Emperor Wu of Han had seven sons: Lady Zhang gave birth to Shaodi, Sun Xiu Hua gave birth to Liu Yizhen, Prince Xiaoxian of Luling, Hu Jieyu gave birth to Emperor Wen (later known as Emperor Xiaowu), Wang Xiurong gave birth to Prince Yikang of Pengcheng, Yuan Meiren gave birth to Prince Yigong of Jiangxia Wenxian, Sun Meiren gave birth to Prince Yixuan of Nanjun, and Lv Meiren gave birth to Prince Yiji of Hengyang. The deeds of Yikang and Yixuan are recorded separately.
Prince Xiaoxian of Luling, Liu Yizhen, was handsome and exceptionally outstanding. Initially appointed as the Duke of Guiyang County with a fief of one thousand households. At the age of twelve, he followed the Northern Expedition army to Chang'an, remaining at Baiguwu, where the court also appointed him as a Cavalier Attendant, but he declined the position. After Guanzhong was pacified, Emperor Gaozu Liu Yu planned to return east, but after the soldiers had been fighting for a long time, they all longed to return home. Only a small number of generals were left to guard the area, which was not enough to reassure the populace. Therefore, Liu Yu appointed Liu Yizhen as the Commander of military affairs for the Hedong, Pingyang, and Hebei regions, the General of Anxi, the Protector-General of the Western Rong, the Governor of Yongzhou, overseeing military operations in the region. The Grand Commandant's Advisor, Jingzhao Prince Xiu, appointed Wang Xiu as his Chief of Staff, entrusting him with the responsibility for the Guanzhong region.
When the founding ancestor was about to return to his troops, the elders and villagers of the Sanqin region ran to him crying, saying, "The people have suffered and endured hardships, and have not felt the court's benevolence for over a hundred years. Now we finally see the court officials and can look up to the emperor's grace. The ten tombs in Chang'an belong to the imperial family; the palaces in Xianyang have thousands of rooms, all imperial residences. Where will you go if you leave us?" Liu Yu, the founding ancestor, listened with sympathy and comforted them, saying, "I am ordered by the court and cannot stay on my own. I understand how much you want me to stay. I will leave my second son here to help protect this place alongside capable people." Before leaving, Liu Yu personally held Liu Yizhen's hand and handed him over to Wang Xiu, asking Wang Xiu to hold Liu Yizhen's hand and hand him over to Liu Yu again. Liu Yizhen later officially took office, was appointed as a regional military governor, and was promoted to oversee the Eastern Qin two provinces, Sizhou's Dong'anding, Xinping's two counties, and was appointed as the governor of Eastern Qin province. At that time, many people who had been displaced in Guanzhong hoped to return home with the court's power. However, when the Eastern Qin province was established, the people realized the court was no longer planning to govern Longyou and strengthen Guanzhong, causing them to sigh one after another. At this time, rebellions among the northern minority groups kept breaking out.
Shen Tianzigang killed Wang Zhen'e, and as a result, Wang Xiu killed Shen Tianzi. Yizhen, being young, had a penchant for generously rewarding those around him, being very generous and not at all restrained. Wang Xiu often withheld rewards, so the people around Yizhen resented Wang Xiu. So someone went to Yizhen and accused, "Wang Zhen'e wanted to rebel, so Shen Tianzi killed him. Now Wang Xiu has killed Shen Tianzi; does he also want to rebel?" Yizhen heard this and sent his subordinates, including Liu Qi, to kill Wang Xiu. Wang Xiu, also known as Shuzhi, was from Baicheng in Jingzhao Prefecture. When he first arrived in the south, he met Huan Xuan, who immediately recognized his potential and said, "This boy will be a future official in the Ministry of Personnel!" After Wang Xiu's death, the people were left in a state of panic, feeling lost without a leader.
