Wang Sengda, from Linyi in Langya, is the youngest son of the current Grand Tutor, Wang Hong. His older brother, Wang Xi, is awkward and lacking charisma. The Emperor heard that Wang Sengda was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, so he summoned him to Deyang Palace to inquire about his knowledge and family background. Wang Sengda answered with ease and agility, greatly impressing the Emperor, who arranged for his daughter, the Princess of Linchuan, to marry him.
Wang Sengda had a passion for learning from a young age and was particularly skilled in writing. Before he was even twenty, he became a junior military officer under Prince Jun of Shixing and later rose to become a courtier of the Crown Prince. Once, he became ill and went to Yanglie Bridge to watch duck fights, which resulted in a complaint being filed against him. The Emperor deemed the matter trivial and chose not to pursue it. He had a particular fondness for raising eagles and dogs, often riding horses and hunting with young men from the neighborhood, and even personally slaughtered cattle. When his father-in-law, Yiqing, heard about these things, he found it unbelievable and sent Wang Sengda to pay a visit to the monk Huiguan, wanting to see what kind of person he really was. When Wang Sengda arrived, the table was covered with books, and he discussed the meaning of articles with Master Huiguan, who struggled to keep up with him and praised him highly. He had a poor relationship with his brother Wang Xi and told his family he was in need and sought a position as a county governor. The Emperor wanted him to be the Governor of Qin County, but the Minister of Personnel, Lang Yu Bingzhi, remarked, "Wang Hong's son is not fit to be the Governor of Qin County, and neither is Wang Sengda suited for local office." The issue was set aside. Shortly after, Wang Sengda was promoted to serve as the Crown Prince's stable keeper, and after his mother's passing, he resigned and returned home to observe the mourning period. His brother Wang Xi returned from his post in Linhai County, returning with numerous gifts and a salary amounting to over a million, which Wang Sengda promptly distributed to others, keeping nothing for himself. After the mourning period, he was appointed as the Governor of Xuancheng.
Wang Sengda enjoys hunting, and Xuan Cheng is a mountainous area with not much going on, so he takes the opportunity to relax and enjoy himself. He often disappears for several days, and even holds court in the hunting grounds. Sometimes, the common folk fail to recognize him when they encounter him and ask where the lord is. Wang Sengda would reply, "He's right behind me!" In the spring of the twenty-eighth year of Yuanjia, the enemy invaded, and the capital was in danger. Wang Sengda requested to enter the capital to defend the court, and the emperor granted his request. After the enemy retreated, he was appointed as the governor of Xuan Cheng, and shortly after was transferred to Yi Xing for duty.
Thirty years later, a usurper seized the throne and killed the emperor. The founding emperor mustered an army to quell the rebellion and issued a decree to all the provinces and counties. At that moment, Sengda was at a loss.
One of his guests suggested, "The situation is dire, rarely seen in history! You must find a way to protect yourself. The best way is to respond to the founding emperor's decree, quickly notify the nearby counties, and let those eloquent individuals explain the situation clearly. As long as there is still a sense of justice in their hearts, who wouldn't respond? This is the best strategy. If this method doesn't work, you can personally lead those who support justice, carefully choose a convenient land and water route, and head south to join the founding emperor; this is also an option."
After listening, Sengda headed south along the main road to join the founding emperor and encountered him at Que Tou. The founding emperor immediately appointed him as the chief advisor and also bestowed upon him the title of General Conquering the Barbarians.
At the beginning, when the founding emperor set out from Xunyang, Shen Qingzhi said to others, "Wang Sengda will definitely come to join the righteous army." When questioned on his certainty, Shen Qingzhi said, "Look, even the enemy's war horses are galloping to the river for a drink; Wang Sengda will definitely come to face the danger. In the presence of the former emperor, his speech was straightforward and his attitude was resolute; from this, you can see that he will definitely come."
After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, he appointed Wang Sengda as the Right Deputy Minister. Shortly afterwards, he also sent him to serve as an Imperial Envoy and Colonel of the Southern Barbarians, and bestowed the title of General of Conquering the Barbarians. At that time, Prince Yixuan of Nanjun requested to stay in Jiangling, but the Southern Barbarians did not understand, so this mission was unsuccessful. Later, Wang Sengda also served as the Guard General.
Wang Sengda considered himself very talented and believed he was one of the few outstanding talents at the time. When Emperor Shizu had just ascended the throne, he held an important position and within a year or two, he was already thinking about becoming the Prime Minister. However, after serving as the Guard General, he found himself unfulfilled. Therefore, he submitted a memorial requesting to be appointed to an official position in Xuzhou, in which he wrote:
"As I am old and my health is declining, my remaining years are few. Being able to seize this good opportunity is an achievement in itself. The late Emperor remembered the contributions of veteran officials, also took into account my humble position as a surviving minister, tolerated my shortcomings, promoted and used me, allowing me to participate in military and state affairs for eleven years. Thanks to the late Emperor's favor, I have enjoyed a peaceful and prosperous life during this era. Although I aspire to learn, I lack exceptional talent, and although I am diligent in my duties, I do not have unique insights. Therefore, I truly feel unqualified to take part in governing the country and discerning the situation. Personally, I think the Emperor's kindness is immense, and I will never be able to repay it fully in my lifetime. As an ordinary person, I am not suited for long-term important roles, so I often take the liberty of expressing my thoughts."
Your Majesty, you are filial, sincere, and benevolent, and all beings are moved by your benevolence. Since you ascended to the throne, the people should be rejoicing, and the world should be peaceful. However, as I observe the lives of the common people privately and listen to their discussions, their sufferings have not been effectively resolved, and public opinion has not improved. I am filled with worry day and night, unable to find peace in sleep or food! I have reviewed historical records and compared the current situation with the time of Emperor Wen of Han. At that time, Emperor Wen inherited a stable foundation, remained frugal and governed diligently with the welfare of the nation and its people in mind. Even when Jia Yi sincerely advised him, Emperor Wen still sighed and wept. Moreover, we find ourselves in a time of national unrest, with various matters just beginning to be addressed, and the benefits have yet to reach everyone, and trust has not been fully established. It is said by the ancients that the world is like a precious vessel; once it is stable, it will not quickly fall into crisis; once it falls into crisis, it will not quickly stabilize. Your Majesty, being wise, should give this matter serious thought.
