Gu He, courtesy name Junxiao, is a descendant of the Gu family, which includes the esteemed attendant Gu Rong. His great-grandfather Gu Rong held the position of governor of Wuzhou, and his grandfather Gu Xiang served as the governor of Linhai. Gu He lost his father at the age of two and exhibited a strong sense of integrity from a young age. His uncle Gu Rong valued him highly, saying, "This is the qilin of our Gu family, the one destined to bring prosperity to our clan!" At that time, another family member named Gu Qiu, who was also well-regarded, held the position of district officer. Gu Rong said to Gu Qiu, "You better work hard; Junxiao will surpass you!"
When Wang Dao was appointed as the governor of Yangzhou, he hired Gu He as an assistant. One day, when the court was about to conduct its monthly evaluation, Gu He had not yet entered, and his carriage was waiting outside the gate. Zhou Yi happened to run into him, and at that moment, Gu He was calmly picking lice, completely unbothered. After Zhou Yi walked over, he pointed at Gu He's chest and asked, "What are you thinking?" Gu He calmly replied, "It's the hardest thing to grasp." After Zhou Yi entered the palace, he told Wang Dao, "There is a very talented person among your officials." Wang Dao also held Gu He in high regard. Once, when Gu He went to visit Wang Dao, Wang Dao was feeling slightly unwell and dozed off while Gu He was there. Gu He wanted to find an opportunity to talk to Wang Dao, so he remarked to those nearby, "I often heard my uncle Gu Rong say that in the past, Zhuge Liang assisted Liu Bei and preserved the Jiangdong region. Zhuge Liang had poor health and often made people feel breathless." Hearing this, Wang Dao stirred and said to Gu He, "You are as perceptive as jade, sharp and astute, not just a local talent from the southeast but a true hero of the entire realm!" From then on, Gu He's reputation soared.
Later, Wang Dao sent assistants from eight different departments to conduct inspections across various regions, and Gu He was assigned to report on the work in the subordinate regions, where they all met Wang Dao. The other assistants reported on the strengths and weaknesses of the 2,000 stone officials from different regions, but Gu He remained silent. Wang Dao asked Gu He, "What have you discovered?" Gu He replied, "Your Excellency assists the court; even if there are oversights, it doesn't impact the bigger picture. Why waste time on petty rumors and trivial matters when governing the country?" Wang Dao was very impressed by this.
He was promoted all the way to the position of Minister of Personnel. At that time, Sima Chong, the Prince of Donghai, served as the Chief Water Commandant; he was good at selecting subordinates and appointed Liu Dan of Peigou as the Sima, while He Jiao was appointed as the Chief Scribe. At the beginning of the Yongchang period, he was appointed as the Left Chief Clerk under the Minister of Personnel. At the beginning of the Taining period, Wang Dun invited him to be his Chief Scribe, and later he was promoted to Palace Attendant, Cavalry Colonel, and Chief of the Imperial Guard. When Wang Dao served as the Inspector of Yangzhou, he also invited him to be his Attendant. He performed excellently in all the positions he held. Later, he was promoted to Cavalry Palace Attendant and then to the Ministry of Personnel. The Minister of Personnel, Xi Jian, invited him to be his Chief of Staff, and he also served as the Prefect of Jinling. At the beginning of the Xiankang period, he was appointed as the Deputy Censor, accusing Deputy Minister Dai Kang of embezzling and accepting bribes amounting to a million; Dai Kang was brought to trial. At the same time, he also dismissed the positions of Minister of Personnel Fu Wan and Gentleman Liu Yong. All the court officials feared him greatly. He was later promoted to Palace Attendant.
Earlier, after the court moved east, many old rules and regulations were missing, but the emperor's ceremonial crown was decorated with jade, coral, and various beads. He Qiao submitted a memorial stating, "The previous crown featured twelve tassels, all made of jade beads, but now they are made of various beads, which is contrary to ritual propriety. If jade beads cannot be found, white xuan beads can be used as a substitute." Emperor Cheng then ordered the Ministry of Rites to change the crafting of the crown. Prior to this, the emperor wished to bestow a title upon his nurse, Zhou Shi, in gratitude for her care, and everyone inside and outside the court was ready to comply. Only He Qiao alone advised against it, saying, "Nurse Zhou has cared for Your Majesty; her merits will not be forgotten, and as long as she is provided for like a royal relative, the favor is already quite generous. Giving her a title has no historical precedent; only Emperor Ling of Han once bestowed the title of Lady Ping on the nurse Zhao Rao, which was a personal favor granted by later emperors, not a tradition. Moreover, the actions of monarchs ought to be recorded for future generations to emulate. If improper actions are recorded, how will future generations regard them?" The emperor accepted his advice. He Qiao was later promoted to Minister of Personnel and held various positions such as leading general, Minister of Rites, and National University Libationer.
After Emperor Kang ascended to the throne, he intended to conduct sacrificial rites at the Southern and Northern Suburbs, and the ministers felt that the emperor should personally preside over the ceremonies. The emperor agreed and personally completed the grand sacrificial rites. Later, the emperor sought to promote him to Minister of the Interior, but he declined the offer, citing his mother's advanced age. The emperor issued multiple decrees urging him to reconsider, and finally allowed him to go out every night and return in the morning to work, demonstrating the high regard the emperor held for him.
Not long after, some officials in the court believed that a high-ranking official like him should not remain outside for too long. Therefore, he was appointed as the Silver Qing Guanglu Official and concurrently as the Grand Scholar. Shortly after, his mother died, and he resigned from his official position to return home to observe mourning. His devotion to filial piety became widely known. After the mourning period was over, General Wei Chu Pu recommended him to the emperor, allowing him to take up the role of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and even sent envoys to convey the imperial edict to him.
Every time the emperor urged him to assume his post, he would cry out and faint, confiding in his close friends, "In ancient times, some ministers gave up their mourning to answer the emperor's call because they were exceptional and could serve the country. Therefore, they had to consider the overall situation and sacrifice personal feelings. I'm not as capable as others under normal circumstances, let alone I am currently in a mess. How can I contribute to the country? Doing so will only show that I do not value filial piety and make people say that I am ungrateful!"
