful. Junping excelled in assessing the enemy, while Pengzu provided great benefits. Mao burned brightly, and the group rallied in times of crisis. Tao Hui corrected mistakes, his words were as solid as gold and stone.
