Liu Muzhi, courtesy name Daohe, was from Juxian, Dongguan. His ancestors were descendants of Liu Fei, King Dao of Qi during the Han Dynasty, and they lived in Jingkou for generations. From a young age, he enjoyed reading the "Book of Documents" and "Zuo Zhuan," and his extensive knowledge and wide-ranging experience earned him the recognition of Jiang Ai, the Tai Shou of Jiyang. At that time, Jiang Ai was serving as the General of Jianwu and the Governor of Langye, and he brought Liu Muzhi on as his registrar.
When Liu Muzhi was young, he once dreamt of sailing on the sea with his ancestor Liu Yu when a sudden storm struck, frightening him. Looking down into the water, he saw two white dragons guarding on each side. Later, when the ship reached the foot of a mountain with towering peaks and lush trees, he felt immense joy. After Liu Yu captured the capital of Jiankang, he inquired of He Wuji, "I urgently need a registrar, where can I find one?" He Wuji replied, "No one is more suitable than Liu Daomin." Liu Yu said, "I have also heard of him." So he immediately sent for Liu Muzhi. At that time, Liu Muzhi heard the bustling noise in the capital and went out to the street in the morning, and happened upon a messenger. Liu Muzhi fixed his gaze on the messenger in silence for a long moment. After a while, he returned home, changed into his formal robes, and went to pay respects to Liu Yu. Liu Yu said to him, "I have just started the uprising and am in a difficult period, and we need capable military officers. Who do you think would be a good fit?" Liu Muzhi replied, "Your mansion has just been established, and indeed, we need capable military officers, but the situation is urgent now. We should prioritize the overall situation and not delay important matters because of trivial issues." Liu Yu smiled and said, "With your modesty and caution, half of my success is assured!" So he immediately appointed him to an official position.
After Liu Yuping stabilized the capital, he had just arrived in Jiangning, and many important matters needed to be dealt with immediately, with Liu Muzhi assisting in making those decisions. Liu Yuping trusted him very much and sought his advice on various matters; Liu Muzhi also devoted himself wholeheartedly without reservation. At that time, the rule of the Eastern Jin Dynasty was relatively lax, with weak enforcement of laws and regulations. Some powerful families exploited their influence to oppress the common people, causing hardship in their lives and leaving them with nowhere to seek justice. In addition, Sima Yuanxian's decrees were chaotic, and Huan Xuan's regulations were complex. Based on the actual situation at that time, Liu Muzhi adapted policies flexibly, and within less than ten days, there was a significant change in the social atmosphere. Later, he was promoted to the position of Lang in the Ministry of Rites, then served as the Chief Registrar of the Prefecture, and also served as a military officer in charge of recording affairs, and as the Prefect of Tangyi. In recognition of his contributions to quelling Huan Xuan, he was titled as the Fifth Rank Son of Xihua County.
In the year 407 AD, the Governor of Yangzhou, Wang Mi, passed away. At that time, Emperor Gaozu, Liu Yuping, was preparing to go to Yangzhou for his new post, but Liu Yi and others opposed his appointment, so they discussed appointing the Middle Army Commander Xie Hun as the Governor of Yangzhou. Others suggested that Emperor Gaozu temporarily oversee the affairs of Dantu (present-day Zhenjiang, Jiangsu) and leave the court affairs to the Minister of Works, Meng Chang. So, the Right Assistant Minister of Works, Pi Shen, was sent with these two options to ask for Emperor Gaozu's opinion.
Pi Shen first visited Xie An's nephew, Xie Hui (Muzhi), and told him in detail about the discussions in the court. Xie Hui pretended to get up and go to the toilet, then discreetly wrote a confidential letter to Emperor Gaozu, stating, "Pi Shen just arrived; his words should be disregarded." After meeting with Pi Shen, Emperor Gaozu sent him away, then called Xie Hui and asked him, "What do you mean by saying we shouldn't listen to Pi Shen?"
Xie Hui said, "In the past, the politics of the Eastern Jin Dynasty had been a mess for a long time. In addition, with Huan Xuan seizing the throne, the mandate of heaven has already shifted. You (referring to the founder) have restored the royal family and the country; your achievements are great enough to be remembered for generations. Since you have made such great contributions, you should hold a position of power that matches your contributions. But having a high position and power isn’t a sustainable plan. In your current position, how can you stay humble and be satisfied as just a local governor? People like Liu Yi and Meng Chang, just like you did, started as commoners and fought for the greater good, hoping to assist the monarch in establishing achievements and gaining wealth. There is a sequence of events, so when they praised your achievements at that time, they were not sincerely submitting to you and establishing the ruler-subject relationship. When power is balanced and positions are equal, conflicts are bound to arise. Yangzhou is the backbone of the country and can't be handed over to anyone else. Previously handing it over to Wang Mi was merely a stopgap, not a lasting solution! If it is handed over to someone else now, you'll be at the mercy of others. Once you lose power, you will never be able to regain it. With your great achievements and high position, you cannot easily ignore them. If doubts and fears mix, various factions will emerge; have you not thought about the future dangers? This is what people are talking about in court; you need to respond wisely and keep control of the situation, come up with solid reasons to say no. You should say, 'Governing a country must start from the fundamentals; the position of prime minister is crucial, the rise and fall of the country depends on it, it should be chosen carefully. This matter is very important and should not be decided lightly; it’d be best to head back to court first and discuss everyone's opinions together.' When you get to the capital, they won’t dare to go around you; that's pretty clear!" The founder accepted his advice and then entered the court to assist in governance.
Liu Yu was engaged in campaigns against Guanggu and also resisted Lu Xun's rebellion. Xie Mu remained in the court, advising and strategizing to resolve various issues. Liu Yu and a few others were somewhat uneasy about Xie Mu's close ties with him, so they often indirectly suggested to Liu Yu that Xie Mu had too much power. Consequently, Liu Yu grew to trust Xie Mu even more. Xie Mu meticulously reported all kinds of news, both big and small, to Liu Yu. He even detailed gossip from neighbors and minor incidents on the street. Each time, Liu Yu received secret information from the people, which made him appear wise, though it was really Xie Mu's doing.
Xie Mu had a penchant for socializing, and his house was always full of guests. He spun a web of connections, gathering various information, so he knew almost everything in the court and among the common people. Even regarding private conflicts among Liu Yu's close associates, Xie Mu reported them truthfully. Some criticized Xie Mu for being overly chatty, but he said, "Having received Your Majesty's favor, I must report honestly, much like how Zhang Liao advised Guan Yu to betray." Xie Mu helped manage Liu Yu's various actions. If Liu Yu's handwriting was poor, Xie Mu would suggest, "Although this is a small matter, it needs to be conveyed to the people, so I hope you can pay a little attention." Although Liu Yu wished to improve, he struggled, so Xie Mu advised, "Then write in large characters—one character per square foot; there's nothing wrong with that. Larger characters can convey more content, and they also look better." After listening to his advice, Liu Yu would fill a page with just six or seven characters. Xie Mu recommended talents fairly and without favoritism, always stating, "While I may not be as adept at recommending talents as Xun Lingjun, I will never endorse the unworthy."
Xie Mu and Zhu Lingshi were both responsible for handling Liu Yu's letters, often replying together in front of Liu Yu. From morning to noon, Xie Mu could receive more than a hundred letters, Zhu Lingshi could receive more than eighty, but Xie Mu could handle them calmly and in an orderly manner. Later, Xie Mu was promoted to the position of Grand Marshal of the Central Army, and eight years later, he was appointed as the Intendant of Danyang.