The emperor issued another decree, saying, "Officials are busy with their duties, and the position of the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat is even more important. You've left this important position vacant for too long, and I am very anxious! In the past, during the peaceful and prosperous times of the country, ministers like Shan Tao and Jia Chong gave up observing mourning and came out to serve the country; they were not willing to do so. Moreover, the country is currently in a difficult period, with many vacancies among the officials. You have already completed the mourning period; how can you refuse the urgent tasks of the court because of personal emotions?" Despite over ten memorials requesting his refusal, he refused to take office until the mourning period was officially over.
At that time, Xie Shang was the General of the Southern Zhonglang and also served as the Internal Historian of Xuancheng. He arrested the county magistrate of Jing County, Chen Gan, and executed him. His superiors believed Xie Shang had broken the law and sought to punish him. Consequently, the emperor issued a decree granting him a pardon.
He Qiao submitted a memorial accusing Xie Shang, saying, "Xie Shang had previously accused Chen Gan of corruption and bribery. According to the law, during the Jiaxu amnesty, Chen Gan could have confessed to reduce his sentence. However, Xie Shang stated in the memorial that Chen Gan was sly and treacherous, and he was immediately arrested and executed. Chen Gan's case was reported by the county and did not pertain to any military offenses, so it was not under Xie Shang's jurisdiction. Xie Shang, as a member of the imperial family with heavy responsibilities, failed to administer justice fairly. Instead, he abused his power due to personal grudges, causing anxiety and unrest among the people. Although there is a precedent for pardoning officials from other regions, violations by subordinate officials should be dealt with according to the law!" Xie Shang was the uncle of the Empress Dowager, so He Qiao's memorial was not accepted in the end.
At the same time, Sima Tong, the Prince of Runan, and Wei Chong, the Duke of Jiangxia, had been in mourning for their stepmothers for three years. He Qiao accused them in a memorial: "Rituals and laws serve to regulate social behavior and educate the populace. Therefore, rulers of all generations have attached great importance to rituals and laws to unify social order, which is the foundation of human ethics, which should remain unaltered. Ancient regulations governing mourning for parents are inviolable. Sima Tong has shown great filial piety to his stepmother, and although Wei Chong is a distant relative, he is a founding hero of the country. Therefore, they should follow the proper rituals for their mothers' funerals and not seek special treatment. If everyone believes their actions are acceptable, the country's laws will deteriorate, and the ritual system will collapse. If this trend is not corrected, how can society remain stable? They should be ordered to explain to the Ministry of Rites and retract their mourning attire. If they do not obey the Emperor's orders, they should be demoted and face penalties!" The Emperor ultimately accepted He Qiao's suggestion. Throughout his tenure, He Qiao consistently offered candid advice and refrained from flattering even the most powerful officials.
In the seventh year of Yonghe, He Qiao resigned from his official position due to illness and was appointed as Left Minister of Rites, Imperial Counsellor, and also added the position of Gentleman of the Imperial Court, while retaining the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. He died later that year at the age of sixty-four. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the titles of Shizhong and Sikong, with the posthumous title of Mu. His son He Chun later served as Shangshu Libu Lang, Geshi Huangmen Shilang, and Left Guard General.
Yuan Gui, styled Shanfu, was from Yangxia, Chen County, and was the great-grandson of Yuan Huan, the Director of the Imperial Physicians during the Wei Dynasty. Both his grandfather and father died young. Yuan Gui and his younger brother Yuan You wanted to escape the chaos of war with their mother, so they requested the court to assign them a position as county magistrates in the Jianghuai region. They were first appointed as magistrates of Lu County, then transferred to Jiangdu, and eventually made their way south. Emperor Yuan appointed him as the magistrate of Danyang County.
Once the Eastern Jin Dynasty was established, Yuan Gui was appointed as a court official and later promoted to Imperial Secretary. At that time, the body of Sima Yue, the Prince of Donghai, had already been burned by Shi Le, and his wife Pei Shi requested to summon his spirit and bury Sima Yue. The court was at a standstill regarding the matter. Yuan Gui and the scholar Fu Chun discussed this matter and believed that summoning spirits and burial were akin to burying deities, which should not be done. Emperor Yuan agreed with their opinion, allowing Pei Shi to summon the spirit and pay respects to Sima Yue, but simultaneously issued an edict forbidding such practices. Shortly after, Yuan Gui was later appointed as the Prefect of Lujiang.
Later, General Wang Dun summoned him to serve as a military advisor. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Prefect of Linchuan. After Wang Dun's death, Yuan Gui served as the military officer under General Bin Dun. Not long after, he stepped down from his official position and returned to the capital, exploring the Kuaiji region. During the rebellion of Su Jun, he and Wang Shu rallied a militia to resist, and for his meritorious service, he was granted the title of Marquis of Changhe Township, and was also called upon to serve as Gentleman of the Imperial Court, then appointed as the Minister of Agriculture, and later appointed as the Director of the Imperial Academy. After a while, he was once again appointed as Gentleman of the Imperial Court.
At that time, the world had just experienced wars and chaos, and the rites and music had fallen into decline. Yuan Gui submitted a memorial, which read:
I have heard that the former kings educated the people by promoting the system of rites and regulations, so that the influence of education would be far-reaching, clarifying the system of rites and music to benefit future generations, to guide the nature of all things and lead people down the path of goodness. After the prosperity of the Zhou Dynasty, the classics and literature shone brightly, education spread to the southern regions, and praises of the Zhou Dynasty were heard throughout the world, so all the vassals came to pay tribute to the Zhou Dynasty, and were moved by the teachings of the Book of Songs, expressing their admiration for it; Han Qi went to the state of Lu, saw the Book of Changes, and was full of praise. Why is this so? Because the fundamental way to establish people lies in this. Confucius humbly taught the disciples in the Zhusi area, Mencius inherited Confucius' teachings tirelessly, so the ideas of benevolence and righteousness continue to be passed down to this day, and the virtues of courtesy and humility can still be seen.
Ah, in the past, the country's fortunes declined, wars continued, Confucianism gradually declined, and the etiquette and rules in schools were lacking. The Imperial Academy was desolate, and the classics were neglected. Those ambitious people had nowhere to study. In the past, Cao Cao, although fighting all day, still found time to read and write poetry! Moreover, now Your Majesty is wise and martial, all officials are diligent, the country is peaceful, and the south is also peaceful, why is the atmosphere of learning so bleak? How could such a rich cultural heritage decline in a time of prosperity? As the ancients said: "The Book of Songs and the Book of Documents is a treasury of righteousness, and rites and music are the criteria of morality." We really should value classical books, study diligently, let the recitation fill the palace, let those talented and virtuous people be valued, wouldn't that be wonderful! If we could allocate some land for the Imperial Academy, recruit students, and arrange good positions for scholars and officials, that would be even more beneficial!
