Fan Tai, also known as Bo Lun, was from Shunyang, in the mountainous region of Shanyin. His grandfather, Fan Wang, served as the General of Jin'an North, Governor of Xuzhou, and Governor of Yanzhou. His father, Fan Ning, served as the Prefect of Yuzhang. Fan Tai initially worked as a scholar in the Imperial Academy, and later became General Wei under Xie An and Cavalry General under the Marquis of Haiqi, Sima Daozi. Wang Chen, the Inspector of Jingzhou, was Fan Tai's uncle, who appointed him as the Prefect of Tianmen.
Wang Chen was particularly fond of drinking, and would often be drunk for days on end, but when he sobered up, he would turn serious again. Fan Tai advised him, saying, "Although alcohol can help people relax, it can also harm the body. I have been wanting to advise you for a long time, but every time you get drunk, I couldn't speak up. Now that I have this opportunity, I feel I must speak up." Wang Chen sighed deeply before replying, "Many have tried to advise me, but none have done so as sensibly as you." When asked how Fan Tai compared to Xie Mao, Wang Chen said, "Xie Mao is too slow in his actions." When asked how Fan Tai compared to Yin Ji, Wang Chen said, "Yin Ji is too impulsive."
Wang Chen always wanted to achieve merit, so he told Fan Tai, "Now that the city is repaired and the weapons are ready, I plan to pacify the Central Plains and fulfill my long-cherished wish. Yin Ji is impatient, which makes him well-suited for leading the charge. You are stable, so I’d like you to stay back and help me manage the rear operations; what do you think?" Fan Tai replied, "The chaos in the Central Plains has lasted for over a hundred years. Many heroes have failed before. While fame and fortune are valuable, I, Fan Tai, do not dare to chase after them." Eventually, Wang Chen fell ill and died.
The court summoned Fan Tai as the aide to the General of Cavalry and later promoted him to the position of Minister of Interior Affairs. At that time, Sima Yuanxian, the son of the King of Kuaiji, held significant power, and officials in the court did not need to report to the court for leave; they only needed to sign Sima Yuanxian's name. Fan Tai submitted a memorial stating that this was not right, but Sima Yuanxian did not listen to him. Later, after Fan Tai's father passed away, he resigned from his position and returned home to mourn, inheriting the title of Marquis of Yangsui Township.
After Huan Xuan came into power, the chief censor Zu Tai accused Fan Tai, former Chief of Staff Wang Zhun, and Assistant General Sima Xun of not observing proper mourning etiquette, leading to Fan Tai's dismissal and exile to Dantu.
It is said that this Yiqijian was originally a Doctor of the Imperial Academy. Later, he was appointed Champion General and Inspector of Jingzhou, with Sima Xiuzhi as his superior, who was the Prefect of Nanjun. Afterwards, he was appointed as the Magistrate of Changsha and Gentleman of the Cavalry, but he did not take up the positions. Later, he went to the capital to become a Yellow Gate Attendant and then the chief censor. Due to a mistake in discussing the worship of the Yin Shrine, he was dismissed and returned home to live in idleness. Later, he was further exiled to Dongyang as the Magistrate.
During Lu Xun's rebellion, Yiqijian voluntarily led a thousand soldiers and opened the granaries to provide supplies for the army. Emperor Gaozu therefore appointed him the General of Zhenwu. The following year, he was promoted to Palace Attendant, and shortly thereafter, he was transferred to the position of Minister of Finance. At that time, Xie Hun was the Chancellor and had a great reputation. Emperor Gaozu once asked Xie Hun in a casual conversation, "How does Yiqijian stack up against others?" Xie Hun replied, "He is similar to Wang Yuantai." Later, Yiqijian was appointed Minister of Ceremonies.
At first, Situ Daogui did not have a son, so he adopted Gaozu, the future emperor. After Daogui's death, he adopted Dao Li's second son, Yi Qing, as his heir. Because Gaozu was very fond of Daogui during his lifetime, he permitted Yi Qing to retain a high status. After Daogui's death, Daogui was posthumously titled Duke of Nanjun, and according to regulations, he was supposed to receive the title of Marquis of Huarong County that was previously granted to Emperor Gaozu. Yi Qijian suggested, "Daogui's affection for Gaozu surpassed mere friendship. According to ritual and law, there should not be a second heir, so this title should be returned to Emperor Gaozu." Emperor Gaozu accepted his advice. Later, Yi Qijian was promoted to Grand Marshal and Left Changshi, Right Guard General, and also held the title of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. He returned to the Shangshu Tai to take up a position, retaining the title of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. He also held the title of Minister of Works, and together with Yuan Zhan, he presented the Nine Bestowments to Duke Song, and followed the army to Luoyang.
