Xu Xianzhi, courtesy name Zongwen, was a native of Tan County, Shandong. His grandfather, Xu Ning, served as a Minister of Personnel and Governor of Jiangzhou, but unfortunately passed away before taking office. His father, Xu Zuozhi, served as the magistrate of Shangyu County. When Xu Xianzhi was young, he served as the chief clerk of Wang Ya (Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince), the secretary under Liu Laozhi (General of the Northern Garrison), the Minister of the Cult of Ancestors (although he did not officially take up the post), and the military officer under Huan Xiu (General Who Pacifies the Army). He worked in the same office as his predecessor (Liu Yu), and they had a very good relationship. When Liu Yu raised his army, Xu Xianzhi was appointed as the military advisor, Minister of the Department of Archives, and Commander of the Army. He worked closely with Xie Hun, who understood him very well. Later, he successively served as a military advisor in the mansion of Prince Langya, the subordinate of the Minister of Works, the official historian of Xuzhou, and a military advisor to the Grand Commandant. In the eleventh year of the Yixi era, he was appointed as the General of Eagle Soaring, the Governor of Langya, and also served as an official in the mansion of the Grand Commandant, while keeping his general rank. When Liu Yu launched a northern expedition, Xu Xianzhi was promoted to Left General of the Grand Commandant, responsible for holding the rear and assisting Liu Muzhi. Initially, when Liu Yu planned the northern expedition, many court officials advised against it, but Xu Xianzhi remained silent. When asked why he did not speak up, Xu Xianzhi said, "I have attained the rank of a second-class official, with a salary of two thousand shi. My ambitions have been fulfilled. Now that the south has been pacified and we have expanded our territory by tens of thousands of miles, only a few Qiang tribes remain to be pacified, yet you are toiling day and night, unable to rest. Our thoughts and actions are different, so how can I easily express my opinion?" Following Liu Muzhi's death, Liu Yu appointed Xu Xianzhi as Minister of Personnel, General Who Establishes Might, and Intendant of Danyang, responsible for rear operations, and assigned him twenty soldiers as guards. He was later promoted to Chief of the Writers' Bureau, while retaining his positions as general and Intendant of Danyang.
In the fourteenth year of the Yixi era, Zhu Xing, the wife of a soldier from the Grand Marshal's Mansion, buried her own son, Dao Fu, alive because he had epilepsy at the age of three. This incident was reported by Dao Fu's aunt, and Zhou was sentenced to death. Xu Xianzhi believed: "Even fierce tigers and wolves have a compassionate heart, not to mention human nature. Zhou's behavior is extremely cruel and should face the harshest punishment. However, I believe that there is also a moral obligation beyond the law. Only if the mother is executed can the son truly grasp the importance of the law, but as a son, how can he hold his head up? Although those who break the law should be punished, those who are capable of forgiveness deserve mercy too. I propose granting her a pardon as a lesson for future generations." Gaozu, the emperor, accepted his suggestion.
After Emperor Gaozu of Song ascended the throne, Xu Xianzhi was promoted to General of the Town Army and was also given the title of Cavalier Attendant. The emperor, just taking office, thought of rewarding those great heroes who helped him establish his empire, so he issued an edict which roughly stated: "Cavalier Attendant, Minister of Rites, General of the Town Army, and Intendant of Danyang Xu Xianzhi; Commander of Jiangzhou and Yuzhou troops, General Who Calms the Army, and Governor of Jiangzhou Wang Hong; Cavalier Attendant, Protector-General of the Army, Tang Man Tan Daoji; Prefect of the Palace Secretariat, Chief Minister to the Crown Prince Fu Liang; Palace Attendant, Chief General of the Army Xie Hui; Former Left General, Governor of Jiangzhou, Marquis of Yiyang Tan Shao; Commissioner Bearing Credentials, Commander of the Military Affairs of Yong, Liang, Southern and Northern Qin, and Jingzhou, General of the Rear, and Governor of Yongzhou, Marquis of Guanzhong Zhao Lunzhi; Commissioner Bearing Credentials, Commander of the Military Affairs of North Xu, Yanzhou, and Qingzhou, General Who Conquers the Caitiffs, and Governor of North Xu, Marquis of Nancheng Liu Huaishen; Cavalier Attendant, Left Guard Commander for the Crown Prince, Marquis of Xingan Wang Zhongde; Former Champion General, Governor of North Qingzhou, Marquis of Annan Xiang Mi; General of the Left Guard, Marquis of Shexiang Liu Cui; Commissioner Bearing Credentials, Colonel of the Southern Man Barbarians, Dao Yanzhi; Marshal of the Western Central Army, Marquis of Yiyang in Nanzhou Zhang Shao; Participating in the Military Affairs of the Western Central Army, General of Establishing Might, and Prefect of Hedong, Marquis of Zhongzi Shen Linzi, and so on, you ministers, some of you have given advice and assistance in helping me achieve this great cause; some of you have diligently overcome various difficulties and made great contributions to the country. From the establishment of the empire to success, your contributions are remarkable, and you should share the glory and wealth with the country and enjoy this generous reward. Now, I hereby decree: Xu Xianzhi is appointed as Marquis of Nanchang County, Wang Hong is appointed as Marquis of Huarong County, Tan Daoji is changed to Marquis of Yongxiu County, Fu Liang is appointed as Marquis of Jiancheng County, Xie Hui is appointed as Marquis of Wuchang County, with each of them receiving a fief of two thousand households; Tan Shao's fief is increased by two thousand five hundred households, Wang Zhongde's fief is increased by two thousand two hundred households; Liu Huaishen and Dao Yanzhi are both elevated to marquis, Liu Cui is changed to Marquis of Jian'an County, each of them having an increase of one thousand households in their fief; Zhao Lunzhi is appointed as Marquis of Xiaocheng County, with a fief of one thousand households; Zhang Shao is appointed as Count of Linju County, Shen Linzi is appointed as Count of Hanshou County, each of them having a fief of six hundred households. This is the reward following the establishment of the dynasty, and I have basically followed the previous rules."
