Yuan Can, courtesy name Jingqian, was from Yangxia in Chen Commandery. His father, Yuan Zhuo, was a Xiucai from Yangzhou who died young. He was the nephew of Yuan Shu. His grandmother, feeling pity for the fatherless child, named him "Minsun," a name that evokes sympathy. His uncle and cousin held high-ranking positions in the court, but Minsun often went hungry and lacked warm clothes. His mother, from the Wang family of Langye, was the daughter of Wang Dan, the Chief Clerk to the Grand Commandant. To make ends meet, she spun yarn and wove cloth herself, working tirelessly at home. Yuan Can had a passion for learning from an early age and was quite gifted. Once, someone wanted to arrange a marriage between him and his cousin Yuan Yi, but his uncle Yuan Xun (Yuan Yi's father) remarked, "Yuan Yi is not cut out for anything; he's only fit for Minsun." Yuan Can, who was sitting nearby, heard this and ran out in tears. From a young age, he was determined and principled, quickly earning the respect of those around him.
He initially served in Yangzhou before becoming a military officer under Emperor Wen of Song (Taizu), serving as an army officer in Anbei, Zhenjun, and Beizhonglang, and also served as an Attendant in the Palace Library. During Emperor Wen of Song's campaign against the rebels, Yuan Can was promoted to military secretary. After Emperor Wen of Song became emperor, he promoted Yuan Can to be a Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the Right Guard of the Crown Prince, and an Attendant. In the first year of Xiaojian, Emperor Wen of Song held a ceremony of the Eight Precepts at Zhongxing Temple with his courtiers. After the ceremony, during the meal, Yuan Can and the Yellow Gate Attendant, Zhang Yan, happily shared dishes. He Shangzhi, the strict Minister of Personnel, secretly reported this to Emperor Wen of Song. The emperor sent Deputy Chief Imperial Secretary Wang Qianzhi to investigate, which ultimately led to Yuan Can's dismissal.
In the second year, he was appointed as the Minister of Justice, the Chief Secretary to the Crown Prince, and also served as the General of the Right Wing. Later on, he was transferred to be the Assistant General of the State, the Chief Historian of Prince Shang of Xiyang, the Governor of Guangling, and also in charge of affairs in Yanzhou. He concurrently held the position of Chief Historian of Prince Ren of Yongjia, retaining both the positions of general and governor.
In the first year of Daming, Yan Shibei was appointed as the Palace Attendant again, also serving as the Commandant of Archery, granted the title of Viscount Xingping, with a fief of 500 households, all recorded in the "Biography of Yan Shibei." Three years later, for accepting gifts from the residents of Shanyin, although Ding Tuanwen was recommended as a candidate recognized for filial piety and integrity in Kuaiji County, Yan Shibei was dismissed from office. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Chief Military Officer of Prince Shang of Xiyang, later becoming the Chief Secretary again, while also serving as the General of the Left Wing.
In the fourth year, he was sent as the Prefect of Yuzhang, with a promotion to the rank of a second-rank official. In the fifth year, he returned to the court as the Palace Attendant, also serving as the Commandant of Changshui, later promoted to General of the Left Wing, while also serving as an Imperial Censor. In the seventh year, he was transferred to the Minister of Personnel, while retaining his position as General of the Left Wing. In the same year, during the Crown Prince's coming-of-age ceremony, the Emperor hosted a banquet at the Eastern Palace, where Minsun pressured Yan Shibei to drink; when Yan Shibei refused, Minsun publicly humiliated him. Due to the Emperor's favor towards Yan Shibei and his displeasure towards Minsun for looking down on him despite his humble origins, the Emperor became angry and appointed Yan Shibei as the Prefect of Hai Ling.
After the enthronement of the former Emperor who had been deposed, Yan Shibei was appointed as the Chief Censor, but he declined. Later on, he resumed his position as the Minister of Personnel. In the first year of Yongguang, he was reassigned as the General of the Right Guard, while also serving as an Imperial Censor. In the first year of Jinghe, he returned to the court as the Palace Attendant again, also serving as the General of the Valiant Cavalry. In the first year of Taishi of Emperor Taizong, he was transferred to the Left Chief Clerk, also serving as the Champion General and the Governor of Southeastern Sea.
