Zhang Mian, whose courtesy name was Yuanchang, was the son of General Zhang Hongce. When he was young, his maternal grandfather Liu Zhongde felt he was special and once said, "This child will definitely have an extraordinary future; he is the treasure of the Zhang family!" In the late years of the Yongyuan period of the Southern Qi Dynasty, a rebel army emerged, and Zhang Hongce went to battle with the emperor, leaving his ten-year-old son Zhang Mian in Xiangyang. Whenever he heard news of the outcome of battles, Zhang Mian would show his emotions, making it clear that he cared deeply for his father.
In the first year of Tianjian, Zhang Hongce was appointed as the Minister of Defense, but unfortunately was killed by traitors. Zhang Mian mourned his father's tragic death, and the funeral was conducted with even greater pomp than the regulations required. The emperor even sent people to console him. After the mourning period, Zhang Mian inherited the title of Marquis of Taoyang County and was summoned to the imperial academy. He was first appointed as a secretary and later as the Governor of Huainan at the young age of eighteen. The emperor was concerned about his young age and lack of experience in handling government affairs, so he had all the county records brought to him to review. It was found that Zhang Mian's handling suggestions were very appropriate, and the emperor held him in high regard. Later, Zhang Mian was promoted to the Prince's Attendant and a military officer in the Yunhui Army.
Zhang Mian was hardworking and eager to learn from a young age, creating his own study schedule and mastering various classics from the Later Han and Jin dynasties. When guests came to seek advice from him, he could answer almost all questions without difficulty. Once, when the position of Palace Attendant was vacant, the emperor told Xu Mian, "This position has always been held by someone with literary cultivation and high status, so we must choose the right person carefully." Xu Mian then recommended Zhang Mian. Shortly after, Zhang Mian was appointed as the Governor of Wuling and later returned to the court as the Prince's Groom and an official. Zhang Mian's mother, Mrs. Liu, lived in poverty after her husband's death, resulting in a simple funeral. She never lived in the main house or followed her son to the government office.
Zhang Mian did not dare to use the salary he received as an official in the county; he even couldn't bear to buy his wife new clothes. When he returned to the capital, he used all the money to support his mother and help his relatives. Despite saving for many years, it was quickly depleted, and Zhang Mian's family always lived simply like a poor family. He was later promoted to be a military adviser to the North Central Army, then the Chief of Ningyuan Command, and later appointed as the Intendant of Yuzhang. Zhang Mian placed a strong emphasis on benevolence in his governance, never setting strict rules and regulations. Both officials and the people were influenced by his moral character and did not dare to deceive or cheat, so the local people all said, "We've not seen a good official like this in decades!" In the first year of the Daming era, the court summoned him to be the Left Chief Historian, but he declined due to illness. He was then appointed as a Tutor to the Crown Prince, concurrently serving as the Commander of the Imperial Guards. Not long after, he was promoted to be the Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Due to his handling of a case involving a foreign envoy getting into a fight, he was demoted to be an Attendant of the Yellow Gate while retaining his previous position, and he was soon reinstated to his original position.
During his time working in the Imperial Censorate, he upheld justice, was impartial, and was known as a person of integrity. The Emperor even had a painter specially hang his portrait in the court to inspire other officials. In the third year of the Datong era, he was promoted to the position of Palace Attendant, but passed away before he could take office, at the age of forty-two. The court posthumously honored him as Palace Attendant and awarded him the title of General Zhenwei, along with fifty thousand coins and fifty bolts of silk. The Emperor personally mourned for him, and the Crown Prince also went to offer condolences, writing a letter to his younger brother saying: "Our virtuous brother was knowledgeable and astute, akin to a master of classical literature and history, well-versed in poetry and literature, ancient and modern, with no one able to surpass him. Since he entered the court nearly twenty years ago, he treated his colleagues like brothers and his friends like family. We always shared joy and exchanged thoughts at various banquets and academic events in the court. Now, he has suddenly passed away, and we can no longer meet! He was in the prime of his life, with his talents about to flourish, but he tragically passed away early, truly a cause for sorrow! Thinking about our deep brotherly bond, now separated by fate, how can I bear this blow! Overwhelmed with grief, I find it hard to express my sorrow."
He had a great love for books during his lifetime, collecting over ten thousand volumes. He personally transcribed the "Book of the Later Han" and the "Book of Jin," comparing and studying different versions, and eventually completed the "Records of the Later Han" in forty volumes and the "Jiangnan Collection" in thirty volumes. He also transcribed the "Jiangnan Collection," but he did not manage to complete it. His collected works spanned five volumes. His son was named Fu Si.