When Emperor Gaozu marched west against Liu Yi, he appointed Zhuge Changmin to stay in the capital and handle all rear affairs. Emperor Gaozu felt that Zhuge Changmin alone might not be able to handle it, so he left Mu Zhi to assist him, promoting him to a higher rank and providing him with manpower and resources. Zhuge Changmin harbored rebellious intentions but was hesitant to take action. So he dismissed the attendants and said to Mu Zhi, "Many people are saying that the Grand Commandant (referring to Emperor Gaozu) is dissatisfied with me. What’s going on?" Mu Zhi replied, "You are now on a distant expedition, yet you have left your elderly mother and young children in the capital. If anything goes wrong in the rear you left behind, how will you explain it?" Upon hearing Mu Zhi's words, Zhuge Changmin felt slightly reassured. Upon Emperor Gaozu's return, Zhuge Changmin was executed.
Ten years later, Mu Zhi was promoted to General, and the court allocated him ten thousand bolts of cloth and three million cash annually. Eleven years later, Emperor Gaozu marched west against Sima Xiuzhi, and General Dao Lian was in charge of staying behind, but all major and minor matters were decided by Mu Zhi. Mu Zhi was promoted to Right Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat, in charge of selecting officials, while the positions of generals and intendants remained. Twelve years later, Emperor Gaozu marched north, leaving the Crown Prince as General of the Central Army to supervise the residence of the Grand Commandant, while Mu Zhi was promoted to Left Deputy Director, responsible for overseeing military affairs of the two army offices, with the positions of generals, intendants, and selection of officials remaining. He also had fifty armored guards to freely enter and exit the palace and resided in the eastern city.
Mu Zhi oversaw political affairs at court and was responsible for military matters outside. He handled things quickly and decisively, never delaying. There was a steady stream of guests who came to visit, each with various demands that he had to attend to. Documents piled up both in the office and at home, but he could quickly read through them, approve memorials, and handle various tasks in an orderly manner without any chaos. Even with a constant flow of guests, he remained energetic and never showed signs of fatigue. In his spare time, he personally copied books, read classics, and proofread documents. He lived a luxurious life, insisting on having a table a zhang long filled for meals and preparing food for ten people for breakfast every day. Mu Zhi enjoyed entertaining guests and never dined alone. If there were fewer than ten guests during mealtime, the usual amount of food would still be prepared, as it was his habit. He once told the emperor, "My family was originally poor, and there were many shortcomings in life. Since taking office, although I have been very frugal, daily expenses still slightly exceed the standard. Besides, I have never taken a single cent for myself." Thirteen years later, Mu Zhi fell seriously ill, and the emperor sent a loyal court official to visit him. In November, Mu Zhi passed away at the age of fifty-eight.
The emperor was shocked and deeply saddened when he heard about this in Chang'an, and he couldn't recover for several days. He had originally planned to rush to Guanzhong to properly reorganize the affairs of the Zhao and Wei states. However, with Mu Zhi gone, there was suddenly no one to oversee the affairs of the capital, so he hurried back to Pengcheng. He had Sima Xuanzhi replace Mu Zhi to continue handling the remaining matters, and important decisions that used to be made by consulting Mu Zhi now had to be confirmed with his old subordinates in the north. Originally, there were a total of twenty thousand officials and military personnel in the former Military Department, with three thousand allocated to Xuanzhi to support the establishment of the Jianwei Mansion, while the rest were under the management of the Central Military Department of the Heir Apparent. Later, Mu Zhi was posthumously honored as a Cavalier Attendant, Guard General, and appointed as a Deputy of the Three Excellencies.
And that's how things unfolded.
The Emperor also wrote a memorial to the emperor, saying: "I have heard that honoring the wise and capable and commending good deeds are the primary responsibilities of an emperor in governing the country; remembering achievements and commending those who have made contributions is in accordance with righteousness and embodies the virtue of honoring our predecessors. Therefore, the officials of the Ministry of Rites, acting on the emperor's orders, are diligently working to ensure that these achievements are recorded. Those of noble character, even after their passing, will have their achievements shine even brighter. Our Minister of Works, the former General Mu Zhi, began as a commoner. He has been wholeheartedly assisting Emperor Yi Xi, offering counsel within the court and diligently managing government affairs outside it, devoting himself wholeheartedly to military matters. He was later promoted to significant positions in the court, eventually serving as the Intendant of the Capital Region, assisting the new king and helping the officials in handling government affairs. During a recent military expedition, he took charge of the overall situation and stabilized the rear. His efforts to pacify the people have been widely recognized by both the court and the populace. He is poised to promote the prosperity of the court and solidify this era of peace, with his achievements nearing completion. People from near and far are lamenting his situation. The emperor has already commended him; his achievements are on par with those wise ministers in history, and he has already been greatly honored and favored."
Upon careful reflection, when Emperor Yixi just began his reign, the country faced numerous difficulties and dangers, with significant external threats and complex internal conflicts. At that time, the country was in turmoil, with hardly a year of peace. My abilities are limited, yet I carry the heavy burden of responsibility for the country. I managed to successfully complete various tasks, all thanks to the assistance and help of Muzhi. He not only put forward many honest opinions and valuable suggestions that benefited the people, but he also frequently offered loyal advice and long-term strategies, planning carefully and discreetly. Many of his clever strategies often went unnoticed by us. Many of his contributions are often found in the mundane details of daily life, and some things are difficult to describe in detail due to the passage of time. In short, he served the country for decades, achieved remarkable success, and never let the court down, whether in military expeditions or assisting the court. Without Muzhi's assistance by my side, I would not have been able to accomplish these things at all. He is humble and cautious, leading a simple life, and the more he lived simply, the nobler his character seemed. Every time the court discussed rewards and titles, he always firmly declined. Therefore, despite his great merits, he has never received the recognition he deserves. I have always felt a sense of guilt about this; how could I let him remain unrecognized? I believe he should be posthumously elevated to a higher official rank, and his title should be posthumously bestowed, so that he receives the recognition he deserves, and his good deeds will be forever remembered, and his loyal and upright character will be immortalized. Our bond is strong, having experienced the changes of the country's rise and fall together. Therefore, I will present my thoughts to the court."
As a result, the court posthumously appointed Muzhi as the Palace Attendant and Minister of State, and granted him the title of Marquis of Nanchang County, with a fief of 1,500 households.
After Liu Bang became the emperor, he thought about rewarding those great meritorious officials who helped him establish his rule, and issued an imperial decree. The decree stated: "Liu Muzhi, who previously served as Chamberlain and Minister of Personnel, and was titled Marquis of Nanchang, had great foresight and wisdom, laid the foundation for the establishment of the dynasty, made significant contributions, and was also known for his integrity. Now that the world is peaceful and the borders are stable, I often think of him and feel deep sorrow. I hereby posthumously confer upon him the title of Duke of Nankang, granting him a fief of three thousand households." "Also, Wang Zhen'e, who previously served as Left General and Governor of Qingzhou, achieved remarkable victories in the campaigns of Jingzhou and Yingzhou, pacified rebellions, and made notable contributions during the Northern Expedition, rivaling those of the renowned ancient general Fang Shu. Considering his hard work for the country, I will always remember his contributions. I hereby posthumously appoint him as Marquis of Longyang County, granting him a fief of one thousand five hundred households." Later, Liu Muzhi was later posthumously honored with the title "Duke Wenxuan." In the ninth year of Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty, the memorial tablets of Liu Muzhi were placed in the Temple of the Ancestors; in April of the twenty-fifth year of Emperor Wen, while passing by Liu Muzhi's tomb during an inspection in Jiangning, the emperor issued another imperial decree. The decree stated: "Liu Muzhi, former Chamberlain, Minister of Personnel, and Duke of Nankang Wenxuan, was of noble character, assisted the emperor in establishing a great enterprise, had profound strategies, made significant contributions, his achievements were recorded in history, his loyalty and righteousness were written in the classics, he became a role model for future generations. Passing by here this time, I specially came to pay respects to his tomb, thinking of him resting underground, my heart is heavy with sorrow. I shall send people to his tomb to pay their respects, to express my lasting remembrance and deep admiration for him."