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The emperor's words indicated a desire to reward those who have made remarkable contributions to the country and its stability. Xu Xianzhi, Wang Hong, Tan Daoji, Fu Liang, and Xie Hui have all been granted noble titles and substantial fiefs. Tan Shao and Wang Zhongde were granted even more land. Liu Huaishen and Dao Yanzhi were promoted, and Liu Cui also received corresponding rewards. Even those with relatively smaller contributions, like Zhang Shao and Shen Linzi, were appropriately rewarded. Overall, the emperor spared no effort in rewarding these meritorious officials, rewarding their years of unwavering loyalty. This reward not only reflects the emperor's grace but also strengthens the foundation of the new dynasty's rule, achieving a dual purpose. The emperor also emphasized that these rewards were in accordance with ancestral customs, demonstrating his careful governance.
Xu Xianzhi was promoted to the position of Grand Secretary, Governor of Yangzhou, and granted the title of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. Later, he was promoted to Minister of Works, overseeing the affairs of the Grand Secretariat while retaining his earlier titles. Considering he was originally a commoner with no particular talents or scholarly achievements, it was his ambition, capability, and insight that enabled his rise to high office. He garnered respect from both the court and the populace, believing he had the potential to become prime minister. He was calm, reserved, and rarely showed his emotions. He was quite skilled at chess and always seemed to feign ignorance when watching performances, which only added to his mysterious aura. Fu Liang and Cai Kuo would often remark, "Lord Xu knows everything and stays composed no matter what!"
When Emperor Gaozu was seriously ill, Xu Xianzhi was joined by thirty sword-wielding guards. After the emperor passed away, he, along with Chancellor Fu Liang, General Xie Hui, and General Tan Daoji, were tasked with assisting the young emperor. The young emperor proclaimed, "Addressing legal cases is the foremost duty of governing the state. I am in mourning and cannot attend to matters personally. The Minister of Works and the Chancellor will oversee the officials in reviewing cases monthly."
Later, the emperor's virtue declined, and Xu Xianzhi and the others planned to depose the emperor and install a new ruler. However, Prince Liu Yizhen of Luling was incompetent and unable to rule effectively, so they first deposed Liu Yizhen and then the emperor. At that time, Xie Hui was the general leading the army. Because the mansion was in disrepair, he moved his family out and assembled his troops in the mansion. General Tan Daoji, the Governor of Nanyanzhou, was an experienced veteran with high prestige in the court, and his soldiers were strong and well-trained. Xu Xianzhi and the others summoned him to the palace and briefed him on their scheme. As things were about to begin, Tan Daoji stayed in Xie Hui's mansion. The palace officials Xing Antai and Pan Sheng were waiting for them in the palace, tasked with guarding the palace gates that day. Tan Daoji led the soldiers in the front, followed by Xu Xianzhi and the others, entering the palace through the Dongye Gate and Yunlong Gate. The soldiers responsible for guarding the palace didn't dare to put up a fight. Before this, the emperor had set up a stall selling wine in the Hualin Garden, dug channels and piled up earth to create hill-like mounds, and sang songs, shouted, rowed boats, and played with his attendants. That night, the emperor slept on a dragon boat in the Tianyuan Pool. The soldiers burst in and killed two guards, wounding the emperor's finger. They assisted the emperor out of the East Pavilion and took his seal. The ministers took their leave of him and escorted him to the former Crown Prince's Palace, then relocated him to Wu County. The attendant Cheng Daohui suggested making his fifth brother, Liu Yigong, as the new emperor, but Xu Xianzhi disagreed. They dispatched assassins to eliminate Liu Yizhen in Xin'an and then executed the emperor in Wuxian. The palace under construction for the emperor was not yet finished, so the emperor temporarily lived in Jinchang Pavilion. The emperor suddenly dashed out of the Changmen Gate, and his pursuers knocked him down against the city gate before killing him.
After Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, he appointed Xianzhi as the Minister of Education. As for me, I remained the same, but the emperor granted me the title of Duke of Nanping, along with a fief of four thousand households. I respectfully declined the additional honor. Some suggested that the emperor, like his two predecessors, should go to Hualin Garden to hear cases. The emperor issued a decree saying, "I am not familiar with many aspects of governance and criminal law, so let's handle cases in the same way as the two previous seniors." Thus, everything continued as before. I felt grateful to the emperor for not judging me based on my past and for continuing to trust me. Although I was granted a title and a substantial fief, I still felt a bit uneasy. After all, the past, whether significant or trivial, means that the emperor's trust in me compels me to work even harder. Thinking about those cases, they are quite challenging. I hope I can do my best to ease the emperor's worries and not disappoint his expectations. "I am not familiar with many aspects of governance and criminal law, so let's handle cases in the same way as the two previous seniors." I must keep the emperor's words in mind and approach my duties with seriousness and diligence.
In the year 452 AD, Xie Lingyun and Fu Liang jointly submitted a request to the emperor to relinquish power, saying: "We have heard that the emperor is the leader of the country, responsible for the country's governance; when the duties of the ministers are completed, they should allow others to take their place. Your Majesty should personally handle state affairs like the ancient emperors, instead of delegating power to the ministers as has been done in recent years. Therefore, the ancient emperors spoke sparingly, only making decisions after three years; prime ministers would also step down after serving two terms. From ancient times to the present, all emperors have done the same. Your Majesty has inherited the great achievements of your ancestors and shoulders great responsibilities; the people hope you will usher in a prosperous era. However, Your Majesty humbly delegates power to the ministers. Since the conclusion of the Dali ceremony, there have been three changes in the key officials; the nation's prosperity still requires your guidance, the people near and far are looking forward to your leadership. Although we have earnestly advised multiple times, we have yet to receive a response to Your Majesty's decree. We are not doing this intentionally, but after careful consideration and consultation with the court and the people, everyone believes it should be this way. Why? Because the stability and unity of the country are related to the emperor's virtue; national affairs should be handled personally by the emperor. Although the times are different and customs and habits vary, the monarch holds power, and the ministers assist the monarch; this is an unchanging principle of the past and present. It has never been heard that handing over power entirely to the ministers can bring about a peaceful and prosperous era; this is a well-known truth. We have served both you and your father, two generations of emperors, through honor and disgrace; we do this entirely for the country, how can we remain silent in obedience? We earnestly request you once again." The emperor still did not agree.
