First of all, Emperor Xuan of Han once said, "Why can the common people peacefully remain in their own fields without resentment and sorrow? It is because of transparent governance and equitable legal proceedings! Those who can achieve this with me are probably only those exemplary officials of the second rank!" You see, the position of local officials is essentially the key to appeasing and guiding the people. So, individuals like Zheng from the east, Ye from the west, Huang Ba of Yingchuan, and Wen Weng of Shu County—some of them make their subordinates not dare to oppress the people, some make the people grateful for their kindness, some extend educational initiatives to the Qilu region, and some govern with generosity and kindness. All of these are recorded in history books and become examples for future generations to follow.
At the founding of the Jin Dynasty, they also promoted diligence in governance and expanded the selection of talented individuals, achieving both civil and military accomplishments. During the Taishi period, Emperor Wu of Jin ascended the throne, changed the dynasty, and established a magnificent foundation that lasted for three generations, gaining the respect of a hundred kings. He cared about the people's suffering, repeatedly issued edicts to admonish local officials, with sincerity and earnest counsel, hoping that they could restrain themselves with upright morals, suppress evil influences, and emphasize the fundamentals. During that time, it can be said that the people enjoyed peace and prosperity, and officials fulfilled their duties diligently! However, although the emperor was generous and kind, his authority alone was insufficient to alter the prevailing social climate. Therefore, private visits and bribery were rampant in the officialdom, where officials routinely engaged in corrupt practices, glorifying opportunism and deceit. Corruption and bribery became increasingly rampant and were widely accepted as the norm. Liu Yi famously opposed the sale of official titles and positions; at the time, many considered him overly blunt, but looking closely at the social atmosphere then, his observations were indeed accurate!
During the reigns of Emperor Hui and Emperor Huai, the Central Plains was engulfed in constant turmoil, which spread to the Jiangnan region, resulting in increasingly complex politics for the Jin Dynasty. Although Emperor Yuan aspired to revive the prosperity of the Shaokang era, the situation was dire, akin to struggling through chaotic times; incidents reminiscent of the threats posed by the King of Changyi arose in the Haixi region, and the son of Emperor Yuan also instigated a rebellion. Faced with these urgent situations, the court had no choice but to adopt a policy of appeasement, perpetuating the prevailing corrupt practices. Officials were primarily concerned with their own self-interest, and those responsible for selecting officials only thought about arranging positions for their relatives. Although there were talented lower-level officials, most influential positions were dominated by the offspring of prominent families, leaving scant opportunities for genuinely talented individuals to make an impact. Although figures like Wang Maohong and Xie An had previously served the court with distinction, at that time, they faced strong external invasions and ongoing internal rebellions; they were preoccupied with crisis management and had no bandwidth to reform the government or eradicate corruption. Thus, we have compiled the accomplishments of officials with notable achievements into this book, "Biographies of Virtuous Officials."
Lu Zhi, courtesy name Shiying, was from Meixian in Fufeng. His family had been prestigious for generations and was part of a prominent family in the region. His father was killed by Guo Si, which led to a tumultuous childhood for Lu Zhi, and he only moved to Yong County at the age of seventeen, where he began to focus on his studies. Later, he was recommended by the county for an official position and summoned by the province to serve as an aide. When Guo Huai, the Wei General of Chariots and Cavalry, served as the Inspector of Yong Province, he greatly respected Lu Zhi. Lu Zhi was appointed as a candidate known for his filial piety and integrity and became an official. When the Chancellor of Shu, Zhuge Liang, invaded Longyou Commandery, Guo Huai requested Lu Zhi to serve as an aide once more. After the situation was stabilized, Guo Huai recommended him to the court, and Lu Zhi was summoned to serve as an aide to Grand Marshal Cao Zhen and was later promoted to the literary position of Marquis of Linzi. Zheng Mao recommended him to the Minister of Works, Wang Lang, who promptly appointed him with great honor. Subsequently, Lu Zhi served as Cavalry Commandant, Military Advisor, Acting Administrator of Annan, and then was promoted to Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. When Cao Zhen was appointed as the Inspector of Guanyou, Lu Zhi served as the military advisor to Grand Marshal Cao Zhen. Following Cao Zhen's death, Emperor Xuan succeeded to the throne and appointed Lu Zhi as the military advisor to the General of Valiant Cavalry, and later promoted him to Administrator of Tianshui. Tianshui Commandery frequently faced invasions and plundering, resulting in a sharp population decline and rampant banditry. Lu Zhi dedicated himself to defending the border, reconstructed the cities, and within a few years, restored it to its former glory. He was later promoted to Administrator of Guangping. The people of Tianshui, both Han and minority, revered his virtues, and the common folk flocked to the capital, asking for Lu Zhi to remain. Emperor Ming of Wei agreed, issued an edict in his praise, encouraged him to follow in the footsteps of Huang Ba, and bestowed the title of General Who Subdues Rebels upon him.
During Cao Shuang's rule, he appointed Lu Zhi as Sima. Lu Zhi repeatedly offered good advice and suggestions to Cao Shuang, but they were not accepted. When Emperor Xuan raised troops to eliminate Cao Shuang, Lu Zhi led the remaining soldiers to break through the gates, cut off the passes, and rushed to Cao Shuang, advising him: "You hold a prominent position like that of Yi Zhou, but now you are facing dismissal due to your crimes. Even if you want to retreat to a life of seclusion with hunting dogs, is that even possible? You should use the emperor, defend Xuchang, and use your authority to summon troops from all directions. Who dares not to obey? Giving up this opportunity and going to die, isn't it too heartbreaking?" Cao Shuang hesitated and ultimately rejected his advice, ultimately being captured and killed. Lu Zhi was imprisoned in connection with Cao Shuang's case and faced the death penalty, but he never spoke a word in defense of himself, nor did he wish to live a life of compromise. Emperor Xuan admired him and pardoned him, not killing him. Shortly after, Lu Zhi was appointed as the Governor of Bingzhou, with the titles of acting General of the Command, commanding general of the Xiongnu, and governor of Bingzhou. Because of his effective governance, he was later promoted to Grand Herald. When the noble Xiang Gong became emperor, he granted Lu Zhi the title of Marquis of Guannei, with a fief consisting of two hundred households. Later, after the rebellion led by Guanqiu Jian was suppressed, Lu Zhi's fief was increased by another two hundred households as per tradition. The emperor also appointed him as General of Martial Prowess and Governor of Jingzhou. When Zhuge Dan rebelled in Shouchun, Emperor Wen of Wei led an expedition with the Wei Emperor, recruiting troops from various regions, and Lu Zhi led the civil and military officials of Jingzhou as vanguard. After the rebellion of Zhuge Dan was suppressed, Lu Zhi was promoted to Marquis of Wujin Pavilion, with his fief increased by nine hundred households. He was later promoted to Grand Chancellor, in charge of judicial affairs.