The Mu family had three sons, the eldest called Lü Zhi, who reached the rank of Assistant Cavalry Officer of the Left Guard before passing away. His son Yong then inherited the title. Previously, when a county became a feudal state, local officials such as the Interior Minister and Prime Minister had to bow to the ruler, but their authority ended as soon as they left office. It wasn't until the Xiaojian era during the reign of Emperor Shizu that this system was changed, with lower-ranking officials now bowing and greeting their superiors. King Xin of Hedong had once served as the Prime Minister of Nankang State and had always looked down on Liu Yong. Later, Xin and Yong attended a court banquet together and sat next to each other. Liu Yong was particularly fond of drinking alcohol, so he said to Xin, "When you saw me before, I was your subordinate, but now we are equals. You can't possibly not offer me a drink, can you?" Xin replied with a song by Sun Hao, "I used to be your superior, but now we are equals. I won't offer you a drink, nor do I wish you a long life." Liu Yong had an unusual habit of eating scabs, believing they tasted like abalone. Once he visited Meng Lingxiu, who had just undergone cauterization, and the scab fell off onto the bed. Liu Yong picked it up and ate it, startling Meng Lingxiu. Liu Yong said, "This is the taste I like!" Meng Lingxiu peeled off all the scabs still on his body and gave them to Liu Yong to eat. After Liu Yong left, Meng Lingxiu wrote to He Xu, "Liu Yong just came to see me and ate my scab, causing me to bleed profusely!" Nankang State had about two hundred officials who, whether guilty or not, were regularly whipped. The scabs from these whip wounds were often used as ingredients in cooking. After Liu Yong's death, his son Rong inherited the title. In the fourth year of Daming, Rong was stripped of his title and fief for cutting his wife with a knife, and his brother Biao inherited the title. After the Qi dynasty usurped the throne, the Liu family was reduced to the rank of Marquis of Nankang County, with a fief of one thousand households.
Liu Shizhi, courtesy name Yanshu, was a person who understood the I Ching and enjoyed making friends. He had a successful career, rising through the ranks and holding positions such as Military Advisor to the Chancellor, Gentleman of the Palace in the Crown Prince's Residence, and Minister of the Imperial Family. He also served as General of Ning and Shuo, as well as Prefect of Xuancheng and Huainan. However, during his time in office, he was corrupt, exploiting the people and amassing wealth, causing chaos. The Governor of Yangzhou, Wang Hong, sent officials to investigate him. The officials sent by Wang Hong conducted thorough investigations in order to expose Liu Shizhi's crimes. When Liu Shizhi called the officials to him, he said, "Go back and tell Governor Wang that I, Liu Shizhi, have made some contributions to the country. Even if I stole millions of money, so what? Besides, I didn't steal anything! All the officials, people, and documents are here!" The official went back and reported Liu Shizhi's words to Wang Hong. After hearing this, Wang Hong sighed and said, "Liu Shizhi's ability to defend himself is truly impressive!" Wang Hong dismissed the case due to Liu Shizhi's words. Later, Liu Shizhi was appointed as General of the Right Commandant of the Crown Prince, General of the Left Guard, and Prefect of Wu. After his death, the court posthumously honored him with the title of General Who Subdues the Barbarians. He had followed the army to campaign in Guanzhong and Luoyang; for his military achievements, he was granted the title of Fifth-Rank Marquis of Deyang. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title Marquis Gong. His eldest son, Liu Ai, served as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate during the early reign of Emperor Wen of Jin. Liu Ai's younger brother, Liu Yan, served as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate during the late reign of Emperor Daoming of Jin and was later exiled to serve as the Interior Minister of Yuzhang. When Prince Xun of Jin staged a rebellion and declared himself emperor, Liu Yan was appointed as the Central Protectorate General. However, after Xun's forces were defeated, Liu Yan was also executed.
Liu Yan's younger brother Liu Yu, whose courtesy name was Maolin, was talented from a young age and was held in high regard by Emperor Jin. When Wang Jun was serving in Nanxuzhou, Liu Yu was appointed as a subordinate historian and was greatly trusted by Wang Jun. Liu Yu had a somewhat arrogant disposition and was intolerant of anyone excelling him. At that time, a junior military officer named Gu Mai served under Wang Jun, who, while somewhat frivolous, was quite capable. Wang Jun highly valued him and sought his counsel on numerous confidential matters. To curry favor with Gu Mai, Liu Yu went to great lengths to ingratiate himself, even disclosing personal matters about his family to him. Gu Mai believed he shared a close bond with Liu Yu and trusted him implicitly. Gu Mai told Liu Yu about the confidential information Wang Jun had shared with him. One day, they were drinking together in the archery hall when Liu Yu suddenly asked his attendants to bring him a robe and headscarf. Gu Mai asked him why, and Liu Yu said, "You treat me like family; we have no secrets between us, but you leaked information to others, making it known to everyone. As your subordinate, how can I not report this?" He then reported the matter to Wang Jun. Wang Jun, enraged, reported Gu Mai to Emperor Jin and had him reassigned to Guangzhou. While in Guangzhou, Gu Mai became involved in Xiao Jian's rebellion and fully committed himself to assisting him, ultimately dying alongside Xiao Jian.
Shen Yue initially served as a junior official, later appointed as the Governor of Huainan. In the twenty-ninth year of the Yuanjia era, he was promoted to General of Ningyuan and Inspector of Yizhou. Following a political upheaval, he was appointed Inspector of Qingzhou. Upon hearing the news, Shen Yue promptly raised an army and sent his resources to Jingzhou. After Emperor Song ascended to the throne, he called Shen Yue back to court to serve as the Deputy Imperial Historian.
When he returned to Jiangling, he found himself in the midst of Prince Liu Yixuan of Nanjun's rebellion. Shen Yue strongly advised against it, his words were heartfelt. Liu Yixuan appointed him as the Left Sima under the Prime Minister, and they set off for Liangshan together. Shen Yue was still wearing Shu clothing and traveled on Shu boats, while Liu Yixuan's old subordinates secretly fled to the official army from Liangshan. Later on, Shen Yue was appointed as the Left Chief Historian. The following year, he was promoted to Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Shen Yue was upright and uncompromising, and he excelled in his work at the Ministry of Justice. He criticized Wang Sengda, stating, "Wang Sengda relies on his illustrious family background to obtain high positions and great wealth, but his personal abilities are mediocre and incompetent." Court officials feared his sharp criticism. Soon after, he was promoted to Right Guard General. Shen Yue hoped to become an attendant, but his wish was not granted. He told his relatives and friends, "When holding an official position, either do it properly or leave; how can one remain stuck in the middle?" So he requested to go to Yizhou. Emperor Xiaozong understood his intentions and granted his request. In the third year of Xiaojian, Shen Yue was appointed as the Assistant General of the State and the Governor of Yizhou. However, he was unhappy after assuming office. After arriving in Jiangling, he wrote a letter to Yan Jun saying, "The Zhu Xiuzhi family has been a rebel for three generations, but now he occupies Jingzhou, in a magnificent tent, putting on airs like Xie An, and having the General use a long knife to guide me to sit under his seat. What am I supposed to do? I fear even the Xiongnu will scorn the Han Dynasty!" That same year, Shen Yue was dismissed from office for taking another man's wife as a concubine.