I believe our most pressing task is to inspire the people to take responsibility for the nation, unite in heart and mind, empathize with the wishes of the people, and follow the will of the people. When the people face difficulties, the monarch must seek solutions; when the people have complaints, the monarch should listen carefully. When the people suffer, the monarch must not indulge in luxury. Officials should be appointed based on their abilities, granted titles based on their expectations; it is better to overlook deserving rewards than to unjustly punish the innocent. As for those who manage important departments and guard the border areas, the country's governance and stability depend on them, and their actions should be reformed based on the realities at hand, handling things flexibly without being bound by rigid rules. The world is full of talents; the key lies in whether we can effectively utilize their talents.
I am not just a bystander, witnessing the difficulties of the world, but have personally experienced and deeply understand its challenges. Why do I say this? Although I have been fortunate enough to avoid poverty, I have not had the opportunity to receive an education, and I have not committed any wrongdoings. I possess no notable talents of my own; I am only due to the protection of my ancestors that I have been able to hold a high position. Although I have recently been toiling along the rivers and roads, serving in the capital, what accomplishments can I truly claim in history? The Emperor has repeatedly bestowed favor upon me. If it weren't for my existing talents and reputation, why would the Emperor value me so much? I feel deeply anxious about this. I should seriously reflect on my own identity and reflect on the Emperor's kindness, but I do not know how to repay it or when I will be able to do so. Those who sacrifice their lives for the country, viewing death as a return home, are all following the teachings of the sages; they all put life and death aside. I am grateful for the teachings of the sages; I aspire to serve my country, hoping to live out my ambitions and to face death with no regrets. If I enjoy a generous salary, hold a high position, but make no contribution to the country, then I will find no peace within myself.
The four corners of the world are still not peaceful, and the country has not forgotten about war. Those who wear their hair in braids harbor ill intentions and should be more cautious. Some time ago, before the army achieved victory, the enemy had already begun to underestimate us Han people. It is feared that those restless spirits might once again breach our borders to scout our defenses. Moreover, it is now deep autumn, and the barbarians' warhorses are in their prime; we should take the opportunity to strike them and prepare early. Every day, I constantly reflect on my actions, wanting to serve the country. Regardless of the size of the matter, I am deeply concerned about the safety of the people. I carefully consider even reports from remote areas and strive to resolve the issues. I am wholeheartedly sincere and have no hidden agendas. If you were to entrust me with leading the army and managing political matters, my abilities are really not enough for the task, and this is not my wish. Your Majesty has already been very tolerant and understanding towards me; I hope you can understand my intentions again. I do not feel worthy of the role of protecting the army; I will promptly report to the Pengcheng Military Office. Besides, I have always preferred to be diligent and not to seek high positions or wealth. My abilities are limited; I just want to live a stable life. I hope Your Majesty can understand my difficulties, especially to grant me rewards, so that I may bring honor both internally and externally, and my contributions may be remembered for generations to come.
The emperor did not agree. Monk Da submitted three petitions, but the emperor was extremely displeased. In the end, he was ultimately appointed as the General for Conquering Barbarians and Prefect of Wu County. Within a year, he was promoted five times, but Monk Da was still not satisfied. There were many wealthy monks at the West Terrace Temple in Wu County, but when Monk Da requested money from them and was unsuccessful, he sent his chief clerk Gu Kuang to lead his men to rob Monk Zhu Fayao at the temple, stealing millions. There were rebellions in Jingzhou and Jiangzhou, so the emperor appointed Monk Da as an assistant commander to lead troops into battle. The court permitted him to establish a thousand-man unit, but he unauthorizedly formed thirty teams of eighty men each. He also built a mansion in Wu County, relying heavily on civilian labor. In the end, he was dismissed from his position because of these actions.
Initially, Monk Da served as a stable attendant to the Crown Prince, and he had a particular fondness for a soldier named Zhu Lingbao during his time in the Eastern Palace. Later, when Monk Da was transferred to Xuan Cheng for official duties, Lingbao had already matured. Monk Da pretended that Lingbao had died, secretly registered Lingbao's name under the household register of Zuo Yongzhi in Xuan Cheng, claiming him as his own son and renaming him Yuan Xu. He then requested the emperor to appoint Yuan Xu as the commander of the Wuling State Defense Guards, then later as the chief scribe of Jingling State, and finally as the General of the Central Army of Jianping State. However, in the spring of the first year of the Xiaojian reign, this ruse was uncovered, and Monk Da was imprisoned. He submitted a memorial to the emperor explaining, "I have never flattered those around me or sought favor with the powerful." This only served to infuriate the emperor further.
Seng Da had a young and handsome nephew named Que, with whom he had an inappropriate relationship. Que's uncle, Xiu, served as the governor of Yongjia and wanted to take Que back to Yongjia County. Seng Da wanted to keep Que close and pressured him to stay. Que saw through Seng Da's intentions and deliberately avoided him. In a fit of anger, Seng Da secretly dug a large hole behind his house, planning to trick Que into saying farewell and then kill and bury him. Fortunately, Seng Da's brother, Seng Qian, learned of his scheme and intervened. Deputy Chief Censor Liu Yu reported Seng Da's actions and sought his arrest, but the Emperor refused.