After Chang Daoxiang ascended to the throne, Lu Zhi's title was once again elevated to the title of Marquis of Licheng Township, with an additional eight hundred households in his fief. He was also appointed as the military governor of Qingzhou, the General of Zhenwu, the Governor of Qingzhou, and later promoted to General of Pingdong. With the establishment of the system of five ranks of nobility, Lu Zhi was titled as the Count of Yinping.
After Emperor Wu ascended to the throne, Lu Zhi was appointed as the General of Zhendong, and his title was once again promoted to a marquis. The emperor believed that Lu Zhi was a person of integrity and honesty, who did not even have a decent house in normal times, so he ordered the army to build fifty houses for him. As Lu Zhi grew older and wanted to retire, he repeatedly wrote to request to return to his hometown, more than ten times. Finally, the emperor summoned him as a Grand Master of Splendor, ranked as a special contributor, and provided him with officials and soldiers, with cavalry stationed at the entrance of his mansion.
After Yang Hu became the General of Chariots and Cavalry, he unexpectedly relinquished this position to Lu Zhi, saying, "Grand Master of Splendor Lu Zhi is a person of integrity and self-restraint, not contending with the world, yet serving the court with dedication. He has not been valued for so many years, and I have overlooked him. How can I gain the respect of the people?" The emperor did not agree to Yang Hu's request. This illustrates the high regard in which Lu Zhi was held at the time! In the ninth year of Taishi, Lu Zhi passed away at the age of eighty-four. The emperor conducted a grand mourning ceremony in his honor, gave him generous treatment, posthumously bestowed upon him the title "Zheng," and granted him a hundred acres of burial land.
Hu Wei, styled Bowu, also referred to as Pi, was from Shouchun, Huainan. His father, Hu Zhi, was known for his loyalty and integrity. When he was young, he and his fellow villagers Jiang Ji and Zhu Ji were famous in the Jianghuai region. Later, he served in the Wei state and rose to the high positions of General of Conquering the East and Inspector of Jingzhou. Hu Wei aspired to uphold his integrity and embody noble virtues from a young age.
When his father was Jingzhou's governor, Hu Wei returned home from the capital to visit him. The family was poor, without carriages, horses, or servants, so he led a donkey on his own and traveled alone. When he arrived at an inn, he tended to the donkey, chopped wood, cooked, ate, and then continued his journey. After seeing his father in Jingzhou, he stayed at his father's house for more than ten days. As he was about to leave, his father gave him a piece of cloth as travel expenses. Hu Wei said, "Father, you have always been upright; where did this cloth come from?" His father replied, "This is what I saved from my salary, to give to you as travel expenses." Hu Wei accepted the cloth, said goodbye to his father, and returned home. There was a commander under his father who had taken leave to return home before Hu Wei's departure, secretly preparing enough luggage, hoping that Hu Wei would travel with him and help him along the way. After traveling hundreds of miles, Hu Wei grew suspicious and began to probe him for the truth. After learning the truth, he gave the commander the cloth his father had given him, thanked him, and let him go. Later, he wrote a letter to his father informing him of this, and his father gave the commander one hundred strokes and removed him from his position. The father and son were both upright, and their reputation naturally spread.
Later, Hu Wei was appointed to the position of imperial censor, and successively served as the Marquis of Nanxiang, the Prefect of Anfeng, and was promoted to the governor of Xuzhou. He was diligent in political affairs, and the local atmosphere greatly improved.
Later, he traveled to the capital to meet Emperor Wu of Wei. The emperor talked to him about his life experiences and admired his father's uprightness, then asked Hu Wei, "Who is more honest, you or your father?" Hu Wei replied, "I can't compare to my father in honesty." The emperor asked, "In what way is your father better than you?" Hu Wei replied, "My father is honest to avoid others knowing, while I am honest to make sure others know, so I am far inferior to my father." Emperor Wu thought Hu Wei's words were straightforward and tactful, humble yet respectful. As a result, Hu Wei was promoted several times, serving as the military supervisor of Yuzhou, the Right General, the governor of Yuzhou, and later joined the court as a secretary, and was also appointed as the Imperial Chariot Commander.
Hu Wei once advised the emperor not to be too lenient in his governance. The emperor said, "I don't need to depend on officials below the rank of Shangshu." Hu Wei replied, "What I mean isn't directed at those lower officials, but at officials like us, who should set an example and strictly enforce the laws to ensure good governance." Later, Hu Wei was appointed as General of the Front, Supervisor of Military Affairs in Qingzhou, and Governor of Qingzhou, and was granted the title of Marquis of Pingchun for his accomplishments. In the first year of Taikang, Hu Wei died in office, posthumously honored as Commissioner, Commander of Military Affairs in Qingzhou, and General Who Guards the East, with his other official positions unchanged, and posthumously given the title "Lie." His son Hu Yi inherited his title. Du Zhen's grandfather attained the high rank of General Who Pacifies the East. His uncle Du Pi, whose courtesy name was Jixiang, was also quite capable and became the Inspector of Yizhou and General Who Maintains the East.
