Yuan Shu, styled Yangyuan, was a native of Yangxia in Chen Jun, the son of Bao, the magistrate of Danyang. From a young age, he had a remarkable character. When he was only a few years old, his uncle Zhan told his family, "This child is not an ordinary child." In his teens, he was held in high regard by his uncle Wang Hong. He didn't follow the conventional path of rote learning but had a broad knowledge, loved writing with a flourish, and was a gifted orator. Local officials offered him positions such as registrar, assistant to the Imperial Secretary, and aide to the Crown Prince, but he declined them all. Later, Prince Pengcheng Liu Yikang appointed him as Military Sacrificer. Although Liu Yikang was polite to him on the surface, he didn't truly value him since he had no interest in literature. His cousin Liu Zhan tried to win him over, but he ignored him completely, leading to a strained relationship. Eventually, Yuan Shu resigned from his official position because of a prolonged illness.
Later, he was appointed as the Right Army Chief Clerk for Prince Hengyang Liu Yiji, and then promoted to be the Prince's Equerry. However, he did not assume the position because of a foot problem. Prince Linchuan Liu Yiqing had a particular fondness for literature and invited him to serve as a military advisor. Shortly after, he was promoted to become the Left Assistant Minister of Works. He was later appointed as the Prefect of Xuancheng, and upon his return, he became the Deputy Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. After his mother passed away, he resigned from his official position to fulfill his mourning duties at home. Once the mourning period was over, he was appointed as the Crown Prince's Attendant Officer.
In the 26th year of Yuanjia, he was promoted to the Minister of Personnel. In the autumn of that year, the court launched a major northern campaign. Yuan Shu, sitting next to the emperor, said casually, "Now is a great opportunity to lead the army straight to the Yellow River, sweep through Zhao and Wei, and ascend Mount Tai for the Fengshan ceremony! I have seized this rare opportunity and want to submit a 'Fengshan Memorial.'" Emperor Wen of Song laughed and said, "I am not qualified for such a grand ceremony!" Later, he was assigned as the Chief Minister of the Northern Expedition and the Governor of South Donghai under Prince Yixuan of Shixing. When Yuan Shu just took office, Prince Yixuan personally received him and said, "I didn't expect my uncle to stoop to assist me." Yuan Shu replied, "The court sent me primarily to elevate the reputation of your household." Later, he returned to the court and became the Deputy Imperial Historian. At that time, the northern Sulu invaded the south, reaching Guabu. Emperor Wen of Song asked the officials to discuss defense strategies, and Yuan Shu proposed his own suggestion:
"I've heard that the beasts at Hangu Pass can't survive outside the mountains; fish will die without flowing water. The remnants of the Jie thieves dared to approach the capital, as numerous as ants and as dense as locusts, and I hear they’ve all been wiped out. The terrain is treacherous, and the land is vast and sparsely populated, so the Wei Kingdom abandoned its plans for attack, and the powerful Jin Kingdom also ceased discussions. Everyone felt exhausted and morale was low, never expecting the enemy to return, nor considering that they could still salvage the situation."
However, later on, the communication between the court and the remote regions was cut off, and orders could not be delivered because the generals were negligent, causing the soldiers to lose their morale. The surrounded and scattered army, along with the bandits and outlaws, also collapsed; the army that was supposed to attack ended up dispersing on its own. The elite cavalry of Ji Xi rushed into battle but was defeated, while the well-trained soldiers by the Huai River had simple equipment and only a few military flags. This led to internal disarray within the army, while the enemy's morale remained high, resulting in the Kaolu region falling into a crisis, and Quanzhou Yizhou also being harassed. The splendor of the beautiful Ji dynasty was destroyed, and the achievements of Dayu in flood control were tarnished. Urgent messages kept coming from Weinan, and the alarm was sounded in Xianyang.
However, upon careful analysis of the situation, the enemy's strengths and weaknesses were already clear; their schemes and methods were also exposed. With vast lands and rugged roads, surrounded on all sides by the enemy, it was a dilemma. Everyone rushed to occupy advantageous terrain, flowing towards the marshes like water. Now rainbows were everywhere, grass grew wildly, land was moist, springs were flowing, and water disasters, droughts, and plagues followed one after another. There was not enough fodder, and food supplies were running low. The key waterway routes, where advancing would lead to the annihilation of the entire army, were perilous, and retreating would also lead to destruction. It's like putting a crow in the flames or a fish in a thorn bush; they simply can't survive!
