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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Jin （晉書）

Published: 02 January 2025

Created: 02 January 2025

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Wei Guan, courtesy name Boyu, was born in Anyi, Hedong. His grandfather, Wei Hao, was summoned from Daijun during the reign of Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty because of his proficiency in Confucianism, but he died in Anyi, Hedong. The court rewarded the place of his death as a burial site, so the Wei family has lived there ever since. His father, Wei Ji, was the Minister of Works in the Wei Kingdom. Wei Guan lost his father at the age of ten and was known for his exceptional filial piety. He was upright, insightful, and renowned for his intelligence and wisdom. He inherited his father's title, becoming the Marquis of Wenxiang. He became an official in the Imperial Library of the Wei Kingdom at a young age. At that time, the laws of the Wei Kingdom were very strict, and his mother, Lady Chen, worried greatly for him. Wei Guan requested a transfer to the position of clerk and was later promoted to the Imperial Library. Despite the prevalence of powerful officials at the time, Wei Guan was able to handle things with ease, maintaining impartiality and rapport with everyone, even earning the admiration of Fu Gu, who compared him to Ning Wuzi. He served in the officialdom for ten years, and due to his outstanding work, he was promoted all the way to Cavalier Attendant. After Emperor Chen Liu ascended the throne, he appointed Wei Guan as an Attendant and sent him to comfort the region of Hebei with the emperor's seal. Due to his contributions in quelling rebellions, his fiefdom and household registration increased. Several years later, he was promoted to the Minister of Justice in the Wei Kingdom. Wei Guan was well-versed in legal texts, and in every case he presided over, he ensured fairness and justice, handling matters according to the law regardless of their size.

When Deng Ai and Zhong Hui launched their campaign against the Shu Kingdom, Yang Xin, as an official, held the emperor's seal to supervise the military operations of Deng Ai and Zhong Hui, serving as the Commander of the Western Army on the march with a thousand soldiers. After the pacification of the Shu Kingdom, Deng Ai arbitrarily rewarded officials without proper authority. Zhong Hui had ulterior motives and, taking advantage of Deng Ai's abuse of power, secretly conspired with Yang Xin to report Deng Ai. The court ordered Deng Ai to be transported in a prisoner's cart, and Zhong Hui instructed Yang Xin to arrest Deng Ai first. Zhong Hui believed Yang Xin's forces were insufficient and wanted Deng Ai to eliminate Yang Xin to strengthen the case against him.

Yang Xin knew that Zhong Hui wanted to harm him, but he was unable to resist. So, he hurried to Chengdu at night and issued a proclamation to Deng Ai's generals, stating he was under orders to capture Deng Ai and would ignore everything else. Those who came to ally with the official army would receive the same titles and rewards as before; those who dared not come would be wiped out along with their families. When the rooster crowed, all the generals had come to submit to Yang Xin, except for those still in Deng Ai's camp.

When day broke and the gates opened, Yang Xin took the messenger's carriage directly into the Chengdu imperial palace. Deng Ai was still asleep and had not gotten up; both he and his son were captured. Deng Ai's generals wanted to abduct him and reorganize their troops to charge towards Yang Xin's camp. Yang Xin, with minimal gear, went out to meet them, pretending to write a report and claiming he needed to explain Deng Ai's situation. The generals bought it and halted. After a while, Zhong Hui arrived, capturing generals like Hu Lie and imprisoning them at Yizhou's post station, then he rallied his troops to rebel.

Meanwhile, the soldiers just wanted to go home, and there was unrest both inside and outside the camp, with everyone feeling anxious. Zhong Hui stayed behind with Yang Xin to discuss strategies and wrote a wooden plaque that read "wants to kill Hu Lie and the others" to show Yang Xin, but Yang Xin disagreed.

Zhong Hui asked Yang Xin to go calm the troops. Although Yang Xin wanted to leave, he insisted outwardly, "You are the commander of all three armies; you should go yourself." Zhong Hui replied, "You're the supervising official; you go first, and I'll follow." Yang Xin then left the palace. Zhong Hui regretted letting him leave and quickly sent someone to bring Yang Xin back. Yang Xin feigned dizziness and collapsed to the ground. Once he exited the palace gate, dozens of couriers pursued him. Yang Xin arrived at the relay station, drank saltwater, and threw up repeatedly. Yang Xin, already frail, looked gravely ill. Zhong Hui dispatched his trusted aides and doctors to assess his condition, all of whom said he would not survive, so Zhong Hui no longer suspected him.

By nightfall, the palace gates had been shut, and Yang Xin drafted a proclamation declaring war on Zhong Hui. Troops from all over rallied to his call and launched an assault on Zhong Hui the following day. Zhong Hui fought back with his elite guards, but the generals defeated him, and only a few hundred of his men fled with Zhong Hui around the palace, and they were all killed. Yang Xin then reassured the generals, calming the hearts of the people. The soldiers from Deng Ai's original camp managed to retrieve the prisoner cart and rescued Deng Ai, returning to Chengdu. Fearing repercussions for conspiring with Zhong Hui against Deng Ai and eager to claim sole credit for Zhong Hui's death, Yang Xin sent the guard Tian Xu t

After the situation was settled, the court intended to reward Wei Guan. Wei Guan believed that the pacification of Shu was the result of everyone's collective efforts. The generals who had made significant contributions ultimately met their demise because of their arrogance and recklessness. Although he had also given advice, he resolutely declined the reward. Later, he was appointed as the Commissioner, Commander of the military affairs in Guanzhong, and General of the West. Shortly after, he was promoted to Commander of the military affairs in Xuzhou, General Who Guards the East, and added the title of Marquis of Ziyang. He also used the remaining titles to appoint his brother as the Marquis of Kaiyangting.

During the Taishi era, Wei Guan was promoted to the General Who Conquers the East, and his title was elevated to Duke. He served as the Commander of the military affairs in Qingzhou, Inspector of Qingzhou, and was further appointed General Who Conquers the East and Governor of Qingzhou. He had notable achievements wherever he served. Upon taking office in Youzhou, Wei Guan submitted a memorial requesting the establishment of Pingzhou and later also served as the Commissioner of Pingzhou. At that time, there were the Wuhuan tribe to the east and the Liwei tribe to the west of Youzhou, both of which frequently harassed the borders. Wei Guan skillfully sowed discord between these two tribes, leading to mutual distrust, which ultimately resulted in the Wuhuan tribe's surrender and the Liwei tribe's demise out of fear. The court highly valued his contributions and rewarded him with the title of Marquis for one of his sons. Wei Guan requested that this title be granted to his brother, but before the court could respond, he passed away unexpectedly. His son Wei Mi was later appointed as a Marquis. Wei Guan had six sons, none of whom received titles, as he bequeathed the titles to his two brothers, earning widespread praise from those both near and far.

Wei Guan made multiple requests to enter the court and finally got his wish. Emperor Wu highly valued him, but shortly afterward, he was reassigned to his original post as a guard. During the Xianning period, Wei Guan was summoned to serve as the Minister of Rites and was also appointed as an attendant to the Emperor. He was strict and used laws to restrain his subordinates, treating the Masters of Writing as his advisors and the Assistants as his subordinates. Wei Guan was knowledgeable and well-versed in literature and history. He and the Assistant Suo Jing were both skilled in cursive script, and they were collectively known as "one master and two wonders." Zhang Zhi at the end of the Han Dynasty was also skilled in cursive script, and it was noted that Wei Guan inherited Zhang Zhi's brushwork, while Suo Jing inherited Zhang Zhi's charm. During the Taikang period, Wei Guan was promoted to Minister of State, while still retaining his positions as an attendant and Minister of Rites. His administration was known for its integrity and efficiency, earning praise from both the court and the people. Emperor Wu ordered Wei Guan's fourth son, Wei Xuan, to be married to Princess Fanchang. Wei Guan, feeling his humble background and the class difference of the marriage, formally declined in a memorial, but the Emperor did not grant his request. He was then appointed as the Tutor to the Crown Prince, and his retinue was expanded. Later, during a solar eclipse, Wei Guan, along with the Grand Commandant Wang Liang of Runan and the Minister of Works Wei Shu, requested to resign, but the Emperor did not permit it.

"Well, here's the situation. At that time, the State of Wei implemented the Nine-rank System, which was merely a stopgap, not a sustainable solution. We should restore the earlier system of selecting officials through local recommendations. I, along with Taiwei Liang and others, presented a memorial to the emperor, saying: 'In the past, wise rulers valued talent, selected virtuous individuals, and educated the people. Thus, the court upheld high moral standards, and there were few wrongdoings among the populace. Neighbors supervised each other and assessed words and actions, allowing good people to be found. Reputation is not something that can be fabricated, so everyone strives to improve themselves. Consequently, as virtuous people increased, the social atmosphere improved, and with fewer wrongdoers, the social atmosphere became even better. The selection from the countryside is a good system established by the former kings! However, this system gradually fell out of use. The State of Wei was established after a period of chaos, and talents were scattered everywhere, making it difficult to conduct proper assessments. Therefore, they created the Nine-rank System as a temporary means of selecting talent. Initially, evaluations in the countryside were relatively objective, not considering official ranks, with clear praise and criticism and a bit of local customs remaining. But gradually, it changed; evaluations were based solely on official ranks, and everyone focused on positions, sacrificing morality for promotions, competing fiercely over trivial matters, which severely undermined the social fabric. Now that the world is unified and we are about to enter a great era of peace and prosperity, we believe these detrimental systems should be abolished, and the previous system restored. From court officials to local magistrates, evaluations should be based on their respective localities, and no more officials from outside regions should be allowed. This way, neighbors can supervise each other, and local magistrates will be from the area, completely abolishing the Nine-rank System, enabling the recommendation of virtuous talents from local communities. In this manner, subordinates will respect their superiors, and the people will live and work in peace and contentment, resulting in an improved social environment and clearer governance, achieving both education and rule of law. People will understand the standards of good and bad, which will not depend on social interactions, reducing comparisons among each other, and everyone will strive to improve themselves. Now, to abolish the Nine-rank System, we should follow the previous system, allowing court officials to jointly recommend talents, thus broadening the channels for talent selection and motivating everyone to select talents fairly and justly, assessing the achievements of current officials. This is the true way forward!' The emperor felt that we were correct, but in the end, nothing changed."

When Emperor Hui was still the crown prince, the court officials said he was simple-minded and inept in handling state affairs. I often thought about advising him to step down, but I never dared to say it. Later, during a banquet at Lingyun Terrace, I pretended to be drunk and knelt before the emperor's chamber, saying, "I have something to say." The emperor asked, "What do you want to say?" I tried to speak several times but hesitated. Finally, I touched the bed and said, "What a waste of this position!" The emperor then understood my meaning and laughed, saying, "You must really be drunk!" After that, I said nothing more. Empress Jia resented me for this.

Princess Xuan Shang often made mistakes related to wine and debauchery. Yang Jun already had grievances against Zhang Hua and aimed to consolidate power. He believed that if Princess Xuan Shang divorced Zhang Hua, he would surely resign. Therefore, Yang Jun colluded with the palace attendants to frame Zhang Hua and incited the emperor to take back Princess Xuan Shang. Zhang Hua, feeling a mix of shame and fear, requested to retire and returned his official position.

Then the emperor issued an edict, stating: "Zhang Hua, the Minister of Works, is not yet of retirement age, but he has voluntarily resigned his position for many years. He wishes to realize his wish to retire to the countryside while still in sound mind. His sincerity and integrity have truly touched me. I will grant his request, promote him to Grand Guardian, and let him return home to enjoy his old age. He will be assigned one hundred personal guards, and officials such as Longshi, Sima, and Congshi Zhonglang will be assigned to him; as well as all the ceremonial items like large carriages, official horses, ceremonial guards, and bands, as he had before. He will be granted ten fields, fifty mu of garden land, one million pieces of currency, and five hundred bolts of silk; bedding, including beds, canopies, mats, and quilts, should be meticulously prepared by the appropriate staff to express my respect for talented individuals." The court officials then submitted a petition to transfer Princess Xuan Shang to the Court of Judicial Review and to dismiss Zhang Hua from his position, but the emperor refused. Later, the emperor discovered that the palace attendants had concocted lies and wanted to return the princess to Zhang Hua, but unfortunately, Princess Xuan Shang fell ill and passed away.

After Emperor Hui ascended the throne, he gave Zhang Hua another one thousand soldiers. After Yang Jun was executed, Zhang Hua was appointed as the Minister of Personnel, granted the green sash, allowed to wear court attire and enter the court without bowing, appointed as Commander of Cavalry, and assisted Prince Liang of Runan in political affairs. Prince Liang of Runan proposed that the princes return to their respective fiefdoms and discuss the matter with the ministers in the court, but no one dared to respond except for Zhang Hua, who supported the proposal. Prince Sima Wei of Chu held a grudge against him because of this. Empress Jia had always resented Zhang Hua and feared his integrity and righteousness, unable to indulge her debauchery. She heard about the conflict between Zhang Hua and Sima Wei, so she falsely accused Zhang Hua and Prince Liang of plotting a rebellion similar to the Yi Huo incident, which led the emperor to issue an edict dismissing Sima Wei, Zhang Hua, and others from their positions. The edict was delivered to Sima Wei by the eunuchs. Sima Wei, known for his frivolity and deceit, wanted to take revenge and sent Prince Xia of Qinghe to arrest Zhang Hua that very night.

Zhang Hua's close confidants suspected the edict was forged and advised him, "According to the laws and customs, there has never been such a thing happening to a minister assisting the court. Please hold off for now. It won't be too late to deal with the consequences once the court responds!" Zhang Hua did not listen, and as a result, he and his son Zhang Heng, Zhang Yue, Zhang Yi, and nine others were executed together, at the age of seventy-two. Zhang Heng's two sons, Zhang Qie and Zhang Jie, happened to be at the clinic then, so they escaped unharmed.

At first, when Du Yu heard that Shi Chong had killed Deng Ai, he said in front of everyone, "Boyu, he won't be able to escape this disaster! As a famed scholar and high-ranking official, he's got a bad reputation and can't manage his subordinates well. This is what happens when a petty person takes the place of a gentleman; how can he bear this responsibility?" Hearing this, Shi Chong quickly resigned and apologized before his carriage was even ready. Just as Du Yu predicted, the outcome was exactly as he foresaw. At first, while Shi Chong's family was cooking, some rice fell to the ground and surprisingly turned into snails. Over a year later, disaster hit. Chief scribe Liu Yao and others from Taibao risked a lot to gather and bury Shi Chong.

Later, when Shi Chong was the Minister of Works, his inspector Rong Hui committed a crime, and Shi Chong reprimanded him and sent him away. When Shi Chong ran into trouble, Rong Hui came with the army to attack him, which led to Shi Chong's descendants getting caught up in it.

After the King of Chu was killed, the daughter of Zhang Guan, the Minister of Public Works of the Chu State, wrote a letter to the court officials saying: "My father's posthumous title has not yet been determined, just like anyone else, which I find very puzzling. It's shocking that no one in the whole country has spoken up. The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' have such a glaring oversight; where does the responsibility lie? I am filled with grief and anger, which is why I am writing to you to explain the situation." Consequently, some officials took yellow banners, sounded the drum of appeal, and reported to the emperor: "Initially, those who forged the edict came to Zhang Gong's residence. Upon receiving the edict, Zhang Gong should have been dismissed from his position. He immediately surrendered the official seal and insignia; although there were soldiers in his residence, he did not use a single one, obeying the edict, and left alone in a carriage. The edict only stated that Zhang Gong was to be removed from office, but those below the Right Army falsely used the edict, violating its content, and actually killed the ministers, failing to report to the court, and arbitrarily arrested and executed the sons and grandsons, harming the ministers and their nine children. However, the edict clearly stated, 'Those who were misled and deceived by the King of Chu are not conspirators and should be released.' According to the edict, those who were forced to carry white staffs were merely local villagers. The law stipulates that being instructed to kill is a capital crime. Moreover, Zhang Gong killed loyal ministers and harmed the faithful; even if he is not considered a conspirator, he should still be executed. Now, although the main culprit has been killed, those who killed Zhang Gong are still at large. We are concerned that the relevant departments have not investigated the facts in detail and may let them go, failing to pursue the matter vigorously, resulting in the unresolved enmity of Zhang Gong and his sons, with their vengeful spirits forever resentful, appealing to heaven, which fills us ministers with sorrow and will also sadden future generations. We are all wounded, having just buried Zhang Gong. We would like to report that when Zhang Gong served as Minister of Public Works, he had a subordinate named Rong Hui, who was utterly ruthless. He was dismissed from his position but knew the number of Zhang Gong's family members and the names of his grandsons. Later, Rong Hui was transferred to the Right Army, and that night, he shouted loudly outside Zhang Gong's residence, reading the forged edict that removed Zhang Gong from office. When the front gate opened, Rong Hui entered through the middle gate and read the forged edict he brought again, personally taking away Zhang Gong's official seal, insignia, and the mink coat, urging Zhang Gong to leave the residence. Rong Hui recorded the names of Zhang Gong's family members and grandsons in order, escorting them with weapons, surrounding them at the northern side of the East Pavilion Road, and in the blink of an eye, he killed them all. The sons and grandsons of Zhang Gong who were killed were all done by Rong Hui. The treasury was also looted by Rong Hui. If Rong Hui is investigated, all his treachery will come to light. We request the emperor to thoroughly investigate the truth of the matter and hold his entire family accountable." The emperor agreed.

The court recognized that Zhang Gong's entire family was innocent victims, so they posthumously acknowledged Zhang Gong's achievements in the conquest of Shu, appointed him as the Marquis of Lanling County, expanded his fief by three thousand households, posthumously honored him as "Cheng," and bestowed upon him the Huangyue insignia. A man named Heng initially served as an official in Jushan, then moved to the Prince of Qi's court as the Minister of Works, and subsequently rose through the ranks, serving as the Prince's Attendant, a Gentleman of the Imperial Library, the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, the Prince's Tutor, and a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, as his rank steadily increased. He was especially adept at cursive and clerical scripts and also authored a book titled "Four Styles of Calligraphy." The book states that writing originated during the time of the Yellow Emperor. Ju Shou and Cang Jie created written symbols, which replaced the earlier method of recording information using knotted ropes, likely inspired by bird footprints. Writing developed in this way, which outlines six methods of character formation: 1. Pictograms are created based on the meaning of the object; 2. Ideograms are formed by imitating the shape of the object; 3. Pictophonetic characters are formed based on the category of the object, combined with pronunciation; 4. Compound characters combine several characters to express a new meaning; 5. Derivative characters are deduced based on the meaning of the character; 6. Borrowed characters have different pronunciations but the same meaning. From the time of the Yellow Emperor through the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, writing remained largely unchanged. During the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shihuang employed seal script and ordered the burning of ancient texts, resulting in the loss of ancient scripts.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, King Gong of Lu tore down Confucius's house and found the Book of Documents, the Spring and Autumn Annals, the Analects, and the Book of Filial Piety. At that time, people no longer recognized ancient characters and called them "Kedou Shu." The Han Dynasty kept these ancient texts under tight wraps, and few people could see them. In the early Wei Dynasty, Handan Chun passed down ancient characters. Jing Hou's ancestors had made a copy of the Book of Documents as written by Handan Chun, and later showed it to him, but Handan Chun couldn't tell the difference. By the time of the Wei Zhengshi era, a stone inscription with three characters was carved, but the original writing style of Handan Chun had already been lost, and people began to write based on the appearance of "Kedou Shu." In the first year of Taikang, someone in Jixian excavated the tomb of King Xiang of Wei and found over a hundred thousand characters on bamboo slips. Upon careful examination, the characters Jing Hou copied bore some resemblance to those on the bamboo slips. There were several ancient texts, one of which detailed the history of the Chu state and was particularly well written. Heng had a deep appreciation for these ancient texts, so he made every effort to study them, hoping to better preserve these ancient characters. Although he felt his level was insufficient, he still wanted to do his part in preserving the writings of the ancients. There wasn't a specific name for it back then, so we can just call it "Zishi."

Speaking of which, during the time of the Yellow Emperor, the record keepers Jue Song and Cang Jie looked up at the footprints left by birds and pondered the invention of writing. These writings recorded various events and established different systems; all of the Yellow Emperor's laws and regulations relied on them for dissemination, and thus the characters were passed down through generations.

However, during the tyrannical Qin Dynasty, the despot Qin Shi Huang caused great chaos in the world, leading to the collapse of the righteous path and the extinction of ancient characters. Later, Emperor Wen of Wei took an interest in ancient things and heard that some ancient characters were inscribed in tombs, but no one had excavated them throughout the ages, making it hard to tell which were real and which were fake. It wasn't until the Kaiyuan period of the Jin Dynasty that the court made a strong push for ancient culture, and it seemed that heaven also showed its favor, allowing ancient characters to come to light once again.

These unearthed texts, they're truly stunning, with the characters designed in a particularly ingenious way. Some characters are created based on sounds, while others are created based on the appearance of things. For example, the character for "sun" is as perfectly round as a monarch; the character for "moon" appears as if it's missing a piece, like a loyal subject. Clouds drift and curl in the sky, while stars twinkle and gleam; crops bow their heads low, and mountain peaks rise high and stretch endlessly; insects seem to be moving, and birds seem to be about to fly, but haven't flown yet.

Just look at the strokes of these characters—they're crafted with such meticulous care! The structure of the characters is harmonious, and the strokes start and end perfectly. Some characters resemble bent bows, while others resemble bowstrings; some characters have upright strokes, like dragons soaring through water, while others have flowing strokes, like raindrops falling from the sky. Some characters carry a grand flair, like wild geese soaring high, while others are written with softness and fluency, like fluttering tassels.

From a distance, these characters shimmer like the wind rippling across water; up close, they feel particularly natural. These are genuine treasures from the era of the Yellow Emperor, the very foundation of the Six Arts! Zhòuwen and Seal Script are its descendants, while Clerical Script and Cursive Script are its distant relatives. Observing the shapes of these characters reveals that their essence can't be fully captured by language alone.

During the reign of King Xuan of Zhou, the esteemed Shi Zhou penned a fifteen-chapter book called "Dàzhuàn." Some characters mirror those from ancient times, while others are different, so later generations called this type of script "Zhòu script." Later, when King Ping relocated eastward and the feudal lords governed independently, regional customs and practices varied significantly, resulting in a diverse array of writing styles.

After Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, Prime Minister Li Si proposed standardizing the writing system and eliminating characters that differed from those of the Qin state. Li Si himself authored "Cāngjié Pian," Zhào Gāo, the Prefect of the Central Chariot Office, wrote "Yuánlì Pian," and Hú Wújìng, the Grand Historian, wrote "Bóxué Pian." These three works were adaptations of Shi Zhou's Dàzhuàn, with some characters simplified and others having their writing styles changed, which is what we refer to as "Xiaozhuan."

There are also stories about a commoner named Cheng Miao who worked as a jailer in the Qin Dynasty, fell out of favor with Qin Shi Huang, and was imprisoned in the Yunyang prison for ten years. While in prison, he studied the Great Seal Script, adding strokes to some characters while removing them from others, changing square characters to round ones and vice versa, and then presented the modified characters to Qin Shi Huang. Qin Shi Huang was impressed and released him, appointing him as an imperial censor in charge of unifying the script. There are claims that Cheng Miao actually unified the Clerical Script, not the Small Seal Script.

Since the Qin Dynasty abolished ancient characters, there came to be eight different styles of writing: Great Seal Script, Small Seal Script, Carved Symbols, Insect Script, Imprinted Script, Inscribed Script, Weapon Script, and Clerical Script. During Wang Mang's rule, the Minister of Works Zhen Feng organized the script, restoring some ancient characters, leading to six distinct styles of writing: Ancient Text (the characters found on the walls of Confucius temples), Unusual Characters (characters slightly different from Ancient Text), Seal Script (Qin Dynasty's seal script), Assistant Script (Clerical Script), Miao Seal (characters used for imprints), and Bird Script (characters written on flags and letters).

Later, Xu Shen authored the "Shuowen Jiezi," using seal script as the standard and establishing the system of characters, which is regarded as the most authoritative work on the subject. During the Qin Dynasty, Li Si's style of writing was known as "Second Seal," and many inscriptions on mountains and bronze objects were written by Li Si. During the Han Dynasty's Jianwu period, there was a man named Cao Xi, whose calligraphy differed slightly from that of Li Si yet remained exceptional. Handan Chun, a student of Cao Xi, nearly mastered the entirety of his teacher's calligraphic essence. Wei Dan was a student of Handan Chun, though he was not as skilled as his mentor. During the Taihe period, Wei Dan became the Wudu Prefect due to his impressive calligraphy, and was later appointed to the imperial court as a palace attendant. Many precious inscriptions on objects in the Wei Kingdom were written by Wei Dan. During the late Han Dynasty, there was also a man named Cai Yong who combined the calligraphy styles of Li Si and Cao Xi, creating a style that blended ancient and modern styles, although not as delicate as Handan Chun.

Yong wrote an article about seal script, titled "The Force of Seal Script." It says, "The traces left by birds, followed by the ancient figure Cangjie, created characters. The sages established norms, thereby giving rise to this script. Seal script has six styles, with the most authentic form being Xiaozhuan. Its form emphasizes subtlety, ingenious craftsmanship, truly indescribable. Some are like patterns on tortoiseshells, neatly arranged, like dragon scales; some stretch their bodies, with elongated tails of varying lengths; some are like drooping ears of grain, some like coiled insects; some like rolling waves, like eagles soaring; some stretch their necks, spread their wings, as if about to fly into the sky. Some strokes are light and subtle, starting small, ending heavy, intermittent; some are like green silk on water droplets, condensed and hanging down; some are like suspended, some like woven; some strokes are thin, long, and curved, neither square nor round; some are like walking, some like flying, light and elegant. From a distance, they look like a flock of geese flying continuously; upon closer observation, the beginnings and endings of strokes are hard to discern. The twists and turns of the strokes are countless, even those skilled in counting mulberry leaves cannot count its twists and turns, even those with excellent vision cannot see its subtleties, even skilled artisans must humbly acknowledge its ingenuity, even scholars well-versed in Zhouwen must respectfully admire its excellence. It is located at the beginning of chapters and books, radiant and worthy of admiration. It is like a gorgeous pattern decorating pure white silk, a paragon of calligraphy. I am delighted for its promotion of literary virtues, yet lament for future generations' inability to surpass it. I contemplate the transformations in characters' postures during writing, and this is roughly where my discussion ends."

Yong's article "Seal Power" continues to say that the beauty of seal script lies in its myriad forms. Some are graceful and fluid, with long tails and bodies of different lengths; some resemble hanging ears of grain, others like coiled snakes; some undulate like waves, like eagles spreading their wings; some stretch their necks and spread their wings, exuding a majestic momentum as if about to soar into the sky. Some strokes are soft and subtle, beginning delicately and ending boldly, seemingly disjointed yet still cohesive; some resemble green silk gently draping from a crystal-clear droplet of water, slowly descending; some are hanging, some are woven; some strokes are elongated and sinuous, neither angular nor perfectly round; some seem to be walking, some seem to be flying, with an ethereal grace. From afar, they appear like a flock of wild geese gliding through the sky, stretching endlessly; up close, it is difficult to discern the beginning and end of the strokes. The countless variations in stroke direction are beyond imagination, even for those skilled in counting, who would struggle to count its twists, even for those with excellent vision, who cannot see its subtleties, even for highly skilled craftsmen who must admire its subtlety, even for scholars proficient in ancient texts who must express admiration for it. It resides at the beginning of the text, radiating brilliance and truly deserving admiration. Like intricate patterns adorning pristine white silk, it is the best example for learning calligraphy. I am delighted by the virtue it embodies and lament that future generations will not surpass it. I reflect on the postures of characters as they are written and will conclude my discussion here.

The Qin Dynasty began using seal script, but there were too many memorials, and seal script was too slow to write. So the clerical staff were asked to help write, which resulted in the creation of clerical script. The Han Dynasty continued to use clerical script, but official documents, including symbols, seals, flags, letters, and inscriptions, continued to use seal script. In simple terms, clerical script is a simplified version of seal script. King Cizhong of Shanggu was the first to create a method of writing regular script. During the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, there were many people who liked calligraphy and many who could write well, but Shi Yiguan took great pride in his talent. His characters could be as wide as a zhang or as small as a square inch. Sometimes, when he was short on cash at a tavern, he would scribble on the tavern walls and ask onlookers to pay him for drinks. Once he had enough cash, he'd wipe away his writing. After each writing session, he'd shave down the wooden board and burn it. Liang Hu, on the other hand, found a clever way. He used wooden boards to buy drinks for Shi Yiguan, and when Shi Yiguan got drunk, he discreetly swiped the wooden boards. Later, Liang Hu, relying on his calligraphy skills, rose to the rank of senior official. Shi Yiguan later became a general under Yuan Shu, and there is a "Geng Qiu Stele" in Julu, which was erected by Yuan Shu and has exceptionally well-written characters, reportedly by Shi Yiguan. Liang Hu fled to Liu Biao's territory, and after Cao Cao captured Jingzhou, he searched for Liang Hu everywhere. When Liang Hu was working in the selection department, Cao Cao wanted him as the magistrate of Luoyang but only offered him the position of North Bureau Captain. Liang Hu was afraid, so he bound himself and went to Cao Cao's camp to turn himself in, and was appointed as a military magistrate. He diligently practiced calligraphy in the Ministry of Personnel to showcase his skills, which led to many of Liang Hu's calligraphy works being preserved. Cao Cao hung Liang Hu's work in his tent, admiring it on the walls, believing they surpassed Shi Yiguan's work. Many of the palace inscriptions today are in seal script, attributed to Liang Hu. Liang Hu excelled at writing large characters, while Handan Chun excelled at writing small characters. Liang Hu said that Handan Chun inherited Wang Cizhong's calligraphy method, but Liang Hu had already mastered his brushwork. Liang Hu's student Mao Hong taught at the Ministry of Personnel, and the popular Eight-Part Essay we know today comes from Mao Hong. In the late Han Dynasty, there was also a calligrapher named Zuo Ziyi, whose calligraphy style differed from both Handan Chun and Liang Hu, yet he was also quite renowned.

Second paragraph:

In conclusion, from the seal script of the Qin Dynasty to the clerical script of the Han Dynasty, and then to the later regular script, calligraphy has continuously developed, giving rise to a succession of calligraphy masters, such as Shi Yiguan, Liang Hu, Handan Chun, Mao Hong, Zuo Ziyi, and others. Each of them had their own style and characteristics, leaving behind valuable calligraphic heritage for future generations. "Shanggu Wang Cizhong began to create regular script," this statement highlights the origin of regular script. Shi Yiguan's bold style and Liang Hu's meticulous pursuit of excellence both reflect the prosperous scene of calligraphy art at that time. The stories between them are like a condensed history of calligraphy, rich in legend. "Now most of the inscriptions in the palace are in Hu's seal script," this highlights how Liang Hu's calligraphic achievements were recognized by the authorities and had a lasting impact. These calligraphers' stories have provided us with a deeper understanding of calligraphy art in the Han Dynasty and have made us admire the talent and perseverance of these calligraphers even more. They were not only calligraphers but also symbols of the cultural spirit of their time.

It is said that in the early Wei Dynasty, there were two families, the Zhong family and the Hu family, who excelled in calligraphy. They both studied under the same teacher, Liu Desheng. Although the calligraphy style of the Zhong family differed slightly from Liu Desheng's, each had their unique strengths, and now their calligraphy is widely recognized and appreciated in society.