In the first year of the Ming Dynasty, Shen Yue was reappointed as the Prefect of Dongyang. The following year, he was promoted to Prefect of Wuxing. The court attendant He Yan once commented, "Shen Yue's position and reputation do not match." Shen Yue shouted in anger, "How do my position and reputation not match!" and cut ties with He Yan. Later, Shen Yue served as the Minister of Personnel, still harboring resentment. His cousin Shen Xiu became the Governor of Danyang, and Shen Yue wrote to his relatives and friends, saying, "Our rough-looking cousin Shen Xiu is serving in Liu An's territory. Is the court really that short on talent?" That same year, Shen Yue fell seriously ill with a carbuncle, while He Yan had a back abscess. When Shen Yue heard that He Yan had died, he was ecstatic and shouted with joy, and shortly after passed away himself, was posthumously honored with the title "Gangzi." His son Shen Juan served as the Deputy Prefect of Southern Xuzhou, while his brother Shen Cang served as the Deputy Minister of Personnel.
The youngest son of the Mu family, named Zhenzhi, served as the Yellow Gate Attendant in the Palace Secretariat, and later as the Right Commander of the Crown Prince’s Imperial Guard. He eventually rose to the position of General of Ning Shuo and Interior Minister of Jiangxia, dying in office. His son, named Pou, served as the Magistrate of Shixing County, but was thrown in Dongye Jail for corruption and bribery. The daughter of the Mu family married a man named Cai You from Jiyang, and they struggled financially in their old age. Later, the Emperor Shizu took pity on Cai You's grandson, who was serving as a military officer, and appointed him as the Prefect of Shi'an, taking care of their family.
The youngest son of the Mu family, Zhenzhi, rose through the ranks, starting as the Yellow Gate Official of the Central Secretariat, then becoming the Right Guard General to the Crown Prince, later serving as the General of Ning and the Governor of Jiangxia, and finally passing away while in office. His son, Piao, became the Magistrate of Shixing County, but unfortunately, he was later imprisoned in Dongye Prison for corruption and bribery, which is truly unfortunate. The daughter of the Mu family married Cai You of Jiyang, but in their old age, they lived in poverty, which is quite sad. Later, the Emperor Shizu considered that Cai You's grandson was serving as a military officer in the court, so he promoted him to be the Prefect of Shi'an, which could be seen as a kind gesture towards their family.
Wang Hong, styled Xiuyuan, was from Langya Linyi. His great-grandfather Wang Dao was the Prime Minister of the Jin Dynasty, his grandfather Wang Qia served as the Commander of the Central Army, and his father Wang Xun once held the position of Minister of Works. Wang Hong was passionate about learning from a young age, was known for his integrity and modesty, and was on good terms with Xie Hun, the Minister of Works. Around the age of twenty, he served as the Chief Clerk to the General of Chariots and Cavalry for King Kuaiji, Sima Daozi.
At that time, agricultural production stagnated, but forced labor became heavier. Wang Rang believed that the garrison farming system should be established, so he wrote a memorial to state his suggestions. He said, "Regarding the recent matter of establishing garrisons that you consulted me about, I have carefully considered it. Now is an excellent opportunity for agricultural development that we must seize. We should urge the agricultural officials to work hard on farming and aim for a bountiful harvest. However, the treasury is facing severe shortages of funds and labor, making allocation challenging. Even with strict measures, all it does is increase the prison population without addressing the underlying issues. I found that in the southern smelting factories, hundreds of officials were recruited; although they were provided with food, their income was very low. I believe that if we redirect these individuals to agricultural work, we could see a hundredfold increase in productivity. Of course, the military's arms and equipment must still be produced by the smelting factories and cannot be completely abolished. I suggest keeping one large smelting factory in Tongguan and one small smelting factory in the capital, increasing their production tasks according to the standards of Yangzhou. This way, we can meet the state's metal requirements, and the other smelting factories can be shut down, with all manpower used for agricultural production. I also suggest that two departments establish officials in charge of the military in the fields, recruiting people from mountainous and lake areas according to the ratio of personnel recruited by the smelting factories. These measures will protect private interests while benefiting the state. Personnel arrangements, leave rotations, and food supply quantities can all be managed by the officials in their respective departments. The departments directly in charge must manage meticulously, and Clerk Ban Shuicao from the Eastern Office would also be well-suited for this role. This person is very capable and fully competent. In recent years, garrison work has been lax and neglected, leaving fields barren and granaries empty, all for this reason. Although I am inexperienced, I have been promoted and trusted by you. How can I possibly ignore these pressing issues? As for whether my suggestions are feasible, I ask you to judge based on your foresight and wisdom. If my suggestions are accepted, I hope you can implement them quickly so that the people can work diligently in the fields, the granaries can be filled, society can remain stable and orderly, and you can enjoy peace."
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Sima Daozi wanted to promote him to be a Yellow Gate Attendant, but Wang Hong's father, Wang Xun, believed he was too young and firmly declined. Xie An's son, Xie Hong, had a particular fondness for saving money, and the family's wealth was dispersed among the common folk. After Xie An's death, Xie Hong burned all the IOUs, not asking for a single cent; he left all the family's property to his younger brothers. Before Xie An's burial, General Sima Yuanxian appointed him as a military advisor, with the title of Ningyuan General, to oversee administrative matters. Xie Hong resolutely declined and did not accept. Xie Shi arranged for him to be a military advisor again, with the title of Jianwei General, to manage the central army. Xie Hong still resolutely declined. At that time, chaos reigned both inside and outside the court, and many people couldn't grieve properly during the funerals, but Xie Hong was determined to see the funeral through. Later, Huan Xuan captured the capital, arrested Xie Shi, and handed him over to the Tingwei, terrifying the ministers and officials to the point where they dared not even glance. At that time, Xie Hong was still in mourning, yet he knelt alone by the roadside, kowtowing to Xie Shi while weeping as he pulled the cart. Everyone held his actions in great admiration.
When Liu Yu was appointed as General of the Guard, he was called to serve as a military advisor. Due to his achievements, he was granted the title of Marquis of Huarong County of the fifth class, and later promoted to Grand Marshal of Langye, serving as Chief Clerk. He was then appointed as General of Ningyuan, Minister of Internal Affairs of Langye, Director of the Ministry of Personnel, and Prefect of Yuzhang. During the rebellion led by Lu Xun, who attacked counties such as Nankang, Xie Hong fled to Xunyang County. Liu Yu then appointed him as Military Advisor to the Central Army, and later promoted him to Right Chief Clerk under the Grand Marshal, and then transferred him to serve as Interior Minister of Wu. In the eleventh year of the Yixi era, the court summoned him to serve as Chief Clerk to the Grand Commandant, and later promoted him to Chief Clerk of the Left. Following Liu Yu's northern expedition, the vanguard forces had already pacified Luoyang, but the court had not yet issued an edict conferring the Nine Bestowments. Xie Hong was then ordered to return to the capital and subtly convey Liu Yu's contributions to the court. At that time, Liu Muzhi was responsible for guarding the rear, but the imperial edict arrived from the north, which left Liu Muzhi feeling ashamed and fearful, leading to his illness and eventual death. After Liu Yu returned to Pengcheng, Xie Hong was appointed as Prefect of Pengcheng.
During the early years of the Song Dynasty, I was appointed as the Minister of Personnel, responsible for selecting officials, while still holding the position of magistrate as before. I accused Xie Lingyun in a memorial, saying, "I have heard that the Book of Changes teaches people to be content with their lot, while the Book of Documents warns against arrogance and cruelty. Xie Lingyun has violated these regulations and is unforgivable. The Crown Prince, Lord of Kangle County, Xie Lingyun, forced his concubine Gui Xing to commit adultery and then killed her, throwing her body into the river. This incident occurred near the capital and spread throughout the country. He should be severely punished to rectify the state of affairs. Xie Lingyun has received the emperor's favor and been promoted multiple times, so he should have known the proper etiquette and laws, but he failed to manage his own household affairs, allowing such a scandal to occur, flouting laws and regulations with impunity. If this matter is not addressed, the authority of the law will be compromised. I request the removal of Xie Lingyun from his position, the revocation of his title and lands, and his trial by the Ministry of Justice. Wang Zhun, the Minister of Justice, is responsible for overseeing all officials, yet he has turned a blind eye to this matter without any accusations. If he knew and did not correct it, it would be a case of favoritism and injustice; if he did not know, it would be a serious dereliction of duty. How can he continue to serve in the court and uphold the country's laws? I request the removal of his position and his reversion to the status of a commoner. In the past, it was not allowed to accuse officials based on rumors, but the evidence in this case is irrefutable and has spread throughout the court and the people. The supervisory officials have turned a blind eye, and other officials followed the old rules, resulting in a severe breakdown of the country's laws and discipline. In my current position, if I continue to follow the old rules, I will not be able to correct these issues, so I cannot remain silent and must take responsibility. I have breached established protocols, so I ask for Your Majesty's judgment."