Xie Lingyun and his companions once again insisted, "We have made our previous memorial very clear, but Your Majesty has yet to respond. We are deeply anxious. We have heard that inheriting the ancestral foundation and consolidating the country's rule is very important; rising early and governing diligently are noble virtues of an emperor. Since the establishment of the Song Dynasty, wise monarchs have worked very hard, but the country continues to face numerous difficulties and challenges. Thanks to the blessings of heaven, you have inherited the throne, but the country still faces many problems, which the people are worried about. Maintaining the stability of the country is no easy task, and the rise and fall of the country is in your hands. Now is the time for you to follow the example of King Wen of Zhou by rising early and diligently governing, and to emulate King Yin by waiting for dawn to handle state affairs. How can you neglect to personally oversee state affairs, revive the tradition of diligent governance practiced by ancient emperors, and hand over power to others? We earnestly urge you to prioritize the ancestral temples and the welfare of the people, continue the great legacy of your ancestors, and enhance your holy virtue. We, the humble and uninformed, have spoken our hearts." The emperor eventually agreed. Xie Lingyun resigned from his post and returned home. His nephew Xie Peizhi, as well as Cheng Daohui, the attendant, and Wang Shaozhi, the Prefect of Wuxing, believed he should not resign and earnestly persuaded him. In the end, Xie Lingyun ultimately accepted the imperial decree to resume his official duties.
In the third year of the reign, in the first month, the emperor issued a decree, saying: "The common people are all born equal, and should be treated as one would treat oneself, with extreme care and respect. This is not only a matter of education, but also because their blessings are like those of the Creator, and should be treated with even greater reverence! Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, Xie Hui, and others were all promoted by luck, previously unknown, suddenly holding important positions, nurtured like birds, which hardly captures the extent of their fortune. In the later period of the Yongchu era, natural disasters and man-made calamities continued, the court's brilliance had faded, the world was in turmoil, and they were indeed given important responsibilities by the court. However, they failed to dedicate themselves fully to serving the country, did not mention their past achievements, their actions lacked loyalty, only obeying without rectifying, only seeking to please the emperor, and as a result, committed a great mistake. Although they later tried to make amends by formulating grand plans, deep down they were still full of rebellion, lacking any shame. They initially conspired to poison, and soon openly engaged in killings, exhibiting extreme cruelty, torturing people mercilessly, causing them to be displaced, wandering the streets, fleeing everywhere; the common people were left shocked and heartbroken, and people on the road cried endlessly. Whereas the Prince of Luling is wise and intelligent, with a great reputation, everyone had high hopes for him. Xu Xianzhi and others, jealous of talent and afraid of being surpassed, fabricated charges, framed the Prince of Luling, deceived the emperor, exiled the Prince of Luling, forged a decree, leading to this disaster. They actually treated the person entrusted by the country as an enemy, twice poisoning within a month, truly heartbreaking and infuriating. Since the advent of written records, individuals as ungrateful, cruel, and brutal as them have never been heard of! In ancient times, the Zijia participated in regicide, and the people of Zheng country retaliated; the innocent people of Feiyi in Song country were killed, and Qi country sent troops to retaliate. Moreover, their crimes are more serious than before, causing more harm than before; if they are tolerated, what else cannot be tolerated! Therefore, they must be executed, to apologize to the heavens, earth, and spirits. However, at that time, the court was just dealing with major issues, with various opinions conflicting; although the Prince of Luling had merits in supporting the country, his crimes had not been fully exposed. So I have been hesitating, comforting the people on one hand, listening to various opinions on the other. Although I wanted to suppress the rebels, I was worried about the difficulty of success, so I have been enduring humiliation and carrying heavy burdens, filled with shame and sorrow. Whenever I reflect on life's hardships and the unfinished tasks at hand, I can't help but feel extremely sad, lying on my pillow crying. Now the crimes of the traitors have been exposed, and the people of the world feel sad and angry; loyal and righteous individuals are eager to avenge the country, and finally the family and national shame can be avenged! I order the Chief Justice to severely punish these traitors. Xie Hui occupies the upper reaches and may not immediately confess his guilt, so I will personally lead a large army to suppress him. The troops under General Zhang to Yan must set out at once, with the Northern Expedition General Tan Daoji following closely, and the armies from various regions must cooperate in a timely manner; General Liu Cui must cut off their escape route. Only the main offenders will be punished, and others will not be pursued. I hope that from now on, the world will be peaceful, and my mood will also calm down. Once the haze lifts, peace will return to the land."
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That day, the emperor summoned Xian Zhi. When he walked outside the Ximing Gate, Xie Hui's younger brother Xie Tiao (pronounced as "Zi Xiao") was a Court Attendant, known for his honesty. He quickly informed Xie Liang, "It seems that there is some bad order in the palace." Xie Liang immediately relayed the news to Xian Zhi. Xian Zhi hurried back to Xizhou, taking advantage of the inner servants' carriages that were leaving the city, and walked to Xinlin, hiding in a pottery kiln where he took his own life. He was sixty-three years old that year. Xian Zhi initially did not agree to the summons, so the emperor sent the Zhongling Army to Yan Zhi and the Right Guard General Wang Hua to arrest him. After Xian Zhi's death, the villagers reported his death and sent his body to the Ministry of Justice. His son Xie Qiao Zhi married the sixth daughter of Gaozu, Princess Fuyang, and became the Prince of Jingling and a literary scholar. Qiao Zhi and his younger brother Xie Qinu were also later killed.
When Xian Zhi was young, someone came to him and said, "I am your ancestor." Xian Zhi quickly got up to greet him. The man said, "You look noble, but there will be a great disaster. You can bury twenty-eight coins in each corner of your home to ward off disaster. After overcoming this difficulty, you will be able to rise to a high position." Later, Xian Zhi followed his relatives to live in the county town. Once when he was temporarily away, thieves attacked the county town from behind. Everyone in the county town perished, not even a chicken or dog was left; only Xian Zhi escaped unharmed because he was outside. Accompanying his brother Xie Luyi to Lianhai County, he once wandered in the mountains and spotted a black dragon over ten feet long, with horns on its head and complete front legs, dragging its tail as it moved. When he was about to pay his respects as Sikong, a high-ranking official, the border guards preparing to enter the court saw a comet appearing near the star Wei in the southern sky in the morning. And when he was about to take office, two cranes landed on the east ridge of the Taiji Hall and chirped.
