Real Histories
"The Book of Liang" contains fifty-six chapters in total, divided into six annals and fifty biographies. In the third year of the Zhen Guan period of the Tang Dynasty, the emperor ordered Yao Silian, the Right Attendant of the Imperial Cavalry, to write this book. Yao Silian, the son of Yao Cha, a historian from the Liang Dynasty, consulted the materials his father had left behind and gathered extensive historical records from Confucian scholars like Xie Wu, before he finally completed the book. We, the courtiers, not only proofread and revised its text but also compiled a table of contents and wrote a preface to introduce it, which is as follows:
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During the Pre-Qin period, the Hundred Schools of Thought were in fierce competition. The introduction of Buddhism to China was relatively late, but it had a significant impact on China, especially during the Liang Dynasty; therefore, it is worth discussing. Buddhists believe they have attained something internal, while worldly criticisms of Buddhism often come from an external perspective, making it difficult to refute Buddhism. But how can they perceive the internal essence of a sage? The "Book of Documents" says: "With thorough consideration comes intelligence and wisdom; with intelligence and wisdom, one can become a sage." "Thought" is the way to achieve wisdom. Those who can achieve wisdom can perceive the laws governing the operation of all things in the world, understand the principles of all things, and thoroughly comprehend everything, big or small, coarse or fine. This is known as exhausting the principles of things, representing the pinnacle of wisdom. At the peak of wisdom, one recognizes the preciousness of what they possess, and external things are not worth pursuing. Nothing cannot be understood. It is insufficient to possess such wisdom and insight without the ability to appreciate it; thus, one must add a sincere heart to love it. Loving it but not being able to enjoy it happily is also insufficient, so one must add a sincere intention to enjoy it. Being able to enjoy it will bring peace of mind. In this light, can external matters still trouble me? External matters cannot trouble me, allowing one to embrace their true nature. Embracing one's true nature is sincerity. Sincerity is achievement; it is not confusion. Once you have achieved, you must enrich it and make it greater; once it is great, you must promote it, enabling it to transform all things. If it can transform all things, then the wise, the excellent, and all those who need to rely on me can perfect their own nature through it, reaching the state they should, and my function can coexist with heaven and earth. When moral cultivation reaches this extreme, the external response has never been different from others; this explains why my principles have become the great way of the world. Therefore, providing them with clothing, food, shelter, and teaching them to be subjects, sons, brothers, and husbands, none of these are not based on human sentiment; sharing weal and woe with them and helping them prevent disasters, none of these are not based on human reason. Therefore, the place where I am is a place where peace and governance converge, and where danger and chaos are far away. The place where I am has these conditions, and the moral cultivation I use to guide all things is profoundly noble; is it not fair to say that I am a sage? Since I am a sage, there is nothing left to ponder. The highest realm is to follow reason; there is no proactive action; actions are just responses to the environment. Therefore, I protect all things and inspire the masses, but no one can guess my thoughts; can it not be said that I am a god? God is the most exquisite and everlasting; this is the internal of a sage. A sage is the ultimate of the Tao; can Buddhism's theories truly replace it? Wanting to replace it is the reason for its failure. What is gained internally cannot manifest externally; if it cannot manifest externally, then it is not genuinely obtained internally. The "Book of Changes" says: "Wisdom pervades all things; the Tao benefits the world and pacifies the people, so there will be no deviation." This explains why a sage can achieve both. Wisdom is sufficient to understand one aspect, but not enough to exhaust the principles of all things; the Tao is sufficient to govern one region, but not enough to meet the needs of the world; this is why the Hundred Schools of Thought both suffered defeat. Isn't this the reason for Buddhism's failure? So, what Buddhists think they have attained internally might also be considered delusional.
We study history in order to understand the rise and fall of past dynasties. Therefore, drawing on the example of the Liang Dynasty, we wrote this piece to explain why the sages succeeded and why Buddhism failed, so that everyone understands that gentlemen oppose Buddhism not because of external factors, but due to profound internal reasons. I hope everyone will think twice before hastily abandoning Confucianism for Buddhism. We, Gong Mou and others, respectfully submit this index, risking our lives to do so.
Xiao Zong, Prince of Yuzhang, courtesy name Shiqian, was the second son of Emperor Gaozu Xiao Yan. In the third year of Tianjian, he was appointed as the Prince of Yuzhang Commandery, with a fief consisting of two thousand households. Five years later, he was appointed as the Commissioner of Military Affairs in Southern Xuzhou, General Renwei, Governor of Southern Xuzhou, and soon promoted to General of the Northern Central Army. In the tenth year, he was further promoted to Commissioner of Military Affairs in Ying, Si, and Huo Three Provinces, General Yunhui, and Governor of Yingzhou. In the thirteenth year, he was promoted to General of the Right Anxi, also overseeing military affairs at the Shitou Garrison. In the fifteenth year, he was promoted to General of the West Central Army, concurrently Protector General, and later promoted to General of the Front An, and Intendant of Danyang. In the sixteenth year, he once again served as General of the Northern Central Army and Governor of Southern Xuzhou. In the second year of the Putong era, he returned to the court as Palace Attendant, Right General, and established his own assistants.
His mother, Lady Wu Shuyuan, was originally a palace maid to the Eastern Emperor of Qi, but later caught the eye of Emperor Gaozu and gave birth to Xiao Zong after a seven-month pregnancy. At that time, many people in the palace expressed doubts about this. Later, Lady Wu fell out of favor and harbored resentment, spreading these doubts everywhere. Xiao Zong held onto this memory. When Xiao Zong grew up, he was exceptionally talented and skilled in writing. Emperor Gaozu treated his sons with great respect, but rarely saw them. Xiao Zong often felt unappreciated by Emperor Gaozu. Every time Xiao Zong was appointed to a distant place, his mother Lady Wu always followed him. When he was around fifteen or sixteen, Lady Wu even played around with him, day and night without distinction, and there was gossip both inside and outside the palace about their behavior. When Xiao Zong served as the Governor of Xuzhou, his governance was harsh, and his punishments were severe. He was known for his strength and bravery, even capable of taming wild horses barehanded. He often went out in disguise at night, with no fixed time or route. Whenever an imperial edict from Emperor Gaozu arrived, he would become furious, and no courtier dared to speak up. He often privately worshipped at the Seven Temples of the Qi clan in a side hall and even went in disguise to Qiao'a to worship the tomb of Emperor Ming of Qi.
However, none of these could put his mind at ease. He heard a saying among the common people that dripping the blood of a living person on the bones of a dead person would prove a father-son relationship if it penetrated. So, Xiao Zong secretly opened the tomb of Qi Dongjun Hou, took out his bones, and dripped his own blood on them, and the result did indeed penetrate! He also killed a man, took his bones to test, and the result also penetrated. Since then, Xiao Zong has always harbored treasonous thoughts.
After four years, he was appointed as the Governor and Commander of Military Affairs for the five provinces of Nanyuan, Yan, Xu, Qing, and Ji, General Who Pacifies the North, and Governor of Nanyuan Province, and was even accompanied by a ceremonial guard. Hearing that Prince Bao Yin of Qi was in Wei, he sent people to the north to make contact with Prince Bao Yin, calling him uncle and promising to give him his territory. This coincided with a large-scale northern expedition.
In the sixth year, the Wei general Yuan Faseng led the surrender of Pengcheng, and Gaozu ordered him to lead the army to station in Pengcheng and confront the Wei general Prince Anfeng Yuan Yanming. Gaozu felt the war was dragging on too long and worried it might lead to chaos, so he ordered him to withdraw. He was afraid that if he returned to the south, he would never see Prince Bao Yin again, so he secretly took a few cavalrymen and slipped away at night to surrender to Yuan Yanming. Wei appointed him as a Palace Attendant, Grand Commandant, Duke of Gaoping, and Prince of Danyang, granting him: a fief of seven thousand households, three million coins, three thousand bolts of silk, one thousand pieces of miscellaneous colored silk, fifty horses, five hundred sheep, and one hundred slaves.
He changed his name to Zan, styled Dewen, and even wore the mourning clothes of the Qi Dongjun Hou to express his grief. Then the relevant authorities requested that he be stripped of his title and fief, have his clan status severed, and his surname changed to Bei. Not long after, an edict was issued to restore his title, appointing his son as the Marquis of Yongxin with a fief of one thousand households. In the second year of Datong, Prince Bao Yin rebelled in Chang'an; he secretly fled north from Luoyang, intending to join Prince Bao Yin, but was caught by officials at the crossing, and he was executed by the Wei authorities. He was forty-nine years old that year.
When he was young and unsuccessful, he wrote two poems, "Listening to the Chime" and "Sad Fallen Leaves," to express his aspirations. The general meaning of "Listening to the Chime" is:
Listening to the chime, one should know it is in the imperial city. The sounds are uneven and hard to count, and the history is chaotic with a hundred worries. The departing sound hangs gracefully, while the incoming sound is urgent and restless. Who cares for the fleeting time, laboring to construct the platform of life?
Listening to the chime, the sound is not from one place. Holding gems in vain, who will grant me the chance to climb the pines and break the laurels? Former friends and old loves are now far apart, like fallen leaves scattered unevenly. Where will the drifting lone geese find a place to land, and where will the lingering cranes cry in the middle of the night?
Listening to the chime, how endless it feels? For over twenty years, he stayed in the capital. Gazing into the bright mirror, hiding his true self, clouded by sorrow and longing.
His "Sad Fallen Leaves" goes like this:
Sad fallen leaves, fluttering down in layers upon layers. Falling and drifting, never to return.
Alas, watching the fallen leaves drift, it's truly heartbreaking! Life is like these fallen leaves, eventually withering and unable to be grasped for long. Alas, the leaves have fallen, when will they ever come back? We were once connected at the roots, but now we’re strangers. Everyone who saw this scene back then felt the sadness.
King Wuling Ji, whose courtesy name was Shi Xun, was the eighth son of the founder. He was diligent and studious from a young age, was talented in literature, and he favored a straightforward writing style that reflected his integrity. In the thirteenth year of Tianjian, he was appointed as the Prince of Wuling County, with a fief consisting of two thousand households. Later, he served as Ningyuan General, Prefect of Langye County, Prefect of Pengcheng County, General of Light Chariots, and Danyang Intendant. He was then appointed as Prefect of Kuaiji, and shortly after Kuaiji County was upgraded to East Yangzhou, where he became Inspector and was granted the titles of Commissioner with Credentials and General of the Eastern Guards. He was later summoned back to the court to serve as Palace Attendant while also overseeing military affairs at Shitou Garrison. He was then sent out again to serve as General of Proclamation and Governor of Jiangzhou. He was later summoned back to the court once more to serve as Commissioner with Credentials, General of Proclamation, Commander of the armies in Yangzhou and South Xuzhou, and Governor of Yangzhou. Soon after, he was reassigned as Commissioner with Credentials, Commander of the armies of thirteen provinces including Yizhou and Lianzhou, General of the West, and Governor of Yizhou, and was granted a section of the imperial music. In the eleventh year of Datong, he was appointed as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance, Grand General Who Conquers the West, and Household Counselor of equal rank to the Three Excellencies.
In the early years, during the Tianjian period, the phrase "绍宗梁位唯武王" appeared on the ground as the Sun Gate shook. Everyone interpreted that "Wu Wang" referred to the King of Wuling, leading both the court and the common people to have high hopes for him. By the time of the Taiqing period, Hou Jing rebelled, yet King Ji did not come to his aid. After the death of the founding emperor, Gaozu, King Ji actually declared himself emperor in Shu, changing the era name to Tianzheng. He appointed his son Yuanzhao as Crown Prince, Yuanzheng as the King of Xiyang, Yuanman as the King of Jingling, Yuanpu as the King of Nanqiao, and Yuansu as the King of Yidu. He appointed the Marquis of Baxi County and the Marquis of Zitong County, Hou Hui, as the Grand General of the Western Expedition and the Governor of Yizhou, and bestowed the title of King of Qinqu. Sima Wang Senglue and the direct military adviser Xu Peng both strongly advised against it, but King Ji perceived their advice as opposition and had them all executed. Marquis Hou Hui sighed and said, "The King is finished! Good people are the foundation of the country, but now they are being killed instead. It would be a miracle if disaster didn’t strike!" He also said to his confidants, "In the past, during the era of Huan Xuan, wise men said that this was the 'second month', and indeed Huan Xuan's failure came in mid-spring. Now the era name is Tianzheng; the term 'Tianzheng' in classical Chinese conveys the meaning of 'one stop'. Can this last long?"
In the fourth month of the summer of the fifth year of Taiqing, General Ji led his army eastward to Ba County, under the guise of suppressing Hou Jing, while actually aiming to seize Jingzhou and the Shaanxi region. Upon hearing that Western Wei had invaded Shu, he dispatched Qiao Yan, the Governor of Nanliang Province, to lead the troops back for rescue.
On a day in May, General Yuchi Jiong of Western Wei led a large army to approach Fushui, and the governor of Tongzhou, Yang Qianyun, opened the city gates and surrendered to him. Yuchi Jiong left some troops to garrison Fushui and led the remainder of his forces straight to Chengdu. On the Ding Chou day, General Ji's army arrived at Xiling; warships filled the river, banners fluttered brightly, and the military display was impressive. Emperor Wu of Liang ordered Guard General Lu Fahuo to construct two camps on either side of Xiaokou to control the river and halt General Ji's forces. At that time, Lu Na's rebellion had not yet been suppressed, and the Shu army attacked again, creating widespread panic among the populace. Emperor Wu of Liang was deeply concerned. Lu Fahuo continued to send urgent reports, and within ten days, he reported multiple times.
Emperor Liang Wudi then released Ren Yue from prison, appointed him as the Prince of Jin'an, and provided him with an imperial guard; at the same time, he sent General Liu Fen of the Xuanmeng and Ren Yue to the west for a rescue mission. In June, General Ji built a continuous camp at Xiakou, attempting to break through Tiesuo Pass. Liang Wudi then promoted Xie Dare to the position of infantry captain from prison, equipped him with an army, and sent him to support Lu Fa. Liang Wudi wrote a letter to General Ji, saying, "The Emperor respectfully asks Huangyue Taifu Wuling Wang: Since the Jiuli tribe invaded and the Sanmiao tribe harassed, the realm has been in constant turmoil, the northern barbarians invaded the Central Plains, and Qianzhou and Liuzhou rebelled like the Wei Kingdom, the royal family has declined. I cannot sleep at night, worry day and night, I have lost my beloved son in the east, without the support of eight hundred vassals, dressed in armor, with arrows still in my hands. Soon after, I encountered cold winds and scorching sun, many regrets surged in my heart, the sorrow of frost and dew, a hundred worries intertwined; I couldn't sleep or eat in peace, and I felt like giving up on life. It's just that I must protect the country and its people until the tyrant is defeated. I have to be vigilant every day, waiting for divine retribution, bearing all the responsibilities alone, and dealing with national affairs. Although I have prayed at the altar, recruited talents, and resisted strong enemies like the Battle of Chibi, I don't have the strategies like Lu Su; burned the granaries of Wuchao, I don't have the foresight like Xun You; my talents and wisdom are running out, money is almost spent, there is no help around me, and I have experienced countless difficulties and obstacles. In the end, I managed to defeat Zhangdi at Jumen and overcome Chiyou at Fengmu. The resentment and shame have been lifted, the world is peaceful, and I am working hard to govern the four directions, hoping to share in the peace and prosperity like that of Yue Mu. It is now in the scorching summer; how have you been, my brother? Have the civil and military officials been working hard? I am sending Zheng Anzhong, the Minister of the Imperial Guards and Governor of Guangzhou, to convey my regards."
There is no text provided for translation. Please provide the source text for a meaningful translation.
Emperor Wu of Liang instructed Zheng Anzhong to convey his intentions to General Ji Shuai, allowing him to return to Shu territory and take full responsibility for the affairs in Minzhou. Ji Shuai did not obey the orders, and his reply was as informal as a family member. On the Gengshen day, Ji Shuai sent Hou Rui to command the troops along the mountain road, attempting to launch a surprise attack. Ren Yue and Xie Darenn fought against them and defeated them. Shortly after, Lu Na's rebellion was quelled, and all the troops marched westward. Emperor Wu of Liang wrote to Ji Shuai again, saying, "You have worked so hard! These past few months have been unbearable with the scorching heat, hot weather, swarms of mosquitoes, and foxes causing havoc. Yet you remain on the battlefield, toiling and struggling. You are still concerned about the western front; how could you possibly understand my struggles? Ever since the invasion of the northern barbarians and the rebellion of the Jiehu, I have been getting older day by day, yet I still have to quell the rebellion and bear this pressure. When I achieve my goals, it feels like finding a precious gem. I have been looking forward to hearing from you. If it is not possible, then let's end this here. Our brotherly bond runs deep; we are closely connected like branches of the same tree. When the elder brother is wealthy and the younger brother is poor, and there is no mutual assistance, the days of humility and happiness are over. The Shanglin Park is quiet, only the sorrowful cries of birds can be heard; in the Xuan Palace, the map is spread out, sighing over the inevitability of all things perishing. My love for you is deep; this letter cannot capture the depth of my longing." "Dazhi" is Ji Shuai's courtesy name. Ji Shuai sent Yue Fengye, the Minister of Revenue, to Jiangling to discuss peace negotiations and follow previous orders to return to Shu territory. Emperor Wu of Liang knew Ji Shuai was destined to fail, so he rejected his request.