The Zhong family also wrote a paper on clerical script titled "The Power of Clerical Script," in which it is stated: "Bird-track script gradually evolved and ultimately formed clerical script. It abandoned the complicated strokes, favoring simplicity and clarity. Its applications are extensive, and its forms follow certain conventions. Some characters shimmer like stars, while others float like clouds; some are as sturdy as tree trunks, and others as slender as hair. It is flexible and diverse, without a fixed pattern. Some characters have strokes that are broad and majestic, while others have strokes that are tightly arranged; some strokes are straight like lines, while others are winding and twisting; some strokes are slanted and sharp, while others are rounded and square. The lengths and shortness of the characters complement each other, and different shapes possess the same writing momentum. The brush flows lightly and swiftly; although the strokes may be separated, yet they remain continuous. Tiny waves and heavy dots are distributed in an orderly manner, like the echo of bells, the mist from garden lanterns, towering peaks, and rolling hills. From a distance, it resembles tall buildings and peaks shrouded in clouds, as if a dragon were soaring in the sky; upon closer inspection, it dazzles the eyes. Its peculiar and varied postures are hard to fully grasp. Even those proficient in the art of calligraphy cannot measure its strokes, and even calligraphers rewarded by emperors cannot describe it in words. How could cursive or seal scripts ever compare? The intricacies of clerical script have yet to be fully uncovered! Is it because its grandeur obscures the whole picture, or because its mysteries are hard to convey? Let’s take a closer look and discuss it in depth!"

During the heyday of the Han Dynasty, cursive script came into being, but it is unknown who invented it. During the reign of Emperor Zhang, Du Du, the Prime Minister of Qi, was reputed to be particularly skilled in cursive script. Later, the brothers Cui Yuan and Cui Shi also became masters of cursive script. Du's writing was steady but thin, while the Cui brothers captured the brushwork of cursive script, albeit a bit loose in structure.

In Hongnong, there was a man named Zhang Boying, who mastered cursive script to a remarkable degree. He would write characters on all the fabrics in his home before weaving them. He practiced by the pond, dying the pond water black. He followed the standards of regular script when writing, claiming he had no time for cursive script. He wouldn't spare any effort, even on a tiny scrap of paper, and as a result, his work is still cherished today, with Wei Zhongjiang calling him the "Cursive Saint." Zhang Boying's younger brother, Zhang Wenshu, was not quite as skilled in calligraphy as his brother.

In addition, Jiang Mengying, Liang Kongda, Tian Yan, and Wei Zhongjiang were all students of Zhang Boying and were somewhat well-known at the time, but their calligraphy skills were not as good as Zhang Wenshu's. Luo Shujing and Zhao Yuansi, contemporaries of Zhang Boying in Xizhou, were well-known, but their excessive focus on technique confused many. Therefore, Zhang Boying remarked, "My calligraphy is not as good as Cui Yuan and Du Du, but better than Luo Shujing and Zhao Yuansi." There was a man named Zhang Chao in Hejian, also famous for calligraphy, though he hailed from the same hometown as the Cui brothers, he failed to master the exquisite calligraphy techniques of Zhang Boying.

Cui Yuan wrote in his "Cursive Writing Style": "Calligraphy originated in the time of the Yellow Emperor, when people imitated bird footprints to record characters. As time went on, there were more and more classics, and officialdom grew increasingly chaotic; government affairs were neglected, and even ordinary writing was overlooked, so the characters were simplified and clerical script appeared. Cursive script, in contrast, is simpler and more efficient than clerical script, able to quickly record information, which saves time and energy. The evolution of cursive script does not necessarily have to adhere to ancient methods. Look at its form; there is a sense of order in its rises and falls. Although not completely square and regular, it possesses a unique unity. Some strokes lean at angles, resembling rugged mountain paths; some strokes look like birds about to take flight, while others resemble fierce beasts about to pounce. Some strokes are connected closely like a string of pearls, yet independent of each other; some strokes seem wild and unrestrained. Some strokes appear cautious, as if walking on a cliff; some strokes perch on tree branches like cicadas. The ending strokes of cursive script are tangled and intertwined, like the marks left by a woodcutter severing branches, or like a serpent entering a cave with its head inside and tail still outside. Therefore, from a distance, it resembles a mountain collapse; up close, each stroke is fixed. The beauty of cursive script lies in its flexibility and adaptability. I have probably introduced these; the rest can only be understood through intuition."

Next, let's talk about Wang Yan's situation. He was framed by the Chu King Sima Wei, and whenever he caught wind of rumors, he would have He Shao—his sister-in-law's father—sneak through a hole in the wall to secretly gather information. He Shao knew the truth but did not tell him. Later, as Wang Yan passed through the kitchen, he encountered the cook preparing food; he was killed there. After his death, the court posthumously appointed him as the Chief Water Supervisor and bestowed him the posthumous title of Zhen Shi Zi of Lanling. He had two sons: Wang Ge and Wang Jie.

Wang Zao, styled Zhongbao, inherited his father's noble title. Later, the King of Donghai, Sima Yue, granted him the fief of Lanling and changed his title to Duke of Jiangxia, which comprised eight thousand five hundred households. After Emperor Huai Sima Chi ascended the throne, Wang Zao became a Gentleman of the Cavalry. In the fifth year of Yongjia, he died at the hands of Liu Chong. Later, Emperor Yuan Sima Rui posthumously recognized the great-grandson of Wang Yan as his heir.

Wei Jie, styled Shubao, was exceptionally handsome and charming at just five years old. His grandfather, Wei Guan, remarked, "This child is different from others; it's a pity I'm too old to see him grow up!" Young Wei Jie, with his little braids, rode into the city on a sheep cart, and everyone who saw him thought he resembled a jade figure, captivating the entire city. The General of Cavalry, Wang Ji, was Wei Jie's uncle, and he was also handsome. Every time he saw Wei Jie, he would sigh and say, "Having such a fine gem beside me makes me seem quite crude." He often told others, "Playing with Wei Jie feels like having a bright pearl nearby, illuminating everything."

As Wei Jie grew up, he enjoyed discussing profound philosophical ideas. However, he often fell ill and was physically weak, so his mother often discouraged him from speaking. Only on good days would friends and family ask him to say a few words, and listeners were always left in awe, finding his words very profound. Wang Cheng of Langye was well-known and rarely admired others in his youth, yet he was so moved that he even fainted every time he heard Wei Jie speak. Thus, people at that time said, "Wei Jie's reasoning can make Wang Cheng of Langye faint." Wang Cheng, Wang Xuan, and Wang Ji were all well-known figures, but none could compare to Wei Jie; people said, "The three sons of the Wang family pale in comparison to a single child of the Wei family." Wei Jie's father-in-law, Le Guang, had a high reputation nationwide, and people said, "The father-in-law is as clear as crystal, while the son-in-law is as radiant as jade."

The court summoned him multiple times to take up an official position, but he never agreed. After a long time, he became the Western Pavilion's ceremonial official at the Grand Tutor's residence, and later served as the groom of the prince's horses. His brother Wei Zao became a cavalry attendant, serving the emperor in the palace. Later, when chaos engulfed the land, Wei Jie wanted to move his family south. His mother said, "I cannot leave Zhongbao (Wei Jie) behind!" Wei Jie earnestly persuaded his mother, and for the long-term consideration of the family, she reluctantly agreed with tears in her eyes. As they were about to leave, Wei Jie said to his brother, "The bond between brothers is the most valuable thing in life. Now is the time for us to make our mark; brother, you must work hard!" Then, Wei Jie supported his mother, and they made their way to Jiangxia.

Wei Jie’s wife died. The General of the South, Shan Jian, upon hearing this, respected him greatly. Shan Jian said, "In the past, when Dai Shuluan gave his daughter in marriage to someone, he only considered whether the other party was virtuous, not their wealth. Moreover, the Wei family is a powerful and prestigious family with a high reputation!" Thus, he gave his daughter in marriage to Wei Jie. Later, Wei Jie was promoted to an official role in Yuzhang, where General Wang Dun was stationed. The Chancellor Xie Kun had greatly admired Wei Jie, and they happily chatted for a long time after meeting. Wang Dun said to Xie Kun, "In the past, Wang Fusi spoke eloquently in the court, and now Wei Jie is also exceptionally talented in Jiangdong. This elegant discourse, once interrupted, has now resumed. I never expected that even at the end of the Yongjia period, we could still hear the style of the Zhengshi years. If Ping Shu (referring to Ji Kang) were still alive, he would surely be impressed by Wei Jie." Wei Jie interacted with others in a way that if they fell short, he would forgive them with understanding and compassion; if something did not concern him, he would explain it with logic, thus he never revealed his emotions of joy or anger throughout his life.

Wang Dun was a man of great generosity and unconventionality, but he liked to be in control of others. Wei Jie was concerned that he was not a loyal minister to the state, so he requested to be reassigned back to Jianye (present-day Nanjing). People in the capital heard that Wei Jie was handsome, and the crowd that came to see him was as thick as a wall. Wei Jie became ill due to overexertion and passed away in the sixth year of Yongjia at the age of twenty-seven. People at that time said that he was literally watched to death. He was buried in Nanchang. Xie Kun wept bitterly, and when someone asked him, "What worries you so much that you are so sad?" Xie Kun replied, "How can I not be sad when the pillar of the community has been broken?" During the Xianhe era, Wei Jie's grave was moved to Jiangning. Prime Minister Wang Dao ordered, "Wei Xima should be reburied. This gentleman is a man of great charm admired throughout the land, and a modest burial would be fitting to honor his memory." Later, Liu Tan and Xie Shang commented on the prominent figures of the court, and someone asked, "Can Du Yi be compared to Wei Xima?" Xie Shang said, "How can they be compared? There's no comparison; they’re in a league of their own." Liu Tan added, "Du Yi has a handsome appearance, while Wei Shubao (Wei Jie’s courtesy name) has an elegant demeanor." Wei Jie was thus esteemed by knowledgeable individuals. Among the renowned figures of the time, only Wang Cheng and Wei Jie were ranked equally at the top.

Wei Jie's cousin, Wei Zhan, courtesy name Daoshu, had served as a Shangshu Lang and Governor of Nanyang. During the Yongjia period, he served as the Inspector of Jiangzhou and later was promoted to the Minister of Justice under the Jin Dynasty. The court once ordered that a son must confirm his father's crimes, even resorting to whipping parents to make the son disclose his location. Wei Zhan believed this would damage moral standards, so he petitioned to abolish this practice. After the restoration, he served as the Minister of Rites and submitted a memorial suggesting the restoration of corporal punishment, which was recorded in the "Criminal Law Records." After Wei Zhan passed away, he was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Minister of Grace.

Zhang Hua, with the courtesy name Maoxian, was from Fangcheng in Fanyang. His father, Zhang Ping, was once the governor of Yuyang County during the Wei dynasty. Zhang Hua grew up in hardship and poverty, earning a living by tending sheep. Lu Qin, a fellow resident of the county, recognized his talent when he first saw him. A local named Liu Fang also recognized his abilities and gave his daughter in marriage to him.

Zhang Hua was well-read, with elegant and fluent writing, and a broad knowledge base and had read nearly every book on astronomy, geography, fortune-telling, and various skills. From a young age, he was strict with himself and always polite. He was courageous, willing to die for justice and eager to help others with their troubles. His insights were deep, and he had an open mind; few people could truly grasp his thoughts back then. At first, he was not well-known and wrote an essay titled "The Wren" to express his ambitions. The essay stated:

“Its words say: ” (This part is a direct quote and will not be translated)

Ah, how the world changes, and everything is so different! Take that small wren, for example; although it is tiny, it also lives, breathing in the air around it. It is inconspicuous, without a body of gold or jade; its feathers cannot be used for decoration, and its flesh is not edible. When eagles and vultures fly overhead, it remains unafraid, not to mention the bird-catching nets. It lives among the trees and shrubs, doesn't fly high and doesn't flock with others. Its dwelling is simple, and finding food is easy; it just needs a single branch for a nest and a few grains for a meal. It has no fixed roosting place, flying here and there without any destination, not bothered by thorns or orchids. It flaps its wings gently and flies away, able to settle anywhere. It follows the natural course and is uncontentious with the world. Even though this little bird might not understand much, it seems to live wisely. It doesn't chase after treasures to avoid trouble; it does not adorn itself to avoid problems. It quietly maintains its nature, never shows off and acts cautiously, simply, and casually. It lives naturally and isn't fooled by the material world.

Look at those birds, sharp beaks and claws; swans and herons, soaring in the clouds; kūn jī (鹍鸡) hiding in dark and treacherous places; peacocks living in remote and secluded areas; as well as wild ducks and geese, also spreading their wings high and flying fast. Their feathers are beautiful, their bodies strong, but in the end, they all face death; even if they hide with reeds to avoid arrows, they cannot escape their fate of being killed. Fierce eagles are captured, smart parrots are kept in cages; they have to submit to humans, being kept in grand palaces and courtyards. To please their masters, they change their songs and even lose their ability to fly. Oh, how they longed for the forests of Zhongshan and Daiyue! Even if they survive today, they can’t compare to the freedom they once enjoyed.

Seabirds fly from afar to escape the storm; giant birds from the distant Western Regions fly over the mountains; they fly thousands of miles, shaking all the way, full of fear. They are huge in size, easy to attract trouble, and beautiful, making them easy prey. Between heaven and earth, all things are different in size and type. The tiny wren can build its nest on the eyelashes of a mosquito, while the giant roc can fly to the edge of the sky; isn’t this what they mean by "insufficiency above, excess below"? Looking at the world, observing carefully, how can I judge which is better or worse in size? "The wren nests on the mosquito's eyelashes, the roc soars in the corner of the sky," does it really matter?

Ruan Ji met Zhang Hua and exclaimed, "This is a great talent to serve emperors!" Since then, Zhang Hua's reputation began to flourish. The prefect Xian Yu Si recommended him to be a Doctor of the Imperial Academy. Lu Qin also mentioned him to Emperor Wen, and Zhang Hua was appointed as the Deputy Intendant of Henan, then later reassigned as an Assistant Master of Writing before he officially took office. Not long after, he was promoted to Chief Historian and concurrently served as a Gentleman-in-Attendance at the Palace Library. His opinions were often adopted in court discussions and memorials, so he formally assumed this position. After the establishment of the Western Jin Dynasty, he was appointed as the Minister of the Yellow Gate and granted the title of Marquis of the Interior.

Zhang Hua had an exceptional memory, and he seemed to have a handle on all major events in the world. Emperor Wu once asked him about the system of the Han Dynasty's palaces and the scale of the Jianzhang Palace. Zhang Hua answered fluently, and everyone listened attentively. He even drew pictures on the ground to explain, leaving everyone spellbound. Emperor Wu greatly admired him, and people at that time compared him to the famous minister Zichan from the Spring and Autumn period. Several years later, he was appointed as the Prefect of the Palace Library, and later added as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance. After his mother's death, he was consumed by grief, surpassing the mourning regulations. The court issued a decree to offer him comfort and encouragement, urging him to continue handling state affairs.

Initially, Emperor Wu secretly discussed with Yang Hu about attacking the Kingdom of Wu, but many ministers thought it was not feasible; only Zhang Hua supported this plan. Later, when Yang Hu fell seriously ill, Emperor Wu sent Zhang Hua to visit him, inquiring about the strategy to attack the Kingdom of Wu; this incident is recorded in the 'Biography of Yang Hu'. When it was time for a major offensive, Emperor Wu appointed Zhang Hua as the Minister of Revenue, responsible for planning military logistics and deciding on the battle plan. After the army embarked on their campaign, they failed to achieve victory for an extended period, and Jia Chong and others submitted a memorial requesting Zhang Hua to be executed to quell public outrage. Emperor Wu said, "This was my decision; Zhang Hua merely concurred." Many ministers at the time believed they should exercise caution, but only Zhang Hua insisted they would definitely win. After the Kingdom of Wu fell, the court issued a decree declaring, "Zhang Hua, Minister and Marquis of Guannei, in collaboration with the late Grand Tutor Yang Hu, formulated a great strategic plan, then took charge of military affairs, deployed various troops, weighed the pros and cons, strategized and decided victory from a thousand miles away, and achieved remarkable accomplishments. He was specially enfeoffed as the Marquis of Guangwu County, with an additional fiefdom of ten thousand households, and his son was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Ting, with a fiefdom of one thousand five hundred households, and bestowed with ten thousand bolts of silk." Zhang Hua enjoyed an exceptional reputation throughout his life, and everyone respected him. The historical books and the ceremonial systems of the Jin Dynasty often referenced his insights and even implemented changes. Many of the imperial edicts at that time were drafted by him, and his reputation continued to grow, leading everyone to believe he could become a prime minister in the future. However, Xun Xu, from a prestigious family himself and favored by the emperor, harbored jealousy towards Zhang Hua and sought opportunities to reassign him to a distant post. One day, the emperor asked Zhang Hua, "Who do you think can be entrusted with my affairs after my passing?" Zhang Hua replied, "In terms of noble character and close relationship, there is no one more suitable than Prince Qi, Sima You." This was not the response the emperor wished to hear, somewhat at odds with the emperor's wishes; Xun Xu seized this opportunity and began to act. Consequently, Zhang Hua was reassigned, with the titles of Commissioner, Commander of Military Affairs in Youzhou, Commandant of the Wuhuan, and General of Peace in the North.

Hua Xin arrived in Youzhou and effectively calmed both the local residents and newcomers; he was highly respected by all ethnic groups. The Eastern Yi states of Ma Han and Xinmi are located over four thousand li from Youzhou. Many states had not submitted to the court for generations, but now they have sent envoys to pay their respects. As a result, the border regions have become very stable, there's no threat from any direction, the weather has been favorable for several years, the people are living in peace and working happily, and the military has also grown stronger.

The court wanted to appoint Hua Xin as chancellor and also intended to elevate his rank, granting him the title of Yitong Sanqi. It is said that Hua Xin had previously accused the imperial scholar Feng Hui before the emperor, and the emperor's favorite courtier, Zhen, is Feng Hui's brother, deeply trusted by the emperor. Once, Zhen served the emperor and casually discussed the history of the Wei and Jin dynasties. Suddenly he said, "I believe part of the blame for Zhong Hui's rebellion rests with the founding emperor." The emperor's expression changed upon hearing this and asked, "What do you mean by that?" Zhen quickly took off his hat and admitted his mistake, "I am ignorant and have spoken foolishly, deserving of a thousand deaths! However, I do have a thought I wish to share with you." The emperor inquired, "What else do you wish to say?"

Dong explained, "I believe that those skilled at driving a horse-drawn carriage must know how to manage the reins effectively; those who are good at governing a country must understand how to control the officials. For example, Confucius' disciple Ran Qiu was valued for his humility; while Zi Lu, because of his strong character, was suppressed; Han Gaozu's eight brothers were wiped out because of their excessive favoritism; the generals under Emperor Guangwu achieved success and fame through appropriate restraint. This difference is not a result of the kindness or cruelty of those in power, nor the intelligence or foolishness of those beneath them, but rather due to the suppression and promotion by the ruler. Zhong Hui had limited abilities, yet the Emperor excessively praised him, commended his strategies, elevated his reputation, and gave him important positions and a powerful army, leading him to become arrogant and ultimately rebel. Had the Emperor merely recognized his minor achievements, restrained him with formal ceremonies, and kept him in check with power, he would not have harbored rebellious thoughts or caused a rebellion." The Emperor said, "You are right." Dong bowed and thanked him, "Since Your Majesty agrees with my words, you should learn from this lesson, remain vigilant, and ensure that individuals like Zhong Hui never bring about the country's downfall again." The Emperor asked, "Are there still people like Zhong Hui now?" Dong replied, "Dongfang Shuo once remarked, 'It's easier said than done,' and the Book of Changes also states: 'If a subordinate is not cautious, he will lose his life.'" The Emperor then dismissed the attendants and said, "You may speak freely." Dong continued, "The ministers who assist you have made significant contributions to the country, and this is well-known; those great ministers who control local armies are also under Your Majesty's control." The Emperor fell silent for a moment. Shortly after, the Emperor appointed Hua Xin as the Grand Minister. Later, when the roof beams of the ancestral temple were damaged, Hua Xin was dismissed. Thus, throughout the Emperor's reign, Hua Xin continued to meet with him in his capacity as a marquis.

When Emperor Hui ascended to the throne, he appointed Hua Xin as the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor. Like Wang Rong, Pei Kai, and He Qiao, he was respected for his virtue and reputation, which led to their exclusion from political affairs due to Yang Jun's envy. After Yang Jun was killed, some people wanted to remove the Empress Dowager, and a meeting was held in the court to discuss the matter. Most people sided with the Emperor, saying that just as recorded in the "Spring and Autumn Annals," she should be removed like Lady Wen Jiang, since the Empress Dowager had strained her ties with the ancestral temple and should be deposed. Only Hua Xin opposed this, saying, "In family matters, a father cannot control his son, nor can a son control his father. The Empress Dowager has not offended the late Emperor; it is only because she favors her relatives and fails to be a good mother in this enlightened era. We should follow the Han Dynasty's example of deposing Empress Zhao and naming her Empress Xiaocheng, reducing her title and renaming her Empress Wu, allowing her to live in another palace. This way, we can preserve her dignity while also showing the royal family's grace." However, no one listened to him, and in the end, the Empress Dowager was deposed and demoted to commoner status.

King Sima Wei of Chu secretly received a secret edict to kill the Grand Chancellor Wang Liang of Runan and Grand Guardian Wei Guan, causing chaos among the troops inside and outside the palace. The court was in a panic and didn't know what to do. Hua Xin advised the Emperor, saying, "Sima Wei has falsely transmitted the imperial edict to kill the two ministers. The soldiers, in a moment of impulse, thought this was the court's intention, which is why they followed him. We can now send envoys bearing the Zouyu flag, a symbol of peace, to ask the outside troops to cease fighting; they will surely comply." The Emperor accepted his suggestion, and indeed, Sima Wei's army was defeated. After Sima Wei was killed, Hua Xin, the key figure in restoring order, was awarded the title of Right Minister of Rites, granted the rank of Grand Administrator equivalent to three officials, served as Palace Attendant, and became Supervisor of the Central Secretariat, along with receiving a gold medal and purple sash. However, he turned down the position of Grand Administrator.

Jia Mi and Empress Jia conspired, believing that Hua Xin, of humble origin, was refined and strategic, and his promotion would not arouse the emperor's suspicion. Moreover, his stepping back would also garner him the support of everyone, so they wanted him to take control of state affairs and sought his counsel on state affairs. Jia Mi felt some hesitation and went to ask Pei Wei. Pei Wei had always valued Hua Xin and strongly supported this matter. Thus, Hua Xin devoted himself to assisting the emperor, rectifying the deficiencies in governance. Although it was an era of a foolish emperor and a cruel empress, the realm remained at peace, owing to Hua Xin's contributions. Worried about the increasing influence of the Jia family, Hua Xin wrote the "Admonitions for Women" to satirize them. Despite being fierce and jealous, Empress Jia also respected Hua Xin. After a considerable period, people deliberated on Hua Xin's past loyalty and merits, seeking to bestow upon him the title of Duke of Zhuangwu. Hua Xin declined more than ten times, and only after the emperor issued several edicts persuading him did he finally accept. Several years later, he succeeded Sima Huang, the Prince of Xiapi, as Minister of Works, concurrently serving as a Gentleman of the Imperial Academy.

Empress Jia wanted to depose the crown prince, who was held in high regard by Liu Bian, the Left Guard Commander, who always attended the crown prince's banquets. Liu Bian noticed Jia Mi's arrogance several times, which the crown prince openly detested, and Jia Mi also looked down on the crown prince. Liu Bian privately asked Hua Lin (Jia Chong) how to address this issue, but Hua Lin replied, "I don't know." Liu Bian said, "I, Liu Bian, come from a humble background, starting as a minor official in Xuchang and gradually rising to today. As a minister, I should repay the kindness of being favored; why do you still doubt me?" Hua Lin asked, "Even if this is true, what course of action do you intend to take?" Liu Bian replied, "The Eastern Palace is teeming with talent, and the four guards have at least ten thousand elite soldiers. You occupy a high position and wield significant power; if we receive your command, we can have the crown prince seize the opportunity during court to handle the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, then depose Empress Jia and confine her in Jin Yong City. This can be accomplished with just two palace attendants."

Hualin said, "The emperor is currently in power, and the crown prince is, after all, someone else's son. I haven't received your orders; if I act suddenly, it would be disloyal and unfilial behavior, and the world would laugh at us. Even if it works out, I would still be blamed; moreover, there are powerful nobles everywhere in the court, and power is fragmented. Can this be stable?" Later, the emperor summoned the ministers in the Shiqian Hall and showed them a handwritten letter from the crown prince. No one dared to speak. Only Hualin advised, "This is a huge disaster for the country! Since Emperor Wu of Han, every time the legitimate crown prince has been deposed, the country has never known peace. Furthermore, our country has only recently unified; Your Majesty must consider this carefully!" Pei Wei, the Left Minister of Personnel, suggested first investigating the messenger and verifying the authenticity of the crown prince's letter; otherwise, someone might be forging it. Jia Hou then produced over ten letters the crown prince had written to her before, and everyone compared them carefully, but no one dared to claim they were wrong. They debated until sunset but reached no conclusion. Seeing Hualin and the others' resolve, Jia Hou requested to be demoted to commoner status, and the emperor approved it.

Initially, Zhao Wang Lun was appointed General of the West, and he created chaos in Guanzhong, leading to the revolt of the Di and Qiang tribes. Therefore, the court sent Liang Wang Rong to replace him. Someone advised Hua Xin, "Zhao Wang is greedy and foolish, only trusting Sun Xiu, causing destruction wherever he goes, while Sun Xiu was treacherous and cunning, the leader among traitors. We could send Liang Wang to eliminate Sun Xiu, weakening Zhao Wang's power by half, and thus apologize to the people of Guanzhong. Wouldn't that be great?" Hua Xin agreed with this suggestion, and Liang Wang Rong also consented. However, Xin Ran, a friend of Sun Xiu, hurried in from the west and told Liang Wang, "The Di and Qiang tribes' rebellion wasn't instigated by Sun Xiu." Thus, Sun Xiu escaped death.

Zhao Wanglun later returned to Luoyang, flattering Empress Jia, and took the opportunity to request the position of Minister of State. Later, he also wanted to become the Minister of State. Hua Xin and Pei Wei strongly opposed this, thus offending Zhao Wanglun and Sun Xiu, who both harbored a deep hatred for Hua Xin. Later, a fire broke out in the armory, and Hua Xin, fearing chaos would ensue, mobilized troops for a strict defense, ultimately extinguishing the fire. As a result, treasures collected over generations, including the sword of Han Gaozu that killed the White Serpent, Wang Mang's head, Confucius's shoes, and so on, were all burned to ashes. At that moment, Hua Xin saw a sword fly out through the roof, but no one knew where it went.

At first, Hua Xin was appointed as the governor of Zhuangwu County, where a mulberry tree turned into a cypress tree, which was considered an ominous sign by those who understood such matters. Moreover, strange occurrences often took place at Hua Xin's residence and the Supervisory Ministry. Hua Xin's youngest son, Hua Wei, advised him to resign after noticing cracks in the Central Platform Star. Hua Xin did not heed this advice, saying, "The ways of heaven are deep and hard to understand; only by cultivating virtue can one align with heavenly intentions. It's better to quietly watch and wait for what fate has in store." When Zhao Wanglun and Sun Xiu planned to depose Empress Jia, Sun Xiu sent Sima Ya at night to inform Hua Xin, saying, "The state is in imminent danger; Zhao Wang wants to join you to save the court and achieve great undertakings." Hua Xin knew that Sun Xiu and the others would certainly usurp power, so he refused. Sima Ya angrily said, "A knife is already at your throat, and you still talk like that!" After saying this, he left without looking back. One day, while Hua Xin was napping, he suddenly dreamed that his house collapsed, and upon waking, he felt it was a bad omen.

That night, Hua Xin couldn't sleep, so he pretended that the court had summoned him by edict, and thus he and Pei Wei were arrested together. When Hua Xin was about to be executed, he said to Zhang Lin, "Are you trying to harm a loyal minister?" Zhang Lin read the edict and questioned him, "As the Chancellor, responsible for the country's major affairs, the Crown Prince has been deposed; why won't you sacrifice yourself for the nation?" Hua Xin replied, "I have submitted my memorials regarding the deposition of the Crown Prince, and they are all on record; I have not failed to offer advice." Zhang Lin said, "Since your advice was useless, why didn't you resign?" Hua Xin was left speechless. After a while, the messenger arrived and said, "The edict orders the execution of Lord Hua." Hua Xin said, "I am an old minister of the late emperor, devoted and loyal. I am not afraid of death, but I worry that the royal family will suffer disaster, and the calamity is hard to foresee!" Thus, Hua Xin was executed on the south side of the horse path in the front hall, and three generations of his family were implicated. Everyone in the court and among the common people mourned for him. He died at the age of sixty-nine.

Mr. Hua had a particular fondness for associating with talented individuals and was very earnest. No matter how impoverished or humble their backgrounds, he would praise them for any small virtue and help them gain recognition. He especially loved reading, and when he passed away, there wasn’t a penny left in his home—just a room full of books. Once, when moving, it took thirty carts just to move the books! Even the court's Secretary General, Zhi Yu, often referred to Mr. Hua's collection to proofread official texts! Mr. Hua's collection contained nearly every rare and peculiar item imaginable. Therefore, it is said that his knowledge was profound and unmatched.

During the reign of Emperor Hui, someone found a three-zhang-long bird feather and showed it to Mr. Hua. After looking at it, Mr. Hua's expression turned grim and he said, "Its appearance means that great chaos is about to unfold!" Lu Ji once gave him some pickled fish, and at that time, the house was full of guests. Mr. Hua picked it up and exclaimed, "This is dragon meat!" Everyone was skeptical, but Mr. Hua insisted, "Wash it with bitter wine, and you'll definitely notice something different." After washing it, it indeed revealed a colorful glow! Lu Ji went back to ask the person who had given him the fish, and that person said, "This is a white fish I found under a pile of straw in the garden; it looks very special and is particularly delicious when pickled, so I brought it as a gift." The defenses of the arsenal were extremely strict, yet one day, the sound of a wild chicken was heard coming from inside. Mr. Hua said, "This must be a chicken that transformed from a snake!" Upon opening it, there was indeed a snake's shed skin next to the wild chicken! The riverbank in Linping, Wu County, caved in, revealing a stone drum, but it didn’t make a sound when struck. The emperor asked Mr. Hua what was going on, and Mr. Hua said, "You can use the paulownia wood from Shu to carve it into the shape of a fish, and it’ll make a sound when you hit it." Following his advice, it indeed produced a sound that carried for miles!

At the beginning, when the state of Wu was still intact, there was often purple qi between the stars of the Taurus constellation. Those who understood divination believed that the power of the state of Wu was strong, and they could not plot against it for the time being, but Zhang Hua thought otherwise. After the state of Wu perished, the purple qi actually grew even brighter. Zhang Hua heard that Lei Huan, a man from Yuzhang who was proficient in astronomy and astrology, invited him to stay at his place, and then, avoiding others, he said, "Let's observe the celestial phenomena together and see what the future holds for us." So they climbed a tall tower together and looked up at the sky. Lei Huan said, "I have been observing for a long time, and there are some strange signs between the stars of the Taurus constellation." Zhang Hua asked, "What does this mean?" Lei Huan said, "This is the spirit of a sword, rising straight up to the sky!" Zhang Hua said, "You are right. When I was young, a fortune teller told me that when I was sixty years old, I would become a high-ranking official, and I would also receive a sword to wear. Could this really happen?" So Zhang Hua asked, "Where can we find the sword?" Lei Huan said, "It's in Fengcheng in Yuzhang." Zhang Hua said, "I’d like you to be the magistrate of Fengcheng, and we will secretly search for the sword together, how does that sound to you?" Lei Huan agreed. Zhang Hua was overjoyed and quickly made Lei Huan the magistrate of Fengcheng.