Some say we should weaken Jiangyou (the region south of the Yangtze River) and strengthen Huainan (the region south of the Huai River). I believe that capturing Mindi (Fujian) is the right course of action, as recorded in ancient historical books. As for abandoning the army in Liangzhou, that was a wrong decision. The crucial areas have not yet been abandoned, not to mention we are right next to the capital, right under the emperor's feet; these few states and counties have been ravaged by the enemy; the land is in ruins, and the people are struggling to survive.
Our region has a large population, fertile land, and a population density even higher than that of Chang'an and Linzi. Taxes are collected at a rate of one-tenth, and the common folk are quite content. Taxes are collected per acre, and agriculture is also developing well. Every household is itching to make their mark and is ready to offer grain in the fight, willing to leave the loom to go to the battlefield. So we should offer bounties to recruit brave soldiers, hire decisive generals with high salaries, select talents from ordinary civilians, and promote those who silently contribute at the grassroots level, rewarding them with honors and recognition. Only in this way can talents be quickly discovered and commendable contributors recognized.
The enemy is greedy yet lacks strategy, acts recklessly and chaotically, misjudges the situation on both sides, and arranges the deployment of troops improperly, violating the major taboos of military strategy and the art of war. Everyone is holding back their anger, eager for battle, and willing to follow, with rumors of battle flying around. Therefore, thousands of brave and strong soldiers should be selected, moving stealthily and operating in the shadows, putting away flags, tying up horses, gritting their teeth, and approaching the enemy camp silently, striking at dawn before the enemy can get organized, unfurling banners, beating drums of war, catching the enemy off guard, raising dust, and decimating the enemy like ice melting away in the sun, completely eliminating them. If any stragglers are hiding in caves, send warships from the Huai and Ru Rivers to cut off their escape, and let the elite soldiers from Yanzhou cut off their way back. We must capture the enemy leader and display his head under our banner, so that the enemy will be routed and unable to retaliate. When that happens, our envoys will be a sight to behold, the soldiers will be high-spirited, the officials and soldiers will be united, and the sound of war drums will be thunderous.
If those rebels who pretend to surrender and flee everywhere, elusive and mysterious, speaking the language of Chu at one moment and using the flag of the Han Dynasty at another, have long cast a shadow over the sun and moon, plunging the mountains and rivers into chaos. They rely on dangerous terrain, harm the people, occupy the hilltops, convene in malevolent gatherings, launch surprise attacks and looting, and cling to urban strongholds and geographical advantages to prolong their existence, then we should pursue them in victory and completely eliminate them! The elite soldiers of Sizhou and Bianzhou are as fast as meteors and lightning, while the armies of Xuzhou and Fuzhou gather like rain and clouds, quickly pacifying the rebellion north of Sangxi, intimidating the rebels south of Huanhai, cutting off their roots, and not giving them a chance to develop again, like binding a rope to a dead tree that will soon wither. This is like draining a pond before casting a net, setting fire to a forest before the hunt, like a fierce wind rustling through the soft reeds, like the brilliant sunlight melting the frost. After the rebellion is quelled, those officials who once plundered can only mourn the desolate battlefield. Then, the court can resume normal operation, as swiftly as smoke rising; the emperor's western tour and eastern expedition, passing through the fields of Qizhou, calming the rebellion with just a few words, restoring the majestic palace to its former glory, and engraving Yan Kingdom into history once more. Only then can we stabilize the land, establish a system of rituals, promote the legacy of Yan and Huang, and inherit the traditions of Shang and Xia.
Now, many merchants and strong soldiers lack military skills and are timid. This is because they have enjoyed a prolonged period of comfort and pleasure; there are no pressing military matters in the region, and there is no hard work at home related to warfare. There has been a lack of military training, neglect in preparing military equipment, and the talent selection process is inadequate. Is it true? If we can select talented individuals, conduct in-depth investigations, carefully analyze, and make every effort to seek out talent, even if it means venturing into danger, we must find individuals from afar. If we can find people with wisdom and talent, they will naturally showcase their abilities, moving heaven and earth, nourishing all things like springs and rain, and their presence can intimidate galloping horses, inspiring the cowardly to be brave. They can distinguish right from wrong, understand the pros and cons of situations, unite the populace, grasp the characteristics of various matters, and be able to present their ideas at court, providing counsel to the emperor and gaining the emperor's favor. Moreover, they can gain the support of the populace, sufficient to stabilize the populace and save the nation. Therefore, we should promote those with talent and reward those who have contributed, bestow upon them special distinctions, grant them special honors, and ensure they do not disappoint the court's expectations. Let them be entrusted like General Guangwu and be given significant responsibilities like Marquis Huaiyin; they will surely achieve success in their alliances and achieve victories akin to seizing the command token.