On the Bingxu day, residents of the Baxing area, including Fu Sheng and Xu Zichu, killed Gongsun Huang, the city lord at Xie Kou, and surrendered to the army of Liang. Wang Lin, Song Zai, Ren Yue, Xie Darenn, and others pursued and attacked Hou Rui, breaking through his three camps, resulting in the surrender of over ten cities on both banks of the river. General Fan Meng captured Ji Shuai and his third son Yuanman and executed them at Xie Kou; Ji Shuai was 46 years old at the time. The relevant department requested the cancellation of Ji Shuai and his family's household registration, which Emperor Wu of Liang approved, granting the Ji family the surname Taotie. Initially, Ji, referring to King Sima Gai of Xiaoxian, sought to declare himself emperor, and strange occurrences continued to unfold. The strangest occurrence was that flowers actually grew on the cypress pillars of his sleeping palace, with a total of forty-six branches that were soft and beautiful, resembling lotus flowers. Those knowledgeable remarked, "Wang Dun's flower on the staff is not a good omen!" King Ji Xiaoxian's reign title was Tianzheng, which coincided with the reign title of Xiaodong (Xiao Daocheng). People remarked, "'Tian' means 'two people,' while 'Zheng' means 'one person stops.'" Both Xiaodong and King Ji Xiaoxian declared themselves emperor, but both were overthrown after just one year.
Sima Zhengde, the King of Linhe, also known as Gonghe, was the third son of King Jinghui of Linchuan. He was rough and reckless since childhood, showing no regard for etiquette. Initially, the founding emperor, Liu Yu, known as Emperor Wu of Song, did not have a son, so he adopted him as his own. When the founding emperor became the emperor, Sima Zhengde began to harbor ambitions for the throne. Later, the founding emperor established Prince Zhaoming and appointed Sima Zhengde as the Marquis of Xifeng with a fief of five hundred households. Since then, Sima Zhengde harbored resentment and ill intentions, constantly casting sidelong glances at the palace, hoping for disasters to strike so he could take advantage of the chaos. In the sixth year of the Pu Tong reign, he was appointed as the Yellow Gate Chamberlain and was then promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry, along with his subordinate officers. Not long after, he escaped to the state of Wei. Court officials petitioned to strip him of his title. In the seventh year, he escaped back from Wei; surprisingly, the founding emperor chose not to blame him, but restored his title and even appointed him as General of Pacifying the Barbarians.
In the year 550 AD, Xiao Zhengde was appointed as the General of the Xindu and the Governor of Wu Commandery. Later on, he was promoted to the position of Imperial Attendant, General of the Army, and was granted subordinates and titled Prince of Linhe with a fief of 2,000 households. He was further promoted to the position of General of the Left Guard. However, he grew more arrogant and gathered a band of outlaws. Hou Jing saw through his ambitions and secretly sent someone to win him over, promising him great rewards. Hou Jing wrote a letter to Xiao Zhengde, saying: "Now that the Emperor is old, corrupt officials are in power, court affairs are in chaos, and laws are overturned. I see that this situation will soon collapse. Moreover, you were meant to inherit the throne but were deposed, causing distress to all the righteous people. Although I, Hou Jing, am foolish, I am also filled with anger! The whole country is looking forward to you. How can you be concerned with personal grievances and abandon the millions of people? I may not be skilled, but I still want to contribute to the country. I hope you will seriously consider my sincerity for the sake of the people." After reading the letter, Xiao Zhengde exclaimed with joy: "Hou Jing's thoughts are the same as mine. This is the heavens helping me!" So he agreed to Hou Jing's proposal. When Hou Jing arrived at the Yangtze River, Xiao Zhengde secretly had a boat transported to the riverbank, pretending to welcome supplies, in order to allow Hou Jing to cross the river. The court remained unaware of their conspiracy and even sent Xiao Zhengde to guard the Zhuque Channel. After Hou Jing's arrival, Xiao Zhengde marched his troops alongside him, and Hou Jing proclaimed Xiao Zhengde Emperor, changing the era name to Zhengping for the first year, and appointed himself Prime Minister. After capturing Taicheng, he restored the Taiqing era name and demoted Xiao Zhengde to Grand Marshal. Xiao Zhengde held resentment, and when Hou Jing heard about it, he was worried that Xiao Zhengde would rebel, so he forged an edict and had him executed.
Xiao Yu, styled Zhongsun, is the second son of Crown Prince Zhaoming. In 550 AD, he was titled Duke of Zhijiang. In 551 AD, he was further appointed as the Prince of Hedong Commandery, with a fief of 2,000 households. He was appointed General of Ningyuan and responsible for military matters at Shitou Shu. Later, he also served as the Prefect of Langye Commandery and Pengcheng Commandery. Upon returning to the court, he was appointed as the Palace Attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and was also given subordinates. He later served as the General of the South Central Army and the Inspector of Xiangzhou.
Not long after, Hou Jing launched an attack on Jiankang (modern-day Nanjing), and Wang Sengbian led his troops to rescue the city. However, by the time they reached Qingcaohu, Jiankang had already fallen. The court commanded the troops to retreat, and Wang Sengbian returned to Xiangzhou (modern-day Changsha). At this time, Emperor Wu of Liang's army was stationed in Wucheng. The newly appointed Inspector of Yongzhou, Zhang Zizan, discreetly reported to Emperor Wu of Liang, saying, "There are people in Hedong rising up in rebellion, and Yueyang has hoarded a large amount of food. They have evil intentions and are preparing to attack Jiangling." Emperor Wu of Liang was extremely concerned and returned via the water route. He sent the Military Advisor Zhou Hong to urge Wang Sengbian to quickly send provisions and troops for support. Wang Sengbian replied, "We each command our own troops; why should we suddenly take orders from someone else?" After sending envoys three times, Wang Sengbian refused to comply. Emperor Wu of Liang was furious and sent the Crown Prince Xiao Fang and others to subdue him, but they were defeated by Wang Sengbian, and the Crown Prince perished in battle. Emperor Wu of Liang then ordered the Inspector of Xinzhou, Bao Quan, to attack Wang Sengbian, and wrote him a letter outlining the consequences, urging him to reconsider. Wang Sengbian did not reply, but instead fortified his city and prepared to resist. He told Bao Quan, "A defeated general has no claim to bravery. If you want to attack, then go ahead; there's nothing more to discuss."
Bao Quan's army was stationed at Shigou Temple, and Wang Sengbian led the army in a counteroffensive, but they were defeated and retreated. Bao Quan's army then moved to Juzhou, where Wang Sengbian launched a full-scale attack but still could not take it. As night approached and the soldiers grew weary, Bao Quan took advantage of the situation and attacked, defeating Wang Sengbian, killing three thousand and drowning over ten thousand. Wang Sengbian then burned the houses on the outskirts of Changsha, forcing the residents into the city, which Bao Quan's army then surrounded. Wang Sengbian was known for his bravery and skill in battle, able to reassure his troops and earn their loyalty. Despite being besieged for a long time with all communication severed, the defense remained strong. Later, Emperor Wu of Liang sent a different General Wang Sengbian to replace Bao Quan in attacking Wang Sengbian. Wang Sengbian built earth mounds to assault the city day and night, with arrows raining down, resulting in heavy casualties among the defenders. Wang Sengbian (the besieged) saw no way out and secretly prepared a fleet of ships to escape. At this time, his subordinate Murong Hua led Wang Sengbian (the attacker) into the city, where Wang Sengbian (the besieged) saw everyone fleeing and was ultimately captured. He pleaded with his captors, saying, "Please don’t kill me! Allow me to speak with officials of the 7th rank or higher, and I will reveal the crimes of these traitors. I will have no regrets even if I die." The guards replied, "We must follow orders and cannot promise that." Wang Sengbian (the besieged) was beheaded, and his head was sent to Jingzhou, where Emperor Wu of Liang arranged for it to be buried in his hometown.
At first, when Wang Sengbian (the besieged) was about to be defeated, he looked in the mirror and couldn't see his own head; then he saw a giant constructing a house, with his hands on the ground, looking down at his home; then he saw a white dog the size of a donkey running out of the city, without a clue where it had gone. Wang Sengbian (the besieged) was really disturbed by these omens, and soon the city was breached.
The history books say: Xiao Zong and Xiao Zhengde, the two brothers, rebelled and acted arrogantly, and were ultimately exterminated; they brought this upon themselves; they got what they deserved!
During the Taiqing era, turmoil broke out, and Xiao Ji occupied the territories of Yongzhou and Shuzhou, with a powerful army, yet he failed to come to the king's rescue, showing no sense of duty as a subject. It was only after the enemy Xiao Jing was eliminated that he began to raise troops; this uprising was entirely unjustified and just asked for trouble, ultimately leading to failure. Alas! Those two really brought upon themselves the punishment of Guan Shu and Cai Shu; it was all their own fault! "Deserving the punishment of Guan and Cai, truly brought upon themselves." This old saying really hits the mark!
It is said that Emperor Xuan of Han once said: "To make political affairs clear and reduce lawsuits, we still need those excellent officials of 2,000 stones!" It is also recorded in ancient books: "Today's county magistrates are equivalent to the ancient princes." Therefore, the positions of local officials are said to be close to the people, guiding morality, standardizing etiquette, and changing customs, all of which must be accomplished by them.
At the end of the Qi state, the realm was in turmoil, and political power fell into the hands of unscrupulous individuals. Taxes and corvée were imposed relentlessly, without limit. Most local officials were attached to the powerful, colluding with each other, embezzling and extorting from the populace, leading to immense suffering among the populace. People felt nowhere to settle. Emperor Gaozu was once a farmer and deeply understood the suffering of the people. Later, he established the Liang platform and ordered a reduction in taxes and the abolition of various harsh taxes, allowing the entire nation to finally catch its breath.
After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he personally inquired about various matters, working late into the night each day, seeking ways to alleviate the people's suffering. He also sent people to inspect various places to understand the local situation, set up special channels for citizens to voice their concerns, and tried his best to care for the people and solve their urgent needs. In the first year, he abolished the head tax and switched to a household tax based on the number of individuals; he wore coarse clothes himself, and the palace was not extravagant, not using luxurious silk and satin, or jewelry and jade. The food in the palace was also simple, only eating vegetables every day, and drinking no more than three cups of wine—setting an example of frugality.
Every time officials were selected, he placed a strong emphasis on their integrity and fairness, calling them to the palace to personally motivate them to work well for the people. For example, he promoted the Shangshu Palace attendant to serve as the Neishi of Jian'an, and the Left Minister Liu Zong served as the Jin'an Prefect; both were recognized for their integrity during their terms. He also ordered: officials in smaller counties who performed well would be promoted to larger counties, and officials in larger counties with achievements would be promoted to the rank of 2,000 stones.
In this way, the magistrate of Shanyin County, Qiu Zhongfu, was promoted to the Governor of Changsha for his outstanding achievements; while the magistrate of Wukang County, He Yuan, was promoted to the Prefect of Xuancheng for his integrity and incorruptibility. Many other officials emulated them. Individuals like Yu Xi from Xinye applied their knowledge of Confucian classics to govern effectively during their terms. Some regions benefited from their governance, and some even regarded them with nostalgia after they left office. They are all regarded as exemplary officials by later generations! Because of this, I even wrote an article titled "On Good Officials"!
Yu Xi, also known as Xiuye, was from Xinye. His father, Yu Shenzhi, once served as the Governor of Yongzhou in the Song Dynasty. His father passed away when he was ten years old. During his mourning period, he was deeply saddened and emaciated, earning praise from many locals for his demeanor. At the age of twenty, he was recommended by the local government to serve as the registrar, passed the scholar's examination, and gradually ascended through the ranks to become the registrar of Anxi, a court official in the Secretariat, and a clerk of the Valiant Cavalry. He was well-read and possessed exceptional eloquence.
During the reign of Emperor Yongming of the Qi Dynasty, Qi and Wei established a marriage alliance. Yu Bi was appointed as a Cavalry Attendant to visit the Wei Dynasty, and upon his return, he was appointed as the Cavalry Attendant of the Eastern Palace, responsible for documentation. After the Prince of Yulin ascended the throne, Yu Bi was deposed and became in charge of imperial edicts and announcements. Later, he was sent to serve as the Deputy Magistrate of Jingzhou. He was subsequently promoted to the advisor to the General of the Western Army and once again served as the Deputy Magistrate of Jingzhou. During both of his terms as Deputy Magistrate, he managed the finances of the region very well, which led to the region's prosperity. Despite this, Yu Bi led a very simple and frugal life during both terms, rejecting all bribes, eating simple meals, and wearing coarse clothes, resulting in his wife and children often going hungry and cold. Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty greatly admired him upon hearing this and personally wrote a letter praising him, earning him the respect of the people in the region. He was later promoted to the advisor to the Minister of Works and the Cavalry Attendant of Tongzhi. After Emperor Gaozu pacified the capital, he established the Ba administration and recommended Yu Bi as a military officer of the Cavalry, later promoting him to the Deputy Left Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. He was then sent to serve as the Chief Historian of Fuguo County, overseeing the affairs of the county government. At that time, society was in turmoil, and the people were suffering, as food prices soared and many became homeless. Yu Bi took office and earnestly governed, comforting the people and achieving significant results. He was known for his integrity and extreme frugality, to the extent that he sometimes went several days without cooking. When the Prefect and Prince Yongyang heard about this, they sent some food to him, which Yu Bi graciously declined. In the first year of Tianjian, Yu Bi passed away, leaving his family impoverished, unable to afford a coffin or transport his body home. Upon hearing this, Emperor Gaozu ordered a hundred pieces of silk and fifty sheng of rice to support his family.
At the beginning, Yu Bi came from a distinguished family in the Western Chu aristocracy. He rose to prominence as an official at a young age, and his fellow townsman Le Ai was jealous of his achievements, which led to a rivalry between the two. Le Ai had previously worked under King Yi of Qi, but after King Yi's death, Le Ai's career took a downturn, being demoted from a foot soldier to a border guard, before eventually requesting a transfer back to Jingzhou. At that time, Yu Bi was the assistant in Jingzhou and grew even more distant towards Le Ai. After Gaozu ascended to the throne, Le Ai was appointed as the Deputy Imperial Censor due to his contributions in the Western Court, while Yu Bi had just obtained the position of magistrate of Kuaiji County, which filled him with shame. Later, Yu Bi committed a few minor errors in his duties, and Gaozu, since he was from the same hometown as Le Ai, sent Le Ai to rebuke him. This angered Yu Bi greatly, and he eventually died from illness and sorrow.
Shen Yu, courtesy name Boyu, was from Wukang, Huzhou, Zhejiang. His uncle Shen Chang had worked under King Jingsu of Jianping in the Song Dynasty. When King Jingsu later rebelled, Shen Chang left him early, but was still imprisoned after King Jingsu's failed rebellion. Shen Yu went to the court to advocate for his uncle, eventually clearing his name and earning a reputation. He started as a minor official in the local government and later became responsible for court affairs as the Court Secretary.
Once, he visited Yin Mi, the Right Minister of the Qi Dynasty. Yin Mi discussed political matters with him and greatly admired him, saying, "With your talent and abilities, you should be in my position!" The Prince of Jingling, Ziliang, heard of Shen Yu's reputation and invited him to serve as an advisor in his household, also assigning him the responsibility of communication affairs in Yangzhou. At the time, the county magistrate of Jiankang, Shen Huifu, misused his power to bully Shen Yu, who then punished him according to the law, making everyone wary of Shen Yu's decisiveness. Ziliang highly appreciated him and even entrusted him with family affairs. After Ziliang's death, Shen Yu went on to serve the Inspector, Prince Yaoguang of Shi'an.
Once, he was sent to collect duty tax from the people. He worked swiftly and effectively, without causing any complaints. Yao Guang said to the other envoys, "Why don't you learn from Shen Yu?" So Yao Guang put Shen Yu in charge of the prison affairs in the state. There was a place called Fangshandai in Hushu County, with steep terrain making travel difficult in winter, causing inconvenience to both officials and the people. Emperor Song Ming sent Shen Yu to govern there. Shen Yu dug four waterways to facilitate pedestrian traffic, completing the project in just three days. Later, in Yangzhou, a scribe acted on his own accord, impersonating a state envoy and refusing to help with the work. Shen Yu administered thirty lashes. The scribe returned to Yao Guang to file a complaint, and Yao Guang said, "Shen Yu must have had a good reason for punishing you." Investigation revealed that the scribe was indeed an imposter. Later, Emperor Ming sent Shen Yu to build Chishan Pond, where he saved tens of thousands of units of materials compared to the original plan, which earned him even greater praise from the emperor. In the first year of Yongtai, Shen Yu became the magistrate of Jiande County. He taught the people that each household should plant at least fifteen mulberry trees, four persimmon trees, and some pear and chestnut trees, with women planting half as many. Everyone was very happy, and soon the trees quickly flourished into a lush forest. After resigning from his official position, he returned to the capital and served as a recruitment officer. Later, he followed Chen Bozhi's army to Jiangzhou and came across the rebel forces besieging Yingcheng. Shen Yu advised Chen Bozhi to surrender to Gaozu. Chen Bozhi cried and said, "My son is still in the capital and cannot leave. I can't bear the thought of leaving him behind." Shen Yu said, "We can't afford to stay; the situation is becoming increasingly dire. If we don't plan ahead now, it will be difficult to regroup if everyone disperses." Chen Bozhi ultimately led the army to surrender, and Shen Yu followed into Gaozu's army.