Emperor Gaozu ordered, "Simply remove Xie Lingyun from his post, and manage the rest according to your memorial. You have indeed rectified the state of affairs as I expected. Don't be tied down by conventions; handle things this way from now on."
In the fourteenth year, I was appointed as the military governor of Jiangzhou, Yuzhou, Xiyang, and Xincai, as well as the General Who Calms the Military and the Inspector of Jiangzhou. After arriving in the province, I lowered taxes and streamlined labor duties, and the people enjoyed a peaceful life. In the first year of Yongchu, the emperor bestowed upon me the title of Cavalier in Regular Attendance. Because I had participated in the important matter of assisting the emperor in ascending the throne, I was granted the title of Duke of Huarong County, with a fief consisting of two thousand households. Three years later, I returned to the court; I was promoted to General of the Guards and allowed to establish a mansion, with a status equal to that of the Three Excellencies. Emperor Gaozu once said at a banquet with the ministers, "I came from humble beginnings and never dreamed I would achieve what I have today!" Fu Liang and the others wanted to write articles celebrating my achievements. I quickly replied, "This is all the work of fate; it can't be sought after or pushed away." People back then praised me for my straightforward and clear response.
In the second year of the reign of Emperor Jingping, Xu Xianzhi and others conspired to depose the emperor and summoned me into the palace. After the founding emperor ascended the throne, for my prior efforts in stabilizing the nation, my official position was promoted to Minister of State (司空), and I was granted the title of Duke of Jian'an County, with a fief of one thousand households. I declined this reward in a memorial, saying, "I heard that Zhao Wu once said that he assisted the ruler of Jin in handling state affairs and did not hide anything from the ruler of Jin. Now that I am fortunate to be highly valued in a prosperous era, although my abilities are mediocre and my achievements are few, I have not hidden anything from you. If I had known in advance about your plans, participated in the formulation of major plans, and yet my name was recorded in the book of rewards and merits, but my contributions were not recognized, then I should request to be exempted from rewards, like hiding merits behind a dragon and snake chart. How could I disobey your orders and only care about trivial matters? I have no achievements or hard work to my name, yet I am expected to be recognized, which will make talented people feel cold and those without talent feel unappreciated. The court insists on rewarding me heavily, and I accepted this reward, which has led to significant misunderstandings and a tarnished reputation. The reputation of being greedy for money pales in comparison to this. I am worried that accepting this reward has tarnished your illustrious reputation, which is what troubles me the most. Everything I have cherished in my life has been exhausted on this day, which not only disappoints the court but also my friends. I am deeply troubled and uncertain about what to do. Even ordinary friends should be honest with each other, let alone in front of a wise ruler like you; it is even more important to be reasonable. So I boldly expressed my thoughts, even willing to die for it." The emperor finally agreed to my request. He then further appointed me as Envoy with Imperial Authority and Palace Attendant, changed my surveillance to Commander, and my official position was promoted to Grand General of Cavalry and Chariots, with the positions of Chief and Provincial Governor remaining the same as before.
Xu Xianzhi and others were facing execution for the crimes of deposing the emperor and murdering the previous emperor. Hong was not the mastermind behind this affair, and his younger brother Tan Shou was held in high regard and favored by the emperor. As the situation was about to be revealed, he discreetly sent someone to notify Hong. After Xu Xianzhi and the others were killed, the emperor summoned Hong to serve as Palace Attendant, Minister of Works, and Governor of Yangzhou, entrusted him with the documents of the Imperial Secretariat, and assigned him thirty guards armed with swords. When the emperor launched a western campaign against Xie Hui, Hong and General of Chariots and Cavalry, Prince Yikang of Pengcheng, remained in the capital to defend it, staying at the Imperial Secretariat, and whenever they went out, they were accompanied by armed escorts, creating an imposing presence. The Minister of Works wielded considerable power, and a military advisor was specifically appointed to assist with governmental affairs.
In the spring of the fifth year, during a severe drought, Hong voluntarily resigned, stating: "I have heard that although the heavens, earth, and people are different, their fundamental principles are the same. Thus, a good social atmosphere brings blessings, while political issues lead to disasters. I've also heard that key ministers assisting the emperor should act with reason, assist the emperor in governing the country, and harmonize yin and yang. Positions are obtained through virtue, which ensures the country will be peaceful and prosperous; if the person in the position lacks virtue, disasters will befall. Chen Ping resigned to evade responsibility, while Bing Ji halted his efforts out of concern for overworking the ox. These are the principles followed by rulers of all ages; they are the common will of heaven and man. Your Majesty governs the world with wisdom and insight, restoring the prosperity of the country; there should be auspicious signs and peace throughout the land. However, there has recently been a disruption in the balance of yin and yang, severe droughts have occurred, there have been no frosts in the autumn, no snow in the winter, and epidemics have spread, lasting for four seasons. Isn't this because of improper personnel decisions leading to disasters? I am mediocre in ability, of humble origin, but fortunately encountered a prosperous era, receiving your grace in the past. You have overlooked my insignificance, yet you have entrusted me with a great responsibility now. I hold a high position, leading the entire country, enjoying wealth and status unparalleled by anyone. Even those with both virtue and talent may struggle, let alone someone as mediocre as I. This reasoning is straightforward; no further explanation is needed. However, when I first took office, the country was in crisis, with continuous border conflicts. I was so focused on serving the country that I neglected to consider the long-term safety of the nation. Later, when the Western Xia was pacified, I wanted to resign. Most people only care about their comfort, taking life one day at a time; I genuinely appreciate the emperor's grace, yet I never resigned. Before I knew it, three years have passed, and my mistakes have inflicted suffering on the people. This has tarnished the court's reputation and deepened my guilt. I feel deeply ashamed and profoundly uneasy; although I am making this bold request, how can I be at ease? Leaving for a while and coming back, as the Book of Changes also says, a small punishment serves as a big warning, benefiting people. I humbly request to return to my post, not daring to ask for much, only hoping for your forgiveness. Now that I have just returned to my post and the court ceremony has ended, I want to return home, reflect on my mistakes, hoping to slightly reduce heavenly punishment and minimize gossip. I hope Your Majesty can empathize with my plight and grant my request. I am deeply ashamed, struggling to express all the thoughts in my heart."
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It is said that Liu Yikang, the Prince of Pengcheng, was serving as the Inspector of Jingzhou and stationed in Jiangling. The county magistrate of Pinglu, a man from Henan named Cheng Can, wrote a letter to Liu Yikang, saying: "I have heard that governing a country and establishing education must be based on the current situation; the rise and fall of dynasties is closely tied to this. Power rests with those in charge, and it won't be handed down through family ties. Thus, during the Zhou Dynasty, individuals from different surnames could also ascend to kingship. Important powers were entrusted to two ministers from Nanyang in the past, which was a wise strategy of the past and remains a clear trend today. You are now in a high position of power, respected by everyone; you work day and night tirelessly, with accomplishments vast and unmatched. You oversee all officials, manage the capital region, and your achievements are immense. The heavens favor the humble; perhaps you should consider stepping back. The General of Cavalry, the Prince of Pengcheng, is both talented and virtuous, the emperor's brother, and a member of the imperial family. He should be given priority consideration to guard the borders, bringing honor to the kingdoms of Lu and Wei. If you focus on governance and harmonizing yin and yang, peace will prevail and disasters will be averted; your fortunes will flourish like those of the Great Song Dynasty, your lifespan will be as long as the immortal pine trees, and your name will be remembered for generations, isn't that good?" With the encouragement from Cheng Can's letter, Liu Yikang submitted a petition to the court for a demotion, ultimately becoming the General of the Guards and receiving the title of Three Excellencies.