Du Zhen, courtesy name Chaozong, was a native of Chengdu in Shu County. His father, Du Xiong, served as the magistrate of Mianzhu County. Du Zhen became a student of Qiao Zhou and extensively studied various texts. When he was summoned by the local government to take up an official position, he declined and only took on the role of county historian. When Deng Ai attacked Chengdu, Du Zhen advised the governor, stating, "With the army's arrival, old officials will be ousted and new ones appointed. You should leave quickly to save your life; it's the best solution!" Consequently, the governor left the city. Deng Ai later sent his aide Jian Hong to the county, who inquired of Du Zhen about the whereabouts of the previous governor. Du Zhen replied solemnly, "The former governor has already seen the situation clearly, who left his post voluntarily, awaiting the arrival of a new lord." Jian Hong admired him and wanted him to continue as the county historian, but Du Zhen firmly declined. Later, he was appointed as the magistrate of Jianning County due to his reputation for filial piety, where he governed with integrity and achieved outstanding results, earning the admiration of people from all ethnic groups. When his term ended and he was about to return home, the local minority groups came to see him off, offering many gifts which he declined, departing as humbly as he had come. He was then appointed as the magistrate of Chiyang County, where he stood out as the best among the eleven counties in Yongzhou. The local people erected a temple in his honor, and even those who had been punished by him had no complaints. He was later promoted to the position of Shangshu Lang. Du Zhen was knowledgeable, and many of his memorials and debate articles were accepted and implemented. At the time, Li Xiang from Fuling also served as Shangshu Lang, and he and Du Zhen were equally famous. Whenever they debated, no one in the court could surpass them, earning them the nickname "the Two Dus of Shu." Du Zhen was later appointed as the governor of Jianwei, highly esteemed. Unfortunately, he fell ill and passed away just before his promotion, at the age of fifty-one. He had a son named Du Pi.
Du Pi, styled Changji. He was recommended as a scholar by his province, and Chengdu Wang Ying appointed him as a general's secretary. He later rose to the position of a secretary, involved in military affairs under the Grand Tutor. After the fall of Luoyang, Du Pi crossed the Yangtze River to the south. Wang Dun recommended him to be the governor of Yizhou, and had him and the Prefect of Yidu, Liu Chun, defend Baidi City together. Du Tuo sent troops to confront Du Pi, which led to Du Pi's death.
Du Pi's younger brother, Du Xiu, styled Yanying, served as the chief clerk of Luo Shang. After the city fell, he was captured by the Di tribe leader Li Xiang, who wanted him to be a Sima. Du Xiu refused the offer and was subsequently killed.
Du Pi's second son, Du Xin, was recommended as a scholar.
Du Zhen's younger brother, Du Lie, was outstanding in political matters and was recognized as a person of filial piety and integrity. He served as the magistrate of Pingkang County and Anyang County, achieving notable successes in governance in the places he served. He later rose to the position of the governor of Hengyang. After Du Zhen's death, seeing that his nephew was still young, he requested to resign from his post. The court then appointed him as the governor of Jianwei, and the people of Shu held him in high regard. He later rose to the position of the governor of Xiangdong and also served as the Prefect of Chengdu Wang Ying, before dying due to illness.
Du Lie's younger brother, Liang, passed the scholar examination and was later appointed as the magistrate of Xindu County and the governor of Fuling. However, he never took up those positions and eventually received an appointment as a senior official. He later died.
Dou Yun, style name Ya, was from Shiping. He came from modest origins but placed great emphasis on moral integrity. When he was young, he served as an official in the county and gradually rose to the position of county clerk. Later, he was recognized as a filial and incorrupt official and appointed as the magistrate of Haowei County. He was diligent in political affairs, promoted agricultural development and sericulture, fairly managed labor obligations, and the people depended on him. He was later promoted to the position of courtier. During the Taishi period, the emperor issued a decree stating, "Officials must be honest and upright in order to fulfill their duties in public affairs. People of high moral character, even if their rank is low, should be rewarded. This is essential for educating the populace. Courtier Dou Yun previously served as the magistrate of Haowei County and was known for his diligence and integrity in the Hebei region. Such talents should be recognized and promoted to inspire those who work hard. Relevant departments should conduct thorough investigations and issue commendations." As a result, Dou Yun was appointed as the magistrate of Linshui County. He governed with integrity and dedication, reformed political affairs, and the people wholeheartedly supported him, singing his praises. He was later promoted to the position of Julu Prefect, with remarkable administrative achievements. He passed away in office.
Wang Hong, courtesy name Zhengzong, hailing from Gaoping, was the great-grandson of Wang Can, the Grand Preceptor of the Wei Kingdom. During the Wei Kingdom period, he was appointed to a position in the public office and gradually rose to the rank of Gentleman of the Palace, later serving as an Imperial Official. In the early years of the Taishi era, he served as the Prefect of Ji County, treating the people as if they were his own family, personally teaching them how to farm, raise silkworms, and plant trees. He personally supervised everything, including houses and fields, and achieved significant achievements in governance in the county. Shi Jian, the Colonel Director of Retainers, reported Wang Hong's achievements, and the Emperor praised him, saying, "I understand how crucial it is for the people to have enough food, and I am also worried about natural disasters such as droughts and floods. I worry day and night about agricultural production. Although I have issued decrees many times and urged strictly, I still worry that the people will slack off and affect agricultural production. The provincial governors, officials of the two-thousand-stone rank, and local officials did not fulfill their duties, resulting in waste of land resources and underutilized labor. I have always wanted to hear about the monitoring officials reporting on officials who are not fulfilling their duties, so that rewards and punishments can be carried out as a warning. Now, Shi Jian has reported that the Prefect of Ji County, Wang Hong, took great care of the people, was effective in guiding and educating, and urged the cultivating of over five thousand acres of previously uncultivated land, without any decrease in the yields of cultivated fields. In recent years, there has been widespread crop failure, and people cannot eat their fill, but the area under Wang Hong's jurisdiction has not suffered from famine, which is truly remarkable! Wang Hong was awarded one thousand hu of grain, and this will be announced to the world for everyone to know."
