Wang Hua, styled Ziling, is a native of Langya Linyi and is a distant cousin of the Grand Guardian Wang Hong. His grandfather Wang Hui served as General of the Guards and Governor of Kuaiji; his father Wang Xin served as a Junior Palace Attendant to the Crown Prince and Left Chief Clerk of the Minister of Works. Their family lived in Wudi. During the Jin Dynasty's Long'an era, Wang Gong raised troops to attack Wang Guobao. At that time, Wang Xin was mourning at home because his mother had passed away. Wang Gong sent someone to invite him to join the army, and Wang Xin gathered troops to respond. He even bestowed the title of "General of Chaste Valor" on his daughter and allowed women to hold official positions. After Wang Guobao died, Wang Gong sent someone to ask Wang Xin to withdraw his troops. However, when Wang Xin raised his troops, he had already killed many people. Now that he couldn't withdraw his troops, he simply continued to rebel under the guise of attacking Wang Gong. Wang Gong sent Liu Laozhi to attack Wang Xin. Wang Xin was defeated and fled, with no one knowing where he went. Wang Hua's elder brother Wang Tai was killed by Wang Gong. At that time, Wang Hua was only thirteen years old and got separated from his father in the military camp. He escaped with a monk named Tanyong. Liu Laozhi was searching everywhere for Wang Hua at that time, so Tanyong instructed Wang Hua to hold onto the hem of his robes and follow closely. The guards at the checkpoints grew suspicious. As Wang Hua walked slowly, Tanyong scolded him: "You slowpoke, can't even keep up with me!" and struck Wang Hua fiercely with a stick multiple times. The guards then stopped suspecting, and Wang Hua escaped unharmed. Later, an amnesty was declared, allowing him to return to Wudi.
Wang Hua has been ambitious and principled since he was young. Since his father's fate was uncertain, he wore coarse clothes, ate simple meals, and kept to himself. After living this way for over a decade, he earned everyone's admiration. Later, Emperor Gaozu sought to promote him, so he sent people to offer sacrifices to Wang Xin, permitting Wang Hua to don mourning clothes. After the mourning period ended, Emperor Gaozu launched a northern expedition to Chang'an and appointed him as General of the West, Governor of North Xuzhou, and later appointed as the province's chief registrar. He was subsequently promoted to Chief Registrar of the West and later served as Historiographer, steadily rising in rank with remarkable achievements. Later, when Emperor Taizu was stationed in Jiangling, he appointed Wang Hua as Chief Registrar of the West Central Army and later as an advisory military officer in charge of documents. When Emperor Taizu was appointed as General of the West, Wang Hua also rose in rank. Before Emperor Taizu personally took charge of political affairs, they were all handled by Sima Zhang Shao. Wang Hua was somewhat proud and did not like others to be ahead of him; Zhang Shao was straightforward in character, always traveling with a grand entourage of carriages and horses. Wang Hua deliberately only rode in a simple carriage with two or three followers to show his integrity. Once, they met in the city and Wang Hua, not recognizing Zhang Shao from afar, assumed it was His Highness passing by due to the grand entourage. When Zhang Shao approached, he was surprised. Later, when Zhang Shao wore casual clothes while inspecting a city tower, Wang Hua reported him, resulting in punishment. Wang Hua then took over Zhang Shao's position, becoming Sima and Prefect of Nanjun, in charge of provincial affairs.
Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, and because of the previous killing of the Shao Emperor, he felt hesitant and was reluctant to take action against those involved. Hua Yunlong suggested, "Individuals like Xianzhi, who had previously enjoyed the emperor's favor and trust, are unlikely to betray the court in the near term. They acted decisively against the Shao Emperor because they were afraid of future retaliation. In truth, they did not initially harbor rebellious intentions; rather, they were burdened by too many concerns. These three individuals have similar power, and none of them are willing to yield to one another; they merely seek to seize power, solidify their positions, and keep the Shao Emperor under control. Now you can eliminate them without any concerns." Zhu Yuanzhang listened to his advice and adopted it. He also asked Hua Yunlong to stay behind to take care of affairs in the rear. After Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, he appointed Hua Yunlong as a Palace Attendant, concurrently holding the position of General of the Agile Cavalry. Before he could formally take office, he was promoted to the position of General of the Right Guard, while still holding the position of Palace Attendant. Kong Ningzi, who had previously served as a counselor to Taizu in Kuaiji, was favored by Taizu for his excellent writing skills. He was now promoted to the position of Yellow Gate Attendant, while concurrently serving as Infantry Colonel. During his time as chief scribe under Gaozu, he made several suggestions, stating:
For a country to prosper, the most crucial factor is to appoint the right people; when selecting talents, it is vital to be cautious. Although the times are different and situations vary, the principle of selecting virtuous and capable individuals has never changed. The Book of Songs states "to select the best and auspicious ones," illustrating the importance of selecting talents. The state of Jin thrived by choosing virtuous and capable individuals, which led to generous rewards; the state of Chu declined due to improper personnel selection, receiving no congratulations. Now the court is seeking reform, and the people are looking forward to it. While good systems have been established, there are still areas that need improvement. Although the positions of the Nine Ministers have not all been filled yet, selecting grassroots officials should take precedence. I believe that officials of the fourth rank and above in the court, as well as local officials in various regions, should each recommend a suitable candidate to serve as a local official with a rank equivalent to two thousand stones, to be arranged for appointment based on vacancies. Rewards should be given for selecting talented individuals, and responsibility should be held for mistakes in selection. Selecting talents is indeed not easy, but as long as you recommend talents you know, you don't need many people; relying on the wisdom of the officials is better than guessing blindly alone. The responsibility lies with you, and you must be fair and just. The current selection of officials often makes mistakes in selecting talents, so everyone should recommend candidates, and then assess them based on their political achievements. If they’re truly talented, they should be promoted and given opportunities, regardless of their age. From now on, appointments should be based on abilities, and if positions are the same, they should be arranged based on regions. Although officials are responsible for carrying out public affairs, they should also understand the people's sentiments and promote education. Therefore, the character of officials matters more than just paperwork. By using this standard to select talents, age is no longer an issue. This way, not only can administrative chaos be avoided and the people live in peace and contentment, but corruption in the officialdom will also decrease, and scholars will strive harder. I, Kong Ningzi, have limited abilities and do not understand the ways of governing. I speak my mind, and I hope you’ll forgive me if I’ve said anything wrong.
Ningzi and Hua Du both wanted to become high-ranking officials and make their fortunes. They were both very envious of those who held real power, so they constantly reported on their rivals to the Emperor every day. One time, when Ningzi returned to his hometown, he passed by Jinchang Pavilion. His subordinate wanted to dock the boat there, but Ningzi stopped him, saying, "This is the Pavilion of Regicide; we can't stop here!" Hua, on the other hand, often recited the line from Wang Can's "Ode to the Tower" at home, saying, "I hope the royal road can bring peace, allowing me to showcase my talents." Whenever he encountered those they envied, he would grit his teeth and sigh, "When will we see a time of peace and prosperity?" In the second year of Yuanjia, Ningzi died. Three years later, those they envied were executed, and Hua was promoted to General of the Guard, retaining his position as Imperial Attendant. During the Song Dynasty, only Hua and Liu Zhan from Nanyang were straightforward, avoiding false etiquette. They would take up their official positions immediately, which became their habit. Hua handled matters differently from others, never attending banquets or gatherings and never drinking alcohol throughout his life, and he did not attend even when invited. If someone wanted to discuss official business with him, they would go to his house, and Hua would come out to meet them. Later, when Wang Hong was in power and his brother Wang Tan was favored by the Emperor, holding a rank similar to Hua's, Hua felt that his talents were not being utilized. He would often sigh and say, "There are only a few positions for Prime Ministers; how can the world be governed well?" In the fourth year of Yuanjia, Hua passed away at the age of forty-three. He was posthumously appointed as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance and General of the Guards. Nine years later, the Emperor remembered his role in the execution of those they envied and posthumously appointed him as the Marquis of Xinjian County, with a fief of one thousand households, and the posthumous title of Marquis Xuan. When Emperor Shizu ascended to the throne, he honored Hua by including him in the list for the Emperor's Ancestral Temple.
His son Dinghou inherited his title, becoming the General of the Left Guard before passing away. His grandson Chang inherited the title but was stripped of it in the second year of Emperor Taizong's reign, Tai Shi, for insulting his mother, and the title passed to his younger brother. In the third year of the Yuanhui era, he petitioned the emperor to restore the title to his elder brother, and the emperor agreed. After the abdication of the Qi dynasty, his title was officially revoked. His cousin Hong served as the Minister of the Five Armies and the Governor of Kuaiji.
Wang Tanshou, from Langya Linyi, was the younger brother of Grand Guardian Wang Hong. Ambitious from a young age, he was appointed as a Compiler but never took up the position. When the family divided their inheritance, Tanshou took only the books. Later, he was appointed as an official in the Grand Marshal's Office by Prince Langye and assisted in the restoration of the royal tombs in Luoyang.