This is my wish.
I submitted a memorial, and the Emperor approved my request. The flourishing of the Guozijian began with me. As I grew older, I submitted a memorial requesting retirement. Not long after, I passed away. I was posthumously granted the title of Guanglu Dafu and given the posthumous name Gong. My son Qiao inherited my title. Qiao, styled Yanshu, was initially appointed as a scholar. General Huan Wen invited him to be his military advisor and also arranged for him to serve as Minister of the Left in the Ministry of Works, but he declined both offers. Later, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Imperial Library. Huan Wen, stationed in Jingkou, again invited him to be his military advisor and appointed him as the governor of Guangling. Earlier, Qiao Yanshu shared a close friendship with Chu Pou. Later, when Empress Kangxian ascended to power and assumed control of the court, Qiao Yanshu wrote a letter to Chu Pou, saying, "The Empress Dowager has ascended to power and assumed control of the court. General, your status is as significant and esteemed as that of an imperial grandfather from another clan. Even the attendants of the princes have to show respect to him, let alone you, a senior minister of the court, referring to someone else's father as a brother. This is not appropriate! The natural order of hierarchy should be respected, and you should also consider the dignity of the country, exercising greater caution. Therefore, I can only bid farewell to our previous friendship. Just like the parable of dyeing silk, Mo Di sighed, and Yang Zhu also sighed. We grew up together since childhood; although our reputation and status are different, our aspirations are the same. Our past interactions were based on etiquette, and that casual and easy-going relationship should now change. Even if I wish to engage in debate like Hailiang, I'm afraid I can't do it! The world changes, things are ever-changing; how can everything go as one wishes? Those in power should govern with the authority of deities, using strict discipline to restrain others. I hope, General, that you will govern the country with clarity of mind, be close to talented individuals, and consider accepting good advice as the most important thing. As I pen this, I feel a deep unease, finding it difficult to articulate all my thoughts." People thought this letter was very well-written.
Qiao Ling, the Military Adviser and Prefect of Changsha in Qian'an, declined the offer. Later, he was appointed as the commander overseeing the border troops stationed along the Mian River and the military governors of Jiangxia, Sui, and Yiyang counties, holding the titles of General Jianwu and Prefect of Jiangxia. At that time, Huan Wen was planning to attack the Shu Kingdom, and everyone believed it was a bad idea. Qiao Ling advised Huan Wen, saying, "Important military strategies aren't something just anyone can grasp. Only smart people can fully comprehend them in their minds and execute them flawlessly. The biggest challenge now is dealing with two strong enemies (referring to Former Qin and Shu Han). Although Shu thinks of itself as remote and untouchable due to its strategic location, they are currently being pressured by Former Qin. To defeat them, we should go for the easier target first. If we were to go upstream and travel thousands of miles through treacherous mountains and rivers, there's a chance Shu might be ready, and victory is not guaranteed. However, they are not prepared for war. If we send ten thousand elite soldiers to swiftly advance, by the time they catch wind of it, we would have already entered their strategic area. Li Shi and his men will have no choice but to fight to the last man, and we can easily capture them. Some worry that if the main army moves west, Former Qin will take advantage and attack. This argument makes sense but has its flaws. Why? Because Former Qin would assume that we have heavy defenses in our homeland when they hear about our long-distance campaign and would not dare to act recklessly. Even if they cross the rivers, our other troops can hold the line, so there is no need to worry. Shu Kingdom is fertile land known as the Land of Abundance, and Zhuge Liang once considered using it to confront the Central Plains. Although it cannot directly harm us now, it dominates the upstream areas and could easily turn into a stronghold for bandits. If we can conquer it with enough manpower, it would be a huge win for the country!" Huan Wen took his advice and allowed Qiao Ling, in the capacity of Prefect of Jiangxia, to lead two thousand troops as the vanguard.
The army arrived at Pengmo, very close to the enemy. Some suggested splitting the troops into two routes to distract the enemy's forces. Qiao Ling said, "Now we are deep in enemy territory, with no retreat for the soldiers. This is what they call 'fighting for survival'! If we split into two routes, the forces would be uneven. If one route loses, it will be all over. We should have the entire army attack together, discarding all unnecessary supplies and taking only three days' rations. Victory is certain!" Huan Wen agreed with him and ordered the whole army to advance together. When they were ten miles away from Chengdu, they engaged in a major battle with the enemy. The vanguard was defeated, and Qiao Ling's army began to retreat, as arrows struck the horses' heads, causing panic among the troops. Nevertheless, Qiao Ling kept waving his flag and leading the charge, his voice growing ever louder. In the end, they secured a decisive victory and marched directly into Chengdu. After Li Shi surrendered, his generals Deng Ding and Wei Wen led their own troops in revolt. Huan Wen personally engaged Deng Ding, while Qiao Ling confronted and defeated Wei Wen. Qiao Ling was promoted to Longxiang General and granted the title of Marquis of Xiangxi. He passed away shortly after at the age of thirty-six, much to Huan Wen's sorrow. He was posthumously appointed Inspector of Yizhou and bestowed the posthumous title of Jian. Qiao Ling was a learned man, cultured and talented, who had provided annotations for the Analects and the Book of Songs, and his writings were renowned and have been passed down through generations. His son, Qiao Fangping, inherited his father's excellent qualities and held various official positions due to his own abilities. He served as Grand Marshal Secretary and as Prefect of both Yixing and Langye. After Qiao Fangping's passing, his son Qiao Shansong took over the family estate.
Qiao Shansong was famous from a young age, knowledgeable and talented, and even wrote one hundred essays of "The Book of the Later Han." He was known for his integrity and refinement, and also skilled in music. There was a song called "The Difficult Road" in the past, whose lyrics were somewhat crude, which Qiao Shansong liked very much. He refined the lyrics, adjusted the melody, and would belt it out whenever he got drunk. Listeners couldn't help but cry. Yang Tan was skilled in singing, Huan Yi was skilled in elegies, and now Qiao Shansong's version of "The Difficult Road" emerged, and people at the time called them the "Three Masters." Zhang Zhan was known for planting pine and cypress trees in front of his residence, and every time Qiao Shansong went out to play, he would have his men sing elegies, so people would say, "There are corpses at Zhang Zhan's doorstep, and Qiao Shansong is carrying a coffin on the road."