In the third year of the Xiaojian era, the Emperor appointed Seng Da as the Grand Minister, but he remained dissatisfied. Eventually, Seng Da submitted his resignation, stating in his letter:
"I consider my talents to be mediocre, lacking official experience in my youth, and I have suffered from a serious illness since childhood. Over the years, my health has worsened. I have always longed for a leisurely life in the countryside. The Emperor's earlier favor enabled me to secure an official position early in my career. Previously, due to my family's poverty, I had to reluctantly accept an official position to support them. After serving in the palace for over ten months and being promoted to an attendant, I barely had to attend court sessions. In reality, I didn't have the chance to receive any special favor from the Emperor, merely holding an official title at home. I requested to resign multiple times, and finally, the Emperor approved my request, allowing me to return to my original civilian status. However, before I could enjoy a peaceful life, I was promoted to a position of stable master. The Emperor's kindness is truly remarkable! The Emperor also promised me a position as a county magistrate to handle government affairs. As Langye County needed officials, the Emperor assigned me to an important position there. The Emperor showed great concern for me, even allowing me to bring attendants along. Langye County had previously suffered from flooding, resulting in significant losses. I am deeply grateful for the Emperor's kindness and will always remember it."
My sins and misfortunes have come one after another, and I have encountered difficult punishments. Just when I could finally catch my breath, the emperor came to inquire about my well-being. I reported my circumstances and thoughts to the emperor in detail because I was burdened with too many responsibilities. The emperor asked me to take up a position in Xuan Cheng, a place that is truly destitute. I was transferred in early spring, and in winter, the northern tribes invaded the south. As a loyal subject, I felt compelled to plead for permission to return to the capital to serve the emperor. On the day I arrived in the capital, the enemy's flag was already flying in the city. Although I had not served in the county for long, the issue of corruption and bribery left me overwhelmed. Just as I had taken off my official robes and was getting ready to return home to farm, the people of Xuan Cheng came to the capital to plead with the emperor to let me return. At that moment, the emperor ordered my cousin, Seng Chuo, to announce the imperial decree, allowing me to remain in my position.
My health is poor, my abilities are limited, and I have longed to return home. I have repeatedly pleaded with the Emperor to allow me to return to my hometown. Before I could go home, my brother passed away. I requested the Emperor to let me return home to mourn, and he allowed me to return to the capital after mourning. I had barely settled in the capital when I was appointed as governor of Yixing. I felt as free as a fish in water and a bird in the sky, without needing any external help. I merely wished to contribute more to my country and serve it tirelessly. Since becoming an official, I have not accumulated any wealth; I am weak and sickly, and I have no friends to help me. I have a deep affinity for nature, especially mountains, rivers, birds, and fish. My pursuits often conflict with the court's duties. Therefore, I have restrained my behavior and dare not slack off, all because I struggle to make a living. My official attire is not complete, the salary in the Eastern District is too low, and the salary in the Western District is too high. I elaborated on my request and reiterated my original desire, hoping to be sent to remote areas like Jiang and Xiang to serve as an official. This way, in one or two years, I could return home to farm, ensuring I have sufficient food and medicine. The Emperor finally approved my request and agreed to it.
Oh, I have truly been unfortunate. During that time, the world was in turmoil, and it felt as if everything was on the brink of collapse. Fortunately, the Emperor extended great mercy and offered me exceptional care. This was not merely a relationship of ruler and subject, but one akin to a father and son. I recognize my limitations and feel as humble as the grass and trees. During the Emperor's days of mourning, I even braced myself for death. Alone with my young child, I journeyed thousands of miles, facing various dangers and the risk of death at any moment. Life is as fragile as morning dew, with an uncertain future. It was through the Emperor's grace that I survived and was able to behold the world and the sunlight once more.
Alas, at that time, my elder brother and my nephew, Monk Liang, were both imprisoned on false charges, our family was shattered, and dangerous mountains and rivers surrounded us; the journey was fraught with difficulties, and I didn't know if they could come out safely. My heart was filled with worry and anxiety! They were willing to face any danger for the rise and fall of the family; this was their responsibility and duty. Meanwhile, my heart was also filled with worry and pain, which was my own selfish concern. "Mountains and rivers are perilous, and the paths of fortune and misfortune are obstructed; who can escape the toil of distant thoughts?" This poem truly expressed my feelings at that time!
The Emperor is wise and valiant, having successfully recovered lost land; the world is peaceful, and the four corners are tranquil. My father, my son, my uncle, and my nephew were all blessed by the Emperor's grace, allowing us to preserve our lives and fulfill the wish of our ancestors to be buried in their hometown. I had intended to die with honor, yet I was fortunate enough to survive; although I expressed a desire to retire, I bore all with humility, always maintaining integrity. However, my abilities are limited, and despite my lack of significant achievements, I repeatedly received grace and rewards far beyond my merits.
However, whenever I fell ill, I dared not decline the Emperor's favors, so I could only stifle my tears at Quezhu and wallow in self-reproach at Xinting. When the culprit was eliminated, the world was peaceful, and I was appointed to a prominent position, I immediately requested to resign. The Emperor was merciful and generous, his grace towards me always exceeded reason; positions like Nanman and Army Protector were conferred upon me privately in a short period of time. Upon reflection, I felt overwhelmed by such grace; I approached my duties with caution, fearing I might violate the law, much less take on significant court positions. The consequences of failure would be dire, far beyond what I could have anticipated; this was beyond my expectations.
Therefore, I sincerely write this memorial, submitting multiple requests, either to request a reduction from a high position to a lower one, or to request a leisurely position to replace a demanding one. I vow to endure hardship, all of which are written in the memorial. I know my abilities are limited, which may lead to legal violations. Last year and the year before, I violated the laws multiple times and, theoretically, should be punished. The charges are clear; I have disrupted the order of the court and brought shame upon my family. I am willing to accept punishment, regardless of public opinion. Your Majesty forgave my transgressions, showed compassion for my situation, overlooked my violations, and granted me special consideration. I am deeply grateful for this and will never forget it.