Minsun was known for his integrity and righteousness and had a strong sense of character. He had a close relationship with Master Yan and even wrote a piece titled "The Biography of Mr. Miaode" to draw a parallel with Ji Kang's "Biography of a Noble Scholar," expressing his own aspirations. In the text, it was written:
There was Mr. Miaode, a man from Chen. He had a broad mind, elegant temperament, filial piety, simple living, and embodied the virtues of Emperor Shun. Mr. Miaode had been frail since childhood, with a laid-back personality and no desire for fame and fortune. However, he had a wide range of knowledge in various subjects, without any desire for recognition. Coming from a poor family, he had served as an official, though that was never his true calling. He concealed his actions and talents, which caused some friction with his close friends and made it difficult for ordinary people to understand him. His residence was often closed, with only three narrow paths leading in and out. Even more reclusive than figures like Yangzi and Yansou, he surpassed them. He sought righteousness in pursuit of his ideals but ultimately remained unrecognized by the world.
He once told those around him: "In a certain country, there was a river known as Mad Spring. Everyone in the country drank the water from this river and went insane, except for the king, who drank from his own well, thus keeping himself sane. But when everyone else lost their minds, they believed the king was the one who had gone mad. So they all agreed to capture the king and 'cure' him. They tried everything—fire therapy, moxibustion, acupuncture, and all sorts of medications. The king couldn't take it anymore and went to the river to drink, and he too went mad. The king, his officials, and the people all went mad together, and only then did they feel happy. I am not insane now, but I can't stand being alone. I, too, want to see what it's like to drink from that river."
This means that he felt it was difficult to be virtuous in chaotic times, so he decided to go with the flow. When he was a child, he admired Xun Fengqian, a historical figure, and wanted to change his name to Can, but he was not permitted. Later, he told Emperor Taizong about it and was granted the name Can, with the style name Jingqian. Two years later, he was promoted to lead general, with permission for thirty soldiers to enter the imperial palace through all six gates. That same year, he was appointed as the Minister of the Interior and concurrently as the Prince's Supervisor, with an additional three hundred households granted to him by the court, which he resolutely declined. Three years later, he was promoted to Supervisor of the Masters of Writing and then concurrently as the Minister of Personnel. Five years later, he was once again appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and concurrently as the Governor of Danyang. Six years later, during a lecture on the I Ching at the thatched hall in Hualin Garden, he served as the official responsible for the classics. He also dealt with the affairs of the Eastern Palace and was later appointed as the Right Supervisor of the Imperial Court. Seven years later, he was reappointed as the Prince's Supervisor while maintaining his roles as the Supervisor of the Masters of Writing and the Governor of Danyang. Due to his recommendation of General Jiang Liu as the Inspector of Jiangzhou, who later fell into disgrace, he was demoted to the position of Chief Supervisor. Before the late Emperor Taizong passed away, Chu Yuan, Liu Men, and I were entrusted with important tasks together, and the emperor assigned us twenty armed guards along with an escort team. Later, when the new emperor ascended the throne, he added five hundred soldiers. At that time, the emperor was not very engaged in governance, so he issued an edict stating, "The previous dynasty's mistakes have delayed farming, damaged crops, and caused suffering to the people. My abilities are limited, and I have not been able to govern the country well. There are many people in prison, and numerous instances of injustice. I am troubled by this daily. Let the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, together with the relevant officials, conduct thorough investigations into the cases and resolve all injustices, providing relief to the afflicted populace. This order must be communicated to all provinces and counties, and no one is permitted to obstruct it."
In the first year of the Yuanhui era, my mother passed away. After I took care of the funeral arrangements, the court allowed me to retain my original position and promoted me to the rank of Wei General, but I did not accept. The court urged me repeatedly, sending envoys one after another, but I still did not accept. I am deeply filial, and I was profoundly saddened by my mother's passing. During my mourning period, visitors came daily, and I even instructed the guards to turn them away.