My elder brother's son, Pei Zhi, is quite frivolous and greedy, loving profit. Because he is related to Gaozu, Gaozu favored him greatly, promoting him all the way to become the Governor of Danyang and later the Prefect of Wu County. At the beginning of the Jingping period, with Xian Zhi wielding significant power, Pei Zhi often participated in political affairs. He conspired with Wang Shaozhi, Cheng Daohui, Xing Antai, and Pan Sheng to form a faction. At that time, Xie Hui had been ill for a long time, always treated with moxibustion and unable to see visitors. They suspected that Xie Hui was feigning illness and had ulterior motives, so they went to see Fu Liang with Wang Shaozhi and Cheng Daohui, badmouthing Xian Zhi and hoping Fu Liang would issue a death edict against him. Fu Liang replied, "The three of us have been entrusted with important tasks by the Emperor himself; how can we kill each other? If you really want to do this, then wear your square cap and leave through the side gate!" Pei Zhi and the others had to back down. Later, Xian Zhi was killed, and Emperor Taizu pardoned Pei Zhi, merely stripping him of his official post. That winter, Pei Zhi and the Palace Supervisor Ma Hong conspired to rebel, also implicating the former Inspector of Ningzhou, Ying Xi, planning for Ma Hong to become the Inspector of Yanzhou and Ying Xi to become the Inspector of Yuzhou. Ma Hong secretly reported this to the court, and Ying Xi also informed the Minister of Works, Wang Hong. Pei Zhi gathered more than a hundred people, slaughtered cattle to reward them, and even sent letters to some associates, asking them to sign and seal, planning to officially rebel in the imperial palace in the first month of the following year. A few days later, Pei Zhi was arrested and killed.
Fu Liang, courtesy name Jiyou, was from Lingzhou in the north. His grandfather, Fu Xian, served as a Colonel. His father, Fu Yuan, was famous for his knowledge and became Taishou of Ancheng. Fu Yuan was close friends with Chi Chao. Once, Chi Chao visited Fu Yuan's home, and Fu Yuan brought out his two sons, Fu Di and Fu Liang, to meet him. At that time, Fu Liang was four or five years old. Chi Chao had the attendants take off Fu Liang's clothes and take them away, but Fu Yuan didn't seem to care. Chi Chao told Fu Yuan, "In talent, reputation, and rank, your younger son will surely surpass your older son. However, to preserve the family business and continue the family line, it will ultimately depend on your older son." Fu Di, courtesy name Changyou, was also a scholar and rose to the position of Minister of Military Affairs. He passed away in the second year of Yongchu and was posthumously appointed as Minister of Ceremonies.
Liang Ge'er was a versatile and learned individual, well-versed in classics, history, philosophy, and especially talented at writing. Initially, he served as a staff officer in the Jianwei Army and later became a staff officer in Huan Qian's central army. Later, when Huan Xuan seized power, hearing of Liang Ge'er's knowledge and literary talent, he appointed him as a Secretariat Gentleman, intending for him to organize the books in the imperial palace. However, before Liang Ge'er could start, Huan Xuan fell from power.
During the uprising of the rebel army, Danyang's governor, Meng Chang, invited him to serve as a military officer in Jianwei. In the first year of Yixi, he was appointed as a Cavalry Attendant Commandant, drafting imperial edicts in the Western Province. He was later promoted to Chief of Military History but was soon replaced by Teng Yan. Before Liang Ge'er could take up the new position, his mother passed away, and he had to return home to mourn. After his mourning period, he went to serve as a military officer in the office of General Liu Yi and later was appointed as a military commander. Seven years later, he was promoted to Cavalry Attendant Commandant again, taking over from Teng Yan in the Western Province. He was then promoted to the Yellow Gate Attendant of the Palace Secretariat.
The founding emperor felt that he had been working diligently in the Western Province for a long time, so he wanted to assign him as the governor of Dongyang County. The founding emperor first told Xie Di about this matter. Xie Di was overjoyed and hurried to inform Liang Ge. Liang Ge didn't say a word. He went straight to see the founding emperor and said, "I heard that Your Majesty plans to assign me to Dongyang County. My family is poor, and being able to earn this salary is already quite fortunate. But what I have always desired is to bring honor to my family and repay the emperor's grace, so I want to stay in the capital and not be transferred." The founding emperor chuckled and replied, "I thought you were only after money. If you really think this way, that's great; it suits my intentions!" Later, Sima Xiuzhi, who was sent to the West, took over as the Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, responsible for recording documents. Then he let Yang Huiding take his place in the Western Province.
Xie An returned from the front lines to Pengcheng. The Song Dynasty had just been established, and the emperor promoted him to an attendant while also serving as the tutor to the crown prince. Later, he was appointed Minister of the Palace Library, continuing to serve as the tutor to the crown prince. After that, he followed the emperor back to Shouyang.
The emperor wanted to abdicate in favor of someone more capable, but he couldn't express it directly. So, he gathered all the court officials for a feast, and then said slowly, "In the past, when Huan Xuan usurped the throne and the country changed hands, I was the first to respond to the call and restore the imperial family's rule. I fought wars in the south and north, pacified the world, and my achievements were remarkable. The emperor even bestowed upon me the Nine Honors. Now, as the year is coming to an end, my position has reached its peak. As the saying goes, what rises must eventually fall, and prosperity leads to decline, and cannot be stable for long. So, I want to return my title and retire to the capital." The court officials praised his accomplishments, but no one grasped his true intentions.
The banquet was over, and it was already dark. Xie An finally understood the Emperor's meaning, but the palace gates had already been closed. He hurriedly knocked on the door to request an audience, and the Emperor immediately opened the door to let him in. Once Xie An entered, he said, "I should temporarily return to the capital." The Emperor immediately understood his meaning, did not say anything more, and only asked, "How many people do you need to accompany you?" Xie An said, "A few dozen people will be enough." So, Xie An was given the order to leave.