Your Majesty not only promoted me and granted me a title but also gave me my current position. At that time, I was shocked and at a loss, originally wanting to retire to the countryside, but I dared not disobey the imperial decree. I pondered repeatedly in my heart and consulted with my family, believing in the kindness of the world, that grace should not be repaid. I dare not easily bear the favor of Your Majesty. Therefore, I purify myself and bask in the emperor's grace, enjoying the emperor's blessings. With the auspicious occasion of my birthday, I have gone from humble to noble, changing the perceptions of everyone around me. However, I have been tempted by glory and wealth and unexpectedly received favor again this year. I realize I have been a burden to Your Majesty; my heart is uneasy, and I should withdraw to the countryside to put my worldly affairs in order.
Your Majesty, I hope that you can inherit the grace of the late emperor and show me kindness. I'm feeling really worn out and would like to resign and retire quietly. I hope you can understand my situation and let me enjoy my old age in peace. It's noble to step back from recognition, and even though I haven't earned any, I'd like to bow out; it's also virtuous to be dedicated, but I have already received enough honor. Therefore, I request retirement and hope that you can show mercy to me. Besides, my family is settled, and I have no other burdens. There are over a dozen servants in the house, and a few acres of thin fields, with enough harvest throughout the year to sustain our livelihood. Lately, my dizziness and blurred vision have worsened, and I'm feeling weaker with more symptoms, making me unable to perform my duties. I'm feeling down and can barely hold on anymore, completely worn out. So, I sincerely hope you can approve my request and let me live out my days in peace. It's like the difference between calm water and a blazing sun—it's hard to compare. I hope you can understand my difficulties and approve my request.
The memorial written by Seng Da was quite impressive, and the emperor passed it on to the Ministry of Personnel to handle. But He Yan, the attendant, thought Seng Da's memorial came off as disrespectful, so he reported to the emperor and transferred the memorial to the Southern Court for handling. This led to Seng Da being removed from his post. Shortly after, he was appointed Grand Historiographer and also Prefect of Linhuai under Prince Yigong of Jiangxia. He was later moved to the role of Grand Historiographer of the Grand Preceptor while retaining his position as Prefect. In the first year of Daming, he got promoted to General of the Left Guard, concurrently serving as the Prince's Chief Scholar. Because of his loyal service, he was made the Fifth Marquis of Ningling County. The next year, he got another promotion to Chief of the Imperial Secretariat.
Previously, the residents of Ban County in Nanpeng, such as the monk Tan Biao, Dao Fang, and others, deceived one another, claiming they could communicate with ghosts, dragons, and phoenixes. They frequently claimed to hear the sounds of flutes and drums, and colluded with individuals from Moling, including Lan Hongqi, to stage a rebellion. They sought to win over General Miao Yun, Cavalry Attendant Yan Xinzhi, Military Advisor Kan Qianzuan, Commander Cheng Nong, Wang Tian, and others, planning to launch an attack on the palace gate on the night of August 1st of the second year, and to assault King Yigong of Jiangxia the following morning, while also dispatching forces to assassinate other ministers before proclaiming Gaozha as emperor. Ultimately, the plot was uncovered, resulting in the deaths of dozens of conspirators.
Seng Da, this scoundrel, has always been up to all sorts of mischief. The Emperor saw that he was incorrigible, so he used the rebellion led by Gaozha as an opportunity to get rid of him. The imperial decree stated: "Wang Seng Da, I have shown him great favor and elevated him to a high position early on. Yet he acted recklessly and irresponsibly, with a terrible reputation that everyone knows about. When the country was in trouble, his entire family pledged their loyalty. In light of his supposed sincerity, I pardoned his heinous crimes and allowed him to hold high office and enjoy wealth and prosperity. And what was the result? He showed no gratitude, colluded with the Western Chu, and stirred up trouble in the east, plundering, forming gangs, and deceiving the court. I repeatedly showed him leniency, hoping he would change his ways, but he only got worse, colluding with Gaozha and Subao to plot rebellion. When Gaozha was arrested and his accomplices interrogated, they confessed, but he still tried to deny it, demonstrating a complete lack of remorse! His underlings also stirred up trouble, and their ambitions were all too clear. How could I ignore the safety of the state and extend mercy to such traitors? Punishing evildoers is the duty of all wise rulers, and eradicating evil is the law of our ancestors. So, deliver him to the court officials for appropriate punishment! Grand Preceptor Huarong Wenzhao Gong, I have shown him great favor; how could I forget his contributions and neglect his descendants? His titles and family relationships, I will not revoke." Ultimately, Seng Da was executed in prison at the age of just thirty-six.
His son Wang Daoyan was banished to Xin'an County. Later, after the deposed emperor took the throne, he returned to the capital. Subsequently, during the reign of the deposed emperor Yuanhui, he was appointed as the Internal Historian of Luling State but passed away before he could assume his post. As for Su Bao, originally named Baosheng, he hailed from a humble background yet was exceptionally talented. During the Yuanjia period, when the National University was established, he served as an assistant teacher for the "Book of Songs," caught the founding emperor's attention, and eventually became the Assistant Imperial Secretary of the Southern Terrace and Magistrate of Jiangning. Because he was aware of Gao Zha's rebellion but failed to report it in time, he was executed along with Gao Zha.
Yan Jun, courtesy name Shixun, was from Langya Linyi and was the son of the Grand Master Yan Yan. The founding emperor asked Yan Yan, "Which of your sons resembles you?" Yan Yan said, "Jun inherited my calligraphy, understood my writings, upheld my virtues, and also shared my fondness for drinking."
Lao Zhang, at first, worked as a doctoral candidate at the Imperial Academy, then became a personal attendant to the Crown Prince, and was subsequently appointed by Emperor Shizu as the Chief Clerk of the Military Garrison. The emperor held him in high regard, and Lao Zhang worked diligently. During the Yuanjia period, the emperor believed that the imperial princes should not form factions, so he wanted to transfer Lao Zhang to the position of Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. However, the Minister of Personnel, Jiang Zhan, noted that Lao Zhang had excelled in his duties at the prince's residence and there was no need to transfer him, so the emperor dropped the idea. Thus, Lao Zhang remained at the prince's residence and steadily advanced to the roles of Chief Clerk of Anbei, Zhenjun, and Beizhonglangfu.