Zhang Zuan, also known as Bo Xu, was the younger brother of Zhang Mian and later lived with his brother Zhang Hongji. Zhang Hongji was the uncle of Gaozu and was posthumously honored with the title of Minister of Justice in the early years of the Liang Dynasty. When Zhang Zuan was eleven years old, he married the fourth daughter of Gaozu, Princess Fuyang, and was granted the title of Marquis of Li Ting. He was then summoned to study at the National University, where he initially served as a secretary at the age of seventeen. Standing seven feet four inches tall, he had a handsome appearance and a spirited demeanor. Gaozu admired him and remarked, "Zhang Zhuangwu once said, 'Among my descendants in the next eight generations, there will be someone who carries on my aspirations.' He must have been referring to Zhang Zuan." Zhang Zuan loved to study, and his brother Zhang Mian owned over ten thousand books, which he read day and night without putting them down. There were only four positions for secretaries, and since the Song and Qi dynasties, it had been the choice for children of noble families. Generally, one would be promoted after several tens or hundreds of days in this position. However, Zhang Zuan chose not to be transferred, wanting to finish reading all the books in the cabinet. After a few years, he was promoted to the Prince's Attendant, and later to the Chamberlain for Law Enforcement, responsible for document management. Zhang Zuan was well-known in the same league as Prince Xiqi of Langye. In the early years of Puyang's reign, the Wei Kingdom sent Liu Shanming from Pengcheng to the capital to seek peace and requested to meet Zhang Zuan. At the time, Zhang Zuan was twenty-three years old, and Liu Shanming greatly admired him upon meeting him. Zhang Zuan was later promoted to Military Advisor of the Grand Commandant, the Minister of Personnel, and soon after as the Chief Historian and concurrently the Palace Attendant, with many considering his rapid promotions impressive. The people of Hedong, including Pei Ziye, said, "Zhang, as the Minister of Personnel, has taken on important responsibilities, but we feel that he came late." Pei Ziye, known for his open-mindedness, remarked, "After turning thirty, I stopped visiting others actively." Though he had never met Zhang Zuan, he praised him humbly, and the two became close friends despite their age gap.
In the first year of Datong, Zhang Zuan was appointed as the Chief Historian of Ningyuan Huarong, responsible for the affairs of Langye County and Pengcheng County. The following year, he was promoted to the Chief Historian of Beizhonglang and the Governor of Nanlanling, and was appointed as General Zhenwei, overseeing the affairs of Fuzhou. In the third year, he returned to the court as the Minister of Revenue. After his mother's death, he resigned from his official position to fulfill his mourning duties. After the mourning period, he was appointed as the Governor of Wuxing. Zhang Zuan governed Wuxing County, simplifying the cumbersome and harsh regulations, focusing on integrity and simplicity, and both the people and officials supported him. In the second year of Datong, he was summoned to serve as the Minister of Personnel. Zhang Zuan was in charge of selecting officials and promoted those from humble backgrounds, never compromising his principles for the powerful, and was praised by the people. In the fifth year, Emperor Gaozu personally issued an edict saying, "Having inherited the illustrious reputation of his family, he is a leader in the court, surpassing the officials of Fanyang starting from his position as Sikong. He can now serve as the Supervisor of the Masters of Writing." Initially, Li Zuan did not have a good relationship with the official in charge, He Jingrong, who wielded considerable power and had many followers. When people sought to visit Li Zuan, he consistently declined, saying, "I cannot allow He Jingrong's associates to think I am neglecting him." When Li Zuan was promoted, he submitted a statement saying, "Since I took on the important role of assisting the emperor and entered the core of the court, I am now free to speak my mind. However, before that, due to being misled by some people, I was unable to discern the significance of matters, whether good or bad. In addition, I am straightforward, not one for flattery, and working alongside them makes me uneasy." In this statement, he was indirectly referring to He Jingrong. After Li Zuan took office, he suggested that during the Southern Suburb sacrifices, the emperor should ride a white horse in a plain carriage, in line with both ancient and modern rites; he also suggested that officials should wear both the seal and the insignia of authority in their official attire, all of which were adopted at that time.
At the age of nine, Li Zuan was appointed as General Xuanhui and Prefect of Danyang, but before he could take office, he was reassigned as Commissioner, Commander of Military Affairs for the three provinces of Xiang, Gui, and Dongning, and Governor of Xiangzhou. On his way to take up his post, he wrote a piece called "Southern Expedition." In the poem, he wrote:
... (original poem text retained) ...
In the Juzi era, in midsummer, I went to see the emperor and then prepared to take up my post in South Chu. As I reached the middle of the river, I couldn't help but look back, thinking of my hometown, reluctant to leave for a long while. The endless journey made my longing for home overwhelming. I reined in my horse, sighed, and said: Living in this universe feels as insignificant as snails fighting or flies clinging to birds! The uncertainties of life, getting lost in vanity, and worrying endlessly over fleeting time. Those who can forget the worldly troubles and immerse themselves in nature are truly wise! What value do those rare treasures and the glory of emperors hold for me?
Looking back on my unremarkable life, I have been fortunate to have lived in a prosperous era, receiving the emperor's grace and the love of nobles. I once worked on the classics in the Shiqu Pavilion, editing the Six Arts texts; I also served the emperor in the Chenghua Hall and received the emperor's favor. Sometimes I drank and had fun with the ministers, and sometimes I traveled by boat, sharing the journey. I once lived day and night in the magnificent palace of the imperial palace, the emperor's kindness still echoing in my ears, as if it happened yesterday. In the blink of an eye, twenty years have gone by, but I feel the sorrow of leaving my hometown lingers like a constant shadow. My life has been unremarkable; I only want to retire to the countryside, but I am ashamed of my own inaction, failing to live up to the expectations of the people of my hometown thousands of miles away. I feel like a tattered raincoat and a warped wheel, ashamed before upright officials like Zhou Ren, unable to contribute to the country as they do.