Lei Huan arrived in Fengcheng, dug up the foundation of the prison, and dug over four zhang deep underground, discovering a stone box. The light inside was blinding, and there were two swords in the box, both inscribed with the names "Dragon Spring" and "Tai'a." That night, the purple aura between the constellations of the Big Dipper vanished. Lei Huan wiped the swords with soil from the northern cliffs of Xishan in Nanchang, making their brilliance even more radiant. He filled a basin with water, placed the swords on the surface, and anyone who gazed upon them was blinded by their brilliance. Lei Huan sent one sword and soil to Zhang Hua, keeping one for himself. Someone said to Lei Huan, "You got two swords but only sent one to Zhang Gong—are you trying to deceive him?" Lei Huan replied, "There will be a great turmoil in the court, and Zhang Gong will suffer as a result. This sword should have originally belonged to the tomb of Xu Jun. Supernatural objects will eventually disappear and will not be owned by people forever." After Zhang Hua received the sword, he cherished it and always kept it next to his seat. Zhang Hua felt that the soil of Nanchang isn't as good as the red clay of Huayin, so he wrote to Lei Huan saying, "Carefully observe the inscriptions on the sword. It is the Ganjiang Sword; why is the Moye Sword not appearing together? However, natural divine objects will eventually come together." So Zhang Hua sent a pound of Huayin soil to Lei Huan. Lei Huan used the Huayin soil to wipe the sword, making the sword's brilliance even more radiant. Later, Zhang Hua was killed, and the sword's whereabouts became a mystery. After Lei Huan's death, his son Lei Hua worked in the state, carrying the sword through Yanping Ferry. The sword suddenly leapt from his waist and plunged into the water. He sent someone to dive and retrieve it, but they found no sign of the sword, only two dragons, each several feet long, coiling around with beautiful patterns on their bodies. The divers were afraid and came back up. Shortly after, the water's surface shimmered, waves surged, and the sword had vanished. Lei Hua sighed, "My father said the sword would eventually disappear, and Zhang Gong also believed this. Is this the fulfillment of his prophecy?" Zhang Hua was well-versed, and there were many such occurrences, but they won’t all be recounted here.

Hou Lun and Xiu were assassinated, and Prince Qi Jiong began his rule. Zhi Yu wrote a letter to Jiong, saying, "I happened to come across the memorial that Zhang Hua submitted to the Emperor after Zhang Hua's death while organizing the documents in the Ministry of Personnel Affairs. The late Emperor asked Zhang Hua who could assist in governing the state and handle future affairs. Zhang Hua replied, 'There is no one more suitable than the late king, with noble character and intimate connections. He should be left to guard the state.' Zhang Hua's loyal strategy and sincere words were even recognized in the afterlife, only to be acknowledged posthumously, incomparable to those who seek mere comfort. Some criticize Zhang Hua for not standing up and defending himself during the Crown Prince's mourning incident. However, at that time, anyone who offered advice would have faced execution. The teachings of the ancient sages advise against compelling others to undertake actions that are known to be futile and deadly. Thus, Yan Ying, the chief minister of Qi, survived the chaos instigated by Cui Zhu; Ji Zha, a minister of Wu, did not engage in arguments about right and wrong either. When principles cannot be put into practice, the teachings of the sages do not assign blame."

After listening to this, he reported to the emperor, "I have heard that the rise of a weak state inheriting a broken royal lineage is the hallmark of a sage king's governance; condemning evil and praising goodness, these noble principles are recorded in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals'. Therefore, King Wu rewarded the tomb of Bi Gan and praised the neighborhood of Shang Rong, which indicates that there is indeed a connection between the realm of the dead and the living. Sun Xiu rebelled, destroyed the country that assisted the court, killed upright and outspoken ministers, and devastated the royal family; he was cruel and ruthless, and many loyal subjects were exterminated. Zhang Hua and Pei Wei were killed for offending the powerful, and the Jie brothers were slaughtered like lambs, while Ouyang Jian and others died innocently, and the people felt great sympathy for them. Now Your Majesty has renewed the radiance of the sun and moon and issued new decrees, yet these families have not received any favor. In the past, the Luan and Xi clans were demoted to servitude, and the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' also recorded their faults; King You abandoned the descendants of the heroes and sages, and poets even composed verses to mock this. I hold this position to offer my loyal counsel. If it is in line with Your Majesty's intentions, Your Majesty may command the ministers to deliberate together."

Everyone had their own opinions, but most believed that those who were executed were deeply wronged. Zhuo Dao, a minister of the Zhuangwu Kingdom, went to see the King of Changsha again, requesting the restoration of Zhang Hua's title, but this matter has lingered for quite some time without resolution.

In the year 275 AD, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Love and hatred have always been in conflict, with treachery opposing integrity. The Minister of Works and Duke of Guangwu, Hua Zhong, has always been loyal and devoted, assisting in state affairs. His strategies and contributions are crucial to the state. Previously, due to the contributions of Hua Bi, he should have been granted a higher title. However, he repeatedly declined, stressing that the country's system must remain unchanged. He warned that any attempt to change it forcefully would lead to failure and shame. His refusal was heartfelt and sincere, serving as a warning to all. Hua's genuine loyalty is evident to all. Despite being granted a title for pacifying the Wu state, further elevation would violate the state's principles and would overshadow his previous significant rewards. Hua was wrongfully accused of treason and murdered by malicious individuals. I hereby restore Hua's titles of Chamberlain, Director of the Palace Library, Minister of Works, and Duke of Guangwu, along with his confiscated assets, seals, and insignias. I will also send envoys to pay tribute to him."

The brothers Lu Ji were ambitious and of noble character. They held no disdain for the people of the Central Plains when they arrived in Luoyang. When they met Hua, they treated him like an old friend, admiring his character and abilities, affording him great respect. After Hua's death, Lu Ji wrote a eulogy and crafted a poem in his memory. "Hua authored ten volumes of 'Records of Natural History' and other works, which have been passed down through generations. He had two sons: Hua Yi and Hua Wei."

Hua Yi, also known as Yanzhong, was studious, humble, and respectful, inheriting his father's excellent virtues, eventually rising to the position of Imperial Attendant. Hua Wei was well-versed in astronomy and served as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. Both brothers met the same fate. Hua Yi's son, Hua Yu, known as Gong'an, inherited Hua's titles. To evade the turmoil of war, he crossed the Yangtze River and served as a Chief Clerk and an assistant to the Crown Prince.

Liu Bian, also known as Shulong, hails from Xuchang, Shandong. His family has been in the military for generations; he is a straightforward person and speaks little. When he was young, he held a low-ranking official position in the county. One night, the clerk in charge of document work got drunk and needed to use the restroom. He asked Liu Bian to hold a lantern for him, but Liu Bian refused. The clerk held a grudge against him and found an excuse to reassign him to the pavilion.

Later, a scholar named Zuxiu was writing official documents in the pavilion for the magistrate, but he couldn't finish it after a long time. Liu Bian offered him some advice and helped him organize his thoughts, which helped him produce a clear and well-organized document. Zuxiu went to the county magistrate and said, "Liu Bian is capable of being a high-ranking official in the prefecture. Why did you assign him to work in the pavilion?" Upon hearing this, the magistrate quickly appointed Liu Bian as his aide. While Liu Bian's approach was clear and concise, it often lacked attention to detail. The magistrate asked him, "Can you study?" Liu Bian replied, "I am willing to learn." So the magistrate allowed him to study.

Not long after, Liu Bian's brother became a guard at the palace, but sadly passed away. As per the regulations, someone had to fill his brother's position, and the clerk suggested Liu Bian. The magistrate said, "Zuxiu mentioned that Liu Bian is very talented." Thus, he declined the clerk's suggestion. Eventually, Liu Bian followed the magistrate to Luoyang, entered the Imperial College, passed his exams, and was appointed a fourth-rank official by the court. Once, someone requested the magistrate's assistance in writing a letter on premium yellow paper. Liu Bian said, "I’m not the kind of person who writes letters on yellow paper!" The person got angry and reported him to the superior official, which led to Liu Bian's demotion to a subordinate role under the Minister of Justice.

Someone said to Liu Bian, "Your talent is suitable for big things, not for small things. Why not go and be a small official guarding the warehouse?" Liu Bian listened to his advice and did as he was told. Later, he was promoted to the historian of the Ministry of Personnel, then became the Chief Clerk for Prince Qi, Wang You, and then served as the Minister of Rites, the Left Western Clerk of the Ministry of Works, and the Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel. He excelled in all these roles. He was promoted step by step and eventually became the Attendant of the Cavalry, then was appointed as the Inspector of Bingzhou, and later returned to the court as the Left Guard. He learned about Empress Jia's plot to depose the crown prince and was very worried. He tried to advise Zhang Hua, but Zhang Hua did not take his advice, which made Liu Bian even more dissatisfied. Empress Jia sent a trusted confidant to secretly investigate, and upon hearing that Liu Bian had said these things, she transferred him to a remote place to serve as the General of Light Chariots and the Inspector of Yongzhou. Liu Bian knew that his words had been leaked and was afraid of being killed by Empress Jia, so he committed suicide by poison.

When Liu Bian took office in Bingzhou, more than ten colleagues who had previously worked with him as low-ranking officials in Xuchang came to see him off. One of them looked down on Liu Bian, so Liu Bian had him sent away. This incident led others to look down on Liu Bian.

Historians say: Loyalty is the best virtue, learning is the glory of the country. Just as all stars need ritual and righteousness to regulate, human relationships also need dignity and solemnity. Wei Guan held Emperor Wu's bed, Zhang Hua resisted Zhao Lun's orders, constantly remonstrated like Boyu, who was known for his wise counsel, and performed excellently in critical situations like Mao Xian. They are truly admirable! They walked a dangerous path, but the reason can be explained: when the country is in chaos at the beginning, the development of things deviates from the right track. Like pine and bamboo, they are steadfast and unyielding. Even in death, their value surpasses that of living. They already had the determination to die, so they were not afraid of failure. In the end, they all fell into the trap of treacherous ministers, were tragically killed, and the country declined as a result. This is truly heartbreaking!

"The virtuous are entrusted, the path mirrors the chill of the grave. The fates of the virtuous are in ruins; my life is not at ease. Wei was destroyed by Jia, and Zhang was executed due to Zhao. This poem praises Wei Guan and Zhang Hua, lamenting the difficulty of remaining steadfast in chaos. They chose to sacrifice themselves for the nation's peace, and this spirit deserves to be remembered for eternity."

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Jin （晉書）

Published: 02 January 2025

Created: 02 January 2025

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Chen Qian is from Dongyang in Linyi. His father, Chen Jiao, once served as the Minister of Personnel of the Wei Kingdom. In fact, Chen Jiao was originally from the Liu family in Guangling, but he was raised by his maternal grandfather, who was from the Chen family. Chen Qian is a steady and thoughtful person, greatly strategic.

At the beginning, when Chen Jiao was the Grand Master of Writing, the Palace Attendant Liu Ye enjoyed the Emperor Ming of Wei's favor and falsely accused Chen Jiao of having too much power. Chen Jiao was very worried about this and asked Chen Qian what to do. Chen Qian replied, "The Emperor is wise and discerning, and you are a high-ranking minister. Even if the Emperor is temporarily displeased, at most he will just prevent you from holding office." Later, the Emperor did indeed regain his composure. When Chen Qian was young, he was scorned by Xiahou Xuan, but he remained calm and composed, causing Xiahou Xuan to have a different view of him.

Chen Qian started as a Gentleman of the Masters of Writing and later distinguished himself as the Administrator of Zhongshan and Anping. He was then summoned by the court and served in succession as Minister of State, Chief Clerk, and Deputy Minister of Justice, and was granted the title of Marquis of Anguo Pavilion. When the Shu Kingdom's army invaded the Longyou region, Chen Qian was ordered to lead the expedition as the Imperial Commissioner and General for the Campaign Against Shu, defeating the Shu army and returning victorious. During Zhuge Dan's rebellion, he served as the Imperial Commissioner and General for Peace in the East. After the city of Shou Chun was captured, he was appointed as the Imperial Commissioner, Commander of the Huai Army in the North, General of Peace in the East, and his title was subsequently elevated to Marquis of Guangling.

Later, he was transferred to be the Governor of Military Affairs in Yuzhou and the Governor of Yuzhou, while retaining the titles of Commissioner and General. He was then transferred to be the Commander-in-Chief of the military forces in Jiangnan, and then to be the Commander-in-Chief of the military forces in Jingzhou, the Grand General of the Southern Expedition, and was granted the title of Duke of Gaoping County. After Emperor Cao Mao of Wei received the abdication and ascended the throne, due to Chen Qian's contributions in assisting his ascension, he was promoted to the title of Cavalry General and granted the title of Duke of Gaoping County. He was later promoted to be the Palace Attendant, Grand General, and then was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the military forces in Yangzhou, with other positions remaining unchanged, and was also granted the Yellow Seal. He captured the city of Zhili in the state of Wu and defeated the defending troops at Tuzhong. The Emperor also granted the title of Marquis of Guanzhong to Chen Qian's nephew, Chen Xing.

In the early period of the Xianning era, Chen Qian was promoted to Grand Commandant and later transferred to be the Grand Marshal. When Chen Qian attended the court, he said to the Emperor, "Both Hu Lie and Qian Hong, although brave, lack strategy, only seeking to show off their strength, and are not suitable candidates to guard the borders. They will surely bring shame to the country in the future. I hope Your Majesty will consider this carefully." At that time, Qian Hong was the Governor of Yangzhou and did not follow Chen Qian's orders. The Emperor thought they were attacking each other, so he summoned Qian Hong back to the court. After Qian Hong returned, he was soon appointed as the Governor of Liangzhou. Chen Qian sighed privately, believing that Qian Hong would surely fail. Later, both Hu Lie and Qian Hong indeed lost the trust of the various tribes in the Qiang and Rong areas and were killed by the enemy. It took several years of continuous military campaigns for the court to finally quell the unrest, and it was only then that the Emperor regretted not heeding Chen Qian's advice.

Xiahou Qian was very dignified from a young age, able to overlook the faults of others, and possessed a strong work ethic and outstanding achievements. He, along with Jia Chong, Shi Bao, Pei Xiu, and others, were all trusted confidants of the emperor, but Xiahou Qian's wisdom and strategies far exceeded theirs; even Jia Chong himself admits he cannot match him. He held a high-ranking official position and was greatly respected by the populace. As he reached the pinnacle of his career and advanced in age, he wished to retire. In the third year of the Xianning era, he requested to return to the court and also submitted a request for retirement. The emperor bestowed upon him ceremonial robes and issued an edict saying, "Xiahou Qian, your contributions are great, your virtues are high, you have pacified Dong Wu and governed the world, and we need you to continue utilizing your talents! Although you are not in good health and keep requesting retirement, we appreciate your dedication. Now we allow you to stay in the capital, change the position of Grand Commandant to Grand Marshal, add two more libationers, keep your staff, officials, chariots, and musicians as before, give you a hundred personal soldiers, ten hectares of land for a kitchen, fifty mu of land for a vegetable garden, ten cooks, and provide you with all kinds of daily necessities. In addition, we will give you a luxurious carriage and a team of horses, and when you enter and leave the palace, we will also provide you with musicians, akin to those for Xiao He during the Han Dynasty." Xiahou Qian repeatedly declined, stating that he was unwell and wished to retire. The emperor issued another edict saying, "Xiahou Qian, you have high virtues and broad knowledge; I often seek advice from you! We currently need your strategies to help the country develop, so you should go to work on time!" He then sent a eunuch to persuade him. Xiahou Qian still returned home, and the emperor sent a court official to persuade him to return to the mansion. Xiahou Qian insisted on retiring, and the emperor agreed, granting him a position akin to that of a royal tutor, above the Three Excellencies, and granting him several canes. He was not required to attend court, was provided with a luxurious carriage and a team of horses, and allowed to retire as Duke of Gaoping. Due to his status as a distinguished minister and his advanced age, the emperor showed him special respect, permitting him to enter the palace in his carriage and attend court.

Xiahou Qian was usually low-key and wasn't very talkative, but he came off as quite arrogant when speaking to the emperor; he was very respectful when he met the crown prince, which led people to think he was quite the flatterer. His brother and his son had some conflicts, so his brother complained to the emperor, saying that Xiahou Qian's children were acting inappropriately. Xiahou Qian wrote to request that his brother be transferred elsewhere, which tarnished his reputation.

In the second year of Yuankang, Xiahou Qian passed away at the age of eighty-one. The emperor dressed him in his ceremonial robes for burial, posthumously appointed him as Grand Tutor, and conferred the posthumous title of Wu. During the burial, the emperor personally sent him off at the Grand Marshal's Gate, crying very sadly while looking at the coffin, with the same honors as Grand Marshal Shi Bao. His son, Xiahou Yu, inherited his title.

Yu started off as a Cavalry Attendant and the Prefect of Luoyang, later rising to become a Yellow Gate Attendant, and also served as a formidable military officer in the Left Army, Grand Minister of Agriculture, and Palace Attendant. However, due to his poor relationship with his uncle, he was eventually sent away to serve as Prefect of Hebei. While he was a bit careless personally, he was quite capable at work. He passed away shortly after, and his son, Zhi, who was known as Hongxian, inherited his title and became a Cavalry Consultant. After Zhi's death, his son Cui inherited the title, but was later killed during the Yongjia era. Emperor Xiaowu permitted Yu's great-grandson to take over the title, which was later passed on to his disciple, Haozhi. After the establishment of the Song Dynasty, this title was eventually done away with.

Next, let's talk about Pei Xiu, courtesy name Jiyi, from Wenxi, Hedong. His grandfather Pei Mao was the Minister of Personnel in the Han Dynasty, and his father Pei Qian was the Minister of Personnel in the Wei Dynasty, coming from a prestigious family of officials. Pei Xiu loved learning from a young age, of noble character, and could write articles at the age of eight. His uncle Pei Hui was very famous, and there were often many guests visiting their home. When Pei Xiu was in his teens, those who visited his uncle's house would pass by Pei Xiu's house on their way out. However, because Pei Xiu's mother had a humble background, his stepmother, Xuan Shi, looked down on her. Once, she even made Pei Xiu's mother serve food to the guests, prompting everyone present to stand in sympathy. Pei Xiu's mother said, "My lowly status is for my son's sake!" After Xuan Shi found out, she never did it again. People at the time all said, "The future leader will undoubtedly be Pei Xiu!"

General Guanqiu Jian once recommended Pei Xiu to General Cao Shuang, saying, "Pei Xiu has been exceptionally intelligent since he was young, and as he grew older, he became naturally poised. He is deep and reserved, with a noble character, profound knowledge, outstanding memory, and there is no subject he is not proficient in. He is filial to his parents, loves his siblings, and has a good reputation in his hometown, known far and wide. He is truly fit to assist a wise ruler, participate in court affairs, help govern the country, and bring glory to the prosperous era. He is not only a genius like Ziqi and Gan Luo were, but also possesses good virtues like Yan Yuan, Ran Geng, and You Xia." After hearing this, Cao Shuang hired Pei Xiu as his aide, and even granted him his father's title - Marquis of Qingyang, later promoted to Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. After Cao Shuang was killed, Pei Xiu was dismissed because he was a former subordinate of Cao Shuang. After some time, he was appointed as the Minister of Justice, and later served as the General of the East and the Guard General Sima under Emperor Wen, involved in significant military matters and earning great trust. He was eventually promoted to Cavalier Attendant.

When the emperor wanted to attack Zhuge Dan, Pei Xiu followed Minister of Personnel Chen Tai and Right Grand Master of the Guanglu Zhong Hui as an official of the Xingtai to participate in military planning. After Zhuge Dan was pacified, Pei Xiu was promoted to Shangshu, granted the title of Marquis of Luyang, and his fief increased by one thousand households. Later, due to his significant contributions to the decision-making process of establishing a county in Changdao Township, he was promoted to County Marquis, his fief increased by seven hundred households, and he was promoted to Shangshu. In the early Xianxi period of the Wei Dynasty, the court implemented a series of reforms. At that time, Xun Yi was tasked with formulating rituals, Jia Chong was tasked with reforming the laws, and Pei Xiu was responsible for reforming the official system. Pei Xiu proposed the establishment of five ranks of nobility, with over six hundred individuals above the rank of Qidu being ennobled. As a result, Pei Xiu was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Jichuan, with a fief of sixty li and fourteen hundred households, using Jichuan Market in Gaoyuan County as his marquisate. Initially, Emperor Wei Wen had not yet chosen a successor, and he favored Cao You, the Marquis of Wuyang. Emperor Wei Wu was worried about his ability to inherit the throne, so he asked Pei Xiu, "Are there any physical traits that can predict fortune or misfortune?" and then used some strange omens to hint at Pei Xiu. Later, Pei Xiu told Emperor Wei Wen, "The Middle Army Commander (referring to Emperor Wei Wu) has high prestige, and the celestial signs also suggest that he will inherit the throne. This is not the appearance of an ordinary courtier!" Because of these words from Pei Xiu, the identity of Emperor Wei Wu as the successor was ultimately confirmed. After Emperor Wei Wu ascended the throne, he appointed Pei Xiu as Minister of Personnel and Right Grand Master of the Guanglu, and alongside Imperial Historian Wang Shen and General Jia Chong, they established an office, and also appointed him to a position in the Yushi. After Emperor Wei Wu ascended the throne, Pei Xiu was promoted to Left Grand Master of the Guanglu, enfeoffed as the Duke of Julu County, with a fief of three thousand households.

At that time, the military officer An Yuan, Hao Xu, wrote in a letter to an old friend: "I have met Minister Pei Xiu, and I hope he can help me." Someone used this as a reason to request the removal of Pei Xiu's official position. The emperor issued a decree saying, "It is impossible for a person to make others have no ill intentions, which is something even the ancients found difficult to achieve. This issue stems from Hao Xu's social interactions; it is his fault. How can we blame Minister Pei? This matter should not be pursued any further!" Colonel Li Xi submitted another memorial, saying that Cavalry Captain Liu Shang had encroached on Minister Pei Xiu's official land, requesting a ban on Pei Xiu. The emperor once again issued a decree saying that Pei Xiu had assisted in the government's affairs and had merits to the royal family, and that his significant contributions should not be overshadowed by a minor mistake. The relevant departments should investigate Liu Shang's fault and lift the ban on Pei Xiu.

After some time, the emperor issued another decree stating, "The duties of the Three Departments are to assist the emperor in governing the world and helping to accomplish national affairs. Therefore, governing the country and discussing governance strategies rely on the wisdom and abilities of the Three Departments. If the selection of personnel is inappropriate, then this official position is meaningless. Minister Pei Xiu, with a broad mind and extensive knowledge, was valued by the late emperor and was allowed to participate in assisting in the government affairs. After I inherited the throne, he continued to assist me in achieving great accomplishments; his merits are great and can be compared to that of Zhang Liang. He should be appointed to a more important position to benefit the country's development. Let him be appointed as Minister of Works!"

Pei Xiu was well-versed in knowledge and took a keen interest in political affairs. During the abdication of power, he was always able to grasp the crux of the matter, and his decisions were in accordance with proper conduct, without any violations. Due to his official position, he came into contact with the records of mountains and rivers in "Yu Gong." These ancient records describe places that have changed over time, and later generations’ interpretations often feel forced, resulting in greater ambiguity. Therefore, Pei Xiu meticulously examined ancient literature, left gaps where there were uncertainties, and provided annotations for places that had ancient names but no longer exist, based on the current situation. He ultimately completed the "Regional Map of Yu Gong" in eighteen volumes, which he presented to the emperor, and it was stored in the royal archives. In the preface, he wrote:

The creation of maps has a long-standing history and significant importance. Since ancient times, people have recorded and passed on information through map-making, which is very important for national governance. The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties all had specific official positions responsible for the creation and management of maps, and national historical records documented these roles. After the Han dynasty destroyed the Qin dynasty, Chancellor Xiao He confiscated all maps and books from the Qin dynasty. However, the royal archives now contain neither ancient maps nor those confiscated by Xiao He, only a few scattered maps, such as the "Yudi Zhi" and "Kuaidi Zhi" from the Han dynasty. These maps lack a scale, haven't been precisely measured or verified, and do not detail notable mountains and rivers. While they can roughly indicate shapes, they aren't accurate enough to be reliable references. Some maps depict conditions in remote areas that are absurd and inconsistent with reality, making them useless as references.

After the establishment of the Great Jin Dynasty, the country was unified and tranquility was established. Beginning with the campaign against Shu, the territory was gradually expanded. Emperor Wen ordered the appropriate officials to compile and survey maps of the Wu and Shu regions. After pacifying Shu, every place the army passed through was carefully verified and documented, including distances, the challenges posed by mountains and rivers, the curvature of roads, and so on, with no errors whatsoever. Now the emperor has asked me to study the records in the "Yu Gong" regarding mountains, rivers, plains, and marshes, as well as the boundaries of the ancient Nine Provinces and the current Sixteen Provinces, counties, towns, and the alliances of ancient states, historical place names, and land and water routes, and to draw them into eighteen maps.

First of all, drawing maps demands careful consideration of six aspects. The first is the scale, used to distinguish the distances on the map. The second is orientation, used to correct the relative positions of various locations on the map. The third is mileage, used to determine the length of routes. The fourth is elevation, the fifth is direction, and the sixth is curvature; these three aspects must be assessed according to the actual terrain to evaluate the landscape's flatness and steepness. If a map has images but lacks a scale, it is impossible to judge distances; if there is a scale but no orientation, while one can determine the position of one place, the positions of others will definitely be incorrect; if there is orientation but no mileage, then in places separated by mountains and seas, the connections between various places cannot be known; if mileage is provided without indications of elevation, direction, or curvature, then the length of the route will certainly not match the actual distance, and the orientation will also be inaccurate. Therefore, these six aspects must be considered comprehensively. However, the actual distances depend on the scale, the actual relationships between positions depend on mileage, and the accuracy of length depends on the calculations of elevation, direction, and curvature. Thus, even with towering mountains and vast seas acting as barriers, even with distant frontiers and different regions, and even with complex and varied terrain, everything can be measured. As long as the orientation is accurate, the straightness, distances, and curvature will be evident.

Next is the story of Sikong Zhang Zhao. Zhang Zhao established the court's ceremonial system and widely implemented criminal law policies, which were largely adopted and became customary in the court. He was a famous virtuous minister during his four years in office. After taking Cold Food Powder, he was supposed to drink hot wine but instead drank cold wine, and he passed away in the seventh year of Taishi at the age of forty-eight. The court issued a decree stating, "Sikong Zhang Zhao's conduct is noble, his character is pure, he assisted the emperor, and his achievements are outstanding. He was preparing to further display his talents and become a model for future generations; unfortunately, he passed away, and we deeply regret it. He was awarded valuable items, a set of court robes, one additional garment, three hundred thousand coins, and one hundred bolts of cloth. He was posthumously honored with the title 'Yuan.'"

Finally, more about Zhang Zhao's circumstances before his death. Initially, Zhang Zhao believed that the rules and regulations of the thirty-six departments of the Ministry of Personnel were unclear, and the responsibilities of the ministers should be clarified, but he unfortunately passed away before he could submit his recommendations. When his friends sorted through his belongings, they found a draft of a petition, which addressed the pacification of the Kingdom of Wu. The petition stated, "Sun Hao is cruel and unjust, far from the rule of a wise monarch governing the world. He is weak and incompetent, only able to deceive and mislead the people, bringing disaster upon future generations, and will inevitably meet his end; the rise and fall of fortunes and misfortunes in the world are not fixed. Although I have submitted petitions many times before, I have not received clear instructions. Now that I am seriously ill and unable to get up, I leave behind this testament. I hope Your Majesty can promptly adopt my suggestion." Therefore, his friends submitted this petition to the court. The court replied, "Sikong has passed away, and we are filled with deep sorrow. Seeing his petition, although he is in a dangerous situation, he did not forget the country, demonstrating loyalty and devotion to the country. We are even more saddened and will certainly deliberate on this matter with the ministers."

At first, he was like Shi Bao and the others, all high-ranking officials of the court, and were all to be honored in the ancestral temple upon their deaths. He had two sons, one named Jun and the other named Wei. His son Jun inherited his title and rose to the position of Cavalier in Regular Attendance but died young. Jun's son Jing was not particularly bright and was granted the title of Marquis of Gaoyang, so his younger brother Wei inherited the title.

Wei, styled Yimin, was elegant, had great foresight, and was well-versed in various texts, having been famous since childhood. When Zhou Bi, the Minister of Justice, saw him, he exclaimed, "Wei is like an arsenal filled with a variety of weapons; he is truly an outstanding figure of his time!" Jia Chong, his mother's husband, recommended him in a memorial, stating, "Wei has made significant contributions in assisting the emperor, but unfortunately his eldest son has died, leaving behind young children. Wei is outstanding, with noble character, capable of ensuring the family's future prosperity." Therefore, the court issued a decree allowing him to inherit the title. Wei firmly declined but was unsuccessful. In the second year of Taikang, he was summoned to serve as a Palace Attendant to the Crown Prince and was later promoted to Cavalier in Regular Attendance. After Emperor Hui ascended the throne, he was further appointed as the Chief Libationer of the Imperial Academy while concurrently serving as the General of the Right Army.

In the beginning, Wei's nephew Jing was among the common people. Wei used the family's achievements to secure the title of Marquis of Gaoyang Pavilion for him. Later, when Yang Jun was facing execution, Yang Jun's followers, Liu Yu, the General of the Left Army, blocked the entrance with his soldiers and met Wei. They asked him where the Grand Tutor was. Wei deceitfully claimed, "I just saw him sitting in a simple carriage at the West Yamen, heading west with two people." Liu Yu asked, "Where should I go then?" Wei said, "You'd better go to the Ministry of Justice." Liu Yu believed him and left. Not long after, the court issued a decree for Wei to replace Liu Yu as the General of the Left Army, stationed at Wanchunmen. After Yang Jun was executed, because of Wei's contributions, the court intended to grant him the title of Marquis of Wuchang, but he earnestly requested that this title be bestowed upon his nephew Jing. He argued that Jing was the legitimate eldest son and heir, who should inherit the title of Marquis of Julu, according to the late emperor's decree. He declined multiple times, but ultimately did not get his wish. The title of Marquis of Wuchang was obtained by himself, and he specifically requested that this title be given to Jing. However, because Wei's second son had gained favor at the time, the emperor did not agree. Later, Wei was promoted to the position of Palace Attendant.

There was a period of peace across the realm. Zheng Mao submitted a memorial requesting the restoration of the national academy, the engraving of stone tablets, and the copying of scriptures. The Crown Prince personally presided over the lectures, held a sacrificial ceremony in honor of Confucius, as well as banquets and archery competitions; everything was well-organized. He also had Xun Xu fulfill his father's wish to cast bells and chimes to accompany the ceremonial music for the ancestral temple. Zheng Mao was well-versed in knowledge and skilled in medicine. When Xun Xu revised the measurements, he found an ancient ruler that was more than four fen shorter than the one in use at that time. Zheng Mao submitted a memorial saying, "All systems of measurement should be revised. If it cannot be done all at once, we can start with the weights and measures used by the imperial physicians. If there are discrepancies in this area, we will lose the correct standards of Shen Nong and Qi Bo. Inaccuracies in the weight and dosage of medicines can be very harmful, even life-threatening. The ancients lived long lives, while people today have shorter lives, which may indeed be related to this issue." Unfortunately, his suggestion was not accepted. Yue Guang once engaged in a lengthy discussion with Zheng Mao, trying to persuade him with reason, but Zheng Mao's arguments were very rich, and Yue Guang smiled without saying a word. People at the time regarded Zheng Mao as a master of eloquence.

Noticing Empress Dowager Jia's dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince, Zheng Mao submitted a petition to elevate the title of the Crown Prince's birth mother, Lady Xie Shufei, and requested an increase in palace guards, adding three thousand soldiers, making the guard of the Eastern Palace ten thousand strong. He was promoted to the position of Shangshu, with his position as Zhongshu unchanged, and was additionally granted the title of Guanglu Daifu. Every time he received an official position, he repeatedly declined and submitted memorials over ten times, widely citing examples of success and failure from ancient and modern times to explain his thoughts, leaving those who read his memorials with a sense of unease.