In the twenty-eighth year of Yuanjia, the northern enemies withdrew from Pengcheng and sought to engage in trade with us. Lao Zhang expressed his opinion: "I see no benefit in getting close to the enemy. Past examples have clearly shown this. Why do I say this? The reason those barbarians want to invade us is primarily their lack of strength. They have no regard for trust and will invade whenever they have the chance. Disaster struck due to our closeness with the enemy in that battle on the river back then. For so many years, we have interacted with them, nearly forming an alliance. The court has consistently tried to win them over with goodwill, but over time, they have grown increasingly arrogant. The barbarians' greed is insatiable; they still remember past grievances, which emboldens them to intrude into our territory. Now that we have finally fought a battle and separated ourselves from them, if we engage in trade again, we risk repeating the same mistakes. Those advocating for trade are merely after cheap warhorses. Even if we acquire over a thousand, it's not worth the trade, especially since they can probably only offer around a hundred horses in return. Once trade starts, it will be hard to put a stop to it. The enemy, emboldened by their small victory, will only grow more arrogant and cunning. They may claim it's trade, but in reality, they are just probing our defenses. If we concede to their demands, they will only become more aggressive. Therefore, it's best to thwart their intentions from the outset, preventing them from harboring any illusions. We must effectively govern our country, strengthen our borders, and safeguard our territory, and wait for them to reveal their weaknesses. This is the most prudent long-term strategy."
In the beginning, there was a monk named Seng Han who had some knowledge of metaphysics. He said to Yan Jun, "I've taken a cursory look at some prophecies, and in the future, there will be a destined emperor who will fulfill them. According to the order of the prophecies, this person is you." Yan Jun once mentioned this to his family in Pengcheng, and later it spread out; even Emperor Taizu knew about it. At that time, the witchcraft incident was uncovered, so the emperor did not pursue Yan Jun. Later, during the time when Emperor Song Wen Liu Yilong was stationed in Xunyang, Yan Jun was promoted to the position of a military secretary in the Southern Central Army. In the spring of the thirtieth year of his reign, his father Yan Yanzhi retired, and Yan Jun also requested to resign, but the emperor denied his request. Before he could even take leave, Emperor Taizu passed away, and Emperor Song Wen Liu Yilong raised an army to suppress the rebellion. Yan Jun was promoted to the role of a military advisor, also in charge of managing internal and external affairs, as well as drafting proclamations.
When Emperor Song Wen Liu Yilong set out from Xunyang, he fell ill. Officials below Shen Qingzhi could not see him; only Yan Jun could enter his bedroom to handle urgent military matters. At that time, Emperor Song Wen Liu Yilong was seriously ill several times, unable to attend to government affairs at all, so all matters were decided by Yan Jun alone. After Emperor Song Wen Liu Yilong ascended the throne, he appointed Yan Jun as a chamberlain and soon promoted him to the position of Left Guard General, while also holding the title of Cavalier Attendant. Yan Jun resigned from the position of Cavalier Attendant, which the emperor accepted. Later, Yan Jun was granted the title of Marquis of Jiancheng County, with a fief consisting of two thousand households.
In the first year of the Xiaojian era, Yan Jun was promoted to Minister of Personnel and concurrently served as General of the Valiant Cavalry. He placed great emphasis on talent selection, worked diligently, and because of his high position and great power, most of his requests were granted. Later, Xie Zhuang took over Yan Jun's role in selecting talents, and many things were often unsuccessful. Yan Jun had a serious demeanor, while Xie Zhuang was quite attractive. When guests came to report matters, Xie Zhuang always responded with a smile. People at the time said, "When Yan Jun is displeased, he might grant you an official position; when Xie Zhuang smiles, you might not get one."
Prince Nanjun Liu Yixuan, Zang Zhi, and others staged a rebellion, and Yan Jun was appointed as the commander of the troops. The sons of Liu Yixuan and Zang Zhi were in hiding in the areas of Jiankang, Moling, Hushu, and Jiangning County. Emperor Wen of Song, Liu Yilong, was furious and dismissed Danyang Yin Chu Zhanzhi, arresting the magistrates of these four counties. He appointed Yan Jun as Danyang Yin and granted him the title of Cavalier Attendant. Prior to this, Yan Jun had no sons, and the sons of Grand Marshal Jiangxia Prince Liu Yigong were all killed by the instigator. At this time, both Yan Jun and Liu Yigong had sons. The emperor personally named them, naming Liu Yigong's son Bo Qin, drawing a parallel to Bo Qin of Lu (the son of Zhou Gongdan), and naming Yan Jun's son Bi Qiang, comparing him to Zhang Liang's son, the attendant of the Han Dynasty.
During the Yuanjia era of the Song dynasty, the court minted a new type of coin known as "four zhu qian," which was similar in shape and size to the earlier five zhu qian. However, this coin was costly to produce and offered no advantages, which discouraged the common people from secretly minting it. Later, Emperor Xiaowu of the Song dynasty ascended the throne and minted coins known as "Xiaojian four zhu."
After three years, the Right Chancellor of the Ministry of Personnel, Xu Yuan, submitted a memorial saying, "Ancient books say that valuable goods are beneficial to the people; this is one of the five principles of governance! The casting and circulation of currency is a major event among the nine branches of the national treasury! Only when the common people are prosperous can the country be strong and society stable. Times are changing, customs are changing, so the weight of currency should also change with the times. Look at the Zhou Dynasty and the Han Dynasty; both adjusted the weight of currency according to the actual situation. Later on, when the country became wealthy and money was abundant, everyone continued to use the previous currency without further changes. However, over time, following several wars, many coins were destroyed, leading to a decrease in currency circulation, the impoverishment of the people, and difficulties in national finances. If currency casting is not reformed, serious problems will definitely arise in the future. Ancient books record that copper can be used to atone for sins, and now it should be done in the same way, collecting different amounts of copper based on the severity of the crime, and then using it to mint coins." The emperor approved his suggestion.