At first, Shen Yue was particularly close to Fan Yun in the Prince Jingling's household. When the Qi dynasty was on the verge of collapse, Shen Yue once stayed at Fan Yun's house and had a dream. In the dream, he found himself sitting on a beam, looking up and seeing the words "Fan Family Residence" written in the sky. Later, Shen Yue told this dream to the founding emperor. The founding emperor remarked, "If Fan Yun can escape a disaster, this dream could come true." After the founding emperor became the emperor, Fan Yun strongly recommended Shen Yue, and Shen Yue was promoted directly from the magistrate of Jiyang County to Right Minister of Personnel. At that time, the realm had just been pacified, and Chen Bozhi recommended Shen Yue to be in charge of logistics transportation. He was responsible for the army's logistics support, and the founding emperor thought he was very capable. Later, he was promoted to Gentleman of the Carriage in the Ministry of Personnel, while retaining his position as Right Minister. Shen Yue also recommended his relatives, Shen Senglong and Shen Sengzhao, claiming they were capable of serving as officials, and the founding emperor approved.
Shen Yue resigned from office due to his mother's death, but was later reappointed as General Zhenwu and County Magistrate of Yuyao. Yuyao County had a prominent Yu family, with over a thousand households. They often visited the county yamen to see officials, making it as bustling as a market. Previous magistrates had been unable to manage them. When Shen Yue arrived, he did not rely on connections. He made those who came to see him stand below the steps and adhere to the law. There were also several hundred wealthy clans in the southern part of the county, whose children acted arrogantly and oppressively, protecting each other. The common people suffered greatly. Shen Yue assigned the elderly to be warehouse managers at Shitou Cang and the young to be servants at the county yamen. These individuals wept and wailed as they walked, and from that point on, the powerful and influential learned to hold back. When Shen Yue first arrived in Yuyao, the wealthy officials donned bright, elaborate attire to flaunt their status. Shen Yue was very angry and said, "You small county officials, why do you dress like high-ranking officials?" He ordered them all to wear coarse clothing and stand and serve all day. If they grew tired and stumbled, they were punished. When Shen Yue was young, he had come here to sell pottery and had been humiliated by the wealthy, so now he was retaliating against them, leading the people to both fear and resent him. Nevertheless, Shen Yue was known for his integrity and adherence to his principles, which enabled him to realize his objectives.
After the court launched a northern expedition, the Emperor appointed Wang Yu as the General of Establishing Might, in charge of transporting military supplies. Before long, he also took on the role of the Imperial Water Commissioner. After some time, he was promoted to the position of Minister of State. He was later sent to serve as the Prefect of Annan, followed by being appointed as the Prefect of Xunyang. When the Inspector of Jiangzhou, Cao Jingzong, fell seriously ill, Wang Yu acted as his proxy in managing the affairs of his commandery. After Cao Jingzong's passing, Wang Yu became the Chief Clerk under General Xiao Yingda of Xin Wei, but he retained his position as Prefect. Wang Yu had a strong personality and often clashed with Xiao Yingda, who held a grudge against him. In the eighth year of Tianjian, when Wang Yu went to the capital to handle affairs, he spoke forcefully, causing Xiao Yingda to immediately change his demeanor and say, "Is the court sending you here to be a mouthpiece?" After leaving, Wang Yu told others, "I’d rather die than bow down to him." That day, he was ambushed and killed by bandits on the road at the age of fifty-nine. Many suspected that Xiao Yingda was behind his death. Wang Yu's son, Wang Xu, made several appeals, but Xiao Yingda died soon after, and the truth was never fully revealed. Wang Xu later led a modest life as a commoner.
Fan Shuzeng, styled Zixuan, was a native of Qiantang in Wu Commandery. He loved learning from a young age and studied the Five Classics with Lu Daohui in Yuhang, and had a solid grasp of their main ideas. Although Lu Daohui had over a hundred students, he only praised Fan Shuzeng, remarking, "This child will definitely become a teacher of emperors in the future." When Qi's Prince Wen and Jingling's Prince Wenxuan were young, Emperor Gaozu invited Fan Shuzeng to serve as their teacher and friend. He initially served as an attendant in the Song Jinxi Kingdom. After the establishment of the Qi Dynasty, he was promoted to the position of Langzhongling of Nanjun, and then further promoted to the position of Shangshu Zhu Ke Lang, Prince's Infantry Colonel, and concurrently served as the magistrate of Kaiyang. Fan Shuzeng was known for his integrity and willingness to speak his mind, often offering counsel in the palace. Although the prince did not fully accept his advice, he did not punish him for it. Prince Wenxuan valued him highly, referring to him as "Zhou She." At that time, the Left Guard Commander, Shen Yue, regarded Fan Shuzeng as honest as Ji An of the Han Dynasty. Because his parents were aging, Fan Shuzeng requested to return home to look after them and was appointed Grand Master of the Palace Carriages.
After Emperor Ming became the emperor, Fan Shu was appointed as a general of the cavalry and later transferred to Yongjia as the governor. He was honest and fair in his official duties, not relying on intimidation to govern the region, and the common people thought highly of him. Below Yongjia, there was a county called Hengyang, with rugged terrain where many fugitives hid. Several officials had tried to capture them before but failed. When Fan Shu arrived, he demonstrated the emperor's benevolence to all, and upon hearing this, the fugitives came forward to surrender voluntarily, resulting in over two hundred households re-registering. From then on, merchants were able to trade freely, and the common people could live and work in peace. During his time as the governor of Yongjia, he remained honest and never accepted bribes. Emperor Ming was very pleased to hear this and commended him, summoning him back to the court as a general of the cavalry. The officials in Yongjia offered him over two hundred thousand coins as a farewell gift, but he refused to accept any of it. He left without his family and took nothing with him, not even someone to help carry his belongings. The people of Yongjia, young and old, came out to send him off, their cries resonating for miles.
During the reign of Emperor Donghun, Fan Shu was appointed as a middle-ranking official and later returned to his hometown. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, Fan Shu took a small boat to the capital to meet the emperor, then he resigned and returned home. Emperor Gaozu issued a decree saying, "Middle-ranking official Fan Shu, during the Qi dynasty, he served the emperor with loyalty and integrity. While serving as the governor of Yongjia, he lived a simple and honest life. He should be promoted to recognize his noble character. Appoint him as a grand master, and reward him with twenty pieces of silk." Fan Shu gave away his entire salary throughout his life. By the time he grew old, his family had become destitute and owned nothing. He passed away in the eighth year of Tianjian, at the age of seventy-nine. He made annotations on the Book of Changes and wrote dozens of poems and essays.
Qiu Zhongfu, courtesy name Gongxin, was a native of Wucheng from Wuxing. He loved learning from a young age, and his ancestors were known for their integrity. They often said that Qiu Zhongfu was a steed that runs a thousand miles, an outstanding talent. In the early years of Qi Yongming, he was selected as a scholar at the Imperial Academy. Although he excelled in the exam, he returned to his hometown before assuming his position. His family was very poor and could not afford to live, so he fell in with a band of thieves, offering them strategic advice on their heists in the Sanwu region. Qiu Zhongfu was intelligent and talented, and the bandits all respected him and listened to him. The heists he orchestrated were highly successful, so he was never caught. Later, the governor Xu Si appointed him as the main clerk, and he subsequently served as an official in Yangzhou, a professor at the Imperial Academy, and the magistrate of Yuhu County, all with good political achievements. The governor Lv Wenxian was a favorite of the emperor at the time, often oppressing subordinate counties, but Qiu Zhongfu stood his ground against him. Later, due to his father's death, he resigned from his official position. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, he promoted Qiu Zhongfu to Liewu General, and he later became the magistrate of Qu'a County. At that time, the governor of Kuaiji, Wang Jingze, rebelled, exploiting the court's unpreparedness, and the vanguard troops were already close to Qu'a. Qiu Zhongfu said to the officials and people of the county, "Although these rebels are fierce, they are actually a bunch of loose sand, easily disintegrated. Now let's quickly collect all the boats, dig up the embankment of Changgangdai, flood their path; as long as we can delay them for a few days, the court's army will definitely arrive, and the situation will be successful!" When Wang Jingze's army arrived, the river had run dry, and the army found itself stranded, eventually disintegrating. Qiu Zhongfu was promoted to the magistrate of Shanyin County for his steadfastness and achievements. During his tenure, the locals even composed a song in his honor: "Two Fus, Shen, Liu, not as good as one Qiu." The "Two Fus, Shen, Liu" referred to several esteemed officials from Shanyin County's past, Fu Yan and his son, Shen Xian, and Liu Xuanming. They all had political achievements, but the locals believed that Qiu Zhongfu surpassed them all.
In the late years of the Qi Dynasty, the court was in chaos, where corruption and bribery were rampant. Qiu Zhongfu was also reported by the officials and was wanted for arrest. He secretly fled and went straight to the capital city, waiting outside the palace gates. Luckily, he escaped punishment thanks to a general amnesty. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he appointed Qiu Zhongfu as the magistrate of Shanyin County. Qiu Zhongfu was skilled at handling complex issues and adept at adapting to changing situations. Both officials and common people respected him greatly, almost worshipping him as a deity. His achievements were among the best in the country.
Later, he was promoted to Chief of Chariots and Cavalry and then to Intendant of Changsha. After a brief period, he was summoned by the court to serve as Deputy Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, then promoted to Director and subsequently to Minister of War. The Emperor greatly valued him. Qiu Zhongfu was in charge of the construction of the palace. Once the project was completed, he was appointed as Intendant of Anxi and Prefect of Nanjun. He was later promoted to Chief of Cloud Cavalry and Prefect of Jiangxia, while also overseeing affairs in Yingzhou Prefecture. After his mother's passing, he returned home to observe the mourning period and resumed his duties afterwards. He was dismissed from office due to various circumstances, but was later reinstated as a Military Advisor to the Minister of Works. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Intendant of Yuzhang, where he prioritized integrity and frugality in his administration. He passed away shortly thereafter, at the age of forty-eight. The Emperor issued a decree commending his service and posthumously honored him with the title of Yellow Gate Attendant. When Qiu Zhongfu's coffin was brought back to his hometown, the people of Yuzhang wept as they followed the funeral procession, which moved slowly due to the large crowd.
While serving as Deputy Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Qiu Zhongfu composed the "Imperial Canon" in twenty volumes, "Stories of the Southern Palace" in one hundred volumes, and "Miscellaneous Rites and Ceremonies of the Imperial Secretariat," all of which have been preserved through the ages.
Sun Qian, styled Changxun, was from Ju County in Dongguan. When he was young, he was held in high regard by his relative Zhao Bofu. At the age of seventeen, Sun Qian was brought along by Zhao Bofu, who had become the governor of Yuzhou, to serve as a military aide due to his strong ability to handle affairs. Later, after his father passed away, Sun Qian resigned from his official position and returned home in mourning, working the land in Liyang to support his younger siblings. The people in the village praised his devotion to his siblings.
Upon hearing about this, Prince Yi Gong of Jiangxia in the Song Dynasty invited him to serve as a military officer. Later, Sun Qian served in succession at the Taizai and Dasi Mansions. He was then appointed as the magistrate of Jurong County, known for his honesty, caution, remarkable memory, and was revered by the common people like a god.
In the early Tai Shi period, Sun Qian worked under Prince Jian'an Xiu Ren, who recommended him to Emperor Ming and appointed him as the General of Ming Wei, concurrently serving as the governor of Badong and Jianping counties. These two counties were located in the Three Gorges and often required military force to maintain order. When Sun Qian was about to take office, the court ordered him to bring along a thousand soldiers. Sun Qian said, "The barbarians do not submit because the court lacks tolerance towards them. Why mobilize troops and increase the financial burden of the country?" He resolutely refused to comply with the court's order. Upon arriving in the counties, he implemented benevolent policies, for which the local tribes were very grateful. They sent gold and silver treasures, which Sun Qian politely declined to accept. If he captured any prisoners, he would release them back to their homes. He returned all the gifts given by the people. The atmosphere in the counties transformed dramatically, and his prestige continued to rise. After serving for three years, he was recalled to the court and appointed as a military officer.
During the early years of the Yuanhui period, the court appointed him as the Governor of Liangzhou, but he declined and was later appointed as the Cavalry Commander and the Chief Clerk of the Northern Expedition Marshal's Office. Prince Jianping sought to rebel, fearing that Sun Qian's honesty and strength would stop him, so he found an excuse to send him to the capital and then rebelled himself. After Prince Jianping was killed, Sun Qian was promoted to General of the Left Army.
In the early years of the Qi Dynasty, Sun Qian served as General of Ning Shuo and County Magistrate of Qiantang. He managed government affairs with remarkable efficiency, resulting in no prisoners in the jail. When he left office, the people gifted him silk and cloth in gratitude for his refusal to accept bribes during his tenure, but he refused them all. Every time he left office, he had no personal residence and always stayed in government-owned empty stables. In the early years of the Yongming period, he served as Chief Historian of the Champion and Prefect of Jiangxia. He was replaced by someone else and imprisoned in the Shangfang. Shortly after, he was dismissed and demoted to Middle Cavalry Officer. Emperor Ming sought to depose the Crown Prince and wanted Sun Qian to be his confidant, appointing him as the Guard Commander with a hundred soldiers, but Sun Qian refused to get involved in power struggles and disbanded the soldiers. Although Emperor Ming did not blame him, he never used him again. Later, he was appointed as the South Central Marshal. In the first year of Emperor Donghun's Yongyuan reign, he was promoted to... (original text missing).
In 507 AD, Sun Qian was appointed as the General of the Auxiliary Country and Prefect of Lingling. By then, he was already very old, but still devoted himself to governing the area, and the people lived in peace and prosperity. Previously, there were often tiger attacks in Lingling County, but after Sun Qian took office, the tiger attacks ceased. It was only on the night of his departure that the tigers returned and attacked once more. During his term, Sun Qian consistently encouraged the community to diligently pursue agriculture and sericulture, striving to maximize the benefits of the land, and as a result, Lingling County's income consistently surpassed that of neighboring counties.
Nine years later, due to his old age, Sun Qian was recalled by the court and appointed as Minister of Rites. Upon arriving at the court, Emperor Gaozu greatly appreciated his honesty and integrity and showed him particular favor. Every time he attended court, Sun Qian would ask the Emperor for more significant responsibilities so that he could continue to serve the country. Emperor Gaozu laughed and said, "I use your wisdom, not your physical strength."
In the year 514 AD, the Emperor issued a decree stating, "Minister of Rites Sun Qian, known for his honesty and prudence, despite his old age, remains diligent and tireless. Considering his age and experience, he should be given greater honor. He is granted twenty trusted guards and a walking stick."
From his youth to old age, Sun Qian served in two counties and five commanderies, always maintaining honesty and integrity wherever he went. He lived a simple life, with only a reed mat and a screen for a bed, covered with a cloth blanket in winter and had no mosquito net in summer. Yet, he never got bitten by mosquitoes at night, which everyone found curious. Despite being over ninety years old, he was as strong as a man in his fifties, always arriving at the court earlier than others. He was kind and righteous, exceeding the norm. His cousin Sun Lingqing often fell ill and stayed at Sun Qian's house, and whenever Sun Qian returned home, he would check on him. Once, Sun Lingqing said, "The water I just drank was too hot or too cold, and now I feel thirsty." Sun Qian immediately sent his wife to take care of him.
There was a man in Pengcheng named Liu Rong, who begged for a living and became homeless due to a serious illness. His friends carried him to Sun Qian's house, where Sun Qian offered his hall for him to stay. After Liu Rong passed away, Sun Qian ensured he received a proper burial according to proper rites. Everyone greatly admired Sun Qian's character.
In the year 515 AD, Sun Qian passed away at the age of ninety-two. The court granted him thirty thousand coins and fifty pieces of cloth for funeral expenses. Emperor Gaozu held a mourning ceremony for him, deeply saddened and mournful.
Zilian was a humble man who had a knack for flattering those in power. He was already a magistrate during the Qi Dynasty and later became the Right Chancellor of the Ministry of Personnel. During the Tianjian period, he sought to ingratiate himself with Shen Yue, Fan Yun, and others, including Huang Muzhi. He would send various delicious foods to the officials every day, all personally prepared, never considering it a hassle. He steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a minister, deputy imperial censor, and serving as the prefect of both Jinling and Wuxing. There was a talented but somewhat frivolous man named Gaoshuang who sought his patronage, and Zilian had him write articles. When Gaoshuang's request went unfulfilled, he composed a riddle to mock Zilian: "Stabbing the nose without sneezing, stepping on the face without anger, biting the teeth as steps, holding this to defeat others." This suggested that Zilian climbed the ranks through unethical means.
Fuyue, also known as Xuanyao, was the son of Fumanrong. He inherited his father's talents and was skilled in metaphysics, gaining renown alongside Ren Fang from Le'an and Liu Man from Pengcheng. He initially served as an imperial attendant while also holding the position of a Confucian scholar, later becoming the magistrate of Dongyang. After his term ended, he became the magistrate of Yinxian. Since his father had retired by then, the court assigned him to lighter positions to allow him to care for his father. As the Qi Dynasty approached its downfall, he was appointed Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat and also took on the role of a military secretary in the Guard.
After the founding emperor ascended the throne, Fugai, the Emperor's high ancestor, was appointed as a national scholar but resigned later due to his father's death. After the mourning period, he became a military advisor for chariots and cavalry, and gradually rose through the ranks to become the Minister of Works, Assistant Minister of Personnel, and General of the Vanguard, also serving as a scholar of the "Five Classics." He, along with the Minister of Personnel Xu Mian and the Assistant Minister of Personnel Zhou She, was responsible for managing the matters concerning the Five Rites. Later, he was sent to Yongyang as an internal historian, where he governed with integrity and efficiency. The people of Yongyang, including He Zhenxiu and 154 others, reported his achievements to the local government, which the Governor of Xiangzhou then reported to the court. After an investigation, fifteen of his actions were praised by the people, and the founding emperor greatly admired him, so he was appointed as the governor of Xin'an. In Xin'an, he continued to be honest and upright like he was in Yongyang. For those who couldn't pay taxes, he used his own farmland to assist them. Xin'an was rich in hemp and ramie, yet his family couldn't even afford to buy hemp ropes, showing how frugal he was. The three counties under his jurisdiction, Shixin, Sui'an, and Haining, all erected shrines in his honor.