Emperor Gaozu returned to Pengcheng, where he conducted an inspection of the city with Yi Qijian. At that time, Yi Qijian was experiencing difficulty walking, so Emperor Gaozu specially had him ride in a carriage. Yi Qijian was fond of drinking, not very particular about details, straightforward, and free-spirited, behaving casually even in formal occasions, which was appreciated by Emperor Gaozu. However, he lacked proficiency in handling government affairs, so he never stayed in important positions for too long. Later, he was appointed as General of the Guards, but was dismissed for negligence in his official duties. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he was granted the title of Golden Purple Illuminator Grand Master, with the position of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary added. The following year, the court sought to establish a national academy, therefore, he was appointed as the Director of the National Academy. Yi Qijian submitted a memorial in which he stated:
It is said that education flourishes under wise rulers, and exemplary teachings thrive in prosperous eras. The greatest joy comes from exchanging ideas with like-minded friends. In ancient times, children began their studies at a certain age, teaching one another and seeking teachers from far and wide, carrying provisions without complaint, all to honor their parents and ancestors. If one cannot even step outside, they cannot grasp these principles. Therefore, the wise decrees have been proclaimed, and the educational system has been instituted, with everyone near and far adhering to them. I admit my ignorance; there are still aspects I do not grasp.
We are only just beginning our construction; this grand endeavor has only just commenced, and the world is on the brink of transformation. Many people are looking forward to it. However, the talent selection system is problematic, accepting few while eliminating many, blocking the path for many talents to rise. This is not the only way! From families to the nation, I know that there are not many talents that can be gathered, which may not suffice to promote the spirit of the Great Song and celebrate the nation's prosperity. I believe that families who meet the criteria, even if they fall short of the specified standards, should be given the opportunity to enroll if their fathers and brothers wish for them to do so; even if it slightly contradicts the filial duty of serving one’s parents day and night, it is done to promote filial piety better. Failing to understand the "Spring and Autumn Annals" can pose significant dangers, as loyal Zhao Dun was recorded as regicide and filial Xu Zi was punished. Should we not take heed and learn from this? It is indeed true that formal studies begin at the age of fifteen, but if a young person harbors great aspirations, why should they be constrained by a standard that hinders their progress? Yang Xiong penned "Xuan Fu" in his youth and only began studying the "Book of Changes" at the age of fifty, which is hardly remarkable.
In the past, assistants in the court were also appointed to second-grade official positions. Chen Zai from Yingchuan has been appointed as a Tai Bao Yuan, but the Guozi Jian recruited him as an assistant instructor. He is the younger brother of Taiwei Huai. The emphasis is on talent rather than official rank. Teaching methods are unclear, and reward measures are not well-defined. Now there are individuals in idle positions who possess superior knowledge, who can be appointed to their original official positions. Those with high social status and second-grade official positions can be appointed as assistants, which helps distinguish their reputations and ranks, and this is also a way to promote learning. Those second-grade officials whose talents are barely qualified will still work according to their original positions. The talents are already in place, yet the school has still not been built. Building a house is like piling up dirt; one hopes for it to be completed quickly, but the delays have been too long. Some matters may seem postponable, but in reality, they should be addressed urgently, probably referring to this situation. The ancients valued every moment and despised material wealth, and the truth lies here. The school was never built in the end. Many people claimed that the issue stemmed from a shortage of funds, insufficient treasury funds, and sought to collect copper coins from the people to recast them into wuzhu coins. Tai also advised, saying that private minting of copper coins should be prohibited. Although the people may lose their possessions, they will ultimately receive adequate compensation, and the problem of insufficient national treasury can also be solved, with many benefits. My humble opinion differs and cannot remain silent. I've heard that governing a country is akin to cooking small fish; to address the problems, one must start from the root. If the people are impoverished, how can the monarch be wealthy? There has never been a case of a poor populace and a rich country, insufficient capital but lucrative profits. Thus, if the treasury is leaking, the wise will not be stingy; wearing old fur coats and carrying firewood, it is difficult to save the fur. Emperors do not speak of the country's wealth, and nobles do not discuss their riches. Therefore, using purslane to govern the country is viewed positively; weaving papyrus is seen as unjust, therefore, distinctions between high and low exist, along with a clear division of labor.
What I am currently worried about is that there are too few farmers, the granaries are not yet full, transportation is not yet complete, there are many people in need of relief, and every household is without surplus grain, making it difficult to resist famine. In fact, the circulation of goods isn't solely about quantity; items that were once very expensive may now be quite affordable, and everyone can use them—the principle is the same. As long as officials and civilians can smoothly circulate goods, we shouldn’t have to worry about shortages. If we must rely on a large number of goods to enrich the national treasury, then currencies such as turtle shells have been used since ancient times. Copper has a wide range of uses for making utensils. The sound of bells carries far, and the weight measured by scales is substantial. The "Yu Tu" is cast on the tripod of the Xia Dynasty, which is indeed the most precious treasure; the bell of the Jin Dynasty is adorned with symbolic designs, which also herald auspicious signs. Utensils have their uses, so both valuable and everyday items are equally essential; items have their applicability, so both the state and the people are in urgent need. Now, destroying useful utensils to mint worthless coins is a futile effort for goods; for use, both the monarch and the people will suffer. When weighing the losses against the benefits, the losses far outweigh the gains. Your Majesty tirelessly dedicates day and night to handling state affairs without getting tired, setting an example of diligence and frugality, but the praise is scarce, and the tributes from the Ban and Wei provinces have yet to arrive, mainly because the foundation is not yet stable, and your focus is on long-term strategies. I urge Your Majesty to focus on long-term plans rather than seek quick results, to widely recruit talents, and choose appropriate policies, so that good strategies will continue to emerge, and wise decisions will be more thorough. Only by stabilizing the people's trust can we better develop agriculture. I am earnestly devoted to this cause, working day and night and neglecting my own needs. In the early years of Jingping, I was appointed as a special advisor. The next year, I retired from my position as National Sacrificial Officer. During the reign of the young emperor, he committed numerous errors, and I strongly advised him in my memorial, saying:
I heard that Your Majesty often practices martial arts in the rear garden, and the sound of drums in the palace can be heard outside; practicing military drills in the Yeting, the palace is in an uproar, but the generals and ministers who lead the army are not seen. This is not enough to deter the barbarians from all sides, which instead raises strange speculations both near and far. Lately, the bandits in the east have been causing continuous disturbances, trying to find the weakness of the country. The Wu Hui region is currently more perilous than the Guanzhong and Hedong regions during the Han Dynasty. The foundation has been shaken; how can one not worry? If there are floods and droughts, the corvée labor continues unabated; even without bandits, vigilance is necessary, and expenses will continue to increase. The Henan region is no longer the territory of the country; the Jie tribe is hard to rein in, and that's why I toil day and night, putting my life on the line to advise you.