He later rose to the positions of Colonel of the Guards, Intendant of Henan, and Grand Minister of Agriculture, but did not make a name for himself in any of these roles. Instead, he became increasingly cruel and petty. He once locked prisoners in wooden stocks, smeared their faces with mud and ink, threw them into deep pits, and starved them. He also illegally released twenty-one criminals who were under five years old, which led to his impeachment by the authorities. The Emperor, considering his past achievements, permitted him to redeem himself with money. During the Taikang period, he succeeded Liu Yi as Colonel of the Capital and began inspecting the clothing of the common people, imposing rules that forbade the wearing of purple, red, and embroidered clothing. The Emperor often sent his men in disguise to observe the customs of the people, leading to inspections of women's mourning attire and even lifting women's hair in public. Some criticized him for his foolish actions in his later years, resulting in public ridicule and his dismissal once more. He later became a Minister and died in the fifth year of Taikang, posthumously honored with the title of Grand Master.
Cao Shu, styled Yanyuan, was a native of Qiaoguo in Qiaoxian. His grandfather Cao Zhao was a General of Guards in the Wei Kingdom. Cao Shu was filial from a young age, loved learning, and excelled in writing. The Grand Commandant Wang Yan took a liking to him and appointed him as a county magistrate in Linzi. There was a widow in Linzi who was extremely devoted to her mother-in-law. Despite being young, the mother-in-law encouraged her to remarry, but the widow remained faithful. Out of pity for her, the mother-in-law secretly committed suicide. The widow's relatives accused her of killing the mother-in-law, leading to an investigation by the authorities. Unable to endure the torture, the widow confessed to the crime. As the case was about to be judged, Cao Shu arrived. Knowing that she was wronged, he conducted a thorough investigation and uncovered the truth, earning the people's praise for his keen insight.
In the county, there were some death row prisoners being held. As the New Year approached, Cao Shu went to inspect the prison. He felt very sympathetic towards them and said, "Everyone, it is truly unfortunate that you have fallen to this point. How do you all feel? The New Year is an important day for social interactions. Don't you want to temporarily go home to see your families?" The prisoners all cried and said, "If we could temporarily go home, we would die content." Cao Shu then released all the prisoners and set a date for them to return. The prison officials strongly opposed this, saying it was not feasible. Cao Shu said, "Although these people are prisoners, we cannot betray them even in the name of justice. I will take responsibility!" On the agreed date, all the prisoners returned on time, without a single one violating the agreement. The people of the county admired him and called him a benevolent ruler. Later, he was promoted to the position of a court official and then to the magistrate of Luoyang. He was kind-hearted and decisive in his decisions, and the people loved and respected him. One time, during a heavy snowfall, several horses went missing from the palace gates. The officials searched everywhere but could not find them. Cao Shu ordered the arrest of the soldiers on guard duty, which other officials thought was inappropriate. Cao Shu said, "The palace is heavily guarded, and outsiders could not have stolen the horses. It must be the soldiers on guard duty who took them to keep warm." Upon questioning, this turned out to be true. Later, he resigned from his position due to illness, but he was appointed magistrate of Luoyang again later. When Prince Qi Jiong was in power, I (the narrator of this story) worked as his secretary alongside Zuo Si. One time, Prince Qi Jiong casually asked me, "The emperor has been cornered by unscrupulous people, and no one dares to stand up. I am leading the national militia to restore royal authority. Now that I have entered the court to assist the emperor and resolve the country's crisis, some are advising me to return to my own fiefdom. What’s your take on this?"
I said, "To pacify the traitors and restore the royal rule, no one has done more for the kingdom than you, Your Majesty. However, prosperity is fleeting, and things will always turn around. This isn't just about human affairs; it's also about the natural order. I must boldly and frankly share my thoughts with you. I hope that Your Majesty, in your high position, will consider the dangers, and in your wealth and glory, remember the risks of poverty and lowliness. Carefully select officials who are just and capable, act with public-mindedness, discard personal desires, promote the talented, and appoint suitable individuals. Then you can return to your fiefdom with generous rewards and a joyful heart, bringing happiness to both the high and low alike, and we, as your subjects, will be extremely fortunate." Prince Qi did not heed my advice. Soon after, I was promoted to Assistant Minister. Later, the Prince of Changsha appointed me as the Marshal of the Cavalry. After the defeat of the Prince of Changsha, I was dismissed from my post, and then I returned home to mourn for my mother's passing. In the later years of Emperor Hui's reign, I was appointed as the Prefect of Xiangcheng. At that time, Xiangcheng was frequently plagued by warfare. I calmed the people, revitalized governance, and reclaimed lost lands in under a month. In the second year of Yongjia, Prince Gao of Mimi was stationed in Xiangyang and appointed me as the Marshal of the Southern Expedition. That year, Wang You and other refugees gathered a sizable force, plundering cities everywhere while stationed in Guanjun. Prince Gao of Mimi sent Colonel Cui Kuang to suppress them and instructed me to supervise Cui Kuang. Cui Kuang was treacherous and ruthless. He tricked me into thinking he would lead the charge and then come to my aid, but he never showed up. I faced Wang You alone in Li County, and as a result, the army was defeated, and I died in battle. My former subordinates and the people came to mourn for me, burying me together with tears that echoed through the heavens and earth, just like they would for their own parents.
Pan Jing, courtesy name Shichang, was from Hanshou, Hunan. When he was young, the county called him up to serve as the registrar, and the governor Zhao Xin held him in high regard. One day, he asked him, "Why is our Wuling County called Wuling?" Pan Jing replied, "Our county used to be called Yiling, within Chenyang County, bordering on minority communities, and was often attacked by them. During the reign of Emperor Guangwu, the county's administration was relocated to the east, which helped ensure its survival, and everyone discussed changing the name. The 'Book of Documents' states that 'to stop war is to be martial,' and the 'Book of Songs' mentions that a high place is called a 'ling,' so it was called Wuling." Later, he was also called upon by the prefecture, and he went to meet the governor. The governor tested him, and he drew the lot marked 'unfilial.' The governor joked, "Summoning talents, and drawing 'unfilial'? What's that about?" Pan Jing picked up the slip and replied, "Now that I am a loyal minister, I can’t be a filial son anymore!" He often made clever remarks like this. Afterwards, the court built the ancestral temple, and delegates from various states and counties came to pay their respects. Pan Jing told the governor, "When building the ancestral temple and relocating the ancestral tablets, one should pay respects, not offer congratulations." So, the governor sent Pan Jing to write an article and send it to the capital as a model for the future. Pan Jing also passed the civil service exam and went to Luoyang. The Minister of Personnel, Le Guang, was from the same village as Pan Jing. They spent several days talking, and Le Guang was impressed by his talent and exclaimed, "You have extraordinary talent, but unfortunately you haven't studied well. If you study hard, you could definitely become a renowned scholar!" Upon hearing this, Pan Jing started studying seriously and never let up.