He and his brother Wang Qiu paid their respects to Emperor Gaozu of the Song dynasty, with Xie Hui also present. Emperor Gaozu said, "These brothers come from noble families, yet they are willing to serve in the military." Tanshou replied, "Following such a brave army as yours naturally inspires courage even in the weak." Xie Hui praised, "Indeed, those who are benevolent are truly courageous." Emperor Gaozu was delighted.
When the army reached Pengcheng, Emperor Gaozu held a grand feast at the horse racing platform, where everyone wrote poetry. Tanshou's poem was the first one finished, and after reading it, Emperor Gaozu asked Wang Hong, "How is your brother?" Wang Hong replied, "If he were just an ordinary person, how could our Wang family hold its ground?" Emperor Gaozu laughed heartily.
Tanshou was perceptive and strategic, keeping his emotions in check. He maintained harmony at home, never touching gold, silver, or any jewelry, and forbidding the women in his household from wearing ornaments. Aside from the rewards he received from the court, he accepted no gifts from anyone.
When Liu Yu became the Champion General and Governor of Xuzhou, he was stationed in Pengcheng. At that time, Wang Tan served as his aide. Later, when Liu Yu was stationed in Jiangling, Wang Tan was promoted from aide to Chief of Staff and followed Liu Yu to his new role as Chief of Staff for the West. Liu Yu's eldest son, Liu Yi, greatly appreciated Wang Tan and said to Liu Yu, "Wang Tan is a stable and reliable person, very dignified and has the makings of a prime minister! You must listen to his opinions when handling matters."
During the Jingping era, a dragon appeared in the west, soaring into the sky, draped in colorful auspicious clouds. People near the capital rushed to watch. The Imperial Historian reported, "There is the presence of an emperor in the west!" Liu Yu was preparing to abdicate and take the throne as emperor, but many court officials were hesitant to act. Wang Tan, along with Dao Yanzhi and his cousin Wang Hua, urged Liu Yu, but he did not agree. Wang Tan persuaded him again, explaining the concept of the connection between heaven and humanity, and Liu Yu finally agreed. At that time, the civil and military officials from the various regions were on high alert, and the court's imperial officials couldn't even approach the army. Zhu Rongzi, in charge of the central army, stood guard outside the Pingcheng Gate, armed with a sword, without loosening his belt for days on end.
After Liu Yu ascended the throne as emperor, on his way to the imperial palace, a yellow dragon miraculously lifted the boat Liu Yu was on, scaring everyone present. Liu Yu said to Wang Tan, "This is like Emperor Yu receiving his mandate from heaven, how can I handle this?" After ascending the throne, Liu Yu said to Wang Tan, "If it weren't for your foresight, like that of Song Chang, how could I have come this far today?" Therefore, Liu Yu appointed Wang Tan as a court attendant, and soon also appointed him as the General of the Right Guard and the General of the Cavalry, and appointed Zhu Rongzi as the General of the Right Army. Later, after executing Xu Xianzhi and his associates and suppressing Xie Hui's rebellion, Wang Tan and his cousin Wang Hua both played crucial roles.
In the fourth year of Yuanjia, the emperor emerged from the Beitang and ordered the *Guangmo Gate* to be opened at the third watch. The official from the Southern Terrace remarked, "There should be a white tiger flag and a silver-lettered chǐ (a type of ancient ceremonial staff)," and refused to open the gate. The Deputy Left Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Yang Xuanbao, petitioned to dismiss the officials below the Chief Censor, Fu Long. Wang Tanshou followed up with a memorial, saying, "Since there is no formal edict from the emperor, and there is a lack of a white tiger flag and a silver-lettered chǐ, although it is said to be following the emperor's intentions, it is no different from issuing commands privately. In the first and second years of the Yuanjia era, although there were two cases of opening the gate at the third watch, these were all precedents of violating regulations in the past. Thus, adhering to the established protocols is justified. But since we must follow the old rules, we should investigate the ins and outs of the matter. This situation has never happened before, and we should hold responsible those who failed to request the white tiger flag and the silver-lettered chǐ, leading to the gate not being opened on time. The Ministry of Personnel should also bear responsibility and face consequences." The emperor did not say anything about this but only reestablished relevant regulations. Wang Tanshou was promoted to the position of Taishi Zhanshi, and his position as a palace attendant remained the same.
It is said that this incident occurred after the rebellion had been suppressed, and the emperor wished to privately bestow rewards upon Wang Tanshou and his companions. He then hosted a banquet and raised his glass in their honor, patting the imperial couch, saying, "If it weren't for you brothers, how could we have today!" The reward decree had already been drafted, and the emperor showed it to Wang Tanshou. Wang Tanshou said, "Recently, these events almost succeeded in causing chaos and disaster; thanks to Your Majesty's wise and decisive leadership, those criminals were executed. Although we may have received some imperial favor, it is merely a modest contribution. How can we be complacent because of the country's disasters? Although Your Majesty wishes to privately bestow rewards upon us, how will the upright historians write about it?" The emperor had no way to refute him, so the issue of rewards was postponed.