After Your Majesty ascended the throne, all political affairs were handed over to the Prime Minister, which mirrors the wise decision of Emperor Gaozong to step back and support governance. However, Your Majesty has grown too close to unscrupulous individuals, surrounded by sycophants. I'm afraid this is not a long-term plan for the country, nor is it the right way to govern the nation. Your Majesty's words are like fine threads; once spoken, it's like pulling a silk thread, and the people can see it clearly; the influence spreads swiftly, like a shadow. I hope Your Majesty can seriously consider the ancient ways of governing the country, follow the teachings of the ancestors, adhere to the principles, do not hesitate, appoint talented people, do not doubt them, so that the realm may find its unity, and the country and the people will be forever secure. The "Book of Documents" says: "If a person is fortunate, the common people will also enjoy good fortune." The gods in the sky see clearly and hear clearly; there is nothing they don't know. The fate of the nation rests in the hands of the people; it is easy to see. I've never heard of a government above that is clear while the common people below are in chaos.
I was favored by the late emperor, and the emperor also treated me exceptionally well. I originally wanted to repay one-thousandth of the favor with all my heart and effort; but now that I am old and in poor health, afflicted by various illnesses, and I see that I am about to permanently leave the emperor, with no chance to repay your favor, I can only take this chance to share my humble opinions while I still have breath. If the emperor could pity my request and pay attention to my memorial, then even if I die tonight, I will have no regrets in the afterlife.
Although the young emperor neither adopted my suggestions nor blamed me, Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and others have always been at odds with He Wuji. After Prince Yizhen of Luling and the young emperor were both killed, He Wuji said to his confidants, "I have studied both ancient and modern history, and I have never seen an heir who was entrusted to assist and ended up being killed, as well as a wise king who was killed."
In the second year of Yuanjia, I congratulated Emperor Yuanzheng on his legal reforms and also reported on the drought situation: Emperor Yuanzheng's legal reforms introduce new regulations. Your Majesty, by continuously innovating to build virtue, emulating the Heavenly Emperor to govern the country, auspiciousness will fill the palace, and all kinds of blessings will come to the court. Recently, droughts have been rampant, the sun is unusually scorching, rivers are drying up, and wells are running dry. The elderly and infirm struggle to fetch water from afar, and poor widows find it even harder to carry the burden of fetching water. Taxes are heavy, without any tax relief, and the people are full of complaints. I have lived for over seventy years and have never seen such a severe drought. When the balance of yin and yang is thrown off, it will lead to the obstruction of the vital energy between heaven and earth, not only causing severe famine but also triggering epidemics. The concerns are too many to enumerate.
It is said that sacrificing to Heaven and Earth emphasizes sincerity and earnestness. Those shamans and Taoist priests pray all day, but rarely can they move the heavens. We must ponder the wrath of Heaven. During the Han Dynasty, Donghai County unjustly executed a devoted daughter-in-law, which led to three years of drought. Later, after paying homage at her grave, the rain immediately fell, and the crops improved. Thus, when the State of Wei launched its attack on the State of Xing, rain began to fall the moment the army marched out. I hope Your Majesty can emulate the wise monarchs of the past, continue to usher in a prosperous era, uphold the principles of loyalty and compassion, show compassion for wrongful convictions, attend to the suffering of the people, and give due regard to matters of the afterlife. Let the people express their opinions freely, attentively listen to the voices of the people, and understand the key issues of statecraft. In this way, the country will be stable, and dangers will not arise. Should this be achieved and disasters persist, it would indeed be an unprecedented occurrence. Think about it, Xia Yu took on the faults of the people, King Tang took on the faults of the world, Tai Wu used mulberry and millet to cultivate virtue, and Duke Jing of Song cultivated goodness because of the planet Venus. These are all clear instances of transforming the mundane into the miraculous, all clearly recorded in history! It is difficult for those who follow bad customs to become gentlemen, while those who walk the right path easily become wise men. I am now gravely ill, deteriorating with each passing day. I fear I may not see another day. If I can deliver my report to you during the festival, I will have fulfilled my duty and can depart without regrets. I can no longer serve Your Majesty or compose memorials, and my heart is filled with sorrow.