Zheng Mao was deeply concerned about Jia Hou's misrule, so he discussed with Sikong Zhang Hua and Shizhong Jia Mo the idea of removing Jia Hou and making Xie Shufei empress. Zhang Hua and Jia Mo both said, "The emperor has no intention of removing Jia Hou. If we act on our own, the emperor will not agree. Moreover, the princes are in their prime, and with factional disputes, it could trigger a catastrophe, putting our lives at risk and endangering the realm, which would be of no benefit to the country." Zheng Mao replied, "Your concerns are indeed valid. However, a foolish and tyrannical person fears nothing, and chaos could break out at any moment. What should we do then?" Zhang Hua said, "You two are still relatively trusted by the emperor, so you should diligently advise him and warn him of the principles of fortune and misfortune, hoping to prevent any major upheaval. Fortunately, the realm is still relatively peaceful, and perhaps we can get through this year safely." Thus, the plan was set aside. Zheng Mao urged his cousin, Lord Guangcheng, every day to advise Jia Hou to treat the crown prince kindly. Someone advised Zheng Mao, saying, "Since you can speak openly with the inner court, if your words are ineffective, then you should pretend to be ill and step down. If you cannot do either of these two things, even if you submit petitions ten times, it will be difficult to avoid disaster." Zheng Mao pondered for a long time but in the end, he chose not to take action.

He was promoted to the position of Left Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and he retained his position as Palace Attendant. Although Wei was a relative of the Empress, he had always been highly respected nationwide. No one thought he had risen to power through nepotism; rather, they were concerned he might refuse the position. Not long after, the Emperor appointed Wei to manage the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, but Wei resolutely declined. However, the Emperor insisted. Wei submitted a memorial saying, "Jia Mo has just passed away, and now you want me to take his place. This would elevate the status of relatives and suggest favoritism. In Han Dynasty history, only Emperors Xiaowen, Guangwu, and Ming did not favor their relatives. Their royal families thrived because they governed wisely! In the past, Duke Mu did not accept invitations that violated etiquette. I cannot accept such unreasonable appointments!" He then submitted another memorial, stating, "Jiu Yao served Emperor Shun, Yi Yin served King Tang of Shang, Jiang Taigong served King Wen of Zhou, Xiao He and Zhang Liang served Emperor Gaozu of Han. They all made outstanding contributions and were remembered in history. Their successors, such as Jiu Shan, Fu Shuo, Zu Ji, and Fan Zhong, also led to the prosperity of the country. Some of these people came from humble backgrounds, some were commoners. Isn't this a testament to valuing talent? Look at recent years; people do not learn from the experience of their predecessors but become mired in personal interests and appoint numerous relatives, leading to unrest in the country. In the past, Shu Guang advised the Crown Prince not to appoint his uncle to an official position, and later generations regarded this as an understanding of etiquette. Moreover, does the court need relatives at all? Since there are many talented individuals, priority should be given to those without family relationships to ensure fairness and justice. The Han Dynasty's decision not to use King Feng Ye as an example." After the memorials were submitted, the Emperor issued generous edicts to reassure him.

At that time, Chen Zhun's son Kuang and Han Wei's son Song were both serving by the side of the Prince. Wei advised, "The Prince is the future emperor, so the people around him must be chosen from exceptional individuals to help him grow better. Kuang and Song are still young and do not yet understand the ways of the world. The Prince should show a mature and stable demeanor, yet there are children serving by his side now. How does this show the dignity of the royal family?" Wei and Zhang Hua strongly opposed the Crown Prince's deposition, and this incident is recorded in "The Biography of Zhang Hua."

Wei was very concerned about the loose social atmosphere at the time and the lack of emphasis on Confucianism. Although He Yan and Ruan Ji had reputations outside, they were merely loud talkers who ignored etiquette and laws, only seeking enjoyment of wealth and glory without taking things seriously. As for people like Wang Yan, who had even greater reputations and higher statuses, they did not care about national affairs, and everyone imitated each other, resulting in a decline in social values. Therefore, Wei wrote "On the Reverence for the Unchanging" to explain his views and correct this negative trend. He said: First of all, everything has its foundation, which is the basic principle of development. There are numerous species of living beings, each with its own characteristics. The variety of life forms is what defines living organisms. The interactions between various things are the key reasons behind the development and changes of things.

Different species have different attributes, and those with limitations cannot be self-sufficient, so they must rely on external assistance. Therefore, the survival of living beings follows certain rules, often referred to as "principle." This principle manifests as "being." What "being" requires is "resources." The combination of resources is termed "suitable." Choosing what suits oneself is referred to as "emotion." Even though people's wisdom and talents differ, and their careers and paths are different, their fundamental purposes for survival and adaptation to the environment are the same. Various principles can coexist harmoniously, which explains the distinctions of status. Success or failure hinges on one's experiences, which is why there is fortune and misfortune. Therefore, wise individuals understand that desires should not be excessive, and interactions with all things should be done in moderation. By observing changes in things, summarizing patterns, and setting goals, one can achieve success. The approach to life should be rooted in benevolence and harmony, the foundation of character lies in respect and frugality, the guiding principle in interactions is humility and courtesy, and avoiding excessive indulgence and wastefulness paves the way for success! Therefore, establishing a sound system, comforting the people, educating all beings, and setting an example is the essential approach for wise governance.

If one is arrogant and overbearing, acting recklessly, it will lead to calamity. Therefore, an expansion of desires will quickly invite disaster, indulgence in emotions will lead to the breeding of hatred, tyranny will provoke conflict, and the pursuit of personal gain will invite foreign invasion. This can be seen as a struggle for survival that ultimately undermines the very essence of existence. The ignorant and uninformed, frightened by these calamities, seek reasons for conflict. They only see the negative aspects of things but fail to recognize the benefits of simplification and reduction, thus promoting the theory of "valuing the insignificant" and advocating the notion of "devaluing the valuable." "Devaluing the valuable" will inevitably rely on external factors; relying on external factors will inevitably lead to neglecting the system, neglecting the system will lead to a relaxation of vigilance, and relaxing vigilance will lead to forgetting etiquette. Without the institution of etiquette, governance becomes impossible. The people's loyalty to their rulers is like water taking the shape of its container. Thus, the thoughts and feelings of the people depend on what they are accustomed to; once accustomed, they will accept it wholeheartedly, and upon acceptance, they will consider it a matter of course. Therefore, rulers must carefully choose educational content, arrange policies and laws, and manage all affairs, delineating the living areas of the people and assigning them four different roles, so that those who follow orders can live and work peacefully, forgetting their differences and having no thoughts of changing their aspirations. Moreover, those in high positions, who harbor lofty ideals and use them for education! This marks the dividing line between foolishness and wisdom, which deserves serious reflection. Alas, human desires can be reduced, but it is impossible to eliminate them completely. Excessive consumption can be restrained, but it cannot be said to be entirely unimportant. Look at those who speak with great confidence, articulating tangible principles, while enthusiastically praising the virtues of emptiness.

The principles that are visible and tangible can still find evidence; but where can one find evidence for such empty principles? Their eloquent words sound pleasing, and those seemingly plausible statements can easily confuse people. When everyone is left confused by what they hear, they end up believing in their claims. Even if someone internally disagrees, they cannot argue against them, and are led by their rhythm, ultimately having to speak of the empty principles, which are truly hard to refute.

When one person leads with this claim, many follow suit, and as it spreads further, no one opposes it. What is the result? Everyone begins to underestimate actual work, disregard achievements and contributions, while elevating idleness to a noble status and belittling those with real talent and knowledge. People, after all, pursue fame and fortune, so those who are articulate promote this rhetoric loudly; those who are not good with words also echo them, and thus this notion becomes popular.

Therefore, those people use "emptiness" to boast about their supposed profundity, claiming it reflects elegance and transcendence; officials do not seriously handle political affairs, saying it is elegant and transcendent; in dealing with people and the world, they do not uphold integrity and ethics, claiming it is open-minded and cheerful. As a result, the spirit of striving for progress becomes increasingly diminished.

Some people exploit this opportunity to disregard the rituals of auspiciousness and inauspiciousness, neglect their appearance and behavior, disregard the order of seniority and junior status, and blur the lines between nobility and lowliness. In more serious cases, they may even appear disheveled, behave recklessly, and treat such reckless behavior as noble, leading to the corruption of the spirit of gentlemanliness!

Laozi's "Tao Te Ching," comprising five thousand words, critiques the various chaos and evils in society, advocating for the philosophy of tranquility and wu wei, which evokes a sense of ease and freedom. This is consistent with the concepts of "loss," "humility," "stillness," and "moderation" in the "I Ching." However, tranquility and wu wei, as well as maintaining one's true nature, do not imply nihilism; the hexagrams of "loss" and "stillness" are pathways for the cultivation of a gentleman, but rather not the core philosophy of the "I Ching." Although Laozi was well-versed in many texts, he stated "there is existence in non-existence," offering a unique perspective rooted in emptiness. But is this truly the right approach? Since one lives in this world, one should preserve life, and the way to safeguard life is to align with the natural order. If one indulges in immediate pleasures and neglects their responsibilities, it will lead to calamity; if one pursues false fame and forgets the fundamentals, they will lose their human nature. Thus, the decision to act or not is tied to life and death. Some things that appear to exist may not, while some things that appear to not exist may indeed be real. Therefore, Laozi expounded on the principle of aligning with natural laws and wrote articles that extol "emptiness" to dispel misguided notions, maintain inner peace, and guide those who have strayed from the right path back to it, thereby clarifying the hearts of people. Thus, although he used "emptiness" as his argument, his purpose was to preserve "existence," which is why he said, "My writing is not good enough." This is merely a way of expressing his thoughts, just a viewpoint. If one asserts that the highest principle is to embrace "non-action," it risks becoming biased and potentially harmful.

Many knowledgeable scholars in ancient times, without clinging to any particular viewpoint, conducted in-depth discussions on the thoughts of Laozi. Although Ban Gu criticized Laozi, he did not completely negate his ideas. Sun Qing and Yang Xiong, while generally critical of Laozi, also recognized certain merits. However, discussions about emptiness were on the rise, with various theories emerging and each explaining their own viewpoints. From the formation of the universe to all things in the world, the appreciation for "emptiness" was strikingly unanimous. Due to the prevalence of this viewpoint, people came to view any reasoning that supported "existence" as shallow and inferior. As a result, the study of ethics and practical knowledge began to decline. Mr. Wei (pronounced 'kuí') was shocked to see this situation and therefore wrote articles to explain his own views and refute those who extolled emptiness. He faced considerable criticism, with some dismissing it as a mere whim. Visitors requested that he write articles refuting the fallacies of nihilism. If one cannot provide a correct explanation for everything, then the concept of "non-action" cannot stand. After careful consideration upon returning home, Mr. Wei realized that although a noble person should be indifferent to fame and fortune and not pursue a prominent status, the purpose of speaking out is to illuminate the truth. However, the age of sages and saints feels far removed, with various viewpoints being complex. As long as it bears some resemblance to the classics and helps to promote and develop ancient texts, benefiting society, then it should be spoken out; how can one possibly remain silent? Even if they are merely superficial insights, I feel compelled to express them.

What does that first sentence mean? It means that without "nothing," there can be no "something," so the original "something" is generated from itself. However, because it is self-generated, it must possess substance, and with that substance come defects and losses. Thus, "something" inherently contains "nothing," which represents its defect. Therefore, to preserve the integrity of "something," one cannot separate it from "nothing"; to adhere to the principles of "something," one cannot ignore "non-action." A person's thoughts aren't the things themselves, but when dealing with things, one must rely on thoughts; but that doesn’t mean thoughts don't exist when dealing with things. A craftsman isn't a tool, but creating tools relies on a craftsman; but one cannot say that the craftsman doesn't exist just because tools are being made. So, if you want to get fish in the deep pool, just resting won't get you anywhere; if you want to catch birds on the high wall, just sitting quietly won't catch them; if you want to use bows and fishing bait accurately, just pretending to understand isn't enough. These examples show that those who achieve "something" are all part of "something," so what benefits does "nothing" provide to what already exists? Wang Yan and his crew took turns attacking him, trying to give him a hard time, but they couldn't make him give in. He even wrote a book titled "Debating Skills," explaining deep principles from both ancient and modern times, but unfortunately, he ran into trouble before he could finish it.

At first, King Zhao Lun was in cahoots with Jia Hou, which fueled Wang Lun's intense hatred for Jia Chong. Wang Lun repeatedly requested a promotion, but both Jia Chong and Zhang Hua firmly disagreed, so Wang Lun held a deep-seated hatred for him. Wang Lun secretly schemed to usurp the throne, wanting to eliminate the important ministers in the court first, and then kill Jia Chong under the guise of deposing Jia Hou. At that time, Jia Chong was just thirty-four years old. Wang Lun also wanted to kill Jia Chong's two sons, Song and Gai. Prince Yong of Liang and Prince Yue of Donghai contended that Jia Chong's father, Jia Xiu, had performed meritorious service for the royal family and merited a place in the ancestral temple, so Jia Chong's two sons were not killed, but were merely exiled to a distant location. Later, Emperor Hui was reinstated, reinstated Jia Chong's official position, performed ministerial rites for his burial, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title "Cheng." Jia Song inherited the title and rose to the position of minister in the Imperial Secretariat; Jia Gai later followed his cousin Jia Kai and became a Cavalier Attendant, but both ultimately met their demise at the hands of the bandit Chen Wu.

Pei Kai, styled Shuzhe, was the son of the Inspector of Jizhou in the Wei Kingdom. Pei Kai was intelligent and insightful from a young age and became famous early on, notably for his expertise in the "Laozi" and "Yijing." In his youth, he was celebrated alongside Wang Rong. Zhong Hui recommended him to Emperor Wen of Wei, who appointed him as the Chancellor's Chief Clerk. He was later promoted to Gentleman of the Imperial Library. When Jia Chong was revising laws and regulations, he appointed Pei Kai as the Clerk of the Law, tasked with the review. After the matter was completed, the Emperor commanded Pei Kai to present and discuss the findings before the court, given his exceptional expressiveness, captivating everyone present.

After Emperor Wu became the General Who Pacifies the Army, he carefully selected his staff and appointed Pei Kai as a military advisor. When the position of the Ministry of Personnel Affairs was vacant, Emperor Wen asked Zhong Hui for a suitable candidate. Zhong Hui said, "Pei Kai is efficient in handling affairs, and Wang Rong is concise and to the point in his work. Both of them are suitable." So Pei Kai became a Minister of Personnel. Pei Kai was elegant in temperament, handsome in appearance, well-versed in various books, especially proficient in Confucian classics. He was referred to as "Jade Man" by people of that era and was said to "leave people feeling refreshed and uplifted" upon their encounter with him. Later, he was promoted to the Gentleman of the Imperial Library, and when he entered the court, people showed great respect and changed their attitudes.

When Emperor Wu had just ascended the throne, he used divination to predict the rise and fall of the dynasty, but only received one hexagram. The emperor was very unhappy, and the ministers all wore unpleasant expressions and dared not speak. Pei Kai, with a calm attitude and gentle tone, said, "I have heard that when heaven is aligned, it is peaceful; when earth is unified, it is tranquil; and when the ruler is unified, the realm enjoys peace." Emperor Wu was very pleased to hear this, and the ministers all cheered. Not long after, Pei Kai was appointed as Cavalier Attendant, and later promoted to Regular Attendant of the Cavalry, the Prefect of Henan, and subsequently returned to court as the Commandant of the Garrison Cavalry and the General of the Right Army, finally rising to the position of Palace Attendant.

Shi Chong, the son of a distinguished official, was talented but had different ambitions from Pei Kai, so they did not interact. Sun Jishu, the Commandant of Changshui, once drank with Shi Chong, whose behavior was quite arrogant and brazen. Shi Chong wanted to report him and have him dismissed from his post. When Pei Kai heard about this, he said to Shi Chong, "You get others drunk and then blame them for not following the rules; isn't that contradictory?" Upon hearing Pei Kai's words, Shi Chong reconsidered his stance.

This person has a big-hearted personality and gets along with everyone. He's not one to be frugal and often associates with high-ranking officials and nobles, accepting the gifts they give him. However, he immediately gives away things like carriages and clothes to the poor, keeping nothing for himself. Once, when he built a new house, his cousin Yan was quite fond of it, so he just gave the house to him. The Liang King and Zhao King were powerful figures at the time, and he borrowed a million coins a year from each of them to distribute among his relatives. Some folks criticized him, and he said, "It's only right to take a little from the rich to help the poor!" He doesn't care at all how others evaluate him; this is just how he conducts himself and his affairs.

Like Shan Tao and He Qiao, he's a well-respected minister. The emperor once asked him, "I'm following the will of heaven and starting fresh to govern the realm. How is the current atmosphere in the world? What is good and what is bad?" He replied, "Your Majesty, you are ordained by heaven, and the world follows you. The reason it doesn't measure up to the wisdom of Yao and Shun is mainly because Jia Chong and his cronies are still around. We should bring in talented people from everywhere to promote the right path so no one sees you as having any personal motives." At that time, Ren Kai and Yu Chun also spoke ill of Jia Chong to the emperor, who then sent Jia Chong off to Guanzhong as a governor. Jia Chong married off his daughter to the crown prince, and that wrapped things up. After pacifying the State of Wu, the emperor began to focus on creating a time of peace and prosperity, often gathering the ministers to talk about state matters. He talked to the emperor about how the ancient Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors governed and the ups and downs of the Han and Wei dynasties. The emperor really appreciated it, and everyone there admired him a lot.

His son married Yang Jun's daughter, but he usually looked down on Yang Jun and had a poor relationship with him. After Yang Jun came into power, he was appointed as the Commander of the Imperial Guards, and later became the Crown Prince's tutor, enjoying a life of leisure, indifferent to affairs of state. After Yang Jun was killed, due to this familial connection, he was arrested and faced punishment. That day, events unfolded unexpectedly; bloodshed was rampant, and everyone was scared. But he remained unflappable and composed, even finding pen and paper to write letters to his friends. Thanks to the timely intervention of Fu Zhi, he was saved from death, but was subsequently dismissed from his post. The Grand Preceptor Wei Guan and the Grand Preceptor Liang both said that he was upright and did not flatter, so he should be rewarded. Therefore, he was granted the title of Marquis of Linhai, with a fief supporting two thousand households. Later, he succeeded King Wei of Chu as the commander of the Northern Army, and was also appointed Cavalier in Regular Attendance. Wei resented Wei Guan and Liang for recommending Kai, and upon hearing this, Kai hesitated to accept the appointment and instead became a Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

Wei Guan's daughter married Jia Kai's eldest son Jia Yu, and later Jia Yu also married Wei Guan's daughter. Jia Kai was fearing that his family might face trouble after becoming related to Wei Guan's clan, so he requested to be transferred elsewhere. He was appointed as the General of Annan, with the title of General, and the Commander of the various military forces in Jingzhou. Just as he was preparing to depart, Sima Wei issued a false imperial edict to execute Wei Guan and Jia Liang (Jia Liang's daughter married Jia Kai). Sima Wei, because Jia Kai had previously usurped his command, and because Jia Kai was also related to Jia Liang and Wei Guan, secretly sent troops to attack Jia Kai. Jia Kai had long been aware of Sima Wei's resentment towards him, and upon hearing the news, he entered the city alone and sought refuge in the home of his father-in-law, Wang Hun. He and Jia Liang's children moved from place to place eight times in one night to escape this disaster.

After Sima Wei was executed, Jia Kai was appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and as a court official, overseeing confidential affairs together with Zhang Hua and Wang Rong. Jia Kai suffered from severe indigestion and was not fond of serving in the court. Wang Hun advocated for him, saying, "Jia Kai has been promoted by the late emperor and has received your majesty's favor; this is the time for him to serve loyally. However, Jia Kai's character does not like to compete with others. When he was a chamberlain, he asked to be appointed as the governor of Henei; later, as an attendant, he asked to be appointed as the governor of Henan; he had a conflict with Yang Jun and requested to be the Commander of the Imperial Guards; after being transferred to the Eastern Palace, he was ranked below his colleagues and preferred a more leisurely life, which anyone with insight could see. Now that Jia Kai is in poor health, I am very worried. With the position of the Minister of Rites vacant, I believe he is capable of handling it. Now that Zhang Hua is in the Secretariat and Wang Rong is in the Department of State Affairs, they are sufficient to manage state affairs, and there is no need to bring Jia Kai back to court. There are not many famous ministers; he should be allowed to rest and recuperate, and we should not go against his wishes, so that he can better serve the country." The emperor did not listen to him and only promoted Jia Kai to the position of Minister of Rites and the title of Chancellor of the Three Offices.

When Jia Kai was seriously ill, the emperor sent Wang Yan, a court attendant, to visit him. Jia Kai turned and said to Wang Yan, "We actually do not know each other." Wang Yan was deeply impressed by Jia Kai's striking presence. Jia Kai had a keen eye for talent. When he first arrived in Henan, Le Guang was residing in the border region and had not yet become famous. After meeting him, Jia Kai held him in high regard and recommended him to the court. Jia Kai once assessed certain individuals as follows: Xiahou Xuan was "solemn as if entering an ancestral temple, with only ceremonial instruments in sight"; Zhong Hui was "like observing a heavily fortified armory, only seeing the spears and halberds in front"; Fu Gu was "as if soaring high, unseen by all"; and Shan Tao was "like standing atop a mountain, gazing down into the depths, distant and profound."

In the beginning, Jia Kai steamed glutinous rice at home; some turned into the size of fists, some turned blood-red, and some took the shape of turnip seeds. That year, Jia Kai passed away at the age of fifty-five, posthumously honored with the title Yuan. He had five sons: Jia Yu, Jia Zan, Jia Xian, Jia Li, and Jia Xun. Jia Yu, whose courtesy name was Zuming, inherited his father's title at a young age, achieving the rank of Cavalry Attendant, and was posthumously honored with the title Jian.

Guobao, whose real name was Pei Zan, courtesy name Guobao, was serving as a Gentleman of the Palace Library at that time. He had a noble temperament and graceful demeanor, earning the respect of everyone he met. Wang Sui greatly valued him and often spent time with him. Wang Sui's father, Wang Rong, asked him, "Guobao didn't even know you at first; why do you keep going to him?" Wang Sui replied, "Even if Guobao doesn’t recognize me, I know in my heart what kind of person he truly is." Later, Yang Jun was killed, and Pei Zan was also killed by bandits amid the chaos of war.

Pei Xian, styled Jingsi, was exceptionally intelligent from a young age and enjoyed associating with adventurous spirits. However, as he grew older, he abandoned his frivolous ways, becoming serious and devoted himself to studying Confucianism. For several years, he secluded himself at home, immersing himself in his studies. Xie Kun from Chen County and Yu Ai from Yingchuan were both renowned talents at the time, and they greatly admired Pei Xian, remarking to each other, "Pei Xian is upright and open-minded, with broad knowledge. We honestly have no idea what kind of person his father was; as for his unwavering adherence to his principles, unaffected by worldly matters, it might even surpass his father's."

At first, he served as a scholar in the Eastern Palace, and later he was promoted to the positions of Minister of the Yellow Gate, Minister of Personnel, and Imperial Secretary. The King of Donghai, Yuan, appointed him as the Governor of Yuzhou and General of the Northern Army, granting him the authority of a temporary envoy. After Wang Jun took power, he appointed him as the Minister of State. Towards the end of the Yongjia period, Wang Jun was defeated by Shi Le, and figures like Zao Song hurried to Shi Le's camp to plead for forgiveness, bringing gifts and bribes in a steady stream. Only Xian and Xun Chuo calmly remained at home.

Shi Le had long heard of their reputation, so he summoned them and said, "Wang Jun was cruel and ruthless in Youzhou, and everyone hates him; even ghosts and gods resent him. I respectfully uphold the emperor's edicts to save the people, and those former officials have happily submitted to me to celebrate and show their gratitude. Yet you two arrogantly defy my authority, are dishonest, and untrustworthy, like the Fengfeng clan, who faced execution. Who is to be held accountable for this?" Xian, calm in demeanor, responded with tears, "Our family has enjoyed the favor of the Jin dynasty for generations and has received generous treatment. Although Wang Jun is rough, he is still part of the remnants of the Jin dynasty. While we admire your wisdom, we find it difficult to go against our conscience. Furthermore, when King Wu attacked Zhou, he still honored Shang Rong; he did not abandon Shang Rong, and I have not heard that Shang Rong would surrender to Zhou! Since you do not wish to use moral persuasion and insist on governing the world through punishment, then I accept the fate of the Fengfeng clan. Please hand me over to the relevant authorities for disposal." With that, he did not bow to Shi Le and walked away.

Shi Le greatly admired him and treated him with guest etiquette. Shi Le investigated the officials and relatives of Wang Jun, whose family had immense wealth, while Xian and Xun Chuo had merely a hundred pieces of cloth and a few dozen measures of rice and salt. After hearing this, Shi Le said to his chief officer Zhang Bin, "I may not be pleased to have Youzhou, but I am delighted to have these two talents!" He then appointed him as Attendant Minister and later sent him to be the Prefect of Changle. When Shi Le became emperor, before he had a chance to establish a system, he had Xian and Wang Bo establish the court etiquette together. Xian then established the rules and regulations, with the same standards as those of the emperor. Shi Le was very pleased and appointed him as the Grand Master of the Court, and later promoted him to Minister of Works.

During Shi Le's reign, he treated Pei Xian with even more respect. Pei Xian had two sons: Pei Yi and Pei Jie, both famous for their literary talents. Pei Jie served under Shi Le as the Crown Prince's Assistant and Cavalry Attendant. Pei Yi and Pei Jie were both generous and chivalrous, enjoying drinking and discussing notable figures. They had conflicts with Xing Yu, a man from Hejian, who secretly rode Pei Jie's horse to flee to Duan Liao, but was soon caught. Xing Yu falsely accused Pei Jie of having instructed him to inform Duan Liao that Shi Le was planning to attack the Xianbei, and to prepare accordingly. At that time, Shi Le was indeed planning an attack on the Liao Kingdom, so Xing Yu's words aligned with Shi Le's thoughts. Shi Le then executed both Pei Yi and Pei Jie, and Pei Xian was subsequently dismissed from his position. Shortly after, Shi Le reappointed him as the Grand Master of Splendor on the Right, Minister of Works, Grand Tutor, and granted him the title of Duke of Anding.

Throughout his tenure as an official, Pei Xian did not achieve any notable political accomplishments, but he was low-key and steady, never caring about worldly matters. It was only because of his high moral standing and esteemed reputation that he was respected wherever he went. In the end, he passed away during the Shi family's rule and was succeeded by his relative Pei Zhi's son, Pei Mai.

Pei Kai's elder brother is named Pei Li, and his second brother is named Pei Kang; the brothers are all well-known. Pei Kang's son, Pei Dun, became a high-ranking official at a young age. During the Yongjia period, he was appointed as the governor of Xuzhou and appointed Sima Ao as his chief clerk. Sima Ao advised Pei Dun to assert his authority through harsh punishments, forcibly conscripting many men into the army and executing those who disobeyed orders. He served for three years, and the people were filled with resentment. The King of Donghai, Sima Yue, was Pei Dun's brother-in-law. After Sima Yue passed away, the cavalry commander Man Heng took the conscripted men back to their homes. Soon after, Liu Yuanhai sent generals Wang Sang and Zhao Gu to attack Pengcheng; several cavalry reached Xiapi, and both civil and military officials could no longer endure the harsh policies, fleeing in all directions. Pei Dun and Sima Ao fled to Huaiyin, while their families were taken captive by bandits. Sima Ao then deceived Pei Dun into surrendering to Zhao Gu. Zhao Gu’s wife, Pei Dun’s daughter, was particularly favored. Pei Dun wept before his daughter, but Zhao Gu ultimately killed Pei Dun.

Pei Dun's younger brother, Pei Shao, styled Daoqi. When Emperor Yuan served as the General of Eastern Command, he appointed Pei Shao as chief clerk and Wang Dao as a military advisor; the two had a very good relationship. Later, Pei Shao was summoned to serve as an advisor to the Crown Prince and was promoted to a regular attendant, serving as an envoy with authority over military affairs in Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Huai Bei. He followed Sima Yue on campaigns, ultimately dying in service. Later, when Wang Dao was appointed as Minister of Works, he sighed upon taking office, saying, "If Pei Daoqi and Liu Wangqiao were still alive, I wouldn’t have been able to attain this position." Wang Dao's son, Wang Zhongyu, had the same character as Pei Kang, and out of nostalgia, Wang Dao changed his son's name to Wang Jingyu.

Kai's younger brother Chuo, styled Jishu, was tall and handsome, becoming the Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and the Captain of the Long Water. He held a significant position and was a high-ranking official, definitely a key member of the court.

Xia, the son of Chuo, is especially skilled at articulating profound ideas. His voice is clear and pleasant, which is as soothing to listen to as the harmonious sound of a zither. Once, he was chatting and discussing with Guo Xiang from Henan, and everyone present was utterly spellbound by his talent. On another occasion, while playing chess at General Zhou Fu's place in Pingdong, Zhou Fu's deputy was in charge of serving drinks. Xia did not drink immediately, and when the deputy got drunk, he flew into a rage and yanked Xia down to the ground! Xia calmly stood up, returned to his seat, and his expression remained unchanged; he continued playing chess as if nothing had happened. His demeanor is remarkably calm and composed, and he possesses an extraordinary peace of mind. Later, King Yue of Donghai summoned him to serve as his chief clerk, but unfortunately, he was killed by the king's son, which is truly a loss for such a gifted individual.

At first, the Pei and Wang families were particularly powerful during the Wei and Jin dynasties. People back then claimed that eight members of the Pei family matched up with eight members of the Wang family: Pei Hui compared to Wang Xiang, Pei Kai to Wang Yan, Pei Kang to Wang Sui, Pei Chuo to Wang Cheng, Pei Zan to Wang Dun, Pei Xia to Wang Dao, Pei Wei to Wang Rong, and Pei Miao to Wang Xuan. This saying implies that the talents and statuses of these Pei family members are roughly on par with those of the corresponding Wang family members.

Historical records evaluate that the Zhou dynasty was said to be filled with talent, while the Han dynasty claimed to select talents effectively. These claims can be likened to celestial phenomena and validated like seals. At that time, there was a shortage of notable figures, and many people were mutually recognized based on their abilities, bringing honor to their families. Isn't this akin to Chen Qian's claims? Pei Xiu's talent outshone that of his peers, earning him a reputation as a leader; Pei Kai was exceptionally intelligent from a young age and had a very clear vision. Both were celebrated statesmen of the Jin dynasty, each possessing remarkable qualities.

Praise: When the world recognizes talent, talent flourishes. Gao Ping is astute and gifted, embodying this renowned capability. Julu possesses innate talent, often referred to as a precious asset. Wa Huang forges stones, revealing profound mysteries. There exist established principles, passed down through the family, that embody grace.

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Jin （晉書）

Published: 02 January 2025

Created: 02 January 2025

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Yang Hu, styled Shuzi, was from the southern city of Mount Tai. His ancestors had been officials for several generations, holding positions of over 2,000 shi, and were known for their integrity and honesty. His grandfather, Yang Xu, served as the Governor of Nanyang in the Han Dynasty, and his father, Yang Mao, served as the Governor of Shangdang. Yang Hu was also the grandson of the great calligrapher Cai Yong and was a half-brother to the Empress of Emperor Jing of Han. When Yang Hu was twelve years old, he lost his father, but he was deeply filial, going beyond what was expected of him in terms of etiquette and showing extreme respect to his uncle, Yang Dan. Once, while playing by the Wen River, he met a villager who told him, "Young man, you have a handsome appearance. Before you turn sixty, you will surely achieve great things in the world!" Yang Hu did not know who the villager was at the time.