Now I have encountered a great opportunity, finding myself in a time of peace and prosperity, and I am filled with gratitude for the emperor's favor, but I have never been able to repay it. I hold an important position, ranking as a high official, respected by subordinates, yet I feel as unstable as a short rope in a deep well, like a high wall without a foundation. I am acutely aware of my limited abilities, afraid that I may not be able to handle it. Having been ordered to go to Nanchu, my heart is full of doubts and unease. I stay overnight, depart during the day, preparing to bid farewell to the capital. The carriage slowly heads south, but my heart is constantly burdened by thoughts of my hometown, filled with sorrow.
It is said that in the past, he crossed the Cowherd Star and gazed forward at the mountains ahead, glancing back at the clouds behind. He followed the Jin family's great territorial expansion, restoring the rule of the Central Plains. He made the land of Sanchuan full of lush grass, and the land of the two capitals nourished by morning dew. Therefore, the yellow flags and purple canopies, the country's prosperity is aligned with the direction of the Zhen Gua; the auspicious signs of Jinling have indeed confirmed the auspicious omen. Later, he submitted to King Wu, offering jade bi and the imperial seal; ushering in a wise monarch of revival, allowing the dynasty's glory to continue for ten generations. Look at him, recruiting talents internally, defending against external enemies; laying the groundwork for the nation in the early days of Jiangnan, establishing the foundation of the country. He not only promoted virtue, enabling the Jin state to receive sacrifices, but "Yunhan" composed poetry, and "Sigang" praised his merits! His legacy has been passed down, enduring for four generations; after many years, spanning over two hundred years. He delineated the borders between Huaxia and the Rongdi, saving the people of the world; ensuring the people were not disheveled or improperly dressed, it was precisely his virtuous leadership that earned him such rewards.
Later, he came to the mountains of Cangzhou, in search of Uncle Bao's old tomb; drawing upon the brilliance of pearls and jade, inheriting the legacy of brocade. With lofty ambitions, he would not waver in his original intentions due to joy or anger. Although his soul was buried underground for a hundred years, it still shines brightly in the underworld. Passing by the Buddhist temple, he saw people in high spirits; setting forth from the heart of the four seas, he pacified rebellions and punished the cruel and tyrannical. As the Azure Dragon star was about to fall, he rooted out evil and eradicated calamity; employing scorpions for punishment and fierce beasts for entertainment. He welcomed the High Pheasant Star with a clever smile and awaited the Long Star's appearance with joyful laughter. Oh, those poor common people, how they long for stability and support! The heavens heard the people's wishes, hence the appearance of a wise and enlightened monarch.
I, the emperor, have inherited the grand rule, intelligent and wise, brave and mighty, seizing the opportune moment, I swept through the entire Chu region. Conquering enemies through benevolence and righteousness, surely leading to victory; the situation resembled a bursting flood, unstoppable and incredibly swift. Thus, he exterminated the wild boars of Sanglin, shot down the great winds of Qingqiu, laid down his weapons to demonstrate virtue, and used the "Shi Xia" to celebrate his victory. He let the music of the Zheng and Wei regions resound and kept the alluring women of the harem at a distance; how could his achievements be compared to those of the Shang and Zhou dynasties? He established the prosperous era of Changping, lasting through four ages; the six barbarian tribes submitted, while the eight barbarian tribes surrendered. He enlightened the people and upheld justice; the Three Lights shone upon them, and the Five Spirits blessed them. His achievements surpassed those of all past emperors, truly beyond description.
I walked along the swift banks of the Jinniu River and saw the majestic sight of Ling Mountain. This is truly a relic of Jiangnan, towering into the clouds with an extraordinary presence! The mountain peaks soar into the sky, with white walls, green cliffs, red tiles, massive boulders, rushing streams, and steep cliffs battered by raging waves, flowing into a huge abyss, blocking out the sky, with swirling winds and mist. The cliffs reflect the river water, sparkling and shimmering, as unpredictable as frost and snow, with surging waves. The downstream waters rush swiftly and perilously, while the upstream mountain peaks tower high, as if they might come crashing down. I had a premonition that something unfortunate was about to happen, so I walked against the wind and dared not linger.
I visited those strange and bizarre skeletons, with dark clouds swirling and fierce winds howling, as if they would swallow everything whole. Later, I saw fishermen fishing, as their bait sank into the unfathomable depths of the river. I followed the path of Zhong Wuhou, riding in a four-horse carriage, galloping away. I didn't delve into those supernatural occurrences, merely keeping them in my thoughts. I revisited the old site of Gusu, exploring the remnants of Xuanwu; I harbored the ambitious aspirations of Zhou Yu while serving the king. I emulated the wise rulers of the past dynasties, but I still failed to earn the king's favor; my influence was enough to topple Mount Tai and shake the realm. Though my achievements were significant, my ambitions fell short; how could I possibly endure in the court for long?