As a result, the newly minted coins were thin and small, and did not look good. This caused a sudden increase in private coin minting among the people, and they even mixed lead and tin into the coins, making them completely unreliable. What's even worse is that some people hollowed out ancient coins to extract copper for minting new coins, causing the coins to become thinner and smaller, virtually unrecognizable. Although the court cracked down severely, many officials lost their lives because of this, and some were even sentenced to death, but the issue of private coin minting grew increasingly severe, prices soared, and the common people suffered greatly. In the end, the court had no choice but to declare that all thin, small, and shapeless coins were banned from circulation.
Shen Qingzhi stood up and said, "In the past, Qin coins were too heavy, which was a headache for Emperor Gaozu. He ordered the common people to mint their own coins and changed the shape of the coins to resemble light elm pods. As a result, the coins were light, but the goods were heavy, causing chaos during bad times. Later, Emperor Taizong also allowed coin minting, and Jia Yi criticized him for using the 'cutting mountains technique,' which means that copper is abundant but heavy, and making weapons and such was previously done by the common people, leading to numerous drawbacks. Yet, Emperor Xiaowen ignored Jia Yi's advice and allowed the common people to continue minting coins, so the national treasury was full of money, and the country became prosperous.
The current situation is different. There's no need for farming or warfare, and coin minting has been stopped for a long time. Most of the copper used for smelting has been made into objects, which is laborious and unrewarding. The copper mines in Wudi and Dengzhou have been exhausted, and the common people are not skilled in minting coins, so we needn't worry about them abandoning their farming tools to mint coins. Now is the time for rejuvenation and prosperity. Although there is no need for war, the national treasury is still not sufficient, and both the court and the people lack money. I believe that the common people should be allowed to mint coins themselves. We should establish coin minting facilities in counties and districts. Families willing to mint coins should live in these facilities, standardize the design of the coins, eliminate counterfeit coins, and the government should only charge for minting costs. The minted coins should be gathered and stored as long-term assets. The new coins that were prohibited last spring can now be introduced for circulation, and all future minted coins should follow this style. For every ten thousand coins collected in taxes, three thousand coins should be handed over, and counterfeiting should be severely punished, while damaging coins should be prohibited. In a few years, both the nation and its people will thrive; there will be enough copper coins, and the activities of counterfeiting coins will naturally cease. Furthermore, by banning coin minting, copper will become objects; by allowing coin minting, objects can become money, transforming waste into wealth, which benefits everyone!"
Dear leaders, King Yigong of Jiangxia, Taizai, believes: Shen Qingzhi's suggestion, "Allowing ordinary people to privately mint coins, let those coin minting workshops relocate to official quarters. Standardize the specifications of coins, eliminate those inferior counterfeit coins." I think ordinary people are not willing to deal with officials; this has been an ongoing issue. Moreover, many of these individuals are well-known and definitely would not want to move to official quarters. Those who profit from privately minted coins derive their profits primarily from these counterfeit coins. If counterfeit coins are prohibited, then even fewer people would be willing to relocate to official quarters. Shen Qingzhi also said, "Collect the scraps of coins as a permanent reserve." I think whatever is emphasized above will definitely be followed by action below. When ordinary people hear that officials want to collect coin scraps, the price of scrap will skyrocket; all transactions will be affected. Who would want to mint coins after that? If they are forced to exchange them, it will feel like theft. Also, "Cancel the new coins prohibited in spring, allow temporary use." I think this point is worth considering. Shen Qingzhi also said, "Now coin minting should follow this specification, with a tax of three thousand coins per ten thousand coins minted." He also said, "Strictly inspect privately minted coins; no longer allow production." I think the prohibition of privately minting coins will not take effect overnight. People often break the law for their own gain; this is common behavior, not because they are afraid of light punishment, but because they are afraid of being caught. If now moving to official quarters to mint coins requires a tax of three thousand coins per ten thousand coins, while privately minting coins does not require paying as much tax, people will still break the law for profit; this situation won't change anytime soon. Shen Qingzhi also said, "When copper is used up, those deceitful counterfeiting practices will naturally stop." I think the country's copper won't run out all at once. By the time copper is used up, those deceitful counterfeiting practices will have already caused significant problems. He also said, "Prohibit coin minting, copper will become utensils; allow coin minting, utensils will become coins." But what we're currently concerned about is the lack of coin standardization, along with issues like clipping and the mixing of lead and tin, causing public discontent. There’s no need for such harsh prohibitions just aimed at those privately minting copper coins.
Junyi said: "Using coins as currency is something that has been widely recognized throughout history. The standards for the weight of coins were established during the Han Dynasty and have remained unchanged since the Wei and Jin Dynasties. The reason it has not been changed is that the value of goods and coins has reached a balance, and forcibly changing it would only cause trouble. However, over time, the drawbacks have gradually emerged, so reform is necessary, and there must be a solution. I strongly agree with the establishment of government minting, but what worries me is that if mining stops and goods keep deteriorating, copper will become scarcer, driving up the prices of goods. For example, if the price of a piece of goods is one thousand coins, if the minting volume is cut in half, minting coins will become unprofitable, and this policy simply won't work. Furthermore, last spring, private minting was prohibited, and now it is allowed again. Is this really meant to make everyone rich? If small coins are allowed to circulate without being minted by the government, we'll see a surge in fraud, and we won't be able to control private minting and coin clipping at all. Coins like wuzhu and half-liang will likely vanish within a year. If we don't replenish the money supply, the larger coins will run out, and within a few years, they will all become worthless. How can we let such harmful practices take root in our great Tang Dynasty?"