As Yang Hu grew up, he became knowledgeable, eloquent, and was seven feet three inches tall, with a handsome appearance and exceptional speaking skills. The Magistrate Xiahou Wei admired him and married him to his brother Xiahou Ba's daughter. He was recommended for government positions several times, but he declined every offer. When Cao Shuang summoned him along with Wang Shen, Wang Shen advised him to go, but Yang Hu said, "It's not that easy to depend on others." Later, when Cao Shuang fell from power, Wang Shen was dismissed for being a former subordinate of Cao Shuang. He said to Yang Hu, "I remember what you said before!" Yang Hu replied, "I didn't plan this from the beginning." His foresight and ability to prepare were truly admirable.

After Xiahou Ba surrendered to Shu Han, many relatives cut ties with him, but Yang Hu continued to treat him well and show even more respect. Later, when Yang Hu's mother passed away, followed by the loss of his elder brother, he fell into deep grief. For several years, he lived in seclusion, humble and cautious, much like a hermit or a scholar.

After Emperor Wen of Wei became Grand General, he summoned Yang Hu, but Yang Hu did not go. Later, the court sent a carriage to summon him again, appointing him as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and shortly after promoted him to Secretary and Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. At that time, the Duke of Gaogui liked to pursue literary endeavors, and many people in the court presented poems and essays to praise him. He Yan, a native of Runan, was criticized for his differing opinions, and Yang Hu was caught in the middle. He neither flattered the powerful nor distanced himself from them, keeping a clear head. After the Prince of Chenliu ascended the throne, he appointed Yang Hu as Marquis of Guanzhong with a fief of 100 households. Because Yang Hu found serving the emperor to be too exhausting, he requested to be transferred to a local official position and was appointed as Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat. After the five-tiered nobility system was established, he was granted the title of Juping with a fief of 600 households. At that time, Zhong Hui was powerful and envious of others, and Yang Hu was wary of him as well. After Zhong Hui was executed, Yang Hu was appointed as Assistant to the Chancellor, handling confidential matters alongside Xun Xu. He was later promoted to Central Army Commander, on duty in the palace, exercising significant military authority, and handling all internal and external affairs.

After Emperor Wu of Han abdicated, due to the valuable assistance of Sima Yan (styled Ziyi), Emperor Wu of Jin promoted him to General of the Central Army, also appointing him as a Cavalier Attendant, and changing his title to Duke of the County with a fief of 3,000 households. Sima Yan humbly declined the title of Duke of the County, ultimately accepting promotion to a Marquis and appointment as Prefect of the Masters of Writing, responsible for the duties of the Nine Ministers, and his wife was also bestowed additional honors.

During the Taishi era, Emperor Wu of Jin issued a decree saying, "Managing the court's affairs, coordinating the functions of the six ministries, this is the foundation of governing the country. Sima Yan, your character is noble, loyal and upright, skilled in both civil and military affairs, firm and incorruptible. Although you are at the heart of the court, you have never held the most important pivotal position. This is not my intention to shirk responsibility or be inactive. Now, I appoint you as the Right Minister of the Secretariat and General of the Guards, and provide you with the army of the capital." At that time, Wang You, Jia Chong, and Pei Xiu were all famous ministers of the previous dynasty. Sima Yan always modestly yielded, never boasting of his accomplishments.

Emperor Wu of Jin wanted to destroy the state of Wu, so he appointed Sima Yan as the Commander of the military affairs in Jingzhou, granting him the authority of a temporary imperial seal. The positions of Cavalier In Regular Attendance and General of the Guards remained unchanged. Sima Yan led his troops to station in Nanxia, established schools, brought peace to the people, and won the love of the people in the Jianghan region. He established a relationship of mutual trust with the people of Wu, allowing those who wished to surrender to depart. At that time, when local officials died, their descendants often shunned their old mansions, often destroying them. Sima Yan believed that life and death are fated and unrelated to the houses they occupied, so he ordered each town to prohibit this behavior. The Stone City of Wu was more than 700 miles away from Xiangyang, often causing disturbances on the border. Sima Yan was very worried about this and ultimately devised a strategy to compel Wu to withdraw its troops. As a result, half of the stationed soldiers were reduced, and over 800 acres of land were cultivated, yielding significant benefits. When Sima Yan first took office, the army lacked even a hundred days' worth of food supplies, but by the end of the year, they had accumulated ten years' worth of food. Later, the court abolished the position of Commander of Jiangbei and established the Southern General of the Army, assigning all troops stationed in Handong and Jiangxia to Sima Yan's command.

He always wore light clothing in the military, without armor. Under the bell tower, there were just a handful of guards, but he was often preoccupied with hunting and fishing, neglecting his duties. Once, he wanted to go out at night, but the military officer Xu Yin blocked the camp gate with his halberd and said, "General, you are in charge of thousands of miles of territory; how can you take such risks! Your safety is the country's safety too. This camp gate won't open unless I die!" Sima Yan's expression changed, and he quickly apologized, rarely venturing out on his own after that.

The emperor appointed him as a general with the same status as officials from the three provinces. He firmly declined the appointment in his memorial, saying, "I have heard of the emperor's grace in promoting me to such a high position. Since I entered the service, it has only been a little over ten years. I have held significant positions both in the court and in the provinces. I have always worried that my abilities are not enough to handle high positions, and that favor cannot last long. Therefore, I have been anxious day and night, viewing glory and wealth as sources of anxiety. The ancients said that accepting high positions and rewards before one's virtues are recognized will make talented people lose their ambition; accepting high positions and rewards before one's merits are acknowledged will make diligent people stop working hard. Now I am an outsider, and the matter involves national affairs. The most important thing to guard against is excessive favor. I am afraid that I will be forgotten, but the emperor insists on appointing me to such a high position. What merit do I possess to deserve such an honor? How can my heart be calm? Those who occupy high positions often face downfall. I would prefer to safeguard my ancestors' old home rather than accept such an honor! Disobeying the emperor's decree is a serious offense, and reluctantly accepting it is the same. I have heard that the ancients valued integrity and honesty, and ministers should refuse if they cannot uphold their integrity. Although I am a small person, I dare to uphold this principle despite the favor I have received. Now that the world has been peaceful for eight years, although the emperor has recruited talents extensively and not overlooked any humble person, I have no outstanding merits or virtues. Few recognize my abilities, and more do not. If there are still talented people living in the countryside, and the court ministers have no objections to me, and I myself see no problem, wouldn't the loss be great? Even though I have held significant positions for many years, I have never received such high favor and trust as I do now, equivalent to the prime minister. Although I am ignorant, I know that the Grand Masters Li Xi, Lu Zhi, and Li Yin are upright and incorruptible, honest and straightforward, and lead simple lives. They all retired only when they were old, following the rules. Although they have also experienced favor in their positions, their lives are the same as ordinary people, and they have not been promoted like me. How can I justify my position to others, and how can I account for the time I have been given? Therefore, I swear to uphold my integrity and not have any greedy thoughts. Now that the roads are clear and there are matters to be handled everywhere, I earnestly request the emperor to revoke the decree and let me return to the army quickly. If I delay here, there will certainly be unexpected situations. This is my heartfelt request, and it should not be ignored." The emperor did not listen.

Second paragraph: The emperor still did not heed his request. He insisted on refusing, believing he was undeserving and could not accept such a high position. He was worried that he would bring trouble upon himself because of his high rank, and even more worried that he would not be competent and would disappoint the emperor's expectations. He pointed to several other Guanglu officials, who were all honest, diligent, and dedicated, yet did not receive such a high promotion, while he surpassed them, which left him feeling uneasy and guilty. He believed that he should return to the military to serve the country, rather than get caught up in wealth and fame. He expressed a strong desire, hoping that the emperor could understand his difficulties, revoke the decree, and let him return to his familiar and competent position to serve the country diligently, to prevent any mishaps due to him. Upon returning to the town, the governor of Xiling in Wu, Bu Chan, voluntarily surrendered. However, Wu general Lu Kang pursued him relentlessly and launched a fierce attack on Xiling. The court ordered Yang Hu to meet Bu Chan. Yang Hu led fifty thousand troops from Jiangling and also sent the Governor of Jingzhou, Yang Zhao, to attack Lu Kang, but without success. Bu Chan was eventually captured by Lu Kang. Those in power commented, "Yang Hu led over eighty thousand troops against an enemy of only thirty thousand, yet he lingered in Jiangling, allowing the enemy to prepare. Then he sent Yang Zhao with a small force to attack a dangerous area, with few troops and scarce provisions, resulting in low morale and eventual defeat. This completely goes against the court's orders and is unbecoming of a senior official. He should be relieved of his position and allowed to retire with the treatment of a marquis." Ultimately, Yang Hu was demoted to General Who Pacifies the South, while Yang Zhao was reduced to commoner status.

Yang Hu remembered that Meng Xian stationed his troops in Yingwu Camp, which instilled fear in the people of Zheng; Yan Ruo stationed in Dongyang, leading the people of Laizi to surrender. Therefore, he chose strategically advantageous terrain, built five cities, occupied fertile land, and cut off the supply of resources to Wu. The area west of Shicheng belonged to the Jin Dynasty. Since then, surrenders from Wu became frequent. Yang Hu placed greater emphasis on benevolence and trustworthiness to pacify the newly surrendered people, with the aim of fully annexing Wu. Whenever he fought the Wu army, he would agree on a time to fight and never engage in ambushes. If his generals considered using tricks, he would dissuade them over drinks. When two Wu children were captured as prisoners, Yang Hu returned them home. Later, Wu generals Xia Xiang, Shao Yi, and others surrendered, and the fathers of those two children surrendered along with their men. Wu generals Chen Shang and Pan Jing invaded Jin territory; Yang Hu pursued and defeated them, commending their loyalty and ensuring they received honorable burials. When the sons of Chen Shang and Pan Jing came to collect the bodies, Yang Hu graciously returned them. Wu general Deng Xiang plundered Xiakou; Yang Hu offered a reward for Deng Xiang's capture alive, yet he pardoned him after taking him prisoner. Deng Xiang was deeply appreciative of Yang Hu's kindness and led his followers to surrender.

When Yang Hu's troops marched in Wu territory, when they needed food, they harvested local crops, always ensuring to calculate the amount taken and compensate with silk. Every time they gathered troops for hunting in the Jiang and Mian area, they restricted their activities to Jin territory. If the prey was injured by Wu soldiers and later discovered by Jin troops, Yang Hu would return the game to the Wu. Therefore, the people of Wu held him in high regard, referring to him as "Yang Gong" rather than by his name.

Yang Hu and Lu Kang met and exchanged information. Lu Kang praised Yang Hu's character and talents, saying that even figures like Le Yi and Zhuge Kongming paled in comparison to him. Lu Kang had been ill before, and Yang Hu sent him medicine, which Lu Kang accepted without a second thought. Many advised Lu Kang to be careful, but he said, "How could Yang Hu poison me!" People at the time believed that loyal and righteous individuals like Hua Yuan and Zi Fan had reappeared. Lu Kang often told his soldiers, "They are wholeheartedly good, while we are seen as the bad guys; they'll surrender without a fight. We just need to guard our own borders and not covet those small gains." Sun Hao, upon hearing that the two regions were on good terms, questioned Lu Kang. Lu Kang replied, "A small village or a small town cannot be without credit and morality; how much more so for a great nation! If I do not act this way, it would instead highlight his benevolence, and it won't harm Yang Hu at all."

Yang Hu was upright and honest, free from selfish motives, and he despised evil and treacherous individuals, which made people like Xun Xu and Feng Dan resent him. His nephew Wang Yan once visited Yang Hu to discuss matters, speaking very eloquently, but Yang Hu disagreed with his viewpoint, which led Wang Yan to storm out. Yang Hu looked at the guests present and said, "Wang Yifu holds a high position due to his fame, but he corrupts social morals and harms the common people; this person is bound to run into trouble in the future." In the Battle of Bu Chan, Yang Hu intended to execute Wang Rong according to military law, which caused both Wang Rong and Wang Yan to resent him, often speaking ill of Yang Hu behind his back. At that time, people even composed a catchy saying: "With the two Wangs in charge, Yang Gong's virtue is nonexistent."

In the early years of Xianning, Yang Hu was appointed as the General of the Southern Campaign and was given the authority to appoint officials at his discretion. At first, Yang Hu believed that the campaign against the Wu Kingdom should leverage the advantageous terrain in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. At that time, there was a nursery rhyme circulating in the Wu Kingdom: "A Tong returns, A Tong, with a knife floating down the river. Not afraid of the beasts on the shore, but afraid of the dragon in the water." After hearing this, Yang Hu said, "This surely indicates that the navy is eager to prove itself; we just need to consider who can fill the role of 'A Tong'." Coincidentally, Wang Jun, the governor of Yizhou, was reassigned as the Grand Minister of Agriculture, and Yang Hu was confident in his abilities. Since Wang Jun's nickname was also A Tong, Yang Hu submitted a petition to the court, assigning Wang Jun to oversee military affairs in Yizhou and promoting him to the rank of General of Dragon's Might, secretly instructing him to repair the ships and prepare for an upstream assault on the Wu Kingdom.

The emperor strengthened military training and made extensive preparations for war. At this time, he submitted a memorial stating: "The late emperor followed the will of Heaven, pacified Bashu, reconciled with Wu, allowing the nation to rest and recuperate, and the people to live and work in peace. However, Wu betrayed its promise, leading to the outbreak of war once again. Although the mandate of Heaven determines the rise and fall of a nation, the achievements of a nation must still rely on human effort. If Wu is not completely eradicated, the people will never find peace. This also serves to honor the late emperor's legacy and fulfill the desire for peace throughout the realm. Just like Emperor Yao's campaign against the enemies of Dan Shui and Emperor Shun's expedition against the San Miao, all were aimed at stabilizing the world, stopping wars, and achieving peace. When Bashu was pacified, people believed Wu would soon fall. Thirteen years have passed since then, which marks a full cycle, and the time to pacify Wu has come again. Some people always say that if we use benevolence and righteousness to persuade the regions of Wu and Chu, they will submit; if we first conquer them with military force, they will resist stubbornly. This may have been true in ancient times. Now we must unify the country and cannot use the same methods. Those who only talk about benevolence and righteousness do not understand the need to adapt to circumstances, so while there may be many strategies, the ultimate decision lies with me. Those states that survive by relying on rugged terrain do so because their enemies are of comparable strength; they can protect themselves due to the difficult terrain. If the strength of the enemy and us is vastly different, then even the wisest cannot devise strategies, and the rugged terrain cannot hold. Although Bashu has treacherous terrain, with towering mountains and deep valleys that never see sunlight, and roads that are difficult to traverse, we still conquered it. It is said that one man can hold the pass against ten thousand, but when we advanced, we encountered no obstacles, killed enemy generals, captured enemy flags, and the bodies of the enemy piled up like mountains. We pressed our advantage and marched straight to Chengdu, while the cities of Hanzhong were too frightened to come out. It wasn't that they lacked fighting spirit; they were simply too weak. After Liu Shan surrendered, the defenses of Bashu collapsed on their own.

The current strategic position of the Jianghuai region is not as formidable as that of Jian'ge; the mountainous terrain is not as treacherous as that of Minshan and Hanshui; Sun Hao's tyranny surpasses that of Liu Shan; the plight of the Wu kingdom is even more dire than that of Bashu. However, our Jin army is now larger than ever, and our military supplies are more plentiful than ever. If we do not seize this opportunity to pacify the Wu kingdom now and instead continue to remain in a stalemate, the common people will endure the suffering of war for an extended period, and the country will find it difficult to develop sustainably. We should seize this opportunity to unify the realm. If we use Liangyi's troops to launch simultaneous attacks by water and land, and the Jingchu army attacks Jiangling, pacifying the southern and Yuzhou regions, while directly targeting Xiakou, and the armies from Xuzhou, Yangzhou, Qingzhou, and Yanzhou simultaneously attack Muling, using banners to confuse the enemy and employing diverse tactics to mislead them, the small Wu kingdom will be confronted by the combined forces of our nation. They will inevitably disperse their troops to fight on multiple fronts, while our elite forces from Bahans can take advantage of the situation. Once the Wu kingdom collapses in one area, the entire kingdom will be thrown into disarray. The Wu kingdom relies on the Yangtze River for its existence and has no hinterland to speak of; it stretches thousands of miles from east to west, relying solely on city defenses. Faced with a powerful enemy, they cannot find peace. Sun Hao is cruel and despotic, suspicious of his subordinates, and even renowned ministers and capable generals do not dare to trust him, so those like Sun Xiu are forced to ally with him out of necessity. The court is filled with anxiety, and the common people suffer greatly; they have no means to preserve the country and lack resolute determination. Usually, they think of fleeing, and once war breaks out, many will inevitably surrender; they cannot possibly unite to resist to the death, which is predictable. The customs and practices of the Wu kingdom are impulsive and hasty, making it difficult for them to engage in prolonged warfare. Their bows, crossbows, halberds, and shields are not as good as those of our Central Plains army; only in naval battles do they have an advantage. Once we enter their territory, the Yangtze River will no longer serve as their barrier. If they retreat to their cities, it will turn into close quarters combat. Our army is like a bamboo shoot breaking through the ground, and the soldiers are determined to achieve merit and be rewarded. The Wu army, trapped within the city, will surely be compelled to defend it. In this way, it won't be long before we can bring down the Wu kingdom." The emperor wholeheartedly agreed with his proposal.

Qin Liang was said to have faced repeated defeats in battle, and Hu submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying, "With the Wu Kingdom pacified, the Hu people will naturally be at peace. Now the most important thing is to quickly complete the great cause!" However, many people in the court did not agree with his opinion. Hu sighed and said, "There is nothing in this world that goes exactly as one wishes. Out of ten things, seven or eight are usually unsatisfactory. Therefore, some things need to be dealt with decisively. If you let the opportunity slip by, you'll regret it later!"

Later, the emperor issued an edict, dividing the five counties of Wuyang, Mou, Nancheng, Liangfu, and Pingyang located south of Mount Tai, establishing Nancheng Commandery, and appointed him a chancellor, placing him on par with a duke. Hu declined, saying, "When Zhang Liang requested to accept only a fief of ten thousand households, Emperor Gaozu did not force him. I've already received favors from the late emperor. How dare I accept such a high title, that would just stir up gossip!" He firmly refused the appointment, and the emperor finally agreed. Hu always showed humility and modesty when promoted, and his upright character and noble morals led to his unconventional promotion by the emperor. Therefore, his reputation was excellent, and both the court and the people admired him, believing he should serve as prime minister. The emperor was planning to annex other countries and wanted to rely on Hu to handle affairs in the southeast, so he temporarily set aside the matter. During his service in two dynasties, holding important positions, everyone consulted him on government affairs, but he never pursued personal gain. He burned the drafts of his valuable suggestions, so not many people in later generations knew about them. Others did not know where his recommendations came from. Some thought Hu was too cautious, but he retorted, "That's nonsense! Sincerity is required in front of the emperor, caution is needed outside the palace, and secrecy must be maintained between sovereign and subject. I'm worried I'm not cautious enough! If I can't even recommend talented people, how can I say I can judge character? Furthermore, I don’t accept titles in court or express gratitude at home."

Hu's daughter and son-in-law once advised him, "You should invest in some property for future security; wouldn't that be wise?" Hu remained silent. After they left, he said to his sons, "They only see one side of things! As a minister, thinking only of yourself goes against the country's interests—that's a serious mistake! Remember my words." He also wrote a letter to his younger brother Xiu, saying, "Once things settle at the border, I'll don a bamboo hat and head back home to prepare for the future. I'm just an ordinary person, yet I find myself in a high position. How can I not worry about the trouble my success might bring? Shu Guang is my role model!"

I have a special connection with nature. Every time I go out for fun, I must go to Xian Mountain, where I can sip wine and write poetry without getting tired all day. One time, I suddenly sighed and said to my staff, "Since the heavens and the earth exist, this mountain has been here. From ancient times to the present, how many outstanding talents have come here to gaze into the distance, just like me and you! But they all faded into obscurity, which is really sad. If I'm still aware a hundred years from now, my spirit will surely return here!" Zou Zhan said, "You are respected and renowned; your achievements and good name will surely be passed down through the ages just like Xian Mountain. As for us small people, we can only be as you said."

Later, because of my meritorious service in suppressing the bandits of the Wu Kingdom, the court wanted to elevate my title and land, but I asked that these rewards go to my nephew Cai Xi. The emperor made Cai Xi the Marquis of Guannei, giving him a fief of three hundred households.

At this time, the Wu people launched another attack on Yiyang and Jiangxia, plundering the common folk. The court sent envoys with a letter questioning why I hadn't pursued the enemy and was even considering relocating the prefectural government back to its former site. I said, "Jiangxia is eight hundred miles away from Xiangyang. By the time we receive news of the bandits, they will have already fled far away. How could infantry possibly reach them in time? It wouldn’t be wise to expend manpower and resources on assigning blame. During Cao Cao's reign, the governor's offices he established were relatively close to the prefectural government, allowing military force to deter the enemy and maintain local stability. In border areas, mutual cooperation and careful defense are strategies that have proven effective throughout history. If we hastily relocate the prefecture without knowing the enemy's next moves, we will not know where it would be appropriate to move the prefectural government." The envoy was speechless after I said this and could not say anything more.

Lao Zhang fell ill and wanted to enter the palace to see the emperor. When he arrived in Luoyang, he coincided with the funeral procession of Jingxian Palace, which made him extremely sad. The emperor specifically sent someone to inform him to come to the palace despite his illness. The emperor also ordered that he be carried into the hall in a sedan chair without having to bow, truly giving him a great deal of honor. After Lao Zhang sat down, he presented his strategy for attacking Wu to the emperor.

The emperor felt that his health was not good and it was not suitable for him to enter the palace frequently, so he sent the Chancellor, Zhang Hua, to understand his thoughts. Lao Zhang said, "Now that Your Majesty has abdicated and ascended the throne, your reputation is very good, but you have not yet made any remarkable achievements. The tyranny of the Wu Kingdom means we might win without even fighting. If we can unify the nation and promote education, you will be as revered as Yao and Shun. This will usher in a prosperous era for generations. But if we miss this opportunity, if Sun Hao dies and a new emperor is established in Wu, even if Wu has a million troops, the Yangtze River will not be able to stop them, and it could spell disaster!" Zhang Hua greatly agreed with his plan. Lao Zhang said to Zhang Hua, "You are the one who can fulfill my wish."

The emperor wanted General Zhang to command the troops while bedridden. General Zhang said, "It is not necessary for me to personally attack the Wu Kingdom. As long as we win, the rest can be left to you to handle, Your Majesty. I do not seek fame or recognition. When the matter is done, someone needs to take over. I hope Your Majesty can carefully select the right person."

General Zhang's illness became increasingly severe, so he then recommended Du Yu to take over his position. He passed away shortly after, at the age of fifty-eight. The emperor donned plain clothes to mourn him, deeply saddened. It was an especially cold day; the emperor's tears froze in his beard and hair. People from various southern states heard the news of General Zhang's death that day, and all wept bitterly. The markets closed, the streets and alleys echoed with cries, and even the soldiers on the border of the Wu Kingdom wept. This shows just how many people were touched by General Zhang's kindness! The emperor bestowed upon him a set of precious items from the Eastern Garden, a set of court robes, three hundred thousand coins, and one hundred bolts of cloth. The imperial edict read: "General Zhang Hu, Marquis of Nancheng, was of noble character, with pure and lofty ideals. While serving in the palace, he was loyal and assisted the royal family, participating in confidential affairs within and leading the region externally. He should have made great achievements, forever assisting us, but sadly passed away at a young age, which has caused us great sorrow. He is posthumously honored with the titles of Grand Preceptor and Supervisor, with other honors unchanged."

The old marquis lived a modest lifestyle, dressing in a plain manner. He devoted all his salary to supporting his extended family and rewarding his soldiers, leaving no extra funds at home. Before his death, he specifically instructed his family not to place the seal of the Marquis of South City into his coffin. His brothers understood his wishes and wanted to bury him next to the ancestral tomb. The emperor did not agree and granted him a burial plot ten miles away from the imperial tomb, spanning one hectare, and posthumously honored him with the title "Marquis Cheng." When the old marquis's funeral procession began, the emperor was still saying farewell south of the Grand Marshal's Gate. The old marquis's nephew, Prince Qi You, wrote that the old marquis's wife did not wish for him to be buried with the honors of a marquis. The emperor then issued a decree saying, "The old marquis had repeatedly declined his title while he was alive, and his resolve was unwavering and steadfast. Even in death, he remains so humble, and his integrity is even more commendable. This is comparable to the wisdom of Yi Shu and the integrity of Ji Zi! We shall now honor his final wishes by restoring his original title to recognize his noble character."

When Emperor Wen died, the old Marquis said to Fu Xuan, "Observing mourning for three years should be followed even by high-ranking officials and nobles, from the emperor to the common people; but Emperor Wen abolished this system, destroyed the rituals, and harmed human relationships, which I have been sighing about. Now the emperor is filial by nature, with the virtues of Confucius and Mencius. Although he has been excused from his mourning period, he still earnestly carried out the funeral rites. If the funeral rites are carried out seriously, why remove the mourning attire? If we can seize this opportunity to abolish the frivolous rituals that have persisted since the Han and Wei dynasties, restore the laws of the ancient kings, educate customs, and leave a lasting legacy for generations, wouldn't that be a good thing?" Fu Xuan said, "Emperor Wen abolished it because the social climate at that time was superficial and it would be difficult to suddenly restore it now." The old Marquis said, "Even if we cannot make all people in the world follow the rituals, as long as the emperor can personally observe mourning, wouldn't that be good?" Fu Xuan said, "If the emperor does not remove his mourning clothes while all the people in the world do, then there will only be father-son affection and no loyalty between ruler and subjects, thus breaking the Three Principles and Five Virtues." The old Marquis then stopped. The writings of the old Marquis, along with his commentary on the "Laozi," have been passed down through the ages. The people of Xiangyang constructed a temple for him on Mount Xian, where the old Marquis used to visit frequently during his lifetime, and they worship him every year. Anyone who sees the monument can't help but shed tears, so Du Yu named it the "Tear-Dropping Monument." In Jingzhou, to avoid mentioning the name of the old Marquis, every household replaced the character '户' (household) with '门' (door), changing "户曹" to "辞曹."

General Hu had served for many years; he was humble and cautious, never shunned talent. It wasn't until shortly before his death that he appointed some advisors. Unfortunately, he passed away before they could be formally appointed, and they never had the chance to take office. Therefore, his staff members Liu Kuai, Zhao Yin, Liu Mi, Sun Bo, and others jointly submitted a memorial to the court stating: "In the past, we were mistakenly appointed and, fortunately, became the general's subordinates, participating in various affairs. The general was upright and honest, with a noble character; despite holding a high position and great power, he was humble and cautious, and behaved respectfully. Previously, the court entrusted him to pacify the south, not only granting him the official position of San Si but also appointing him as the Grand General. But although he held a high position, he never once abused his power. Up to now, people across the realm looked up to him, and many outstanding talents admired him. Those who visited his residence became upright, even the greedy, and those who were weak-willed found their purpose. Even the wisest of ancient monarchs could not match his virtue. Since he had been guarding the south, his governance brought benefits to the Jianghan region. He had formulated long-term strategies, effectively expanded the territory, and all his plans were meticulous and well-organized. He was dedicated to the country, diligent, and responsible, appointing four advisors shortly before his death, but unfortunately, he passed away before they could take office.

The duty of court officials is to recommend talented individuals to serve the country; it is also their responsibility to discover and promote unknown talents. It is a regret for court officials when a general passes away before fulfilling his wishes. The general was humble and cautious for many years, but unfortunately did not have a good ending in his later years, which brought sorrow to people both near and far. In ancient times, people honored the trees where the deceased had rested or played. If people remember and protect trees in memory of the deceased, how much more should those officials, whom the general appointed during his lifetime, be honored and given their due positions? We humbly request the Emperor to allow them to be appointed according to the treatment of the officials appointed by the general during his lifetime. The memorial further stated: "Although the general opened his mansion, he did not have enough subordinates, which reflects his humility. He appointed talented individuals even while ill, but unfortunately passed away without any descendants. The government did not appoint the officials he wanted to appoint during his lifetime, which not only reflects the hopes of the local people but also our own concerns. Those who have served the country faithfully should be honored after their passing. Even Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang generously granted four thousand households of land to comfort the descendants of Zhao. We request the Emperor to approve our request." Nevertheless, the Emperor ultimately denied their request.

When Hu was two years old, the state of Wu had been pacified, and the ministers gathered to wish the emperor longevity. The emperor held a wine cup and cried, saying, "This is all thanks to Grand Tutor Yang!" Therefore, because of Hu's role in pacifying the state of Wu, the emperor went to his temple to pay his respects, and following the precedent set by Xiao He, he bestowed honors upon his wife. The emperor's edict read: "The emperor sends the envoy Du Hong to inform the late Grand Preceptor and Prime Minister Ju Pingcheng, Marquis Hu: In the past, the state of Wu was disrespectful, taking advantage of its strategic location to claim kingship and emperorship, and the border regions did not pay tribute to the court for many years. Hu accepted the task of pacifying the state of Wu, wholeheartedly seeking to quell the chaos of conflict, promoting civilization externally, establishing temple strategies internally, using virtue to win people over, with sincerity and earnestness. The people of the Jianghan region all pledged their loyalty to the court; his contributions were remarkable, his strategies comprehensive. Unfortunately, his ambitions were not fulfilled, and I am deeply saddened. Therefore, I ordered the various armies to attack Wu, and the war did not last long; one campaign destroyed the state of Wu, as if it had been predetermined. Rewards should not overlook merit. The state has such regulations and should expand his fiefdom to honor his past contributions, but also consider his modest character during his lifetime. Now his wife, Lady Xiahou, has been appointed as the Lady of Wansui Township, with a fief consisting of five thousand households, and was awarded ten thousand bolts of silk and ten thousand bushels of grain."

When Hu was five years old, he asked the wet nurse to find the gold ring he had lost while playing. The wet nurse replied, "You never had this before!" Hu then ran to the mulberry tree outside the east wall of the neighbor Li's house and found the gold ring. The owner of the Li family was astonished and exclaimed, "This is something my deceased son lost; how could you have it?" The wet nurse told the Li family what had happened, and the Li family was overcome with grief and lamentation. People at the time found it quite strange and claimed that Li's son was Hu's reincarnation. Some people skilled in feng shui said that Hu's ancestors' grave had the aura of royalty, and if it were opened, the Hu family would have no descendants. Consequently, Hu actually dug up the ancestral grave. Those feng shui experts then said, "Although it will be dug up, there will eventually be a San Gong who breaks his arm," and indeed, Hu later broke his arm after falling from a horse and attained the rank of San Gong, but had no descendants. The emperor appointed Hu's nephew Ji as Hu's heir, but Ji, because of his father's death, was unwilling to accept a new father. The emperor then made Ji's younger brother Yi Hu's heir, but Yi also refused the imperial decree. The emperor was furious and stripped both brothers of their positions. In the second year of Taikang, the emperor appointed Yi's younger brother Pian as the Duke of Juping, granting him Hu's title. Pian was honest and cautious in his official duties; he kept a cow at his office, and when the cow gave birth to a calf, he took the calf along with him during his transfer. He eventually rose to the rank of Sanqi Changshi but passed away young.