General Zhu Lingshi, dispatched by Emperor Gaozu, went to Guanzhong to take over from General Yizhen and instructed Yizhen to return with light cavalry. The generals were all busy looting money, and they brought their wives and children, causing the troops to move slowly. The enemy was closing in. General Jianwei Fu Hongzhi said, "General, you must order to pick up the pace, otherwise the enemy will catch up! Now everyone is carrying so much baggage and can only travel ten miles a day. If the enemy catches up, how can we defend ourselves? We should abandon the vehicles, travel light, and escape!" But Yizhen ignored him. Sure enough, the enemy's pursuers caught up, with tens of thousands of cavalrymen. General Fuguo Kuai En held the rear, but could not stop them. When they reached Qingni, the rear guard was completely annihilated, and many generals and the magistrate Wang Cidu from the government were captured. Yizhen raced ahead and managed to escape with a few hundred men. It was dark, and the enemy chose not to pursue further. Yizhen got separated from his men and hid in the bushes. Lieutenant Duan Hong rode a horse alone, searching for Yizhen while calling out. Yizhen heard his voice and came out, saying, "Aren't you Lieutenant Duan? I'm here!" Duan Hong was ecstatic and quickly helped Yizhen onto his horse. Yizhen said to Duan Hong, "Today's events are really unexpected. However, how can a man truly understand hardship without experiencing it?" At first, when Emperor Gaozu first heard about the defeat at Qingni, before he had the chance to question Yizhen, someone reported that "he fled in panic through the night, and his fate was uncertain." The founding emperor was very angry and decided to launch an immediate northern campaign. Xie Hui advised against it, but he refused to listen. Later, he received Duan Hong's report and knew that Yizhen had escaped, and subsequently called off the campaign.
Xiao Yizhen was appointed as the Governor of the five provinces of Yong, Qin, Bing, and Liang, as the General Who Establishes Authority, and as the Governor of Sizhou, with his official position and power remaining unchanged. Duan Hong was appointed as Xiao Yizhen's advisory lieutenant, soon promoted to the rank of Huangmen Lang at the Song Court, while also serving as the Right Guard to the Crown Prince. Duan Hong was a Xianbei, who had previously been the Left Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and the Governor of Xuzhou under Murong Chao. He surrendered during Gaozu's campaign against Guanggu. During the Yuanjia era under Taizu, he was appointed as the General Who Conquers the Barbarians and the Governor of the provinces of Qing and Ji, and was posthumously elevated to the rank of Left General. At that time, Xiao Yizhen was supposed to guard Luoyang, but the Henan region was rather desolate and had yet to be repaired, so Xiao Yizhen was reassigned as the Governor of Yangzhou, where he was stationed in Shitoucheng. In the first year of Yongchu, Xiao Yizhen was titled as the Prince of Luling, with a fief consisting of three thousand households, and was reassigned to guard the East City. When Gaozu had just taken the throne, Xiao Yizhen looked unwell. The attendant scholar Cai Maozhi asked him the reason, and Xiao Yizhen replied, "In times of peace, do not forget the potential for danger; how can we rely solely on peace and stability?" The following year, Xiao Yizhen was promoted to the position of Minister of Works and Construction. When Gaozu fell ill, Xiao Yizhen was appointed as the Commissioner-in-Chief, Palace Attendant, Commander of the Southern provinces of Nanyu, Yu, Yong, Si, Qin, and Bing, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Supervisor of the Palace, Governor of Nanyu, and was ordered to take up his post in Liyang. Before he could assume his duties, Gaozu passed away.
Xiao Yizhen is intelligent and loves literature, but he behaves recklessly and lacks virtue. He is close to Chen Jun Xie Lingyun, Langye Yan Yanzhi, and Huilin the Daoist. It is said that if he comes to power, he will appoint Xie Lingyun and Yan Yanzhi as prime ministers, and Huilin as the governor of Xiyu Province. Xu Xianzhi and others feel that Xiao Yizhen's relationship with Xie Lingyun and Yan Yanzhi is too close, so Fan Yan tactfully advises him. Xiao Yizhen said, "Xie Lingyun is superficial, while Yan Yanzhi is narrow-minded. Emperor Wei once said that few people can establish themselves solely on reputation and integrity. I just appreciate their characters; that's why I associate with them." When Xiao Yizhen was about to go to his post at the border town, he lined up in front of the East Palace. Because it was a time of national mourning, the boat Xiao Yizhen was on was simply decorated, not as luxurious as the boat his mother Sun Xiuyi rode on. Xiao Yizhen, Xie Lingyun, Yan Yanzhi, Huilin, and others inspected the troops together, then held a banquet on the boat. Xiao Yizhen ordered his subordinates to dismantle the decorations from his mother's boat and decorate his own boat with the best parts. When they arrived in Liyang, Xiao Yizhen demanded many things. Xu Xianzhi and others often could not meet his requests, so they resented him and petitioned for him to return to the capital. The young emperor acted irresponsibly, so Xu Xianzhi and others conspired to depose him. It was supposed to be Xiao Yizhen's turn, but due to his frivolity and inability to shoulder heavy responsibilities, and because he had a bad relationship with the young emperor, Xu Xianzhi and others requested his removal, saying:
"I have heard that if siblings do not get along, it is difficult to achieve great things. Prince Huainan was arrogant and ultimately led to the chaos of the Han Dynasty. This was not because of a breakdown in brotherly affection, but because emotions succumbed to regulations. The lessons from two generations of emperors are clear, and a benevolent ruler will not doubt this. Therefore, Gong Shuduan did not listen to advice, almost causing the destruction of Zheng State; Liu Ying was spoiled and indulged, leading to a great disaster. We must not forget the lessons learned from our predecessors, and future rulers should take them as a warning."