At that time, Tan Shou's elder brother Hong was serving as the Minister of Personnel and concurrently as the Governor of Yangzhou. Tan Shou was highly trusted by the Emperor and managed both internal and external affairs of the imperial court. Prince Yikang of Pengcheng and Hong served as Ministers of Personnel together. Yikang was always dissatisfied and wanted to obtain the governorship of Yangzhou, which was clear from his demeanor. Because Tan Shou was in between, he took away some of Yikang's power and responsibilities, making Yikang even more unhappy. Tan Shou strongly requested to be appointed to Wu County, but the Emperor Taizu said, "How can you think of building a grand mansion while letting go of a key talent? Your brother has been claiming illness lately and declining official positions in the provinces. If he requests to resign again in the future, who else besides you can handle it? How can it be your turn to go to Wu County?" At that time, Tan Shou's brother Hong had indeed been chronically ill, and the Emperor repeatedly refused his resignation. Yikang told his guests, "The nobleman (referring to Tan Shou's brother) has been ill for so long, how can we let him recuperate at home?" Tan Shou advised his brother Hong to cut the garrison's troop strength in half for Yikang, which made Yikang happy. After seven years, Tan Shou passed away. The Emperor Taizu was profoundly grieved, and the Imperial Secretary Zhou Jiu said, "The Wang family is about to decline; wise men always pass away first." The Emperor replied, "It's just my family that's facing decline." Tan Shou was posthumously honored as Left Guanglu Daifu, added as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance, and his position as Chancellor remained unchanged. Nine years later, due to Tan Shou's involvement in the plot to assassinate Xian Zhi and others, he was posthumously appointed as Marquis of Yuning County, with a fief of one thousand households, and posthumously honored as Marquis Wen. When Emperor Shizu took the throne, Tan Shou was posthumously honored with Emperor Taizu in the Temple of Emperor Taizu. Tan Shou's son Seng Chuo inherited his title, as recorded in other biographies. Tan Shou's younger son, Seng Qian, became Minister of Personnel during the Shengming era.
Yin Jingren, from Changping, Chen County. His great-grandfather Yin Rong held the position of Grand Minister during the Jin Dynasty; his grandfather Yin Mao served as the Minister of Cavalry, Special Attendant, and Left Grandee; his father Yin Daoyu died young. Yin Jingren showed extraordinary talent from a young age. After seeing him, Sima Wang Mi arranged for his daughter to marry him. He initially served as a junior officer in the army under Liu Yi, and later as a staff officer to the Grand Commandant, Liu Yu. He suggested that officials recommend talented individuals, with rewards or punishments based on their abilities. He was later promoted to Secretary of the Song Court, then as a junior officer in the Crown Prince's army, followed by a position as chief clerk, and later as chief clerk for General Biaoqi Dao Lian. He was appointed governor of Hengyang and, upon returning to the court, became the equerry to the Crown Prince, and then was promoted to the Minister of the Central Secretariat. Yin Jingren was not particularly known for his writing skills, but he was quick-witted and full of innovative ideas. He was not fond of discussing lofty principles, but he deeply understood the fundamentals of reasoning. He diligently collected and organized the country's laws and regulations, the court's rituals, and previous statutes and annotations. Those who knew him recognized his lofty ambitions. Liu Yu held him in high regard and promoted him to Chief Attendant to the Prince.
After the young emperor took the throne, Yin Jingren was appointed as an attendant to the emperor. He repeatedly submitted his resignation, solemnly stating, "My abilities and aspirations are mediocre, and I have experienced several promotions. Now, the country is in a period of peace and prosperity, and I am enjoying wealth and status, as my official position rises and the days go by. I worry that I am indulging in pleasures and losing sight of my limits. Your Majesty has bestowed upon me such a high position, and I am well aware that this honor is due to everyone's expectations of me; the role of an attendant is not suited for someone without talent. Upon careful reflection, I find myself truly inadequate and unable to fulfill the responsibilities. How can I pursue wealth and status, unaware of when to advance or retreat, thus disappointing the court's expectations and bringing disaster upon myself? From both public and private perspectives, this is simply unacceptable. Upon careful consideration of my abilities, I am truly inadequate. If promoted beyond my capabilities, it will easily invite criticism. Therefore, I am uneasy and have nowhere to turn. If blessings are spread widely, like orchids and mugwort thriving, I implore Your Majesty to retract the decree and allow me to resign. Although I lack ability, I will certainly follow your command. I have disobeyed you many times; how can I chase after empty fame and disrupt the divine order? I have expressed my true feelings, and I sincerely ask for Your Majesty's understanding." The imperial decree was issued, stating, "Yin Jingren's humble intentions are truly moving. He will be reassigned as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate to fulfill his request." Shortly after, he was appointed as the Commandant of Archers. Not long after, he was promoted to General of the Left Guard.