Therefore, I took a small boat to Dongyang for sightseeing, going wherever I pleased without any concern for court affairs. Some people accused me of this, but Emperor Taizu ignored it. At that time, although Emperor Taizu personally handled political affairs, Lady Xian and her associates still held significant power. I submitted a memorial in which I stated, "I heard that Prince Luling has had his title restored, but has not been posthumously honored. Your Majesty is known for your filial piety, kindness, and unparalleled righteousness, and I believe you have a plan in mind. However, the court officials believe it is unwise to offer praises, while officials with coronets think it is best to let things take their course. My words may not merit consideration, and my loyalty has not been sufficiently demonstrated. I have received favor from the previous dynasty and have been taken care of by Prince Luling. I have served the country with peace of mind and have been close to Your Majesty, risking my life on the battlefield and enduring countless hardships, yet I have not been able to repay your kindness. Now that I am old and frail, I can no longer serve the court and have nowhere to escape, and can only accept whatever punishment comes my way." The descendants of Lady Tai Shi stopped me, and the memorial was ultimately not submitted.
Three years later, those who were executed along with Xian were all exonerated, and Xian himself was promoted to several positions, including attendant, Left Grand Master of Ceremonies, Director of the Imperial Academy, and Master of the Armies of Prince Jiangxia, retaining his previous special rank. The Emperor regarded Xian as a veteran official from the previous dynasty and treated him with special favor, knowing that he had difficulty moving due to his leg problems. Every time he summoned him, he allowed him to ride a carriage to the throne. Xian often advised the Emperor, who always listened with patience. In the autumn of that year, there was a drought and locust infestation, and Xian once again composed a letter to the Emperor:
Your Majesty, you rise early every day to handle state affairs, concerned about the people's suffering, have keen insight, and are diligent in political matters. Your wise decision-making has won the hearts of the people, who feel they are in good times. Although this disaster is not too great, we must identify the causes. I cannot investigate the dereliction of duty of local officials one by one; I cannot presume to interpret divine displeasure. In the areas where the locust plague occurred, the government forced the people to catch and kill locusts, but this was of no benefit to the withered crops, instead causing harm. I heard that mulberry trees and grains sometimes die naturally, without needing to be cut down; King Zhao of Chu practiced benevolent governance, caring for the people, and the disaster naturally disappeared; Zhuo Mao drove away the unknown pests, and Song Jun imprisoned the strange old tiger. There are reasons behind the locust plague, and we shouldn't resort to indiscriminate killing. Stones do not speak, stars do not fall on their own; we should carefully examine the lessons of the "Spring and Autumn Annals." According to etiquette, women have the three obediences and four virtues; they have no agency in making their own decisions. The "Book of Zhou" states that fathers, sons, and brothers do not share guilt, and women have been pardoned for a long time. Xie Hui's family still holds influence, having fallen from wealth to poverty, causing great distress among the people; even an ordinary woman would feel sorrow and indignation. I hold no personal bias against the Xie family; I am just grateful for the great grace of the emperor, thinking day and night about how to repay it. I suspect Your Majesty has already formed a plan.
Spring and summer impart poetry lessons without a break. I have recently had the honor of serving at the emperor's side and heard that schools should be established when children reach school age. Your Majesty, you have already made preliminary plans for national construction, thinking about the people's food supply issues. The time when children start school coincides with the peak of the agricultural season. When agriculture thrives, the land will be cultivated. Constructing schools in autumn and enrolling students from distant places in winter can proceed simultaneously without conflict. Many issues can arise if matters are delayed for too long. With my limited abilities, I do not dare to hope to witness a prosperous era, just aspiring to live in seclusion like the recluse Zinang from Yingcheng, hoping to avoid meeting my end with my eyes wide open, like Xun Yan. I have just made a suggestion. Even if you find it insignificant, I urge you to listen. I feel deep shame and unease in my heart.
After the memorial was presented, the emperor pardoned Xie Hui's family. At that time, Wang Hong served as the Grand Minister. Xie Tai said to Wang Hong, "Nowadays, there are many affairs in the world, and it is not easy to hold power. Your two brothers hold significant power, so you should be humble and cautious. Prince Pengcheng is the emperor's sibling. You should call him back to court to participate in governance together." Wang Hong followed his advice.