I worry about following in Wenjing's footsteps, repeating old mistakes, and I am concerned about the tragic fate of wise ministers; even if they thrive like trees, they will ultimately be uprooted, and their families will perish. Mountains of amassed wealth offer no guarantees of safety, let alone the nation's great treasures, which are being secretly pilfered. I approached the palace gates, handing documents to the guards at Yiluo and Hewei. I didn't pretend to be hospitable to win over guests, nor did I lower myself to curry favor with the powerful. I dutifully followed the king's laws, exercising caution and not daring to be even a bit careless. Hangu Pass serves as the nation's gateway, and the armory is filled with elite troops. I gathered ancient ballads and heard the tiger's roar from Ningcheng County. In today's world, it's straightforward; one just needs to call out treachery. I disdain Wen Zhong's dereliction of duty and look down on officials who profit from extorting the people's wealth.
I approached the ochre mountain peak, and in the distance was the Magpie Bank, the islands appeared hazy, and the wind and clouds were unpredictable. At this moment after the rain, the sky cleared up, and I saw the rivers surge, vast and mighty; the water was calm and clear, reflecting the dark evening, the mountains rose and fell, with the dawn light clearly visible. Suddenly, I looked towards my hometown, only to see the river meeting the horizon, boundless; flowing upstream, with obstacles on the right, I walked along the long riverbank to the left. I stood against the wind alone, feeling a sense of peace, picking wildflowers from the fragrant fields, but no one shared this beautiful scenery with me. I anchored the boat at Tongshan and visited the spirit tablet of Mr. Shuwen; his name still remained, the tomb overgrown with weeds, thorns everywhere. I remembered my husband's teachings; his reputation had already spread far in ancient times; he saved the declining career in Bashu Hanzhong, and his name was celebrated alongside the virtuous men of Zou and Lu. He identified the mountain gods to resolve disputes and offered sacrifices to the stars in the ancestral hall to appease the spirits. Whenever I recall these past events, I miss him; if I hadn’t studied diligently, how could I understand all this? Considering Jia Meigen, the filial daughter whose status was not as elevated as those who married the powerful; thinking of the Wu people's resettlement, I worry that the harsh laws would bring disaster to them. Those hidden melons symbolically celebrated righteous deeds, using the sea waves to agree on time; those floating shoes elucidated noble integrity; what is there to hesitate about in the face of danger? I was profoundly moved by these touching stories, my heart was heavy with sorrow and regret; I recited and imagined silently, feeling that my literary talent was far inferior to those trying to walk in Handan. I looked towards Nanling, my gaze filled with admiration for the loyalty of the guards at Yamen Pass; facing the sweeping Jin army, couldn't the city walls provide protection? I led the elderly, the weak, women, and children in the dilapidated city, still doing my meager part. Even if it was just a small act of kindness, like offering a cup of wine, it was recognized by the nobleman. This reflects the principle of how to interact with others.
I entered the long waters of the Thunder Pool, longing for the legacy of the two sages, Gong and Dai; upon reaching the Fish Official, I stopped eating, treading on the cold reeds and pulling up bamboo shoots. There are also those deities who lived noble lives and became revered spirits after death. Some donated their family property to serve the country, joining hands to worship their parents; some sacrificed themselves for justice, inspiring the entire city. Therefore, their families are celebrated for their filial piety, and the country praises them as able ministers. Their noble virtues are recorded in history, standing shoulder to shoulder with famous figures from different eras. I embarked from the sandy shore at dawn, against the wind, feeling the difficulty of navigating the treacherous waters of the Wu region. The boat came to a halt on the sunlit riverbank, the water raced swiftly, churning up sand and stones. The sky was overcast, about to rain; raindrops fell one after another; I felt compassion for the weary travelers, often lifting the tent flap, standing and watching. I followed the branches of the river, gazing towards the ferry crossing at Peng Hui; before reaching Jiang County, over ten days had already passed.
Wow, what a spectacular sight! Countless rivers converge, and mountains undulate, the scenery is diverse; the river's reflection seems to hang high in the sky, as if the Milky Way is pouring down, magnificent! The clear river water washes the riverbed, the calm lake surface is open and comfortable; under the sunlight, the water surface sparkles, the river water appears and disappears, gently swaying. The distant Minshan and Baozhong mountains appear ancient and quiet; the Qingpen River and the Red Bank control the ebb and flow of the tide. Look at the dense returning clouds, the leisurely drifting breeze; the waterfall formed by the rushing water cascades between the emerald cliffs; a beautiful rainbow arches across the sky.