After Emperor Gaotzu ascended the throne, he showed exceptional favor to Jing Ren. Before long, he promoted him to Shizhong while retaining his position as Left Guard General. At that time, the other Shizhongs who served alongside Jing Ren were General Wang Hua of the Right Guard, General Wang Tan Shou, and Liu Zhan. They all served by the emperor's side, were all highly skilled and well-known at the time, and it was rare for all of them to be promoted to such high positions together in recent history. In the third year of Yuanjia, the emperor led troops to attack Xie Hui, while Minister of Construction Wang Hong took over the duties of the Central Secretariat. Jing Ren stayed behind to manage routine matters. After Xie Hui was pacified, Jing Ren succeeded Yan Zhi as the Central Army Leader, while still retaining his position as Shizhong.
The biological mother of Emperor Gaotzu, Empress Dowager Zhang, passed away early. The emperor was deeply filial to Lady Su, the younger sister of Empress Dowager Zhang. In the sixth year of Yuanjia, Lady Su passed away. The emperor personally went to pay his respects and issued an edict, stating: "Since childhood, I have suffered the pain of losing my mother. My feelings and actions differ from those of ordinary people. I have always sought to properly honor my relatives and express my filial devotion. However, the relevant rituals and customs have been lost, and I do not know what to do. Checking the ancient classics, the practices are all different, so I have been hesitating for many years and cannot let go of this matter. Lady Su suddenly passed away, and I am unable to express my grief through customary rituals. Remembering the past, my sorrow deepens. Now that she is to be buried, I wish to adhere to the etiquette of honoring elders as outlined in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' and follow the example of the Han Dynasty in conferring honors upon her. However, this decision will be recorded in history and passed down to future generations. Although I want to do this, I am afraid it may not be appropriate. Therefore, let us collectively discuss how best to proceed. Writing these words, my heart is filled with even greater sorrow."
Jing Ren said, "Your filial piety is truly moving and will surely bring auspiciousness. Your mother is watching over the royal family's prosperity from above. Your Majesty, by following the previous regulations and bestowing honors upon her, you have already expressed your filial piety sufficiently. Although Lady Su is just your aunt, your deep affection for her and your longing for her are felt by all of us. You issued a decree seeking everyone's opinions. We carefully examined the precedents for bestowing titles in the Han Dynasty; at that time, the Han Dynasty had just emerged from the shortcomings of the Qin Dynasty, and Confucianism had not yet flourished. Thus, when the emperor bestowed titles on relatives, there were no precedents to follow. This may not be a practice to emulate in times of prosperity. The Jin Dynasty's regulations served as the basis for handling political affairs at court, and the emperor's actions had to be recorded, which wise monarchs in ancient times greatly valued. A truly fair and just monarch does not grant titles based on favoritism; a monarch who follows the mandate of heaven always restrains their emotions and adheres to the rules when making decisions. This is the only way to earn the trust of all nations and set a good example for future generations. Although my abilities are limited, I still want to express my thoughts." The emperor accepted his advice.
After my mother passed away and I completed the funeral arrangements, the emperor appointed me as the chief general, but I firmly declined. The emperor had the regulations appoint someone else to take over this position for me, and the Imperial Secretary Zhou Jiu sent a carriage to escort me back home. Nine years later, after my mourning period ended, I was promoted to Supervisor of the Masters of Writing.
The Prince's Consultant Liu Zhan took over as the chief general after me. Both he and the founding emperor held me in high regard, believing that the two of us could become prime ministers in the future. Liu Zhan was serving in another region at the time, and at that time, the three prime ministers Wang Hong, Wang Hua, and Wang Tan passed away one after another. I brought him back to the court to participate in political affairs together. After Liu Zhan returned, he was very dissatisfied because he felt that his status was not lower than mine, yet I was above him. Knowing that the emperor trusted me, he couldn't do anything to me, so he secretly built a good relationship with the Minister Over the Masses, Prince Yikang of Pengcheng, hoping to leverage the prime minister's power to undermine me.