At that time, the drought had not yet ended, and an epidemic broke out. Xie Tai submitted another memorial saying, "Recently, the drought has lasted for an extended period, and the epidemic has not stopped. Compared to ordinary disasters, the situation is much more serious. The ancients believed that this is a sign of the decline of the Way of the King. Your Majesty goes to court early every day, diligently attends to state affairs, lives a simple life, and labors for the people. Logically, such circumstances should not arise. I believe that Heaven bestows special favor upon wise rulers. Your Majesty emulates Yu and Tang, sympathizes with the suffering of the people, and acts consistently with words and deeds, with virtues spreading far and wide. The Mulberry Star appears at dawn and vanishes by dusk; when the Mars Star enters the Heart constellation, it retreats. This not only averts calamities but also highlights your wisdom; the timely rains have begun to fall, and the people's sentiments have shifted, all of which have fulfilled your saintly virtues. Your Majesty should now look up to the will of Heaven, look down on the people's sentiments, strengthen the peace and prosperity of the realm, and follow the old ways. The crux lies in your willingness to act. Although the Great Song Dynasty perished due to abdication, it did not fall into irreparable ruin like the Xia Dynasty. The day the late emperor passed marked the onset of the decline of the Way of the King. After that, the Crown Prince was killed, the imperial family suffered misfortune, the people were in panic, morale was low, and the ministers who assisted the emperor and entrusted the orphan became rebel leaders in the blink of an eye. The realm was thrown into turmoil, and the royal path had collapsed. If not for extraordinary wisdom to rectify the situation, then the country would no longer belong to the Great Song. Revolution and adaptation to the times are particularly significant. Therefore, the methods of governing the country in ancient and modern times are different. Adhering to established practices will only hinder progress. The great path often lies hidden in small achievements, and seeking quick success may not necessarily lead to success. I have yet to fully grasp the strategy of deep-rootedness, so I have been arrogant and unable to keep silent. I am both foolish and vulgar, do not understand the ways of governing a country, and coupled with illness, old age, and confusion, what I say may not be correct, but I have no choice but to speak. If Your Majesty can perceive even a hint of my sincerity, I fear I will not know how to carry on."
Xie Taibo was a voracious reader, excelled in writing, and took pleasure in mentoring younger generations. He was diligent and tireless. He wrote twenty-four essays titled "Ancient and Modern Good Words" as well as a collection of essays that have been passed down through generations. In his later years, he devoutly believed in Buddhism and constructed the Zhihuan Jing She to the west of his home. He passed away five years later, at the age of seventy-four. He was posthumously appointed as a General of Chariots and Cavalry, a Palace Attendant, and an Imperial Attendant, with the same honors as before. His posthumous title was Xuanhou.
The eldest son of the Wang family died young. The second son served as the Prefect of Yidu. The third son served as a Palace Attendant and Grand Master of Ceremonies. The fourth son, Wang Ye, served as the Minister of the Crown Prince, but later conspired to rebel and was executed, an event that was specifically recorded. The youngest son, Wang Guangyuan, was an accomplished writer and served as a Military Advisor under Emperor Shizu, as well as a secretary. He was also implicated and executed because of Wang Ye's actions.
Wang Huaizhi, styled Yuanzeng, was a native of Langya Linyi. His grandfather, Wang Bin, served as the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat. His great-grandfather, Wang Biaozhi, served as the Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat. His great-great-grandfather, Wang Linzhi, and his father, Wang Nazhi, both held the position of Deputy Imperial Censor. Wang Biaozhi was knowledgeable and well-versed in court etiquette, a tradition that had been passed down through generations in their family. They were all well-versed in the history of the Jiangzuo region, recording this knowledge in a blue box, which led people to refer to their family as the "Wang Family Blue Box Scholars."
Wang Huaizhi was proficient in "The Book of Rites" and had excellent literary talent. He initially served as the Right Minister in his hometown and later became a military advisor when Huan Xuan was the Grand General. After Huan Xuan usurped the throne, he was appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of Rites. During the Yi Xi period, he served as the Prefect of the Ministry of War and was later promoted to the Chief Military Officer of Gaozu's Chariot and Cavalry, the Commandant of Danyang, and the Chief Clerk of the Central Army Grand Commandant. He was then transferred to be the Magistrate of Shanyin County, where he made significant contributions. He contributed to the campaign against Lu Xun and was titled the Marquis of Duting. He also served as the Attendant Officer for the Western Garrison, the Northern Pacification, and the Grand Commandant, the Left Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and the Chief Magistrate of the county. After the establishment of the Song Dynasty, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief Censor, gaining the respect of his peers. From his great-great-grandfather Wang Biaozhi to his father Wang Nazhi, and then to his grandfather Wang Linzhi, and finally to him, Wang Huaizhi, four generations of his family served as Deputy Chief Censors. Wang Huaizhi also wrote five-character poems, and Fan Tai mocked him, saying, "You only know how to play musical instruments." Wang Huaizhi replied sternly, "It's better than your family being cunning foxes for generations." Later, due to the incident where the Crown Prince's Guard Commander Xie Lingyun failed to report a murder, Wang Huaizhi was dismissed from office. After Gaozu ascended the throne, Wang Huaizhi was appointed as the Yellow Gate Gentleman. In the second year of Yongchu, he submitted a memorial stating, "Zheng Xuan's commentary on 'The Book of Rites' states that the mourning period of three years should be followed by twenty-seven months before conducting auspicious ceremonies, which has been regarded by scholars throughout history as consistent with ritual norms. In the early Jin Dynasty, Wang Su's suggestion was adopted to shorten the mourning period to twenty-five months, which became the established practice. In the Jiangzuo region, only the Jin Dynasty followed this; most nobles and officials adhered to Zheng Xuan's interpretation. Ancient kings established ritual norms to align with public sentiment. The importance of funeral rites has been recorded since ancient times. Now that the Great Song Dynasty has been founded and the world is at peace, I believe we should align with the people's sentiments and adopt Zheng Xuan's interpretation as the established practice, to ensure that both the court and the people adhere to the same rituals, preventing regional customs from diverging." Gaozu accepted his suggestion.