Those barbaric tribes are fierce and brutal, looked down upon and cast aside both at home and abroad. Those who once relied on us have each gone their own way, lacking any sense of order, using threats and bribes; they are bound to betray us. Those who were initially obedient will gradually act on their own. Now, as we carefully study ancient texts, it is like searching for lost threads in the mud, struggling to find solutions, and finally discovering a way to deal with those cunning and ruthless individuals. This is like a blind person longing for light, a paralyzed person longing to walk. As long as we can rally the people, success is within reach. The key to solving the problem of the Jin state lies in keen observation, while preserving the Zheng state requires excellent spies, spreading disinformation in all directions to confuse their senses. Before they have a chance to take dangerous action, we must use strategies of rise and fall to undermine their suspicions and doubts, eliminate their biases and preferences, and employ high-ranking officials and wealth to win them over. I will do my best, using my eloquence and persuasion; as long as we inspire people, even the most fortified city can be taken, and with soaring wings, even the most dangerous cities can be easily captured. As long as we can do this, their internal affairs will inevitably collapse, just like Yan and Le regretting their choices, and Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng mistrusting one another.
Perhaps some people may say that the achievements are already considerable, and there are already plenty of matters to attend to. The ruler of Qi has returned the war chariots, and the ruler of Zhao has also returned his sovereign. The desired propaganda effect has been realized, and the duties have been fulfilled. I have been fortunate to receive the emperor's favor and have been promoted each year, but I find myself unable to adapt to the current prosperity or to refine the court's laws. There are still leftover arrows at the border, and the border conflicts have not yet subsided. I don’t dare to be presumptuous; I can only do my best to serve the court. However, I lack the literary flair of someone like Zhao Wen and cannot achieve great feats like Mian Zhou. I have privately studied the frontier strategies of the Protectorate and the military tactics of the vassal states, as well as the memorials of Zhong Jun and Chao Cuo, and the advice of Du Yu and Geng Bing. They all believe that the border situation is still severe and lacks a proper strategy. Only through caution and prudence can we take the best course of action. I am aware of my ignorance and inexperience, which is why I hesitate to speak out, nor can I hope to earn the court's favor.
Shu Xi tends to exaggerate when he speaks, and people often laugh at him. Once, Prince Xing Wang Jun sent him thirty thousand coins, but the money was quickly retrieved by his men, who claimed it was a mistake meant to tease Shu Xi. Shu Xi then wrote a letter to Jun, saying: "As a lowly person like me, how could I possibly dare to write to a high-ranking official like you! A few days ago, you generously rewarded me here in this impoverished place, and I am extremely grateful. How could I ever disobey your orders! I worry that this money might not be an official gift from you, nor something intended for sacrifices. I never expected to receive such a reward from you, and I am genuinely astonished! I am honestly shocked and frightened! As someone with no abilities, how could I ever doubt your intentions! Moreover, I have heard that the ancients say rewards and retrievals should only occur once within seven years. Surely, you rewarded and retrieved in just a few days—surely that’s too quick! I fear that other vassal states might look down on our nation's authority because of this. Therefore, I take the liberty to share my thoughts with you. My family is poor, I am honest and upright, and because I do not flatter, I am destitute, known throughout the land. How could I covet your money? I have already pledged all my meager offerings, including my horses, and I await your command. Please, do as you see fit!" Upon reading the letter, Jun felt ashamed of Shu Xi's loyalty and decided against taking back the money.