I was appointed as a national scholar by the court and later became the Chief Officer of Water. At that time, the internal historian of Shixing, He Yuan, was promoted directly to the Yellow Gate Attendant due to his remarkable accomplishments, and shortly after was appointed as the General of Trust and Valor, responsible for overseeing Wu County. I felt that my reputation and qualifications surpassed those of He Yuan, and we were both recognized for our integrity, yet he was repeatedly promoted while I was only making slow progress. Feeling dissatisfied, I often pretended to be sick and stayed at home.
Later, I concocted an excuse, claiming I needed to return to Dongyang for a funeral, but in reality, I wanted to go to Gai Fang in Kuaiji to settle down. Then I submitted a request to resign from my position. Surprisingly, the emperor issued a decree appointing me as the internal historian of Yuzhang, so I reluctantly accepted the position. The Chief Censor Yu [Rijue] reported to the court:
I heard that if a person loses loyalty and credibility, then their commitment to serving the court will be broken; being two-faced, this kind of behavior should be punished! I’ve never heard of anyone who dared to defy the court's laws, disrespect the emperor and parents, and still be able to govern the country and achieve success. I heard that Fugai, the Interior Minister of Yuzhang, took leave last year, claiming to return home for a funeral, but ended up staying in Kuaiji and never came back. When he arrived in Kuaiji, he sold his house and carriage. These actions clearly show he never intended to come back. Fugai held positions in two places, rarely engaging in corruption and bribery, which should have been the foundation of his governance. How could he use this to seek praise? He always boasted about his talent and reputation being superior to others, but the emperor promoted him for his integrity, and as his rank rose, his heart was filled with resentment, which showed in his words and actions, constantly sighing and unable to sleep well or come up with good ideas. The heavens see everything clearly; nothing can escape their gaze. On December 21st last year, the emperor issued a decree: "Fugai, the National Scholar and Chief of the Longshui Battalion, is upright and just in his governance; he should be rewarded well to prevent any grievances and affect morale. Appoint him as the Interior Minister of Yuzhang." How could a subject receive such a grand favor and not be terrified, quickly confessing and repenting to the court to show gratitude? But he continued to act as he pleased, not caring about it at all. Fugai should have understood the emperor's intentions, but he craved favor, was never satisfied, and remained calculating, leading to unrest among scholars and stirring public opinion. Upon careful investigation, we discovered he had no remorse whatsoever.
I think Fu Lai has been drifting for more than thirty years. After the emperor ascended the throne, the world was at peace, with many tasks awaiting attention. The court was also reforming and innovating, as if the Jianghan River had been thoroughly washed clean. In just ten years, the royal family prospered for three generations. Yet he showed no gratitude for the emperor's grace, instead committing serious offenses with malice, being disloyal and disrespectful, and committing heinous crimes. Therefore, I believe Fu Lai should be held accountable for his blatant disrespect. According to the law, he should be sentenced to death. We have already arrested and interrogated those around him and dealt with them according to the law. If the law indeed stipulates so, Fu Lai should bear the responsibility.
I carefully investigated the case: Fu Lai, the Governor of Yuzhang, acted inappropriately, harbored resentment, and his words and actions were contrary to the court's expectations, betraying the emperor's trust. The emperor was flourishing and promoted him out of the ordinary. Yet he was dissatisfied and sought to leave the court; he abandoned his position, not intending to retire home; he was not retiring in frustration due to being unrecognized. He enjoyed the court's salary but was ungrateful; he donned official robes yet felt shackled. The law should be strictly enforced to restore integrity within the administration. After deliberation, we request to remove Fu Lai from his position and revoke all his duties.
The emperor decreed that no further investigation was necessary, so Lai successfully assumed his post in the county.
He worked there for three years, then was summoned by the court and appointed as an attendant of the Yellow Gate, also serving as a National Scholar, but sadly, he never had the opportunity to assume the role. In the first year of the Puyuan era, he passed away in the county at the age of fifty-nine. The Right Deputy of the Ministry of Works, Xu Mian, wrote an epitaph for him, in which it said: "In the eastern district, loving to connect with the people, facing the imperial palace, continuing to submit memorials. Whether lying in the rut, or pulling the cart, or drawing his image, or measuring his threshold. Thinking back on his past errors, how can we properly honor him?"
His father, Man Rong, and Ren Yao from Le An had a close relationship with Wang Jian, the Grand Commandant of Qi. As a result, Ren Fang and Xing gained Wang Jian's favor. After a period of time, Ren Fang's career developed increasingly well. By the end of the Qi dynasty, Ren Fang had become the Right Long Historian, while Xing was still just a low-ranking military officer. However, by the time Xing passed away, their official positions were almost the same. Xing was very frugal and simple, dressing very simply, seeming low-key on the surface, but actually quite ambitious in his heart, so many people criticized him at the time. He was very good at recommending talents, but always gave people a sense of inadequacy, so many young scholars sought his patronage.
He Yuan, styled Yi Fang, was from Tan County. His father, He Huiju, had been a Secretary in the Qi dynasty. He Yuan initially served as an attendant in the Jiangxia Kingdom and was later promoted to an official position. During the Yongyuan period, Xiao Baoxuan, the King of Jiangxia, was besieged by the Guard General, Cui Huijing, in Jingkou, and He Yuan was also involved in the matter. The attempt ended in failure, so he fled to Changsha and sought refuge with Prince Xuanwu, Xiao Yi, who hid him. Later, He Yuan found Prince Guiyang, Xiao Rong, hoping he would help him hide, but he was ultimately discovered. When the captors arrived, He Yuan escaped over the wall; Xiao Rong and his family were all captured, Xiao Rong was executed as a consequence, and He Yuan's family was also imprisoned in the Shangfang Court.
He Yuan fled across the river, reunited with his old friend Gao Jiangchan, and together they recruited a group to greet the army of Emperor Gaozu, Xiao Daocheng. When the subordinates of Dong Hunhou, Xiao Baojuan, caught wind of this, they sent people to capture them, causing the group to scatter once more. Later, He Yuan surrendered to Northern Wei, reached Shouyang, met the governor Wang Su, and hoped to achieve great things together with him. Wang Su declined, so He Yuan asked Wang Su to help him defect to Emperor Gaozu, and Wang Su agreed. He dispatched troops to escort him, ensuring he met Emperor Gaozu successfully. Emperor Gaozu Xiao Daocheng saw He Yuan and said to Zhang Hongce, "He Yuan is truly an extraordinary man, able to give up his family business to repay old kindness. This is not something an ordinary person can do!" He was subsequently appointed as the Assistant General of the State, and after defeating the army of the Zhuque Army, he was appointed as the Magistrate of Jiankang.
After Emperor Gaozu Xiao Daocheng became emperor, He Yuan was appointed as the Infantry Colonel. He was later elevated to the title of Guangxing Male for his accomplishments and granted a fief consisting of three hundred households. He was then promoted to General of Jianwu and became the recording officer for Prince Xiao Hui of Poyang's Rear Army. He Yuan and Xiao Hui shared a strong bond from the start, and He Yuan worked diligently under Xiao Hui, always willing to lend a hand, and Xiao Hui held him in high regard. The two enjoyed a particularly close friendship.
After some time, He Yuansheng was promoted to governor of Wuchang. He was originally generous and enjoyed making friends with heroes. After becoming an official, he changed his ways, no longer socializing casually or accepting gifts. The people of Wuchang all drank river water, but during the hot summer months, He Yuansheng spent money to buy cool well water from the locals; if they didn't want to accept payment, he'd fetch the water himself. He handled other matters in a similar way. Although it might come off as hypocritical, his intentions were good. He dressed plainly, rode in a simple carriage, and wasn't concerned about material things. The Jiangzuo region was rich in cheap seafood, so He Yuansheng ate simple meals, just a few slices of dried fish. However, he had a strict temperament, and commoners were punished harshly for minor offenses, which led someone to report him. The court summoned him, bringing dozens of charges against him. At that time, scholars and officials accused of crimes often didn't admit guilt, but He Yuansheng, believing he hadn't done anything wrong, confessed. He was held for twenty-one days without confessing and was ultimately dismissed for hoarding prohibited weapons.
He Yuan later became the General of the Southern Town and the county magistrate of Wukang County. He strictly adhered to integrity, abolished immoral sacrifices, led by example, fulfilled his duties seriously, and the locals sang his praises. When the Governor Wang Bin inspected the subordinate counties, other counties prepared fancy banquets to welcome him, but when he arrived at Wukang County, He Yuan just had some dry food and water ready. When Wang Bin left, He Yuan escorted him to the county border and offered him a scoop of wine and two geese as a send-off. Wang Bin joked, "Your etiquette is fancier than Lu Na's; won't you be laughed at by the ancients?" Gaozu heard of He Yuan's talent and promoted him to Governor of Xuan Cheng. Going from a county magistrate directly to the governor of a major region was a big deal back then. Xuan Cheng County had been hit by bandits before; He Yuan worked hard to win the people over, manage the area, and bring back the county's good name. A year later, he was promoted to General of Shu Gong and Interior Minister of Shi Xing. At that time, the Marquis Quan Ling Yuan Lang served as the Inspector of Gui Zhou, plundering along the way and entering the territory of Shi Xing County, but he didn't even harm a blade of grass.
During his tenure as an official, He Yuan was fond of building roads and alleys and repairing the walls of houses. Whether it was residential buildings, markets, city walls, moats, stables, or warehouses, the places he visited felt as if they were homes he personally tended to. He did not accept any land rents, taxes, or money, and at the end of the year, he would select especially impoverished commoners to pay their rent on their behalf, as a matter of course. While he handled cases like an ordinary person and could not always be completely fair, his decisive character instilled fear in the commoners, making them hesitant to defy him, both fearing and appreciating him. Wherever he was appointed, the common people would erect shrines in his honor, carve inscriptions celebrating his achievements, and the Emperor consistently responded with generous edicts. In the sixteenth year of the Tianjian era, the Emperor issued a decree: "He Yuan was known for his integrity and fairness in Wukang before. Later, he governed two counties with even greater integrity and uprightness. He first managed the roads well, benefiting the people, surpassing even the excellent officials of ancient times. He should be promoted to highlight his achievements. Appoint him as an Attendant Yellow Gate Gentleman." He Yuan subsequently returned to the court, where he served as the Changshi of Renwei. Soon after, he was appointed to the position of General of Xinwu and supervised Wu County. During his time in Wu County, he displayed some inappropriate behavior while under the influence, so he was reassigned to the position of Prefect of Dongyang. During his time in office, He Yuan regarded the powerful and wealthy as adversaries, while treating the poor commoners as his own children, thus instilling fear and apprehension among the powerful. After serving in Dongyang for over a year, he was dismissed and returned home following false accusations from those he had punished.
Geng Jie is upright and honest, never engages in any deceitful practices. In the officialdom, he treats officials and common folks alike, treating them all with respect. He never puts on airs when meeting others; this has made him unpopular with some, who find him too high-minded. However, when it comes to honesty and integrity, he is absolutely the best there is! Despite facing various temptations while holding official positions in several places, he always maintained his integrity, even if it meant his wife and kids had to go hungry and freeze, living like an ordinary poor person. After returning to his hometown from Dongyang, he never discussed the gains and losses of officialdom for several years, gaining even more respect from those around him. He was generous, helpful, and always truthful in his words, which was just who he was. He often joked, "If anyone can catch me lying, I'll give them a piece of fine silk!" Many tried to test him, but nobody could catch him out. Later, he was appointed as a military adviser for the Western Expedition and a magistrate of Zhongfu. He passed away two years later at the age of fifty-two. The Emperor rewarded him handsomely. Yau Cha, Minister of Personnel of the Chen Dynasty, said: In the past, there were also honest officials in history; why? This was all thanks to the social conditions back then. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the corvee was heavy, and evil people rose up. The honest officials couldn’t deal with them, so harsh punishments were used to suppress them, resulting in widespread resentment and innocent killings. After the prosperity of the Liang Dynasty, the rigid and cumbersome style was changed, teaching the people to respect their parents, love their siblings, and encourage them to farm and raise silkworms. As a result, the crafty folks turned honest and down-to-earth, while the frivolous ones became loyal and honest. A simple and honest atmosphere was established, and the common folks knew how to follow the laws on their own. It is said that during the time of Yao and Shun, every household could be appointed as officials, which honestly sounds believable! As for those cruel officials, they could not be found during the Liang Dynasty.
It is said in the Book of Changes: "Kang (亢) signifies excess, knowing to advance but not to retreat, knowing to exist but not to perish. It seems that only saints can truly achieve this!" The Book of Changes also states: "Knowing contentment will not be humiliated, knowing when to stop will not be dangerous." So, if you can't discern when to advance or retreat, or when to stop, danger and shame will pursue you, and it won't be long before misfortune strikes.
In ancient times, those who achieved greatness advanced to govern the country, to work for the people, to promote morality, and to educate the world. However, their bright success often sparked envy, prompting foolish people to climb desperately; when they retreated, they lived simply and frugally, upheld their integrity, which made the vulgar fear them. Even in the face of disaster, failure, danger, and death, they could remain calm and detached, which was rare in history. Zhang Liang of the Han Dynasty, after achieving fame, retired, lying sick in bed, even eating very little food. Compared to the unfortunate fates of Yue Yi and Fan Li, Zhang Liang's choice was truly wise! Later on, people like Xue Guangde and Er Shu followed the rules of propriety in their advances and retreats, which is also worthy of praise.
In "Weilue: Biography of Zhi Zu," Yu Huan recorded Fang Tian, Xu Yaguan, and Hu, whose actions differed somewhat from those previously mentioned. In "Jinshu: Biography of Zhi Zu," Xie Lingyun first discussed the literati of the Jin Dynasty who sought to escape the turmoil of war, stating that they were not truly content individuals; only Ruan Sikuang, who gave up fame and fortune to live in seclusion, could truly be considered free from disgrace. In "Songshu: Biography of Zhi Zu," Yang Xin and Wang Wei were also mentioned as belonging to this category. In the Qi Dynasty, Liu Zhuan of Pei State, styled Zige, resigned from his official position, embraced righteousness, and lived a leisurely, carefree life, not worrying about poverty or being attached to wealth, which made him an exemplary figure of noble Confucian virtues.
During the Liang Dynasty, with peace throughout the land and the disappearance of villains, scholars and officials recommended each other for official positions. However, those who could act according to their abilities and uphold their aspirations were rarely acknowledged. Occasionally, some individuals retired and returned to their hometowns after fulfilling their duties, or some had few desires to begin with, all of which were recorded in the national historical texts and included in the "Biography of Zhi Zu."
Gu Xianzhi, styled Shisi, was a native of Suzhou. His grandfather, Gu Jizhi, had served as the General of the Garrison and the Governor of Xiangzhou in the Song Dynasty. Before reaching the age of twenty, Gu Xianzhi was hired by the local government as a junior official, later passing the imperial examination, gradually rising through the ranks to become an attendant to the crown prince, a department director in the Ministry of Personnel, and the chief clerk of military affairs. He became the magistrate of Jiankang during the Yuanhui period.
At that time, a cattle theft case occurred. The cattle owner recognized his own cow, and the thief also claimed it was his cow. Both families stuck to their stories, and the evidence was equally inconclusive. The previous officials could not reach a verdict. Gu Xianzhi arrived and carefully examined the case. He said to both families, "Stop talking, I know what happened." He ordered the cow to be slaughtered and let each family take what they believed was theirs. In the end, all the meat went back to the rightful owner, and the thief admitted his crime. His investigative skills were remarkable, and there were many such examples. People at the time referred to him as a god. He handled requests from powerful people, as well as corrupt officials, with strict adherence to the law, showing no favoritism. He was known for his integrity, frugality, and responsible governance, earning the love and respect of the people. Therefore, when folks in the capital enjoyed a drink, if the wine was especially good, they would say, "This is Gu Jiankang's wine," implying the wine was pure and exquisite.
Later, he was promoted to be the Cavalry Commandant and a companion of King Jinxi. During the reign of Emperor Gao of Qi, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk of Cavalry Affairs and later promoted to be the Assistant to the Grand Commandant of the Western Bureau. After the establishment of the Qi dynasty, he became the Minister of the Central Secretariat. After Emperor Gao of Qi ascended the throne, he appointed him as the Governor of Hengyang. At that time, there was a plague in Hengyang County for several years in a row, leading to a high death toll and making coffins particularly expensive. Many people wrapped the bodies in reed mats and left them by the roadside. After Gu Xianzhi took office, he notified the counties to find the relatives of the deceased and help them with the burials. For those families who had all died, Gu Xianzhi used his own salary to ensure that government officials assisted with the funeral arrangements. In addition, there was a local custom in Hengyang that if someone from the mountainous areas fell ill, they would say it was caused by their ancestors, so they would open the tomb, dig out the bones, and wash them with water to ward off evil spirits. Gu Xianzhi patiently explained to them that life and death are separate matters, and these things were not related at all, so this custom was changed. At that time, Governor Wang Huan had just assumed office, and only Hengyang was free of lawsuits. He remarked, "Gu Hengyang's teachings are truly impressive! If all nine counties could be like Hengyang, what more could I possibly do!"