When Xie An left the palace, it was already midnight, and he saw a bright star streaking across the sky. Xie An slapped his thigh and said, "I never believed in astrology before, but today I’ve seen it for myself!" Upon returning to the capital, the Emperor immediately summoned him back to assist in court affairs.
In the first year of the Yongchu era, Xie An was promoted to the position of Grand Minister of the Imperial Clan, while retaining the position of Imperial Secretary. Due to his achievements, he was granted the title of Duke of Jiancheng County and an estate of two thousand households. He often served in the Imperial Secretariat, responsible for drafting edicts. At that time, Xie An wielded significant power in the country, receiving guests in the province. Every morning, outside the Shenhu Gate, his carriages numbered in the hundreds. When the Emperor first ascended the throne, documents such as memorials were written by the Military Officer Teng Yan; during the Northern Expedition to Guanggu, all affairs were handled by the Chief Historian Wang Dan; from that point until the Emperor's abdication, all edicts, announcements, and decrees were drafted by Xie An. Teng Yan, courtesy name Yanjiang, was from Xie'e in Nanyang and later served as the Yellow Gate Attendant and Director of the Imperial Secretariat, who passed away in the eighth year of Yi Xi.
Two years later, Xie An was promoted to the position of Supervisor of the Left and Right of the Ministry of Works, while still holding the positions of Imperial Secretary and Grand Minister of the Imperial Clan. The following year, the Emperor fell ill, and he, along with Xu Xianzhi and Xie Hui, was entrusted with the task of assisting the Emperor, accompanied by twenty armed guards.
The emperor ascended the throne at a young age, and Wang Sengda was promoted to be the Director of the Imperial Secretariat, then later became the Minister of Rites. In the second year of Jingping, he was appointed as the General of the Guard. After the young emperor was deposed, Wang Sengda led the officials of the Court to Jiangling to welcome the founder. Upon arrival in Jiangling, he set up a grand gate in the south of the city, named "Great Marshal Gate." He then led all the officials of the Court to present a memorial in front of the gate, in a very solemn and dignified ceremony. When the founder was about to get off the carriage, he specifically summoned Wang Sengda, wept bitterly, and moved everyone around him to tears.
Then, the founder inquired about Yizhen and the circumstances of the young emperor's deposition, crying and grieving, and no one dared to look up at him. Wang Sengda was sweating profusely and couldn't say a word. So, he shared his thoughts with Dao Yanzhi, Wang Hua, and others, forming a deep friendship with them. After the founder ascended the throne, Wang Sengda was promoted to be the Gentleman of the Imperial Guard, Left Chief Clerk, and Chancellor of the Left, with his original positions retained. The civil and military officials of the Sikong Mansion were all transferred to the Left Chief Clerk's Mansion. He was also granted the title of Duke of Shixing County, with a fief of four thousand households, but he resolutely declined the enfeoffment.
In the third year of Yuanjia, the founder wanted to kill Wang Sengda, so he summoned him to the palace. Someone in the palace secretly informed Wang Sengda of the news, so he feigned that his sister-in-law was gravely ill and requested to temporarily return home. He sent a letter to Xu Xianzhi, then rode out of the city gate and ran to his brother Wang Di's grave. The Captain of the Cavalry, Guo Hong, captured him and handed him over to the Court of Justice, where he was ultimately executed at the age of fifty-three. When he had just arrived at the Guangmo Gate, the emperor sent a palace attendant with an edict to present to Wang Sengda, saying, "Based on your loyalty in Jiangling, your sons should be safe." Earlier, Wang Sengda observed the treachery of the world and wrote an essay called "Yanshen," in which he expressed his thoughts:
The old saying goes, one must always be cautious in one's actions, so as not to fail. The Book of Changes says: "If you secure your pockets well, there will be no danger." This means being cautious will help prevent losses. The Book of Changes also says: "What harm is there in using thatched grass for flooring?" This shows extreme caution. King Wen was exceptionally cautious, and the Book of Odes praises his long life; while Zhong You (Zilu) was boastful and competitive, almost losing his life while crossing a river, serving as a profound lesson. The Book of History also records the virtue of valuing self-cultivation, with relevant inscriptions in the temples of the Zhou dynasty. Therefore, there's nothing more important than preserving oneself and one's virtues! You see, those in prominent positions often bring calamity upon themselves due to pride and complacency; it's lonely at the top! Even wealthy families may encounter disasters, and even with wealth and glory, they might not enjoy a long life. However, those who chase pleasure and wealth often overlook precautions; those who only know to push forward without knowing when to pull back never learn their lessons. Despite the frequent accidents ahead, the following vehicles keep going, knowing the danger but hoping to get through unscathed, often resulting in destruction and loss of life. Why is that? It's because they get caught up in pleasure, forget to look back in time, and underestimate how external factors affect them.
So, ancient sages, even when facing fame, wealth, and temptations, were able to remain clear-headed and avoid danger. They always had a strong sense of vigilance and took preventive measures in advance, so they didn't have to wait until problems arose to remedy them. Like a flood that begins as a trickle, if managed in time, it won't turn into a disaster; similarly, even small problems, if not addressed promptly, can cause huge damage. We should be like this, detecting and solving problems in time, just like noticing a bird blown away by the wind or giving up a high position for the sake of bitter wine; we should remain vigilant. Do we have to wait until things are exposed to attempt to remedy them, or wait until the problems worsen to think about solving them? The Book of Songs says, "Carefully weigh your actions to avoid accidents." This emphasizes the importance of preventing problems before they arise. If we only focus on handling internal affairs and neglect the changes in the external environment, we risk ending up like the states of Qi and Qin, failing because of sticking to one strategy, focusing only on one-sided development and unable to take the overall situation into account, ultimately leading to internal and external difficulties. So, we need to achieve a balance between form and spirit, unify internal and external, maintain a calm mind and a strong body, ensuring that evil cannot invade and disasters do not strike, so we can truly align our words and actions, reaching our ultimate goal.