Now the money in the hands of the common people has somewhat reduced, but the common folk have no complaints. This is due to the recent implementation of the new ban; the coin specifications haven't been standardized, and it will sort itself out soon enough. It's not worth your worry. What truly concerns people is the empty treasury! Even if small change is allowed to circulate now, the government isn't able to collect taxes. Although the people may be doing well financially, the government still lacks money. Therefore, the best approach is to cut expenses, practice frugality, and find solutions to the financial issues—nothing is more important than this. However, the supply of coins is limited, yet there are numerous ways for them to vanish; even if cutting, carving, and minting are banned, they will eventually run out. The government shouldn't set up copper mining operations while also banning the use of copper in everyday items. Coin specifications need to be established, and they should be minted gradually each day. In the long run, this will benefit the country.
Someone proposed at that time that, because copper was becoming harder to come by, they wanted to mint smaller two-zhu coins instead. Jun (name) countered by saying, "Those who proposed this idea want to ensure that the government's treasury does not run empty, which is why they want to change the coinage. However, copper is already in short supply, so we should reduce the coin specifications to solve the current dilemma, help the country and ease the burden on the people. I believe this approach won't work. Minting two-zhu coins now, which are small and thin, won't help the government tackle its financial issues; instead, it will make ordinary folks more shrewd and crafty, leading to chaos in the market, with nothing left in the end. Even if strict measures are taken, it will be tough to stamp out these shady practices, and in one or two years, the disadvantages will be irreparable. This is the first reason why it won't work. Even if melting and minting can quickly produce one or two billion coins, even if it really can, it will take a long time. Taxes are due at the end of the year, and with a change in the coinage system, daily expenses will be difficult to sustain for several months. Even if taxes are temporarily collected, how's that going to solve the financial problems? It will only make those deceitful individuals more audacious, leading to more mischief. This is the second reason why it won't work. People will have to get used to the new, bigger coins and fear the recent new prohibitions, causing chaos in the market. The benefits have not been seen yet, but the disadvantages are already looming, while rich merchants are feeling smug, the poor folks will just get poorer. This is the third reason why it won't work. If the economy is already in such bad shape, and this method won't work, let alone seeing any benefits, with so many disadvantages, messing up now will just lead to future generations laughing at us!"
After the former usurper emperor ascended to the throne, he began to mint two-zhu coins, and the style of the coins became smaller and thinner. Every time the government issued new coins, the public would immediately imitate them, but their size and thickness fell short of the standards. Those coins had no outlines, were not polished, and were crudely cut out, resembling those made with scissors today; they were referred to as "lei zi." In the first year of the Jinghe era, Shen Qingzhi suggested allowing private coinage, and from that point on, the currency situation became even more chaotic. A thousand of these coins barely measured three inches in total length, all of similar size; they were referred to as "goose eye coins." The ones even worse were called "shen huan coins." These coins would not sink when thrown into water, easily shattered when squeezed, and could not be reliably counted in the marketplace. Even ten thousand of these coins barely filled a handful, and ten thousand coins were needed for a dou of rice, rendering commercial transactions nearly impossible. At the beginning of Taizong's reign, only the "goose eye coins" and "shen huan coins" were initially prohibited, while others could still be used. Later, private coinage was banned as well, and the government ceased minting coins. Soon after, it was ultimately banned altogether, and only ancient coins were used.
Lao Zhang, originally the Scattered Riders' Attendant Cavalry and the Intendant of Danyang, has also been given the position of Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat. I continue to serve as the Intendant of Danyang as before. As a result, he submitted a memorial of thanks, saying, "I, a mere country bumpkin, have inexplicably obtained such a high official position, truly feeling fearful and uneasy, terrified. I have grown up in the countryside since I was young, I've never seen much of the world; how can I handle such a high position? My family has no money; I never even thought about becoming an official. I used to be a farmer, poor and cold. Thanks to the late Emperor's grace in exempting me from taxes, I barely scraped by and later became a minor official. Your Majesty is wise and mighty, and you welcome talents from all walks of life, yet you chose to promote someone as unworthy as me to this position. Over the years, I have worked diligently, but I haven't accomplished anything remarkable. It is all thanks to your favor that I have been able to keep this local official position. Unexpectedly, disasters and calamities have followed one after another; Your Majesty, in order to save the people, has promoted me to an even higher position, and the speed has been like a rocket, with my rank raised by several levels. Upon careful consideration, I truly don't deserve these honors; in terms of merit, I am not much better than others. I was hoping to find a chance to explain myself to Your Majesty and ask for a demotion to avoid blame, but then the imperial edict came down again, and my position was raised! I know my limitations, and I don’t think far ahead; this wealth and glory have come too fast for me to handle! If this continues, it will only bring misfortune upon me, provoke public criticism, and when disaster strikes, I will not be able to bear it. I truly feel I can't accept this official position right now; if Your Majesty insists on keeping me in this position, once something goes wrong, I will be in danger, and then everyone will blame me. So, I live in constant fear and anxiety every day." The Emperor agreed to his request.
At that time, there was a drought, and the common people were starving. Old Zhang suggested in a memorial suggesting a month-long ban on alcohol production, which could save nearly ten thousand shi of grain. Later, he took over as the Minister of Personnel and also served as the Commander of the Crown Prince's Left Guard. Before he could take office, his father passed away, and he had to observe the mourning period. After the mourning period, he was appointed as the General of the Right, but he still held the position of Intendant of Danyang.
Jun was an old minister. He sincerely advised the emperor on many national matters. Since the emperor ascended the throne, he had initiated many large-scale construction projects. Jun repeatedly advised against it, speaking frankly and openly. The emperor was very unhappy, and many of the suggestions were not accepted. Jun considered himself quite capable and had a good relationship with the emperor. He believed he should hold an important position in the court and help the emperor govern the country for the long haul. However, most of his suggestions were not accepted, and he suspected that the emperor wanted to push him out. Therefore, he requested to be transferred elsewhere to see what the emperor truly meant.