He first served as a junior official in the Grand Commandant's residence, and later was transferred to the position of Chief Clerk of the Eastern Command, handling the affairs of Kuaiji Commandery. Lv Wendu, a man from Shanyin, was deeply favored by Emperor Wu of Qi and built a mansion in Yuyao, behaving tyrannically and arrogantly. When Fan Xianzhi arrived, he immediately petitioned for Lv Wendu's removal. Later, Lv Wendu returned to his hometown to bury his mother, and county officials all rushed to offer condolences, but Fan Xianzhi didn't bother to show up. Lv Wendu harbored a grudge against him but ultimately did not do anything to him. Fan Xianzhi was later promoted to Chief Clerk of the Southern Command, Chief Clerk of the Prince of Balang, and promoted to General Who Establishes Might, handling the affairs of Wuzhou. At that time, the Minister of Works and Prince of Jingling set up military camps at the border of Xuancheng, Lincheng, and Dingling counties, seizing hundreds of miles of mountainous and marshy land, banning locals from chopping wood and foraging. Fan Xianzhi argued strongly that this was impractical, speaking earnestly and straightforwardly. The Prince of Jingling replied to him, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have heard such loyal advice." He subsequently ordered the ban lifted.
Next, he was promoted to the position of Secretary of the Yellow Gate, while also serving as a Minister in the Ministry of Personnel. During the Song Dynasty, his ancestor Fan Ji once served as an official in the Ministry of Personnel and planted a good tree in the yamen, telling others, "This is for Xianzhi to plant it!" When Fan Xianzhi actually took up this position, the prophecy came true. Later, he was sent out to serve as Chief of the War Department, acting in charge of the affairs of Southern Yanzhou, where he experienced the funeral of his mother. After completing the mourning period, during the Jianwu era, he was appointed as an Attendant Yellow Gate Secretary, concurrently serving as Commander of Infantry. Before he could take up this position, he was promoted to Imperial Household Gentleman to the Crown Prince, concurrently serving as the Supervisor of Wu County. Later, he was sent out to serve as General of Ning Shuo and Interior Minister of Linchuan; before he could take up the post, he was reassigned as General of Fuguo and Prefect of Jinling. Shortly after, he fell ill and requested to return home. In the beginning of the Yongyuan era, the court summoned him to be Minister of Justice, but he declined and was appointed Prefect of Yuzhang instead. At that time, there was a virtuous woman named Wan Xi, who was young, widowed, childless, and deeply devoted to serving her in-laws. Her parents wanted to arrange a new marriage for her, but she vowed to never comply. Fan Xianzhi rewarded her with a piece of silk to honor her virtue. In the second year of the Zhongxing era, the rebel army subdued Jiankang, and the founding emperor Xiao Daocheng was appointed Governor of Yangzhou, summoning Fan Xianzhi to serve as an Assistant Historian in the Bureau of Carriages and Horses. By the time he arrived, Emperor Xiao Daocheng had already taken the throne, and Fan Xianzhi's cold illness worsened, insistently requesting to return to Wu. In the second year of Tianjian, he was appointed Grand Master of Palace Service while at home. Although Fan Xianzhi held various positions as local officials, his family was not well-off, and he had very little savings. Upon returning to his hometown, he found his family in poverty, often lacking in food and clothing. Eight years later, he passed away at home at the age of seventy-four years. Before he died, he wrote a will instructing his sons:
Oh, in this lifetime, with life and death, just like day and night, it's all part of the natural cycle. When we are born, we have no idea where we come from, and when we die, we have no idea where we go. The words of Lord Yan Ling, "the essence returns to the heavens, the bones and flesh return to the earth, and the soul wanders everywhere," are quite profound! Although this topic is shrouded in mystery and difficult to prove, it's certainly not just nonsense. A hundred years slips by like a horse darting through a narrow gap, passing in the blink of an eye. I've already made arrangements for after I'm gone, so when I close my eyes, you have to honor my wishes and not go against them.
Zhuangzi and Dantai Ziyu are both individuals who have transcended worldly concerns; Wang Sun and Shi An are both independent figures. As for me, I am neither as perceptive nor as unconventional as they are. I've always thought the funeral customs in the capital are quite fitting—both sensible and in harmony with my beliefs. Wrapping the body in clothes shows respect for etiquette; a coffin draped in cloth is sufficient to mask the odor of decay. Nothing needs to be placed inside the coffin. Transported in a simple cart, covered with rough cloth to avoid offending anyone. Even Emperor Han Ming, a noble ruler, used only plain water, dried meat, and rice for his offerings; the martyrs recorded in Fan Ye's historical records were also buried with cold water and dried rice. As an ordinary person, shouldn't I avoid extravagance? Keeping funerals simple is a genuine expression of love for family; emphasizing simplicity in etiquette can completely follow my thoughts. There's no need for lavish sacrificial banquets; just lighting an incense lamp and providing a place for mourners will suffice. On the first and fifteenth of each month, as well as on certain anniversaries, you can set up a simple bed and arrange a few tables, using only vegetarian dishes, not animal sacrifices. Ancestral sacrifices should be treated with respect, regardless of one's wealth. However, preparing sacrificial items can be cumbersome and easily overlooked. We must not abandon the traditional practices of ancestral sacrifices, but from now on, I will use only vegetables and fruits for sacrifices, avoiding the extravagance of the past. We must remind future generations never to forget to honor our ancestors throughout the year. Confucius once said, "Even sacrifices of vegetables and fruits should be conducted with solemnity." The essence lies in sincerity and respect, not in ostentation! The poems, essays, inscriptions, praises, and my "Records of Hengyang County" total several dozen pieces.
Tao Jizhi is from Muling, a town in Danyang. His grandfather, Tao Minzu, once served as the governor of Guangzhou in the Song Dynasty. His father, Tao Jingren, was an official in the imperial court. Jizhi was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, and his grandfather especially liked him, singling him out. His grandfather once displayed four boxes of silver in front of him, allowing his grandchildren to take from them. At that time, Jizhi was only four years old, but he didn't take a single one. When asked why, Jizhi said, "If Grandfather wants to reward someone, he should give it to my father and uncle first, not us grandchildren, so I won't take it." His grandfather found him even more remarkable. When he was five years old, his mother passed away, and he cried as if he were an adult. Before his mother passed away, she had him dye clothes outside; after her death, the family redeemed the clothes, and Jizhi held the clothes and cried, causing everyone who heard him to feel deeply saddened.
As he grew up, Jizhi was diligent in his studies and uninterested in fame and fortune. He was first appointed as an attendant to the Prince of Guiyang and an army officer of the Northern Central Guards, but he did not take up the positions. People referred to him as "Mr. P," as many people invited him, but he did not go. After his father passed away and the mourning period ended, the Minister of the Interior, Liu Bing, took office as the magistrate of Danyang and appointed him as the chief clerk for the rear army, also serving as the county clerk. Later, he was dispatched to be the county magistrate of Wangcai, but soon resigned due to illness. At that time, Liu Bing and Yuan Can noticed the growing power of Emperor Qi and intended to conspire against him. Liu Bing had always valued Jizhi and wanted him to discuss strategies together. However, Jizhi believed that both Yuan Can and Liu Bing were scholars, and such actions would likely end in failure and death, so he stubbornly refused. Shortly after, Liu Bing and others were assassinated.
In the early days of the Qi dynasty, Ji Zhi was appointed as the Minister of Personnel. At that time, Chu Yuan served as the Minister of Personnel, and he had a good relationship with Ji Zhi. Chu Yuan wanted Ji Zhi to be the chief clerk of the Ministry of Personnel several times, entrusting him with the office’s affairs. After Chu Yuan passed away, Wang Jian, the Minister of Personnel at that time, wanted to posthumously bestow the title of "Wen Xiaogong" on Chu Yuan due to his noble character. Ji Zhi suggested using "Wen Jian" instead, worried that the title might not be entirely fitting. Wang Jian accepted his suggestion. Ji Zhi also requested Wang Jian to erect a monument for Chu Yuan, taking an active role in the arrangements and demonstrating great diligence and responsibility, receiving praise from the people at the time.
He was initially appointed as a military aide. Later, he was assigned to serve as the Champion Marshal and Prefect of Dongguan, where he earned a reputation for integrity and harmony. Upon returning to the court, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Cavalry, concurrently serving as the Marshal of the Left Guard, and later promoted to the position of Military Advisor in the Western Garrison. When Emperor Wu of Qi passed away and Emperor Ming took power, he began to eliminate dissidents. Ji Zhi refused to flatter and please, which made Emperor Ming wary of him. Therefore, he was sent away to the position of Chief Historian of Fuguo and Prefect of Beihai. This was a significant position in the border regions, with a high rank, something few could achieve. Some advised Ji Zhi to travel to the capital to personally thank the emperor in hopes of changing his opinion. After meeting with him, Emperor Ming kept him close, appointing him as a Military Advisor to the Cavalry and concurrently as the Deputy Minister of Personnel. He was later promoted to the position of Prefect of Jian'an, where he continued to govern with integrity and a straightforward approach, earning the admiration of the people. Upon his return to court, he served as a Gentleman of the Palace Library and was later promoted to General of the Agile Cavalry, also serving concurrently as the Minister of Justice.
After the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, he was promoted to the position of Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. He often said that reaching the rank of 2,000 shi was satisfying enough for him, and he did not want to be involved in worldly affairs anymore. Therefore, he claimed to be ill and resigned from his official position to return to his hometown. During the Tianjian period of the Liang Dynasty, he was appointed as the Grand Master by the court. Emperor Gaozu said, "After the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, I have never seen this person." Ten years later, he passed away at home at the age of seventy-five. Mr. Ji Zhi was known for his extreme honesty and simplicity, living in seclusion for over ten years. When he passed away, his family was extremely poor, unable to afford even his funeral expenses. Those who heard about this could not help but feel regret for his noble character.
Xiao Shisu, from Lanling, had a grandfather who served as the Sima for the Western Expeditions in the Song Dynasty, and a father who was the Prefect of Wuxing. Both his father and grandfather were highly respected. Xiao Shisu grew up in poverty and was raised by his uncle, Xiao Huixiu. He initially served as a military officer in the Qi Dynasty, and later rose to the positions of Assistant to the Three Public Offices, Prince's Attendant, and Lang of the Three Public Offices. Towards the end of the Yongyuan period, he became the Prince's Equerry. After the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu summoned him and appointed him as a military officer in the Central Command. In the early Tianjian period, he was appointed as a close advisor to the Prince of Linchuan, and later served as the Prince's Attendant and the Magistrate of Danyang. When he first took office, Emperor Gaozu rewarded him with 80,000 coins, which he immediately distributed to his relatives and friends. He was later promoted to the position of Deputy Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat and the Magistrate of Nanxu.
This person has a quiet personality, has few desires, loves to learn, is very articulate, is completely indifferent to fame and fortune, and does not show emotions on his face. Whether in life or work, he lives according to his own preferences, never arrogant or conceited, very simple and plain, so everyone respects him greatly. After arriving in Jingkou, he wanted to spend his remaining years there, so he built a house in She Mountain. Later, the court summoned him to the position of Minister of the Interior, but he outright refused, returning to his house on the mountain to live alone, rejecting all visitors, not even permitting relatives and friends to visit him. His wife was the daughter of Grand Commandant Wang Jian, and they had been separated for a long time, so they had no children. Eight years later, he passed away. His relatives and friends recorded his life story and posthumously honored him with the title "Mr. Zhenwen."
Historical records comment that people like him, like Yan Yuanzhi and Tao Yuanming, who retire at a certain age, are a rarity in official circles due to their indifference to fame and fortune. Compared to those who covet wealth and fame and are immersed in worldly life, it is truly a stark contrast.
He Dian and others, including Ruan Xiaoxu, Tao Hongjing, Zhuge Qu, Shen Yi, Liu Huifei, Fan Yuanyan, Liu Xu, Liu Hao, Yu Shen, Zhang Xiaoxiu, and Yu Chengxian, the "Book of Changes" states: "A nobleman who lives in seclusion will not worry, nor will he be afraid when alone." Confucius also praised Chang Ju and Jie Ni as recluses. Some ancient recluses felt ashamed to hear rumors of abdication, nobly declining the position of emperor, viewing the possession of a chariot as a disgrace, and not regretting even in the face of death. This represents a disregard for life and a focus on righteousness, aspiring to transcend the secular world, which represents the highest realm among recluses. The "Book of Changes" says: "A nobleman who withdraws from the world will not be bored, and is not afraid when alone."
Some recluses serve as officials in the court, serving under the nobility, content with the status quo, yet able to uphold their own aspirations, maintaining their integrity even in a corrupt environment. This is referred to as a great recluse hidden within the court, considered the second realm. Some recluses feign madness, deafness, and silence, isolating themselves from the world, forsaking rituals and music in favor of their own path, enduring unfilial and unkind behavior without concern. This is for the sake of self-preservation, avoiding harm, achieving a noble state, which is considered secondary. However, they all uphold elegance in speech and conduct, embodying the purity of seclusion. As stated in "Mencius": "People today treat rank and salary as though they were life and death." "Huainanzi" says: "People are mirrored in still waters, not in flowing streams."
These people cannot be compared with those who are in a chaotic world, fighting for fame and profit! "Mencius" said: "Today, people regard titles and wealth as if they were life itself, and losing them as if they were losing life." "Huainanzi" said: "People can all see a calm water surface, but cannot see the turbulent dirty water." Only hermits can truly promote purity and hold back greed and competition! Throughout history, emperors have honored the path of the hermit. Even Tang Yao did not pressure Chao Fu and Xu You to assist, and King Wu of Zhou did not pressure Yi Wu and Bo Yi to assist; although Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang was crude, he showed respect to Huang Shigong and Qi Liji; although Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu was strict, he also respected Yan Guang and Zhou Yan. From that time on, there were hermits in the world! This atmosphere flourished during the Liang Dynasty, inheriting and developing these noble virtues. These are moral and intellectual examples to follow, so I have recorded them in the "Hermits" chapter.
He Dian, zi Zixi, was from Lin County, Lujiang Commandery. His ancestor He Shangzhi was the Minister of Works in the Song Dynasty. His father He Shuo was the Prefect of Yidu. He Shuo had a respiratory illness and tragically caused his wife's death, and was therefore sentenced to death. He Dian was only eleven years old at the time and was nearly terrified to death. When he grew up, due to the changes in his family, he wanted to sever ties with marriage and his official career, but his grandfather He Shangzhi insisted that he marry a woman from the Wang family of Langye. After the wedding, when he was about to take his bride, He Dian wept uncontrollably, pleading with his grandfather to allow him to live as he wished, and finally got his wish.
He is an elegant-looking man, well-read, and very eloquent. His family background is prominent, with numerous relatives and friends in government positions. Although he does not hold an official position, he often travels around, not wearing a hat or belt, sometimes riding in a cart, sometimes wearing straw shoes, doing as he pleases, enjoying life to the fullest, and only returning home when drunk. Many literati envy him, and people referred to him as "Tong Yin." His brother, named Qiu, also lived in seclusion on Tiger Hill in Wu County. After his brother's death, he abstained from meat and alcohol for a full three years, causing his belt to shrink to half its original size.
Towards the end of the Taishi period of the Song Dynasty, the court summoned him to serve as the Prince's horse attendant. In the early days of the Qi Dynasty, he was repeatedly summoned to serve as a clerk and a junior official in the Prince's court, but he refused each time. He was best friends with Xie Lingyun of Chen County, Zhang Rong of Wu State, and Kong Zhigui of Kuaiji. His younger brother, Dun, built a garden at Donglimen to live in, who had a house built for him by Kong Zhigui. In the garden lies the tomb of Bian Zhongzhen, where he plants flowers and raises a toast to him every time he drinks. Initially, when Chu Yuan and Wang Jian were prime ministers, he told others, "I wrote in the 'Praise of the Qi Dynasty': 'Yuan comes from a prestigious family, Jian is the pride of the country; relying on their uncles, they care for the nation.'" When Wang Jian heard about this and wanted to meet him but realized he couldn't, he gave up. Prince Yi of Yuzhang personally drove to visit him, but he slipped out the back door. When the Minister of Works, Prince Ziliang, sought to meet him, he was at the Falun Temple at the time. Ziliang personally went to invite him, and he donned his square cap and took a seat. Ziliang was thrilled and gifted him Ji Shuye's wine cup and Xu Jingshan's wine pot.
When he was young, he once suffered from severe dysentery, which took him several years to recover from. Later, he lectured at the Wuzhong Stone Buddha Temple, taking naps on the podium, and dreamed of an extraordinary figure who gave him a pill. After taking the pill in his dream, he recovered from his illness, and people believed at the time that it was a result of his noble character. He was carefree in nature, took pleasure in giving alms, and accepted gifts from near and far, which he then redistributed to others. Once, while walking on Zhuque Gate Street, someone stole his clothes from his carriage, but he said nothing upon noticing. Another person apprehended the thief and returned the clothes to him, but he gave the clothes back to the thief. The thief was too frightened to accept, so he urged the thief to turn himself in. The thief, frightened, accepted the clothes and quickly ran away. He had a keen eye for talent and promoted many individuals, recognizing the talents of Wu Xingqiuchi and Jiyang Jiangyan early on, which later proved to be true. As he aged, He Yann married a descendant of Confucius from the State of Lu. This woman was also a hermit. Despite being married, He Yann did not meet with his wife and purposely built a separate room to live in, leaving others baffled. When Zhang Rong from the State of Wu resigned from his official position and expressed his lofty ideals through poetry, He Yann responded with a poem saying, "I’ve heard of the Eastern Capital's prosperity before, but not from reading simple texts." Though it was a jest, Zhang Rong fell gravely ill as a result. Later, when He Yann got married, Zhang Rong wrote another poem for him, saying, "It's a pity that this recluse of yours, in his old age, has become tainted by worldly concerns." This angered He Yann, yet he couldn't clarify his position.