Xi Kang, his rebellious spirit against the mundane world, pursuing ancient style, aloof from worldly affairs, coming and going alone, the roots of his five struggles have been uprooted, he faced no obstacles in life, and most of life's troubles had vanished. Unfortunately, he overlooked the music of Zhong Ziqi and Lü Shang, and casually criticized Yu and Tang; the seeds of disaster took root in his bold nature, and his upcoming successful career was thus ruined. Consider those who write to good friends, comparing advice to a delicious dish, yet to a toxic wine; the fear of danger is like trying to control a galloping horse without reins; caution against disaster is like walking on thin ice, teetering on the edge of a ravine. Some are content with poverty and satisfied with humble positions. Therefore, the hermits of Chu outside the Qiyuan fear the omens on turtle shells; the hermits on Shangluo Mountain fear the temptation of the four fine horses. Ping Zhong resigned from office and retired, taking lessons from history; Cui Zhu and Qing Ji serve as cautionary tales; Zhang Yi and Lin Wu Jun achieved success, but took the stories of Sang Hongyang and Huo Guang as a warning. If a gentleman closely examines these two life paths, the distinction between the wise and the foolish becomes evident, and the outcomes of success and failure are equally apparent. Knowing the truth is not difficult, but exercising caution is; caution is the fulcrum of our words and actions!
Waving a sword while holding a blueprint, foolish people will not do it; standing on the edge of a cliff, everyone feels afraid. Why? Because danger is related to oneself, so the more one thinks about it, the more urgent the danger seems, and the deeper the fear grows. The Book of Songs says: "I dare not hunt fierce tigers, I dare not ford the great river." This illustrates the essence of caution. So when Butcher Ding dissected the ox, he did so cautiously at every turn, because a slight error could lead to a huge mistake, let alone inviting disaster and plunging oneself into a deadly predicament. The elements of fortune and misfortune are abundant within and repelled from the outside, like crossing nine mountain ranges between Qionglai and Bodao, like drifting in the turbulent waves between the Lüliang Mountains, which can capsize in an instant, leaving one’s life hanging by a thread, but no one can help. Alas! Alas! The ancients said it well: only those who are truly cautious can find the root of happiness; those who say they don't care are opening the door to disaster. In short, it's all about being cautious!
Liang, a commoner scholar, fortunately got the opportunity to become a prime minister, holding great power. The young emperor was morally degenerate, leading him to feel inner turmoil and dread, so he wrote the "Ode on the Sentiments of Things" to express his feelings. In the ode, he wrote:
One night in late October, after finishing a day of court duty, I took a walk in the royal garden while the night was quiet. At that time, the autumn wind was blowing, the first frost had set in, yet there were still numerous insects buzzing about, moths flitting around the room, everywhere, they flitted toward the candlelight, only to burn themselves out. Although they were just insignificant insects, as I watched them, I was deeply struck. I thought of the peculiar story of the magpie from Zhuangzi; they were also like these moths, lost in their indulgence, forgetting the principle of introspection. This is why teachers disdain those who are superficial, and it is also the reason why the guests in Qi struggle to engage in prolonged discussions. A wave of melancholy washed over me as I was moved by the scene, and thus I penned this piece.
In the Western Capital, as the sun sets in the west, I am on duty in the palace at the emperor's command. I hear the chirping of crickets coming from the front corridor and see the bright moonlight streaming through the window. The wind howls, fluttering the curtains, while frost blankets the walls. I pity the autumn cicadas chirping in time, lamenting the setting sun as it gradually fades away. I sigh for the toil and worries of the people, wondering when they will find peace. I reflect on the past and present, my thoughts swirling as time seems to cycle endlessly. I study and emulate the teachings of ancient wise men, hoping to be as versatile as Dong Zhongshu. I delve into classical texts and reflect on the legacies of the sages. Those classics are as vast as an ocean of knowledge, hard to exhaust, with various schools of thought, each different. I strive to master the Confucian classics, grasping the principles within the three hundred chapters, and connect with the cultural heritage of five thousand years. I consult historical texts, exploring the thoughts of the ancients, reflecting on the gains and losses of my career, and how to preserve myself. At the Hanlin Academy, I admire the exquisite works of calligraphy and painting, praising the craftsmen's exquisite skills. I aim to craft my writing to be elegant yet accessible, with refined content that is easy to understand. Though history is vast and profound, I continue to seek knowledge, share it, and enlighten those who are unaware.
Ah, look at those mosquitoes and flies flying around, squeezing through every crack, drawn to the light, drawn to the grave. They know that flying into the flame will lead to death, yet they still refuse to change; the lessons of the past are right there. In truth, there's little reason to feel sorry for these insects, yet I can't shake this uncomfortable feeling, sigh! What makes us human is our ability to grasp the principles of nature and possess noble character. We should cultivate an open mind and embrace this as a life principle. We should be able to distinguish right from wrong, perceive subtle signs, not be blinded by trivial gains, and not indulge in pleasure and forget about life itself. Consider Su Hou, who sacrificed important things for trivial titles—what a pity! Moreover, these insects don't even understand this principle; are we really any better than these insects? Recall Zhuangzi's words about "carving a tomb," and you will know that your eyes have been blinded and cannot see clearly. I admire the noble virtues of the ancients, knowing that I am far from reaching that level. Although my divination results show good luck, can I really claim to be wise? Alas, it all feels futile; writing these words merely to express my thoughts.
At first, I welcomed the emperor's carriage and wrote three poems on the way. One of them expressed my regret and fear. The poem said: "Setting out from the palace in the morning, someone helped me onto the boat. When we parted, there was no parting gift, just a precious jade ball given to me. I understand the importance of moderation; with my salary and principles in hand, I feel an immense sense of responsibility. The four horses pulling the carriage are exhausted; you can take up the reins now. Zhang Bing arranged the route in the morning, and Dong Zhuo prepared the carriage and horses at night. The sun has set in the east, and the sunlight in the west will fade soon. Life is so precious; carrying this sense of awe, I strive to follow the ways of my predecessors. I earnestly remember your teachings and carefully consider your plans. It was never my intention to seek favor; I have not been able to repay your kindness. As I feel the frailty of my aging body, guilt washes over me, and my title feels hollow. The light of wisdom shines on the weeds; everything follows the natural order. Loyalty doesn't require deep understanding; I speak my heart in simple words." I realize I am on the verge of downfall; I wanted to retire but found it impossible. I penned eulogies for Xin You, Mu Sheng, and Dong Zhongdao, praising their ability to perceive beauty in the details. My eldest son Yan served as a secretary before passing away before me. Yan's younger brothers, Kui and Zhan, went into hiding. Zhan's younger brother, Du, was exiled to Jian'an County; during the reign of Emperor Xiaojian in the Shizu era, they all made their way back to the capital.
