In ancient times, there were many stories of virtuous wives and good mothers. Let's go through them one by one. First, let's talk about Yang Dan's wife, Xin Shi, and Du Youdao's wife, Yan Shi, Wang Hun's wife, Zhong Shi, Zheng Mao's wife, Cao Shi... Wow, there are so many names, it's hard to keep track! In short, they are all famous and respected ladies. Each of them is a supportive partner and plays an important role in their respective families.
Next, there's the Crown Princess Min Huai, who is Wang Shi, Zheng Xiu's wife, Shi Shi, Tao Kan's mother, Zhan Shi, Jia Hun's wife, Zong Shi... You see, they are all from noble families or very capable women themselves. They not only take care of their families but also often support and help their husbands in their careers. Just think, back then, when women had a low status, it was no small feat for them!
Then there are Liang Wei's wife, Xin Shi, Xu Yan's wife, Du Shi, Yu Tan's mother, Sun Shi, Zhou Yi's mother, Li Shi, Zhang Mao's wife, Lu Shi... The list is really long; it seems like there were a lot of virtuous wives and good mothers back in the day! Some of their stories are still told today, while others might have faded away in the sands of time, but their virtues and contributions are worth learning from and admiring.
Next are the two young women from the Yin family and the Yu family: Guan Shi, the youngest daughter of Xun Song; Xie Shi, the wife of Wang Ningzhi; Chen Shi, the wife of Liu Zhen; Long Shi, the wife of Pi Jing; Zhou Shi, the wife of Meng Chang; Liu Shi, the mother of He Wuji; Liu Shi, the wife of Liu Cong; Wang Guang's daughter; a woman from Shan Prefecture; Jin Kang's daughter; Song Shi, the mother of Wei Cheng; Yan Shi and Xue Shi, the concubines of Zhang Tianxi; Zhang Shi, the concubine of Fu Jian; Su Shi, the wife of Dou Tao; Mao Shi, the wife of Fu Deng; Duan Shi, the wife of Murong Chui; Murong Shi, the wife of Duan Feng; Yang Shi, the wife of Lv Zuan; Zhang Shi, the wife of Lv Shao; and finally, from the Yin family, Li Xuan Sheng, the Queen Mother of Liangwu Zhao Wang. Wow, that's a lot of names to take in all at once! It's truly dazzling! Their stories, some full of legendary tales, some plain yet great, all together constitute a microcosm of ancient women's lives.
It is said that in marriage, timing, location, and people are crucial, and a harmonious family is essential for prosperity. If the relationship between two families is good, there will be many stories of virtuous women. These women of noble character and distinct qualities have left brilliant chapters in history books. They were talented, gentle, and obedient, passing down those same exceptional qualities across generations.
Think about it, Yu Shun rose to power in Gui River, the Xia Dynasty flourished in Mount Tu, Lady Jiang and Lady Ren laid the foundation for the Yin and Shang dynasties, and Lady Da Ren and Lady Si made the culture of the Zhou Dynasty even more prosperous. Empress Ma and Empress Deng of the Han Dynasty were known for their simplicity and frugality, while Empresses Xuan, Zhao, Yi, and Shu added luster to the Wei Dynasty. These are all examples of the palace, setting the highest standards for women's virtue.
For example, Gong Jiang's oath, the story of Meng Mu's three relocations, Hua Yuan assisting Duke Huan of Qi, Fan Ji assisting King Zhuang of Chu, Wen Bo reflecting on himself with a sword, Zi Fa yielding his seat to the worthy, Shao Jun observing rituals, and Meng Guang concealing her ambitions from her husband. These women were both virtuous and exemplified the virtues of motherhood. These stories were compiled into books in the past and have been passed down through the ages as examples for future generations. The book also records many stories of imperial consorts, virtuous wives, and good mothers, but due to limited space, they will not be discussed in detail. As for the short-lived pseudo-dynasties, their stories are included at the end of the book as they do not conform to orthodox traditions. Next, let's talk about Yang Dan's wife, Xin Xianying. Xin Xianying, also known as Xianying, was from Longxi and was the daughter of Wei's attendant Xin Pi. She was intelligent and knowledgeable. When Emperor Wen of Wei was first named Crown Prince, he excitedly hugged Xin Pi and said, "Do you know how happy I am?" Xin Pi told this to Xianying. Xianying sighed and said, "Crown Prince, you are the future heir to the throne, the one who will worship the ancestral temples and protect the state. How can one inherit the throne without worries? How can one govern the country without caution? One should be concerned rather than joyful; how can happiness endure? I fear that Wei will decline!"
Chang Ge followed General Cao Shuang in the military. The emperor wanted to deal with Cao Shuang, but after Cao Shuang left the city with the emperor, he locked the city gate behind them. Cao Shuang's advisor, Sima Luzhi, led the guards from the residence to break down the city gate and went to rescue Cao Shuang, also calling for Chang Ge to go along. Chang Ge was terrified and asked Xianying, "The emperor is outside, and the Grand Tutor has locked the city gates. Everyone says this is harmful to the country. Can this be done?" Xianying replied, "No one can predict what will happen, but in my opinion, the Grand Tutor felt he had no choice. Before his death, the emperor held the Grand Tutor's hand and entrusted him with important matters, which everyone in the court knows. Besides, Cao Shuang and the Grand Tutor were both entrusted with important tasks by the emperor, but Cao Shuang took all the power for himself, was disloyal to the royal family and lacked integrity. This move is primarily aimed at removing Cao Shuang." Chang Ge said, "So, I need to go out?" Xianying said, "Of course you have to go out! Fulfilling your duties is the essence of being a good person! When others are in need, we should lend a hand. It's bad luck to hold the reins for others and then run away when trouble comes. Moreover, helping others and being willing to sacrifice for them is just part of being human. Just go with the flow." Chang Ge then left the city. The emperor indeed took care of Cao Shuang. Afterwards, Chang Ge sighed and said, "I didn't discuss this with my sister, and I almost went against my principles!"