It is said that in the first year of the Xiaowu era, the emperor granted the title of Marquis of Juping to Fa Xing, the great-great-grandson of Yang Hu's brother, along with a fief of five thousand households. Later, because Fa Xing was associated with Huan Xuan, he was executed by the court, and his title was stripped. At that time, there was a man named Xun Bozi, an official in the Ministry of Rites, who wrote a memorial to the emperor, stating: "I have heard that after Jiuyao died without an heir, Zang Wenzhong deeply sighed for this; the fief of the Bo family was taken away, but Guan Zhong deemed it a righteous act. Great achievements can be passed down for generations; titles given excessively can be taken back in a day. Yang Hu, the Grand Tutor and Marquis of Juping, was both virtuous and talented, a true pillar of the state. His achievements were comparable to those of assisting the emperor and pacifying the war against the Wu state. However, his descendants have no one to carry on the family line, and no one to perform the sacrifices. During the Han Dynasty, due to the great achievements of Xiao He, his title was inherited by descendants for generations. I believe that the fief of the Marquis of Juping should be hereditary like that of Zenguo. Furthermore, the Grand Commandant, Guangling Duke, was involved in rebellion, causing trouble in Huainan, yet he still profited from it and seized the fief of a great state. At that time, the laws and regulations of the Western Jin court were not in order, so his title was never revoked even after the dynasty was restored. Now that the court aims to restore rightful governance, shouldn't they clearly distinguish between good and evil and revoke Guangling's title? There is also the Grand Preceptor Wei Guan, who was originally the Duke of Ziyang County but was wrongly killed. The court posthumously granted him the title of the Marquis of Lanling, which was later changed to the Marquis of Jiangxia. Many renowned ministers have not received the honors they deserved after their deaths. Wei Guan's achievements are no less than those of Yang Hu, yet he only received unfair rewards. I believe his marquis title should be rescinded to ensure that rewards and punishments are clear, distinguishing good from evil." However, the emperor ultimately ignored him.

Yang Hu's mother, the daughter of Kong Rong, had two sons: one named Yang Fa, who became the Governor of Huai Bei and held the title of Protector of the Army; the other was Yang Hu. Initially, both of Yang Hu's brothers, Yang Cheng and Yang Fa, were very ill. Yang Hu's mother feared that neither son could be saved, so she devoted herself to caring for Yang Fa. As a result, Yang Fa recovered, but Yang Cheng passed away.

The eldest, Lun, became the Magistrate of Gaoyang County. Lun's brother, Ji, became the governor of Yangping. His brother, Yi, began his career as an aide to General Jia Chong, and later rose to the position of General Pingnan and commander of military affairs in Jiangbei, stationed in Wancheng, where he was ultimately slain by Zhang Chang. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of General of Zhen Nan. Hu's uncle Mi became the Governor of Jingzhao. His son, Zhi, became the governor of Wei County. Mi's grandson, Liang, known by his courtesy name Changxuan, was a shrewd and calculating individual. He feigned sincerity with everyone he interacted with, and everyone thought he was genuine, but that was not the case at all. He initially served as an aide to Grand Tutor Yang Jun, during a time when there were many thieves in Jingzhao. Yang Jun proposed increasing penalties, suggesting the death penalty for stealing as little as a hundred coins, and asked his subordinates to discuss it together. Liang said, "In the past, there was a man named Jiang Yi in the State of Chu, whose mother lost a piece of cloth and suspected the governor of stealing it. If you are upright and honest, thieves will naturally refrain from stealing; why increase the penalties?" Yang Jun felt embarrassed upon hearing this and quickly dismissed the idea. Liang later advanced to the role of Grand Minister of Ceremonies. At that time, Emperor Hui resided in Chang'an, and Liang secretly contacted people from the eastern regions. Feeling uneasy, he fled to Bingzhou, where he ultimately met his end at the hands of Liu Yuanhai. Liang's brother, Tao, rose to become the Inspector of Xuzhou.

Du Yu, courtesy name Yuankai, was from Duling, Jingzhao. His grandfather, Ji, was the Minister of Works in the Wei state. His father, Shu, was the Governor of Youzhou. Du Yu was well-educated and talented, with a deep understanding of the dynamics of rise and fall. He often said, "High moral standards are hard to attain, but it is possible to strive for achievements and establish a reputation." At first, his father had a bad relationship with Emperor Xuan, and as a result, Du Yu was not able to gain favor for many years. After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, Du Yu married the Emperor's sister, Princess Gaolu, and became an Official of the Imperial Secretariat, inheriting the title of Marquis of Fengleting, a title passed down from his ancestors. After four years of service as an Official of the Imperial Secretariat, he was promoted to the military office of the Imperial Secretariat. During Zhong Hui's campaign against Shu, Du Yu was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Western Garrison. After Zhong Hui's rebellion, his subordinates were all killed, but Du Yu managed to escape thanks to his cleverness and was granted an additional 1,150 households.

I worked with General Jia Chong and his team to formulate laws and regulations. After finalizing them, I specifically wrote annotations for them. I then submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying: "Laws, in essence, are rules defined by ropes and measuring lines. They are not grand theories that delve into principles or refine human nature. Thus, laws should be concise and clear, with direct provisions, convenient enforcement, and minimal prohibitions. Direct provisions are easy to understand; fewer prohibitions lead to fewer mistakes. When laws are easy to understand, people know what to avoid, and fewer mistakes result in fewer punishments. The basis of punishment should be simplicity and clarity, so distinctions must be made carefully among different situations. To make careful distinctions among different situations, one must tolerate some minor unreasonable details. In ancient times, criminal laws were inscribed on bells and cauldrons, cast in gold and stone, to eliminate various corrupt practices and prevent fanciful interpretations. The annotations I have written now encompass the spirit of the law and evaluate various circumstances. Those who enforce the law can refer to these regulations and circumstances to guide their actions, thereby upholding the principles of the law and avoiding strained interpretations." The emperor ordered these to be distributed throughout the country. In essence, this memorial emphasizes that laws and regulations should be concise and easy to understand, not overly complex and difficult to comprehend. It emphasizes the practicality and operability of the law, stating that the essence of the law is simplicity, clarity, and ease of understanding and enforcement, in order to effectively reduce crime and maintain social order. It rejects strained interpretations and believes that actions should strictly adhere to the law, avoiding deviations in enforcement that arise from differing personal interpretations. Finally, it uses the example of ancient criminal laws inscribed on bells and cauldrons and gold and stone to underscore the authority and seriousness of legal texts, reminding people to respect the law and avoid trying to exploit loopholes.

In the early Taishi period, I served as the magistrate of Henan. I envisioned the capital as the starting point of royal governance, placing emphasis on the broader aspects of the policies I enacted. I was tasked with establishing an examination system, the main points of which are as follows: I heard that in ancient times, governance aligned with the natural order, with humility and sincerity to earn the trust and obedience of the people, attract divine favor, win over hearts, and bring peace to the world. As the atmosphere of simplicity and purity gradually faded, the distinctions between good and evil became apparent, official positions were created, tasks assigned, titles granted, the six rites promoted, and officials thoroughly evaluated. However, it still depended on wise counsel, set up loyal departments, ensuring that reputation did not overshadow merit or vice versa, seeking broad consultations and fully absorbing opinions. In later times, evaluations should not focus solely on details but consider the bigger picture, not question others' intentions based on hearsay, or believe in brief written records. The more concise the documents became, the more hypocritical the officials appeared; the more laws, the more deceitful. In the past, during the Han Dynasty, provincial governors reported on political matters at the end of each year without setting evaluation standards, only roughly assessing officials' integrity. The examination system of the Wei Dynasty inherited the principles of Jing Fang, with very detailed provisions. However, because excessive detail contradicted its fundamental principles, it was never fully implemented in subsequent dynasties. Wouldn't it be wiser to restore the old system of the Yao and Shun periods, simplify procedures, and make it easier to implement? The key to promoting sound principles and making them evident lies with the people. Relying solely on laws without considering the people will violate reason. The current imperial examination system pales in comparison to entrusting authority to high-ranking officials, letting them evaluate officials under their jurisdiction. After one year in office, one official is recognized as outstanding and another as inferior each year, based on which they report. After six years, the supervising officials compile the evaluation results, promoting those who have consistently received outstanding ratings and demoting those who have consistently been rated inferior, promoting those with more outstanding ratings and demoting those with more inferior ratings. The standards of the current examinations vary in difficulty, presenting real challenges. If excellence is judged by difficult standards and inferiority by easy standards, supervising officials should make slight adjustments based on urgency, without adhering strictly to legal provisions.

The "Jichou Edict" believes that evaluations are difficult to implement and allows for the method of recommendation. The rationale for recommendations is similarly based on public opinion. Recommendations occur once every six years, and the process of promotions and demotions lacks a gradual approach. When dealing with officials, there is no official who has been rated as poor performance six times or excellent six times in six years. Supervisory officials will also impeach accordingly. If there is mutual protection between upper and lower ranks, it becomes a serious drawback, and there is no talk of promotions and demotions.

That old scoundrel Shi Jian, because he had a grudge against Yang Yu in the past, reported him for impeachment, which led to Yang Yu's dismissal. At that time, the Longyou region frequently faced invasions from foreign tribes, and the court sent Yang Yu to be the commander of the Anxi army, providing him with three hundred soldiers and one hundred horses. Upon arriving in Chang'an, he was promoted to the position of Governor of Qinzhou, also taking on the roles of Eastern Qiang General and Light Cavalry General, and was granted the power of a false seal, which held considerable power.

Just as the enemy's forces were gaining strength, Shi Jian, who was then the General of Anxi, ordered Yang Yu to lead the troops into battle. Yang Yu felt that the enemy's horses were strong and their morale was high, while our official army was lacking in supplies; we should concentrate our forces and prepare well, and wait until spring to launch an attack. He listed five reasons against going to war and four reasons why it was unnecessary. Shi Jian was furious upon hearing this and reported that Yang Yu had unilaterally modified the city gates and official residences, delaying the army's preparations, and then sent the censor to escort Yang Yu to the Court of Judicial Review in a prisoner cart. Because Yang Yu was a relative of the empress and fell under the protection of the "Eight Discussions," he ultimately only had his marquis title used as a penalty, which was seen as a lenient punishment. Later, the situation in Longyou indeed unfolded as Yang Yu had anticipated.

At that time, everyone in the court believed that Yang Yu had great insight in military strategy. Later, the Xiongnu chieftain Liu Meng rebelled, attacking from Bingzhou to Hedong and Pingyang. The court then let Yang Yu, a marquis, come up with strategies. Not long after, Yang Yu was appointed as the Minister of Revenue, a high-ranking official in charge of finances. Upon taking office, Yang Yu suggested restoring the "land redistribution" policy, enhancing border defenses, and proposed many important recommendations regarding the country's military and financial matters. He also designed new farming tools, built Changping granaries to stabilize grain prices, reformed the salt transportation and taxation system, ultimately proposing over fifty recommendations that benefited the nation and its people, all of which were accepted by the court. When Shi Jian returned from the front lines, Yang Yu exposed his exaggerated military achievements, leading to a falling out between the two. They attacked each other and were eventually dismissed due to their quarrel, although Yang Yu managed to keep his marquis rank. After a few years, he was reappointed as the Minister of Revenue.

Empress Dowager Zi Gong was to be moved to Junyang Tomb. According to tradition, after the empress's burial, the emperor and the ministers were to hold ceremonial rites. The ministers proposed that the crown prince should also change out of his mourning attire. However, Yang Yu suggested, "The crown prince should follow ancient customs and observe the mourning period," and his suggestion was accepted. "The crown prince should return to the classical, to respect the mourning regulations."

Now, Du Yu believed there were issues with the current calendar, so he developed a calendar called the "Dual Yuan Qian Du Calendar" and officially reported it to the court for use. He also found that the Mengjin ferry was too dangerous and prone to accidents, so he suggested building a bridge at Fuping Ferry. Some opposed, arguing that the formidable emperors of the Yin, Shang, and Zhou dynasties had not built bridges in this location, so why should they? Du Yu responded, "The saying 'Building boats to cross the river' actually refers to constructing bridges!" Once the bridge was completed, the emperor and a group of ministers came to inspect it. The emperor raised his cup in a toast to Du Yu and said, "If it weren't for you, this bridge wouldn't have been built!" Du Yu modestly replied, "Without Your Majesty's wisdom, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities."

The ceremonial vessels of the Zhou Dynasty, even as late as the Eastern Han capital, were still displayed in the imperial palace. Unfortunately, during the chaos of the late Han Dynasty, these treasures were lost, and their forms were lost to history. Du Yu, relying on his memories, recreated one and presented it to the emperor, who was delighted. In the autumn of the fourth year of the Xianning era, heavy rain and a locust plague struck. Du Yu submitted a memorial to the court, proposing numerous solutions to agricultural issues, which were all documented in the "Records of Food and Goods." Du Yu spent seven years in the court, accomplishing a multitude of significant achievements, earning praise from both inside and outside the court, and earned the nickname "Du Wuku," implying he was well-versed in everything.

At that time, the emperor was planning to eliminate the state of Wu, but many courtiers were against it. Only Du Yu, Yang Hu, and Zhang Hua supported the emperor's plan. When Yang Hu fell ill, he recommended Du Yu to take his place, entrusting him with command and appointing him as the General Who Pacifies the East, in charge of the southern military affairs. After Yang Hu's death, Du Yu was appointed as Grand General Who Guards the South, overseeing military affairs in Jingzhou, and was also bestowed a special ceremonial chariot, a position equivalent to the emperor's son-in-law. After assuming command, Du Yu quickly reorganized the army, strengthened military preparations, and selected elite soldiers to conduct a surprise assault against Zhang Zheng, the governor of Xiling in Wu, achieving a great victory and being rewarded with 365 households. Zhang Zheng, a renowned general of Wu, guarding an important pass, suffered a loss of face and felt humiliated, and thus he was reluctant to report his defeat to Sun Hao.

Du Yu sought to weaken the morale of Wu's forces, so he submitted a memorial to the court and returned all captured Wu soldiers to Sun Hao. Sun Hao then recalled Zhang Zheng and sent Wuchang supervisor Liu Xian to replace him. With this leadership change, when Du Yu's army advanced, the leadership of Wu had all been replaced, making it easier to defeat them.

The emperor has already decided to punish me, so I seized the opportunity to request sending troops to attack the State of Wu. The emperor said we should wait until next year for a full-scale attack, but I submitted a plan ahead of time, which stated: "Since the intercalary month, the State of Wu has only strengthened its defenses, and no soldiers have dared to report the situation. From the current situation, the State of Wu is already at a dead end, lacking sufficient troops. They will certainly prioritize protecting the upstream areas, strengthen defenses east of Xiakou to regroup, and won't have time to mobilize a large number of troops to the west. Their capital will be left empty. However, Your Majesty, you have heeded the advice of others, abandoned this grand strategy, giving the enemy an opening. This is a major matter concerning the long-term interests of the country. If we fail in war, it might be better not to fight at all. We must formulate a plan that is both sound and reliable. If successful, it will establish the foundation of a peaceful and prosperous era; even if it fails, it will only waste some time. We shouldn't hesitate. If we wait until the year after next, the timing, conditions, and people may not necessarily align. I'm concerned it will be even harder then. Your Majesty, you have already decided to order us to advance with divided forces. If we act in unison, there will be no chance of failure. I've already made up my mind, not wanting to leave any loose ends because of vague ideas. I just hope Your Majesty will give it careful thought."

About ten days later, I submitted another memorial: "Yang Hu holds differing opinions from many ministers in the court. He did not first widely solicit everyone's opinions, but privately conspired with Your Majesty on this matter, which has resulted in a variety of opinions. Every matter should be weighed carefully in terms of pros and cons; if we deploy troops now, there is an eighty to ninety percent likelihood of success. If we fail, it would merely be a wasted effort. Those who claim this will fail cannot present any evidence; they are merely too embarrassed to acknowledge their prior opinions because the strategy did not originate from them, and the credit will not go to them, which is why they oppose it." "Recently, various opinions have emerged in the court regarding major and minor matters. Although there is a lack of unity among the people, it stems from their reliance on the Emperor's favor and does not consider the difficulties that may arise in the future, resulting in a dismissal of these differing opinions. In the past, when Emperor Xuan of Han deliberated on the strategy put forth by Zhao Chongguo, after the matter was successful, he questioned those who opposed it, and they all bowed and admitted their mistakes, thus silencing heretical views. Since autumn, the plan to attack Wu has already been leaked. If we stop now, Sun Hao will surely become fearful and devise countermeasures, possibly relocating the capital to Wuchang, strengthening and repairing the cities in Jiangnan, and relocating the populace. By then, the cities will be impregnable, and there will be no place to plunder in the wild. Wu will also stockpile a large number of warships at Xiakou, making it likely that next year's plan will not be achievable." At that moment, the Emperor was playing chess with the Chancellor Zhang Hua, and my memorial was just delivered. Zhang Hua set down his pieces and said, "Your Majesty is wise and powerful, the court and the people are stable, the country is prosperous, the army is strong, and commands are unified. To launch an attack against him, we are certain to secure an easy victory." The Emperor ultimately agreed to my request. In the first month of the inaugural year of Tai Kang, we established our formation in Jiangling and dispatched the troops under the command of military advisors Fan Xian, Yin Lin, Deng Gui, and the governor of Xiangyang, Zhou Qi, giving them full authority to command. Within just a few days, we successfully captured several cities in rapid succession, proceeding entirely according to plan.

We sent Yamen Guanding, Zhou Zhi, and Wu Chao with eight hundred elite soldiers to secretly cross the river under the cover of darkness and attack Lexiang. They displayed many flags, set fires on Ba Mountain, and appeared from unexpected places to throw the enemy into disarray. Wu State's commander Sun Xin was so frightened that he wrote a letter to Wu Yan saying, "The army coming from the north actually crossed the Yangtze River with such speed!" Over ten thousand men, women, and children from Wu State surrendered. Zhou Zhi and Wu Chao set an ambush outside Lexiang. Sun Xin sent troops to intercept Wang Jun, but they were soundly defeated and forced to retreat. Zhou Zhi and his troops then sprang from their hiding place and charged into the city alongside Sun Xin's army. Sun Xin was taken by surprise and captured right under his tent. As a result, a saying began to circulate in the army: "Use strategy instead of fighting, once and for all." We then approached Jiangling. Wu State's general Wu Yan pretended to surrender but set up troops on the city wall, ready to ambush us, only to be defeated by us. After pacifying the upstream, from the south of Yuanshui and Xiangshui to Jiaozhou and Guangzhou, the various states and counties of Wu began to surrender one after another, voluntarily sending their seals of surrender. We accepted their surrenders and dispatched people to reassure them. In total, we killed or captured fourteen commanders and officials of Wu State, as well as more than one hundred twenty Yamen and county officials. Seizing this momentum, we relocated the soldiers and their families to settle in the northern river region. New officials were appointed to replace those in the original locations of Nanchun, and the Jingzhou region quickly stabilized. For the people of Wu State, surrender felt like coming home.

Wang Jun was the first to send Sun Xin's head to the emperor, which drove the people of Luoyang into a frenzy of laughter. During a meeting at that time, someone said, "The disaster of Wu State has lasted for over a hundred years; we can't claim it has been completely eradicated in one fell swoop. It's summer now, with heavy rains and impending floods. An epidemic will soon break out, so we should wait until winter to launch a large-scale attack." Wang Jun said, "In the past, Le Yi defeated the powerful Qi State with just one battle in Jixi. Now our prestige has already intimidated the enemy; it's like splitting bamboo—once you get through a few joints, the rest will follow easily." So, he ordered the generals to march straight towards Maling. Along the way, not a single city dared to put up a fight; they all surrendered without a fuss. Later, everyone sent a report to the emperor about this matter.

After Sun Hao was subdued, we returned to court, and the emperor, in recognition of my contributions, awarded me the title of Marquis of Dayang County, increasing my fief to a total of 9,600 households. Adding my previous fief, it all came to that amount. He also granted my son Dan the title of Ting Marquis, giving him a fief of 1,000 households, and rewarded me with 8,000 bolts of silk.

At first, when attacking Jiangling, the people of Wu knew that Du Yu had a severe neck tumor and were very afraid of his intelligence. They presented him with a gourd tied around a dog's neck, and whenever they saw a tree tumor on a big tree, they would strip the bark to expose the white underneath and write the words "Du Yu's Neck" on it. Once the city fell, they wiped out all the people of Wu.

Later, Du Yu returned to the garrison and repeatedly stated the official positions held by his family for several generations, emphasizing that his military achievements were not his main credit, and asked to retire. However, the court did not approve.

Du Yu believed that although the world was at peace, forgetting about war could pose a threat. Therefore, he diligently trained the army, built the Pan Palace (an ancient school), showed kindness in the Jianghan region, and spread his teachings across a thousand miles. He also defeated the ethnic minorities in the mountainous regions, cleverly set up camps, occupied key locations, and bolstered the defenses. He repaired the relics of Shao Xincheng, used the Tai River and Yu River to irrigate over ten thousand acres of farmland, defined borders, carved inscriptions, and erected monuments to mark land boundaries, benefiting both the community and individuals. The common people all benefited from this and referred to him as "Father Du." Previously, the waterways only allowed access to Jiangling via the Mian River and Han River, which was a journey of over a thousand miles, with no routes from the north. Baqiu Lake was the confluence of the Yuan River and Xiang River, surrounded by perilous mountains, and was a place where the tribes of Jingzhou relied on for survival. Du Yu then excavated Yangkou and constructed a waterway of over a thousand miles from the Xia River to Baling, eliminating the dangers of the Yangtze River and opening up the water transport route between Lingling and Guilin. People in the south sang praises of him: "In future generations, there will be no rebellions thanks to Du Gong; who knows the wisdom and bravery of his achievements?"

Du Yu handled public affairs personally, knowing everything and capable of anything. Every project he managed was carefully planned, resulting in very few failures. Some criticized him for being overly meticulous, but Du Yu said, "The achievements of Dayu and Houji aimed to save the common people; that is the true goal worth pursuing!"

Du Yu placed great importance on his reputation after death, often saying, "High banks turn into valleys, deep valleys turn into hills." He also inscribed two stone tablets recording his achievements, one submerged under the mountains and the other standing atop Xianshan, inscribed with: "Who knows if this might not become a valley or a hill in the future!"

Old Du Yu, in his youth, wasn't particularly skilled at horseback riding or archery, but when it came to battle, he quickly became a great general leading his troops. He was incredibly humble and courteous in his interactions with others, always asking questions openly, eager to teach others, diligent in his work, and thoughtful in his speech.

After achieving success and fame, he became quite relaxed and began studying the classics, even authoring his own book titled "Collection and Commentary on the Zuo Zhuan." He also referenced many genealogies and wrote a book called "Explanation." He created "Alliance Diagram" and "Chronicles of the Spring and Autumn Period," which can be considered a distinct school of thought he developed later in life. He also penned "Praise for Women." At that time, people thought that Du Yu's articles, although simple and straightforward, were not particularly esteemed; only Zhi Yu, the Secretariat Supervisor, appreciated his work, noting, "Zuo Qiuming initially wrote a commentary on the 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' but the 'Zuo Zhuan' became a unique work; 'Explanation' was originally written for the 'Zuo Zhuan,' but the principles it discussed extend beyond the 'Zuo Zhuan,' making it unique as well." At that time, Wang Ji had a particular interest in studying horses and admired Du Yu; while He Jiao had a penchant for accumulating wealth, Du Yu would often remark, "Wang Ji has a 'horse addiction,' and He Jiao has a 'money addiction.'" When Emperor Wu heard about this, he asked Du Yu, "What are your hobbies?" Du Yu replied, "I have a 'Zuo Zhuan' addiction." When Du Yu was stationed in a certain area, he often sent food to the nobles in Luoyang. When questioned about his actions, he replied, "I am merely concerned they might pose a threat to the country, not seeking to curry favor." During my youth in Jingzhou, I once attended a banquet, got drunk, and fell asleep in the study. People outside heard me vomiting and peeked through the door crack, only to see a large snake with its head lowered, spitting something out. Those who learned of this found it quite peculiar. Later, I was appointed as Colonel of the Imperial Guard and promoted to a special position, but ultimately passed away in Deng County at the age of sixty-three. The Emperor was very saddened, posthumously appointing me as Grand General for the Southern Campaign and as Palace Attendant with Ceremonial Privileges, and granting me the posthumous title of "Cheng."

I left a will before my death: "In ancient times, joint burials were not practiced, which reflects the principles of life and death, as if they were nonexistent. The sages of the medieval period altered this practice and began to conduct joint burials, probably to educate future generations through this. Since then, the practices of the elite regarding joint burials have varied; if one cannot fully grasp life while alive, how can one comprehend death? Therefore, everyone acts according to their own ideas. I was once a court official and had the opportunity to visit Xingshan in Mixian County on official duty. On the mountain, there is a tomb. I asked the farmers working the land, and they told me it was the tomb of Ji Zhong, a minister of Zheng Guo, while others said it was the tomb of Zi Chan. Thus, I led my followers to pay my respects and admire the tomb.

This tomb is built on the mountaintop, with an expansive view that can be seen from all sides. The mountain runs north-south, with a slight lean toward the northeast, facing the city of Xinzheng, symbolizing the importance of remembering one's roots. Its tomb path is blocked only at the back; the front remains open and unfilled, suggesting that the tomb contains no treasures and does not seek deep burial or extravagant interment. The mountain is home to many beautiful stones that remain unused, yet they chose natural stones from the Weishui River for the tomb, valuing the lack of labor expended in carving, as these stones were not originally meant for other purposes. A gentleman appreciates it as it makes sense, while a petty person sees no advantage to gain. After a thousand years, it remains undamaged, which is the outcome of simplicity. Last spring, I went to the capital to pay my respects following the death of a member of the Guo family. Due to the old custom of burial accompaniment, I submitted a personal request to choose a plot of land on the southern side of Shouyang Mountain, east of Luoyang City, for my future burial site."

On that piece of land, there is a small hill, and there are no ancient tombs there. Although its height and scenery cannot compare to Xing Mountain, to the east, it is close to two imperial tombs, to the west, it overlooks the palace, to the south, one can see the Yiluo River, and to the north, it overlooks the land of Yishu. The view is wide and refreshing, making it a place where I find peace. So I submitted a request to construct a road and designated the site for the tomb. The road leading to the tomb will be built with round stones from the Luo River, heading south, with the ceremonial standards modeled after those of the nobles of Zheng, seeking to refine myself through simplicity. Matters regarding the coffin and burial should all be handled according to this standard.” My descendants followed my will to do so. My son, Zixi (锡), inherited my title.

Zixi, with the character "Xi," was well-known from a young age. He began serving and studying under Wang Yi in Changsha and gradually rose to the position of Crown Prince's chamberlain. He was upright and loyal, often offering candid advice to the Crown Prince, which the Crown Prince greatly resented. Later, the Crown Prince concealed a needle in the mat where Zixi usually sat and pricked him, resulting in significant blood loss. Several days later, the Crown Prince asked Zixi, “What were you doing that day?” Zixi replied, “I was drunk and don’t know.” The Crown Prince reproached him, “You often blame others; why don’t you admit your own mistakes?” Later, Zixi was reassigned as the General of the Guard. After Zhao Wang Lun seized the throne, he appointed Zixi as an Imperial Censor. Though Sun Xiu held a grudge, he dared not harm Zixi due to his esteemed reputation. After Emperor Hui regained power, Zixi was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel and Governor of Chengyang, but he declined the post and was instead promoted to Left Minister of the Secretariat. He died at the age of forty-eight and was posthumously granted the title of Regular Attendant. His son Yi succeeded him, as recorded in the "Biographies of the Imperial In-Laws."

The historian commented: During the Tai Shi era, people only offered gifts as congratulations, while Yang Gong proposed a strategy to pacify the Wu state, which reflected his grand ambitions! Once, there was a commoner in the State of Qi, and in the Yan state, people worshipped the deities of the North Gate; in the Zhao state, there was Li Mu, which led the Qin king to abandon his plan to advance eastward and conquer Zhao. The branches of the mulberry tree do not vie for height, and when the fruits ripen, there is only regret left. Yang Gong established great prestige in the south, moving the people of Wu to submit to the Han dynasty, and the rivers and roads became unobstructed, with people helping the elderly and carrying the young, all flocking to him. However, after achieving success, he remained humble, dressing in simple clothes and living in a remote alley, carefree and elegant. If Du Yu did not possess innate talent, then even if he were employed, he could only learn from experience; Du Yu was able to devise great strategies, capture cities and territories, and also had a refined demeanor, able to stay composed on the battlefield. Among Confucius's disciples, there were four outstanding individuals, and Du Yu could be compared to three of them; among the five hegemons of the "Spring and Autumn" period, Du Yu stood out alone, wasn't he exceptional? The three-year mourning period applies to everyone, regardless of rank or status. It’s regrettable to hastily interrupt the mourning of those in power; and after the mourning period ends, the heir apparent immediately abolishes it, which is truly cruel. In order to seek temporary comfort and disregard what is just, contemporary outstanding talents have become the illegitimate sons of feudal lords, which is exactly what the "Dan Gong" describes as a violation of rites, and Du Yu was also influenced by this.

Praise: The Han pool is treacherous to the west, and the Wu River bends left. Yang Gong's grace and trust, a million return. The oaths of past travelers—few are those who truly value the classics. Yuan Kai in the literary field is known as the armory.

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Jin （晉書）

Published: 02 January 2025

Created: 02 January 2025

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Wang Xiang, style name Xiuzheng, was from Linyi in Langya and a descendant of Wang Ji, a counselor of the Han Dynasty. His grandfather Wang Ren was once the governor of Qingzhou, and his father Wang Rong was summoned by the court but chose not to go. Wang Xiang was exceptionally filial. He lost his mother when he was young, and his stepmother treated him poorly, often speaking ill of him in front of his father, which led to Wang Xiang being neglected by his father. Every time he was asked to clean the cattle shed, he did so meticulously. When his parents fell ill, he cared for them day and night without changing out of his clothes, and even tasted the medicine himself. Once, his stepmother wanted to eat raw fish during the freezing weather, so Wang Xiang stripped off his clothes to break the ice and catch some fish. Miraculously, the ice cracked open, and two carp jumped out, which he brought home. Another time, when his stepmother wanted to eat roasted sparrows, dozens of sparrows flew into his tent, just enough for a meal for his mother. The people in the village were all amazed, believing that Wang Xiang's devotion had touched the heavens. When the jujube trees in his family's garden bore fruit, his mother asked him to watch over them, and every time it was windy or rainy, Wang Xiang would cling to the trees in tears. His devotion to his parents was truly beyond words.

At the end of the Han Dynasty, the world was in chaos. Wang Xiang fled to Lujiang with his mother and younger brother Wang Lan, and lived in seclusion for more than thirty years, refusing the summons from the local authorities. After his mother passed away, Wang Xiang was grief-stricken and could barely stand without a cane. Later, the governor of Xuzhou, Lv Qian, invited him to serve as a deputy, but Wang Xiang, who was already in his sixties, firmly declined. After much persuasion from his brother Wang Lan, who prepared horses, cattle, and sheep for him, he finally agreed to go. Lv Qian entrusted him with the affairs of the province. At that time, there were thieves everywhere, but Wang Xiang led the soldiers to defeat them all. The situation in Xuzhou was restored to peace and the social order improved significantly. People sang praises of him, saying, "The peace and stability in Haiyi region are all thanks to Wang Xiang's contributions; the unity and stability of the country are all thanks to the efforts of Wang Xiang, the deputy."

Later, he was recommended as a scholar, became the magistrate of Wen County, and gradually rose through the ranks to become the Minister of Agriculture. When the noble Xianggong became emperor, Wang Xiang participated in formulating national policies, was ennobled as the Marquis of Guannei, became a Grand Tutor, and later became the Colonel of the Imperial Guard. He participated in the campaign against Guanqiu Jian and was granted an additional four hundred households, promoted to the position of Taichang, and ennobled as the Marquis of Wan Sui Pavilion. When the emperor inspected the Imperial Academy, Wang Xiang was appointed as one of the three elders. He sat facing south, leaning on his cane, teaching the emperor in the manner of a teacher. The emperor sat facing north, seeking advice on governing the country and maintaining peace. Wang Xiang explained the principles of governance and the responsibilities of rulers and subjects to the emperor, deeply moving and benefiting all who listened.