Twelve years later, I was promoted to the position of Imperial Secretary once again, while still holding the same roles of Protector of the Army and Director of Palace Servants. Shortly after, I also took on the position of Minister of Personnel, while still retaining my role as Protector of the Army. Liu Zhan grew even more furious. Prince Yikang of Pengcheng spoke poorly of me in front of the emperor; meanwhile, the emperor's trust in me only deepened. I privately lamented to my old friends, saying, "I invited him to the court, but as soon as he arrived, he started biting people!" Therefore, I pretended to be ill and submitted multiple memorials requesting to resign, but the emperor did not grant them and allowed me to recuperate at home. The emperor even dispatched a eunuch to check on me. Liu Zhan even considered sending someone to pretend to be bandits and assassinate me, believing that even if the emperor discovered his plan, he would take family ties into account and not punish him too harshly. When the emperor started to catch wind of something, he moved me to the former residence of Prince Jin of Poyang outside the Xiyemen Gate as the Protector of the Army, which was conveniently close to the palace, preventing Liu Zhan's conspiracy from succeeding.
I spent five years resting at home, and although I didn’t see the emperor, I frequently sent memorials to him, writing more than ten memorials each day; I inquired about all the major and minor political affairs of the court, and my influence quietly spread throughout the court and beyond, with no one able to detect my actions. On the day of Liu Zhan's arrest, I had someone help me tidy up my clothes and hat, since I had been bedridden for so long, my attendants were unaware of my intentions. That evening, the emperor summoned me to the Yanxian Hall in the Hualin Garden, and I pretended to have difficulty walking, so I was carried there in a sedan chair. The emperor entrusted me with all matters regarding Liu Zhan's fate.
Dai Yikang was appointed as the Governor of Yangzhou, but the position of Minister of Personnel still remained his. The official seal and official belt were sent to him, and the chief clerk accepted them on his behalf. As soon as the official ceremony ended, he felt something was off and sensed an oddness. He had always been a generous person, but he suddenly became strict and irritable, and he asked those around him, "Are there more men or women getting married this year?" That winter, heavy snow fell. Jing Ren took a carriage to the office to assess the situation and suddenly exclaimed, "How can there be such a big tree in the attic?" After a while, he said, "Am I mistaken?" His condition deteriorated rapidly afterward. Emperor Taizu believed it was inauspicious for him to serve as the Governor of Yangzhou, so he let him return to the court and continue to serve as Minister of Personnel. He died in less than a month in Yangzhou. Some claimed he was haunted to death by the ghost of Liu Zhan. He died at the age of fifty-one that year, posthumously honored as a Palace Attendant and Minister of Works, with his original title unchanged and posthumously granted the title of Duke Wen Cheng. The Emperor wrote to the Governor of Jingzhou, Prince Hengyang Yi Ji, saying, "Minister Yin fell ill and died suddenly after only a few days, which is such a pity! He had broad knowledge, was loyal to the country, and was meticulous in his conduct. I am deeply saddened by his passing. The people regarded him as a pillar of the country, and losing him is truly regrettable. I am overwhelmed with sorrow. Do you feel the same way? Alas, what can we do in the face of death?" In the fifth year of Emperor Shizu's reign, passing by Jing Ren's tomb, he decreed, "Minister of Works Duke Wen Cheng Jing Ren possessed noble virtues, profound wisdom, outstanding achievements, loyalty, and integrity. He had great foresight from a young age, governed with skill, and was deeply loved by the people. Seeing his tomb today fills me with profound sadness. Let us send someone to pay our respects!"
Jing Ren's son Dao Jing was not particularly bright as a child but rose to the rank of Grand Master. Dao Jing's son Heng, during the reign of Emperor Taizong, served as an attendant and Minister of Revenue. He was reported by the relevant authorities due to his father's prolonged illness. The Emperor remarked, "Dao Jing has been ill since childhood, with no major illnesses. Heng, because of his foolishness and laziness, has long obstructed court affairs, so he shall be demoted to a cavalier attendant."
Shen Yanzhi, styled Taizhen, hailed from Wukang, Huzhou, Zhejiang. His family was prominent, boasting several high-ranking officials in their lineage. His grandfather Shen Jin resisted the Xianbei Murong Ke in Jinyong City, refusing to yield and was later posthumously appointed as the Prefect of Dongyang, a heroic tale. His father Shen Shuren was even more remarkable; young and capable, he held many official positions and participated in the campaign to pacify Shu territory, achieving great success and was granted the title of Lord of Ningxin County. He later served as the Governor of Yizhou but sadly passed away at the young age of fifty. When Shen Yanzhi's father pacified Shu, he put in tremendous effort. At that time, Fucheng was under siege and in a perilous situation. His father led less than five hundred men but managed to defeat over ten thousand rebels, truly remarkable!