If you look carefully at the overgrown riverbank and the layers of water pools, those water realms are where the fish play and frolic, and where they sing happily. You can see the whirling sand and tumbling rocks, covering the low grassy banks; a variety of peculiar fish and shrimp with beautiful scales and feathers. Occasionally, you can hear the call of a solitary crane, and the lonely goose calling for its mate; for those who are far from home, they will always miss their homeland, feeling sad and lonely when alone. This place has treacherous terrain that is easy to defend yet hard to assault, so we must fully leverage this treacherous terrain to strengthen defense. Not only do we need to strengthen defense, but we also need to focus on our own moral development. The south opens up to Zhuya and Yelang, the west leads to Yujin and Huamo; these regions ensure internal stability and external peace, protecting the capital like a fortress, everything is in order, and the world is peaceful.
I stand on Kuangling, hesitating, contemplating a fairyland of cloud-like splendor. It seems like Chang'e's light song and the prince's elegant music are echoing in my ears. If I could shine like a night pearl, why would I be afraid of the allure of wealth and prestige? I long to acquire that elixir of immortality, hoping to receive a pill of immortality.
I walk along the road of Ezhu, tracing the legacy of the Sun clan's power; they stockpile resources, train their troops, and defend against foes ten times their number. Talented individuals will be given due recognition; they prefer sincerity over deceit; they govern by law, strive to strengthen and enrich the country, and spend day and night with loyal ministers.
I recognized the former residence of Xu Shu by the river, the site of the old Yun Diao Terrace; during a time of turmoil, they still feasted calmly and were extremely happy. I admire Wu Zixu's loyalty and wisdom in assisting the State of Wu, and I also admire Sun Zhongmou's humility. There’s a reason why the harmonious relationship between the ruler and his subjects led to great achievements.
Lord Wen's fame is truly that of a great man of his era; Ni Heng was sincerely impressed while studying, his virtue as noble as his reputation. They emerged in response to the times, using their talents to benefit the world; their fame grew, and people's appreciation for them deepened. Even those who had only heard their names felt a connection.
Unfortunately, Yan Xian failed to support the king, which allowed the Han capital to be restored; why did heaven's mandate not favor them, leaving their ambitions unfulfilled and their lives cut short? I drifted on a boat in Luzhou, standing for a long time, thinking of Wu Yuan's crossing of the river; he carried precious jewels, escaping a death sentence, and upon his return, he gifted gold to express his gratitude.
He did not seek a salary of ten thousand piculs, only enjoying singing and rowing; I lament that such noble ideals went unrecognized by the world, and in the end, he died to express his ideals. Sadly, all that's left are regrets, and it's too late to change the past; I can only pay tribute to him during the rituals; when the army returns to Zheng, I will pray for blessings for future generations.
Entering Yingdu, I lament that the steep natural defenses are hard to see; they divided Jing and Chu into fiefs, formulating good policies that benefit future generations. Jia Yi's talent is as substantial as a finger, while Ying Hou is like a tree stripped of its bark. Thus, it's crucial to focus on the fundamentals, bolster the strong, and diminish the weak; this is a timeless principle of governance, which does not change regardless of prosperity or decline, isn't that so? This is the deep wisdom for governing and stabilizing a nation!
In Yingdu, I heeded wise counsel, and thus earned a lasting reputation; I forgot my age, only thinking about national affairs, filled with anxiety. I followed the noble example of King Zhuang, establishing fame in Xiazhou; I abhorred the wrongful punishment of Qitian, embracing Shen Shu's brilliant strategy. I learned loyalty from the counsel of Wu Chen, referring to "The Book of Zhou" to understand its principles; how could I possibly devise so many radical ideas myself, insisting on going to such a distant place like Sangzhong? Just as Bo Shen executed Dan, he truly helped the monarch accomplish great feats; there is a difference between two ministers, as well as between two rulers. Standing atop Chiyao, brimming with anger and ambition, I displayed my aspirations before Emperor Wu of Wei; seizing the moment, unstoppable in my quest to annex Wu and unify Chu. Leading elite soldiers from eight states, directly targeting Gusu, preparing to triumph there; the timing was impeccable, like water flowing from a jug, without any hesitation. Sun Quan's army was formidable, bolstered by exceptional ministers; dividing the world into three, this was indeed a pivotal strike!
Alas, with the ambition to restore the old capital, I think of Liu Bei's heroism; he gathered talents like Wolong, on par with Guan Zhong, truly a wise ruler. He collected scattered soldiers, allied with other states, sustaining the prosperity of five dynasties for four centuries. Gazing at Mount Baqiu, I am filled with mixed emotions; along Dongting Lake, feeling relaxed, sailing freely without anchoring, feeling so carefree! As I gaze at Junshan and Bianshan, standing in the breeze, my longing deepens; lifting my cup for a toast, I take a sip and depart alone on a colorful cloud.
Goodness, this place is adjacent to Hengshan and Huoshan in the south; to the north, it's not far from Jushui and Zhangshui. Yuanshui and Lishui are included as well, and the waters of Xiaoshui and Xiangshui flow in as well. Look at this water flowing rapidly, winding and twisting like a giant dragon, shimmering and sparkling in the sunlight. The emerald green pool water surrounds the small island; at a glance, the tens of thousands of acres of water are crystal clear. Beautiful orchids dance in the breeze, and the white sand beaches resemble a blanket of snow. The clouds stretch and curl, and the river islands appear and disappear; the morning sun shines on the river, and a strong wind blows, scattering the clouds. I arrived at this ancient riverbed, gazing at the Miluo River, reflecting on Qu Yuan's tragic fate. Is it because he carried treasure yet lost his country that he met such a tragic end? Or was it his unwavering loyalty that led to his misfortune?