At that time, the Governor of Wuling, Dai Chang, was quite skilled at debating. He debated with Pan Jing, who intentionally conceded. Dai Chang believed Pan Jing was inferior to him, so he dismissed him with a smile and asked him to go see his son, Dai Ruosi. Pan Jing debated with Dai Ruosi and shared his perspectives. Dai Chang secretly listened and couldn't help but admire Pan Jing's talent in the end, exclaiming, "Such talent can't be feigned!" Both father and son were impressed by Pan Jing's talent. Later, Pan Jing served as county magistrate in three different places: Baqiu, Shaoling, and Quanling. He was honest in his official duties, made significant contributions, and never lost a thing during his travels. Later, he was promoted to Governor of Guilin, but he did not take the position due to his father's passing, returning home and passing away at the age of fifty.
Fan Gui, styled Yanchang, was from Nanyang, Henan. In his youth, he studied in Qinghe and eventually settled there. He was appointed as the county's Five Officials Secretary and later became the magistrate of Henei. The Governor, Pei Kai, knew him well and recommended him to be an Imperial Censor. He was subsequently appointed as the Governor of Shanggu, but he did not take the position due to his father's passing. After that, he became the Left Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works and was promoted to be the Governor of Fengyi. He had great governing abilities, was good at comforting the people, and was greatly admired by the people. The court summoned him to be the Minister of Finance, and later he was sent as the Inspector of Liangzhou, and then transferred to be the Inspector of Yongzhou. During that period, the western regions were barren and impoverished, with constant incursions by the Di and Qiang tribes, poor harvests, and difficult living conditions for the people. Fan Gui wholeheartedly educated and encouraged the people to cultivate the land, resulting in significant improvements in the region he governed. During the Yuan Kang period, he was posthumously elevated to the rank of Left General and passed away while in office. He was survived by two sons, Fan Guang and Fan Zhi.
There was once a man named Guang, whose courtesy name was Zhongjiang. He passed the imperial examination and was appointed as the magistrate of Lingshou County, but he chose not to take up the position. His sister married into the Sun family and passed away early, leaving behind a son named Sun Mai. Guang took Sun Mai and ran south, despite running into bandits along the way. Even in the face of danger, he never abandoned his nephew. Later, Emperor Yuan issued a decree appointing him as the magistrate of Tangyi County.
A county official named Liu Rong committed a crime punishable by death, and the case was handed over to the county. Liu Rong was a local with an elderly mother. On the day of his execution, Guang granted him a temporary leave to return home, and Liu Rong returned on time. Later, a fire broke out in the county office, and Liu Rong removed his shackles to help extinguish the fire. After the fire was put out, he put the shackles back on himself. During a severe drought when rice prices soared, Guang distributed thousands of bushels of grain to relieve the famine. People from all around sought refuge with him, and the county's population swelled tenfold. Ultimately, he passed away while in office.
Guang was well-known from a young age and was called to serve as an official in the General's office, but he died young. His son was named Wang, as recorded in other biographies.
Another notable figure is Ding Shao, known by the courtesy name Shulun, from Qiao State. He was open-minded and upright from a young age and quickly became an honest official. He served as the Prefect of Guangping, achieving outstanding results in governance. Legal matters were handled fairly, and moral teachings resonated deeply with the people. At that time, the Hebei region was plagued by constant warfare, with cities left in ruins. Only Guangping County remained peaceful on all sides, so everyone respected his methods and followed his commands.
Later, Linzhang was besieged, and Wang Mo of Nanyang was in a dire situation. Ding Shao led the county troops to the rescue, saving Wang Mo of Nanyang. Wang Mo was deeply grateful for Ding Shao's help and erected a monument in his honor. Ding Shao was promoted to the post of Governor of Xuzhou, and the people admired him greatly, flocking to him like they were returning home. Before he even took office, he was reassigned to be Governor of Jingzhou. His convoy was impressive, consisting of over a thousand carts, crossing the Yellow River to reach Xuchang. At that time, Wang Mo was the commander and kept him there, reporting to the court to have him reassigned to Governor of Jizhou. After taking office, Ding Shao led the state troops to quell the rebels at Jisang, earning military merit, being promoted to General of Ningbei, granted command, and overseeing military affairs in Jizhou. At that time, the Jie tribe bandits were causing chaos in the region, and Ding Shao captured and killed them, earning a reputation for severity. The people of Hebei both feared and respected him. Ding Shao believed in his exceptional abilities and aspired to be a hero of his era. He saw the major affairs of the world as within his reach and thus developed a grand ambition to rule the world. At that time, Wang Jun was powerful in Youzhou, and Gou Xi was powerful in Qingzhou, but Ding Shao thought little of both of them. In the third year of Yongjia, Ding Shao died of a sudden illness, sighing in his last moments, "This is Heaven's will to bring about the downfall of Jizhou, not my fate!" Emperor Huai posthumously honored him with the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry.