Qiao Shansong later became the Prefect of Wu County. Sun En rebelled, and Qiao Shansong guarded Hudu, but the city was lost, and he was killed.
Qiao You, styled Shenfu, was renowned alongside Qiao Gui when he was young. He succeeded Qiao Gui as the Magistrate of Lu, and later the two brothers served as Prefects of Jiangdu, and they crossed the Yangtze River together. Qiao Gui became the Prefect of Danyang, and Qiao You became the Prefect of Wukang. Both brothers held prestigious prefectural positions and were highly esteemed by their contemporaries. Qiao You later rose to the positions of Attendant and Minister of the Guards. Qiao Hong, the grandson of Qiao You, is mentioned in "Wenyuan Chuan."
Qiao Zhun, styled Xiaoni, was well-known for his expertise in Confucian studies, and he also provided commentary on the "Book of Mourning Attire." He eventually rose to the position of Deputy Director of Imperial Clan Affairs. Qiao Zhun's son, Qiao Chong, styled Jingxuan, served as a Palace Attendant. Qiao Chong's son was Qiao Dan.
Yuan Dan, courtesy name Yandao, was talented from a young age, possessing a free-spirited and unconventional personality, and was highly respected by scholars. Huan Wen was addicted to gambling when he was young, lost all his family's property, and owed a significant amount of debt. He was trying to figure out how to turn his situation around but didn't know what to do. He sought Yuan Dan's assistance, but Yuan Dan was also in a difficult situation at the time, so Huan Wen informed him of his plight. Yuan Dan remained completely unfazed, quickly changed into casual attire, put on a cloth hat, and accompanied Huan Wen to confront the creditors in a game of cards. Yuan Dan was already famous, and although the creditors did not recognize him, they said, "You must be Yuan Yandao, right?" So, Yuan Dan boldly wagered ten thousand coins and won a staggering million in a single round. He immediately jumped off the horse, shouted, threw the cloth hat on the ground, and said, "Now you know I am Yuan Yandao, right?" This was typical of his bold approach! Later, following Su Jun's rebellion, Wang Dao asked him to join the army and follow him in Shitoucheng. At first, Lu Yong, Kuang Shu, Jia Ning, and others were Su Jun's trusted allies. When they heard that Zu Yue was defeated and fled, they were afraid of being exposed, so one after another urged Su Jun to eliminate the court ministers. Su Jun did not listen to them; Lu Yong and others felt that they would definitely fail, so they secretly contacted Wang Dao. Wang Dao instructed Yuan Dan to discreetly persuade Lu Yong to surrender. After Su Jun's rebellion was quelled, Yuan Dan was granted the title of Ziguinan, appointed as General Jianwei, and appointed as Governor of Liyang. In the early Xiankang period, more than ten of Shi Le's cavalry horses arrived in Liyang. When Yuan Dan reported to the court, he omitted any mention of the small cavalry force. At that time, the invasion by the Hu people was particularly fierce, and the court and the people were all very afraid. Wang Dao, relying on the prestige of the prime minister, requested to lead the troops to attack personally. However, when they arrived, they found that the enemy's cavalry was not many and had already dispersed, so Wang Dao stopped the military action. The court deemed Yuan Dan's actions reckless and impulsive, so he was demoted. Not long after, he was reinstated by Wang Dao as a mid-level officer, about to be given an important task, but he passed away. He was only twenty-five at the time of his death. His son's name was Yuan Zhi.
Yuan Zhi, whose courtesy name was Daohe. From Yuan Huan to Yuan Zhi, five generations upheld the family legacy of high moral standards; only his father, Yuan Dan, was known for his boldness. Yuan Zhi, on the other hand, was renowned for his filial piety. He served as the Interior Minister of Langye and the Prefect of Dongyang. Yuan Zhi's son is named Yuan Zhan.
Yuan Zhan, courtesy name Shishen, had integrity and talent from a young age, maintaining integrity and honesty but lacking literary talent, so he was not highly regarded by society. At that time, Xie Hun was the Minister of Works; Fan Tai wrote a poem to present to Yuan Zhan and Xie Hun, which included the lines: "There are also those who will emerge later, soaring above the crowd." Yuan Zhan was furious and chose not to respond. He later rose to the positions of Minister of the Central Secretariat, Minister of Works, Left Chief Minister of the Imperial Court, and was granted the title of Marquis of Jinning, dying while in office. Yuan Zhan's younger brother is named Yuan Bao.
Yuan Bao, whose courtesy name was Shiwei, was knowledgeable and skilled, possessing the ability to govern effectively, who was recognized by Liu Yu. He later served as the Chief Secretary of the Grand Commandant and the Intendant of Danyang, before eventually passing away.
Jiang You, courtesy name Daozai, was from Yuxian in Chenliu. His great-grandfather was named Rui, who was the Prefect of Qiao; his grandfather was named Yun, who was the Magistrate of Wuhu County; his father was named Ji, who served as a military officer in Andong. Jiang You lost his father at a young age and lived with his younger brother Jiang Guan, forming a very close bond. To escape the rebellion of Su Jun, he retreated to Linhai for seclusion, isolating himself from the world, building a thatched cottage where he immersed himself in reading, contemplating a life of solitude. The local government called him to serve as an assistant, and the court appointed him as an assistant imperial secretary, but he declined both offers. General Cai Mo wanted him to serve as a military officer, and He Chong recommended him to be the Chief Clerk of the Cavalry, but he did not accept. Due to his family's financial struggles, he requested to be appointed as a local official and was subsequently appointed as the Magistrate of Taiwei County.
In the remote mountains of Taimo County, hundreds of outlaws reside. They are hard to handle, as they are entrenched in the mountains and pose a significant threat. Previous county magistrates had failed to subdue them. When Jiang Yu took office, he invited the leaders of these outlaws, welcomed them warmly, and persuaded them with both reason and emotion, helping them understand the stakes involved. In less than a month, these outlaws all surrendered voluntarily, and the court specially praised him for this. Later, he was appointed as a Zhongzhong, later promoted to Bie Jia, and ultimately transferred to serve as the county magistrate of Wuxian.