This place is rich in beauty and steeped in history; it is not meant for those who indulge in flattery. It embodies the grievances found in "Xiao Ya" and the noble aspirations of "Guo Feng." Like brushing dust off a hat and shaking mud from one's clothes, I strive to distance myself from the mundane; choosing to sacrifice oneself for righteousness rather than hide one’s talents and boast. Oh, how lamentable for Mr. Unfortunate, facing jealousy akin to that of pepper and orchids; having a steed capable of a thousand miles but no one to ride it, how can one expect it to race a thousand miles? Being here makes me long for old friends, lingering as if I can't bear to leave.
I offer sacrifices with simple offerings, sincerely praying to the rivers; arriving at Huangling, I express my respect, placing offerings by the river. Surrounded by the fragrance of orchids, I worship with a devout heart. I invite the descendants of Emperor Ku, and also invite gods such as Kui Long. Using the sacred chariot driven by the river god, I hoist the flag of Taiyi. Accompanied by soothing songs and dances, the rhythm is gentle and melodious. As the sun sets in the west, I stand in silence, my heart heavy with emotion. I abhor the tours of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, which led to the slaughter of this land; I cannot comprehend why the heavens are so unforgiving, and I can only pray devoutly, praying for the blessings of the heavens. Because of the people's resentment and the wrath of the gods, we have witnessed flash floods and earthquakes; I speculate that this is a punishment from the heavens, so I carve inscriptions into the stone to express my repentance.
As soon as I step out of the car, I report to the department and start work, carefully handling various matters, striving to overcome the complacent work culture, and being cautious every day. I often visit the elderly to show compassion for the struggles of the people, trying my best to convey the court's grace, and reduce the people's labor and taxes. This is truly a remarkable occasion, and it is an ancient tradition of this land. Think about it, Yu Shun inspected the four directions until the end of his life; Emperor Yu opened up the territory and dredged the rivers; Tai Bo abdicated to his younger brother and retired to Taihu Lake; and those honest and upright officials, they are all so clean and upright. These are the legacies of wise rulers and the ideals of sages!
Let's talk about those scholars and poets, such as Qu Yuan's "Huai Sha," Jia Yi's "Elegy for Qu Yuan," Sima Qian's elegies, Yang Xiong's "Anti-Sao," etc. These poetic and literary works full of elegance have always been admired and pursued by literati of all ages. There are also the Zhongning and Xiande family, who served as officials in the court for three generations, upholding their family legacy. From ancient Liu Xiang and Liu Xin, father and son, to Jiang Wan, Huan Fan, Deng Zhi, and Gu Lang, they were all talented and made great contributions to the country, like the finest peaks of Sichuan and Yue; outstanding figures have emerged in every generation, never ceasing.
As for those hermits in the mountains, those wise officials in the court, some of them attained immortality, while others lived in seclusion in the mountains, like the legendary immortals, able to summon the wind and rain, possessing extraordinary powers. For example, those who can climb the heavenly ladder and regain their youth, those who can practice by the spring while leaning on a cane, those who can ride dragons and those who can journey with deer, and those who accompany goddesses and meet fairies. Though these tales may sound fantastical, we often hear similar legends.
I visited various levels of government offices, walked through the streets and alleys, looked at the mountains and rivers from afar, observed the cities and towns up close, and understood them one by one. I ceded the Qianzhong area and appointed a military commander to show loyalty, as Zou Yan described it, "returning by boat," which benefited King Chu. I surveyed the high mountains and appointed Wu Wen as the local governor; the eight kings not of the Liu clan contributed to the nation's downfall and met their own demise. I enacted laws in Changsha that have remained unchanged for five generations; I believe that Heaven favors the humble over fleeting accomplishments. I visited the former residence of the Grand Tutor, where I am now building a house to pursue my studies in peace; the city has not changed, the old well is still there, and the clear spring water still flows. I long for the governance of Yi Yin and Guan Zhong, yet I faced incompetent officials and was demoted; ultimately, I gained the appreciation of the current emperor, lamenting that the Han Dynasty royal family could attract talented individuals. I accepted the distant commission from King Qi; how could I refuse and save myself? I grieved for Prince Huai's lack of wisdom, and ultimately died with regrets. I constructed a sacrificial site in Beiguo, overlooking the woods, in a tranquil and beautiful setting; I hope not to disappoint the fragrant offerings, offering sacrifices with Qiong grass, and serving as the wine bearer. Jing Thirteen founded the country; only kings can achieve great things; by the scorching noon, this fief relies on my support. I looked around at the undulating mountains, climbed a little higher to look into the distance; carefully observed the appearance of the mountains and rivers, planning to name this mountain Heng Lu. Fresh mist permeated the mountain below, the mountain soared into the clouds, with ridges and peaks; the wind rustled through the pine trees, while water echoed in the valley. The low trees are like umbrellas, the tall trees towering into the clouds like building blocks. I hope to escape the hustle and bustle and find rest among the mountain rocks. Letting go of worldly concerns, I yearn for a divine realm. It is the cool end of autumn, with ripe fruits on the trees, the clear and distant Hua Chi, and the flying pavilion appearing desolate yet bright. I cherish the warm climate of the south and the fragrant scent of autumn orchids. I plant citrus under the curved corridor and pick chrysanthemums on the high city walls. Pavilions and towers stand side by side, with dense bamboo forests covering the mountains. Watching the birds return to their nests in the evening, I bid farewell to the geese flying far in the early morning. Sadly leaving my hometown, I now live as a guest in a foreign land, seeking solace among the mountains and rivers, finding joy in my solitude.
