Fan Yun, courtesy name Yanlong, was from Wuyin in Nanxiang and was the sixth-generation grandson of Wang Shi, the General of the Jin Dynasty who Pacifies the North. When he was eight years old, he met Yin Yan, the Prefect of Yuzhou in the Song Dynasty, while traveling. Yin Yan found him very special and invited him to have a meal together. Fan Yun spoke eloquently and confidently, without any sign of shyness. Yin Yan asked him to write a poem, and he picked up a pen and wrote, leaving everyone present in awe.
He once studied with his relative Yuan Zhao, studying tirelessly day and night. Yuan Zhao patted his back and said, "You're full of spirit and diligence; you'll surely become a high-ranking official one day!" Fan Yun was always clever and insightful from a young age, excelling in writing. He could write letters quickly and without drafts, leading people to wonder if he had prepared them in advance. His father, Fan Kang, served as a military officer in Yingzhou, and Fan Yun followed his father in the prefectural government. At that time, Shen Yue from Wuxing and Yu Gaozhi from Xinye were also working in the same yamen as Fan Kang, and they all knew Fan Yun and became friends with him.
Fan Yun initially served as a scribe in the Western Cao in Yingzhou and was later promoted to a military officer in the legal department. Not long after, Shen Youzhi rebelled and besieged the city of Yingzhou. Fan Yun's father was the chief officer in the prefecture and defended the city, leaving his family outside the city. Fan Yun got captured by Shen Youzhi's soldiers, and Shen Youzhi summoned him. Even with Shen Youzhi's stern tone and fierce look, Fan Yun remained calm and explained calmly. Surprisingly, Shen Youzhi laughed and said, "You can really keep your composure. Go, rest in your quarters." The next morning, Shen Youzhi summoned Fan Yun again and asked him to deliver a letter into the city. Some people in the city wanted to kill him, but Fan Yun said, "My elderly mother and young brother's lives are in Shen Youzhi's hands. If I disobey his orders, it will bring disaster to my family. Even if I die today, I accept it willingly." The Chief Clerk Liu Shilong had always been on good terms with Fan Yun, so he let him go.
In the Jianyuan era of the Qi Dynasty, Prince Liang of Jingling became the Governor of Kuaiji. Wang Jingze followed Prince Liang, who at first didn’t recognize him. One time, they went to Qinwang Mountain for sightseeing. Prince Liang asked someone to read the words carved into the stone, but no one could read them except for Wang Jingze, who read them perfectly. Prince Liang was delighted, and from that point on, he favored Wang Jingze greatly, raising his status in the mansion. Later, when Prince Liang became the Governor of Danyang, he summoned Wang Jingze to be his chief clerk, placing great trust in him.
Once, Wang Jingze accompanied Prince Liang to pay respects to Emperor Gao of Qi. They witnessed the presentation of a white crow. Emperor Gao asked what this auspicious omen meant. Since he held a low rank, Wang Jingze finally replied, "I have heard that if a king respects the ancestral temple, a white crow will appear." He had just returned from the ancestral temple. Emperor Gao said, "You are right! It’s remarkable to have such insight!" He then promoted Wang Jingze to be an officer in the army under the Prince of Zhengbei Nanjun, while retaining his position as chief clerk. Later, he was further promoted to be a Chamberlain of the Imperial Secretariat.
When Prince Liang became the Minister of Works, Wang Jingze was promoted to be a military secretary. Shortly after, he was appointed to be a Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and concurrently served as the Grand Master of the Palace in his home province. He was later transferred to Lingling as Minister of Internal Affairs. During his tenure, he was known for his honesty and integrity, cutting down on excessive regulations and unnecessary costs, winning the people's support. Emperor Ming of Qi recalled him to the capital, where he was appointed as a Cavalier Attendant. He was later assigned to Shixing as Minister of Internal Affairs.
In Shixing County, there were many powerful and influential families, and the former county governor was ineffective in his administration. These powerful families conspired to kill him or drive him away. Shixing County is close to tribal regions, where theft was rampant. Previous officials had to carry weapons for self-defense. Wang Jingze, upon taking office, sought to win them over with kindness, eliminated checkpoints and guard posts, allowing merchants to rest easy overnight. The people in the county held him in such high regard that they viewed him as a deity. He was promoted to the rank of Fajie, General of Jianwu, General of Pingyue, and Governor of Guangzhou.
Initially, Wang Jingze had a good relationship with the Minister of Works, Jiang Shi. Xu Yi, Jiang Shi's nephew, was appointed as the magistrate of Qujiang and sought Wang Jingze's support. There was a man named Tan Yan, an influential local leader in Qujiang County. After Xu Yi physically confronted Tan Yan, the latter, feeling humiliated, went to the capital to lodge a complaint. This incident drew Wang Jingze into the matter, and he was arrested and imprisoned, but was later released under a general amnesty. In the second year of the Yongyuan era, he was appointed as a national scholar.