Later, Zhong Hui became the General of the West, and Xian Ying said to the son of Dan Cong, Hu, "Why did Zhong Hui go to the west?" Hu replied, "To subdue the Shu Kingdom." Xian Ying expressed, "Zhong Hui is impulsive and not the type to remain in a subordinate role for long. I fear he has ulterior motives." When Zhong Hui was about to depart, he wanted his son Zhong Xiu to join the army. Xian Ying worriedly said, "I will have to worry for the country in the future, but today, disaster is about to strike my family." Zhong Xiu insisted on requesting permission from the emperor, but the emperor did not agree. Xian Ying advised Zhong Xiu, "Go, remember! A true gentleman is filial to his parents at home and loyal to his country outside; when serving as an official or discussing righteousness, always consider your duty. In the army, perhaps only kindness and generosity can be effective!" Zhong Hui did indeed rebel against the Shu Kingdom, yet Zhong Xiu returned unscathed. Hu once sent a brocade quilt, but Xian Ying deemed it too extravagant, so he flipped it over and used it. He was remarkably wise and frugal. He passed away in the fifth year of Taishi, at the age of seventy-nine.
Duyoudao's wife, Yan Shi, whose courtesy name was Xian, was from Chang'an, virtuous and kind, possessing great insight and courage. She married into the Du family at the age of thirteen and became a widow at eighteen. Her son Zhi and daughter Wei were still young, lonely, and helpless. Despite her youth, Yan Shi vowed to remain steadfast, diligently raising her two children and instilling in them the values of the world. Later, her son Du Zhi gained prominence, and her daughter Du Wei was virtuous and moral. The renowned scholar Fu Xuan sought to marry her. Yan Shi accepted without a second thought.
Back then, Fu Xuan had a strained relationship with He Yan and Deng Yang. They were always scheming against Fu Xuan, so no one dared to give their daughter in marriage to him. After Lady Yan agreed to this marriage, the whole family was filled with worry and fear. Some people said, "He Yan and Deng Yang have great power; they will definitely harm Fu Xuan. It's like trying to move a mountain or melt snow with boiling water; it's simply impossible to succeed! Why would you marry your daughter to him?" Lady Yan replied, "You only see one side of the situation, not the other. He Yan and his group are arrogant and will eventually self-destruct. Prime Minister Sima is like a sleeping beast. I'm worried that by the time we act, it might be too late, so we must take the initiative." So, Lady Yan gave her daughter in marriage to Fu Xuan. Shortly after, Emperor Xuan had He Yan and his group executed. Later, Du Zhi became the Prefect of Nan'an.
Du Zhi's cousin, Du Yu, became the Inspector of Qinzhou, but he was later falsely accused and summoned back by the court. Lady Yan wrote a letter advising Du Yu, "As the saying goes, 'endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens to become a high-ranking official.' You may be suffering now, but as long as you can endure, you'll eventually hold a high-ranking position." Du Yu eventually rose to the position of the Chief of the Three Dukes. The proverb "endure humiliation to become a high-ranking official" is referenced here. Fu Xuan's ex-wife's son, Xian, was just six years old when he visited Lady Yan with his stepmother. Lady Yan told Xian, "You’re a true thoroughbred; you will definitely make a name for yourself in the future." Later, Lady Yan married her niece to him. Xian also became famous nationwide. Lady Yan had an extraordinary talent for recognizing people! She passed away at sixty-six.
Wang Hun's wife, Lady Zhong, whose courtesy name was Yan, was from Yingchuan and was the great-granddaughter of the Wei Dynasty's Grand Tutor Wang Yao. Her father was Wang Hui, a Yellow Gate Attendant. Yan could write well from a young age, and as she grew up, she became intelligent and beautiful, with extensive knowledge gained from her reading. She was beautiful, was also skilled at whistling and singing, had elegant manners, and was a role model for relatives and friends. After marrying Wang Hun, she gave birth to a son named Wang Ji.
Once, Wang Hun and Lady Zhong were sitting together when Wang Ji ran across the yard. Wang Hun happily said, "Having such a good son is truly comforting!" Lady Zhong smiled and said, "If my daughter-in-law could marry someone like a military officer (Wang Hun's brother Wang Lun), the son she bears will surely be even better." Lady Zhong's daughter was also very talented and wanted to find a good husband. At that time, there was a very handsome boy from a military family. Wang Ji wanted to marry his daughter to him and told Lady Zhong about it. Lady Zhong said, "Let me see him first." Wang Ji had the military officer blend in with a group of ordinary people, and Lady Zhong watched him from behind the tent. After a while, she said to Wang Ji, "The one in the red clothes, is that the one you mentioned?" Wang Ji said, "Yes, that's him." Lady Zhong said, "He is indeed quite remarkable, but he comes from a poor family, has a short lifespan, and wouldn't have the chance to showcase his talents. I cannot allow my daughter to marry him." Thus, the matter was set aside. Several years later, that person indeed passed away. Lady Zhong's vision and insight were of such caliber.
Wang Hun's brother Wang Zhan's wife, Lady Hao, was also known for her great virtues. Despite Lady Zhong's noble background, she and Lady Hao respected each other. Lady Hao did not regard Lady Zhong with disdain due to her humble background, and Lady Zhong did not neglect Lady Hao because of her noble status. People of that time praised Lady Zhong's grace and Lady Hao's character.
Zheng Mao's wife, Cao Shi, hailed from Xue County in the State of Lu. Zheng Mao first married Sun Shi, who died young, and then married Cao Shi as his second wife. Cao Shi was deeply devoted to her in-laws, personally spinning and weaving while living frugally and serving them. She was very polite and considerate towards Zheng Mao's siblings, and everyone was very satisfied with her. Later, Zheng Mao became a high-ranking official, and his son Zheng Mo and others also held high positions, leading people to regard their family as prosperous. However, Cao Shi was very worried about the family's fortunes declining, and every time her sons were promoted, she was visibly anxious. She never wore nice clothes or ate well, and she always shared their earnings with relatives and friends, ensuring there was never any money left at home.
Sun Shi was initially buried in Liyang. Later, when Sun Mao passed away, some thought the mourning period was too long for a joint burial. Cao Shi said, "Sun Shi was the rightful wife and should be buried together. How can we allow her soul to wander alone?" So, she prepared a grand funeral to welcome Sun Shi, personally taking care of everything and even arranging clothing and bedding. Along the way, she paid her respects with the grace of a flying goose, and those who heard about it were full of admiration, believing that Zhao Ji's uncle Wei couldn't compare. In the first year of Taikang, Cao Shi passed away at the age of eighty-three.