Mr. Wang Huai was first appointed as the Left Chief Historian, then was later appointed as the Prefect of Shixing. In the second year of the Yuanjia era, he was appointed as the Chief Historian of General Yigong of Jiangxia and concurrently as the Prefect of Liyang. During his tenure in the state government, he governed wisely, won the hearts of the people, and was well-respected by both the military and the civilian population. Not long after, he returned to the court as an attendant. The following year, he was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel as a senior official, and later was appointed as the Minister of Personnel. He was known to be strict and impatient, which didn’t quite align with the expectations of the nobility, and was later reassigned to Danyang as its administrator. Mr. Wang Huai had a deep understanding of the old ceremonial system and could answer any questions posed to him. At that time, General Yikang of Pengcheng was in charge of handling the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, and he often sighed, remarking, "Without the need for profound theories, as long as we have talents like Wang Huai, the world will be at peace!" However, Wang Huai was somewhat aloof and not good at conforming to worldly ways, so he did not receive much recognition from the scholarly elite of his time. The "Rituals" he wrote are still in use in the court to this day. Ten years later, Wang Huai passed away at the age of fifty-six and was posthumously honored with the title of Minister of Ceremonies. His son, Wang Xingzhi, later became the Chief Clerk of the Office of Military Affairs.
Wang Shaozhi, courtesy name Xiutai, was from Linyi in Langya. His great-grandfather Wang Hao was the General of the Cavalry in the Jin Dynasty; his grandfather Wang Xianzhi was a Military Officer; his father Wang Weizhi was the county's chief medical officer. Wang Shaozhi came from a humble background, and his father had served as the Prefect of Wucheng County, so they lived in Wucheng County. Wang Shaozhi loved reading historical books since he was young and was knowledgeable. He initially served as a staff member for General Wei Yan. His father Wang Weizhi had great ambitions when he was young, and he personally transcribed the court's imperial edicts and memorials. He documented various events from the Taiyuan to Long'an periods, both major and minor. Therefore, Wang Shaozhi wrote "The Autumn of Emperor Jin'an" in private. After completing this book, people suggested he pursue a career as a historian. Thus, he was appointed as an assistant in the Imperial Archives, responsible for continuing to write historical books, and he continued writing until the ninth year of Yixi. He was skilled in narrative and produced exceptional writings, leaving behind outstanding historical books for future generations. Later, he was promoted to an attendant in the Imperial Secretariat. Since Emperor Xiaowu of Jin, the emperors resided in the inner palace, and military officials were responsible for delivering memorials from the palace to the emperor. To save officials, one person was in charge of managing imperial edicts and decrees, working in the Western Ministry, hence known as the Western Minister. Fu Liang and Yang Huixian successively served as the Western Minister. Wang Shaozhi was later promoted to an attendant in the Imperial Secretariat. When Emperor An passed away, Gaozu secretly conspired with Wang Shaozhi and others close to the emperor to poison Emperor An. After Emperor Gong ascended the throne, Wang Shaozhi was promoted to Yellow Gate Attendant while also serving as an assistant in the Imperial Archives, with his duties in the Western Ministry abolished. He wrote all kinds of imperial edicts and memorials for the court. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he promoted Xie Shao's official position, making him the General of the Cavalry and the Chief Justice of the local county. The position of Yellow Gate Attendant remained the same, and he was reassigned to oversee the History of the Song Dynasty.
One day, the relevant authorities reported that Zhu Daomin, an official in Dongye County, had captured three rebellious soldiers who, according to convention, should have been released. Xie Shao submitted a memorial saying, "The matter reported by the Ministry of Personnel is as follows: this is indeed due to a temporary negligence of expedient measures, which is unlikely to support effective governance and the consolidation of fundamental principles. Upon reviewing the old regulations, I found more than ten provisions concerning the use of exile as punishment for crimes; although each provision differs, the severity varies. As for the four charges of forging proof of parental death, falsely accusing parents of adultery, undermining ethical norms, and rebelling against the court, these are extremely heinous crimes that have corrupted moral integrity. Even if varying punishments are applied for the different crimes, it cannot compensate for the grave offenses they have committed. Since their leader has been captured and the large-scale clearance operation has ended, how can these rebellious soldiers be released again, allowing them to live freely among ordinary citizens? I worry that if this system persists, the consequences will be dire. Now, at the onset of the emperor's new policies, we must prioritize the fundamentals and set aside the trivial; all laws should be carefully revised. I believe these four charges should not be eligible for redemption." The attendant Chu Danzhi concurred with Xie Shao's three points and felt that the status quo should be preserved. The emperor endorsed his memorial.
Later, Xie Shao rejected the request for leave from Wang Shi, the Assistant Minister of Personnel. He said, "According to the old regulations, officials can take leave if there are urgent matters at home for sixty days. After the reforms during the Taiyuan era, they can take up to one hundred days of leave each year. If they live a thousand miles away from home, they can apply for an extension to the next year, totaling two hundred days of leave. This is merely a temporary solution, not a long-term plan. Even though Kuaiji is a long way off, at a distance of a thousand miles, one hundred days of leave should be sufficient. If there are special circumstances at home, they should submit their own petition. How can they stay at home for a long time using the title of a court official? After discussing it with my colleagues, we concluded that his request should not be approved. If they live in the Heluo region or Lingnan and Mianhan areas, which are far away, there should be separate regulations for those cases, which should be left to the Ministry of Personnel to establish." The Emperor accepted his suggestion. Due to a mistake with the imperial edict's seal, Xie Shao was dismissed from his position as a Yellow Gate Attendant, as noted in "The Biography of Xie Hui."