At first, Fan Yun and Xiao Yan, later known as Gaozu, met at the residence of Prince Liang of Jingling during the Qi Dynasty, and later met privately several times. Xiao Yan held him in high regard. When Xiao Yan's army arrived in Jiankang (the capital), Fan Yun was in the city at that time. After Xiao Baojuan (Donghun) was killed, the court official Zhang Ji dispatched Fan Yun out of the city to convey orders. Xiao Yan retained him, to involve him in the planning of military matters, appointing him as a chamberlain of the Yellow Gate, to assist Xiao Yan alongside Shen Yue. Before long, Fan Yun was promoted to the position of Grand Marshal's Advisor and concurrently held the position of Recorder. After the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, he was further promoted to attendant. At that time, Xiao Yan took Xiao Baojuan's concubine, impacting court affairs. Fan Yun offered his counsel, but Xiao Yan disregarded it. Later, Fan Yun and Wang Mao entered Xiao Yan's palace, and Fan Yun once again offered his advice, stating, "When Emperor Gaozu, Liu Bang, was in Shandong, he was known for his greed and lust. However, after he entered Guanzhong and defeated the Qin, he neither seized the wealth of the Qin Dynasty nor favored its women. Fan Zeng believed this was due to his lofty ambitions. Now that you have just pacified the realm, and the people look up to you, how can you emulate the chaotic behavior of Xiao Baojuan and allow women to interfere in your political matters?" Wang Mao immediately knelt and remarked, "Fan Yun is correct. You must prioritize the realm and not become attached to these women." Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, contemplating. Fan Yun drafted a memorial proposing to reward Xiao Baojuan's concubine to Wang Mao. Xiao Yan approved of this proposal and consented. The following day, Xiao Yan rewarded both Fan Yun and Wang Mao with one million coins each.
In the first year of the Tianjian era, Xiao Yan proclaimed himself emperor and held a grand ceremony to worship the heavens at the southern outskirts. Fan Yun accompanied him as a Minister of the Privy Council. After the ceremony, Xiao Yan mounted the imperial chariot and said to Fan Yun, "My current position is like driving six spirited horses with an old and frayed rope; I feel quite uneasy." Fan Yun replied, "I hope Your Majesty will be cautious every day." Xiao Yan appreciated his words. On that day, Fan Yun was promoted to the position of Cavalier Attendant and Minister of Personnel; for assisting Xiao Yan in establishing his achievements, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Xiaocheng County with a fief of one thousand households. Fan Yun was promoted and valued due to his earlier contributions, surpassing other deserving officials. He wholeheartedly assisted Xiao Yan, performing his duties diligently. Xiao Yan also trusted him, and most of the suggestions he made were adopted. Once, during a banquet in the palace, Xiao Yan said to the princes of Linchuan and Poyang, "I had a good relationship with Minister Fan when we were young, and we respected each other very much; now that I am the emperor, this formality should change, and you should address Fan Yun as 'older brother' on my behalf." The two princes immediately got up and bowed, riding in the same carriage with Fan Yun back to the Ministry of Personnel, which made others envious. In the same year, the Eastern Palace was finished, and Fan Yun continued to hold his original position while also serving as an Imperial Secretariat to the Crown Prince. He was soon promoted to the position of Right Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, still concurrently holding the position of Minister of Personnel. After some time, he was dismissed from the position of Minister of Personnel for appointing officials in violation of imperial decrees, but continued to serve as Supervisor. This man was especially filial, especially respectful towards his widowed sister-in-law, and always consulted her on family matters. He was upright in character and especially eager to help others, specializing in resolving urgent matters for others. When Wang Ge died in his official residence, his family was too poor to afford a place to stay, Fan Yun brought Wang Ge's coffin back to his home and personally took care of the funeral arrangements.
His relationship with Prince Liang of Jingling is also very good, and Prince Liang treats him with great respect. Every time Prince Liang has an idea, he will offer his own suggestions, without ever resorting to flattery. Once, Prince Liang recommended him to be a county magistrate to Emperor Qi Wu. Emperor Qi Wu said, "I heard that this person always shows off and does not conduct in-depth research on laws and regulations; let's keep him at a distance." Prince Liang said, "No! He always advises others, and the memorials he submitted are still on file; please take a look." When the memorial was brought out, it consisted of over a hundred pages, all very straightforward. Emperor Qi Wu exclaimed, "I didn't expect him to be like this! If you let him assist you, how could you still serve as a local official?"
Crown Prince Qi Wenhui once went to Dongtian to observe the harvest, and when he returned, he told the guests, "The sight of the harvest is quite spectacular." Everyone agreed. Only he said, "Farming all year round is the hardest work. I hope Your Highness can appreciate the hardships of farming and not just seek temporary enjoyment." After he left, Xiao Mianzhi, who had not known him previously, quickly got off the carriage, shook his hand, and said, "I didn't expect to hear such honest words today!"
Later, he became a selected official, with a high position and heavy responsibilities. His desk was filled with official documents, and his home was full of guests, but he managed everything with ease and never delayed. Dealing with official business, writing and drafting, he was so quick that people at the time admired his talent. He had a strong character and was not particularly diplomatic, and he would directly speak out if he saw something he didn't like, which led some people to perceive him as somewhat rash. Upon becoming a county magistrate, he gained a reputation for his integrity, but as his rank rose, he also accepted some gifts; however, he had no savings at home, as he had given everything to relatives and friends.
Two years later, he died at the age of fifty-three. The Emperor cried uncontrollably and, on that same day, took a carriage to attend his funeral. The Emperor decreed, "It is only natural for people to remember and mourn the deceased; especially considering he was our esteemed minister who made huge contributions to the country! Sanqi Changshi (散骑常侍), Right Deputy of the Ministry of Personnel, and Marquis of Xiaocheng, Yun, was a man of integrity, broad-minded, and great insight. He gained a good reputation early in his official career. After coming out of retirement to serve again, he achieved notable accomplishments. He handled state affairs in the court with diligence, responsibility, and dedication. He faithfully assisted me, worked earnestly, always met my expectations, and we often discussed state affairs together. I was about to allow him to achieve great things and continue to assist me in governing the country, but unexpectedly he passed away, and I am deeply saddened. He should be posthumously honored with a promotion. He is posthumously awarded the titles of Palace Attendant and General of the Guards, while his positions as Deputy and Marquis remain unchanged. At the same time, he is granted a ceremonial escort." The ritual official suggested the posthumous title of "Xuan," but the Emperor decreed it to be "Wen." He left behind thirty volumes of collected works. His son, Xiaocai, also had a promising future and held the position of Taizi Zhongsheren (太子中舍人).