Tan Daoji, from Gaoping Jinxiang, is the younger brother of General Tan Shao. He lost his parents at a young age but was very filial during mourning, serving his sister as if she were his elder brother. He was gentle, cautious, and had a good reputation. When the founding emperor raised his army, Tan Daoji followed him into the capital and participated in the military actions that laid the foundation of the emperor's military power. He was later promoted to General of the West. He pacified the Lu Mountain Rebellion and captured Huan Zhen, and was appointed as a military advisor and the Prefect of Nanyang. For his significant achievements, he was granted the title of Fifth Marquis of Wuxing County.
Later, Lu Xun rebelled, bandits rose up across the region, and Guo Jisheng and others also gathered to rebel. The court appointed Tan Daoji as General of Valor and Prefect of Tianmen to suppress the rebellion, which he successfully did. He then joined Liu Daogui in attacking Bai Qian, Xun Lin, and others, demonstrating bravery in battle and leading his men to victory. When Xu Daofu launched an attack, Liu Daogui personally led the resistance, and Tan Daoji made significant contributions in that battle. He was later promoted to Guardian of Anyuan and Minister of Internal Affairs for Wuling. He was then appointed as an aide to the Grand Commandant, promoted to Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and then further promoted to General Pacifying the Frontier, participating in military decisions with the Grand Commandant. Due to his previous military achievements, he was named Baron of Tang County, with a fief comprising four hundred households.
He later served as Chief Clerk of the Grand Commandant and Military Advisor. The son of Duke Yuzhang served as General Who Conquers the Barbarians guarding Jingkou, and Tan Daoji was appointed as his Marshal and acting Prefect of Linhuai. He also served as the Western Army's Marshal and Minister of Internal Affairs for Liangguo under Duke Yuzhang's son. Finally, he served as the Marshal of the Western Army and was subsequently honored with the title of Champion General.
In the year 416 AD, our great ancestor led a northern expedition, with Dao Ji as the vanguard. They marched from the Huai River to the Fei River, and along the way, the cities and garrisons surrendered as soon as they heard he was coming. They captured Xuchang, as well as the pretender generals Ning Shuo, Yao Tan, and General Yang Ye. Upon reaching Chenggao, Wei Hua, the pretender governor of Yanzhou, also surrendered. They then headed straight for Luoyang, where the pretender general Yao Guang voluntarily surrendered. During this campaign, they conquered cities and captured over four thousand people.
Some suggested that they should just kill all the captives and pile their heads into a Jingguan (a mound made of human heads). Dao Ji said, "We fight to punish criminals and pacify the people; this is the perfect time to demonstrate that!" So, they released the captives. This move moved the hearts of the barbarian tribes, who surrendered one after another. Dao Ji then captured Tongguan and, together with other armies, defeated Yao Shao. Once Chang'an was secured, he was promoted to General of the Guards and Inspector of Langye.
Later, when the prince was to guard Jiangling, Dao Ji was appointed as the Western Marshal, Grand Commandant, and Colonel of the Southern Barbarians, and was also given the title of General of the Guards. He was later promoted to Palace Attendant of the Song Dynasty, concurrently serving as the Prince's Tutor and Grand Director of Yanzhou. After the Emperor ascended the throne, Dao Ji was promoted to Guard General, given the additional title of Cavalier In Regular Attendance, put in charge of the affairs at Shitou Shu, and granted the title of Duke of Yongxiu, with a fief of two thousand households. He was later transferred to Danyang as the Intendant while continuing to serve as Guard General. When the Emperor's health declined, he was specifically assigned twenty guards armed with swords.
Later, he was appointed to military positions in areas such as Jiangnan District, Yanzhou, Jiangbei, and Huainan, and held the titles of General of the Northern Defense and Inspector of South Yanzhou. In the year 420 AD, the army of Northern Wei surrounded the city of Dongyang where the Inspector of Qingzhou, Zhu Kui, was located. Zhu Kui urgently sought help from the court. The Emperor quickly sent Dao Ji as an envoy with full authority to supervise military operations and ordered him and Wang Zhongde to go to the rescue of Dongyang. Before they arrived, the Northern Wei army burned down their camp and left their siege weapons behind. They had intended to pursue, but there was no food left in the city, so they had to open the granary and take out the stored grain; the granary was deep, several meters deep, and the food that was dug out had already gone moldy, but it could still be cooked into rice. However, the Northern Wei army had fled too far to catch up, so they had to give up. In the end, Dao Ji returned to guard Guangling.
Xu Xianzhi and his associates plotted to depose Prince Yizhen of Luling, so they went to discuss with Dao Ji. Dao Ji disagreed and advised them several times not to do so, but Xu Xianzhi and his group simply did not listen. Later, Xu Xianzhi and his group planned to depose the prince and lured Dao Ji into the palace to inform him of their conspiracy. As they were about to move to depose Prince Yizhen, Dao Ji went to spend the night with Xie Hui. Xie Hui felt anxious that night and couldn’t sleep, but Dao Ji fell asleep soundly as soon as he lay down, which made Xie Hui feel reassured.
The next day, before the Emperor arrived, Dao Ji went to guard the court. After the new Emperor ascended the throne, Dao Ji was immediately promoted to General Who Conquers the North and was also given the position of Cavalry Attendant, along with a ceremonial guard. He was then further appointed as Duke of Wuling, with a fief of four thousand households. Dao Ji resolutely declined the title. The Emperor then expanded his authority, appointing him as the chief military officer of the five counties of Huaiyang, Xiapi, Langye, and Dongguan under Qingzhou and Xuzhou.