When Wang Shaozhi was writing a history book for the Jin Dynasty, Wang Xun's family was getting rich while Wang Xun's brother, Wang Xin, staged a rebellion. Wang Xun's son Wang Hong and Wang Xin's son Wang Hua both became high officials. Wang Shaozhi was afraid they would cause trouble for him, so he quickly cultivated good relationships with Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and others. After the young emperor ascended the throne, Wang Shaozhi was promoted to the position of Attendant and continued to serve as a valiant cavalry general. In the first year of the Jingping reign, he was sent to Wuxing as the governor. Later, Xu Xianzhi was killed, and Wang Hong became the prime minister while also serving as the governor of Yangzhou. Although Wang Hong and Wang Shaozhi had a good relationship before, Wang Hong's brothers did not know Wang Shaozhi well, so they stopped interacting with him. While serving as the governor of Wuxing, Wang Shaozhi was always worried that Wang Hong would cause trouble for him, so he worked diligently every day, achieving excellent results. Wang Hong also set aside personal grievances and did not create difficulties for him. The emperor praised him twice. He served as the governor of Wuxing for several years, and everyone said he was a good official. His rank was also elevated to the position of 2,000 stones. After ten years, he was summoned back to the court to serve as the Minister of Rites and was also appointed as a Censor. However, due to some issues related to gift-giving during his tenure as governor, he was dismissed from his position. Twelve years later, he was sent back to Wuxing as governor. That year, he passed away at the age of fifty-six years. He composed the sacrificial hymns for the Seven Temples, and his collected works have been preserved. His son Wang Ye served as a military officer in the Ministry of War and as the governor of Linhe.
Xun Bozi hailed from Yingyin in Yingchuan. His grandfather Xun Xian was a General of Chariots and Cavalry, and his father Xun Yi was a Clerk of the Secretariat. Xun Bozi loved studying from a young age, reading many classics and historical texts, but he also enjoyed playing and wandering aimlessly in the countryside, so he didn't have much of a reputation. Later, he became a Marquis of the Court and later served as an Attendant Cavalry Officer and an External Gentleman. Xu Guang, a Literary Officer, admired his talent and recommended him to work with Wang Shao as an Assistant Officer, assisting in writing the biographies of Jin Shi and Huan Xuan. After that, he was promoted to the Ministry of the Rites.
In the year 413 AD, (Zhuge) Hui submitted a memorial saying, "I have heard that after a downfall caused by mistakes, the Boshi lost cities, and Guan Zhong praised his benevolence and righteousness. Great achievements can be remembered for generations, but ill-gotten rewards cannot last. Therefore, Grand Tutor Juping, Marquis Zhuge Hui, with his bright virtues, outstanding talents, and unparalleled status among the courtiers, participated in assisting the emperor in achieving great accomplishments after pacifying the state of Wu. However, his descendants have been left with nothing, and no one comes to oversee the sacrifices. Due to Xiao He's great achievements during the Han Dynasty, titles have been passed down from generation to generation. I believe that the fief of Marquis Juping should be passed down for generations, just like the State of Zan."
"However, Chen Huai, the Grand Commandant of Guangling, attached himself to Sun Xiu, causing chaos in Huainan, and usurped the fief of a major state, exploiting crimes for personal gain. At that time, the political affairs and punishments of the Western Jin court were mishandled, and even after the restoration, his fief was not reclaimed. Now that the righteous order has just been established, how can we not carefully evaluate right from wrong and merits versus demerits? I believe the State of Guangling should be dissolved."
"Furthermore, there was Tai Bao Wei Guan, whose original title was Marquis of Xiaoyang. Due to unjust misfortunes, he was posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Lanling after his younger brother was promoted. Later, this title was changed to Marquis of Jiangxia. Many of the courtiers who assisted the emperor did not receive the rewards they were due. Wei Guan's achievements and virtues were not inferior to others, yet he alone did not receive the appropriate rewards. It is necessary to restore his original title to rectify the state's regulations." The memorial was submitted to the Ministry of Personnel.
Duke Wei Yu of Jiangxia petitioned the emperor, saying: "My great-grandfather, Wei Guan, was granted the title of Marquis of Xiaoyang during the Xianxi reign of the Wei Dynasty when Emperor Wen was still a regent. After the establishment of the Western Jin Dynasty, his title was elevated to Duke. He served as Grand Guardian and held significant political power. At that time, Jia Mi and some princes wielded significant power and resented Wei Guan's loyalty and integrity, so Prince Sima Wei of Chu forged an edict to incriminate him. The previous dynasty honored Wei Guan for his loyalty and contributions to pacifying the Shu region by posthumously conferring upon him the title of Marquis of Lanling. During the Yongjia period, Prince Sima Yue of Donghai occupied Lanling and changed Wei Guan's title to Jiangxia, with no change to the population or land. My grandfather, Wei Zao, was Wei Guan's legitimate grandson and inherited the title. Emperor Zhongzong allowed my great-grandfather, Wei Chong, to inherit the title, which has been passed down to my family. I have heard that Xun Bozi from the Ministry of Ancestral Temples has suggested lowering my title back to Marquis of Xiaoyang. The loyalty and favor of the Zhao family have been passed down through generations, just as Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang established feudal states with a vow as steadfast as the mountains and rivers. I hope Your Majesty will remember the merits of my ancestors and bestow boundless grace. Please submit my memorial to the relevant department for review."