Princess Wang, the daughter of General Wang Yan, was virtuous and compassionate. After the Crown Prince was deposed and lived in Jinyang City, Wang Yan asked to dissolve the engagement, and Huifeng returned home in tears. People along the way wept with her. Later, when Liu Yao captured Luoyang, he rewarded Huifeng to his general Qiao Shu, who wanted to marry her. Huifeng unsheathed her sword to confront Qiao Shu, saying, "I am the daughter of the General, the Crown Prince's wife, and I absolutely cannot be insulted by barbarians!" Qiao Shu ultimately took her life.
Zheng Xiu's wife, Shi, had origins that are unknown. She displayed good character from a young age and was praised by the villagers during her teens. After marrying Zheng Xiu, she was highly respected by his family. When Zheng Xiu's first wife gave birth to a daughter and his father had an illegitimate son named Shen Sheng before he passed away, Zheng Xiu wanted to abandon Shen Sheng. However, Shi said, "How can we let the son of our family not survive!" So, she raised both Shen Sheng and Zheng Xiu's first wife's daughter. Although she bore a heavy burden, she was unable to raise the children successfully on three occasions over nine years.
Tao Kan's mother, Zhan, was from Xingan County in Yuzhang. Initially, Tao Kan's father, Tao Dan, married Zhan as a concubine, and they had Tao Kan. The Tao family was very poor at the time, and Zhan always spun and wove to support the family, encouraging Tao Dan to associate with those more prosperous. When Tao Kan was a young official in Xunyang County, he was responsible for overseeing the fish dam, and he gave his mother a jar of fish sauce. Zhan opened the jar of fish sauce along with the letter and scolded Tao Kan, saying, "As an official, using public resources to give to me not only does not benefit me, but also adds to my worries!" Xiao Lian Fan Kui from Poyang once stayed at Tao Kan's house. During a heavy snowfall, Zhan dismantled her new bedding to provide cushioning for Fan Kui's horse, secretly cut her hair and sold it to neighbors, and used the money to buy food to entertain Fan Kui. Upon hearing this, Fan Kui remarked, "Without such a mother, there would not be such a son!" Tao Kan ultimately rose to prominence through his accomplishments.
Jia Hun's wife, whose surname was Zong, no one knows her exact origins. Jia Hun became the county magistrate of Jiexiu, but was defeated by Qiao Xi, who was under Liu Yuanhai, and died. Zong was very beautiful, and Qiao Xi wanted to take her as a concubine. Zong shouted angrily, "You barbarian! You killed my husband, and now you want to disrespect me, what kind of person are you? Why not just kill me!" Then she cried out to the heavens. In a fit of anger, Qiao Xi killed her; she was in her twenties at the time.
Liang Wei's wife, whose surname was Xin, was from Di Dao in Longxi. Liang Wei had served as a cavalry officer and was killed by Liu Yao when the capital city was captured. Xin was exceptionally beautiful, and Liu Yao wanted to marry her. Xin cried out and pleaded on the ground, looking up at Liu Yao, "I heard that men should value righteousness and loyalty, and women should not remarry. My husband is already dead; I should follow him in death. Besides, what good does it do you to dishonor a woman! Please let me die so I can serve my husband's family in the afterlife." She continued to cry. Liu Yao said, "What a virtuous woman, let her be." So, Xin hanged herself, and Liu Yao gave her a proper burial.
Xu Yan's wife, whose origins are also unknown, had served as an official in Yizhou and was killed by Li Xiang. Li Xiang wanted to marry Du, but she clung to her husband's corpse, sobbing and cursing Li Xiang, "You traitors are so unreasonable! There is an order to life and death; why should you live long? I am from the Du family; how could I possibly be your wife!" Li Xiang was very angry and killed her.
Yu Tan's mother, Sun Shi, was from Fuchun in Wu County and was the granddaughter of Sun Quan. She was originally married to Yu Zhong, the father of Yu Tan, who was respectful, virtuous, and particularly exemplified the qualities expected of a woman. After Yu Zhong passed away, leaving behind an orphan and a widow, Sun Shi, despite her youth, vowed to uphold her integrity and dedicated herself to raising her son with great diligence. She was intelligent, insightful, and had exceptional judgment. From a young age, Yu Tan was taught by his mother to value loyalty and righteousness, which contributed to his good reputation and praise from the court as he grew up.
As the Yongjia period drew to a close, Yu Tan became the Prefect of Nankang and led troops to suppress a rebellion led by Du Tao. Sun Shi encouraged Yu Tan to fight with a determined spirit, even putting all their family wealth into rewarding the soldiers, resulting in a victory. Later, when Su Jun rebelled, Yu Tan was stationed in Wuxing and was ordered by the court to lead troops to suppress Su Jun. Sun Shi advised Yu Tan, saying, "I have heard that loyal ministers come from filial sons; you should be willing to sacrifice for what is right and not have any concerns because of my old age." She then sent all their household servants to support Yu Tan in battle and even sold her own jewelry to provide military funds.
At that time, Wang Shu, the Interior Minister of Kuaiji, sent his son Wang Yunzhi to serve as a commander, and Sun Shi asked Yu Tan, "Why don't you send someone as well?" Yu Tan immediately sent his son Yu Chu to serve as a commander, fighting alongside Wang Yunzhi. Her deep concern for the country and its people was clear. She was later bestowed the title of Lady Wu Changhou and awarded a golden seal and purple ribbon. Yu Tan specially built a hall in their home, where ministers under Wang Dao came to pay their respects to her. Sun Shi passed away during the Xianhe period at the age of ninety-five. The emperor sent personal condolences and posthumously honored her with the title "Lady Ding."
Zhou Yi's mother, Li Shi, whose courtesy name was Luoxiu, was from Runan. When she was young, she remained at home awaiting marriage. Zhou Yi's father, Zhou Jun, was a general in Andong. One day while hunting, he got caught in the rain and ran to Luoxiu's house to seek shelter. Coincidentally, only she and a maid were at home. Upon hearing that Zhou Jun had arrived, Luoxiu and her maid butchered pigs and sheep in the yard, preparing an elaborate feast without making a sound for dozens of people. Zhou Jun found this odd and sent someone to check it out, only to see a very beautiful woman. Zhou Jun wanted to take her as his concubine. Her family disagreed, but Luoxiu said, "Our family is declining now; sacrificing a daughter is a small price to pay! If we can marry into nobility, it will benefit our family greatly in the future!" Her parents and brothers then agreed. Later, she gave birth to Zhou Yi, Zhou Song, and Zhou Mo. When they grew up, Luoxiu told them, "I sacrificed myself to be your mother's concubine for the sake of your family. If you don't respect my family, what's the point of me living this long?" Zhou Yi and his brothers all obeyed their mother's words, and the Li family eventually rose to prominence.