General Yin Hao was preparing for a northern campaign and invited Jiang Yu to serve as his military advisor. Yin Hao held him in high regard and later promoted him to chief of staff. At that time, Yin Hao was rebuilding Luoyang, which was very desolate. As Yin Hao's capable aide, Jiang Yu provided him with numerous valuable suggestions. Jiang Yu was responsible for drafting all military documents. At that time, the Qiang and Dingling tribes revolted, instilling great fear in Yin Hao's army. Yao Xiang camped ten miles away, aiming to force Yin Hao's submission, so Yin Hao sent Jiang Yu to attack him. Jiang Yu led the troops to Yao Xiang's camp and said to the generals, "Our army is not weak, but we have fewer people than the Qiang tribe, and their camp defenses are very strong. We can't confront them head-on. I need to use strategy to outsmart them!" So, he had hundreds of chickens captured, tied them together with long ropes, and affixed torches to their feet. The frightened chickens ran around and flew into Yao Xiang's camp, setting it ablaze. Jiang Yu took advantage of the chaos to attack, and Yao Xiang was ultimately defeated. Later, Huan Wen brought accusations against Yin Hao's subordinates, leading to Jiang Yu's dismissal as well. After some time, he was appointed as a Lang in the Ministry of Personnel. During the Shengping era, he was promoted to Lang in the Ministry of Personnel and also served as Shizhong.
Emperor Mu planned to construct Hou Chi and also intended to build Ge Dao. Jiang Yu submitted a memorial in opposition, stating:
I heard that to be an emperor, with high status and power, enjoying endless glory and wealth, one must establish good systems to showcase their prestigious position, make it grand, and clearly define the hierarchy. Building sacred altars, dredging the Pi Yong, constructing palaces, and establishing parks and hunting grounds, all of these are to highlight the emperor's dignity and demonstrate the majesty of his rule. Wise rulers of the past did the same, and later emperors followed suit. What emperor hasn’t undertaken such projects? King Xuan of Zhou initiated large-scale construction projects, with the song "Wild Geese" celebrating the joy of a peaceful life; Duke Xi of Lu built the Palace of Pan River, with the song "Picking Celery" praising the harmonious scene. This shows that those in power do not act to satisfy their own desires, and those below them do not find it burdensome to serve them. This has been the tradition since ancient times, the overarching principles of the nation's governance.
However, things are not set in stone, and the approach to governance must adapt with the changing times. When extravagance is emphasized, simplicity should be embraced; hence the "Biting" hexagram should replace the "Obstruction" hexagram; when things reach their peak, humility should be practiced, so when prosperity declines, the principles of the "Modesty" hexagram should be applied. Reduce the enjoyment of the upper class, increase the benefits of the lower class, and align with the people's wishes; use two-tiered containers for offerings, reflecting the importance of frugality. Therefore, during the time of Tang, Yao, and Shun, they lived in thatched cottages; Yu of Xia also lived in a simple house. While extreme simplicity might appear somewhat austere and not the middle way, these three wise monarchs reached the highest ideals through this approach. When Emperor Gaozu of Han first built palaces, he was displeased by their opulence; Emperor Xiaowen, when the country was prosperous, still cared about the properties of the common people, and they were thus benevolent to the people, leaving a lasting legacy.
The nomadic tribes in the north have not been completely eliminated; the Central Plains are in ruins, and mobilizing troops from Jiangnan for strategic purposes is a significant challenge. Transporting grain from areas like Jianghuai and Yangzhou to support the Heluo region is difficult due to the ongoing war and the long transport distances, leaving warehouses empty and the people exhausted. Additionally, since the spring and summer, severe floods and droughts have struck, reducing harvests everywhere compared to previous years, causing financial losses that have caused great hardship for the people. Major projects remain unfinished, and the necessary military supplies cannot be provided. Compared to the past prosperous era, the disparity is vast, and the current situation is already dire. Your Majesty, we hope you are innately wise and broad-minded, able to create a new prosperous era, demonstrating your generosity, and attaining a resolute state free from desire, educating the world with benevolence and righteousness. The music of "Shao" has reached a perfect state, so it will surely reach a state of goodness. Nurture one's character through mystery and govern through non-action; do not depend on lofty towers and pavilions for sightseeing, or gardens and ponds for recreation. Rest and entertainment should all be based on benevolence and righteousness, engage in the six arts, admire the magnificent mountains and rivers, study the systems of previous generations, admire the achievements of Fuxi and Shennong, and learn from the teachings of Duke Zhou and Confucius. A carefree life like this is sufficient to uphold morality and be close to virtuous men. Seek timely advice, humbly accept admonition, and if heeded daily, all national endeavors will flourish. This flourishing era will outshine the Yin and Shang dynasties, and the scene of a peaceful and prosperous era will continue indefinitely. In the past, the birthplace of the Han Dynasty, Deyang, Zhongli Yi dared to speak out; during the Wei Dynasty's construction of palaces, Chen Qun also dared to speak out. Though my abilities may not match theirs, as a close attendant, my words may not carry weight, but it is my duty to bring these matters to Your Majesty's attention.
The emperor appreciated his words, stopped the original plan, and allowed him to continue serving as the Grand Central Secretary of the Province. In the final years of the Shengping era, he was promoted to Grand Minister of Ceremonies, and despite multiple refusals, the emperor insisted. When Emperor Mu passed away, and preparations for a treasure-laden burial were underway, he submitted a memorial advising, "According to the dying wishes of Emperor Xuan, no luxurious items should be placed in the tomb as an example for future generations. Emperor Jing followed these wishes. When Empress Wenming passed away, Emperor Wu also continued the precedent, not placing any burial items, only provisions and earthenware. It was only during the reign of Emperor Kang that swords and gold shoes were used in tombs, which was due to the personal interests of the Empress Dowager, violating the ancestral teachings and the traditions of past generations. Now there are those who want to use this as a precedent; I urge Your Majesty to adhere to the ancestral teachings and stop using these two items." After the memorial was submitted, the emperor accepted his advice.