The Crown Prince promoted Wang Shu to the position of Left Guard. That night, Liu Shao plotted to rebel. In the middle of the night, he called Wang Shu and Xiao Bin over, crying and saying, "The Emperor has believed the slander of bad people and wants to get rid of me. I know I am innocent and cannot bear to be wrongly accused. We must act tomorrow morning; I hope you can join me." Wang Shu and Xiao Bin both replied, "This has never happened before; you should think about it again." Liu Shao's face changed when he heard this, and the guards around him became nervous. Xiao Bin, feeling scared, quickly said, "I have had the honor of serving you before and always wanted to serve the country. Especially in such a critical situation, I will definitely be loyal to the end." Wang Shu scolded Xiao Bin, saying, "Do you really think the Crown Prince would rebel? His Highness had a childhood illness; maybe it has recurred!" Liu Shao became even angrier and asked, "Will this plan definitely succeed?" Wang Shu replied, "As long as we have the upper hand, we can achieve anything. However, even if we succeed, we will face divine punishment, and disaster will strike soon. I hope you can quickly dispel this idea."
Liu Shao's guards pulled at the clothes of Wang Shu and Xiao Bin, then tore a three-foot long brocade from their master's clothes, cut it in half, and gave pieces to Xiao Bin, Wang Shu, and the guards to use as belts. Wang Shu paced back and forth in his palace quarters until early morning before finally falling asleep. Liu Shao was ready to depart. He and Xiao Bin were already in the same carriage, urging Wang Shu to hurry, but Wang Shu remained asleep and did not stir. Liu Shao's carriage stopped at Fenghua Gate, where he continued to urge Wang Shu. Only then did Wang Shu slowly get up, walk to the back of the carriage, and Liu Shao asked him to get in, but he declined. Liu Shao then ordered the guards, "Kill him!" Thus, Wang Shu was killed outside Fenghua Gate at the age of forty-six. After Liu Shao ascended the throne, he posthumously honored Wang Shu with the title of Tai Chang and bestowed upon him many riches for his burial.
The emperor's predecessor ascended to the throne and issued a decree specifically praising Yan Yanzhi: "Disregarding fame and fortune, emphasizing righteousness and benevolence, this principle I have often heard; in times of national crisis, we also yearn for talents like this. If it weren't for those who truly understand righteousness and possess noble character, who could step forward to protect the monarch, sacrificing themselves for what is right! The Prince's Left Guard, Yuan Shu, excels in literature and possesses exceptional eloquence, and is loyal and reliable. Faced with the coercion of strong enemies, he remained steadfast, rebuking the rebels with firm words, instilling fear in those treacherous traitors. Even when faced with the threat of death, he did not waver, ultimately sacrificing heroically. Throughout history, those who died unjustly with loyalty, none have surpassed him. I am filled with deep sorrow and will never forget his loyalty. He should be posthumously honored with a title, forever commemorating him as a loyal minister of the Song Dynasty. He is posthumously granted the titles of Minister of the Interior and Grand Commandant, and his posthumous title is 'Duke Zhongxian.'"
The emperor issued another decree: "Yuan Shu sacrificed his life for righteousness; his loyalty is rarely seen throughout history. He left behind widows and orphans, and I feel great sympathy for them. His family should receive generous compensation to comfort both the living and the deceased." Yuan Shu and his fellow comrades Xu Zhanzhi, Jiang Zhan, Wang Sengchuo, and Bu Tian, along with their families, will enjoy state salaries for generations, and their works will also be passed down through generations.
What sons did Yuan Shu leave behind? Zi Ji, Ai, Leng, Ning, Biao. Among them, Ai served as the infantry captain under the emperor's predecessor; Ning served as the Deputy Censor-in-Chief during Taizong's reign, and later was exiled to serve as the Prefect of Jinling. When Taizong first rebelled alongside various local insurgent forces, he surrendered after being defeated and was later appointed as the chief clerk of Liu Zhan's Champion Mansion. All of Yuan Shu's sons died young.
The historian commented: "The universe is vast, human affairs change, each unique in its own way. Lives as fleeting as flowers and morning dew don’t really mean much; premature deaths, what is there to say? We should just go with the flow and not stress too much about life and death. It's just that life is short, and we only get one shot at it; even if life is full of challenges, we might not get such opportunities. Thinking you can live to be seventy or a hundred is unrealistic. Therefore, those with big dreams often look down on the world, but they waste their time and end up losing what really matters. People like Yuan Shu, who valued righteousness above all else, truly shine in history, sacrificing everything to defend their ruler, and are a rare breed. Without the kind of unwavering integrity that Yuan Shu had, what’s the point of having a brush?"