During the period of Zhengxing, Zhou Yi and his brothers all became high-ranking officials. One winter solstice, Li Shi held a banquet and raised a toast to her three sons, saying, "When I crossed the river back then, I had nowhere to go. I never imagined you brothers would all become high-ranking officials, now all in front of my eyes. What more could I possibly worry about?" Zhou Yi said, "It may not be as you say. The eldest brother has great ambitions but lacks ability, with a big reputation but shallow knowledge, liking to take advantage of others, which is not a long-term plan. The second brother has a strong personality and might also struggle to make his mark in the world. Only the youngest brother, who seems to be aimless, can fulfill his filial duty by your side." "Anu" was Zhou Mo's nickname. In the end, it turned out just as Zhou Yi predicted.
Zhang Mao's wife, Lu, was from Wu County. When Zhang Mao was the governor of Wu County, he was killed by Shen Chong. Lu spent all her family's savings to lead Zhang Mao's subordinates to confront Shen Chong. Shen Chong was defeated, and Lu petitioned the court to seek justice for Zhang Mao. The court issued a decree saying, "Zhang Mao and his wife displayed loyalty and righteousness; the whole family is noble, and Zhang Mao should be posthumously appointed as the Grand Minister."
Yin Yu had two daughters from Changsha. Yin Yu used to be the governor of Shixing. He led a rebellion against Du Tuo but was defeated. His two daughters were captured by Du Tuo. Both daughters were exceptionally beautiful, and Du Tuo sought to take them as his wives. The two daughters said, "Our father is a high official of the court; we will never become the wives of criminals; we would rather die than become his wives!" Du Tuo then killed them.
Xun Song's daughter, Xun Guan, was courageous and resourceful from a young age. Her father, Xun Song, was under siege by Du Zeng's army when he was the governor of Xiangcheng. With dwindling forces and no food remaining, he wanted to seek help from his former subordinate, General Pingnan, Shi Lan, but couldn't find a way. At that time, Xun Guan was only thirteen years old. She led dozens of brave warriors to scale the walls and escape the city under the cover of night. The enemy pursued closely, but Xun Guan encouraged the soldiers, fighting their way forward. They finally escaped into Luyang Mountain, eluding their pursuers. She personally approached Shi Lan to request reinforcements, wrote a letter to Southern Langzhong General Zhou Fang for help, and swore brotherhood with Zhou Fang. Zhou Fang immediately sent his son to lead three thousand soldiers to rescue Xun Song. Upon hearing that reinforcements had arrived, the enemy scattered and fled, which was entirely due to Xun Guan's efforts.
Wang Ningzhi's wife, Xie Daoyun, is the daughter of General Xie Yi of Anxi; she is intelligent and articulate. Her uncle Xie An once asked her, "Which line in the 'Mao Shi' is the best?" Xie Daoyun replied, "'Jifu wrote a eulogy, solemn as a gentle breeze. Zhongshan Fu forever holds, to comfort his heart.'" Xie An found her to be quite elegant and profound. Another time, when the Xie family gathered at home, it suddenly started snowing heavily. Xie An asked everyone, "What does the snow look like?" Xie An's nephew Xie Lang said, "It looks almost like grains of salt floating in the air." Xie Daoyun said, "It resembles willow catkins being blown by the wind." Xie An was very pleased to hear this.
When Xie Daoyun first married Wang Ningzhi, she felt quite unhappy when she returned home. Xie An asked her, "Wang Lang is the son of Wang Xizhi; he's not a bad person. What are you dissatisfied with?" Xie Daoyun replied, "In our Xie family, uncle Xie An, cousin Xie Wan, and cousins Xie Shao, Xie Lang, Xie Xuan, Xie Chuan, I never expected someone like Wang Ningzhi to exist!" "Feng" refers to Xie Shao, "Hu" refers to Xie Lang, "Jie" refers to Xie Xuan, "Mo" refers to Xie Chuan; these are their courtesy names, or 'zi.' She also once mocked those who delved into metaphysics for their lack of ambition, saying, "Are they really so limited in talent that they spend all day on trivial matters?" Wang Ningzhi's younger brother Wang Xianzhi once debated with a guest and was on the verge of losing. Xie Daoyun sent a maid to inform Wang Xianzhi, "I want to help you out." Then she draped herself with a blue silk curtain and continued to debate for Wang Xianzhi; the guests ultimately couldn't outmatch her.
When the Sun En uprising broke out, she remained very calm. It wasn't until she heard that her husband and sons had all been killed by bandits that she had her maid help her up, picked up a knife, and rushed out. As the chaos of battle drew near, she fought off several of them herself and was eventually captured. Her grandson Liu Tao was only a few years old at the time, and the bandits wanted to kill him. Dao Yun said, "This matter concerns the court; what does it have to do with our family! If you must kill, then kill me first!" Although Sun En was cruel, he was taken aback by her and ultimately spared Liu Tao. From that point on, she lived as a widow in Kuaiji, and everyone in the family was very serious and solemn.
The Prefect of Kuaiji, Liu Liu, heard of her reputation and wanted to talk to her. Dao Yun was already acquainted with Liu Liu and accepted, so she arranged her hair and put on simple clothes before sitting in the tent. Liu Liu was well-dressed and sat on another low couch. Dao Yun was elegant and graceful, speaking with grace. She first talked about family matters, shed tears when the conversation turned sorrowful, and then slowly answered Liu Liu's questions with clarity and confidence. After Liu Liu left, he exclaimed, "I have lived for so long and have never seen such a person. Her words and actions are truly convincing." Dao Yun also said, "All my loved ones have died, and only now have I met such a nobleman. Listening to his questions, I feel a sense of clarity in my heart."
At first, Dao Yun's sister Zhang Xuan from the same county also had talent and married into the Gu family. Zhang Xuan often praised her, saying she could compare to Dao Yun. There was a monk called Jini who often visited these two families. When asked, Jini replied, "Lady Wang (Dao Yun) is free-spirited and cheerful, with the spirit of a hermit in the mountains. The lady of the Gu family is pure-hearted and shines like jade, and is the best in the women's chamber." The poems, essays, elegies, and eulogies written by Dao Yun have been cherished through the ages.