Speaking of it, General Cheqi Yi Zhen is notoriously cruel and violent. He has been like this since he was young, and his evil deeds in Xianyang have made him infamous. The late emperor, seeing his youth, held onto a sliver of hope, hoping he could reform and that heaven would show him mercy. Since the late emperor fell ill and passed away, the court and the populace were filled with anxiety, holding their breath. But Yi Zhen was immersed in gambling and drinking, day and night without stopping, spouting reckless words and acting insolently. In order to ensure the safety of the country, the late emperor painstakingly devised a plan and personally warned Your Majesty, issuing a decree to us, warning that if Yi Zhen still did not repent, he must be removed from office; the late emperor's warning was stern and documented in the decree. However, since then, his behavior has only escalated; he has gone so far as to neglect border defenses, intent on returning to the capital, secretly plotting against the state, harboring treacherous intentions, recruiting troops and horses, and gathering an army. The late emperor's tomb has not yet been completed; the events are still fresh in our memories, yet he disregards the late emperor's final wishes, openly violating ancestral customs, preparing to return to the capital, only seeking to satisfy his own desires, no longer obeying the court's orders. His Majesty has shown great leniency, repeatedly dispatching envoys to counsel him. But he dared to speak disrespectfully to His Majesty and slander the court in front of the cavalier Xing Antai and General Ma Zhongsu; these matters have long been known everywhere.
I have heard that a spark, if not extinguished, will become a raging fire; if weeds are not removed, they will grow everywhere; if seedlings are not cut down, they will eventually have to be cut down with an axe. Moreover, the current situation is serious, affecting the safety of the country; we must take it seriously. I implore Your Majesty to follow the example set by Wuling of the Jin Dynasty, so that the late emperor's will can be long preserved in the ancestral temple; may Your Majesty's mercy extend to his family. Thinking of this, my heart is filled with sorrow, and tears stream down my face uncontrollably.
Therefore, Yi Zhen was stripped of his title and reduced to commoner status, and Zhang Yue, the former magistrate of Jiyang, submitted a memorial advising:
I heard that humaneness and righteousness are as ubiquitous as soybeans in the Central Plains; the influence of reason reaches all beings, so it is not limited to noble or humble people. Thus, Confucius felt remorse and swore an oath at Ji Quan; the wronged souls of Hu Guan found vindication in Hu Yi. Were there no honorable ministers and wise counselors at that time? Perhaps due to the urgency of the situation, they had to act against their own wishes; perhaps because the road was blocked and their strategies failed, how could they refuse to listen to the advice of drivers and stable hands, and accept the suggestions of ordinary people? Although I am merely a humble commoner, in my youth, I was ignorant and somewhat ambitious, wanting to emulate those who died for righteousness, hoping to accomplish something in court, yet I have achieved nothing in my old age. Thus, I boldly express my foolish opinions, even at the risk of losing my life.
Your Majesty, you were born a warrior and rose during a time of great upheaval, following the will of heaven, your virtues are akin to those of Yu Shun, overseeing the Nine Provinces, your achievements rival those of Da Yu; therefore, you can faithfully follow heaven's will and rule over all nations. Though your virtuous legacy endures, your physical form cannot last forever. Your Majesty, you inherited the great achievements of the late emperor, and both inside and outside the country wholeheartedly support you; the princes are wise and capable, and the nation enjoys stability and peace in all directions, everywhere reflecting the signs of a peaceful and prosperous era.