Shen Yue, courtesy name Xiuwen, was born in Wukang, Wuxing. His grandfather, Shen Linzi, served as a general during the Song Dynasty. His father, Shen Pu, was the Governor of Huainan. Shen Pu was assassinated in the late years of Yuanjia, and Shen Yue had to hide in his childhood. It was not until the imperial court issued a general amnesty that he was able to escape punishment. After that, he lived a poor and wandering life, but he studied hard day and night. His mother was afraid that he was studying too hard and exhausting his body, so she often reduced the oil for the lamp and even extinguished the light. However, Shen Yue was able to recite everything he had read during the day at night, so he was knowledgeable and could write good articles. His first official position was as a court attendant. When Cai Xingzong from Jiyang heard of his talent, he greatly appreciated him. When Cai Xingzong was the Inspector of Yingzhou, he recruited Shen Yue as an army officer for Anxi and also appointed him as a secretary. Cai Xingzong once told his sons, "Secretary Shen is a good example of being a teacher and model for others; you should serve him well." Later, when Cai Xingzong became the Inspector of Jingzhou, he appointed Shen Yue as an army officer of Zhengxi, while also serving as the magistrate of Juexi County. After Cai Xingzong's death, Shen Yue first served as a legal officer for Prince Jina of Anxi, then was promoted to army officer, also serving as a secretary. Finally, he entered the imperial court and became the Supervisor of the Ministry of Revenue.
Initially, he served as a secretary for the military office, while also serving as the magistrate of Xiangyang County, and his loyalty was to the Crown Prince Qi Wenhui. After the Crown Prince moved to the Eastern Palace, he was appointed as the Captain of Infantry, responsible for managing documents while on duty in Yongshou Province and proofreading the Four Classics. At that time, many literati gathered in the Eastern Palace, but he was especially close to the Crown Prince and held in high regard, waiting until the sun began to set before leaving the palace after each duty. At that time, many nobles and aristocrats went to the Eastern Palace, but not everyone could enter. However, he could always intercede for them with the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince said, "You know I'm usually too lazy to get up early. Only when I talk to you can I forget about sleeping. If you want me to get up early, just come see me earlier every day."
Later, he was promoted to the position of Household Manager of the Crown Prince, then concurrently served as a Gentleman of the Secretariat, followed by a promotion to Gentleman of the Palace Library, Chief Official of the County, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, and Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. At that time, Prince Jingling was also recruiting talents, and he had connections with Lanling Xiaochen, Langye Wang Rong, Xie Mao from Chen County, Fan Yun from Nanxiang, and Ren Fang from Lean. People at the time remarked on his keen eye for talent. Not long after, he also served as Deputy Minister of Personnel, then was promoted to Deputy Minister of the Imperial Censorate, and later transferred to the position of Chief Clerk of the Imperial Cavalry. In the first year of Longchang, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel, then was sent away to the positions of General of the Agile Cavalry and Prefect of Dongyang. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, his official position was promoted to General Who Aids the State, and he was summoned back to the court to serve as Minister of War, later promoted to Ritual Master of the Imperial Academy. After Emperor Ming's death, the power of the court fell into the hands of the Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, Xu Xiaosi, who asked him to draft the imperial edict. He was then promoted to General of the Left Guard and shortly after further appointed as a Regular Mounted Attendant of the Palace. In the second year of Yongyuan, due to his elderly mother, he requested to resign from his post and was appointed as Champion General of the Army, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, General Who Subdues Rebels, and Prefect of Nanqinghe.
At that time, Gaozu was still in the Western Mansion, hanging out with his old friends. After Jiankang City was captured, Gaozu promoted him to Marshal of the Cavalry, but he retained his position as General. By that time, Gaozu had already achieved great success, and it seemed like fate was on his side. Shen Yue once inquired about this with Gaozu, but Gaozu remained silent.
After a few days, Shen Yue went to Gaozu again and said, "Things are different now than they were in ancient times. We can't hold everyone to the old moral standards. Those scholars are all flattering the powerful, trying to gain some credit and hold onto their wealth and status. Even kids and shepherds know that the Qi dynasty is at its end, and they all say that you will be the next emperor. The signs in the stars and in people's lives show that a change of dynasty is coming, especially since the Yongyuan era; these signs have become more obvious. The prophecy says 'walk in water, become the emperor,' it's all very clear! You can't go against Heaven's will, and you can't lose the people's trust. If it's really your time to be emperor, you won't be able to stay humble, no matter how hard you try!" Gaozu said, "I am still considering it." Shen Yue said, "When you led troops in Fancheng and Mianyang, you should have considered this matter. Now that your royal ambitions have been achieved, what else is there to consider? When King Wu attacked King Zhou, as soon as he entered the city, the common people called him 'my lord.' King Wu did not go against the will of the people, so there was nothing to consider. Since you arrived in the capital, you have already changed the situation, just like King Wu of Zhou, only the time is different. If you don't establish your great cause sooner, you will disappoint the mandate of heaven and the expectations of the people. If someone stirs up trouble, it'll hurt your prestige and virtue. Moreover, nobody's as solid as gold and jade, and the situation is unpredictable. How can you leave a mess for your descendants with the fief of Jian'an? If the emperor and the courtiers are all in place, then the relationship between ruler and subjects will be straightforward, and there will be no disloyalty. With a wise ruler up top and loyal subjects below, who would dare to rebel against you?" Gaozu listened and thought it made sense.