Qiao Zhiming, courtesy name Yuanda, was of the Xianbei ethnicity. He lost his parents at a young age, grieving excessively, far beyond what is considered proper. As he grew up, he became known for his noble character. King Ying of Chengdu appointed him as the Assistant General of the State. After Ying defeated King Lun of Zhao, he recommended Qiao Zhiming for the position of General of Pacification of Bandits, while also serving as the magistrate of Longlu and Gong counties. The people of both counties held him in great affection and respect, referring to him as "Divine Lord." One of his subordinates, Zhang Dui, was seeking revenge for his father, while his elderly and frail mother lived alone and his wife was childless. Qiao Zhiming took pity on him and temporarily lifted his punishment. Over a year later, Qiao Zhiming permitted Zhang Dui to bring his wife into the prison and secretly allowed them to be together. Some urged Zhang Dui to escape, but he replied, "With such a good superior, how can I bear to implicate him! Even if I could escape, how could I face living in this world!" Consequently, Zhang Dui fathered a son while in prison. When a general amnesty was announced, Zhang Dui was pardoned as well. This incident clearly demonstrated Qiao Zhiming's compassionate nature. When Emperor Hui launched a campaign against Ye City, Ying appointed Qiao Zhiming as the General of Suppression, taking part in the military operations of the Prime Minister's vanguard. Qiao Zhiming suggested to Ying that they welcome the emperor, but Ying retorted angrily, "You claim to understand reason and have chosen to serve alongside me. The emperor is being coerced by villains and will soon bring charges against me. Why would you have me surrender without a fight! Is this really the limit of our camaraderie?" Qiao Zhiming then ceased his persuasion. Later, during the Yongjia Rebellion, Qiao Zhiming served Liu Yao.
Deng You, styled Bodao, was from Xiangling in Pingyang. His ancestor Deng Yin was upright and strong. During Zhong Hui's conquest of Shu, Deng Yin's abilities were valued, and he was summoned from his position as county magistrate to serve as a registrar. When Jia Chong conquered Wu, he again requested Deng Yin to serve as the Chief of Historians. Later, Deng Yin was tasked with teaching the Crown Prince the Classic of Poetry and appointed as the Governor of Huainan. He once dreamt of walking by the water and seeing a woman, with a fierce beast biting off her pouch from behind. The fortune teller said: by the water is a woman, this is your name; biting off the pouch, it is a new beast replacing the old beast, not Ruyin, it should be Runan. As a result, he was indeed appointed as the Prefect of Ruyin. Later, he also served as the Middle Privy Councillor.
At the age of seven, You lost his father, and later lost his mother and grandmother successively. He mourned for them for nine years, earning a reputation for his filial piety. He was honest, peaceful, and lived a simple life with no personal ambitions. Orphaned at a young age, he lived with his younger brother. Initially, his grandfather received rewards from the court, with official positions for him to take up. Later, the Prefect advised him to renounce the positions inherited from his ancestors, wanting to recommend him for the Imperial Examinations, but he said: "I cannot forsake the positions bestowed upon me by my ancestors!" Once, he visited General Jia Hun, who handed him a pile of civil disputes to judge. He didn’t even glance at them, saying: "Confucius said, in handling lawsuits, I am just an ordinary person; the best approach is to prevent lawsuits from arising in the first place!" Amazed, Jia Hun gave his daughter to him in marriage.
You later successfully completed the imperial examinations and became a literary official to the King of Wu, then served as the Crown Prince's equerry and as an army officer for the King of Donghai, Yue. The King of Donghai, Yue, greatly admired his character, promoting him to the Crown Prince's literary advisor, and later to the Ministry of Personnel. The King of Donghai's brother, Teng, became the East's General and requested that You serve as his chief historian. You was subsequently appointed as the Prefect of Hedong.
Towards the end of the Yongjia period, he was killed by Shi Le. At that time, Shi Le harbored deep resentment towards officials ranked above two thousand stones. When he heard that You was at the military camp, he immediately sent someone to summon him, intending to kill him. You arrived at the camp gate, and the soldier on duty was someone he had known from his days as a court official. Recognizing him, You requested paper and pen to write a letter. When the soldier noticed Shi Le was in a somewhat better mood, he delivered the letter. After reading it, Shi Le appreciated his writing and spared his life. Shi Le's chief of staff, Zhang Bin, used to be neighbors with You and greatly admired his reputation and character, so he recommended him to Shi Le. Shi Le summoned him to his headquarters, engaged in conversation with him, was impressed, and appointed him as a military officer, and even provided him with a chariot and horses. Every time Shi Le went on a campaign, he ensured You's chariot was positioned at the center of the camp. Shi Le prohibited the use of fire at night, with death as the punishment for violators. You lived in close proximity to a Hu neighbor, who accidentally set fire to his chariot one night. When officials came to investigate, the Hu neighbor falsely accused him. Feeling unable to counter his accusation, You claimed his sister-in-law was warming wine while combing her hair. Shi Le granted him a pardon. Later, the Hu neighbor, filled with regret, confessed the truth to Shi Le and secretly sent horses and donkeys to You as a gesture of apology. The other Hu people were very moved and showed him respect. As Shi Le passed through Sishui, You destroyed his chariot and fled with his wife and children, who were carried by oxen and horses. They were attacked by bandits who stole their livestock, forcing him to travel on foot, carrying his son and his disciples. Feeling unable to care for everyone, he said to his wife, "My younger brother died early, leaving only one child at home. His life cannot be cut short, so I have to abandon my son. If he can survive, I can have another son in the future." His wife, in tears, agreed, and they abandoned the child. The child was found the next morning after being left behind the night before. The following day, You left the child tied to a tree and set off.
Upon arriving in Xinzheng, Deng You took refuge with Li Ju. Three years later, when Deng You wanted to leave, Li Ju refused to let him. Later, Xun Zu was appointed as the Prefect of Chen and Runan, and Emperor Min summoned him to serve as the Left Deputy Minister and Chief Water Conservator, but he did not accept the appointments. Afterwards, Deng You secretly left Li Ju to seek refuge with Xun Zu in Xuchang. Li Ju was very angry about this, and it was a long time before he sent Deng You's family back to You County. Deng You was on good terms with Diao Xie and Zhou Yi, so he went to Jiangdong. Emperor Yuan appointed Deng You as the Crown Prince's Central Attendant. At that time, the position of Prefect of Wu County was vacant, and many people wanted to obtain the position, but Emperor Yuan gave it to Deng You. After taking office in Wu County, Deng You did not accept any salary, only drinking the water of Wu County.