At the age of eleven, Shen Yanzhi caught the eye of the Minister of Works, Liu Liu, who predicted that this child would undoubtedly achieve great things in the future. His family had a tradition of military service, but he himself was particularly fond of studying, especially the "Laozi" (Tao Te Ching). It is said that he would read it over a hundred times a day and gained a reputation for his insights into philosophy and ethics. He inherited his father's title and went on to hold many official positions, such as the Magistrate of Jiaxing and the Libationer of the Ministry of Works, with notable achievements and widespread popularity among the people. He also served as the Magistrate of Qiantang County, where he excelled. After his mother's death, he resigned from his position as the Magistrate of Wukang County due to overwhelming grief but later made a comeback in his career.
In the year 435 AD, in the twelfth year of the Yuanjia reign of the Song dynasty, several counties on the east side of the Yangtze River basin experienced a major flood, causing the common people to suffer from hunger. In Qiantang County of Wu County (present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu) and Yixing County (present-day Yixing, Jiangsu), a sheng of rice sold for three hundred coins! The court sent the Cavalier Attendants at the time, Xie Yanzhi and Jiang Sui, to the disaster area to assess the situation, granting them broad authority to manage the situation as they deemed appropriate.
Xie Yanzhi immediately opened the granaries to provide aid to the victims. He rewarded each household with a newborn a dou of rice; if he discovered anyone unjustly suffering from a wrongful conviction, he would have them released immediately. The common people were grateful to him and referred to him as their benefactor. Later on, Xie Yanzhi was promoted and appointed as an official historian, also serving as the Zhengzheng, and he remained in the provincial capital for over a decade, highly esteemed by the Crown Prince Yikang (Emperor Wen of Song, Liu Yilong).
Later on, Liu Zhan, Liu Bin, and others conspired to remove the Minister of Works Yin Jingren. Being an upright man, Xie Yanzhi disapproved of their actions and stood against them. Liu Zhan and his cohorts went to Crown Prince Yikang to lodge accusations against Xie Yanzhi. Once, Xie Yanzhi and Crown Prince Yikang had a disagreement, and Crown Prince Yikang's expression immediately darkened, saying, "From now on, I no longer trust you!"
Xie Yanzhi maintained a close relationship with Yin Jingren, always working diligently for the court. Emperor Taizu of Song (Emperor Wu of Song, Liu Yu) valued him highly and promoted him to the position of Minister of Personnel.
In the seventeenth year, Prince Yikang was exiled, and Liu Zhan and his associates were executed. Liu Zhan's brother, Liu Yan, was appointed as the Right Guard General. Shortly after, Prince Jingren passed away, and the emperor then appointed Rear Marshal Fan Ye as the Left Guard General to oversee the Imperial Guards alongside Liu Yan and engage in sensitive political matters.
In the twentieth year, Liu Yan was promoted to the position of Attendant to the Emperor, and his position as Right Guard General remained unchanged. The Emperor said to him, "As the Attendant leading the guards, your status and treatment are quite prestigious, almost equivalent to that of a prime minister. You must work hard!" The Emperor wanted to attack Linyi, and the courtiers had different opinions; only Lu Hui, the Governor of Guangzhou, and Liu Yan supported the Emperor's decision. After the war, the Emperor rewarded the courtiers with gold, captives, and bronze items; Liu Yan received an especially generous reward. The Emperor said to him, "Your contributions to the court's decisions and your efforts in pacifying the distant tribes are commendable, but this is not enough to establish great merit. You must be capable of governing the capital effectively, to let the auspicious bird soar over Mount Tai in the east; only then can you truly live up to the splendid mountains and rivers!"
In the twenty-first year, the Emperor issued a decree saying, "To lead the military and assist the court, only those with both virtue and talent can take on this role. Liu Yan, the Attendant and Right Guard General, is upright and honest, meticulous in his work, and has foresight and wisdom. The Right Guard General Fan Ye is exceptionally talented, efficient in his work, and upright in character. They both have outstanding performance, loyalty and dedication, capable of completing the tasks assigned by the court and contributing to the country. Liu Yan can serve as the General of the Central Army, and Fan Ye can serve as the Prince's Chancellor." Fan Ye harbored treasonous intentions, and Liu Yan noticed his suspicious behavior, so he reported it to the Emperor. Fan Ye's actions were soon exposed, and he was executed. Liu Yan later rose to the position of National Sacrificial Official, then to Chief Justice of the Province, before being appointed as the Minister of Personnel, while also serving as the Prince's Right Guard Commander. Although he did not become a prime minister, his power and responsibilities were equivalent to those of a prime minister.