The emperor, in response to celestial phenomena, wanted to personally perform the "Hongsi" ritual as recorded in the Book of Documents at the front of the Taiji Hall, hoping to avoid disasters, so he asked the Grand Minister of Ceremonies to convene the scholars to draft the sacrificial ritual plan. The memorial advised:
I have reviewed historical texts such as the Records of the Grand Historian, the Book of Han, and Liu Xiang's Five Elements, which do indeed record the "Hongsi" ritual. However, throughout history, it has never been truly implemented. Moreover, these records only mention the need for sacrifice but do not provide specific ritual steps. This is something that has not been carried out for a long time and is not something easily grasped by ordinary people. According to the regulations of the Han Dynasty, the emperor only conducts personal sacrifices at ancestral temples. Sacrifices to heaven are performed in Yunyang, sacrifices to the earth are made on the ground, all done in other palaces from a distance, and the emperor does not personally approach the altar. Other sacrificial activities are held in serene locations, so altars such as Yuanqiu and Fangze are situated in the outskirts. Now, if divine seats are to be arranged in the courtyard of the Chengming Hall, and sacrifices are to be personally conducted in front of the main hall, this is in stark contrast to established regulations and traditions.
I heard that the emergence of strange phenomena and disasters is to warn the rulers, so if the emperor sincerely reveres Heaven, then disasters will be alleviated; if the emperor cultivates virtue and performs rituals, then the country will prosper. This has been the wisdom of past dynasties and remains an enduring truth. Recently, the stars have indeed been somewhat abnormal, but Your Majesty, you have already sincerely repented, worried day and night, observing celestial phenomena and attending to state affairs; auspicious signs will soon manifest. You are diligent in governing the country, showing great wisdom! However, the "Hongsi" ritual exists only in written records, without specific ceremonies, and no one knows how to perform it now. The records state, "Hongsi is the greatest sacrifice. The positive is called god, the negative is called spirit. The entire nation must perform the ritual together, following the order of the four seasons, without any mistakes." Upon reviewing these records, they appear quite vague, lacking specific details, rendering it impractical to implement. If the ritual is performed without clear details, the consequences could be dire.
Since the emperor did not accept my advice, I am once again presenting a memorial: Upon further reflection and considering the current situation, formidable enemies have taken control of Guanzhong and Yongzhou, northern barbarians are invading the Hesuo region, bandits are rampant, endangering the Central Plains, with flags flying, drums beating, soldiers exhausted, and people suffering, with no respite year after year. Issues in the lower strata of society can lead to abnormal celestial phenomena and disasters, which is to be expected. However, the recent anomalies differ somewhat from those of the past. The eclipse of the moon is mentioned in poetry; the changes in the stars are also recorded in the "Five Elements," but are not regarded as omens of disaster in the "Hongfan."
Your Majesty, due to an error in the measurement of solar shadows, you have compared it to six disasters and regarded even minor changes as serious offenses. You demand more diligence from yourself than Yu and Tang, worrying more about governance than the setting sun, planning to hold a large-scale sacrifice to worship the spirits. The ancient books say, "In accordance with the weather of heaven and earth, then sacrifice to the ghosts and gods." If that is the case, then the spirits must have names, and the sacrifices must carry significance. Looking through past sacrificial literature, only the general concepts of the spirits are presented, but the specific names of the sacrificial objects are not mentioned. It is said that the sacrifices are conducted nationwide, without distinction of rank, with plenty of millet, but lacking sacrificial animals or wine offerings. The rituals and regulations of the sacrifices are riddled with omissions. If these documents are followed, the meaning of all sacrifices will be lost. If supplements are to be made, the original source cannot be traced. Lu Zhi, the Attendant of the Han Dynasty, was a famous scholar at the time. Due to his lack of thorough research on sacrificial rituals, he did not dare to express his opinions easily. Indeed, the Five Elements theory is profound and complex, and the way of the gods is even more mysterious and difficult to fathom. Delving deeply into it is challenging, and the intricate complexities cannot be fully enumerated. How can I, who am not proficient in these matters, be competent for this task?
Your Majesty ordered the compilation and formulation of sacrificial rituals, and Ruan You further explained the meaning of ancient sacrifices, which prompted Your Majesty to reconsider. Ruan You offered counsel multiple times during his tenure, and his works, including "Ruan Ji's Preface" and "Yi Shi Zhen," as well as numerous poems and essays, have been preserved through the ages. He passed away from illness at fifty-eight. His son, Ruan Wei, once served as the Prefect of Wuxing.
Guan Daoqun, his father Guan Meng was a Junior Official of the Ministry of Personnel. Guan Daoqun was famous when he was young; his talent and knowledge were second only to Ruan You. The state called him to serve as the chief clerk, and he participated in the scholar's examination. He later served as a magistrate and was promoted to the position of Bie Jia. He served as an official in the Ministry of Education, Chief Historian of the Northern Central Army, and Prefect of Jinling. Emperor Jianwen appointed him as a military officer and later promoted him to the Ministry of Personnel. At that time, Xie Yi served as the Shangshu, and his assessment and appointment of officials were unfair. Guan Daoqun always adhered to principles and did not agree with him. Xie Yi dismissed him on that pretext, but he accepted his dismissal without complaint. Shortly afterwards, Emperor Jianwen appointed him as a military advisor and treated him very well. Later, he was promoted to Deputy Chief Censor and then transferred to be Prefect of Wu Xing. Guan Daoqun was upright and unconcerned about the powerful, so he was disliked by the Grand Marshal Huan Wen. Huan Wen wanted to frame him, so he summoned him to serve as an attendant and then dismissed him, citing mistakes during his tenure as a county magistrate. Later, he served as Secretary-General but was dismissed shortly afterwards. At that time, Huan Wen held great power, and the court followed his orders, so Guan Daoqun was not employed for many years. In Huan Wen's later years, he appointed him as a military adviser. After Huan Wen's death, he was promoted to Shangshu, Central Guard, and then assigned as Prefect of Wu County. His official rank rose to the rank of Middle Two Thousand Stones, but he passed away before he could assume office. His son was Guan Ji. Jiang Zhongyuan, an ambitious man who became Secretary-General, had no opportunity for promotion or advancement due to his father's bad relationship with the Xie family. When Xie An was in power, he had no chance of being promoted. Many people felt sorry for him. After Xie An's death, he was appointed chief clerk of the Bieqijia by King Sima Daozi of Kuaiji and frequently offered candid advice. Later, he was promoted to military adviser and then assigned as the magistrate of Nan County.