Later, there was a campaign against Xie Hui, and Dao Ji led the army to Yan Zhi's side. Yan Zhi lost the battle and retreated to Yinqu, just when Dao Ji arrived. Xie Hui initially believed Dao Ji was allied with Xu Xianzhi and intended to confront him together. However, when he suddenly heard that Dao Ji was coming to support the court, Xie Hui's soldiers were frightened and they routed before the battle even started. After the situation was settled, Dao Ji was promoted to the military commander of Jiangxia, a district under Jiangzhou, as well as the military chief official of Xiyang, Xincai, and Jinxi under Yuzhou's jurisdiction. He also became the General Who Conquers the South, Grand Commander, Governor of Jiangzhou, and retained his former titles of Chief and Consultant. His fiefdom also increased by a thousand households.
In the eighth year of Yuanjia, Dao Ji went to fight against the Suolu. He first reclaimed Henan, but it was soon lost again. Jin Yong and Hulao were both occupied by the Suolu, and their troops were advancing on Huatai. The court appointed Dao Ji as the commander of the military expeditions, and he led the army north to attack. When the army reached Dongping Shouzhang County, they encountered the Suolu's Anping Duke Yi Zhanjuan. Dao Ji commanded General Wang Zhongde of Ning Shuo and Valiant Cavalry General Duan Hong to engage in battle, and they defeated the Suolu forces. They then fought at Gaoliangting, where the Suolu forces, led by Duke Ningnan and Governor of Jizhou Shouchang, Xijieku, launched a coordinated pincer attack. Dao Ji dispatched Duan Hong and the commander of the Tai unit, Shen Qianzhi, to execute a surprise attack, and they killed Xijieku on the spot. Dao Ji continued to advance to Jishang, fighting for over twenty days in numerous skirmishes, but the enemy forces proved too strong, and Huatai ultimately fell. Dao Ji led the entire army back from Licheng. The court elevated him to the position of Minister of Works, and he kept his former titles of Chief, Consultant, Commander, and Governor. He subsequently returned to oversee the defense of Xunyang.
Tan Daoji had made great achievements in the previous dynasty, and he held great prestige. All of his trusted subordinates were seasoned warriors, and his sons were also very talented. The court both feared and was suspicious of him. Emperor Wen of Song had been in poor health for many years, often in critical condition. Prince Pengcheng, Liu Yikang, worried that after the emperor's death, Tan Daoji would be hard to control. In the twelfth year of his reign, as the emperor's condition worsened and northern tribes invaded the border, the court called Tan Daoji to the capital. Upon Tan Daoji's arrival, the emperor put him to the test.
In the spring of the thirteenth year, the court planned to allow Tan Daoji to return to his post, but he had already boarded a ship. However, the Emperor's condition suddenly worsened, so he was summoned back to the palace and handed over to the judicial department for processing his case. The Emperor issued a decree saying, "Tan Daoji, you attained your high position through opportunism and luck. In the past, I have shown you great special treatment that no one else can match. However, you have never appreciated my special treatment, and instead of thinking about how to repay me, you have harbored doubts and disloyalty for a long time. Since the Yuanjia period, your suspicions and obstruction of the court have become increasingly serious. Your disloyal and unjust actions, along with your deceit, have long been known far and wide. Xie Lingyun harbors treacherous intentions and speaks in a crude manner, yet you have protected and tolerated him. You have also secretly spread money, recruited criminals, colluded with fugitives, and constantly sought opportunities to plot rebellion. General Zhenjun Wang Zhongde has repeatedly reported your actions to me when he entered the capital. I have tolerated your actions due to your high position and importance to the court, hoping you would mend your ways. However, you have remained obstinate, and your crimes have only escalated. Taking advantage of my illness, you have conspired. Former Southern Barbarian Army Participating Officer Pang Yanzu has all the evidence against you and has secretly reported to me. As a high-ranking minister of the court, your crimes are utterly unforgivable! Furthermore, your crimes are so serious! Therefore, you are handed over to the judicial department for proper punishment. Only your crimes will be investigated; no one else will be held accountable."
Therefore, the court arrested Tan Daoji and his son, Minister of the Yellow Gate Tan Zhi, Situ Congshi Zhonglang Tan Can, Taizi Sheren Tan Xi, Zhengbei Zhubu Tan Chengbo, Mishu Lang Tan Zun, and eight others, all of whom were beheaded at the Court of Judicial Review. They also arrested Sikong Canjun Xue Tong, who was executed in Jiankang. They sent Shangshu Kubu Lang Gu Zhongwen and Jianwu General Mao Heng to Xunyang to arrest Tan Daoji's sons Tan Yi, Tan Yong, Tan Yan, and Sikong Canjun Gao Jinzhi, all of whom were executed. Xue Tong and Gao Jinzhi were both close confidants of Tan Daoji, with exceptional martial skills, and were compared to Zhang Fei and Guan Yu at the time. When Tan Daoji was first arrested, he took off his hat, knocked his head on the ground, and said, "You have destroyed your Great Wall!" Only Tan Ru, the son of Tan Yong, was pardoned and appointed to serve in the court during the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song. The historical records say: Those who wear hats and travel from their hometowns to serve as officials face a difficult and dangerous path. Therefore, many talented individuals in ancient times hesitated between serving in the government and living in seclusion, struggling at the crossroads of life. If they bear significant responsibilities and receive the favor of the monarch, even when they hold high office and wield great power, they can remain unfazed by honor or disgrace, be indifferent to fame and fortune, and not be preoccupied with life and death. As for those two gentlemen, when they received the emperor's instructions in the West Hall and knelt down to receive their orders, if they could die and come back to life, they would definitely fulfill their mission without hesitation.
When the time is ripe, they have the chance to stabilize the situation, deter those with ulterior motives, aiming to eliminate future threats and avert disaster, but the prince was alarmed, and the Prince of Huai subsequently fell ill. If they had prioritized the nation's safety, their actions would have been viewed differently. Unfortunately, Pengcheng did not experience an event like the assassination of the prince in Yan State, but a tragedy did occur with the murder of Chu Ying. Even if someone like Kun Yan were to handle it, the outcome would still be uncertain. Xie Hui's statement, "Do not inform the ruler about the traitor's message," is so insightful!