Yingchuan native Chen Maoxian also wrote a memorial to the emperor, saying: "The Minister of the Ancestral Worship Department, Xun Bozi, said that my seventh-generation ancestor, Grand Commandant Chen Huai, died in Huainan and should not be posthumously honored. However, my ancestor Chen Huai was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Hailing for eliminating Jia Mi before his death in Huainan. Although there were continuous wars in the Guangling area afterwards, my ancestors began to be promoted, holding positions such as those of Yuan and Kai officials. Later, they were exiled and Pingzhou was established, but the title was not revoked. This is precisely because of the deep merits of my ancestors, which will never fade. Your Majesty is wise and martial, assisting in the prosperity of the country, and has never had such a dispute, considering it as an excessive reward. I come from humble beginnings and do not belong among court officials. Initially, I struggled to make ends meet, but now I have inherited a title. I hope Your Majesty will remember the merits of my ancestors and extend your special grace and consideration."
The emperor handed both memorials to the Secretariat, but ultimately did not take action.
Shen Yue's son served as an advisor to the crown prince and later became a national scholar. With the help of his wife's brother Xie Hui, he became the Deputy Minister of the Left in the Ministry of Personnel and was later exiled to be the Prefect of Linyuan. The renowned General Wang Hong praised him: "Shen Yue is a reliable and steady person, not ostentatious, and exudes the grace of the Marquis of Pingyang!" Shen Yue himself was quite proud of his noble family background and told Wang Hong: "Among the prestigious families in the world, only you and I belong to the truly noble families. Those from the Xuanming family are hardly worth mentioning!" Later, he was promoted to Cavalier Attendant and rose to become the highest-ranking local official.
He also wrote to the emperor, saying, "I found that the ranking of the officials is incorrect. Prince of Chenliu is ranked ahead of Prince of Lingling, which I find unacceptable! Back in the day when King Wu overthrew the Shang Dynasty, he enfeoffed the descendants of Shennong in Jiaodi, the descendants of the Yellow Emperor in Zhudi, the descendants of Yao in Jidi, the descendants of Shun in Chendi, the descendants of the Xia Dynasty in Qidi, and the descendants of the Shang Dynasty in Songdi. Qi and Chen became vassal states, while Jidi, Zhudi, and Jiaodi have faded into obscurity. This shows that honoring those who have carried on their ancestors' legacies is more trustworthy than venerating ancient noble families! Therefore, in the "Spring and Autumn Annals," Song should be ranked ahead of Qi and Chen. Recent events also support this argument. In the first year of the Taishi reign of the Jin Dynasty, the emperor enfeoffed the descendants of Liu Kang, Duke of Shanyang, as Marquis of Guannei, and also appointed the descendants of Duke Ji Shu of Wei and Marquis Kong Shao of Song as Commandant of the Imperial Guards. In the third year of the Taishi reign, Scholar Liu Qi from the Imperial Academy and others suggested that Duke Ji Shu of Wei was one of the Three Kinsmen in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and should have their rank lowered to Marquis. I believe that the title of Prince of Lingling should be ranked above that of Prince of Chenliu." The emperor agreed with him.
Shen Yue later served as Grand Attendant to the Crown Prince and Censor-in-Chief, and was known for his diligent and responsible work. Everyone said he was upright and selfless; he spoke with great seriousness in court, instilling fear in both internal and external officials. When he accused others, he conducted thorough investigations, often digging up the other party's ancestry back to eighteen generations, demonstrating his seriousness about his work. However, he sometimes liked to joke, so many people did not have a good opinion of him. Later, he was appointed as Chief Clerk of the Minister of Works and Prefect of Dongyang. He passed away in the fifteenth year of the Yuanjia reign at the age of sixty-one, leaving behind a significant body of work that has endured through the ages.
His son Shen Chisong once served as the Left Chancellor of the Ministry of Personnel. Because he was associated with Xu Zhanzhi, the mastermind had him killed. Shen Yue's younger cousin, Shen Chang, styled Maozu, was separated from Shen Yue by five generations. During the early years of the Song Dynasty under Emperor Shizu, he became a Gentleman of the Central Secretariat because of his excellent writing skills. Shen Chang's son, Shen Wanqiu, styled Yuanbao, was also very talented. In the early years of the Song Dynasty under Emperor Shizu, he became the Prefect of Jinling. He built the Hualin Pavilion in the county and established roles including Chief Scribe and Chief of Attire. This led to his imprisonment, but he was later acquitted. In the later years of the Former Emperor, he became the Deputy Chief Censor and died in office. The historical records say: those beautiful virtues and lofty ambitions are the themes of poets' works; while those behaviors in accordance with etiquette and laws can be passed down for generations, becoming examples for future generations to follow. Xunzi, Fan Ju, and the two noble kings, although famous for their knowledge and righteousness, were not widely respected in court. This likely stems from their talent but a lack of sufficient wisdom and strategy. It's truly a shame!