Privately, I think that Prince Luling has always received the love and favor of the late emperor since he was young, and after growing up, he also received the love of Your Majesty. So whatever he thinks in his heart, he says it out loud. He holds bright and upright aspirations in mind. It's just because he made some mistakes as a courtier, he has been accused of arrogance and unruliness. In fact, he is intelligent and indeed has many outstanding qualities. We should be tolerant of him, acknowledge his strengths, overlook his weaknesses, teach him properly, and guide him to improve gradually. But now he is being treated so harshly, exiled to a distant county. This not only tarnishes the image of the close bond between you and him, but also makes people near and far feel scared and uneasy. The people are silent, preoccupied with just surviving. I think that although the rise of the Great Song Dynasty is in line with the mandate of heaven, the foundation is still not stable in the early days of the dynasty. We should broaden the influence of the royal family and its members, unite them with righteousness, let brothers live in harmony, and foster friendship like the states of Lu and Wei; if we could employ ancient divination methods and receive auspicious omens, then the prosperity of the Great Song Dynasty could last for seven hundred years, wouldn't that be great?
Your Majesty, you are getting older, you think things through more thoroughly and don't dwell on them, but you seem to have overlooked long-term security concerns and are hesitating because of your compassionate nature. I earnestly hope you will take this seriously, inquire and understand the situation from various sources. Think about the reasons for the rise and fall of dynasties in history, consider the foundation of the empire that the Martial Emperor established, and consider the people's sincere expectations. I urge you to show mercy and grant him a pardon so he can return to the capital!
Choose some respected elders to assist him, find some promising young talents to be his friends, gently guide his character and cultivate his wisdom. Ordinary people can reflect on their mistakes, especially since the prince is intelligent and easy to teach. Furthermore, even those of high moral character can make mistakes; as long as he is willing to correct his mistakes and turn over a new leaf, he should be given a chance. The Emperor cares for him deeply, and as his loyal brother, how can you abandon him forever just because of one mistake? I come before you, risking my life to plead this, kneeling as I speak. I hope my loyalty reaches your ears; even if I face execution afterwards, I will have no regrets.
After the memorial was submitted, the Emperor appointed Zhang Yue as a military officer in Liangzhou Prefecture, but not long after, Zhang Yue was killed. On the Guiwei day in the second year of Jingping, Xu Xianzhi and others sent someone to assassinate Yizhen in exile, at the time, Yizhen was just eighteen years old.
In August of the first year of Yuanjia, the Emperor proclaimed, "Previously, the coffin of Prince Luling lay far away, and the national seal had been neglected; I am overwhelmed with grief, as if my heart were being sliced by a knife. Prince Luling had a noble status, and his relatives were also prominent; how can we allow mourning and rituals to be permanently disrupted, and let him have no resting place after death? It is decided to restore his previous title, specially sending someone to escort the coffin back to the capital, and at the same time allowing his grandson Xiu Hua and Concubine Xie to return. My heart is truly heavy with sorrow!"
In the first month of the third year, the emperor executed Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and others. On that day, the emperor issued a decree saying: "The former Prince of Luling had noble character, outstanding talent, exceptional intelligence, upright conduct, and far-reaching virtue. He was born in troubled times, devoted to supporting the court, but was forced by traitorous officials. Before Heaven could punish these treacherous officials, the Prince of Luling met with misfortune; they acted arrogantly, seized power, plotted in secret, and disaster suddenly struck. I have always remembered this hatred, filled with sorrow, but have been unable to seek justice for the Prince of Luling and convey my grief. Now that the path of righteousness has been restored and the political situation has stabilized, it is time to promote the national system. The Prince of Luling is posthumously appointed as an attendant and grand general, with his title unchanged. This is meant to comfort his spirit and convey my sorrow and indignation."
The emperor issued another decree saying: "Some time ago, those powerful ministers were arrogant and caused chaos. Jiyang magistrate Zhang Yue stood up and submitted a memorial, speaking directly and advising; his loyalty and courage were moving, but he tragically died in a foreign land, and his loyalty and righteousness went unrecognized. I am deeply grieved by this. In ancient times, Guan Yu submitted a memorial, recorded in the history of the Han Dynasty; Yan Zuan proposed a plan, praised by the Jin Dynasty. In light of Zhang Yue's loyalty and righteousness, and in following the example set by the ancients, he should be commended to honor his loyalty. Therefore, Zhang Yue is posthumously appointed as a governor, awarded a sum of one hundred thousand coins, and a hundred bolts of cloth."