Only the imperial court's carriages and horses can gain passage, but in reality, it is the Eagle-Soaring Army that is in charge; sometimes officials are dismissed to assert authority, and sometimes they are promoted to show favor. I abide by the emperor's grace and punishments, blessed by the generosity of heaven and earth. The Jiuli River nourishes this land, benefiting the people and the nation. While the smaller paths are navigable, I do not fear these minor obstacles; I long to gallop on the wide roads, fearing disaster as a result. I have learned that relying on unstable foundations is unwise, and I have taken this lesson to heart; I am ashamed of myself, like those incompetent people in Shouling County, learning the walking posture of the people of Handan, but stumbling instead.
Upon arriving in the province, he first halted the condolence visits to ten counties. Elderly and frail officials, as well as those long on duty at checkpoints, markets, and border stations, were all dismissed. In the counties governed by Lingling and Hengyang, there are some Mo Yao tribesmen who live in the mountains and are difficult to subdue by any official; they are gradually becoming more integrated. In Yiyang County, someone planted two acres of land, where each acre of rice yields an identical harvest—truly miraculous! Yang Suan served for four years, and many exiles returned, increasing the population by over a hundred thousand, and the entire state became stable.
In the year 505 AD, I was appointed as the General-in-Chief, and shortly after, I was promoted, with numerous official titles, including imperial commissioner, commander of Yongzhou, Liangzhou, Beiqinzhou, Dongyizhou, Jingling in Yizhou, and Suijun in Sizhou, as well as General for Pacifying the North and Colonel for Pacifying the Barbarians. At first, I heard that Prince Shanling Lun would replace me as the governor of Xiangzhou, but later it was decided to be Prince Yuyu of Hedong. I have little respect for those young princes, so the provincial officials were rather dismissive in their welcome and hospitality. Prince Yuyu of Hedong was clearly displeased.
After arriving in Xiangzhou, he feigned illness to avoid seeing me, even checking the accounts himself and keeping me from leaving. At that time, I heard that Hou Jing was attacking the capital city, so Yu dressed up beautifully and prepared to go support. At the same time, the Governor of Jingzhou, Prince of Xiangdong, also went to support, and the army arrived at Wucheng in Yingzhou. I quickly sent someone to deliver a message saying, "Prince of Hedong has set sail, preparing to attack Jingzhou!" Prince of Xiangdong believed it and immediately returned to defend, which caused a rift between Jingzhou and Xiangzhou.
Later, I ultimately abandoned the army and fled to Jiangling alone by boat. Prince of Xiangdong sent someone to reprimand Prince of Hedong and demanded the return of my subordinates. After arriving in Jiangling, he sent me to Xiangyang. The former Governor of Xiangyang, Prince of Yueyang, had not yet vacated his position, but only permitted me to stay at the White Horse Temple located west of the city. At this time, I heard that the capital city had been breached by the enemy, and Prince of Yueyang refused to relinquish his position.
There was an official in Xiangyang named Du An, who discreetly advised me, "I’m certain Prince of Yueyang won't let you off easily. You have a good relationship with the common people usually. Why don't you escape to the West Mountain, recruit volunteers, people from all directions will come to join you, and your subordinates will also come one after another. If you follow this plan, you are bound to succeed!" I believed his words, formed an alliance with him, and secretly escaped into the mountains at night.
However, Du An betrayed me outright, leading soldiers to chase after me. My followers spotted Du An's troops and rejoiced, believing they had come to join us. As a result, Du An's soldiers captured me, along with my subordinates, and took us away. They initially imprisoned me, then compelled me to take monastic vows.
That year, Prince of Yueyang launched an attack on Jiangling and always had me by his side. After the army was defeated and reached the south of Jianshui, the guards, fearing the pursuers were close, killed me and discarded my body in the wilderness. I was fifty-one at the time. Later, Emperor Yuan posthumously appointed me as a courtier, General of the Guards, and bestowed upon me the title of Duke Jianxian.
Jian Xian was a person of great insight who sincerely pledged his loyalty to Emperor Yuan by visiting him. After Yuan became emperor, he remembered Jian Xian's loyalty and even wrote a poem to commemorate him, stating in the preface: "Jian Xian is a person who does not curry favor with high officials and nobles, is talented and has a strong character. When he saw me, he couldn't stop talking, filled with loyalty in his heart; how could I ever forget him?" Jian Xian wrote a hundred volumes of "Hong Bao" and twenty volumes of "Wen Ji."