Liu Zhen's wife, Chen, is also very intelligent, eloquent, and a skilled writer. She once recited a poem called "Ode to Pepper Flowers," with the following verses: "As the heavens turn, three dynasties dawn. The azure sun spreads its light, illuminating the scene with brilliance. Admiring the exquisite spirit flowers, I gather and present them. Reflecting the sacred visage, may it grant eternal life." She also wrote the etiquette for the New Year and Winter Solstice court ceremonies, which has been used ever since.
Pi Jing's wife, Mrs. Long, with the courtesy name Lian, was from Xidao County. She married Pi Jing at the age of thirteen, and less than a year later, Pi Jing passed away. Both of Pi Jing's younger brothers followed suit in death. She had no children and no relatives to rely on. Mrs. Long liquidated her dowry and took up spinning her own textiles, and within a few years, handled three funerals. After the funerals, she performed daily rituals at the same time without fail. People in the region spoke highly of her virtue, and many suitors sought her hand, but she vowed never to remarry. She lived in poverty for fifty years before passing away.
Meng Chang's wife, Zhou, is the cousin of Meng Chang's younger brother Meng Yi's wife. Both families are very wealthy. Initially, Huan Xuan valued Meng Chang highly, but Liu Mai spoke ill of him in front of Huan Xuan. Meng Chang found out about this and felt deeply regretful. Later, Liu Yu planned to rebel and discussed his plans with Meng Chang. Meng Chang wanted to use all their family property as military provisions. His wife was no ordinary woman; she could handle important matters with him. She said to Meng Chang, "Liu Mai has tarnished your reputation in front of Huan Xuan; your life is over, and he will definitely rebel. You should distance yourself from him as soon as possible. If you can gain wealth and status, then you can support him later." Zhou said, "Your parents are still at home. You want to do such a big thing; how can a woman like me advise you! Even if things don't work out, we can still find a comfortable position in a government office; there will always be a way out." Meng Chang felt uneasy for quite a while before finally standing up. Zhou caught up with him, pulled him back down, and said, "I see the way you are; you didn't plan to discuss this with me at all; you just want to take all the family property out." At this time, their daughter was still in her arms. Zhou lifted her up to show him, "This child could be sold, so what’s money to us!" So, she gave all the family property to Meng Chang and found an excuse to cover it up.
As the day of the uprising approached, Zhou said to Meng Yi's wife, "I recently had a bad dream; the house should be thoroughly cleaned and bathed to remove bad luck, and it's best not to wear red clothes. I have put away all the red things and hidden them for seven days to ward off evil." Meng Yi's wife believed her and handed over all the red things to Zhou. Zhou put these items in the tent, secretly tore the red fabric into cotton, and gave the red fabric to Meng Chang, thus obtaining dozens of vibrant military uniforms, all of which were secretly acquired by Zhou, and no one else in the family was aware.
He Wuji's mother, Madam Liu, is the daughter of General He Jian. She has always been ambitious and morally upright since she was young. Her younger brother, He Lao, was killed by Huan Xuan, and Madam Liu has always held a grudge and sought revenge for this incident. Later, when He Wuji and Liu Yu discussed the uprising, Madam Liu noticed He Wuji's unusual actions and felt secretly pleased, but did not say anything. That night, He Wuji was writing a proclamation behind a screen, and Madam Liu quietly covered the candle with something, then climbed onto a stool to peek behind the screen. After seeing clearly, she wept and gently touched He Wuji, saying, "I’m not as wise as Lady Lu of Donghai! I feared you might die young, but you were able to do this, and our hatred can finally be avenged!" She then asked who He Wuji's accomplice was, and when she found out it was Liu Yu, she was even more delighted. She persuaded He Wuji, saying that Huan Xuan would surely fail and the righteous army would surely succeed, and indeed, her predictions came true.
Liu Cong's wife, Madam Liu, whose personal name was E and courtesy name was Li Hua, is the daughter of the former dynasty's Tai Bao Yin family. She has always been intelligent and clever, occupied with household duties during the day and studying at night. Her mother always advised her not to work so hard, but her passion for learning only intensified. She often discussed the principles in the classics with her brothers, and her insights were extraordinary, winning the admiration of her brothers. She was filial, kind-hearted, and carried herself with elegance. After Liu Cong became emperor, he summoned her to the palace and appointed her as the Noble Consort, doting on her. Soon after, he made her empress and planned to build a palace called "Imperial Bird" for her to reside in. However, the Minister of Justice, Chen Yuanda, strongly advised against it, which infuriated Liu Cong, who then threatened to kill him.
At this time, Empress Liu was in the palace, secretly instructing the guards not to act, and then personally wrote a memorial to Liu Cong: "I heard that the emperor wants to build a palace for me, but my current residence is already sufficient. The 'Imperial Bird' Hall is not a pressing necessity. The realm is not yet fully unified, and there are still many disasters. Any action requires manpower and resources, and should be approached with caution. The Minister of Justice is speaking about national affairs; loyal officials offer their counsel for the good of the country, not for personal gain. If the emperor rejects loyal advice, it is also not for himself. I hope Your Majesty can embody the virtue of ancient wise rulers by being open to counsel, and take heed of the lessons of those foolhardy rulers who refused advice and perished. Rather than punishing the Minister of Justice, he should be richly rewarded, given high office and wealth. Why kill him instead? Your Majesty, your anger this time is because of me; the Minister of Justice's misfortune is also due to my actions. The people are complaining, the country is exhausted, and the responsibility lies with me. Refusing loyal advice is also my fault. Throughout history, the ruin of nations and the fall of families have often been attributed to the meddling of women. I often read these historical accounts, filled with such anger that I lose my appetite; I never thought that such a thing would happen to me today! Future generations will evaluate me as I have evaluated those who came before. How can I continue to serve Your Majesty with any sense of dignity? Please let me die in this palace to atone for the mistake of misleading Your Majesty."
After reading the memorial, Liu Cong's face changed drastically. He said to the people around him, "I have recently suffered from wind illness, with unpredictable emotions. Chen Yuanda is a loyal minister; I am truly ashamed!" He then thanked Chen Yuanda, "With a loyal minister like you to assist, and an empress like you by my side, what do I have to worry about!" After Empress Liu passed away, she was posthumously titled Empress Wuxuan.
Her sister, Liu Ying, also known as Lifen, was intelligent and studious, with exceptional literary talent, eloquence, and a profound understanding of political affairs, even more so than Liu E. Initially summoned to the palace with her sister and appointed as Left Noble Consort, she passed away and was posthumously titled Empress Wude.