When the noble Xianggong was killed, the courtiers were all mourning. Wang Xiang cried out, "This old minister has failed in his duties!" Tears and snot streamed down his face, leaving everyone feeling ashamed. Shortly after, he was promoted to Minister of Works, then the Grand Commandant, and also served as an attendant. He was granted a five-rank title and ennobled as the Marquis of Suiling with a fief of sixteen hundred households.

After Wu Di ascended to the throne as the King of Jin, Xiang and Xun Yi went to pay their respects. Xun Yi said to Xiang, "The prince is now in a position of great honor. Since you have already shown your respect, you should now kneel." Xiang replied, "The Prime Minister is indeed highly esteemed, but he is, after all, the chancellor of the Wei state. We, the three dukes of Wei, rank just below the prince; our statuses are similar, and our customs are likewise. How can the three highest officials next to the Son of Heaven kneel to anyone else! This would tarnish Wei's reputation and diminish the virtue of the King of Jin. A gentleman should uphold propriety in his dealings; I cannot do this!" Once they entered the palace, Xun Yi knelt, while Xiang simply cupped his hands. Wu Di remarked, "Today I truly realize how much you value me!"

After Emperor Wu ascended to the throne, he appointed Xiang to the position of Grand Guardian, granted him the title of Duke, and bestowed upon him the powers of seven additional official positions. Emperor Wu was humble when he first took the throne and wanted to hear everyone's opinions. Xiang, He Ceng, Zheng Chong, and other venerable old ministers rarely attended court. So Emperor Wu sent Minister Ren Kai to seek their opinions and understand the direction of national governance and development. Xiang, because of his advanced age and declining health, requested retirement several times, but Emperor Wu refused. The Deputy Imperial Censor Hou Shiguang, seeing that Xiang had not attended court for a long time, requested to relieve Xiang of his official duties. The Emperor decreed, "The Grand Guardian is a respected old minister whom I use to assist me in governing the country. He has requested retirement several times before, and I have not agreed. This matter is not something you officials should be concerned about!" So the Emperor dismissed Hou Shiguang's memorial. Xiang insisted on retiring, so the Emperor granted his request, allowing him to retire with the title of Duke of Suiling, holding a status equivalent to that of the Prince's tutor, above the Three Departments, with the same salary and treatment. The Emperor decreed again, "In ancient times, retired officials no longer served the nobility. Although I have allowed you to reside in the capital as a Duke, you should no longer have to attend court. I reward you with a cane, exempting you from court attendance, and consulting you on important national matters. I grant you a comfortable carriage and four horses, a set in the finest residential area, one million cash, five hundred bolts of silk, including beds, canopies, mats, and mattresses. I provide you with six attendants and twenty cavalry. Additionally, I appoint Zhao, the Prince's Cavalry Lieutenant, as an Official Attendant, to visit your home regularly and ensure you can enjoy your retirement. In light of the Grand Guardian's integrity and his lack of proper housing, I permit him to stay in his original mansion until the new one is constructed."

He was very ill and left a will to instruct his descendants, saying: "Living means dying; that's just the way of nature. I've lived eighty-five years and have no regrets. I'm leaving you these final words to follow. I was born at the tail end of a dynasty and went through several promotions and assessments, but I haven't made any contributions to assist the emperor, and I don’t have anything to repay the court when I’m gone. After I die, just wash my hands and feet—no need for a bath or a shroud. Just wrap me in the old clothes I usually wear. Don’t use the awarded mountain jade pendants, the Wei family's jade rings, or the brocade boxes for burial. The soil on Ximang Mountain is solid enough; there’s no need for bricks or stones, nor to create a mound. Dig the grave two zhang deep; the coffin should just fit inside. Don’t set up a front hall or lay out a bunch of mats; just place a bed and a couch in front of the coffin. Set out a plate of cooked rice, a plate of dried meat, and a cup of dark wine for morning and evening offerings. Family members don’t need to attend the burial, regardless of their status; just wait for the big mourning ceremony to set out offerings. Don’t go against my final wishes! Gao Chai cried for his father for three years, which Confucius deemed foolish; Min Ziqian came out to meet people and played the zither in mourning after his period of mourning, which Confucius considered filial. So, the depth of sorrow in crying, how long you mourn, and how you arrange food all have their own rules. Your words and actions should match; that’s the essence of honesty; recognizing others' strengths while owning up to your own weaknesses is the heart of morality; wanting to bring honor to your family is the highest form of filial piety; getting along with your brothers and helping the family thrive is what friendship is all about; and knowing how to be humble when it comes to money is what being human is all about. Yan Hui saw these as life principles without giving it much thought; what else is out of reach?" His sons all followed the will as instructed.

He passed away in the fifth year of Tai Shi. The court issued an edict bestowing upon him precious items from the Eastern Garden, a set of court robes, a garment, three hundred thousand pieces of coin, and one hundred bolts of silk. At that time, Empress Dowager Wenming had just over a month earlier passed away. Later, the court issued another edict stating: "The mourning for Duke Sui Ling has persisted until now. While I have felt sorrow for this all along, I have yet to find the opportunity to express my grief properly. Now, let me weep in sorrow!" The following year, the court posthumously honored him with the title "Yuan."

After his death, those who came to pay their respects were not court scholars of high virtue, but rather his relatives, friends, and former subordinates; no other guests came to offer their condolences at home. His grandson Rong sighed and said, "The Grand Guardian truly embodies integrity and wisdom!" He further remarked, "Duke Xiang was not known for his eloquence during the Zheng Shi era. Yet, engaging in conversation with him revealed his reasoning to be both clear and profound; perhaps his virtue eclipsed his eloquence!" Duke Xiang had five sons: Zhao, Xia, Fu, Lie, and Fen.

Speaking of the Zhao family, their ancestor Zhao Nie passed away young, but fortunately, his son Fu inherited the title. During the years of Xian Ning, due to their dire poverty, the court granted them three hundred bolts of silk, and he was posthumously honored with the title "Filial." His son Gen inherited the title and became a Sanqi Lang. Zhao achieved the position of Governor of Shiping. Zhao's son Jun served as a palace attendant and was conferred the title of Yongshih Hou. Jun's son Xia became the Governor of Yulin. Zhao's grandsons Lie and Fen were famous from a young age and deeply loved by their grandfather, but sadly, both brothers passed away at a young age. Before his death, Lie wished to be buried back home, while Fen wanted to be buried in the capital. Their grandfather Xiang sorrowfully said, "Forgetting one's hometown is a sign of benevolence; being unattached to one's native land shows wisdom. My two sons exemplify both benevolence and wisdom!"

Next, let's discuss Xiang's son, Lan. His courtesy name was Xuantong. His mother, Lady Zhu, was domineering and unreasonable, often mistreating Xiang. When Lan was young, he would cry and hug his father when he saw him being scolded by his mother. As he grew up, Lan often advised his mother, which led Lady Zhu to somewhat temper her cruel behavior. Lady Zhu frequently created trouble for Xiang, and Lan's wife also endured the same suffering. Seeing this situation, Lady Zhu started to hold back. After Xiang's father passed away, he gradually gained a reputation. However, Lady Zhu was extremely jealous and secretly tried to poison Xiang. Lan noticed this and immediately got up to get wine. Suspecting it was poisoned, Xiang refused to drink, so Lady Zhu took the wine and drank it herself. From then on, when Lady Zhu sent food to Xiang, Lan always tasted it first. Lady Zhu was afraid Lan would harm her, so she eventually dared not to try anything again.

Lan was filial, friendly, respectful, and cautious, and his reputation even surpassed that of his father, Xiang. When Xiang held an official position, Lan also responded to the call of his county and gradually rose to become a county official, then the Minister of Works, Western Bureau, and finally the Administrator of Qinghe. After the establishment of the five grades of nobility, he was granted the title of Jiqiu Zi and given a fief of six hundred households. Towards the end of the Taishi era, he served as the Intendant of Hongxun. Later, he was appointed as the Grand Master of the Palace, with a salary and privileges equivalent to those of a minister. During the Xianning era, the court issued a decree proclaiming, "Lan has exhibited noble character since childhood, with benevolence and righteousness as his foundation, and his integrity has become even more steadfast with age. He is appointed as the Minister of Lineage!" Not long after, Lan, due to illness, requested retirement in a memorial to the court. The court approved his request, permitting him to retire in the capacity of Grand Master of the Palace, granting him two hundred thousand pieces of silver, as well as bedding and other items, and sending palace physicians to treat him and provide medicine. He was later promoted to the rank of Glorious Regular Attendant, and he traveled with a procession of carriages and horses.

In the fourth year of Xianning, Lan passed away at the age of seventy-three and was posthumously conferred the title "Zheng." He left behind six sons: Cai, Ji, Hui, Zheng, Yan, and Chen.

It is said that the first character cutter is the Chief Military Historian; the first character establisher is the Imperial Historian; the character combiner is the Assistant Imperial Historian; the character corrector is the Gentleman of Rites; the character governor is the Central Guard; the character expert is the National University Libationer. These are all formidable figures!

Lv Qian had a precious sword with exquisite craftsmanship. He felt that this sword was not worthy of anyone below the rank of a high official, so he gave it to Xiang. Lv Qian said to Xiang, "If this sword falls into the hands of someone who shouldn't use it, it will bring disaster. You will definitely assist the king in the future, so I am giving you this sword." Xiang initially refused, but Lv Qian insisted on giving it to him. Before he died, Xiang passed the sword to his son Lan, saying, "Your family will surely prosper in the future, and this sword is meant for you!" Sure enough, Lan's descendants were talented and well-known in the Jiangzuo region. As for Cai Zidao, that's a different story.

Zheng Chong, styled Wenhe, was from Kaifeng in Xingyang. He came from a poor background but was upright, lived simply, did not pursue fame and fortune, and was deeply engrossed in classical texts, possessing profound knowledge and understanding of Confucianism and various schools of thought. He had a dignified appearance, and his words and actions were very proper; he was honest and never sought local fame, causing local officials to overlook him for many years. Later, when Wei Wendi was the crown prince, he sought out talented individuals and named Zheng Chong as a literary official. Zheng Chong then rose through the ranks to become a Minister of Documents and was later appointed as the governor of Chenliu. Zheng Chong was cultured and known for his integrity in office, lived frugally, and never pursued wealth, which earned him the respect of the people. The Grand General Cao Shuang summoned him as a Colonel, and he was later promoted to a Sanqi Changshi (Regular Attendant) and Guanglu Xun (Grand Master of Ceremonies). In the third year of Jiaping, he was appointed as Sikong. When the Duke of Gaoqing was explaining the "Book of Documents," Zheng Chong personally held the text and provided explanations, receiving rewards along with the court attendant Zheng Xiaotong. Soon after, he was promoted to Situ. After the Duke of Changdao ascended the throne, he named Zheng Chong as Taibao, a position above the three departments, and conferred upon him the title of Marquis of Shouguang. Even though Zheng Chong was high-ranking and powerful, he never participated in court disputes. At that time, when Wei Wendi was in power and had pacified Shu Han, he ordered Jia Chong, Yang Hu, and others to set up rituals and laws, always first seeking Zheng Chong's opinion before implementation. When Emperor Wei abdicated, he sent Zheng Chong to receive the imperial edict. After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he appointed him as Taifu and also elevated his nobility, granting him the title of Gong. Not long after, the Inspector General Li Xi and the Deputy Censor-in-Chief Hou Shiguang put in a request stating that Zheng Chong, He Zeng, Xun Yi, and others should be exempted from their positions due to illness. The emperor refused. Zheng Chong simply stopped showing up for work and put in a request for retirement, resigning from his official position. The emperor issued a special edict forbidding his retirement and even sent envoys to persuade him. Zheng Chong firmly declined to hold office and returned his seals, but the emperor still refused to let him go.

In the sixth year of the Tai Shi era, the emperor issued a decree saying: "In the past, Emperor Gaozu of Han succeeded in pacifying the world because of his talent for recognizing and employing capable individuals, honoring their contributions and crediting Zhang Liang, Xiao He, and Han Xin as the 'Three Talents.' He then made a blood oath with the meritorious officials, placing the agreement in the ancestral hall, with a copy stored by the appropriate officials, to commemorate their achievements and strengthen the royal authority.

My ancestors endured many hardships, selecting and employing outstanding talents, working together with them to ultimately accomplish great national affairs and establish a great legacy. Grand Tutor Duke Zheng Chong of Shouguang, Grand Protector Duke He Ceng of Langling, and Grand Marshal Duke Xun Yi of Linhuai all possessed noble character, were benevolent, righteous, open, upright, loyal, and dependable, serving the late emperor and contributing to the imperial legacy.

Minister of Works Duke Wang Shen of Boling and General Marquis Yang Hu of Juping, both accomplished in literature and martial arts, I hold them in high regard. Doesn't the Book of Documents say: 'Heaven has its laws, five garments and five chapters!'

I will now appoint Langzhongling for the states of Shouguang, Langling, Linhuai, Boling, and Juping, and grant their wives and heirs official seals and ribbons, with salaries set at one-third of the original amount, and their status will be equal to that of dukes and marquises."

Nine years later, Chong once again submitted a request for retirement. The emperor issued a decree saying, "Grand Tutor, your virtue is profound, your character is noble, you embody purity and detachment, truly a rarity in this world. You have diligently assisted the royal family for over sixty years, loyal and upright, always putting the public good before personal interests. You have been recommended multiple times and held three important positions. You have also taken on the heavy responsibility of protecting the heir, participated in discussions on national affairs, gloriously assisted several generations of kings, showcasing your outstanding talent, devising strategies, achieving great accomplishments, truly a pillar of the court, admired by all! I am not yet well-versed in state affairs, many matters have not been handled properly, and I greatly admire your experience and teachings, hoping to make use of your wisdom to further prosper the country. However, you have repeatedly requested retirement due to your advanced age and frailty. If I truly let you retire, who can I turn to for advice? It's like trying to cross a river without knowing how to reach the other bank. So for all these years, I have not agreed to your request. But your determination to retire is firm, and I find it hard to oppose your wishes, as I am deeply touched by your sincerity. Achieving success and fame without being arrogant, this is the highest moral realm; fulfilling the aspirations of others is the mark of a true gentleman. Must I satisfy my reliance on you and go against your noble character and code of conduct? Now I will comply with your wishes, allowing you to retire as the Grand Tutor, with the same rank as the Protector, above the Three Offices. Take good care of your health, enjoy family happiness, and seek longevity. I grant you a few walking sticks, and you need not attend court anymore. Wise monarchs in ancient times highly respected the elderly, humbly listening to their opinions to make up for their own shortcomings. If there are any major state affairs, your opinion will be sought. I also grant you carriages and horses, the best residence, one million coins, five hundred rolls of silk, as well as beds, curtains, bamboo mats, mattresses, etc., along with six attendants and twenty cavalry, and appoint your son Hui as a Cavalier Attendant, so he can accompany you frequently, making it convenient for you to enter the palace at any time. Your salary, rewards, and the enfeoffment ceremony will be even more generous than before.

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In the second year of his reign, Chong passed away. The emperor held funeral rites for him in the court, posthumously granting him the title of Grand Tutor, bestowing him ritual vessels, court robes, a full set of clothing, 300,000 coins, and 100 bolts of cloth. His posthumous title was "Cheng." In the early years of Xian Ning, relevant authorities petitioned to inscribe Chong's name along with twelve others, including Prince Anping Fu, on the Taichang Temple's memorial stone, to be honored in the ancestral temple.

Initially, Chong, along with Sun Yong, Cao Xi, Xun Yi, and He Yan, collected and organized the best parts of various interpretations of the Analects, recording their names, and then organized the material according to their meanings. Any inappropriate sections were revised, and the work was named "Collected Explanations of the Analects." After completion, he presented it to the Wei court, and this book has been preserved to this day.

Chong had no sons, so he designated his son Hui to inherit his title, and later Hui became the Prefect of Pingyuan. After Hui's passing, his son Jian succeeded to the title.

He Ceng, styled Yingkao, was a native of Yangxia in the State of Chen. His father Kui had served as the Grand Master of the Wei dynasty and the Marquis of Yangwu Pavilion. He Ceng inherited his father's title at a young age; he was passionate about learning, well-educated, and renowned alongside Yuan Kan from the same commandery. When Emperor Ming of Wei first ascended the throne, He Ceng was granted the title of Marquis of Pingyuan and appointed to literary duties. Later, he continuously rose in rank, eventually rising to the positions of Cavalry Attendant, General of Agriculture in Jizhou, and Attendant of the Yellow Gate.

He submitted a memorial, saying: "It is said that governing a country should be based on tranquility, while the common people should be supported by good officials. Now, poverty is widespread across the country, and there are many forced labor obligations; it is indeed necessary to show compassion for the people and bring them joy. Although the power of the county magistrate is not great, they govern a vast area, which is akin to the feudal lords of ancient times. The county magistrate must convey the court's benevolence to benefit the people and work to advance benefits and rectify wrongs. Choosing the right people can bring stability, while choosing the wrong ones can lead to chaos. Emperor Xuan of Han once said: 'The reason the common people can live and work in peace, free from sighs of sorrow, is that the government is clear and their lawsuits are handled justly. Those who can achieve this with me are probably only those outstanding officials of the second rank!' This truly reflects an understanding of the fundamental way to govern a country! Currently, the nation is engaged in large-scale military operations, and the newly levied taxes are numerous, with troops deployed far away, exhausting both the soldiers and the people. It is easy for the people to share in the fruits of victory with them, but difficult to engage them in the country's concerns from the outset. Ignorant people only concern themselves with immediate, trivial matters and forget the dangers of causing great disasters, so the county magistrate must not choose the wrong people. Although it is hard to find talent, they should at least generally possess prestige and benevolence, so that the people can trust and respect them. I have heard that some county magistrates, when they grow old or fall ill, transfer their power to their clerks and neglect the people's affairs; or they are lazy and do not take governance to heart; after many years in office, they have not brought any benefits to the people, yet during evaluations, their misdeeds are not serious enough to merit dismissal. As a result, they can remain in their positions indefinitely. I propose we discreetly direct the relevant departments to conduct investigations into the county magistrates; those who are old or ill but do not report to the court, and those who do not consider the people but only seek to flatter the powerful, harming the populace, should all be summoned back and replaced with new appointees." Soon after, He was promoted to an official of the Palace Guard.

When Emperor Xuan planned to attack Liaodong, he first presented a memorial to the Wei Emperor, saying: "I have heard that ancient wise kings were always very cautious when establishing legal systems. Therefore, when appointing officials, they would always have deputies; when going to war, they would have deputy generals; when sending messengers, they would have deputy envoys; and even on the battlefield, they would have advisors on the left and right to fully utilize strategies and prevent unexpected events. This ensures that in times of danger and difficulty, they can help and support one another; in case someone fell ill or faced unexpected situations, there would be someone to take their place. This has far-reaching benefits for national defense. The Han Dynasty also did this—when Han Xin attacked the Zhao Kingdom, Zhang Er was his deputy; when Ma Yuan conquered Jiaozhi, Liu Long served as his deputy. These examples from previous dynasties are recorded in historical books. Now the Grand Commandant has been tasked with suppressing the rebels with elite troops numbering in the tens of thousands, covering a long and perilous journey of four thousand miles. Even with divine intervention allowing for victory without battle, the enemy may escape secretly, causing delays. Since there is no definite deadline for the orders, and people are not made of stone, thorough consideration and adequate preparation are necessary, hence the need for a deputy. The northern generals and those under the Grand Commandant are all of similar rank, without clear leadership or command relationships. In an emergency, no one can take command. We must not forget the pain of losing a country; I urge Your Majesty to seriously consider my proposal. I believe a senior official and general with high respect and extensive experience should be chosen, given an appropriate position, and sent to the northern army to strategize together and act as a deputy in critical moments. Even in unforeseen circumstances, having a reliable leader in the army would alleviate concerns." However, the Wei Emperor ignored his advice. Later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Henei and gained a reputation for his strictness. He was later summoned as a Palace Attendant, but when his mother passed away, he resigned and returned home to observe the mourning period.

During the Jiaping period, he served as the Colonel of the Imperial Guard. At that time, Yin Mo, the military officer, abused his power and engaged in corruption, amassing a significant fortune. Everyone feared him, and no one dared to speak out. Zeng Zigu submitted a memorial accusing him, and the court accepted his memorial. While Cao Shuang held power, the emperor feigned illness. Following Cao Shuang's execution, Zeng Zigu was reinstated. When the Wei Emperor was deposed, Zeng Zigu was also involved.

Ruan Ji, a military officer, was very talented, but he was unrestrained and did not adhere to proper conduct even during mourning. A man named Wang Zeng directly accused Ruan Ji in front of the emperor: "This man indulges his emotions, disregards etiquette, and undermines social norms. Now the court is full of loyal and capable officials who scrutinize the conduct of their peers. Individuals like Ruan Ji should not be permitted to remain!" He also told the emperor: "Your Majesty governs the realm with filial piety, but you allow Ruan Ji to indulge in excess in your presence. This is intolerable! He should be driven away to prevent him from tainting the entire nation!" The emperor said, "This kid is so weak, can't you tolerate him?" Wang Zeng argued several times, making very reasonable points. Although the emperor did not fully listen to him, people of that era held Wang Zeng in great admiration and fear.

After Guan Qiu Jian was killed, his son Guan Qiu Dian and his wife Xun Shi were both sentenced to death. Xun Shi's clan brother and clan uncle had family ties with Emperor Jing, and they jointly petitioned Emperor Jing, requesting a pardon for Xun Shi. The emperor ordered that she be allowed to divorce. Xun Shi's daughter, Xun Zhi, was the wife of Liu Zi Yuan, the governor of Yingchuan, and she was also sentenced to death due to her involvement and was imprisoned because she was pregnant. Xun Shi sought help from Wang Zeng, saying, "My daughter is currently in the Ting Wei jail; she knows her time is short and is just waiting for her execution. I’m willing to sell myself as a servant to save my daughter's life." Wang Zeng, feeling sympathetic, petitioned the court on her behalf. The court officials all agreed that this should be done, so the law was changed. This incident is documented in the "Criminal Law Chronicle."

Wang Zeng served as a Colonel of the Inspectorate for many years and was later promoted to a high-ranking official position. As he was preparing to guard the border, Emperor Wen personally sent Emperor Wu and Prince Qi to escort him for several miles. Wang warmly welcomed them, preparing a sumptuous feast to entertain them. The officials and guards who followed them all drank freely and feasted. After bidding farewell to the Emperor, he visited his son, Wang Shao. Wang had previously instructed Wang Shao: "Guests will definitely come to visit you, you must be prepared in advance." As a result, Wang Shao did not wear a hat or court attire, causing the Emperor to wait a considerable time. Wang reprimanded Wang Shao harshly for this. It can be seen how respected Wang was at that time. Later, he was promoted to General of the Northern Campaign and was granted the title of Marquis of Yingchang. In the early years of the Xianxi era, he was appointed as the Minister of State and his title was changed to Marquis of Langling. After Emperor Wen ascended to the throne as King Jin, Wang, Gao Rou, and Zheng Chong served together as the Three Excellencies. When they went to the palace to pay respects to King Jin, Wang respectfully performed the ceremony alone, while Gao Rou and Zheng Chong only greeted with a bow. After Emperor Wu inherited the throne, he appointed He Zeng as an attendant minister, as he had previously served as Prime Minister of the Jin Dynasty and had supported him to ascend the throne along with Pei Xiu, Wang Shen, and others. After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he appointed He Zeng as Grand Marshal and elevated him to the rank of Duke, with a fief consisting of 1,800 households.

In the early years of the Tai Shi period, the emperor issued a decree saying: "It is because of your assistance and mediation that the country has stabilized and the nation is stable, which allows for the smooth governance of the realm. Grand Commandant He Ceng is of noble character, loyal and devoted, with profound knowledge and broad insights, who assisted the late emperor with significant contributions. I have inherited the great achievements of the late emperor and taken charge of the royal affairs, following the practices of my predecessors, and I should also entrust you with important responsibilities. You have indeed helped me in prospering and illuminating the political landscape. Although the positions in the Three Departments all serve to assist royal affairs, if they cannot assist me effectively, the country will struggle to remain stable. Therefore, simply appointing you as Grand Commandant does not adequately reflect your importance. I now appoint you as Grand Protector, while your position as Grand Commandant remains unchanged." After a while, He Ceng was also appointed as Minister of State. He Ceng firmly declined, but the emperor insisted and sent the Palace Attendant to convey the imperial decree, and it was only then that he began to take office. He was later promoted to Grand Tutor.

He Zeng requested retirement multiple times despite his old age. The Emperor issued a decree saying, "Grand Preceptor, you are upright and resolute, a pillar of the country with your wisdom and experience. You have noble character and have declined official positions multiple times. My own virtues are shallow, and I rely on your assistance. I was deeply moved after reading your memorials. Although I wish to fulfill your wishes, how can I forget your contributions? Moreover, the duties of the Grand Preceptor are heavy, and I cannot let someone of your age bear such burdens for too long. I now appoint you as Grand Preceptor, with your position as Palace Attendant unchanged. During court meetings, you may don court attire and ride in a carriage to the court, just like the Prime Ministers of the Han Dynasty, Xiao He and Tian Qianqiu, and the Grand Tutor of Wei, Zhong Yao. You will be granted one hundred thousand pieces of gold, five hundred rolls of silk, and including an eight-foot-wide bed, curtains, mats, and bedding. In addition, you will be provided with a Chief Clerk, Assistant Clerks, Libationer, and other officials and subordinates, all to be handled according to the usual procedures. Your personal guards and cavalry will also remain unchanged. Relevant departments are to make all preparations according to the ceremonial regulations." From then on, every time He Zeng was summoned, he was ordered to bring his usual food, clothing, and personal items, and his two sons were allowed to serve him.

In the fourth year of Xianning, Zeng Yuan passed away at the age of eighty. The Emperor held a mourning ceremony in the court, dressed in mourning attire, and granted him valuable burial goods from Dongyuan, a set of court attire, a garment, three hundred thousand coins, and one hundred rolls of cloth. As the burial approached, the ceremonial officials began discussing posthumous titles. Scholar Qin Xiu proposed the posthumous title "Miao Chou," but the Emperor disagreed and personally conferred the title "Filial." During the Taikang era, Zeng Yuan's son, Zeng Shao, submitted a petition requesting that the posthumous title be changed to "Yuan."

Zeng Yuan was a particularly filial person, both at home and outside, everything was well-organized. From childhood to adulthood, there was never any talk of him favoring concubines or showing favoritism towards any woman. As he grew older, when he met his wife, they had to dress neatly and show mutual respect, just as one would when hosting guests. He sat facing south, his wife facing north; he would first bow to his wife, then offer a toast, and after they exchanged toasts, he would leave. They met like this only two or three times a year. Earlier, Sima Xianwei Fu Xuan wrote an article praising Zeng Yuan and Xun Yi, saying: "Those who serve their parents with the teachings of King Wen are Zeng Yuan and Xun Yi! In ancient times, Zeng Shen and Min Sun were praised; now, it is Xun Yi and Zeng Yuan who are praised. They serve their parents wholeheartedly at home and treat people outside with respect and humility. Filial sons serve as role models for future generations, while benevolent people set examples for the world. Practicing filial piety exemplifies what it means to be a gentleman. The Classic of Poetry says: 'Looking up at the high mountains, traveling with dignity.' Those who do not emulate the admirable virtues of Zeng Shen and Min Sun are not truly committed to the path of righteousness." He also said: "Xun Yi and Zeng Yuan are true models of gentlemen!" He also said: "Zeng Yuan served his parents, truly embodying the essence of filial piety! When his parents were alive, he served them wholeheartedly; when his parents passed away, he was grief-stricken; I can see all of this in Zeng Yuan." He also said: "He treated his parents' relatives as if they were his own parents; even at sixty, he remained as filial as a child; I can see all of this in Zeng Yuan."

However, Zeng Yuan was a particularly extravagant person, pursuing lavishness. His tents, carriages, and clothes were all extremely magnificent; his meals were even more elaborate than the emperor's. Every time the emperor summoned him, he would not eat the official prepared meals, and the emperor would always order his own meals to be brought in. He would only eat steamed buns if they were cracked in a cross shape. He spent ten thousand coins a day on food and still claimed it was not enough. When someone sent him a letter on a small piece of paper, he would instruct his secretaries not to inform him. Liu Yi and others repeatedly accused Zeng Yuan of being excessively extravagant, but because he was a senior official, the emperor did not question him about anything.

Liu Xiang once submitted a formal accusation against Zeng Yuan for extravagance and waste, saying he used copper hooks to hang his carriage curtains and polished the hooves of his cattle until they shone brightly. Later, Zeng Yuan invited Liu Xiang to serve as his assistant. Some of his friends advised Liu Xiang not to go, but he said that one should be fair and not refuse because of personal grievances, so he went. Zeng Yuan often punished Liu Xiang for trivial matters, appearing generous outwardly while being inwardly jealous, similar to this incident. At that time, Sikong Jia Chong had great power, and Zeng Yuan tried to please Jia Chong. When Jia Chong and Yu Chun had a conflict due to drinking, Zeng Yuan sided with Jia Chong and suppressed Yu Chun, resulting in criticism from honest individuals. He had two sons, Zun and Shao, with Shao ultimately inheriting the family title.

Ceng Shao, also known as Jingzu, was the same age as Emperor Jinwu when he was young, and the two were good friends from childhood. When Emperor Jinwu was the crown prince, he appointed Ceng Shao as Zhong Shuzi. After Emperor Jinwu ascended the throne, he promoted Ceng Shao to the position of Cavalier Attendant of the Imperial Guard. Emperor Jinwu held him in high regard. Ceng Shao was dignified and graceful, and when distant guests came to pay their respects, Emperor Jinwu always had Ceng Shao accompany them. Whenever tributes came from various regions, Emperor Jinwu would always reward Ceng Shao first and observe his expression of gratitude. In the early years of the Xianning era, it was reported that Ceng Shao and his brother Ceng Zun accepted bribes from the former county magistrate Yuan Yi of Gexian. Even though they had been pardoned, they should still be barred from holding office. This case was brought before the Ministry of Justice. Emperor Jinwu issued an edict stating, "The Grand Guardian, referring to Ceng Shao's father, and Yuan Yi have had a relationship for several generations, and the bribes received by Ceng Zun and his brother were not substantial. This case shall be dismissed." Subsequently, Ceng Shao was promoted to the position of Imperial Secretary.

After Emperor Hui of Jin ascended to the throne, he had just established the Eastern Court. Since the Crown Prince was still young, he wanted him to participate more in political affairs. Therefore, he carefully selected six people to assist the Crown Prince, including Zeng Shao. He appointed him as the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince and concurrently managed the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel. Later, he was promoted to a higher position several times, eventually becoming the Left Minister of the Secretariat. Zeng Shao was knowledgeable and skilled in writing, discussing modern historical events with remarkable clarity. In the early years of the Yongkang period, he was promoted to Minister of State. When Prince Zhao Lun usurped the throne, he appointed Zeng Shao as Grand Preceptor. When the Rebellion of the Eight Princes broke out, although Zeng Shao held a high position, he navigated the political landscape without alienating any factions. However, like his father, he lived a luxurious and extravagant life. Clothes, furs, and playthings piled high, both new and old. He must eat exotic delicacies from all over the country, spending as much as twenty thousand coins daily on meals. People at that time all said that even the imperial cuisine could not compare to his. Despite his high position, he remained carefree and was not power-hungry. He once said to his fellow villager Wang Quan, "Although my official position is very high, there is nothing worth praising. The only notable event I can claim is when I advised the scholar Xiahou Changrong." His writings, including the biographies of Xun Can and Wang Bi, as well as some memorial articles, have been passed down through the ages. He died in the first year of Yongning and was posthumously honored with the title 'Kang.' His son Zeng Qi inherited his title. When Shao passed away, Yuan Can went to offer condolences, but Shao's brother Qi declined, citing illness as his reason. Yuan Can emerged in tears, saying, "This year, I will have to demote a servant girl." Wang Quan advised him, "Why do you need to see the living? Qi committed many crimes in the past, but you did not lower his rank then. Now that Shao has just died, if you demote Qi now, people will say that honest officials fear the powerful and prey on the weak." Yuan Can then reconsidered his decision.