In the first year of the Daming era, he was appointed as the Inspector of Dongyangzhou, while retaining his military position. Although the emperor agreed to his request, he grew even more anxious and uncertain about what to do. When he arrived in the province, his mother passed away. The emperor wouldn't let him resign but permitted him to return home for the funeral and then return to the capital, offering him generous benefits. However, Jun still felt uneasy and often complained to his old friends about the numerous mistakes in court politics, critiquing the emperor's poor decisions. Later, Wang Sengda was killed, and some claimed that Jun had schemed against him. Before his death, Wang Sengda also accused Jun of being dissatisfied with him and complained that his suggestions were not accepted. Many of the things Wang Sengda said could be backed up with evidence. The emperor then sent Chief Imperial Censor Yu Hui to investigate the matter, saying:
I heard that as a minister serving the monarch, one should be willing to sacrifice everything for the country, wholeheartedly and selflessly. If someone is rude, oppresses the people, and looks down on others because of their wealth, that is not acceptable! As the Book of Songs says, "Uncle Wang made a warning, Zixi was put to death," that illustrates the point. I’ve never heard of anyone who could betray their principles, block the source of integrity, seek personal gain, forget their morals, and still live freely in a prosperous era while muddying the waters of right and wrong.
This guy Yan Jun got promoted way too quickly, almost like he hit the jackpot! After the emperor took power, he held all matters in his hands, but he secretly plotted to seize political power for himself. When he was put in charge of selecting officials, he grew even bolder; when he was made the chief official of the capital, he became even more arrogant. According to regulations, if he encountered a memorial that displeased him, he would whip the person and report them, completely disregarding the emperor's authority—that's just outrageous! The emperor repeatedly ordered severe punishment, and officials should have followed through, but he deliberately did not comply, stirring up complaints and hiding a bunch of bad intentions while carrying out all kinds of misdeeds.
He went around spreading the emperor's private orders; he shifted the blame for punishments onto the emperor, and took credit for rewards. He slandered those who had helped him and put on a false front to comfort those who were punished. He totally flouted the court's rules, confused the emperor and the people, feared the emperor's punishment, and incited the common people. The emperor also began to doubt him, so he pretended to request to go to the east to herd horses, to gauge the emperor's intentions.
Once at the border, he became even more reckless in cursing the emperor, speaking ill behind his back, and that’s just the beginning. Furthermore, every time he submitted a memorial, he slipped in personal gain, showed off to his friends and family, and sent his lackeys running wild everywhere.
When my mother passed away, it was winter. The emperor graciously allowed me to return home for my mother's funeral. After the funeral was over, I did not immediately return, but lingered in the capital for a while. During that time, my interactions with some high-ranking officials varied widely. I often wore a mask of worry and fear, secretly observing the situation, inquiring about the thoughts of the ministers, and worrying that I would not be able to stand firm. In the end, I ultimately chose to request a transfer because I felt that the country was about to collapse, and the resentment I harbored only deepened, while my behavior became increasingly worse.
When I was young, I failed to meet my family's expectations during my youth. When I held a high position and had a large salary, I was consumed by the desire to flaunt my wealth and status, and could not even support my parents. I nursed a longstanding grudge against my younger brother, and used my power to kill at will, leading to a rift in our family, with relatives and friends feeling shocked and scared of me. In every position I held, I turned a blind eye to state affairs, recklessly squandered the funds from the Danyang treasury, and frequently lent money and bribed my followers. I was arrogant and self-indulgent, exploiting public resources for my own gain, even accepting bribes to support my slaves. My guests spent their days in a drunken stupor, indulging in song and dance as was their custom, while the gossip on the streets had turned decidedly unfavorable.
I was merely an ordinary civil official, but I received special favor from the emperor. The emperor disregarded my faults and chose to promote me, allowing me to participate in national affairs. I have made no significant contributions, yet I reveled in wealth and honor, enjoying favor that surpassed others. However, I am like a mountain stream that overflows when it is full, insatiable in greed like a tiger or wolf. How can I even begin to describe my greed! Now the emperor's wisdom shines, the country is prosperous, but I have descended into decadence, undermining societal morals, harming the country, and should receive severe punishment to demonstrate the emperor's wisdom. Therefore, I request the emperor to remove my official position, strip me of my title and land, and hand me over to the court for lawful disposal.
The emperor did not want to execute me immediately, so he first removed my official position. I repeatedly begged for forgiveness and pleaded for my life. The emperor became angrier and issued a decree saying, "The circumstances described in the memorial of the Xian Si are not what we expected. You have enjoyed so much wealth and honor, but now you have come to this end. You blame fate and others, have disappointed our expectations, and are overly worried, afraid for your own safety. Is this your idea of loyalty?" Later, Prince Jingling instigated a rebellion, which implicated me. The emperor summoned the Chief Imperial Censor Yu Huizhi, and after receiving the report, the emperor decreed, "You have disappointed our favor and fallen to this point. Give him death in prison, pardon his wife and children, and let them escape far away." His son, Bi Qiang, was exiled to Jiaozhou, where he was killed en route. Jun's works have been passed down through the ages.
Historians note that Emperor Shizu was young during his time as a regional prince, still immature in his dealings with people, straightforward in his interactions with ministers, speaking his mind openly. Later, when the situation became turbulent and his own safety was threatened, he exhibited remarkable courage and decisiveness, feeling extremely anxious, as if he hadn’t finished expressing his thoughts.
After he ascended to the throne, wielding power and authority, his authority was recognized throughout the realm. He could achieve anything he desired and managed affairs effectively and without error. However, as time went on, his feelings of joy and sorrow began to shift, and his perception of things changed as well. While the emperor was thinking about the current situation, the ministers remained nostalgic for the past. Similar to Song Chang, whose loyalty was unwavering, the emperor had already rewarded him; and just like those who share the same boat, the ministers' expectations of the emperor grew increasingly high.
As a result, there arose a rift between the emperor and the ministers, resulting in mutual blame. Perhaps this was the point at which Jun (referring to the founding emperor) sealed his own fate? As a subject, if one can wholeheartedly serve the monarch, not seek personal gain or rewards for their achievements, even if someone wanted to conspire against him, they would find no opportunity.