His son Xi, styled Ziyan, gained fame at a young age and married Princess Haiyan, the ninth daughter of Emperor Taizong. During the Chengsheng period, he held the position of Gentleman of the Yellow Gate.
His younger brother Wan, styled Xiaoqing, was Jian Xian's fourth son. Initially, he was a scholar at the Imperial Academy and performed very well in the archery and military strategy examinations. He was promoted to Head of the Household and Secretary, and later advanced to Taizi Sheren, Xima, and Zhong Sheren, all of which involved managing official documents. He was later promoted to Director of the Central Secretariat and Doctor of the Imperial Academy. He was then assigned as the Changshi of Xuan City in the Central Army and the Governor of Lanling, and upon returning, he was appointed as a cavalry attendant to the court. At that time, the Governor of Danyang, Marquis Xiao Yuanzhao of Xichang, was unable to take office due to prolonged illness, so the court allowed Wan to temporarily oversee the affairs of Danyang. He was later promoted to Changshi of Xuan City in the Central Army and soon transferred to the position of Deputy Censor-in-Chief. Emperor Gaozu sent his brother, Xuan, a Secretary of the Central Secretariat, to convey the edict: "The most important priority for the state is to enforce the law justly and strictly, and in terms of personnel, promotions and demotions should not be restricted. During the Jin and Song dynasties, Zhou Min and Cai Kuo both served as Imperial Attendants; do not think of this as a demotion." At that time, the royal family of Xuan City held significant power, which is why such an edict was issued. On New Year's Day of the fourth year of Datong, according to the old system, the seats of the Pushe and the Deputy Censor-in-Chief were on the east and west sides. At that time, Wan's brother Zuan was the Pushe. After all the officials lined up properly, the two brothers led their attendants and walked towards the steps on either side, which had never happened before, and people at the time regarded it as a great honor. More than a year later, Wan was assigned to Yuzhang as the Neishi.
When Wan was an official in Yuzhang, he explained the principles of "The Rites of the Regulations and Rites," and hundreds of well-dressed scholars would come to listen each time. Eight years later, Liu Jinggong from Ancheng County started a cult, gathered a group of people to attack Yuzhang County, and the Interior Minister, Xiao Tuo, abandoned the city and fled. The bandits then went on to attack Nankang and Luling, massacring the people, breaking through the cities, with numbers reaching tens of thousands, before attacking Xingan County in Yuzhang. The south had not seen a battle in a long time, and officials and people were all in a panic, fleeing in all directions. Some advised Wan to steer clear of the bandits, but he refused, insisting on repairing the city walls, preparing for defense, and recruiting over 10,000 willing fighters. The Governor of Xiangdong, Wang, sent Sima Wang Sengbian to lead the troops to suppress the bandits under Wan's leadership, and in less than a month, the bandits were pacified.
Ten years later, he became the Deputy Imperial Censor and was also appointed as a Supervisor of the Imperial Guards. This time he once again held an important position as a magistrate, impeaching and exposing wrongdoers without hesitation, causing all the high-ranking officials to fear him. At that time, a Shilin Pavilion was established in the west of the city, drawing many scholars, where he took turns explaining the meanings of "The Rites of the Regulations," "The Book of Rites," and "The Doctrine of the Mean" with General Zhu Yi and Minister He Chen.
In the second year of Taiqing, he was promoted to the position of General of the Left Guard. Just as Hou Jing rebelled and attacked, he went to guard the East Yamen Gate. Three years later, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel. When the palace was breached, he had to flee to Jiangling. At that time, the Prince of Xiangdong was in power and appointed him as the Palace Attendant, General of the Left Guard, and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister. He retained his position as Palace Attendant. He was later appointed as Commissioner, General of the Cloud Banner, and Interior Minister of Xiangdong. In the second year of Chengsheng, the court summoned him back to the capital, where he became the Right Deputy Minister of Personnel, and shortly after, he was appointed as a Palace Attendant as well. The following year, Jiangling City also fell, and the court officials were captured and taken north, but he was spared because he was ill. He later passed away in Jiangling at the age of sixty-three.
His second son, named Jiao, style name Shaoyou, was very interested in literature and married Princess Anyang, the eleventh daughter of Emperor Taizong. In the second year of Chengsheng, he served as the Crown Prince's Imperial Stableman and Chief Secretary, in charge of the management of documents and archives in the Eastern Palace.
Yao Cha, Minister of Personnel of the Chen Dynasty, said: During the Taiqing period, the country was in chaos, and relatives and friends had turned against each other. He couldn't uphold his integrity like the He Shi Bi did, didn't show the loyalty and integrity of figures like Wen and Tao, but instead held personal grudges and caused trouble in Xiangdong, ultimately bringing disaster upon himself. This isn't how a loyal and righteous person should act; the root of the disaster of Jiangling's fall actually lies here. His character ultimately became the spark that led to the downfall of the Liang Dynasty, which is truly unfortunate!