Emperor Gaozu had known He Yan for some time, and after Gaozu ascended the throne, he personally penned a decree stating: "I used to have a lot of leisure time, able to visit you, a recluse, sitting by the bamboo, facing the clear pool, forgetting the present to talk about the past, what joy it brought! It has been fourteen years since I last left your countryside; with the changes in people and circumstances, and the hardships endured, what can I say? Since I was chosen by fate, I have always wanted to see you, secretly looking for opportunities, exerting great effort, as if crossing mountains. Yan Guang went to court nine times and retreated nine times, talking to the emperor about heaven and man and recounting old stories; does it really matter if he showed disloyalty? Wen Xian once visited Cao Pi wearing a leather hat, and Bo Xiong used fine silk to visit Wen Shu; considering past examples, this is not without precedent. Now I present you with a deer skin scarf and other gifts, hoping you can visit in a few days." He Yan, wearing a deer skin scarf and coarse cloth clothes, was welcomed into the Huayuan by Emperor Gaozu, who was very happy, composing poetry and hosting a feast in his honor, extending the same warmth as before.
Emperor Gaozu issued another decree, saying: "Summon the hermit He Dian; his noble character and contentment in a humble dwelling, transcending the physical realm, his thoughts deep and unfathomable. I handle countless affairs daily, yet I still think of the virtuous sages of the past; moreover, I have personally obtained talented individuals of the same era, yet have not allowed them to participate in political affairs. The relationship between ruler and subject is as close as lips and teeth; I must wait for virtuous individuals, sincerely hoping that you would consider assisting the court." He Dian declined the invitation due to illness. Therefore, Emperor Gaozu issued another decree, saying: "Summon the hermit He Dian; his character is noble and detached from worldly affairs, his frank demeanor is natural. In the past, because of your aspirations, we have had many banquets and conversations; my feelings for you are akin to those I have for Ziling; we are like old friends. In the past, Zhong Yu transcended the secular world, accepting the salary of the Han Dynasty; An Daoyi rejected the official position of the Jin Dynasty. These are the great deeds of yore, accomplished by wise men. We have agreed to increase your provisions and provide you with everything you require; daily expenses will be covered separately by the Imperial Household Department. Since you have come, you will be treated the same as any court official, just like Gao Yaoqing."
In the year 504 AD, He Dian passed away at the age of sixty-eight. The emperor issued a decree saying, "He Dian, the newly appointed chamberlain, lived in seclusion in Hengshan and Miyang, was upright throughout his life, and never changed. His sudden passing fills me with great sorrow. Give him a top-quality coffin, grant him twenty thousand coins, fifty pieces of cloth, and all necessary funeral arrangements will be handled by the imperial court." The emperor also ordered He Dian's younger brother, He Yin, saying, "Your wise elder brother, He Dian, also known as Zhengjun, resigned from his official post and retired to seclusion at a young age, upholding his principles throughout his life. He harbored lofty aspirations, was not constrained by worldly matters, rose above the mundane, and was devoted to profound principles. His demeanor was elegant, his spirits high; he was eloquent, was known for his noble character when drinking, and his friends were all refined individuals. As I inherit the throne and seek to promote good moral values, there are many gentlemen in the court. We should value their refined character and also promote such rare virtues among those outside the court. I need individuals who are as upright and honest as he was to achieve great deeds. During his commoner days, I admired him greatly and treated him with the respect given to Zhongyou and Jiang Taigong. In my leisure, I summoned him, and he came to see me dressed casually, just like when he shot arrows at Fen River. I had high hopes for him. His unexpected passing has left me heartbroken. You and his brother share a deep bond, and now that a loved one has passed away, the dream of growing old together is now lost. How can I endure such unending grief?" He Dian had no sons, so his nephew, He Yin, the son of his brother He Gengzi, inherited his family line.
He Yin, courtesy name Ziji, was the younger brother of He Dian. When he was eight years old, his older brother passed away, leaving him devastated; he carried himself with the maturity of an adult. As he grew up, he had a passion for learning and studied the I Ching, the Book of Rites, and the Book of Songs under the tutelage of Liu Huang from Pei. He also listened to Buddhist scriptures at the Dinglin Temple on Zhongshan Mountain, excelling in various fields of knowledge. However, he had a somewhat free-spirited nature, and few understood him at the time, except for Liu Huang and Zhou Yong from Runan, who appreciated and valued him greatly. He initially served as a secretary in the state of Qi and later advanced to become a junior official in the Crown Prince's residence. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Prefect of Jian'an, governing with clarity and integrity, earning the trust of the people. The common people respected him deeply and were wary of deceiving him. During sacrifices and festivals, he would grant amnesty to prisoners, allowing them to return home, and they would always come back on time. He was later promoted to a junior official position in the Ministry of Personnel, but he declined the position and was then promoted to be the Registrar of the Ministry of Works. He annotated the I Ching, provided explanations for the Book of Rites, and inscribed his interpretations on the backs of scrolls, which he titled "Hidden Meanings." He continued to ascend through the ranks, taking on roles such as Gentleman of the Palace Library, Grand Consultant of the Court, Acting Cavalry Commandant, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, Yellow Gate Attendant of the Palace Secretariat, Junior Palace Attendant to the Crown Prince, Chief Scholar of the National University, and Magistrate of Danyang County, with his rank increasing steadily. When the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Wang Jian, was tasked with writing new ritual regulations, he passed away before completing the task. The court then appointed Zhang Xu, a Special Imperial Envoy, to continue the work, but he also passed away. The responsibility then passed to the Prince of Jingling, Ziliang, who assigned the task to Xiao Yin, appointing twenty scholars to assist Xiao Yin in this endeavor. In the tenth year of the Yongming era, Xiao Yin was promoted to Palace Attendant while concurrently serving as Colonel of Infantry, and later appointed as the Libationer of the National University. After Emperor Xiao Zhaoye ascended the throne, Xiao Yin, being a member of the imperial family, enjoyed generous treatment. He continued to rise in rank, taking on positions such as Minister of the Left, Commander of the Elite Cavalry, Prefect of the Palace Secretariat, Governor of Linhai, and Tutor to the Prince of Balang.
Although Xiao Yin held a high official position, he had always wanted to withdraw from public life. In the early years of the Jianwu era, he had already built a house on the outskirts named Xiaoshan, where he often played with his students. At that point, he sold off his mansion and gardens, with the intention of retreating to Dongshan. Before he could leave, he learned that Xie Mo had stepped down from his post as the governor of Wuxing County and had not returned. Xiao Yin worried he was falling behind, so he submitted his resignation and departed without waiting for the court's approval. Emperor Ming was furious and sent the Chief Imperial Censor Yuan Ang to arrest Xiao Yin, but soon after, he issued a decree to pardon him. Xiao Yin learned that Mount Yujing was known for its many spiritual sites, so he went to explore and stayed at Yunmen Temple on Ruoxie Mountain. At first, Xiao Yin's two older brothers, Xiao Qiu and Xiao Dian, both had retreated into the mountains. Xiao Qiu was the first to pass away, and now Xiao Yin has also withdrawn. People referred to Xiao Dian as "Big Mountain" and Xiao Yin as "Little Mountain," also referred to as Dongshan.
During the Yongyuan era, the court summoned him to serve as the Grand Minister and the Prince's Attendant, but he did not go. Later, when Gaozu established the Ba Manor, he called him to serve as the Military Advisor and even wrote him a letter, saying: "I imagine you’ve been living a carefree and happy life, enjoying the pleasures of the mountains and fields, living comfortably. You have been far away from the intrigues at home, without the exhaustion of the outside world, always nurturing your mind and body with the Daoist way of health preservation, staying healthy without any issues. In your area, evil forces have been unable to reach you; the mountains are pristine and the waters are clear, and it has always been praised as a good place since ancient times—truly a paradise! As for me, ever since I became an official, I have been running around, interacting with people all day and managing various affairs, exhausting both my body and mind, always thinking of you and hoping to reunite with you. I remember our days together, chatting and laughing among scholars; I truly wanted to retreat to the mountains with you, living a leisurely life like the ancient hermits, free and unrestrained. But now that I am an official, this wish has gone unfulfilled. Unfortunately, the world is not peaceful; there is constant warfare and chaos, and I have to lead thousands of troops to quell rebellions and eliminate disasters. Now that things have finally settled down, I want to reminisce about the past and discuss ancient and modern times, express my emotions; you must also miss the old times like I do, but things have changed now. You have always been lofty and self-reliant, not mixing with the world; although living in the world, you are detached like a hermit. You can accept the court's appointment but also give up your official position; this shows that you know how to navigate situations, weigh pros and cons, and seize opportunities. You had long foreseen the chaos that would come—truly impressive foresight! Your ability to maintain your integrity is truly admirable! Now I am serving the country; those poor and humble people feel ashamed, but I am happy to do good deeds. I hope you can be like me and not hesitate. There’s more to say, and we can discuss it later. I’ve sent someone to check on you; I hope you’ll reply soon to ease my mind." However, in the end, he still did not go.
This letter expresses Gaozu's longing and regret for Yin, as well as his concerns about the current state of affairs. He both admires Yin's purity and seclusion and hopes that he can come out to serve the country, reflecting a complex set of emotions. The letter reminisces about past friendships, frustration with the current state, and expectations for the future development of friends. Unfortunately, Yin ultimately did not accept Gaozu's invitation.
After the emperor ascended the throne, he issued an edict appointing me as a special envoy and Right Minister of Rites. The edict reads: "I find myself in fortunate times and have received everyone's support, but I am ignorant and do not understand the art of governance. Although I work day and night, thinking about stabilizing the country, there are still many experiences and strategies left by the former rulers that are worth learning from. Whether these can be used well depends on the people. In addition, the current moral climate is deteriorating, and there is an increasing number of deceitful individuals. It is really difficult to change customs. If Confucian thought is not used to govern the nation and improve the social atmosphere, the proliferation of such practices could lead to dire consequences. Governing the nation and self-cultivation, personal cultivation and benefiting the world, gaining and losing— which is more important? These are all issues I am considering. Although I am not well-educated, I have a passion for studying history and have always wanted to be a person of integrity and detachment, often excited about it. Now the state affairs are busy and the responsibilities are great; I must set aside my ideals and make contributions to the country. I hope you can understand my thoughts and feel free to offer your assistance. I have dispatched General Wang Guo to convey the decree, and I look forward to meeting you in person in a few days."
Wang Guo came, I wore light clothing, a deer-skin hat, and was holding a book. I knelt to receive the edict after getting out of bed, and then sat down to read it once. Then I said to Wang Guo: "When I was in the Qi Dynasty before, I had three proposals. First, I wanted to reform the suburban sacrificial sites. Second, I wanted to recast the Nine Tripods. Third, I wanted to construct twin towers. It is said that during the Jin Dynasty, the prime minister Wang pointed to Niutoushan and said, 'This is the heavenly gate,' but this does not clearly define what the gates represent. The gates symbolize the grandeur of the Wei Kingdom. Carving the pattern symbolizing the Wei Kingdom on it can be done in one day. 'Xiang' symbolizes, 'Wei' refers to grandeur. The Nine Tripods are sacred artifacts symbolizing the founding of the state, so Wang Sunman criticized Chuzi for damaging the Nine Tripods. The rites for the Circular Mound and the National Suburb were different in ancient times. The southern suburb worships the Five Emperors and spirits, while the Circular Mound worships the Emperor of Heaven and the North Star. In ancient times, they were collectively called the suburb mound, which was a significant error among early Confucian scholars. Now that the Liang Dynasty has just been established, we should not perpetuate these past errors. You should go to the court to present my thoughts." Wang Guo said, "I lack sufficient knowledge, who am I to casually discuss the national rites and systems? This matter should be discussed with Shushunsheng." I said, "Why don't you hurry back to the court to submit a memorial, and then stay to play with me?" Wang Guo was very surprised: "There's no precedent for this in history." I said, "The two volumes of 'Tangong' talk about the principles of beginnings. Why must you follow the old rules from the beginning?" Wang Guo said, "Now that you have decided to retire, do you still want to participate in political affairs?" I said, "You just need to convey my thoughts to the emperor. I am already fifty-seven years old; I can hardly finish four dou of rice in a month. I no longer have the energy for official duties. I was once grateful for the emperor's favor in the past, and now I am favored again. I really want to go to court to express my gratitude, but my back and legs are weak, so this wish is likely impossible to fulfill."
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Yin refused the salary of the white-robed Minister of Personnel bestowed by the court, as well as the monthly gift of fifty thousand coins. The Emperor said to him, "In recent years, scholarship has been neglected, Confucian teachings are on the verge of disappearing, and few people among the commoners and officials are dedicated to doing good deeds. I have always wanted to encourage and reward this kind of spirit, but the results have been minimal, and I often sigh for it. I had originally wanted to invite you to come out temporarily and teach the younger generation, but since you have already given up the official career, my hopes have been dashed. I have been waiting for you to come back, full of anticipation. There is still a seat for you on the royal barge, waiting for you to return in autumn. I hope you can grant my request and fulfill your long-held dream. Among your students, how many have noble character and profound knowledge? I want to see your extraordinary school, as well as your comprehensive teaching arrangements, so that your reputation can spread and not disappoint everyone's expectations."
The Emperor continued, "In recent years, there are too few people studying, mainly because they have not gathered together to study, so Confucian scholarship has been neglected. Whenever I think of this, I feel quite moved. As a master of Confucianism with noble character, you should invite aspiring individuals to study with you. I hope you can teach them seriously and revive Confucian culture once again." Therefore, the Emperor sent He Zilang, Kong Shou, and six others to Dongshan to learn from Yin.
Prefect Yuan Jian highly respected Yin, often driving to Yin's residence in the middle of each month to visit in person and engaging in discussions about scholarly topics with Yin all day. Yin felt that in such a crowded place, the surroundings were cramped and unsuitable for teaching, so he moved to Qinwang Mountain. There was a spring that flowed like a fountain on the mountain, and he built a schoolhouse on the west side of the spring, using the trees as a natural barrier and the mountain rocks as a wall. He also built a small loft as a bedroom, personally opening and closing the door, with no servants permitted nearby. He cultivated two acres of land on the mountainside and worked with the students in his spare time. When Yin had just settled in and was about to build a house, he suddenly saw two people wearing dark hats, very tall, who asked Yin, "Do you want to live here?" and then they pointed to a spot and said, "This place is particularly auspicious." After they spoke, they vanished. Yin built the house according to where they had pointed. Later, a flash flood occurred, sweeping away trees and rocks, but the house where Yin resided remained unscathed. Yuan Jian had his scribe Zhong Rong compose a poem titled "Rui Shi Song" and engraved it on a stone to commemorate this remarkable event.
When Yuan Jian left Hengyang Prefecture, he said farewell to Yin on the mountain, escorting him all the way to Duci Dai, three miles from the county seat. Yuan Jian said, "I have long since given up on my official career and have lost touch with friends. If I hadn't chosen to live in seclusion in the mountains, how could I have returned to the city? This time I came to Duci Dai to bid you farewell, and I fear there may not be another opportunity in the future." The two clasped hands and said their tearful goodbyes.
The He family has been buried in the western mountains of Wu since the time of He Chong, the Minister of Works during the Jin Dynasty. Members of their family have short lifespans, with only their ancestor He Shang reaching the age of seventy-two. When He Yin grew old and reached the age of his grandfather, he moved back to Wu and composed a poem titled "Farewell to the Mountain," expressing profound sorrow. After returning to Wu, he taught Buddhist scriptures at Huiji Temple, and many students followed him. Even local officials traveling from the east would come to pay their respects. He Yin was very averse to killing, and once a hunter chased a deer that actually ran up to He Yin and obediently lay down motionless. Another time, a bizarre red bird resembling a crane flew into the lecture hall and behaved as gently as a domestic fowl.
Initially, the Abbot of Kaishan Temple encountered He Yin on Qinwang Mountain, but later the Abbot returned to the capital and died on Zhongshan Mountain. On the day of the Abbot's death, He Yin was at Prajna Temple and saw a monk present him with an incense box and a letter addressed to "Mr. He." After speaking, the monk disappeared. He Yin opened the box to find the "Great Treatise on the Adornment of the Buddha." This was a rare scripture in the world. Additionally, a luminous pillar appeared in the temple, shining for seven days and nights, which was reported to the court by the local governor, He Yuan. Crown Prince Zhaoming held He Yin's virtues in high regard and dispatched his attendant, He Sicheng, to deliver an imperial decree commending him.
In the third year of Zhongtong, He Yin passed away at the age of eighty-six. Before his passing, He Yin fell ill. His wife, Lady Jiang, dreamed of a celestial being who told her: "Your husband's life has come to an end, but his noble virtues can prolong it. You can take his place." Upon waking, she recounted the dream to He Yin, and not long after, she succumbed to illness, and He Yin's health began to improve. Later, He Yin dreamed of a goddess accompanied by over eighty people, all wearing hats and clothes, lining up to bow to him. Upon awakening, he made preparations for his funeral. Shortly thereafter, his illness returned, and ultimately, he could not be healed.
He Yin annotated "The Treatise on the Hundred Methods" and "The Treatise on the Twelve Gates," each with one volume, "Zhou Yi" ten volumes, "Mao Shi Zong Ji" six volumes, "Mao Shi Yin Yi" ten volumes, "Li Ji Yin Yi" twenty volumes, and "Li Da Wen" fifty-five volumes.
His son He Zhuan did not hold any official post either. Prince Luling wanted him to be the chief clerk, but he did not agree.