After Shen Yue finished speaking, he left. Gaozu called for Fan Yun and conveyed Shen Yue's words to him. Fan Yun shared a similar opinion to Shen Yue. Gaozu said, "It’s surprising that these two clever individuals have such consistent views. You two should discuss the matter of enthronement together tomorrow morning!" After Fan Yun left, he relayed this to Shen Yue, and Shen Yue replied, "You have to wait for me." Fan Yun agreed, but Shen Yue went into the palace first. Gaozu instructed him to draft the necessary documents. Shen Yue pulled out the edict and the list of appointments he had hidden in his sleeve, and initially, Gaozu made no changes. After a while, Fan Yun came from outside. Unable to enter the hall, he lingered outside Shouguang Pavilion and simply said, "Hmm." Shen Yue stepped out and asked, "How did it go?" Shen Yue gestured to the left, and Fan Yun smiled, "Just as I expected." After a while, Gaozu summoned Fan Yun and said, "I used to live alongside Shen Xiuwen and the others, and I never thought he was anything special; but today I’ve realized his exceptional talents; he truly is a wise man!" Fan Yun said, "Now you see Shen Yue as he truly is, just as he now understands you." Gaozu said, "I’ve been fighting for three years now, and the meritorious generals have indeed made significant contributions, but it’s you two who have truly achieved the imperial cause!" Liang Taijian was first appointed as a Cavalier Attendant, Minister of Personnel, and concurrently as Right Protector. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he was appointed as Minister of the Imperial Household, with a fief of one thousand households, while retaining his position as Cavalier Attendant. The Emperor also posthumously honored his mother, Xie, as the Lady of Jianchang. On the day he accepted the Emperor's appointment, over twenty officials, including Fan Yun, the Right Protector, came to congratulate him. Both the court and the public regarded this as a significant honor. Shortly after, he was promoted to Minister of the Left of the Imperial Household, and he continued to hold the position of Cavalier Attendant. He was also appointed as General of the Army and further honored with the title of Palace Attendant.
In the second year of Tianjian, Liang Tai's mother passed away. The emperor personally dispatched a carriage to express his condolences. Considering his old age, it was considered inappropriate for him to grieve too much, so a court official was sent to manage the crowd of mourners and prevent excessive weeping. After the mourning period, he was appointed as the General of the Garrison and Intendant of Danyang, while also being assigned a subordinate historian to assist him. After the mourning period, he was promoted to Palace Attendant and Right Guanglu Daifu, concurrently serving as the Prince's Consultant and Grand Chief of Yangzhou, in charge of managing eight affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. He was later promoted to Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, while keeping his roles as Palace Attendant, Consultant, and Grand Chief. Even though he repeatedly requested to resign, the emperor refused and instead appointed him as the Left Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, while also serving as the Director of the Palace Library and former General, with a subordinate historian and retaining his position as Palace Attendant. Soon after, he was promoted to Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, while also serving as the Prince's Tutor. By the ninth year of Tianjian, he was promoted to Left Guanglu Daifu, keeping his roles as Palace Attendant and Tutor, and the emperor also assigned him a ceremonial guard.
At first, Yue Gong aspired to serve as Prime Minister for an extended period and hoped to hold a high position in the imperial court. At that time, everyone believed he was quite suitable, but the emperor ultimately did not appoint him. He then requested a transfer, but it was denied. He had a good relationship with Xu Mian, so he wrote a letter to Xu Mian expressing his thoughts in a letter: "When I was young, I was lonely and without any support. The past felt like it was about to crumble, enduring numerous hardships and difficulties, living in poverty while holding a low-ranking official position; everything I did was not for my own benefit; I merely hoped to receive a modest salary and then return to my hometown. More than a decade passed, and I was fortunate enough to be appointed as the magistrate of Xiangyang County, handling both official duties and personal matters poorly, having to comply with arrangements just to make a living. In the late years of Yongming, I was appointed as the Prefect of Dongyang, hoping to live out my remaining years in peace; however, chaos engulfed the world during the Jianwu period, and I had to return to official service again, never going back since, the difficulties in this can be imagined. When the court became incompetent and suspicious, and politics were chaotic, I wished to retire, hoping to realize this aspiration; I kindly ask you to convey my thoughts to Xu Linggong, hoping you still remember my wish. The emperor is diligent in governing, and I am fortunate to live in a prosperous era, but my wish has never been realized. Now in the Kaiyuan era, I am old; I request retirement, which should be granted. I genuinely cannot promote the court's policies or uphold its prestige; I only wish to organize some documents and gather everyone's opinions. But since the new year, my illness has deteriorated, and my worries have intensified, all due to my physical weakness and excessive fatigue. My body is gradually weakening; in old age, even moving has become difficult. From the outside, I may seem healthy, but my body and energy can no longer support me; I often need to force myself to barely persevere. Once lying down, my whole body aches and feels weak; my upper body is hot, and my lower body is cold. My condition worsens day by day; warmth is uncomfortable, cold is uncomfortable, and my condition is getting worse, more severe than before. In just a hundred days, I had to adjust my belt several times; when I grasp my arm, it feels like it has shrunk by half. How long can I hold on like this? If this continues day after day, it will leave the emperor with regrets. I humbly submit this letter to request retirement. If heaven grants me a few more years of life and my health improves, as long as I am able, I wish to do this.