Six years later, Hong submitted a memorial saying, "I have heard that in the Zhou Dynasty, it was a shining example of a person from a different surname ascending to the throne; relatives should not hold positions of power in the imperial court, as this is the foundation of national governance. Therefore, the Spring and Autumn Annals praises Lord Changteng of the State of Lu, while the State of Chu abandoned Lord Qi, which serves as a lesson from the past dynasty. Moreover, my relatives possess noble virtues, shining brightly for a while, neglecting local governance and court affairs, but allowing those of humble origins and superficial, ostentatious ministers to surpass established norms, hold important positions, and participate in political decision-making. How can this align with the ancient principles of effective governance? General Yikang of the Cavalry possesses profound talent and noble virtues, governing the Jianghan region and bringing prosperity to Jingnan; the people all support him and are willing to serve the country, much like Zhou Dan of the Zhou Dynasty; his abilities are well understood by all. Although the responsibility of overseeing a region is significant, compared to Yikang, it seems much lighter. I have received imperial favor and been promoted too quickly, which makes me feel ashamed of the imperial grace, failing to live up to the emperor's expectations and unable to handle public and private affairs well, truly having no redeeming qualities. In the past, Sun Shu'ao was not valued, while You Meng could see the sovereign; Zhan Ji had a low status in the court, yet Zang Wenzhong criticized him. Moreover, the court is currently flourishing; both familial ties and righteousness should be considered. I am not as good as the ancients, lacking the ability to fulfill this position, seizing a high position, and feeling ashamed before heaven and earth and all living beings. Although I have accepted this position with a sense of guilt, how can I be at peace? I fear the country will perish as a result, feeling extremely uneasy. I earnestly request Your Majesty to relieve me of my position as the provincial recorder, to fulfill the people's expectations. I sincerely hope Your Majesty will consider this matter fairly, heed the wishes of the court and the people, and appoint capable and virtuous individuals. This will not only spare me from great guilt but also bring happiness to all subjects. If Your Majesty is still hesitant, I kindly request that my memorial be made public, so that both internal and external courtiers can see it, discuss it together, and perhaps find a suitable candidate."
The emperor decreed, "I have reviewed your memorial. I see that you are able to emulate the strategies of governing the country during the Zhou Dynasty, as well as the humble and cautious principles found in the Book of Changes. I am deeply moved by your diligent study of your memorial. Your noble character and extensive knowledge have assisted me during difficult times, with your significant contributions that have allowed me to govern effectively and with peace. How could I allow you to resign from the position of Minister of Works (司徒) and leave the court? This would create a governance gap and reflect poorly on my abilities! I know of your loyalty to the country and urge you to think it over carefully. I propose General Yikang take over as Minister of Works. His talents are on par with those of Zhou Dan and the Duke of Zhou from the Zhou Dynasty. Let him return to the court to assist me in governance and participate in decision-making. I will follow your advice."
Yikang then succeeded Hong as Minister of Works, collaborating with him to manage government affairs.
Hong Shangbiao said, "I have taken the liberty to submit a memorial recently, to express my foolish opinions; in fact, I wanted Your Majesty to observe my loyalty. However, my memorial was returned without your response. I have only troubled Your Majesty without cause. I can only look up to Your Majesty's grace, feeling ashamed and fearful, not knowing what to do. I have been in a high office for four years, going against the advice of the historiographers of the past to 'act within one's capacity,' and failing to uphold the virtue of 'selecting and promoting the talented' as the ancients did. I have faced criticism for my incompetence, and looking back at my actions, I deeply regret them. Moreover, there are many talented officials in the court now, and the people are loyal to the throne. I had intended to resign and retreat from public life, but how can I be of service to the court? I have made many mistakes. I never anticipated such generous favor from Your Majesty, granting me rewards once again. My position has not changed, and I am still valued. I feel honored yet utterly at a loss. Yikang manages all officials and assists the emperor in governing the world. I am under his leadership and can help in some small ways. I can manage the minor affairs of the inner court, but the responsibilities of governing are immense, requiring many talents, and my abilities are limited, making it exceedingly difficult for me to meet them. If I continue in this position, it may lead to even greater failures and disasters. I am deeply troubled, feeling as if I were gravely ill, not knowing how to find peace. But the imperial decree has been issued, and I cannot change it. Besides, I am mediocre and never aspired to this position. I cannot make a stand to the point of death or live frugally like the ancients to show integrity. I can only respect the will of heaven and obey the imperial will. As for the department I oversee, handling documents and managing personnel, the required staff is minimal, and the other civil and military officials are redundant. The Xiangfu has just been established, and there may be some positions that have not been filled. Please allow me to keep some subordinates to assist in office work, and leave the rest of the personnel and resources to Lord Situ. I am profoundly grateful for Your Majesty's kindness, and I would never dare to deceive. I implore Your Majesty to see this clearly and grant my request, and not let my loyal plea be disregarded."
Not provided.
The emperor issued another decree, saying, "General Wei's memorial states that the Minister of State Affairs should cooperate and fulfill General Wei's wishes. Two thousand people can be allocated to the Ministry of State Affairs, and there is no need to send any more supplies."
Hongbo diligently managed state affairs, paid attention to various matters, and weighed the pros and cons, always striving for excellence. Then, he discussed with eight assistant ministers (equivalent to senior officials), saying, "When associates commit crimes, they should not be exempt from punishment. However, every time a punishment is given, there are always appeals for mercy. If leniency is shown, then the law becomes meaningless; if punishments are strictly in accordance with the law, there will be complaints. We should find another way to solve the problem, showing understanding of their difficulties. Moreover, the main offender stealing five pieces of cloth and the accomplice stealing forty pieces of cloth both receive the death penalty; many feel this is too harsh. It should be changed to the main offender stealing ten pieces of cloth and the accomplice stealing fifty pieces of cloth to receive the death penalty, while the one stealing forty pieces of cloth can have their sentence reduced to exile. This way, we can slightly reduce the punishment for the people while still serving as a deterrent. Let's discuss and see if there are any other ideas."
Assistant Minister Jiang Ao expressed his opinion, saying, "If scholars commit theft, provided it doesn't reach the death penalty threshold, after the punishment is completed, they will still be labeled as 'corrupt' and 'bribery,' which damages their reputation for life, even if they are pardoned. This approach can make them realize their mistakes and serve as a warning to others. If they are treated the same as ordinary civilians and only sentenced to exile, I think it is too lenient. Although soldiers and civilians live close together, there is still a significant difference between scholars and commoners. If scholars are implicated solely for hiding stolen goods, I think it is inappropriate. Servants and soldiers have close interactions, making it easier to discover hidden goods, which is why they are often implicated. The servants are the ones who have made mistakes, not the masters suffering for them. If scholars do not have servants, they should not be implicated."
The Right Minister Kong Mozhi expressed his views: "Gentlemen and rogues are mixed together in the army and must keep an eye on each other. Although scholars and commoners are different, once everything is sorted out, the truth becomes evident. Just like the officials in the court, the matters below don’t always need to be handled personally, but the responsibility is shared. Therefore, once a crime is committed, there will be consequences. Now punishing their adopted sons and accountants is mainly to deter others. In this way, can families without servants still feel secure? However, since it's said that scholars should be forgiven, they should be allowed to atone for their sins. The main offender stole five bolts of cloth, while the accomplice took forty, and the punishment was reduced to exile, which is quite lenient and can alleviate the suffering of the people. However, for officials holding positions above two thousand shi, or scholars who have committed immoral acts, if they commit a crime, they could face the death penalty, and exile may not be an option. I think this system works for common folks, but scholars should still face punishment under the old laws."