At that time, Wu County was suffering from famine. Deng You submitted a memorial to the court requesting funds for relief. Before receiving a reply from the court, he opened the granaries to help the people in need. The court sent the Cavalier In Regular Attendance Huan Yi and Yu Yu to comfort the victims and inspect the relief efforts, resulting in an accusation against Deng You for distributing grain without authorization. Not long after, the court issued a decree pardoning him. During his time in Wu County, Deng You enforced the law strictly, achieved remarkable political success, and the people were very happy, considering him a good official of the period. Later, he resigned from his position due to illness. It was customary in Wu County to bid farewell to officials with gifts of money amounting to hundreds of thousands, but upon leaving Wu County, he refused to accept any gifts. Thousands of people clung to Deng You's boat, preventing him from leaving. Deng You had to linger for a while and only slipped away at night. The people of Wu composed a song for him:
"As the fifth watch strikes and the rooster crows, Lord Deng is reluctant to stay, and Prefect Xie won't let him go."
The people went to the court to request that Deng You stay for one year, but the court did not agree. Later, Deng You was appointed as an attendant to the emperor. Over a year later, he was promoted to Minister of Personnel Affairs. He usually ate vegetarian food, wore old clothes, and often helped the poor. He was humble and kind, good at interacting with others, treating guests equally regardless of their status, but showed greater deference to those in power.
During the Yongchang period, he succeeded Zhou Yi as the General of the Imperial Guards. In the second year of Taining, Wang Dun rebelled, and Emperor Ming secretly planned to raise troops, so Deng You was appointed as the Governor of Kuaiji. Initially, after Wang Dun attacked Jiankang, military forces from various regions were required to report their troop strength to Wang Dun monthly. Deng You had already resigned from his post and was no longer involved in military matters, but a jealous individual falsely accused him of secretly reporting military strength to Wang Dun. The Emperor initially did not believe it, so he transferred Deng You to be the Minister of Rites. At that time, the Emperor was going to the southern suburbs to offer sacrifices, but Deng You was unable to attend due to illness. When the Emperor's carriage passed by Deng You's mansion, he inquired about his illness, and Deng You, enduring the pain, knelt down. The appropriate authorities reported that Deng You could not attend the southern suburbs sacrifice due to illness and knelt along the way, so he was dismissed from office. Regardless of whether he was promoted or demoted, Deng You displayed no signs of joy or anger on his face. Much later, he was appointed as the Right Vice Minister of Personnel. In the first year of Xianhe, Deng You passed away, and the court posthumously appointed him as a Grand Minister of Splendor, and bestowed upon him a golden seal and a purple ribbon for ceremonial sacrifices.
After abandoning his child, his wife never conceived another. Later, he crossed the river and took a concubine, favoring her greatly. He looked into the concubine's family background and found out that she was from the north, displaced due to war, and still remembered her parents' names. Ironically, she turned out to be his niece! He had always been a virtuous person, and upon learning this, he felt both anger and resentment. He simply sent the concubine away, and in the end, left no descendants. At that time, people thought he was righteous and felt sorry for him, so they came up with a saying: "The heavens are blind, causing Deng Bodao to have no sons." His students mourned for him for three years.
Wu Yin Zhi, courtesy name Chu Mo, was a native of Juancheng, Puyang, and the sixth-generation grandson of Wu Zhi, a minister of the Wei Dynasty. Wu Yin Zhi was handsome, articulate, knowledgeable, well-read, and renowned for his refined demeanor. Despite his young age, he was principled and upright, and even though he only had thin porridge every day, he would never eat food that was not earned through his own hard work. Although his family was so poor that they couldn't even afford to lift the pot's lid, he never stooped to unscrupulous means to earn a living. When he was just over ten years old, his father passed away, and he cried so much that even passersby joined him in tears. He was extremely filial to his mother, and after her death, he was so grief-stricken that he went beyond the customary mourning practices. His family's poverty was so severe that they couldn't even afford someone to play the funeral drum. Every time he went to the gravesite to pay respects, two cranes would appear and call out, and on the day of the burial, a flock of geese would gather. People at the time believed that his filial piety had touched the heavens. Once, he tried some pickled vegetables and found them delicious. Just as he was about to take another bite, he reconsidered and set the dish down.
I live next door to Han Kangbo, who is a Taichang official. His mother is the sister of Yin Hao, a very wise and capable woman. Every time she hears me cry, she puts down her chopsticks and cries along with me, not eating or drinking. Later, she said to Han Kangbo, "If you become an official, you must promote talented people like this!" Han Kangbo later became the Minister of Appointments, and I started to rise step by step, first appointed as an assistant to the state's achievements, and then transferred to participate in the military campaigns against the North.
My brother, Tan Zhi, served as a clerk under Yuan Zhen. After Yuan Zhen was defeated, my brother also faced misfortune. I quickly went to Huan Wen and asked him to spare my brother. Huan Wen was very sympathetic and let him go. From then on, Huan Wen began to appreciate me, successively appointing me as a court official and then as a gentleman, gradually promoting me until I finally became the governor of Jinling. During my time as governor of Jinling, I lived a very simple life, and my wife often gathered firewood on her own. Later, I returned to the court, successively serving as the Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, the National Scholar, the Right Guardian of the Crown Prince, and then transferred to the Cavalry Attendant, concurrently serving as the Director of Imperial Writings. Emperor Xiaowu originally wanted me to be a Yellow Gate Attendant, but thought I resembled Emperor Jianwen, so he gave up the idea.
Then, I served as the Minister of Justice, the Secretary of the Secretariat, and the Deputy Chief of the Imperial Censorate, continuing to concurrently serve as the Director of Imperial Writings, and finally promoted to the General of the Left Guard. Although my official position was high and my salary was substantial, I gave it all to my relatives and friends. In winter, I didn't even have a quilt, and after washing my clothes, I often wrapped myself in cotton fluff, living a hard life just like ordinary folks.