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Xu Mian told Emperor Gaozu about Yue Gong's request to process the request according to the standards of the Three Departments, but the emperor did not agree, only added a ceremonial band. Yue Gong does not drink, has few desires, and even in formal occasions, lives very frugally. He built a home in Dongtian, overlooking the mountains beyond the city. He also wrote a piece called "Ode to Suburban Living," in which he wrote: It is said that those who truly have wisdom do not care about what others think of them at all; they have long forgotten the distinction between "self" and "the world." Those of average or below-average intelligence often regard their own nature as the cornerstone of their existence. Look at the wild beasts; they can only run freely when they have a cave; birds can only fly freely when they have a nest. Although Chen Zhongzi came from a poor family, his career was prosperous; although Ying Qi lived in a simple house, his morals were very noble. People living in East Lane have kind hearts; the phoenix in West Hall remains unnoticed. But we, with narrow minds, lack any lofty aspirations of making a difference in the world. We just want to seek a tree to conceal our wings, a pond to take refuge in. We feel no attachment to lavish homes, nor do we harbor expectations for grand avenues. We like to walk in the vast wilderness of the eastern suburbs and also like to enter the overgrown wilderness. Sometimes we stroll sideways, sometimes we wander upright, sometimes avoiding the wind, sometimes avoiding the rain.
My ancestors, notable figures from the Western Han Dynasty, later fell on hard times and wandered far and wide. In order to avoid the chaos of war, they eventually came to Haihun, cleared land by the river, and planted mulberry trees. Their family experienced the rise and fall of several dynasties over more than ten generations. Some family members resigned from their official positions and returned to officialdom, while others resumed their public service. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the country fell into chaos once again. Aristocratic families fought among themselves, displacing the people who fled in every direction; society was in turmoil, the land desolate, and there was no one to turn to in the vastness above. My great-grandfather, in his youth, found himself caught in the country's turmoil and faced great hardships. In order to escape the chaos of war, he searched for a stable place to live, and finally moved to Zhufang, built a small house, and lived a peaceful life. Later, when the situation in the court improved, he seized the opportunity to return to public service, heading south to the capital, navigating obstacles along the way before finally settling in the capital, establishing a new home in the bustling streets.
Days passed by, and the social atmosphere changed. Our family has lived here for four generations, over a hundred years. However, this simple house is hard to maintain for long, like leaves on the verge of falling, easily swept away by the wind. To survive, our ancestors were constantly on the move, sometimes clearing land to farm, other times relocating to new places. At times residing in Baishu, at other times staying with Botong.
Throughout my life, I have always maintained a noble character, longing for a reclusive life, often thinking of those hermits, and often gazing at the Eastern Hills, yearning for that kind of life. I never wanted to pursue fame and fortune, but I find myself trapped in this mundane world, often sighing at being bound by worldly constraints, and often lamenting the unpredictable changes in the world. Although my aspirations are grand, they have been difficult to achieve, and although my path is rough, my state of mind has become increasingly expansive. I possess a heart as pure as an orchid, yet I have lofty ideals. Although I long to retire to the countryside, I am also hesitant, torn between my desire to retreat and my struggle to voice these inner conflicts.
Ah, I encountered a time when the emperor's morality was corrupted, and the chaos was overwhelming! Even before the war began, the suffering of the people was beyond imagination. The common people sighed like lambs waiting to be slaughtered. Looking up at the sky, there is nowhere to escape. Although they were not thrown into prison, it felt as painful as being cut apart! At first, I only vaguely felt that something was wrong, but in the end, I truly experienced the bitterness. I pray for mercy from heaven; the suffering of the people is probably no worse than this. I accepted the mission from above. It was my destiny. When the emperor was about to begin his rule, the accumulated evil deeds were ready to be reaped. I would willingly sacrifice my comfort to dispel this oppressive atmosphere. I toiled day and night, even having no time to eat breakfast, and worried about how I would manage to find a decent outfit to wear at night. I labored for the Gui and Xia dynasties, and worked hard for the Xuanyuan and Zhuanxu dynasties. My benevolence reaches far and wide; my vision sees through everything. I cultivate fertile fields in the wilderness, spreading the wind of benevolence to remote areas. I reflect on the long river of history, contemplating the governance of the ancient kings, shining like beautiful jade.
At this prosperous time, catching up with the Emperor's flourishing era, what a wonderful time it is! In the early days of the Emperor's reign, I was fortunate enough to be given significant responsibility and involved in assisting. Although I do not have grand ambitions like throwing a stone to seek guidance, nor do I have flowery words, I can serve the country, and that is truly an honor. I have been entrusted with important tasks, responsible for governing a region and participating in the country's development. I strive to achieve the three goods and carry out my responsibilities among my fellow officials. I am always vigilant about my propensity for error, and I am worried about being unable to handle the glory and wealth. Look at those high-ranking officials in the past; few of them can remain humble and low-key, like the prized blooms of the states of Chu and Zhao, all indulging in luxury and indulgence, competing with each other. They build luxurious mansions, with expansive courtyards, entering and exiting the royal gates. They live in large mansions; how can common scholars even compare? Their descendants also enjoy these privileges as a result, so why worry about making a living? I reflect on the teachings of the sages; this is what I most desire in my heart. I do not envy the powerful people in the city, nor will I compromise my principles for fame and fortune. I write poems, live a quiet life, and hope to live out the rest of my days in peace.
As for me, I ran to the remote countryside and built a simple hut. I thatched the roof with frost-kissed reeds, and the walls were built from winter thatch. I created a haven for birds and made pathways for neighbors to visit each other. In order to build the house, I had to fell trees near the eaves and removed nests that obstructed the foundation. I cleaned up the standing water, filled in low-lying areas, planted camphor trees by the northern water channel, and tall poplar trees by the southern water bank. I relocated the simple windows to the orchid room, blending the simple walls of my hut with the grander structures nearby. I wove thorns into a gate and used branches from outside as the door leaf. I used the trees in the courtyard for shade and fragrant azaleas as fences. I built a high pavilion for a sweeping view and tall windows to look around. I dug a pond behind the house and constructed paths through the fields in front of the house. The pond teemed with water chestnuts, water caltrops, water celery, algae, bulrushes, and reedmace; also rockweed, seaweed, yellow watercress, and green bulrush. Red lotus flowers danced on the gentle ripples, and green lotus leaves covered the calm lake surface. I enjoyed a long life, living like an immortal in a peaceful and beautiful place. On land, I found purple watercress, green arrowhead, wild chives, and water plantain. These plants flourished under the sunlight by the southern pond and bloomed all over behind the north tower. Some plants nestled against the grassy banks, while others twisted around the windows, peeking inside.