Wang Guang's daughter, I don't know her origins. She is exceptionally beautiful, with a bold and unyielding personality, like a warrior. Her father Wang Guang served as an official under Liu Cong, the governor of Xi Yangzhou. Later, the barbarian leader Mei Fang captured Yangzhou, and Wang Guang died in battle. At that time, Wang Guang's daughter was only fifteen years old, and Mei Fang seized her. Not long after, she attacked Mei Fang in a dimly lit chamber, missed, and Mei Fang woke up and asked her, "What are you trying to do?" Wang Guang's daughter cursed, "Barbaric beast! I want to kill you, the traitor. What is betrayal? I’ve heard that the duty to avenge one’s father is paramount, and the same goes for one’s mother. You, a traitor, harm others' parents and disrespect me. The reason I am not dead is to kill you! It is right for me to die now. You don't need to do it yourself. I only wish I could behead you and display your head in the market to reclaim my honor!" She spoke quickly and fiercely, then committed suicide. Mei Fang tried to stop her but was too late.
In Shann County, there was a woman, I don’t know what her name was, nineteen years old. When Liu Yao was in power, she lived as a widow in Shann County, deeply devoted to her mother-in-law and aunt. Her family wanted to marry her off, so she disfigured herself and vowed never to marry. Later, both her mother-in-law and aunt died, and her cousin, who was at her mother-in-law's house, falsely accused her of murdering her own mother. The authorities killed her without any investigation. At that time, many birds mourned around her body, with particularly mournful cries. In the height of summer, her body was left exposed for ten days, neither decaying nor being consumed by insects or animals, and there was no rain in that area for a year. Liu Yao appointed Hu Yanmo as governor, who, after learning the truth, killed the woman who falsely accused her and held a sacrifice at her grave, honoring her posthumously as a "filial and chaste woman." That day, it rained heavily.
Jin Kang's daughter, it's unclear where she is from. She is beautiful and very ambitious. Liu Yao killed Jin's family and wanted to take Jin Kang's daughter as a concubine. Jin Kang's daughter said, "The Emperor has already killed my parents and brothers; what more does he want from me as a concubine? I've heard that after dealing with traitors, they also defile their homes and cut down their trees, not to mention their children!" She cried and begged for death; Liu Yao, moved by her plight, spared her brother's life.
Wei Cheng's mother, Song Shi, no one can pinpoint exactly where she is from, but her ancestors were all scholars who made a living by teaching. Song Shi lost her mother when she was young, and her father single-handedly raised her. As she grew up, her father taught her the pronunciation and significance of "Zhou Guan," and told her, "Our ancestors have been studying 'Zhou Guan' for generations; this knowledge has been handed down through generations. The book clearly describes the system, regulations, official positions, and items of the Zhou dynasty. I have no son to inherit the family business, so it's up to you. You must study hard and not let this knowledge be lost!" During those turbulent times, Song Shi persisted in her studies without interruption. Later, Shi Jilong moved their family to Shandong. Along the way, Song Shi and her husband pushed a cart loaded with the books left by her father, all the way to Jizhou, where they found refuge with a wealthy man named Cheng Anshou in Jiaodong. At that time, Wei Cheng was just a child. Song Shi chopped wood on the mountain during the day, taught her son to read at night, and also spun yarn and wove cloth while keeping up with all her responsibilities. Cheng Anshou would often remark, "These scholarly families are truly remarkable!" Eventually, Wei Cheng excelled in his studies, gained renown, and served as the Minister of Ceremonies under Fu Jian.
Fu Jian once went to the Imperial College for inspection, asking the scholars about the classic books, only to find that the rituals and music system were lacking. At that time, a scholar named Lu Han said, "This knowledge has been neglected for so long, and many books have been lost. Over the years, we have pieced together the main classics. Only the annotations on the rituals of the 'Zhou Guan' are not taught by anyone. I heard that the mother of Wei Cheng from the Tai Chang family, Lady Song, has been studying this subject for generations, inheriting her father's mantle and having mastered the pronunciation and meaning of 'Zhou Guan'. She is already eighty years old this year, and her hearing and eyesight are still sharp. Apart from her, no one else can teach these things." So, a lecture hall was constructed at Lady Song's home, with 120 students enrolled, separated by a crimson curtain, to let Lady Song teach the students. People respectfully called Lady Song "Xuan Wen Jun" and even gave her ten maids. The study of 'Zhou Guan' flourished again, and people of that era praised Lady Song, the mother of the Wei family.
Zhang Tianxi's two concubines, Lady Yan and Lady Xue, were from unknown origins, but both were loved by Zhang Tianxi. When Zhang Tianxi fell gravely ill, he asked them, "How do you plan to repay me? After I die, would you still be able to marry someone else?" Both concubines replied, "Master, don't worry, we would rather die than remarry, and we will take care of your grave!" When Zhang Tianxi was critically ill, these two concubines both committed suicide. After Zhang Tianxi regained his health, he mourned for them and provided them with a lavish burial befitting a wife.
Fu Jian's concubine Zhang Shi, whose origins are unclear, was a smart and knowledgeable woman. Fu Jian planned to attack Eastern Jin, despite the ministers' strong objections. Zhang Shi stepped forward and said, "I have heard that all things in nature flourish, and that wise rulers must govern in accordance with natural laws. For example, Huang Di rode cows and horses, in harmony with the nature of the animals; Da Yu chiseled Longmen and cleared the Hong River, in accordance with the natural flow of water; Hou Ji planted various grains, in accordance with the characteristics of the land; Tang and King Wu destroyed Xia and Shang, in accordance with the will of the people. Thus, every action has consequences, and without a sound reason, failure is certain. Now, everyone in the court says this plan is unfeasible; what reason does Your Majesty have to proceed? The books say, 'Heaven is wise, and so are the people.' If heaven is like this, how much more should a ruler be wise! I have heard that before attacking another country, a ruler must observe the celestial phenomena and consider various auspicious and inauspicious signs. The ways of heaven are deep and inscrutable, and I certainly do not understand. But from a human perspective, I see little chance of success in this military campaign. As the saying goes, 'A rooster crowing at night bodes ill for military campaigns; dogs howling means the palace will be empty; the movement of troops startles horses, and a defeated army will not return.' It is now autumn and winter; every night I hear dogs barking incessantly, roosters crowing, and I hear that the horses in the stables have been frightened and run away, and weapons in the armory are making noises. These signs, although I cannot fully understand, I still hope Your Majesty will carefully consider." Fu Jian said, "War is not something for women to meddle in!" And so, he still went to war. Zhang Shi requested to follow, but Fu Jian suffered a major defeat in Shou Chun, and Zhang Shi took her own life.