The following year, Prince Guìyáng, Xiūfàn, rebelled. I assisted the emperor into the palace, and the emperor ordered additional troops to be placed under my command, and assigned officials to my residence. The situation was critical, with the rebels advancing to the South Yè Gate. The soldiers were disheartened and lacked morale. I fervently addressed the generals, saying, "The enemy is approaching, yet morale is low. I have been entrusted by the late emperor and was ready to sacrifice my life for my country. Today, we should stand and fight for our country!" After speaking, I ordered the guards to bring the horses, wearing a grave expression. Chen Xianda and the others were inspired by my words and charged into battle, swiftly defeating the rebels. After the incident, I was appointed Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, retaining my former title of General of the Household, and also took on the role of Minister of Works. The court wanted me to take an official post in Yangzhou, but I resolutely declined.
Three years later, the court wanted to promote him to the position of Chancellor, while retaining his positions as General of the Imperial Guards and Chief of the Palace. However, he resolutely declined, accepting the appointment only after his father's funeral. The Emperor then wanted to appoint him as an Imperial Attendant and elevate him to the rank of Marquis, but he refused again. At that time, Xie Can, along with Prince Qi, Chu Yuan, and Liu Bing, were on duty in the palace handling state affairs, and they were known as the "Four Nobles." Xie Can was a man of few words, not interested in participating in politics. When his subordinates sought his guidance on public affairs, he would sometimes respond by reciting poetry aloud. Once he made a decision, it was difficult for others to change his mind. His home and furnishings were quite ordinary, and he lived a modest life. He enjoyed drinking and was skilled in poetry, often drinking and reciting poetry alone in the courtyard for enjoyment. He lived outside the city to the south, often strolling alone with a cane to the outskirts for leisure. He rarely socialized with others, and few visitors came to his home. When he inherited his father's title and began to wield power, people from all over came to seek his favor, but he still upheld a lofty demeanor, rarely receiving others. The literati and scholars who associated with him were few and far between.
After Emperor Shundi ascended the throne, Xie Can was promoted to the position of Grand Secretary, while retaining the positions of Minister of State and Palace Attendant. At that time, the Prince of Qi resided in the Eastern Palace, and the Emperor sent Xie Can to defend Shitou City. Xie Can was always quiet and humble; whenever the court issued orders to him, he often did not immediately obey, only when absolutely necessary would he carry them out. Later, the Emperor commanded him to leave Shitou City, and he immediately complied with the decree. A diviner assessed the feng shui of Shitou City for Xie Can and told him, "The feng shui of Shitou City is very unfavorable; you will surely face misfortune if you go there." Xie Can did not respond to him. The court also equipped him with lavish carriages and parasols, as well as fifty soldiers to escort him into the palace. At that time, the Prince of Qi was highly accomplished and respected; it seemed like fate was favoring him, but Xie Can believed that he had received the favor and trust of the late Emperor and did not want to serve two masters, secretly having other plans. The Intendant of Danyang, Liu Bing, was a descendant of the royal family of the Song dynasty; the former Governor of Xiangzhou, Wang Yun, was the nephew of the Empress Dowager and had always been fond of martial arts. They were both worried about being marginalized by the Prince of Qi, so they allied with Xie Can. Generals such as Huang Hui, Ren Houbo, Sun Tangguan, Wang Yixing, Peng Wenzhi, and Bu Boxing also allied with Xie Can.
In the year 440 AD, the Inspector of Jingzhou, Shen Youzhi, rebelled, and the Prince of Qi went to see Wang Sengda in person, hoping for his help. Wang Sengda feigned illness and refused to meet with the Prince of Qi. Wang Sengda's kinsman, who served as a Palace Attendant, Yuan Da, believed he should not display a differing attitude towards the Prince of Qi. Wang Sengda said, "If they say now that the Emperor is young and the country is in a difficult period, just like in Guiyang back then, and force me into the palace, then I would have no choice. Once inside the palace, there would be no way out." At that time, the Prince of Qi had already taken his position in the court and had his cousin, the General of the Army, Wang Yun, guard the Ministry's entrance, while Wang Boxing guarded the Straight Pavilion, and Huang Hui and other generals stationed their troops at Xinting.