My garden and home are unique in design, and the fields and vegetable gardens are also different. Li Heng's orange trees number in the thousands, while Shi Chong's fruit trees number in the tens of thousands. This reflects the extravagance and waste of the wealthy, rather than the joys of those who are frugal. I hope that my garden will be lush, with green leaves and red flowers intermingling, extending all the way to the eaves. The red veranda is illuminated, and the emerald leaves stretch toward nine paths. Red flowers extend from purple stems, and white stamens emerge from green flower bases. Different types of birds flit around the garden, singing in harmony; various sparrows chirp melodiously, harmonizing with each other. Some birds sport beautiful tails and vibrant wings, while others have emerald green necks and crimson foreheads. They like to hide among the leaves, flying around from time to time. Birds in the water include geese, ducks, herons, and coots, as well as autumn snipes, cold herons, long-billed egrets, and short-legged ducks. They pull long strands of water grass, playing in the clear water; flapping their wings and splashing water, stirring up droplets. Fish in the pond include red carp, blue carp, small fish, and giant catfish. Their scales are emerald green, their tails crimson, and their heads long and flat. The small fish play by the water's edge, while the large fish spout water and leap into the air. I don’t envy the vastness of rivers and seas; I just want to be one with my home.
My bamboo is a one-of-a-kind treasure in the southeast region, and all nine estates take pride in having it. It has not been transplanted to the Qi River, nor will it take root by the Lechi Pond. The autumn cicadas sing, and the winter sparrows chirp on the branches. A gentle breeze blows under the southern pavilion, and thick snow accumulates under the eaves of the northern hall. I explore the footsteps of the past, observing the genuine emotions of those who came before. I’m always looking for ways to make tough tasks easier. I’m not satisfied with the status quo, always wanting more, which results in more trouble. This is precisely what baffled the ancient scholars, but I’ve managed to steer clear of that.
Speaking of our ancestors, when they first started farming, they pondered how to transform wild grasses and flowers into food. Food is a matter of life and death! Take a look at historical records, examine the patterns of the fields, think about how Yan Hui could be happy with just simple meals, and then look at the large granaries of Zheng Guo, piled high but ultimately left empty.
You see, even if each acre yields 400 bushels, it is not enough, and each mu yields 50 bushels just enough to get by. I’m really worried, just hoping our little plot of land can sustain us. I plow the fields to the east with an old plow and dig a canal to the north. I don’t have to wake up early to cook or stress about breakfast. I get rid of the things I don’t need, focus on farming, and let everything else slide. Why do we need so much food? I don’t envy the rich folks at all!
In the early days of agriculture, the first clouds of Juebo appeared. The shift from raw to grain food sustains human life. Searching for the records of the irrigated fields, studying the ancient records of fields. Finding joy in simple meals, the granary in Zheng is empty. Four hundred (units) is insufficient, while fifty acres are abundant. Reflecting on the past with gratitude, fortunately receiving gifts at home. Utilizing the old plow from Dongzhi, irrigating the new canal of Beimu. Not lighting the stove in the morning, nor worrying about breakfast. Dismissing external distractions, leaving only the burdens behind. Calmly gathering experiences, not envying the ruins of Menyang.
Standing on a high place and looking around, all I see are graves. Although these are just ordinary mounds, they used to be where Wenjing Gong feasted. The carriages move slowly, the music is melodious, and the sound of the flute is clear and pleasant. The surrounding scenery is picturesque, with mountains, rivers, and streams all in sight, truly magnificent! What worth does temporary power hold? A family's wealth can fade to insignificance in the blink of an eye. I can't help but sigh; how can one not be moved by such a sight? Only the enlightened grasp the profound meaning; the vulgar remain oblivious.
I turn my gaze, seeking a place to settle. This area was once Gui Zhu, where people began to cultivate during the Qin Dynasty. The winding roads link Wu and Yue, extending all the way to Fujian. I long for the three birds from my hometown; that yearning is as precious as my homeland. I arrived here in my later years, not in my youth. As I gaze at Dongchuan's vast scenery, tears stream down my face. I foolishly compared myself to ancient sages, yet I now find myself lost in this desolate place. I once served high officials, attended grand banquets, recited poetry, and enjoyed drinks. In an instant, the once vibrant scenes have faded into mere memories, and Xiling has long since transformed.
I looked into the distance, let out a long sigh, but felt comforted by the scenery before me. Once magnificent, now only ruins reminiscent of fish and dragons remain. Once a strict hierarchy, now it lies in desolation. Once a gathering of the powerful, with Emperor Jing, Emperor Wei, Emperor Xiao, Emperor Cao, Emperor Wu of Liang, and King Xuan of Zhou, now they have all vanished like smoke in the wind. I gaze upon the tomb of Sun Quan's descendants, tracing the traces of those once-dominant figures. This place was once the land of the descendants of the Han Dynasty, as well as the territory of the founding monarch of Wu. They once ruled here, with vast territories. However, now only inscriptions on stone tombs and remnants of golden-threaded silk garments remain. Now overgrown with weeds and left untended, as desolate as the original burial mounds. Ants, foxes, woodcutters, herdsmen—what difference is there?