Dou Tao's wife, Su, was from Shiping and her name was Hui, whose style name was Ruolan. She was skilled in writing. Dou Tao served as the Qinzhou governor during the time of Fu Jian, but was later exiled to Liusha. Su missed him greatly, so she wove a piece of brocade with a palindromic poem embroidered on it to give to Dou Tao. This poem can be read repeatedly in a loop, with poignant language, totaling eight hundred and forty characters. Due to its length, it will not be fully transcribed here. (Original text of the poem is omitted)
Fu Deng's wife, Lady Mao, had an unknown background but was a valiant warrior skilled in archery. When Fu Deng was attacked by Yao Chang and his camp was breached, Lady Mao still bent her bow on horseback, leading hundreds of strong men to fight against Yao Chang, causing significant casualties to the enemy. However, being outnumbered, she was ultimately captured by Yao Chang. Yao Chang wanted to take her as a concubine, but Lady Mao defiantly retorted, "I am the Empress of the Emperor; how dare you insult me, a bandit’s captive! You better kill me now!" She then cried out to the heavens, "Yao Chang, you are so unjust. First you killed the Emperor, now you insult his Empress. Will the heavens not hold you accountable?" Yao Chang, furious, killed her.
Murong Chui's wife, Lady Duan, whose style name was Yuanfei, was the daughter of a self-proclaimed Right Guanglu Daifu Yi. She was intelligent and beautiful from a young age, with lofty aspirations. She often said to her sister, Jifei, "I will never marry an ordinary man in the future." Jifei also said, "I will never marry a vulgar man either." When neighbors heard them say this, they laughed at them. Later, Murong Chui became the King of Yan and married Yuanfei as his secondary wife, showing her special favor. The self-proclaimed King of Fanyang, Murong De, also married Jifei. The two sisters achieved their dreams by marrying Murong Chui and Murong De. After Murong Chui became Emperor, he appointed Yuanfei as Empress.
When Murong Chui appointed his son Bao as the crown prince, the Empress Dowager said to Murong Chui, "The crown prince is handsome and mild-mannered, but lacks decisiveness. In times of peace, he can be a kind and wise ruler, but he might struggle to be the hero needed to save the country in tough times. If Your Majesty entrusts him with the affairs of the country, I'm afraid it might not thrive. Among Your Majesty's sons, the Prince of Liaoxi and the Prince of Gaoyang are more capable. One of them should be chosen as the crown prince. Prince Zhaolin is cunning and arrogant, who constantly looks down on the crown prince. If anything happens to Your Majesty, he will surely cause trouble. This is something Your Majesty should think over carefully." Murong Chui did not listen to her. Bao and Lin both hated her deeply after hearing this. Later, the Empress Dowager advised Murong Chui again, and Murong Chui said, "Are you trying to make me like Duke Xian of Jin?" The Empress Dowager left in tears and told the concubine Ji, "The crown prince is not capable; everyone knows that, but His Majesty compares me to the women of the Lirong tribe, it's just too much! After a hundred years, the crown prince will surely bring the country to its downfall. Prince Fanyang is very capable. If the Yan Kingdom has not been destroyed, he will definitely become emperor in the future!" Duke Xian of Jin refers to Duke Xian of the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period, known for his cruelty and the murder of Crown Prince Shen Sheng. Lirong refers to ancient minority tribes, often regarded as barbarians by the Central Plains dynasties. It is said that before Bao died, he pretended to inherit the throne and sent Duan Lin to pressure the Empress Dowager, saying, "Empress Dowager, you used to say that His Majesty is not capable of inheriting the throne, what about now? You should hurry up and commit suicide to preserve the reputation of the Duan family." The Empress Dowager was furious and shouted, "Both of you brothers can force your own mother to death; can you still protect the country and the people? I am not afraid of death; I just think this country is on the brink of collapse!" After saying that, she committed suicide.
Duan Bao believed that Consort Yuan was plotting to depose the crown prince and would not make a good empress, so he should not arrange her funeral. The ministers also agreed with him. As a result, the pretender Minister of the Court, Sui Sui, spoke out in court, saying, "There are historical examples of sons being unfilial to their mothers! Empress An Siyan of the Han Dynasty personally deposed Emperor Shun, yet she was still honored in the An Emperor's Temple. In the harem, who can truly discern what is real and what is fabricated? Let's just follow Empress An's example!" Duan Bao heeded his words and acted accordingly. Later, Duan Lin indeed rebelled, Duan Bao was killed, and Duan De proclaimed himself emperor, just as Consort Yuan had predicted.
Mu Rongshi, the wife of Duan Feng, was Duan De's daughter. She was talented, proficient in calligraphy and history, and also skilled at playing the zither. After Duan De became emperor, he appointed her as Princess Pingyuan. She married Duan Feng when she was fourteen. Later, Duan Feng was framed and killed, and Mu Rongshi returned to her parents' home as a widow. At this time, the pretender Duke of Shouguang, Yu Chi, sought to marry her. Mu Rongshi told her maidservant, "I have heard that loyal subjects do not serve two masters, and chaste women do not have two husbands. The Duan family has already suffered a great misfortune; I cannot die alongside them; how could I possibly think of remarrying? Now the emperor disregards propriety and wants to marry me to him. If I refuse, it would be going against the imperial decree." So she chose a date and got married. Mu Rongshi was beautiful, dressed elegantly, and Yu Chi was very pleased to see her. After two nights, Mu Rongshi pretended to be sick, and Yu Chi did not force her. Three days later, Mu Rongshi returned to her parents' home, bathed, changed clothes, hosted a feast, and chatted cheerfully as if nothing had happened. In the evening, she secretly stitched a letter into her waistband, which read, "After death, bury me next to Duan Feng's grave. If my spirit knows, I will return to him." Then she hanged herself in the bathroom.
On the day of the funeral, tens of thousands of men, women, and children came to see off the deceased, all sighing and saying, "This princess was truly virtuous!" As the funeral procession passed by Yu Chi's doorstep, Yu Chi heard the funeral songs and was overcome with sorrow, unable to calm down for a long time.