By chance, the Inspector of Jingzhou, Yin Zhongkan, raised an army in response to Wang Gong. Yin Zhongkan wanted Jiang Zhongyuan and the Nanman Colonel Yin Yi to join forces, but Jiang Zhongyuan stubbornly refused. Despite repeated persuasion from Yin Zhongkan and others, Jiang Zhongyuan stayed steadfast. Yin Yi was worried that Jiang Zhongyuan's actions would bring disaster, so he pleaded on his behalf to Yin Zhongkan. Jiang Zhongyuan said, "How can a real man threaten others with death! I, Jiang Zhongyuan, am sixty years old this year; I just don't know where my end will come!" Everyone there was taken aback. Impressed by his integrity, Yin Zhongkan replaced him with Yang Quanqi. Upon hearing this, the court summoned Jiang Zhongyuan back to serve as the Deputy Imperial Censor. He fearlessly accused others in his reports.
Later, the Crown Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Yuanxian, misused his authority and, under the cover of night, secretly opened the city gates. Jiang Zhongyuan secretly reported this to King Kuaiji, Sima Daozi, hoping to bring this to the court's attention, but Sima Daozi did not agree. Che Yin also said, "Sima Yuanxian is arrogant and should be properly restrained!" Sima Daozi said nothing. When Sima Yuanxian heard about this, he said to everyone, "Jiang Ji and Che Yin are trying to drive a wedge between me and my father!" He then secretly warned Jiang Zhongyuan. Not long after, Jiang Zhongyuan died, and his death was mourned by both the court and the people.
Che Yin, styled Wuzi, hailed from Nanping. His great-grandfather, Che Jun, served as the Prefect of Kuaiji during the Wu state; his father, Che Yu, had been the Registrar of the county. The Prefect Wang Hu had a keen eye for talent and had long ago seen the potential in the young Che Yin. He told Che Yin's father, "This boy is destined to bring honor to your family; you should let him study well." Che Yin was diligent and studious, never slacking in his efforts and acquiring profound knowledge. His family was poor and often struggled to afford oil lamps. In the summer, he would use a cloth bag full of fireflies to light his studies, studying tirelessly day and night.
When he grew up, Che Yin was elegant and intelligent, with a good reputation in his local community. Huan Wen hired him as an aide in Jingzhou because of his profound knowledge and reasoning. He was later promoted to chief clerk, gradually rising to the rank of an official of rank, eventually gaining prominence at court. At that time, only Che Yin and Wu Yinzhi were renowned throughout the realm for their vast knowledge despite coming from humble backgrounds. Che Yin was also adept at socializing, and whenever he was absent from a grand banquet, people would say, "It's not fun without Che Gong." Xie An would always extend a special invitation to him whenever he entertained guests.
During the Ningkang period, Xie An's younger brother Xie Yin was appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Library and was granted the title of Marquis of Guannei. Once, Emperor Xiaowu was explaining the "Classic of Filial Piety," with Xie An seated beside him, Lu Na explaining, Bian Dan reading the book, and Xie Shi and Yuan Hong holding the classic. Xie Yin and Wang Danyang discussed the meaning of the scripture together, and everyone thought highly of them. Xie Yin was promoted all the way to the position of attendant to the emperor.
During the Taiyuan period, the court added one hundred students to the Imperial Academy, and Xie Yin was appointed as a Doctor of the National University. A few years later, when the court was discussing the rites pertaining to the ancestral temple, Xie Yin said, "It's difficult to explain the system of the ancestral temple in clear terms. Music emphasizes harmony, rituals emphasize respect, so simplicity and elegance are different, and the sounds of musical instruments are also different. Since the size of a thatched house and a tall building are different, why should we be rigid in form and not focus on the fundamentals, not follow the trend? When the world is peaceful and the countryside is tranquil, it will not be too late to construct the ancestral temple and Bi Yong." The emperor accepted his suggestion. Later, Xie Yin was promoted to the position of Chief of the Cavalry, Minister of Ceremonies, and was granted the title of Marquis of Linxiang, but later resigned due to illness. Not long after, he was appointed as the General of the Imperial Guard.
At that time, Wang Guobao flattered Sima Daozi, King of Kuaiji, and secretly incited eight ministers to petition for Sima Daozi to be appointed as Prime Minister and given special treatment. When Xie Yin heard about this, he said, "This is like the respect shown to Duke of Zhou by King Cheng. Now that the emperor is ruling directly, the situation is not the same as in King Cheng's time. How can Sima Daozi, in front of the king, compare to Duke of Zhou! This is not in line with the actual situation, and it will seriously go against the emperor's wishes." So Xie Yin claimed to be ill and did not participate in this matter. He later submitted a memorial outlining his views. Although the emperor was very angry, he also greatly appreciated Xie Yin's honesty.
During the Long'an period, Xie Yin was appointed as the Prefect of Wuxing, with an official position of two thousand stones, but he declined due to illness. Later, he was promoted to the General of Fuguo and the Intendant of Danyang. Not long after, he was further promoted to the Minister of Personnel. Later, when Yuan Xian made a mistake, Xie Yin and Jiang Ji privately informed Sima Daozi that they planned to impeach him. The matter leaked out, and Yuan Xian forced Xie Yin to commit suicide. Shortly after, Xie Yin passed away, and the entire court mourned his passing.
Yin Yi, styled Botong, was from Chen County. His grandfather Yin Rong served as the Minister of Ceremonies, and his father Yin Kang was the Prefect of Wuxing. Yin Yi was known for his straightforwardness and talent, becoming famous at a young age along with his brother Yin Zhongkan. During the Taiyuan period, he was promoted from a Palace Attendant to Colonel of Nanman. He was upright and just in his official duties, with remarkable achievements.
Later, Yin Zhongkan received a letter from Wang Gong, planning to rebel against the court. He told Yin Yi and wanted him to join. Yin Yi disagreed, saying, "The duty of a vassal is to diligently uphold his responsibilities. The matters of right and wrong in the court are for the prime ministers to consider. How can we border generals participate in such matters? Let’s not interfere in the affairs of Jinyang." Despite repeated persuasion from Yin Zhongkan, Yin Yi angrily said, "I dare not advance with you, nor retreat with you!" Yin Zhongkan developed a deep resentment towards him for this.
Yin Yi continued to offer secret advice to Yin Zhongkan, speaking very earnestly. But Yin Zhongkan had already risen to power, and the bond of their past friendship had faded, with his ambitions only growing, leading him to believe that Yin Yi's words were all wrong. Yin Yi saw Jiang Ji being rejected by Yin Zhongkan because of his integrity, knowing that Yin Zhongkan would definitely eliminate dissidents and promote his own people. Therefore, he made an excuse to go out for some fresh air, feigning illness and not returning.