Minister Wang presented his views, saying: "When I was a county magistrate in Shanyin, those scholars also served in the army; we called it 'guarding the seal'. If someone in the same team made a mistake, there was no waiting for a formal trial. If a scholar committed a crime, others in the team could report him right away. This doesn’t mean scholars and ordinary folks are treated differently, but so they get the punishment they deserve right away. Scholars who have received good education from a young age are often isolated from regular folks, making them hard to manage, so they should also be exposed to grassroots affairs like those who are not diligent, let them serve together so they can keep an eye on each other. This system wasn’t just used where I was."
Zuo Cheng continued: "I think it's easier to supervise when servants and neighbors serve side by side. If someone in the group makes a mistake, they can be punished on the spot. But I don't think this approach is quite impractical. Most servants are at others' beck and call, running around all day and rarely staying at home. Even those who do stay at home are busy running errands and doing chores all day, rarely going out. Among ten servants responsible for keeping accounts, not even one is reliable. If servants are also required to serve, there will likely be widespread abuse of punishment, which may contradict the original intention of the law."
You Cheng also expressed his opinion: "He believes that if scholars commit theft and it's not a capital offense, they should be sent to military service to make amends for their actions. Although this is meant to encourage scholars, it may not serve the purpose of addressing wrongdoing. Those who adhere to the rules are considered gentlemen, whereas those who break them are seen as rogues. Even if the laws are strict, some people will still break them, because there is a way to atone for their sins; this could lead to even more offenders. Only by instilling a fear of the law that prompts a change in mindset can we achieve true amnesty. Furthermore, scholars and common folk operate under different systems and have distinct perspectives."
Xie Yuanyi said, "When dealing with matters, we must first clarify the fundamental issues in order to solve the minor issues. The establishment of this system was originally to restrain the gentry and make them obey military orders, as well as to restrain the evil behavior of the common people. But how can we allow the gentry to be restrained by the common people? If gentry commit crimes and their servants are punished as well, it shows a clear distinction between gentry and common people, which prevents the gentry from demonstrating their abilities. If we do not understand this and include them in the same category, they will become subject to the control of the common people. So, if a common person commits a crime and a gentry is not involved, what crime has the servant committed to warrant punishment? If it is said that they are related to each other and should be held accountable, I find this reasoning unconvincing. Why? Because the nominal and actual situations are different, and there are different regulations for public and private matters. Servants do not participate in military registration, which lacks formal recognition. If the common people lack money, it is their private poverty. Holding these unrecognized, privately impoverished individuals accountable for public responsibilities confuses the distinction between public and private, and the reality does not match the name, so I think joint punishment should not be implemented. It is more appropriate for each person to bear their own responsibility. Gentry without servants are not included in this case. If gentry are originally meant to restrain the common people, then if a common person makes a mistake, they should be punished, and their servants should also be put to death. Therefore, gentry without servants should not escape punishment and should pay fines, which would not be considered wrong. The crux of these two options is the fundamental purpose of the system. What I mean is, we need to distinguish between these two situations and let each party take their own responsibility. Regarding cases that are difficult to investigate, they should be handled according to previous regulations, distinguishing between gentry and common people, which is more reasonable. Regarding theft cases, according to the Left Minister's opinion, gentry are not supposed to be soldiers, so they may receive similar leniency, without following the old laws. There is a consensus on this matter."
He Shangzhi said: "According to the opinion of Kong Youcheng, when scholars and officials face punishment due to military registration, those who have slaves punish their slaves, while those without slaves pay fines. Given that scholars and commoners are allowed to be treated separately, it is very difficult to investigate and collect evidence, and laws that require clarification should not rely on matters that are difficult to ascertain. Those with slaves are not necessarily unvirtuous, nor are those without slaves necessarily virtuous. Now, those with many household slaves often act arrogantly before royal ministers, while those without slaves are afraid of breaking the law, because favors often favor individuals like Cheng and Zhuo, while legal penalties are consistently applied to individuals like Yan and Yuan. I believe this practice is inappropriate. Xie Dianzhong pointed out that slaves do not always follow their masters, leading to unclear relationships, which is a valid observation. However, slaves are indeed connected to their neighbors, and if this matter is not investigated now, certain issues may be overlooked. My opinion is the same as that of the Left Prime Minister."
Hongyi said: "Consulting the laws and regulations, there is no distinction between scholars and commoners. There are many instances where scholars have been punished for offenses committed alongside their peers, but many have been pardoned due to the grace of the time, so not everyone has been punished. In Wu County and Yixing County, there are people like Xu and Lu who were punished for committing crimes with their peers, and the officials with a rank of two thousand stones submitted an impeachment memorial. During the Jiwei years, scholars from Kuaiji mentioned that over a decade ago, four families faced punishment for this issue, but the punishment was stopped due to the grace of the time. However, Minister Wang claimed there had never been such cases of punishment for offenses committed with peers, which he found incomprehensible. Perhaps he just didn't encounter such things when he took office. The emperor rules wisely; scholars indeed do not need to worry about extreme suffering, but discussion must be based on actual circumstances. Submitting memorials to the court can be quite cumbersome, so it is better to establish clear regulations now to moderate the severity of punishments. Furthermore, exempting scholars from the Jiafu system and exempting historians from their duties can also be done. Everyone can escort the collection together, and if there are violations, they will be dealt with according to the law, without any distinction in rank; therefore, scholars should not be treated differently from commoners. Everyone believes that scholars and commoners are isolated from each other, not interacting with each other, so if scholars commit crimes, commoners would not know. If commoners are not allowed to be unaware, why allow scholars to be unaware? If ordinary people aren't aloof and isolated, but live so closely and see each other daily, they will inevitably find out, even without regular interaction. The opinions of the Right Minister and the various officials reflect this situation. Scholars like those in Shuiling actually have close contact with people in the alley and understand each other's situations, so they should be treated the same as common people wearing hats. If they are labeled as scholars, they escape wrongdoing; if labeled as commoners, they face punishment as scholars. From the perspective of reason and law, this is not very appropriate, right? Moreover, if the laws do not reach scholars, and scholars are considered light, then let the officials collect their fines from the commoners, and things will be intertwined, and the management of the alleys will be different. Saying that scholars can avoid punishment for offenses with peers, what relevance does punishing their servants have to them? If there are no servants, they can atone for their sins; or if there are no servants and it becomes known, the officials and the two thousand stone officials should personally come forward and pass judgment according to the law. Moreover, stealing five bolts of cloth and stealing forty bolts of cloth should be treated differently, but in fact, it is because the minor officials do not know the law, are easily confused when faced with money, or because of negligence, the matter has committed a serious offense. From the bottom of my heart, it is always sympathetic, so I want to slightly reduce the number of bolts and forgive their lives. As for those in higher positions, who enjoy salaries and honors and bear significant responsibilities, they should correct themselves, abide by the laws, inspect their subordinates, prevent violations, and yet they commit crimes and misconduct, seeking personal gain. Stealing five bolts of cloth is already excessive. Scholars have no reason to privately steal forty bolts of cloth. Even if it has come to this point, giving severe punishment is justified, so why give forgiveness again? Moreover, these people can be beheaded, but not exiled, as you all said; that was not the original intention. Recently, I heard something on the road and wanted to discuss it with everyone, but I didn't expect it to be so difficult to handle. Since everyone's opinions are different, it's better to let it go. If the discussion cannot be stopped, it may be necessary to convene a meeting and request the emperor to make a decision based on his decree." Taizu ordered: "The opinions put forward by the Guards are correct."