Liu Yan has always been aspirational. He has been ill for many years, and the emperor allowed him to handle political affairs while he was bedridden. He enjoys promoting talent and helping those who have been overlooked. He is humble and cautious, and even declined the emperor's offer of female entertainers. Twenty-six years later, when the emperor visited Jingling, Liu Yan could not accompany him due to illness. After the emperor returned to the palace, he summoned Liu Yan. Despite his illness, Liu Yan rushed to the palace but suddenly died on his way to the Ministry of Personnel, at the age of fifty-three. The emperor deeply mourned him and posthumously appointed him as a Senior Attendant of the Cavalry and a Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and was posthumously granted the title of Marquis Zhen.
Yan had a good relationship with Jiang Sui, who was also an envoy. Jiang Sui was talented and became a military aide in the Ministry of Personnel, and he wrote "Wen Shi," which has been passed down through the ages. Yan's son, Shen Mu, became a Yellow Gate Chamberlain and a Senior Attendant of the Cavalry.
In the early years of the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Shizu, Shen Mu became involved in an investigation of internal affairs in the imperial palace and had a conflict with his brother Shen Bo, who was then the Prince of Xiyang Wenxue. As a result, Shen Mu was demoted to Shixing County, while Shen Bo was dismissed from his post and imprisoned.
Shen Bo, who enjoys writing, is skilled at playing the piano and chess, but he is frivolous, vain, and greedy for wealth. He served as a Shangshu Lang in the early years of Emperor Taizong's reign, became the Right Guard Commander of the Crown Prince, and was also promoted to the position of Grand Secretary. At that time, the court planned a northern expedition, so Shen Bo was sent back to his hometown to recruit soldiers, but he ended up taking numerous bribes. The Emperor, furious, issued a decree stating: "Shen Bo is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and his reputation is fairly good, but he is frivolous and restless, loves drinking, and made many mistakes when he was young. Lately, he has been excessively extravagant, keeping dozens of concubines and leading a life of excess and debauchery. He exploits his connections to threaten and extort money from the common people endlessly. He also follows the arrangements of recruited generals, turning public duties into personal affairs, even fabricating the pretense of illness and desertion, involving hundreds of people. He colludes with former students and acquaintances, accepting bribes amounting to thousands or even tens of thousands of gold. The confiscated loot amounted to over two million! He must face severe punishment as a warning to others! His brother Shen Yan, who was previously favored by the court, loyal and faithful, could not overlook justice despite their past relationship, so he demoted his brother Shen Bo to Liangzhou for self-reflection." Shen Bo was then demoted to Liangzhou. In the early years of Emperor Yuanhui’s reign, he was allowed to return to the capital as per regulations. Later, he conspired with Ruan Dianfu, Wang Daolong, and others, and once again became the Left Chief Historian of the Ministry of Personnel, but was ultimately executed by Emperor Fei. After Emperor Shun ascended to the throne, Shen Bo's original official position was posthumously restored.
Shen Tong, the younger brother of Shen Bo, served as an editorial assistant during the reign of the Ming Dynasty. In the past, servants assigned by the five provincial offices were not allowed to perform miscellaneous tasks. During the reign of the founding emperor, more than a hundred people were dismissed from office for mistreating servants. Shen Tong was also reported for mistreating servants and was recommended for dismissal by the authorities. The emperor decreed, "Recently, many servants are not diligent, and masters can punish them at their discretion." From then on, it was allowed to use corporal punishment on servants.
Shen Changzhi, the son of Shen Rong, inherited the title of male in Ningxin County. During the Ming Dynasty, he served as a military counselor for the Prince of Hailing, Xiumao, and was subsequently killed by Xiumao, being posthumously granted the title of Yellow Gate Attendant. His son, Shen Ye, inherited the title, but after the abdication of the Qi dynasty, the title was stripped.
Historical records state: In the early years of the Song Dynasty, the emperor executed numerous chancellors, thanks to the efforts of Wang Hua and Kong Ning! Those ministers who seemed to have a good relationship with the emperor had long since lost their favor. They now hold great power, but the emperor's thoughts have changed, like the uppermost line of a hexagram, in the most dangerous situation, about to lose favor. By putting themselves in such a dangerous position, they don't need others to act; they are sealing their own fate. Not to mention the great sin of murder, this essentially hands others a golden opportunity!
Killing others to seize their treasures, only to find themselves in trouble; overthrowing others to gain their favor, but unable to handle that kind of favor themselves. If Wang Hua and Kong Ning could have remained safe and sound, who knows when disaster would strike. I hope future generations can learn from this!