When Yin Zhongkan heard that he was sick, he went to visit him in person and said to Yin Yi, "Brother, you seem to be quite ill!" Yin Yi replied, "My only ailment is death, but your illness will lead to the destruction of your family! You better think carefully and stop bothering me!" Yin Zhongkan ignored the warning and ultimately failed along with Yang Quanqi and Huan Xuan. Yin Yi worried himself to death and eventually passed away. During the Long'an period, the court issued a decree saying, "The loyal contributions of the late Southern Barbarian Colonel Yin Yi have not yet been fully recognized; he suddenly passed away and was posthumously honored with the title of Champion General." His brother Yin Zhongwen, uncle Yin Shuxian, and a separate biography also recorded this.
Wang Ya, styled Maoda, was from Tan County in Donghai and was the great-grandson of Wang Su, a General of Wei. His grandfather Wang Long had been a former general, and his father Wang Jing had been a Grand Herald. Wang Ya gained fame at a young age, was summoned by the local government to serve as a registrar, and later passed the imperial examination and became a Langzhong. He was then sent to Yongxing County as a county magistrate, where he earned a reputation for his outstanding governance. He rose through the ranks, rising to the position of Left and Right Ministers in the Ministry of Personnel, as well as serving as a court magistrate, attendant, Left Guard General, Danyang Intendant, and also took on the additional role of the Prince's Left Guard Commander.
Wang Ya is very approachable, diligent and responsible in his work. Emperor Xiaowu highly values him; even when Wang Ya is working outside, the Emperor often calls him back and includes him in significant court affairs. Every time the Emperor hosts a banquet and Wang Ya is not present, the Emperor does not start drinking first, which shows how much the Emperor values him. However, Wang Ya's position and privileges surpassed his actual capabilities, so many people believed he won the Emperor's favor through sycophancy. The Emperor constructed the Qingshu Palace in the harem, opened the Beishang Pavilion, visited Hualin Garden, and enjoyed outings with Zhang Meiren, with only Wang Ya able to accompany him.
Sima Daozi, the King of Kuaiji, served as the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince and appointed Wang Ya as the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince. At the time, when Wang Xun's son got married, many guests came to attend the wedding, and upon hearing of Wang Ya's appointment as Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, over half the guests chose to visit him instead. At that time, the social climate was quite corrupt, and there was a complete lack of shame. Although all the court officials believed the Junior Tutor position should go to Wang Xun, who thought it was only fitting, the Emperor ultimately appointed Wang Ya, and everyone went to curry favor with him. On his way to take up his post, Wang Ya encountered rain and wanted to enter the palace with an umbrella, but Wang Xun wouldn’t allow it, so Wang Ya proceeded to his post in the rain. Wang Ya wielded significant power due to the Emperor's trust, with hundreds of carriages and horses frequently lined up outside his residence, but he was quite adept at socializing, earning him the respect of everyone.
The emperor doubted Xie Daozi's ability to govern the country and worried about potential issues in the royal family after his death, so he intended to select some respected individuals to assist the court. He wanted to promote Wang Gong, Yin Zhongkan, and others, and first sought Xie An's opinion. Xie An believed Wang Gong and the others lacked the capacity for significant responsibilities, so he calmly remarked, "Wang Gong is handsome, possesses an extraordinary demeanor, and has lofty ambitions. Because he is a relative of the emperor, he should be entrusted with important tasks. However, he has a stubborn nature, is intolerant of others, and is self-serving, lacking the resolve to maintain his integrity. Although Yin Zhongkan is very cautious in small matters and renowned for his writings, he also lacks foresight and decisiveness. If they are given important positions to guard strategic locations, while the world is currently at peace, they may be able to hold their positions. But if the situation becomes turbulent, they could very well become the source of chaos!" The emperor held Wang Gong and the others in high regard at that time, thinking Xie An was envious of their talents, so he did not listen to him. As a result, both of these individuals later failed, and those who were discerning praised Xie An's ability to judge people. Xie An later rose to become a military general, a secretary, and a cavalier attendant, with his rank increasingly higher. He was on the verge of entering the ranks of prime ministers when the emperor suddenly passed away without leaving a will. Xie An, once favored by the emperor, suddenly lost favor, and amidst internal and external discord, he chose to remain silent. Even during Emperor Xiaowu's reign, he dared not speak openly, assenting to the emperor's plans. He was subsequently promoted to Left Deputy. He passed away in the fourth year of Long'an, at the age of sixty-seven. Posthumously honored as Grand Master of Splendor, equivalent to the Three Excellencies. His eldest son, Xie Zhunzhi, achieved the rank of Cavalier Attendant; his second son, Xie Xiezhi, rose to the rank of Attendant of the Yellow Gate; his third son, Xie Shaoqing, achieved the rank of Palace Attendant. The brothers all exhibited the demeanor of scholars and left a positive legacy in the world.
In the historical records, it is said that during the period of national prosperity, the atmosphere of the Qingming period should have flourished, but the emperor was preoccupied with pleasure, ignored state affairs, and as a result, the country's progress stagnated. Those who dared to speak out and give counsel became increasingly rare. However, there was a figure named Junxiao, who, despite being filial, disobeyed the emperor's orders; Shanfu loyally offered counsel in an attempt to reverse the decline; Yanshu displayed remarkable skill in military strategy, and Daozai also consistently provided candid counsel. Their deeds were widely celebrated and worthy of praise. Guan, an official, stood firm against the powerful; Ji dared to confront enemy generals directly; Daozi adhered to etiquette, and Che Yin fearlessly offered advice; Zhongkan took unconventional actions, while Yinyi sternly advised against it. Reflecting on these loyal and righteous officials of ancient times, they are truly admirable! However, Shansong wept mournfully at the emperor's grand wedding, while Yandao joyfully socialized with friends during the emperor's mourning period. This indicates that the emperor had lost his way, so what could they save? Ultimately, they all met untimely deaths, which is truly lamentable.
Consider their life trajectories; they consistently provided candid counsel, embodying loyalty and integrity. Yuanzhi championed Confucian ideals in an effort to salvage the declining situation; Youji was upright and incorruptible, and Che Yin was loyal and brave. Regrettably, despite their unwavering integrity, none could rival them.