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Hong submitted a memorial, saying: "According to the previous regulations, the common people serve part-time starting at thirteen and full-time at sixteen. It is said that people over the age of thirteen can support themselves and serve the government, so they are required to serve. However, in reality, this is not comprehensive enough. People's physical strength varies and cannot be calculated solely based on age. When working at home, one can do as much as they can bear, without too much hardship. But when serving the government, there is a fixed amount of work to be done. While good officials are considerate of the people's needs, mediocre ones merely follow the rules. It is already hard enough, not to mention encountering harsh decrees, which makes it even more unbearable. Therefore, some people deliberately conceal their age to avoid heavy corvée. For those who are lonely, poor, and weak, the suffering is even deeper. They have nowhere to turn, and their life and death are unknown to anyone. To protect themselves, they flee and hide everywhere, and their families are also deeply concerned. Pregnant women are afraid to give birth and try their best to avoid being recruited by the government. All of these are caused by this system. Now that the emperor's benevolence is widespread and the realm is at peace, the recruitment of corvée should be adjusted. Those aged fifteen or sixteen should serve part-time, and only at the age of seventeen should they serve full-time." The emperor approved the memorial.
Later, Hong fell ill and repeatedly submitted requests for retirement, but the emperor issued decrees to comfort him and did not agree. Nine years later, Hong was promoted to Grand Preceptor and concurrently held the position of Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, with no change in his other official positions. In the same year, Hong departed this life at the age of fifty-four. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Grand Preceptor and Chief of the Imperial Secretariat; granted him the ceremonial axe; added the feathered canopy and trumpets; and increased the ceremonial escort to sixty people. The positions of Palace Attendant, Recorder of the Imperial Secretariat, and Provincial Governor remained unchanged. He was posthumously honored with the title of Duke Wen Zhao and was to be revered in the ancestral temple.
In the same year, the emperor issued a decree saying: "In the recent rebellions, many people were involved. From the initial pacification to the final severe punishment, the internal and external dangers were indeed very challenging. Grand Preceptor Hua, the Marquis of Hong County, General Wei, and the Left Guanglu Daifu Tan Shou, they were all loyal and sincere and shared a deep bond. They gave advice in the court, exerted all their efforts, overcame difficulties and obstacles, which I hold in high regard. The national shame has been lifted, and they have achieved success and retired, yet they remain modest and cautious, never seeking rewards. Therefore, I have always wanted to give them higher rewards, but I never had the chance. Unfortunately, their great achievements were cut short, and they passed away one after another. I am filled with deep sadness and regret. Hong can increase his fiefdom by a thousand households, and Hua and Tan Shou are appointed as founding county marquises, each with a fief of a thousand households." He also issued a decree saying: "I heard that the household of Grand Preceptor Wang is already very poor. He is honest and frugal, comparable to the ancients. Thinking of his life, I am even more saddened. Reward him with a million coins and a thousand measures of rice." In 458 AD, Emperor Zhu Qizhen went on a tour and passed by the tomb of Zhang Hong, the Marquis Wen Zhao of Huarong. He issued a decree saying: "Former Attendant, Director of the Imperial Library, Grand Preceptor, Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Governor of Yangzhou Zhang Hong, a man of noble character and great insight; Former Cavalier Attendant, Left Guanglu Daifu, and Prince's Secretary Zhang Tan Shou, a man known for his honesty and integrity. They both wholeheartedly assisted the court, experienced hardships, upheld the royal way internally, enjoyed great reputation externally, and made great contributions to the country, deeply benefiting the people. During my visit to their tombs, my heart is filled with mixed emotions, and words cannot express my thoughts of them. We should send people to honor their graves."
Zhang Hong was an intelligent and talented individual who was deeply beloved by the people. He placed great importance on etiquette and norms, whether in major events or minor matters. His behavior and correspondence formats were widely imitated by later generations, which they came to call the "Wang Taibao family rules." Although he served as a senior official, he never sought wealth and left no property behind after his death. However, he was somewhat impulsive, lacked gravitas, and had a narrow-minded disposition. If someone crossed him, he would openly rebuke and humiliate them. In his youth, he once played dice in a remote area of the city. Later, after rising to a high-ranking position, someone asked him to be a county magistrate and begged him desperately. This individual had previously offended him by gambling, and Zhang Hong asked him, "If you're spending money on gambling, why do you still need a salary?" The man retorted, "Where were you when you were playing dice in that remote area of the city?" Zhang Hong was speechless immediately.
Zhang Hong's son, Zhang Xi, succeeded to the title. Being the son of a prime minister, he initially held the position of an official, then held important positions such as Chamberlain for Law Enforcement, Left Guard of the Crown Prince, and Inspector of Jiangxia. He was arrogant and had a disdainful attitude towards others. During the tenure of Grand Marshal Liu Yigong, Zhang Xi even sat with his legs crossed in the court, showing little respect. Ultimately, he died while in office. His son, Zhang Sengliang, inherited the title. After the usurpation of the throne by the Emperor of Qi, Zhang Sengliang was demoted to a marquis with a fief of five hundred households. Another son of Zhang Hong, Zhang Sengda, has a separate biography. Zhang Hong's younger brother, Zhang Yu, once served as Minister of Justice; Zhang Yu's son, Zhang Shen, had a good reputation and attained the position of Governor of Xin'an; Zhang Yu's younger brother, Zhang Yi, once served as Grand Master of Splendid Happiness; Zhang Yi's brother, Zhang Ru, once served as Palace Attendant; and Zhang Ru's brother, Zhang Yanshou, is noted in a separate biography.
Hong, the son of Lian, the son of Min, the Central Secretariat Minister of the Jin Dynasty. During the Yuanjia era, Hong rose through the ranks, becoming a Privy Councilor and Minister of Revenue, holding high-ranking positions. Hong's son Zhao, during the reign of Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, also held various good positions, such as Chamberlain of the Imperial Insignia, and served as a lieutenant under Prince Xu of Linhai and Prince Xun of Jin'an, eventually rising to the position of Minister of the Left. In the early reign of Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty, Zhao became the Left Chief Historian. Later, he followed Prince Xiuren to Zheqi; at that time, while still in mourning, he was even appointed as General of the Crown. As a result, he fell out with Xiuren and was demoted to the position of county magistrate in Shixing. Xiuren harbored a grudge, and Emperor Taizong ordered Zhao to be arrested, handed over to the court for trial, and ultimately sentenced to death.
The historical records comment that during the Jin Dynasty, the order deteriorated and gradually descended into chaos for a reason. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowu, he only focused on maintaining the status quo, and good policies could not be implemented; Huan Xuan was incompetent and unrighteous, occupying the imperial throne, leading to the breakdown of rituals and legal systems. In addition, the national treasury's wealth was squandered to fuel chaos, and Yuan Xian and his son were utterly ruthless, causing the ancestral laws and institutions, as well as the old rules followed by the ministers, to vanish completely, like leaves scattered by the wind and ice melting away. The emperor's authority was never established, the ministers became overbearing, the national laws and customs fell into disarray, and the court and government became chaotic. The fate of ordinary people lay in the hands of the powerful and wealthy, and the property of the royal family became their private property. Therefore, the roots of the turmoil grew ever deeper, and the world was in great chaos, with only the fragile royal path barely holding order. The Emperor Gaozu rebelled and was indeed a refreshing current in troubled times! He reformed the old regulations, forged new paths, and reestablished the order of monarchs above all and subjects in obedience, all of which were established on the battlefield. His orders were obeyed both inside and outside, drawing on the good customs from the reigns of Emperors Wudi and Yongping to change the corrupt practices of the Taiyuan and Long'an eras. All of this was the achievement of Duke Wenxuan! As a renowned minister of his time, he rightfully deserved to be honored in the ancestral temple, and not without reason!