Wang Sengda planned to forge an order from the Empress Dowager the next day, to have Wang Yun and Wang Boxing lead the imperial army to attack the Crown Prince in the court, while Huang Hui brought his troops to provide support from Xinting. Wang Bing, Hou Bo, and the others had originally planned to leave Shitoucheng at night. However, that day, Wang Bing hesitated, unsure of what to do. He only packed his luggage in the evening, and before night fell, he took his family to seek refuge with Wang Sengda, which led to the plan being leaked. Before this, the Crown Prince dispatched generals Xue Yuan, Su Lie, Wang Tiansheng, and others to guard Shitoucheng, under the pretense of supporting Wang Sengda, but in reality to keep an eye on him. The Crown Prince also assigned his confidant Wang Jingze to guard the main hall, and together with Wang Boxing, they commanded the imperial army. When Wang Yun learned that Wang Bing had already escaped, he sighed and remarked, "This year's plan is doomed!" At that moment, the Crown Prince instructed Wang Yun to recruit soldiers, and after gathering hundreds of recruits, he quickly led his subordinates to Shitoucheng.
They originally planned to open the South Gate, but it was already deep into the night. Xue Yuan and his men guarded the city gate and shot arrows at them. Wang Yun believed that Wang Sengda had been defeated, so he scattered and fled. The Qi king informed Wang Jingze of the situation, led the army to catch up with Wang Yun, and killed him, also executing Wang Boxin. The Qi king then sent Dai Sengjing to lead troops to support Xue Yuan at Shitou City, entering the city through the granary gate. At this time, Wang Sengda, Wang Bing, and others lined up to climb the East Gate, while Dai Sengjing split his forces to attack the West Gate of the Prefecture. Wang Sengda and Wang Bing wanted to return to the Prefecture. Just as they descended the city wall and lit a candle for light, Dai Sengjing quietly rushed up. Wang Sengda's son was the first to notice something was off, protecting his father with his body, and Dai Sengjing rushed forward and killed Wang Sengda. Both father and son met their tragic end, while the others quickly scattered and fled. When Wang Sengda died, he was fifty-eight years old. That night, Hou Bo and others fled from Xinting to Shitou City in a small boat, heard the news of Wang Sengda's defeat, and hurried back, only to be killed later. Wang Bing's story is recorded in the "Zongshi Zhuan." In the year 482 AD, the Emperor issued a decree stating: "The former emperors of the Wei Kingdom valued Yuan Shao and rewarded him with a tomb; the Prime Minister Zhuge Liang of the Jin Dynasty also treated the descendants of the two kings very well. This is all due to nostalgia for former ministers, reflecting kindness and forgiveness for their faults. Both emperors upheld this virtue, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful stories in history. Yuan Can and Liu Bing have both been commended by the former dynasty and served the Song Dynasty; Shen Youzhi showed loyalty during the Jinghe period; although he did not end well in the end, his initial loyalty is still worthy of recognition. Given how long it has been, they should also receive some generous treatment. Yuan Can and Liu Bing were relocated two years ago; their graves have yet to be repaired. Officials can be sent to be responsible for repairs, generally in accordance with the ritual practices of the Zhou Dynasty. Shen Youzhi and his sons' coffins are in the west; officials can be sent to Jingzhou to retrieve them and reinter them in their original graves."
Historians commented: without political strategy, it is impossible to build a foundation; without loyalty and integrity, it is impossible to preserve the country's heritage. Monarchs who establish a foundation only emerge every few hundred years, while monarchs who inherit the country appear in every era. However, the effectiveness of political strategy is limited, and loyalty and integrity are the key to long-term success. Therefore, when the Han Dynasty fell, Wen Ju (Wen Tianxiang) did not submit to Cao Wei; when the Wei Kingdom was about to fall, Xiahou Xuan also did not kneel before the Sima family. If everyone acted like these two men, these two dynasties would not have perished. Yuan Can was a man of high moral character, simplicity, and shouldered heavy responsibilities. The expectations of the court and the people were high for him, but he did not consistently uphold great principles. When faced with life and death, he weighed his options carefully. Isn't this what they mean by "righteousness over life"? Even though he did not fulfill his destiny, his actions are worth learning from. Previously, Wang Jing was commended in the Jin Dynasty, and Yuan Can and others have been honored in our Holy Dynasty, in line with the good deeds of the previous dynasty. This is truly wonderful!