Yu Zuan's wife, Lady Yang, a native of Hongnong, was beautiful and dignified. When Yu Zuan was murdered by his brother Yu Chao, Lady Yang, with a dozen maids in tow, organized the funeral in the west of the city. When they were about to leave the city, Yu Chao was worried that Lady Yang would take valuable items with her, so he sent people to search. Lady Yang scolded Yu Chao fiercely, saying, "You brothers can't even get along peacefully, resorting to killing each other. I'm about to die, what do I need gold, silver, and treasures for at this point!" Embarrassed, Yu Chao backed off.
Later, Yu Chao asked Lady Yang where the jade seal was, and Lady Yang fiercely replied, "I have already smashed it!" Yu Chao then threatened Lady Yang's father, Huan, saying, "If she commits suicide in the future, it will bring calamity to your whole family." Huan told Lady Yang about this, and she said, "I was given in marriage to the Di people by my family for wealth and status; once was enough, is there going to be a second time?" And so she committed suicide.
At that time, Lady Zhang, the wife of Yu Shao, was also a person of integrity. She became a widow at the age of fourteen, and after Yu Shao's death, she requested to become a nun. When Yu Long saw her beauty, he wanted to defile her, yet Lady Zhang replied, "I am devoted to Buddhism and will die before being dishonored!" So she climbed up onto the roof and jumped, breaking both legs, still chanting Buddhist scriptures, and soon died.
Yin Shi, the Wuzhao King of Liangzhou Li Xuan Sheng's wife, was from Tianshui, Jizhou. She loved learning from a young age, was articulate, and was principled. She first married Mayuan Zheng from Fufeng, and after Mayuan Zheng passed away, she married Li Xuan Sheng. Because it was a remarriage, they didn't speak for three years. She treated her late husband's children better than her own. When Li Xuan Sheng was establishing his rule, Yin Shi provided a lot of help in planning strategies, so there's a saying in the west: "Li, Yin, Wang Dunhuang." (Referring to Li Xuan Sheng, Yin Shi, and Wang Dunhuang)
After Li Xuan Sheng died, his son Li Shiye succeeded him and honored his mother Yin Shi as the Empress Dowager. Li Shiye intended to attack Juqu Mengxun, but Yin Shi cautioned him, "Your newly formed nation is small and has a limited population. Even if you focus on defense, you might struggle to defend it. How can you be so reckless as to think you can defeat him? Juqu Mengxun is brave and good at war; you are simply not his match. I've noticed he's been trying to conquer other states lately, and the timing, geography, and public sentiment seem to be on his side. The country may be small now, but it is enough to govern. Being content is key to maintaining one's honor; this is a principle that Taoism has long taught! Moreover, before the late King died, he repeatedly advised us to be cautious in using military force and to wait for the right time to act. His words are still fresh in my mind; how can you forget them? It's wiser to focus on governance, build your strength, and watch the situation unfold. If he turns tyrannical, the people will naturally gravitate towards you; but if your own character is lacking, you'll fail at everything. If you go to war now, not only will you face defeat, but your kingdom will be doomed!" Li Shiye did not heed the advice and indeed was defeated by Juqu Mengxun.
Yin fled to Guzang, where Juqu Mengxun received her and comforted her. Yin replied, "The Lis have all been wiped out by the barbarians; what else is there to say?" Someone advised her, "The lives of mother and son are in the hands of others; how can you be so proud? Besides, the country is gone, and future generations have been killed. Why aren't you sad?" Yin said, "The rise and fall of a nation, life and death—these are major events. How can they be compared to trivial matters, and grieve over the changing seasons? As a woman, I've been through life and death; how can I fear death by sword or axe and beg to be a concubine? If he kills me, that would be just fine with me!" Juqu Mengxun admired her greatly, did not kill her, and even arranged for his daughter to marry Li Shiye's son, Li Maoqian. Later, the Wei Kingdom arranged for Princess Wuwei to marry Li Maoqian, and Yin and her daughter moved to Jiuquan. Later, her daughter died; Yin touched her daughter's body without crying and only said, "You died too late!"
Juqu Wuwei was stationed in Jiuquan at the time, often asking Yin, "Your grandsons are in Yiwu; will you be able to return in the future?" Yin did not understand his meaning and replied, "My descendants are wandering, dependent on others. At my age, I should die here; I don't want to end up a ghost in a foreign land." Shortly after, Yin secretly fled to Yiwu, and Juqu Wuwei sent soldiers after her. Yin told the messenger, "Juqu Wuwei promised to let me return to the north in Jiuquan; why is he still chasing me? You can take my head back as proof; I will never return!" The messenger did not dare to force her and returned. Yin passed away in Yiwu at the age of seventy-five.
In historical records, it is said: In the season of late autumn when frost descends, those with strong wills demonstrate their fearlessness of the cold and maintain their vigor in old age; and those who uphold righteousness in chaotic times truly embody noble character. This is not something that only men like Yi Yin and Zi Lu can achieve; women can do it too! Since the political decline of the Jin Dynasty, few people have paid attention to moral integrity, and the number of individuals with honest and upright character has dwindled. Everyone follows bad examples, and by the time of Liu Yao, Shi Le, Fu Jian, and Yao Chang, the situation has worsened. In spring, people sing the songs of barbarians, solely chasing after novelty; they quickly abandon the Han Dynasty without any sense of nostalgia for the past dynasty. Everyone is busy seeking fame and fortune, abandoning traditional etiquette and indulging themselves without any remorse, reaching an extreme.
However, talented individuals like Qiao Shu from the Xie family, or Dao Yun who excels in poetry and songs, engage in confident discussions with Sun En; Xun Guan's daughter sacrifices herself to save her father during a crisis, Zhang Guifei seeks revenge against a formidable enemy; the imperial concubines who chose death over submission after the usurpation of the throne; as well as Zong Xin who dies for justice, and Wang Jin who dies for integrity... These individuals quietly walk the path of righteousness, not due to any special education. They stand tall like majestic trees, resonating with clarity; like resilient plants in a secluded valley, radiating noble character. Compared to martyrs who take their own lives or sacrifice themselves for their country, they do not fall short. Their spirits are capable of inspiring future generations!
Praise: They are graceful and dignified, gentle yet resolute. Upholding the virtues of the six relationships and exemplifying the beauty of the four cardinal virtues. Their integrity is as pure as snow, their good names spread throughout the country. History records their teachings, and their fragrant legacy will endure through the ages.