Ruan Xiaoxu, styled Shi Zong, was from Weishi in Chenliu. His father Ruan Yanzhi was a junior official in the Ministry of War of the Song Dynasty. When Ruan Xiaoxu was seven years old, he lived with his uncle He Yin. After He Yin's mother Zhou passed away, leaving behind a fortune of over a million, he was entitled to inherit it, but he did not take a penny and gave it all to He Yin's sister, the mother of Prince Langye Yan Zhi. Those who heard about this praised him highly.
He was filial from a young age, of a calm demeanor, and even when playing with other children, he always liked to play with dirt to make mounds. At the age of thirteen, he had already read all the "Five Classics." At the age of fifteen, he came of age and went to see his father. His father warned him, saying, "Now that you are an adult, your responsibilities as a son are greater. You must recognize the importance of self-improvement and looking after yourself." He replied, "I hope to live by the sea like a hermit, following Xu You to live in seclusion in the deep mountains, to preserve my life and escape worldly troubles."
From then on, he shut himself away in a room, rarely leaving except to visit his parents. His family rarely saw him, and his relatives and friends called him "Master." His nephew Wang Yan held considerable influence and often visited his home, but Xiaoxu worried he would get into trouble and always avoided seeing him. Once, he ate some delicious sauce and asked what it was. When he found out it was from the Wang family, he immediately spat out the food and discarded the sauce. Later, Wang Yan was killed, and his relatives and friends were very afraid. Xiaoxu said, "We are only relatives, not allies, so how could I be implicated?" In the end, he remained safe.
When the militia besieged the capital, his family was very poor and couldn't find firewood to cook. The servants and maids in the house secretly went to the neighbors to steal firewood. When Xiaoxu found out about this, he stopped eating and had the house dismantled to use the wood for cooking. He lived in a place that contained only a deer skin bed, surrounded by bamboo and trees. In the early years of the Tianjian period, the chief imperial censor Ren Fang sought out his brother Xiaolu to visit Xiaoxu, but he did not dare to enter and could only sigh from a distance, saying, "Although his house is very close, this person is very distant!" This is how he earned the admiration of the literati.
Twelve years later on, he and Fan Yuanyan from Wu County were summoned together but neither went. Yuan Jun from Chen County told him, "In the past, when the world was in chaos, talented people hid away; now that the world is peaceful, you are still hiding, is that appropriate?" He replied, "In the past, even when the Zhou Dynasty was strong, Boyi and Shuqi did not eat the Zhou Dynasty's food; even when the Han Dynasty was strong, Huang Ba and Qili Ji did not seek wealth and nobility. Benevolence comes from within; what does it matter to the outside world? Besides, I am not one of those ancient sages, am I?"
Later, he attended lectures at Zhongshan. His mother suddenly fell ill, and his brothers wanted to call him back. His mother said, "Xiaoxu's filial piety is very effective; he will definitely come back on his own." Sure enough, Xiaoxu suddenly felt a stirring in his heart and returned, surprising all the neighbors. To treat the illness, they needed wild ginseng, which was said to grow in Zhongshan. Xiaoxu personally searched for several days without success. Suddenly, he saw a deer walking ahead and followed it to a place where the deer disappeared, and he finally found the wild ginseng. After his mother ate the wild ginseng, she recovered her health. People at the time marveled that his filial piety had moved the heavens.
There was a skilled diviner named Zhang Youdao. He said to Xiaoxu, "I see you are living in seclusion, and your inner thoughts are hard to read. If we don’t use turtle shells and milfoil for divination, there’s really no way to tell." So he started divining; he shook the divining sticks repeatedly and got a five-line hexagram, saying, "This hexagram is about to change into the 'Xian' hexagram; it signifies a response, not an auspicious sign of retreat." Xiaoxu replied, "How do you know the later lines won’t change to the top line?" Sure enough, it changed to the 'Dun' hexagram in the end. Zhang Youdao sighed, "This is what they mean by 'Feeding retreat is always beneficial'! The hexagram really fits your character; your thoughts and actions are in sync." Xiaoxu said, "Even though I got the 'Dun' hexagram, the top line didn’t show up. My path of seclusion and ascension should politely turn down the call to serve."
So he wrote "The Biography of Gao Yin," beginning with the Yan Emperor and the Yellow Emperor, and continued to write until the end of the Tianjian era, meticulously categorized into three parts, totaling several volumes. He also wrote an exposition, in which he stated: "The fundamental principle of the highest truth lies in governing without action; the actions of sages focus on remedying the world's afflictions. To save the maladies requires action, but action often contradicts the fundamental principle, which lies in governing without action, and action is not the highest truth. However, if there is no evidence of action left, people will have no way to emulate; if the fundamental truth is not explored, morality will be completely lost. Confucius and Duke Zhou emphasized leaving evidence of action, so they appropriately concealed the fundamental truth; Laozi and Zhuangzi only expounded the fundamental truth, so they should deeply suppress evidence of action. Evidence of action can be suppressed, thus Mozi had some advantages; the fundamental truth can be concealed, hence Confucius had something lacking. Those who grasp the principle of 'one' often lack wisdom; those who understand the principle of 'two' have keen insight. However, sages have reached the pinnacle of brilliance, leaving behind evidence of their actions; the virtuous have not attained the status of true masters, but focus more on expounding the fundamental truth. This is because evidence of action is needed to save the world, a task only sages can accomplish; the fundamental truth lies in elucidating the truth, which virtuous people can do. If one can comprehend this fundamental and the evidence, and understand the balance between suppression and elevation, then one will understand the essence of Confucius' and Zhuangzi's philosophies."
Nanping Yuanxiang Wang heard of his reputation and wrote to invite him to take up an official position, but Xiaoxu did not go. Xiaoxu said: "I am not refusing wealth and honor out of pride, but out of fear of the court. If a deer can pull a carriage, how is it any different from a horse that can run a thousand miles?"
In the beginning, towards the end of the Jianwu period, the east gate of Qingxi Palace collapsed unexpectedly, and the poplar trees outside the east gate were toppled by a strong wind. When asked about this, Xiaoxu said, "Qingxi is the former residence of the royal family. Wood corresponds to the wood element, which is in the east. Now that the east gate has collapsed on its own, the energy of wood has waned."
The valiant Princess of Poyang was Xiaoxu's sister. The princess once sent a carriage to pick up Xiaoxu, hoping to spend time with him, but Xiaoxu escaped by digging through the wall and ultimately refused to meet her. Every year, her nephews sent gifts, but Xiaoxu refused to accept a single one. Some found this strange, but Xiaoxu replied, "This was not my original wish, so I refused to accept them."
Tao Hongjing, known by his courtesy name Tongming, was from Muling in Danyang. Before his birth, his mother dreamed that a green dragon flew out of her and saw two celestial beings approaching her, holding incense burners. Afterward, she became pregnant and gave birth to Tao Hongjing. Tao Hongjing was exceptional from a young age. At the age of ten, he obtained Ge Hong's "Biographies of Immortals" and studied it day and night, aspiring to cultivate his mind and body, and he even remarked, "Looking up at the sky and the sun, I feel that I am not far from becoming an immortal." When he grew up, he stood at seven feet four inches, with a dignified presence, bright eyes, thin eyebrows, a slender build, and notably long ears. He read more than ten thousand books, played the zither and chess, and excelled in cursive and clerical script. Before he turned twenty, he was appointed as the attendant reader for the princes by Prime Minister Qi Gaodi and was also made a courtier. Despite being in a prestigious official household, he avoided interactions with the outside world and focused solely on reading his books. Many of the court's rules and regulations were influenced by his decisions.
In the tenth year of Yongming, Tao Hongjing resigned from his position, and the Emperor approved his resignation and rewarded him with a large amount of silk. When he left, the court officials all went to the border to see him off, and the send-off was grand, with carriages and horses blocking the roads. Everyone said that there had never been a send-off like this from the Song to the Qi Dynasty. He was highly respected by both the court and the common people. So, he retired to Juqu Mountain in Jurong. He often said, "At the foot of this mountain lies the Eighth Immortal Cave, known as Jintan Huayang Tian, which has a circumference of 150 li. During the Han Dynasty, Sanmao Jun of Xianyang achieved immortality here and governed this mountain, which is why it is called Maoshan." He built a retreat on the mountain, referring to himself as the Huayang Hermit. He began studying talismans and scriptures with Sun Youyue of Dongyang, traveling to renowned mountains and rivers in search of immortality elixirs. Whenever he reached a mountain stream or valley, he would sit there, composing poetry and essays, completely absorbed in his thoughts. At that time, Shen Yue was the magistrate of Dongyang and held Tao Hongjing's character in high regard, inviting him several times, but he never went. Tao Hongjing was diplomatic, humble, cautious, and meticulous, like a clear mirror reflecting everything, quickly understanding situations and speaking clearly and directly. During the Jianwu period, Prince Yidu of Qi, Kang, was killed by Emperor Ming. That night, Tao Hongjing dreamt that Kang bid him farewell, so he looked into Kang's circumstances after his death and heard many strange accounts, later writing the book titled "Dream Record." Once, a stone statue he worshipped was damaged, and thinking to repair it, the statue was mysteriously restored overnight, which puzzled everyone. In the second year of Datong, Tao Hongjing passed away at the age of fifty-eight. His disciples composed elegies in his honor, praising his virtues, and he was posthumously honored with the title of "Virtuous Scholar." He wrote 250 volumes of books, including "Seven Records," which have been preserved through the ages.
At the start of the Yongyuan era, Tao Hongjing built a three-story building. He occupied the top floor, his disciples resided in the middle, and guests were accommodated on the ground floor. He lived in near isolation from the world, with only one servant to care for him. He especially loved the sound of the pine forest, becoming extremely happy whenever he heard the wind rustling through the pines. Sometimes he would venture into the mountains alone to explore, and people who spotted him from a distance would think he was a deity. He had a particular passion for studying and pursuing the strange and extraordinary, becoming increasingly mindful of time as he aged. He was particularly knowledgeable about yin and yang, the Five Elements, Feng Shui, geography, cartography, natural resources, and medicine. He authored the "Imperial Calendar" and even crafted an armillary sphere, stating, "Cultivation requires this knowledge, not just for historians." When Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan, was preparing to abdicate the throne after pacifying Jiankang, Tao Hongjing used divination to predict the outcome and discovered several instances of the character "Liang." He instructed his disciples to present this finding to the emperor. Emperor Wu of Liang had known him in his youth, and after ascending the throne, he grew increasingly fond of Tao Hongjing. They exchanged frequent correspondence, and visitors came to see him one after another.
In the fourth year of Tianjian, Tao Hongjing moved to live in Jijin Dongjian. He was very skilled in fasting and breath control techniques, and even in his eighties, he had a rosy complexion and was in good health. He greatly admired Zhang Liang, saying, "In ancient times, no one could compare to him." He once dreamed that the Buddha gave him a decree, saying he was the Bodhisattva of Victory. He then went to the Ayuwang Pagoda in Maoxian to take the Five Precepts. Later, Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan, inspected South Xuzhou and heard of Tao Hongjing's reputation. He summoned him to the inner hall and engaged in discussions with him for several days before leaving. Emperor Wu of Liang greatly admired him. In the first year of Datong, Tao Hongjing was ordered to present two precious swords to Emperor Wu of Liang, one called "Yangsheng" and the other called "Chengsheng." In the second year of Datong, Tao Hongjing passed away at the age of eighty-five. His face did not change at the time of his death; his body was soft and natural, just like usual. Emperor Wu of Liang posthumously honored him with the title of Senior Doctor, bestowed upon him the title of Mr. Zhenbai, and sent an assistant to help with the funeral arrangements. Tao Hongjing had requested a simple burial before his death, and his disciples followed his wishes.
Zhuge Qu, known by his courtesy name Youwen, was a native of Yangdu in Langye, residing in Jingkou for generations. When Zhuge Qu was young, he served the scholar Guan Kangzhi and extensively studied the classics and historical texts. Later, he became a student of the scholar Zang Rongxu. When Zang Rongxu wrote the "Book of Jin," he praised Zhuge Qu for his significant contribution to the completion of the book, comparing him to Housui.
During the Jianwu period, there was an official in South Xuzhou named Jiang Si, who recommended Zhuge Qu to Emperor Ming, saying, "Zhuge Qu is a person who lives in poverty and adheres to the Way. He enjoys studying the 'Book of Rites' and the 'Book of Songs,' and has never thought of seeking favor with powerful officials. He is honest and unpretentious, and can be used to promote honesty and regulate social customs. Please appoint him as an assistant in the Council of Deliberation!" The Emperor agreed, but Zhuge Qu declined the appointment.
Later, Xie Tiao from Chen County was appointed as the Governor of Donghai. After hearing about the achievements of Zhuge Qu, he issued a decree, "In ancient times, Chang Sun Dongzu lowered the taxes of Longqiu; Wen Ju Beizi was renowned for his noble character. They were all to inspire those who were greedy and set an example. Mr. Zhuge Qu, his noble demeanor moved the world, and his actions followed the ways of the sages. Was he merely carrying treasure while wearing coarse clothes, waiting to be sold at a high price, like a rare gem? Or did he want to live a secluded life, not serving kings and generals? I heard that while serving his parents, he lived in extreme poverty, subsisting on only simple meals. How could he enjoy wealth while forgetting his filial duties? Send him a hundred bushels of grain!" During the Tianjian era, Governor Xiao Chen, Inspector Wang Xiu of An Cheng, and Prince Wang Hui of Poyang all respected him greatly. After the passing of Zhuge Qu's mother, he was consumed by grief, and his health deteriorated; Wang Hui sent envoys to offer their condolences multiple times. After the mourning period, he was recommended for the position of a scholar, but he still did not accept any official position. Zhuge Qu was diligent, studious, and eager to teach others. Many people came to study at his home every day, but due to the limited space in his home, Governor Zhang You built a lecture hall for him. Zhuge Qu was honest and upright, and his wife never showed her emotions. He diligently taught and read every day without interruption, further earning the respect of the people. Seven years later, Emperor Gaozu ordered Governor Wang Fen to investigate Zhuge Qu's circumstances. Before Wang Fen had the chance to summon him, Zhuge Qu passed away. Zhuge Qu authored numerous works, amounting to twenty volumes, which were compiled and organized by his student Liu Zhai.
Shen Yi, courtesy name Chumo, was from Wukang in Wuxing. His father Shen Tanzhi once served as an official in the state of Qi. Shen Yi was quiet and unassuming from a young age, with a noble character. He greatly admired the conduct of Huang Shudu and Xu Ruzi. He did not confine himself to the literal text in his studies, nor did he pursue fancy rhetoric in his writing. He often stayed alone in a room, rarely seen by others. Shen Yi's uncle Shen Bo held a high position in the Qi dynasty, and whenever he returned to Wuxing, his home was filled with guests, but Shen Yi never went to visit him. Shen Bo personally visited him, and Shen Yi's reception and farewell were very simple, without going beyond the threshold. Shen Bo sighed, "Now I understand that wealth is not as good as poverty!"
It is said that E Yi was appointed as the Left Attendant of the Prince of Nanjun, but he did not go. E Yi was particularly upright, filial to his mother, and had a good relationship with his brothers, gaining a good reputation in his hometown. In the third year of Yongming, the court summoned him to be a literary official; in the second year of Jianwu, he was summoned to be a junior official of the Crown Prince, but he did not go both times. In the second year of Yongyuan, the court summoned him to be a direct official, but he still did not go. E Yi never saved money, and during the chaos of the end of the Qi dynasty, he and his family worried every day just about having enough to eat. Even when people sent him rice and meat, he adamantly refused to accept, making a living by chopping firewood in the mountains, always cheerful and unaffected. In the fourth year of Tianjian, the court launched a large-scale northern campaign and required the registration of all young adults. The Prefect of Wuxing, Liu Yun, wanted E Yi to enlist, and the Vice Minister of Yangzhou, Lu Ren, even wrote a letter criticizing him. Liu Yun realized his mistake and quickly apologized, releasing E Yi. That same year, E Yi passed away peacefully at home, leaving behind numerous writings.
Liu Huifei, courtesy name Wenxuan, was from Pengcheng. From a young age, he was knowledgeable and talented, skilled at writing. He initially served as a military official under Prince Ancheng. Once, while passing through Xunyang on his way to Kuangshan to enjoy some leisure time, he visited the hermit Zhang Xiaoxiu. They clicked right away and enjoyed a lively chat, which inspired Liu Huifei to choose a life of seclusion there. He gave up his official career to live at Donglin Temple. He even built a garden north of the mountain, called "Garden of Leaving Dust," which earned him the nickname "Mr. Leaving Dust."
Liu Huifei was especially well-versed in Buddhist scriptures and calligraphy, particularly skilled in seal and clerical scripts. He personally transcribed over two thousand volumes of Buddhist scriptures while on the mountain, and regularly recited hundreds of volumes. He practiced tirelessly, day and night, gaining admiration from people near and far. When Liang Wudi was Crown Prince in Jiangzhou, he even gifted Liu Huifei a walking stick! Some say it had been nearly two hundred years since the venerable master passed away before people like Zhang Xiaoxiu and Liu Huifei emerged. Liang Wudi and Prince Wuling often wrote letters to him. In the second year of Datong, Liu Huifei passed away at fifty-nine.