I look once again at the mountains to the east, my heart filled with sadness and helplessness. This was once the old garden of the heir apparent and the site of the Marquis of Bowang. Tall cassia trees, fragrant herbs, multi-tiered pavilions, moonlit pavilions adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, thousands of pillars reaching toward the sky, hundreds of beams supporting each other, carriages and horses constantly passing by, boats shuttling back and forth. In the blink of an eye, three years have slipped away, and two decades have passed. Everything has changed; nothing is as it once was.
I turned back and looked in the direction of Genyue (Genyue is the royal garden of the Song Huizong period) and saw this tall palace standing on the mountain. Although it has been abandoned and no traces can be found, the lessons it left behind can still be learned from. It was once shrouded in ethereal mist and surrounded by a sense of the divine, but in the end, only the empty palace and its reflection in the water remained. Imagining its former glory, I saw the undulating mountains, like dragon boats, drifting across the vast Milky Way. I gazed at it, filled with boundless imagination, hoping to receive guidance from the immortals.
This mountain, towering into the clouds, majestic and grand, reminiscent of a royal capital, is an object of admiration and reverence. It contains the spiritual essence of the heavens and earth, exuding vigorous vitality. Its towering and lofty appearance, with tall trees stretching toward the sky; peaks soaring into the clouds, massive rocks scattered like stars across the landscape. Some peaks rise high while others are low and flat; some are as flat as plates, some are like lying giants; the shapes are varied and unique. Some peaks stand alone, some caves stretch out at an angle; some peaks soar thousands of feet high, while others are layered and rugged. It encircles cities and towns and stretches across the countryside; in the evening, a gentle haze envelops the mountains, and in the morning, white mist blankets the mountains. Upon closer inspection, each peak boasts its own distinct color, and from a distance, all the peaks appear lush and green.
I went to the ancestors' gravesite and saw that the tomb had been ravaged beyond recognition; it was a heartbreaking sight! Those villains left the gravesite in disarray, and I could only silently clean up the mess, arranging the broken sacrificial offerings. The ancestors worked diligently and honestly in court during their lifetime, but now they have met such a fate; it is truly heartbreaking! They faced misfortune for their integrity; do they have to endure such torture even after death? In the past, my ancestors were so heroic and outstanding, famed across the land! Only a wise monarch can carry on their ancestors' great legacy and bring about a peaceful and prosperous era for the country. Descendants can only gaze upon their ancestors' achievements and weep in silence. The ancestors' graves are not limited to one location; they are scattered far apart. I laid out offerings, presented fine wine, as if under the auspices of the Purple Star, or as if two concubines had arrived at the banks of the Xiang River. The scent of osmanthus trees wafted through the gravesite, and I seemed to hear the chants of ancient wizards. I rang the jade chimes, held the offerings, sang out into the wind, stood for a long time, unwilling to leave. I know that the path to my ancestors is long and winding, their footprints covering all directions. Life passes like a white horse through a crack, fleeting, yet I am still here to pay my respects. I entrust my spirit to this humble gravesite, opening the door to the three realms, hoping to release the burdens I carry in my heart and break free from worldly constraints.
Perhaps building a humble dwelling at the foot of the cliff, or setting up a simple platform among the treetops. Inside, the house is dim and overgrown with vines, and the eaves are adorned with pine and cypress. Here, I found comfort and forgot about hunger and the cold. Sometimes I would climb the branches alone, and other times I would gaze into the distance, standing high above the clouds. I repaired these graves and erected monuments to commemorate my ancestors and express my respect. Being able to pay tribute to my ancestors today brings me satisfaction; as for future rewards, I do not seek extravagance. Heaven has granted me this filial piety, enabling me to endlessly honor my ancestors. I have earned praise from my elders and recognition in the imperial court. Though I lack the remarkable talents and esteemed status of my ancestors, I still hold dear the kindness of the late emperor and remain loyal to the reigning emperor.
I follow the teachings of my elders, and at sunset, I do my utmost to serve my country. Although my position is not high, I continue to serve faithfully in the palace. When I retire in old age, I will return to my simple cottage and enjoy my twilight years. I place my hopes in a tranquil nation, and my heart belongs to the temple. Wild animals linger at the gate, yet do not dare to intrude; fish play in the pond without being caught. I find myself lost in the traces of the past, reminiscing about the passing time. Trees bloom in late autumn while flowers fade in early spring. Various trees, colorful, some blown away by the wind, others dancing in the breeze. Purple lotus blossoms at night, red lotus blooms in the morning. A gentle breeze stirs, carrying the fragrance of blossoms. The flowers, grass, and trees in the garden, and the bamboo in the pond, appear particularly enchanting under the moonlight. The osmanthus branches on the roof are lush, and the golden chrysanthemums in the courtyard bloom vibrantly. Ice pillars hang on the cliffs, and white snow covers the pine trees and fields. Flocks of wild ducks soar in formation, and geese soar high in the sky, preparing to land. These scenes bring me a sense of peace and joy, even though they are not man-made; they exist truly. These are the emotions deep in my heart, and the worries I cannot shake off.
Alas, in my old age, my mood is low; worries surge like a tidal wave, and sad events happen one after another, making me sigh at the twists of fate and wander everywhere. Sometimes, I take comfort in the company of fish and birds, hiding in a simple thatched cottage. There are no beautiful women of Wu around me, and no musical instruments of Zhao in front of me. I while away my remaining days in this manner, letting time drift by. I am ashamed for failing to repay the kindness of the universe; ashamed of not leaving any achievements for the court; leaving behind only the experience of high office and riches, but unable to be etched in history. With a long sigh, what more is there to say? I am truly ashamed; my heart is not at ease.