Zun, style name Sizu, is Shao's half-brother. He was talented when he was young, initially serving as a cavalier attendant, court advisor, and palace attendant, and was promoted several times, eventually becoming Grand Minister of Ceremonies. He tended to be extravagant and indulgent, ordering artisans in the imperial household to make palace items and selling official goods, which resulted in his dismissal after being reported by Liu Yi, the Commandant of Justice. In the early years of the Taikang reign, he was appointed Prefect of Wei Commandery, later promoted to Minister Steward, then dismissed again, and finally died at home, leaving four sons: Song, Sui, Ji, and Xian.

Song, style name Taiji, was generous and benevolent, enjoying the company of scholars, and was well-versed in a wide range of literature, especially skilled in "Records of the Grand Historian" and "Book of Han." He held some leisurely official positions when he was young and later served as an Official Historian.

Sui, style name Bowei, rose to the rank of Palace Attendant and Imperial Secretary. Due to his distinguished family background, he lived a life of excessive luxury, was frivolous, and wrote letters with an air of arrogance. After the Prince of Chengyang, Sima Ni, read Sui's letters, he said to others, "Bowei lives in turbulent times and is so arrogant; how could he possibly escape disaster?" Liu Yu and Pan Tao falsely accused him in front of the Prince of Donghai, Sima Yue, who then killed Sui on the orders of Sima Yue. Earlier, Sui had served Emperor Wu, Sima Yan, at banquets and later told Zun and others, "The country has received the mandate of heaven and established its foundation, inheriting the imperial lineage. Every time I attend banquets, I never hear discussions about the nation's long-term strategies; only trivial matters are discussed, without any thought for the future of our descendants. Only concerned with personal enjoyment, what will become of our descendants? This is a concern for future generations! Perhaps you may still be able to escape disasters." He pointed to his grandsons and said, "These boys will surely face the horrors of war." After Sui's death, Song cried and said, "Oh, my ancestors! You were truly wise sages!"

Ji held the position of magistrate in Zouping County. His personality was quite arrogant, forcing the prominent families in the village, like Xie Kun, to acknowledge him. Some advised him, "In etiquette, one should respect elders and those of higher status, but the most important thing is to win people over with virtue. Forcing Xie Kun to pay his respects to you may damage customs." Ji felt no shame.

Xian served as the magistrate of Lihuxian County. He was both arrogant and stingy, tyrannizing the populace. The villagers despised him and regarded him as an enemy. At the end of Yongjia, the He family was annihilated, not leaving a single survivor.

Shi Bao, style name Zhongrong, was from Nanpi, Hebei. He was cheerful and open-minded, very talented and strategic, tall and handsome, but not very attentive to details. So, at that time, some people said of him, "Shi Zhongrong is very handsome; no one can compare." He was initially appointed by the county as the Agricultural Sergeant (official in charge of agriculture).

Once, the envoy Guo Xuan from Yangdi needed someone to drive a cart, and the sergeant recommended Shi Bao and Deng Ai. After walking more than ten miles, Guo Xuan said to them, "Both of you will reach high positions in the future!" Shi Bao said, "We are just cart drivers now; how can we reach high positions?" Later, he was sent to Ye City for business, but the issue lingered unresolved for a long time, so he decided to sell iron in the market. The market manager of Ye City, Zhao Yuanru from Pei State, was very good at judging people. He noticed Shi Bao and sensed that he was unlike anyone else, so they became friends. Zhao Yuanru sighed that Shi Bao possessed foresight and would definitely assist the court in the future, and from then on, Shi Bao's reputation spread. He went to see the Ministry of Personnel official Xu Yun, hoping to secure a position in a small county. Xu Yun said to Shi Bao, "You are a talent like me; we should help each other achieve something in the court. Why do you want to go to a small county?" Shi Bao returned feeling very emotional, not expecting Xu Yun to comprehend him so thoroughly.

Later, Shi Bao gradually rose through the ranks and became the Central Military Commander under Emperor Jing. When Emperor Xuan heard that Shi Bao was known for his womanizing and had questionable character, he advised Emperor Jing against him. Emperor Jing replied, "Although Shi Bao has some shortcomings in personal conduct, he possesses the talent and strategy to govern the country. Those with upright character do not necessarily manage worldly affairs effectively. Duke Huan of Qi overlooked Guan Zhong's flaws but valued him for his grand plans to expand his influence; Emperor Gao of Han tolerated Chen Ping's flaws but utilized his extraordinary strategies. While Shi Bao may not yet compare to Guan Zhong or Chen Ping, he is certainly a talented individual in his own right!" With this, Emperor Xuan dispelled his concerns. Shi Bao was assigned to Ye City, where he served as the General of Agricultural Affairs. At that time, many of the lords of the Wei state resided in Ye City, and the Minister of Works, Ding Mi, was extremely powerful and often engaged in corruption and bribery. Shi Bao submitted a memorial to impeach their crimes, which earned him even greater acclaim. He successively served as the Governor of Donglai and the Governor of Langya, achieving significant political success wherever he went. Eventually, he was promoted to the Inspector of Xuzhou.

It is said that Emperor Wen faced defeat at the Eastern Pass, and only Deng Ai successfully withdrew his troops. Emperor Wen pointed to the staff in his hand and said to Deng Ai, "I really regret not giving you this staff back then to achieve that important mission!" Thus, he promoted Deng Ai to General of Valiant Arms, giving him the staff to oversee the military in Qingzhou.

Later, Zhuge Dan raised an army in rebellion in Huainan, and Deng Ai led the troops from Qingzhou, bringing along the Governor of Yanzhou, Zhou Tai, and the Governor of Xuzhou, Hu Zhi, to assemble elite soldiers into a mobile force to defend against foreign invasions. Sun Wu dispatched generals Zhu Yi, Ding Feng, and others to support Zhuge Dan, who left their supplies in Dulu and crossed the Lishui River in light armor. Deng Ai and his forces launched a fierce attack and achieved a decisive victory. Hu Lie, the governor of Taishan, used a surprise force to ambush Dulu from a secret route, destroying all their grain and supplies. Zhu Yi and the remnants of his forces fled, and Shouchun City was pacified. The emperor then appointed Deng Ai as the General of the Eastern Command and conferred upon him the title of Marquis of Dongguang, also giving him a ceremonial staff. Soon after, Deng Ai replaced Wang Ji as the military governor of Yangzhou.

Later, Deng Ai went to the capital to pay a visit to the emperor, and on his return journey, he visited the Duke of Gaoguixiang, where the two talked for hours. After leaving, Deng Ai said to Emperor Wen, "He's not just any ruler!" A few days later, the Cheng Ji incident occurred (the specific details of the Cheng Ji incident are not mentioned here, only referenced). Subsequently, Deng Ai was promoted to General of the Eastern Expedition and soon after to General of the Cavalry.

Emperor Wen passed away, and Jia Chong and Xun Xu were discussing the funeral arrangements, which had not been finalized. At this time, Deng Ai rushed to the mourning and wept bitterly, saying, "The foundation of the Cao family has come to this, and I can only end my life as a subject!" Thus, the funeral arrangements were finally settled. Later, Deng Ai often persuaded Emperor Wei alongside Chen Qian, saying that the cycle of dynasties was coming to an end, and the Mandate of Heaven had shifted to someone else. When the Wei dynasty abdicated, Deng Ai played a crucial role. After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, Deng Ai was appointed as the Grand Marshal, promoted to Duke of Yeling, and granted the title of Palace Attendant, enjoying the honors of feathered banners and drums.

After Zhuge Liang's death, Shi Bao was stationed in Huainan. His soldiers were strong and numerous, and there were many border affairs to attend to. He was diligent in handling political affairs and was able to govern in an orderly manner through a combination of kindness and firmness. However, Wang Chen, the Inspector of the North, looked down on Shi Bao's background. Upon hearing a rumor that said, "In the palace, a great horse is turned into a donkey, a heavy stone weighs down and cannot be moved," he secretly reported that Shi Bao was colluding with the Wu state. Earlier, there were people observing celestial phenomena who said, "There will be a large army rising in the southeast." When Wang Chen's report reached the emperor, he became very suspicious of Shi Bao. Coincidentally, at this time, Hu Lie, the Inspector of Jingzhou, also reported that the Wu army was preparing to invade. Upon receiving this news, Shi Bao fortified the waterways and strengthened defenses. The emperor asked Yang Hu, "The Wu army always attacks from both the east and west, but this time they are only coming from one direction. Could it be that Shi Bao actually harbors treacherous intentions?" Yang Hu knew what was happening, but the emperor was still uncertain. Just then, Shi Bao's son, Shi Qiao, who was serving as a court official, was summoned by the emperor but did not show up. The emperor suspected that Shi Bao had indeed betrayed him and sought to punish him in secret. Therefore, a decree was issued stating that Shi Bao failed to anticipate the enemy's movements, disturbed the people by fortifying the waterways, and he was relieved of his position. Grand Commandant Wang Wang of Yiyang was ordered to lead a large army to suppress any potential rebellion. The General of the East, Prince Langye Zhu, was ordered to rush from Xiapi to Shouchun for reinforcements. Following the advice of his adviser Sun Shuo, Shi Bao led his troops out of the city on foot and waited at the capital's outskirts to demonstrate his remorse. Upon hearing this, the emperor's suspicions were laid to rest. After arriving in the capital, Shi Bao's title was restored, and he returned to his home. Although Shi Bao felt ashamed for not completing his mission, he bore no resentment.

At this time, the official Guo Yi of Ye County submitted a petition to defend Shi Bao. The emperor issued a decree saying, "Former Grand Marshal Shi Bao is loyal, upright, talented, and has outstanding abilities. His contributions to the governance of the country are evident to all. He should be appointed to an important position to assist the court in governing the country. Let him be appointed as the Minister of Agriculture!" However, some officials submitted a memorial stating, "Shi Bao has made mistakes in the past and is unfit for this position. Allowing him to return home was already generous; he should not be promoted again." The emperor said, "The state of Wu is weak and is unlikely to amount to much. As long as the border defense is consolidated and prevents enemy invasions, that is sufficient. Shi Bao's strategy is different from mine; he is overly concerned about the enemy, which is why he was recalled and given a new appointment. Just like how Deng Yu suffered setbacks in Guanzhong, but eventually assisted the Han Dynasty, should we overlook his great achievements because of one mistake?" So Shi Bao officially took office.

In his report, Bao suggested, "There is no reward and punishment system for agricultural production in various states and counties. Some subordinate officials should be sent to inspect and assess the situation in each region, and then reward or punish accordingly." The emperor said, "Developing agricultural production is a major issue for governing the country and ensuring peace. To stabilize society, increase profits, and eliminate disadvantages, it is essential to first make the people prosperous before educating them. However, with continuous warfare across the country, huge national expenditures, and previous experiences of war and natural disasters, the national treasury is empty and the people are suffering. In ancient times, agricultural production was overseen by the Minister of Agriculture. Although there are officials specifically discussing these matters now, the governance of the country should adapt to the current circumstances. Therefore, during the times of Yao and Shun, the official in charge of agriculture held a crucial role. Now the Minister of Agriculture can take on this responsibility, as he is dedicated to the country and has the determination and willingness to sacrifice his own wealth for the nation. Let him inspect the agricultural production in various states and counties; let him be responsible for this matter, and the emperor will wait for the results. If additional personnel are needed for inspection, then ten more subordinate officials will be added, selecting experienced individuals from the palace." During his tenure, Bao worked diligently, and the emperor consistently entrusted him with significant responsibilities.

In the eighth year of the Tai Shi era, Bao passed away. The emperor mourned for him in the court, granting him precious items, a set of court robes, a garment, three hundred thousand pieces of silver, and one hundred bolts of cloth. At the burial, the arrangements were made according to the specifications for Chen Tai, the Minister of Works of Wei, including honor guards, carriages, a band, and guards. The emperor personally saw him off outside the Eastern Gate. He was posthumously bestowed the title of Wu. In the early years of Xian Ning, the emperor issued an edict to inscribe the merits of Bao and others on a stone tablet for future generations to revere.

Bao had prepared his burial will in advance, stating: "The late Duke of Yanling advocated for a simple burial, which Confucius considered proper; Hua Yuan had a grand burial, and the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' recorded him as disloyal, reflecting the ancient understanding of righteousness. From now on, the deceased should be buried in their usual clothing, without overly extravagant garments. It also forbids having food in one's mouth, as that is the practice of ignorant commoners. Additionally, one should not set up beds or grave goods. After burial, the grave must be filled level with the ground, and no mounds or trees should be planted. In the past, a noble was buried without adornments to reform the customs of the day; his son followed the will, and gentlemen did not criticize him, so how much more should one adhere to the rites?" All his sons adhered to his wishes and forbade relatives, friends, and former subordinates from mourning him. He had six sons: Yue, Qiao, Tong, Jun, Jun, and Chong, with Tong as the heir.

Tong, styled Hongxu, held successive positions as the Commander of Archers and the Grand Minister of Ceremonies. His son Shun had served as an Official of the Secretariat.

Yue, styled Honglun, died young.

Qiao Hongzu held positions such as Minister of Personnel and Cavalry Officer. The emperor originally intended to summon him, but when he failed to appear, he seriously suspected him of colluding with Wang Bao in rebellion. When Wang Bao arrived, he looked awkward and said to Qiao Hongzu, "You almost brought ruin to your family!" Wang Bao dismissed Qiao Hongzu from his position, and he was never allowed to hold office again. Later, after committing some offenses, Qiao Hongzu was exiled to Dunqiu, where he and his brother Qiao Chong were executed. Their sons, Qiao Chao and Qiao Xi, fortunately escaped.

During Wang Sima Ying's rebellion in Chengdu, he appointed Qiao Chao as the General of Zhezhong to confront Sun Xiu. For his contributions, he was granted the title of Marquis. Later, he was made General of Zhenwu to campaign against the bandit Li Chen in Jingzhou province. When Sima Ying fought against Wang Sima Yi of Changsha, Qiao Chao charged at the forefront, and he was promoted to Central Guard Commander. Later, when Chen Zhen and others took Emperor Hui hostage for a northern expedition, Qiao Chao returned to Ye City. Sima Ying sent Qiao Chao to Danyang to intercept the imperial army, but the imperial army was defeated, forcing Qiao Chao to help Emperor Hui flee to Ye Palace. At that moment, Wang Jun launched an attack on Sima Ying, who appointed Qiao Chao as Right General to resist Wang Jun, but he returned in disgrace. Afterward, he followed Emperor Hui to Luoyang and then west to Chang'an. Wang Sima Yong appointed Qiao Chao as the General of the Northern Army, tasking him with resisting Wang Sima Yue of Donghai alongside Sima Ying. Qiao Chao recruited soldiers in Xingyang, with Right General Wang Chan and Officer Zhao Ze both under his command, to support the Governor of Yuzhou, Liu Qiao. However, Wang Sima Xiu of Fanyang launched a counterattack and defeated Qiao Chao, killing him, while Qiao Xi escaped again. During the Yongjia era, Qiao Xi served as an advisor to Grand Tutor Sima Yue.

Qiao Jun, styled Jinglun, was known for his integrity and simplicity, knowledgeable, and he was respectful and caring towards others. He reached the position of Huangmen Shilang but sadly passed away young. Qiao Jun, styled Yanlun, was well-known in his youth, with everyone having high hopes for him, saying he was an outstanding talent. He became the governor of Yangping but also died young. Qiao Chong, styled Jilun, was born in Qingzhou and had the nickname Qinu. He was clever and quick-witted from a young age, brave and strategic. When his father Wang Bao was dying, he divided the family property among his sons but did not give anything to Qiao Chong. His mother pleaded for him, and Wang Bao said, "Although this child is young, he will be able to obtain his own in the future." In his twenties, Qiao Chong became the magistrate of Xiuwu County and made significant achievements in governance. Later, he went to the capital to serve as a Sanqilang, a position of honor, and was promoted to governor of Chengyang. He was rewarded for his contributions during the campaign against the Wu Kingdom and was granted the title of Marquis of Anyang. Although he held an official position in the prefecture, he continued to be diligent in his studies and eventually resigned due to illness. Not long after, he was appointed as Huangmen Lang once more.

My brother Chongtong offended King Jun of Fufeng, and the authorities intended to impose a severe punishment on him as per the decree, but later nothing happened. However, because Chongtong failed to express his gratitude at the palace, the authorities sought to punish him once more. Chongtong wrote a letter saying, "My brother Chongtong has enjoyed preferential treatment early on thanks to the grace of our late father. He has risen through the ranks diligently, and I believe the emperor must have taken notice. Recently, he was falsely accused by King Jun of Fufeng, and the officials quickly accused him harshly, which irritated the emperor. My brothers and I are terrified, constantly living in fear. Jun's relatives and friends hold great power and influence, and court officials are at their beck and call. Since my brother was falsely accused, we dare not speak up for ourselves, waiting to accept punishment. As the ancients said, 'Complying with the emperor's will leads to prosperity, while going against it leads to decline,' which is true. Even if the officials act fairly, they can't escape the harshness of the accusations in the reports. We have been wronged but cannot defend ourselves. Fortunately, the emperor is wise and understanding, considering our late father's contributions and our efforts, and eventually ordered the exoneration, clearing our names. Even if we were to sacrifice ourselves, we could never repay the emperor's grace. I plan to go to the public gate to express my gratitude to the emperor alongside my brothers Chongtong and Chongjun on the 14th. Unexpectedly, before the report even reached the emperor, a ban was issued on the 20th, stating my brother was pardoned, which was a special grace. I didn't go to express my gratitude, and was accused again, feeling utterly wronged. At first, I was shocked and scared upon hearing the news, but then I realized it was not entirely others' fault. When under the pressure of power, anything can happen, and following the law becomes impossible. My abilities are limited, yet I hold a high position, unable to repay the emperor's grace. Within a month, I was continuously accused, unable to distinguish right from wrong. The only regret I have is not currying favor with those in power, which led to this outcome. I feel ashamed for not pleasing them, failing the royal descendants. As 'Sui Chaozi' states, 'The virtue of a wise ruler lies in understanding people first, and matters second.' I believe the emperor already knows the truth, and I await my punishment, with nothing more to add." Ultimately, the matter was resolved. Chongtong was later promoted to Cavalry Commandant and Imperial Attendant.

Second paragraph:

His brother Chongtong offended the Prince of Fufeng, Wang Jun, and was subjected to harsher punishment by the authorities as per the imperial edict, but later it was resolved without any issues. However, because Chongtong did not go to the palace to express his gratitude, the authorities sought to punish him again. Chongtong wrote a memorial explaining that his brother had received the emperor's favor early on because of their father's merits and had held important positions in the court, diligently serving ever since. He believed the emperor must have noticed this. Recently, he was falsely accused by Wang Jun of Fufeng, and the officials, including the Deputy Minister of Justice, quickly submitted a harshly worded memorial to impeach him, which troubled the emperor. He and his brothers were terrified and constantly on edge, living in fear. Because Wang Jun's relatives and friends held great power and influence, court officials followed their every command. If they wanted to target someone, it was as easy as tossing an egg. Since his brother was falsely accused, the brothers hadn’t dared to say a word in their defense, staying silent and bracing for punishment. As the ancients say, "Glory comes from following the edict, while decay comes from going against it," and this saying is truly accurate; he has now experienced it firsthand. Therefore, even if the officials acted impartially, they could not avoid the severity of the memorials, suffering injustice and unable to defend themselves. Fortunately, the emperor is wise and discerning, mindful of their father's contributions and sympathetic to their efforts, ultimately issuing an edict to exonerate them and clear their names. They could never repay the emperor's kindness, even if it meant being shattered to pieces. He plans to go to the public gate on the 14th, along with his brother Chongtong and his younger brother Chongjun, to show their gratitude.

Emperor Wu of Han held Chong in high regard, considering him a capable and responsible person. At the beginning of the Yuankang period, when Yang Jun was in power, he lavished rewards and gathered a large following. Chong and the cavalier officer He Pan discussed together and then presented a memorial to Emperor Hui, saying: "Your Majesty is wise and kind, your grace is widely spread throughout the world, and the ancestors of the imperial family bless you. You have been the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace for more than twenty years, spreading virtue far and wide, and the people of the whole country have turned their hearts to you. Now that you have inherited the throne, it is destined by heaven! The rewards and titles given now surpass even those during the transition of power in the Taishi period, which raises concerns. The usurpation by Sun Wu has lasted nearly a century, and the border areas have suffered from their atrocities, forcing the court to work tirelessly. The late emperor was wise and decisive, using troops swiftly to eliminate these rebels, as easy as snapping dry twigs. However, the strategists and brave generals who advised and fought the enemy also made great contributions! The rewards they are receiving now surpass even those for the defeat of Wu, which is also problematic. With heaven's blessing, the Great Jin Dynasty may endure. How long the dynasty can continue is still unknown. In establishing a system today, we should consider the long-term effects. If there is no distinction between high and low, and titles are added for everyone with a title, after several generations, everyone will be marquises, which is unacceptable! This is also problematic. We are risking much by bringing this to your attention. We believe that the system and records for merit-based rewards established after the peace with Wu during the Taishi period remain relevant. Even if we cannot completely follow the ancient system, we should refer to past practices!" The memorial was submitted, but the emperor did not accept it. Chong was sent away, appointed as the General of the South-Central Army, Inspector of Jingzhou, concurrently serving as Colonel of the Southern Barbarians, and was also given the title of General of the Soaring Eagle. While in the south, Chong obtained several nestlings of poisonous birds and gave them to the Rear General Wang Kai. At that time, it was stipulated that poisonous birds could not cross the river. This matter was discovered by the Commandant of the Slaves, Fu Zhi, who reported it. The emperor issued a decree saying it was not a problem and ordered the poisonous birds to be burned in the capital's main square.

Lao Zhang, this person is called Shi Chong, very intelligent and talented, but also wild and free-spirited, with no rules in his actions. When he was in Jingzhou, he liked to hold up passing merchants, which made him very wealthy. Later, the court appointed him as the Grand Minister of Agriculture, but before the appointment letter arrived, he ran away on his own, and he lost his official position. After some time, he was appointed as the Grand Commandant, then appointed as a General to pacify the frontier tribes, and was also authorized to command military forces in Xuzhou, stationed in Pengcheng. Shi Chong had a villa in Jingu in Heyang, also called Zize, which was nothing short of opulent. Every time he went there, people from Luoyang would come to bid him farewell, and they would drink and feast there. After arriving in Xuzhou, he had a falling out with the Prefect of Xuzhou, Gao Dan, over drinks, insulting each other, and eventually being reported by subordinates, losing his position. He was then appointed as the Commandant of the Guards, currying favor with Jia Mi, having a particularly good relationship with him. Jia Mi even gave him the nickname "Twenty-Four Friends." Every time Shi Chong went out, Jia Mi would get off the carriage and stand on the left side of the road, bowing from afar to show his respect. Shi Chong came from a wealthy background, with a grand and stunning estate. The backyard had over a hundred rooms, each occupied by beautiful women dressed in luxurious silk and satin, adorned with gold and silver jewelry. His home boasted the finest musical instruments of the era, and the food they ate was all rare delicacies, lavishing wealth that rivaled officials like Wang Kai and Yang Xiu.

Wang Kai cooked rice with a rare type of rice, while Shi Chong used candles for fuel to cook his meal. Wang Kai made a forty-li long purple silk screen, and Shi Chong made a fifty-li long brocade screen to outdo him. Wang Kai coated his house with red resin, and Shi Chong painted his house with pepper paste. The two of them were really going all out to show off! Emperor Wu often favored Wang Kai, and one time he rewarded him with a coral tree that was over two feet tall, with lush branches and leaves, a rare sight indeed. Wang Kai showed it to Shi Chong, who, without a word, smashed it with an iron ruyi! Wang Kai was both heartbroken and angry, thinking Shi Chong was just jealous of his treasure, and his expression changed. Shi Chong said, “This little thing isn't worth crying over; I’ll return it to you right now!” Then he ordered his men to bring out all the coral trees, and there were six or seven that were three or four feet tall, with unique shapes and vibrant colors, much better than Wang Kai's! Wang Kai was dumbfounded at that moment.

Old Wang's family threw a banquet, and they made bean porridge incredibly quickly; it was ready in no time. Every winter, they could eat pickled leeks and duckweed. One time, I went out to play with Wang Kai, racing into Luoyang City; my cow ran like a flying bird, and Wang Kai couldn't catch up at all. This incident, along with the bean porridge and pickled vegetables, stuck in Wang Kai's mind, and he secretly spent money to find out how I did it.

I told him that the reason the bean porridge was made so quickly was that I cooked the beans ahead of time and ground them into powder; when guests arrived, I just added water and cooked it into porridge. As for the pickled leeks and duckweed, I mashed the leek roots with wheat sprouts to pickle them. And the cow ran fast because I knew how to handle it; it wasn't that the cow was fast, but that I had it under control.

Once, Wang Dun and I went to the Imperial Academy and saw the portraits of Yan Hui and Yuan Xian. I sighed and said, "If I were studying with them at the Confucius Temple, what would be the difference between me and those ordinary folks?" Wang Dun said, "I don't know about others, but the difference between you and the nobility isn't that great." I solemnly said, "Scholars should seek both fame and fortune. How can they be content with poverty?" That's my aspiration.

When Liu Yu and his brother were young, they were envied by Wang Kai. Wang Kai invited the two brothers to stay overnight at his house, intending to harm them. I was close with Liu Yu and his brother, so when I heard they were in danger, I hurried to Wang Kai's house, asked where Liu Yu and his brother were, and Wang Kai couldn't cover it up. I went straight to the back room, found them, and we left together in a carriage. I told them, "Young men, don't go staying overnight at other people's houses too easily in the future!" Liu Yu and his brother were very grateful to me.

After Jia Mi was killed, Shichong was dismissed from his position because he was a member of the same party as Jia Mi. At that time, Prince Zhao Lun held power, and Shichong's nephew Ouyang Jian had a falling out with Lun. Shichong had a songstress named Lvzhu, who was very beautiful and played the flute exceptionally well. Sun Xiu sent someone to ask Shichong for Lvzhu. Shichong was at the Jingu Villa at that time, standing on the cool terrace, overlooking the clear water, surrounded by many maidservants. The messenger conveyed Sun Xiu's request to Shichong. Shichong called out dozens of maidservants for the messenger to see, all dressed in gorgeous clothes and exuding fragrance, saying, "Choose any one you like!" The messenger replied, "Sir, the maidservants in your household are indeed lovely, but our master specifically asked for Lvzhu. How do we know which one is Lvzhu?" Shichong was furious and said, "Lvzhu is my beloved woman; you won't be getting her!" The messenger said, "Sir, you are knowledgeable and talented; you should think about the bigger picture. Please reconsider." Shichong resolutely replied, "No!" The messenger left and returned, but Shichong still refused. Sun Xiu was very angry and persuaded Prince Zhao Lun to kill Shichong and Ouyang Jian. Shichong and Ouyang Jian were also secretly aware of Sun Xiu's plan, so they advised Huainan King Sima Yun and Qi King Sima Jiong to join forces against Prince Zhao Lun and Sun Xiu. Sun Xiu realized this, so he fabricated a decree to arrest Shichong, Panyue, Ouyang Jian, and others. As Shichong was hosting a banquet upstairs, the guards arrived at the door. Shichong said to Lvzhu, "I'm in trouble today because of you." Lvzhu cried and said, "I should take my own life in front of the guards." After speaking, she jumped from upstairs and committed suicide. Shichong sighed and said, "At worst, I’ll be exiled to Jiaozhou or Guangzhou." When Shichong was taken onto the carriage to be sent to the Eastern Market for execution, he sighed and said, "These scoundrels are after my wealth!" The escorting people replied, "If you knew that your wealth would bring disaster, why didn't you dispose of it earlier?" Shichong couldn't respond. Shichong's mother, brothers, wife, children, and other family members were all killed, a total of fifteen people, and Shichong was fifty-two years old at that time.

Initially, Shi Chong's family left their rice on the ground, and overnight it turned into snail shells. People at that time believed it was a sign of his family's impending doom. The authorities investigated Shi Chong's water mills, discovering more than thirty, along with more than eight hundred slaves, an endless array of treasures, wealth, land, and property. Later, after Emperor Hui regained the throne, he decreed that Shi Chong be buried with ministerial honors and bestowed the title of Duke of Leling upon Shi Chong's great-grandson Shi Yan.

Shi Chong's great-grandson Shi Pu, styled Xuanzhen, was known for his caution and kindness but lacked any particular talents, eventually falling victim to the Hu people. Shi Le, sharing the same surname as Shi Pu and both hailing from Hebei, regarded him as part of the royal family and treated him with special favor, eventually reaching the position of Minister of Works.

Ouyang Jian, styled Jianshi, hailed from a distinguished family in the Jizhou region for generations. He was talented, wrote well, and was renowned throughout the north. People often remarked, "The Bohai region is teeming with talent, and Ouyang Jianshi stands out!" He held various positions, including magistrate of Shanyang County, Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat, and Prefect of Fengyi, excelling in each role and earning widespread acclaim. Tragically, he died young, in his thirties, and his death was mourned by all. Before his death, he composed a poignant poem filled with sorrow.

Sun Shuo, courtesy name Juye, was from Huairen. In his youth, he worked as a minor county official. The governor Wu Fen valued his talent and promoted him to the role of chief clerk. Sun Shuo rose step by step from a very humble position, but the sons of prominent families serving alongside him refused to treat him as an equal. Wu Fen was very angry and recommended Sun Shuo to serve as the Chief of Sili. The Sili Colonel Liu Ne held him in high regard. Later, Wu Fen recommended Sun Shuo to the Grand General Shi Bao, who then brought him on as an advisor. Just as Sun Shuo was about to take up his post and reached Xuchang, the court secretly dispatched troops to attack Shi Bao. At that time, the Prince of Ruyin was camped in Xuchang, and Sun Shuo went to pay his respects to him. The Prince of Ruyin had known Sun Shuo for a long time and, out of a sense of hometown loyalty, privately advised him, "Don't get involved in this disaster!" Sun Shuo immediately left and rushed to Shouchun to help strategize for Shi Bao, which allowed him to escape danger. Sun Shuo was later promoted to the position of Minister, during which he challenged over ten unfair decisions, and he was widely praised for it.

Historians commented: Being a teacher to emperors like Zheng Chong truly lives up to the title; being filial to parents like Wang Xiang is only natural; but never treating one's own family and relatives as mere political allies. Xia Yu was diligent and thrifty, and the Shang Dynasty built upon the foundations laid by Xia. There was a hierarchical system for sacrificial livestock and daily necessities; nobles were not allowed to use cattle casually, nor were scholars allowed to use pigs. Extravagance and indulgence among those in power will inevitably impact the governance of the country. Establishing systems that align with the times is essential. Shi Chong was well-read but eccentric, rarely regretting; he surpassed the four major families to become wealthy, competing with the five marquises in extravagance. In the spring, the fields are lush with green grass, appearing exceptionally vibrant on cold mornings; the exquisite screen extends continuously beyond the rivers and mountains. Lost in the dance of the clock chimes, forgetting to return home until the mournful song of Jingu Garden begins, the tall building is on the verge of collapse, much like a cicada resting in the shade, oblivious to the mantis lurking behind.

Praise: Zheng Chong exemplifies noble character, while Wang Xiang thrived in his later years. Various virtues merge together, akin to a pair of celestial birds soaring towards the heavens. He Ceng and Shi Chong each have their own characteristics; their actions are quite peculiar. The emperors' fashion trends flourished, while Shi Chong's thoughts raced ahead. When extravagance reaches its zenith, disaster inevitably follows. The nation divides, reputations are tarnished, and joy is inevitably followed by sorrow.