Guangzhou is a place with scenic mountains and rivers, and there are treasures beyond counting. A box of treasures can be used by several generations. However, there is also a lot of pestilence, which frightens many people. Only those who are so destitute that they can't even afford a meal would want to become a provincial governor. Therefore, the previous governors were notoriously greedy. In order to rectify this bad atmosphere in Lingnan, during the Long'an period, the court appointed Wu Yinzhi as the General of Longxiang and the Governor of Guangzhou, granting him the authority of a nominal title, allowing him to concurrently serve as the General of Pingyue.
About twenty miles outside the city lies a place called Shimen, where there is a spring known as Greedy Spring. Legend has it that drinking this water will leave one insatiably greedy. When Wu Yinzhi arrived there, he told his family, "Don't look at those tempting things to keep your heart at peace. It's easy to lose integrity in Lingnan, but I have my wits about me." When he reached the Greedy Spring, he took a sip of the water and then wrote a poem: "Ancient people said that this water makes you crave wealth with just one sip. Even if Boyi and Shuqi were to drink it, they would not change their minds." When he held office in Guangzhou, his integrity became even more pronounced. He usually only ate vegetables and dried fish. He kept his tent and clothes in a separate storage. People at the time thought he was showing off, but he never changed. When his subordinates sent him fish, he realized they were deliberately leaving only the fish meat. Wu Yinzhi saw through their intentions, reprimanded them, and sent them packing.
In the Yuanxing era, the court issued an edict saying: "Filial piety is reflected at home, and integrity is as resilient as the wind and frost. This is indeed a difficult feat, and it is a commendable virtue. General Longxiang, the Governor of Guangzhou, Wu Yinzhi, is more filial and benevolent than most. His salary could support nine generations comfortably, but he lives a simple life, so frugal that his diet consists solely of fish and rice. Though he resides in an environment ripe for greed, he has consistently upheld his integrity. Despite enjoying a generous salary, his family has not changed their clothes. He has eradicated extravagance and championed thrift, transforming the customs of Lingnan. I am greatly pleased. He has been specially promoted to the rank of General and awarded five hundred thousand coins and a thousand bushels of grain!"
Legend has it that when Lu Xun attacked Nanhai, Yin Zhi led his soldiers to defend the city and persisted for a long time. However, his eldest son died in battle. Lu Xun mounted a fierce assault for over a hundred days, setting the city ablaze and destroying more than three thousand homes, resulting in the deaths of over ten thousand people. The city ultimately fell. Yin Zhi tried to escape back to the capital with his family but was captured by Lu Xun. Lu Xun reported to the court, claiming Yin Zhi was a supporter of Huan Xuan and should be killed, but the court did not agree. Later, Liu Yu wrote a letter to Lu Xun, asking him to release Yin Zhi. After a long time, Yin Zhi was finally able to return home. When he returned, he found he had hardly any possessions. He discovered his home was a small plot of land with a dilapidated house, with a rickety old fence and just six thatched huts in total, which could not accommodate the whole family. Liu Yu sent him a cart and a pair of oxen and planned to build a new house for him, but he firmly refused. He was later appointed as the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Ceremonies. The screens in his office were crafted from bamboo, and he didn't even have a cushion to sit upon. He was later promoted to the position of General of the Central Army, yet he continued to live a simple and frugal lifestyle. Every month, he only kept enough of his salary for himself to eat, donating the remainder to relatives and friends. His family depended on weaving to make ends meet, at times going several days without a meal. He frequently donned tattered clothing, and his wife never enjoyed his salary.
In the eighth year of the Yixi era, he requested retirement, which was approved by the court. He was granted the title of Grand Master of Splendor, along with a gold seal, purple ribbon, one hundred thousand coins and three hundred bushels of rice. In the ninth year, he passed away. The court posthumously conferred upon him the title of Left Grand Master of Splendor and designated him as an Honorary Cavalry Attendant. Yin Zhi was known for his integrity and honesty, receiving numerous accolades from the court. From retirement to his passing, he benefited from the court's generous provisions and posthumous honors. Those honorable scholars held him up as a model of virtue.
In earlier years, when Yin Zhi served as a court official, Xie Shi invited him to take on the role of chief clerk to the General of the Guard. Yin Zhi was about to marry off his daughter, and Xie Shi knew that his family was poor, so the dowry for his daughter would surely be meager. He sent some items to assist with the wedding arrangements. However, when the messenger arrived at his house, all they saw was a maid leading a dog ready to be sold, and nothing else in sight. Later, upon his return from Panyu, his wife Liu brought back a pound of sandalwood. Seeing this, Yin Zhi immediately tossed it into the water at the Hu Ting Pavilion.
His son Yan Zhi followed in his father's footsteps of integrity, serving as the Prefect of Poyang. Yan Zhi's brothers and sons held official positions in various regions, all upholding the family tradition of honesty and prudence. Though their scholarly accomplishments did not match Yin Zhi's, their qualities of filial piety, respect, and integrity remained unchanged.
Historical records indicate that officials like Lu Zhi were exceptional, launching into their duties with vigor upon taking office, achieving remarkable results, and leaving behind a lasting reputation even after their deaths. They were recognized by the enlightened emperor and became famous throughout the country. Officials like Bo Wu, who were clean and diligent, Yan Yuan, who advocated for justice for the people and alleviated prison conditions, Deng You, who risked his life to deliver grain and report on his duties, and Wu Yin, who was thrifty and disciplined, were exemplary officials of the Jin Dynasty and served as the best examples. However, Deng You abandoned his own son and raised his nephew, sacrificing family bonds for the greater good. If he found it impossible, he should have reluctantly let go, but why did he feel the need to preemptively accuse him and bar him from attending the funeral? This is hardly the behavior of a loving and compassionate father! In the end, he got what he deserved! Don't assume that heaven is unfair; in fact, justice prevails! Shi Ying displayed steadfast loyalty to the Cao family, even breaking through the palace gates and defying the authorities, and Emperor Xuan recognized his loyalty and righteousness with rewards. Wasn't this simply inviting him to chastise others?
It is said: Oh, these good officials, each inheriting the virtues of their predecessors, as majestic as a skilled horseman with cunning steeds, as calm as boiling fresh fish, drinking only from the Wu River, taking only from corrupt officials, the people's customs have changed as a result, and the social climate has also improved.