Later, he was promoted to Special Grandee, and he held the positions of Guanglu Daifu, Shizhong, and Shao Fu. Twelve years later, he died at the age of seventy-three. The court posthumously conferred upon him his original title, rewarding him with 50,000 coins and 100 bolts of cloth, and posthumously naming him "Yin."
He had overlapping pupils in his left eye, a purple birthmark on his waist, and remarkable intelligence. He loved reading and collected as many as twenty thousand books, unrivaled in the capital. When he was young and poor, he turned to his clan for help and received several hundred bushels of rice, but was insulted by his clan members, so he dumped the rice. Even after becoming a high-ranking official, he did not hold a grudge against them, instead noting the incident in the county records. Once at a palace banquet, there was a courtesan who was one of Emperor Qi Wen's concubines. The Emperor asked if he recognized any of the guests. He replied, "I only know Shen Ling." Shen Yue, who was present, started to cry, and the Emperor became sad, and the banquet was called off. Shen Yue served three generations of emperors, was well-versed in ancient customs, and had profound knowledge, serving as a model for others at the time. Xie Lingyun excelled in poetry, Ren Fang excelled in writing, and Shen Yue had both, yet he could not surpass either of them. He was confident in his talents, not seeking fame or fortune, but sometimes capitalizing on the situation and engaging in empty chatter. It was only after he became Prime Minister that he began to temper his behavior. He often requested to retire, but in the end, he was never able to retire as he had hoped, and people likened him to Shantao. He served for over ten years, never put forward any recommendations, merely nodding in agreement with the political successes and failures.
It is said that Emperor Gaozu had some grievances against Zhang Ji before he died. After Zhang Ji died, Gaozu told Xie Yue about this issue. Xie Yue said, "The Left Minister of Personnel has been sent to be the governor of a border province. Is it worth bringing up those past matters again?" Gaozu was furious when he heard this, believing Xie Yue was defending Zhang Ji because they were in-laws. He shouted, "Are you a loyal minister for saying this?!" and then angrily went back to the inner hall. Xie Yue was scared, and when Gaozu left, he sat there like a statue. When Gaozu returned, Xie Yue had not even reached the bedside before suddenly collapsing at the doorway.
He fell ill and dreamt that Emperor Qi and Emperor Han were slicing his tongue with a sword. He consulted a witch, who said that dreams were like reality. So Xie Yue asked a Taoist to submit a memorial to the heavens, stating that he was not the one who instigated the incident. Emperor Gaozu sent the imperial physician Xu Zhang to see Xie Yue's illness, and Xu Zhang came back and reported the situation. Earlier, Xie Yue had accompanied Gaozu for a meal, and the province of Yuzhou presented a type of chestnut that was about an inch in size. Gaozu found it remarkable and asked Xie Yue, "Is the yield of this kind of chestnut high?" After some contemplation, Gaozu remembered three things, while Xie Yue remembered fewer things than Gaozu. Gaozu told others, "Xie Yue is too protective of his own interests. If I don't allow him to speak, he'll be mortified." Gaozu thought Xie Yue's remarks were too disrespectful and wanted to punish him, but after Xu Mian strongly advised him against it, he ultimately backed down.
Later, Gaozu heard about Xie Yue's memorial and became even angrier, sending several envoys to rebuke him. Xie Yue was frightened and soon died. The court posthumously honored him with the title "Literary," but Gaozu said, "He died before finishing his thoughts; let's give him the title 'Yin'." So it was changed to "Yin." Xie Yue wrote 110 volumes of "Jin Shu," 100 volumes of "Song Shu," 20 volumes of "Qi Ji," 14 volumes of "Gaozu Ji," 10 volumes of "Er Yan," 10 volumes of "Shi Li," 30 volumes of "Song Literary Works," and a collection of 100 volumes, all of which have been passed down. He also wrote a book called "Si Sheng Pu," claiming that he was the only one to understand the mysteries of the four tones that others had not figured out for thousands of years, calling it a masterpiece, but Emperor Gaozu was not fond of it. Gaozu asked Zhou She, "What are the four tones?" Zhou She replied, "The emperor is wise and virtuous," as an example of the four tones. But in the end, Gaozu did not adopt Xie Yue's theory.
Xie Yue's son, Xie Zixuan, had already reached the ranks of Gentleman of the Central Secretariat, Yongjia Prefect, Attendant Officer of the Minister of Works, and Chief Historian of the Minister of Works while his father was in office. After Xie Yue's death, Xie Zixuan became the Prince's Attendant but later resigned from his position due to his mother's death, became a vegetarian and practiced abstinence. Even after the mourning period, he continued to abstain from refined rice and white flour. He later became the Yellow Gate Attendant Officer of the Imperial Secretariat and the Chief Military Historian. He was later sent away and became the General of Zhaoyuan and the Interior Minister of Nankang, where he earned a reputation for his integrity and clean governance. He eventually passed away while in office, posthumously bestowed the title of Gonghou, and his son Xie Shi inherited his title.
Yao Cha, the Minister of Personnel of the Chen Dynasty, said: In the past, the moral virtues (referring to the Han Dynasty) were on the verge of decline, with a tyrannical and cruel emperor at the helm, causing unbearable suffering to the common people, who were living on the edge. Gaozu (Liu Bang) rose up in rebellion, pacifying the world, and it was Zhang Liang and Chen Ping who strategized behind the scenes.
When it comes to Fan Yun and Shen Yue, they also participated in the establishment of the great undertaking, assisting the emperor in achieving his imperial ambitions; Fan Yun was sharp in his dealings, well-informed, and capable of addressing numerous practical issues that benefited the populace; Shen Yue was talented and knowledgeable, whose reputation rivals that of Yang Xiong and Dong Zhongshu. All of them were remarkable figures of their time during a flourishing period!