Fan Yuanyan, styled Bogui, was a native of Hangzhou, Zhejiang. His grandfather, Fan Yuezhi, was summoned by the court to become a doctoral candidate at the Imperial Academy, but he declined the offer. His father, Fan Lingyu, died while in mourning due to overwhelming sorrow. Yuanyan was sensible from a young age, dedicating himself to mourning for his father, much to the surprise of his relatives and friends. As he grew up, he had a passion for studying, immersing himself in the classics and history, and was well-versed in Buddhist philosophy. However, he was humble and respectful, never proud or arrogant because of his knowledge. Coming from a humble background, he and his family made a living through vegetable farming. Once, he caught someone stealing his vegetables and quickly hid from view. When his mother inquired about the thief's identity, he said, "I hid because I didn't want to embarrass him. Now that I've said his name, I hope you won't tell anyone else." Thus, the mother and son kept this secret. Later, another person crossed a ditch to steal his bamboo shoots, so Yuanyan cut down a tree to construct a bridge for the thief. From then on, the vegetable thieves were filled with shame, and no one in the village stole vegetables again. He rarely went out, and even when at home, he would sit alone, as if he were hosting esteemed guests. People who encountered him showed him great respect. Liu Zhuang, a man from Pei, held him in high regard and even recommended him in an official memorial. In the second year of the Qijianwu era, the court summoned him to serve as a military officer in Anbei, but he declined the offer. In the ninth year of Tianjian, the magistrate Guan Huibian lauded his virtuous deeds in an official memorial, and the governor of Yangzhou, Prince Hong of Linchuan, also summoned him, but he still declined. Ten years later, Prince Hong again put forth a recommendation for him in a memorial, but he ultimately was not summoned. That year, he passed away at the age of seventy years.
Liu Xu, courtesy name Yandu, was a native of the Pingyuan Plain. His father, Liu Lingzhen, once served as the Governor of Wuchang under the State of Qi. Liu Xu was known for his filial piety since childhood. When his parents passed away when he was young, he mourned so deeply during the mourning period that it nearly took a toll on his health. Those who came to pay their respects were deeply moved. Later, he was raised by his uncle, serving his aunt and sister with filial piety and kindness, gaining the admiration of his relatives. Because he lost his parents at a young age, he couldn't help but shed tears if someone accidentally touched on a taboo. His elder brother, Liu Jie, set up a marriage for him, but when Liu Xu found out, he went into hiding until things settled down before returning. The provincial governor, Zhang Ji, summoned him to be a registrar, but he did not go. When higher-ranking officials ordered his summons, he posted the summons on a tree and then took off.
Xu was adept in metaphysics and well-versed in Buddhist scriptures. He once went with his clan brother, Liu Xiao, to a temple on Zhongshan to attend teachings on Buddhism. Later, the two brothers planned to build a house in a mountain stream east of Songxi Temple, with plans to live there for the rest of their lives. In the seventeenth year of the Tianjian era, Xu passed away in his brother Liu Xiao's home at the age of thirty-one. Before his death, he tightly held Liu Xiao's hand and said, "As soon as I take my last breath, prepare my body immediately, bury me right away, keep the funeral simple, no memorial hall, no sacrifices, and no need for descendants." Liu Xiao followed his wishes. Xu's relatives and friends together erected a stone tablet, erected a tombstone for him, and posthumously conferred upon him the title "Master Xuanzhen."
Liu Xiao, courtesy name Shiguang, was the elder cousin of Xushan. His ancestors were officials in the Northern Wei Dynasty; notably, Liu Chengmin served as the governor of Songzhou, and his father Liu Wenwei served as a magistrate in the Qi Dynasty. For several generations, their family held high-ranking official positions, equivalent to two thousand stones, and each of them had a good reputation. Liu Xiao was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, as his father passed away when he was only four years old. While playing with other children, he never engaged in their playful antics. By the age of six, he was already able to recite the Analects and the Book of Songs. If he encountered something he didn't understand, he would actively ask about it. At the age of eleven, after reading Zhuangzi's "The Free and Easy Wanderer," he said, "I understand this." When guests asked him questions, he responded eloquently and logically, causing his family to view him as extraordinary. As he grew older, Liu Xiao was knowledgeable and talented, but he never married or took official positions. He chose to live in seclusion with his cousin Xushan, pursuing his own ideals, often enjoying reading and admiring nature in the mountains and waters. He actually wanted to leave worldly life, but because his mother was elderly, he couldn't leave her, so he often followed his brothers Liu Ji and Liu Yao in their official duties. When he was young, Liu Xiao enjoyed doing good deeds and always tried to help others. He never turned down gifts from others. Later, he sighed, "If you accept things from others, you should give something back; otherwise, you will be ashamed. I have nothing to repay others with, so how can I always feel guilty?"
In the seventeenth year of Tianjian, Liu Xiao wrote an essay titled "On Change and Finality." The article began as follows:
"Life and death are topics that sages seldom discuss. Confucius said, 'Essence and energy form things, wandering souls bring change; understanding the emotions of ghosts and spirits resembles heaven and earth but does not go against them.' His words are succinct, and their meaning is profound; his subject is hidden, and his intent is deep, not to be speculated upon and difficult to grasp. Let's give it a try."
It is said that when a person is alive, it is because the body and thought are combined; when a person dies, it is because the soul has separated from the body. When alive, a person moves, and everyone can see their spirit; when dead, they are motionless, and no one knows where their soul has gone. What is visible needs no explanation, as it is obvious; what is mysterious becomes more confusing the more it is explained, and the truth becomes more subtle. Therefore, the achievements and talents of those with outstanding merit are difficult to fully display; the words and thoughts of wise rulers and sages are often questioned and interpreted differently by later generations. Jizha stated: "After death, the body turns to dust, while the soul is everywhere." Zhuangzi also said: "Living is labor, dying is rest." These two statements appear contradictory. Why is that? Because "the soul's energy is omnipresent" refers to the energy of the soul being everywhere, while "living with spirit" refers to having spirit while alive; "death as rest" means that after death, the spirit disappears. Yuan Xian said: "During the Xia Dynasty, people used clear objects to tell others that there is nothing after death; during the Shang Dynasty, people used sacrificial objects to tell others that there is consciousness after death; during the Zhou Dynasty, people used both, indicating their doubts about it." Checking historical records and examining the accounts of past generations, the debate over the existence of consciousness after death continues to be unresolved.
If we analyze this from the perspective of Buddhist teachings, we can understand the sayings of various philosophers and also comprehend the sacrificial rituals of the three generations. Why is this so? Because the divine is the essence of life, and the physical body serves as the vessel of life. When a person dies, the divine essence departs from the vessel, and it is no longer the original carrier. Although the dead cannot be resurrected, a person's spirit and soul are in a constant state of transformation and are never truly extinguished. When the soul leaves the body, consciousness and thinking suddenly become clear, so the Xia Dynasty people used ceremonial vessels to indicate that they will not return after death. At that moment, when the consciousness of the soul dissipates, the Yin Dynasty people used sacrificial objects to indicate that the soul still exists. If the soul does not exist, it aligns with Zhuangzi's philosophy; if the soul exists, it aligns with Jizha's philosophy. They each have their own reasoning and do not conflict. In fact, the question of whether a soul exists after death remains ambiguous, so the Zhou Dynasty people used both types of sacrificial rituals; Confucius also sang a song about sacrificing wandering souls, isn't that so? If we abandon those extreme views and explore the essence of things, then the debate about benevolence and wisdom will naturally be eliminated.
Let's first talk about the body and soul of a person. The body is merely unconscious matter; the soul is the conscious nature. The conscious soul cannot exist independently; it needs to attach to the unconscious body to survive, so the body merely serves as a temporary dwelling for the soul. After a person dies, the soul leaves the body and goes somewhere else. If the soul has left, what purpose does this body serve? It should quickly decay. If the soul has moved on, what’s the point of offering sacrifices? Sacrificing then seems unreasonable. However, the views held by the Ji clan and Confucius differ; why is that?
Actually, those rites and music systems were originally created to deal with society's extravagance. Offering sacrifices, building tombs, holding memorial banquets, piling up mounds—all of these were just to provide filial children with a place to remember; what good does it do for the departed souls? Therefore, in ancient times, people directly burned the bodies with fire, and throwing them into the wilderness was considered sufficient. People like Zun Lu, He Xu, Huang Xiong, and Yan Di, weren't their original practices more reasonable? Learning from these four would fulfill our lifelong pursuit.
Ah, breaking old habits is tough, and trying to change everything at once probably won't lead to success. I now want to simplify funeral ceremonies, striving for simplicity and convenience; no complicated rituals during embalming, and no common formalities at funerals; while respecting the feelings of the living and adhering to the principles of the sages. Confucius once said, "Fold the hands and feet and bury without a coffin." This was originally a funeral ceremony for the poor, so what's stopping me? Moreover, Zhang Huan only wrapped the body in a headscarf, Wang Su was buried after washing hands and feet, Fan Ran was buried after embalming, Xi Zhen did not set up a banquet, Wen Du used an old boat as a coffin, Zi Lian used a cart to transport the coffin, Shu Qi warned future generations not to build tombs, and Zheng Kangcheng instructed not to choose an auspicious day for burial. If these predecessors did it, why shouldn't I? Especially as we live in this era of peace and prosperity! I want to emulate these wise men as my role models, hoping to align with the doctrine of moderation and avoid criticism for extravagance and waste.
When a person dies, there's no need for rituals to call back the spirit. Just clean up and get ready for burial. Get a basic coffin for a thousand yuan, and throw in some old clothes, shoes, or whatever. No other burial stuff, accessories, or offerings should be included. Many people nowadays believe in superstitions talked about by Li and Peng, which is just plain silly! I stick to the teachings of Confucius and Buddha, so I don’t have such superstitious thoughts. After the funeral, just take a regular car to bring the body back home. Find a spot to bury the coffin without any bricks, tiles, or trees to mark it, or any kind of worship or offerings. As for ancestor worship and keeping the family line going, let's leave it at that. I hope my family, friends, and neighbors can help me out with my wishes, and please don’t go against what I want.
The following year, I died of illness at the age of thirty-two.
When I was a kid, I sat alone in an empty house one time, and an old man showed up at my door and said, "You’ve got a strong mind, courage, and see through life and death; but you shouldn’t stick around in one place too long." After saying this, he disappeared with a snap of his fingers. As I got older, I really dived into studying Buddhism. A well-known Taoist named Baozhi met me at Xinghuang Temple and was surprised, saying, "You should go into seclusion to really find enlightenment." He said it three times. That spring, the year I died, someone put a persimmon tree in my yard. I told my nephew, "I won’t see these persimmons ripen, so let’s not talk about it again." In the fall, I passed away, and folks said I saw my death coming. Family and friends wrote eulogies to remember me, and they called me the "Chaste Scholar."
Yu Sheng, courtesy name Yanbao, from Xinye. He was intelligent and studious from a young age, well-versed in history, literature, and various schools of thought; he excelled in astronomy, geography, archery, chess, and mathematics, and was among the best of his time. However, he was indifferent to fame and fortune; he particularly enjoyed life in the mountains and countryside. He had ten mu of land, half mountainous and half a pond. He lived on simple meals and wore old clothes, without engaging in any business. Once, when he was returning home by boat with 150 stones of rice, someone asked him to carry an additional 30 stones of rice for them. Upon arrival, the person asked for their 30 stones of rice, to which Yu Sheng remained silent and let the person take all the rice. One of his neighbors was wrongfully accused of being a thief and faced severe punishment from the authorities. Yu Sheng sympathized with him, offered 20,000 coins as bail, and even had one of his students pose as the man's relative to negotiate with the officials. The neighbor was ultimately spared punishment, and in gratitude, the neighbor said to Yu Sheng, "I don’t expect any thanks for it!" Many of his actions were just like this.
When the founding emperor was young, he had a close relationship with Yu She and held him in high regard. When the founding emperor started a rebellion, he wanted Yu She to serve as a military officer in the Pingxi Commandery, but Yu She refused. He rarely socialized with others throughout his life, rejecting attempts by the people of Hedong and the people of Xiangdong to befriend him. Later, when the Prince of Xiangdong was appointed to Jingzhou, he again asked Yu She to serve as a military officer, but he still declined. During the reign of Emperor Puyi, a decree was issued stating: "Promoting good and suppressing evil is the top priority in governing the country; recognizing talent and seeking capable individuals has always been my wish. Yu She of Xinye is content with poverty, uninterested in fame and fortune, well-versed in classical literature and historical texts; Yu Chengxian of Yingchuan is knowledgeable in the teachings of Huang-Lao and also studies Buddhism; they do not seek fame or wealth, content with poverty, and can help stabilize societal values. Therefore, Yu She was appointed as an Attendant of the Yellow Gate, and Yu Chengxian as a Palace Attendant. All local governments are encouraged to persuade them to come forward and serve the court, and I hope they can serve the court." Yu She declined the appointment due to illness.
In his later years, Yu She became a devout follower of Buddhism, establishing a meditation hall at home and reciting scriptures and engaging in daily repentance without pause. He read the Lotus Sutra every day. One night, he suddenly saw a Daoist who referred to himself as "Venerable," with a unique appearance, and addressed Yu She as "Venerable Shangxing," then gave him an incense stick before leaving. In the fourth year of Zhongda Tong, Yu She woke up from a nap one day, saying: "Venerable has come again, cannot stay long!" After saying this, he passed away without showing any change in expression, at the age of seventy-eight. The entire family heard singing in the air, with voices proclaiming, "Venerable Shangxing has ascended to the Pure Land of Amitabha."
After Emperor Gaozu heard about it, he issued a decree saying, "Commending good deeds is something that all emperors throughout history have valued. Yuan She of Xinye, like a precious pearl in Jing Mountain, the talent of Qizi in Jiangling, he fled south like Jing Hou seeking refuge; he was already very famous, and he lived a life of integrity and nobility. Now that he has passed away, I am deeply saddened. He should be posthumously named 'The Chaste and Virtuous Recluse' to commend his noble character." Yuan She authored "Twenty Volumes of Imperial History," "Twenty Volumes of Yi Lin," continued Wu Duanxiu's "Records of Jiangling" in one volume, "Miscellaneous Matters of the Jin Dynasty" in five volumes, and "Collected Writings" in eighty volumes, which have been preserved through the ages.
His son Yu Manqian, whose courtesy name was Shihua, was also well-known early on. When Emperor Gaozu was in Jingzhou, he appointed him as the chief clerk, and later promoted him to the position of Central Registrar. Whenever Yu Manqian went out, Emperor Gaozu would watch him leave and said to Liu Zhilin, "The talents in the southern Jing region are abundant; even people as good and upright as Gui Tianfeng or Huan Jie, their merits and talents cannot compare to this child." Later, Yu Manqian was promoted to the position of advisory military officer. His writings such as "Funeral Rites," "Textual Examples," "Zhuang Lao's Commentary," annotated works on "Mathematical Canon" and "Seven Luminaries Calendar Techniques," as well as his own works, totaling ninety-five volumes.
His other son, Yu Jicai, was knowledgeable and of good character. During the Chengsheng period, he rose to the high position of Minister of the Central Secretariat. After the fall of Jiangling City, he adhered to the regulations and moved to Guanzhong.
Zhang Xiaoxiu, courtesy name Wenyi, was from Wan County, Nanyang. When he was young, he served as a historian for the province. After his mother passed away, he completed the mourning period and became a secretary to Prince Jian'an. Shortly after, he resigned from his post and retreated to the mountains, where he lived in Donglin Temple. He owned dozens of acres of land and hundreds of household servants, whom he guided in farming. He used all the harvest to support the monks at the temple. People from near and far admired him and came to visit, creating a bustling atmosphere like a marketplace. Zhang Xiaoxiu was easy-going and had little taste for ostentation. He often wore a straw hat, rush shoes, and carried a palm leaf fan. He took a cold food remedy and could sleep on stones even in winter. He was well-read, particularly in Buddhist scriptures. He was skilled in debating, calligraphy, and various arts, mastering them all. He passed away at the age of forty-two after just three years, and a strange fragrance filled his room. Emperor Taizong was deeply saddened by the news and even penned a letter to Liu Huifei, praising Zhang Xiaoxiu for his noble character.
Yu Chengxian, courtesy name Zitong, was from Yanling in Yingchuan. He was calm and ambitious from a young age, never spoke lightly about right and wrong, and never showed his emotions on his face, which made it hard for others to read his mind. When he was young, he studied under Liu Qiu in Nanyang, with a strong memory and quick understanding, outshining many of his peers. He was very familiar with metaphysics, Buddhist scriptures, and the "Seven Military Classics." When offered a position as county magistrate, he declined and traveled to Hengyue with Daoist Wang Sengzhen. Later, he returned to his hometown on Tutaishan because his brother was ill. The loyal king of Poyang admired his character and wanted to associate with him. He asked Yu to explain "Laozi," and famous monks from all around came to listen. Intense debates with various viewpoints ensued, but Yu Chengxian calmly addressed each one, leaving everyone impressed. The king respected him even more and appointed him as the county clerk; the king of Xiangdong also sought him as a military advisor, but he turned down both positions.
In the third year of Zhongda Tong, Liu Huifei from Lushan came to Jingzhou, where Yu visited him since they were acquaintances. Many students from Jingzhou and Shaanxi requested Yu to explain "Laozi." The king of Xiangdong personally attended the lecture and discussed with him for a whole day, being greatly impressed by him. Yu Chengxian stayed in Jingzhou for about two months before heading back to the mountains. The king of Xiangdong personally bid him farewell, gifting him poetry and essays, which were praised by local hermits. He passed away that year, aged sixty.
Yao Cha, the Minister of Personnel, said: Ah, people often misunderstand hermits. Many say they only seek fame without any real talent, but in reality, many are indeed misunderstood. With the knowledge of Zhu Geju and the family background of Ruan Xiaoxu, wouldn't it be easy for them to enter officialdom? Yet they still chose seclusion; perhaps that is their nature.
To be frank, some people, who are clearly capable, just don't want to step up and take action. But we can't completely blame them; after all, everyone has their own reasons.
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