Yizhen had no sons, so Taizu adopted his fifth son, Xiu Yin, as his own to carry on the family line. In the ninth year of the Yuanjia era, Xiu Yin inherited the title of Prince of Luling. He had a gentle and kind personality from a young age, and Taizu liked him very much. At the age of twenty, he was appointed General of Southern Zhonglang and Governor of Jiangzhou, even though he was just twelve at the time! Two years later, he returned to the court; his official position was elevated, and he was also appointed Commander of the military forces in Xiyang, Jinxi, and Xincai, which are in Jiangzhou and Yuzhou. He served in this position for seven years, and then was promoted to General of the Left and Governor of Southern Xuzhou, with a ceremonial escort accompanying him. Before he could assume his new position, he was transferred to Yangzhou as Governor, while also retaining his military title. Later, when the Northern Suolu army advanced to Guabu, Xiu Yin stayed behind with the crown prince to defend Shitoucheng. In the twenty-ninth year of the Yuanjia era, he fell ill and had to resign from his post. He passed away that same year at the young age of twenty-one. Before he died, he requested to be buried in plain clothes and a simple coffin, which Taizu honored. After his death, the court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, General Who Guards the Army, and Secretary of the Palace, while also retaining his position as Governor.
Xiu Yin had no sons, so the third son of King Nanping, Shuo, was adopted to inherit his title. Originally named Jing Xiu, he changed his name because he was adopted by the granddaughter of Xiu Yin's wife, Chu Xiu. In the second year of the Jinghe era, he was killed by the former emperor who had been deposed. After his death, the court posthumously appointed him as a Minister in the Central Secretariat and bestowed the posthumous title of Prince Gong. He also had no sons, so in the first year of Taishi of Emperor Taizong, the twenty-first son of Emperor Shizu, Prince Yu of Jinxi, styled Xiaowen, was adopted by Xiu Yin and titled as Prince Luling. He was appointed as an Assistant General of the State and was also appointed Prefect of Nan Gaoping and Linhuai. However, he was killed before he could take up his post. Three years later, Emperor Taizong adopted the second son of Prince Guiyang Xiufan, De Si, as the heir of Xiu Yin. De Si was appointed as General Who Establishes Might and was also appointed Prefect of Huailing and Nan Pengcheng. Later, in the second year of the Yuanhui era under Emperor Yuanhui, he and Xiufan were executed together, and the title of Prince Luling was once again revoked. Three years later, the court appointed Hao, the third son of Duke Zhong of Linli, styled Yuanhua, to inherit the title of Prince Luling. He was appointed as an Imperial Attendant. He passed away in the first year of Emperor Shundi's Shengming and was given the posthumous title of Prince Yuan. He also had no sons, so the title of Prince Luling was ultimately discontinued.
Yigong, the King of Jianxia, was intelligent and bright from a young age, and also handsome. The founding emperor favored him above his other sons. The founding emperor lived frugally, and his sons were allowed no more than five dishes at mealtimes. However, he showed Yigong special favoritism. Yigong could indulge in as many fruits and snacks as he wanted, eating countless amounts each day and sharing whatever was left with those around him. The members of Prince Luling's household did not dare to make any requests, and even if they did, their requests could not be fulfilled.
In the second year of Jingping, which is in 424 AD, twelve-year-old Yizhen was appointed as the military commander overseeing the six provinces of Jiannan, Yu, Si, Yong, Qin, and Bing, the champion general, and the governor of Jiannan Province, to guard Liyang, replacing the Prince of Luling. The following year, 425 AD, he was appointed as the King of Jiangxia, with a fief of 5,000 households, and his official title was elevated to governor-general and pacifying general, and he was accompanied by a ceremonial escort. In 427 AD, he was appointed as the military commander overseeing Nanxu and Yanzhou, as well as Jinling in Yangzhou, the governor of Xuzhou; his official title remained unchanged, but he was also promoted to commander, though he did not have the opportunity to assume this role. Later, when Emperor Wu of Song launched a campaign against Xie Hui, Yizhen returned to guard Jingkou. In 430 AD, he was appointed cavalier attendant, the military commander overseeing eight provinces: Jing, Xiang, Yong, Yi, Liang, Ning, and both North and South Qin, and the governor of Jingzhou; his official title remained the same.
Although well-read, Yizhen was arrogant and indulgent, disregarding the rules. As soon as he was sent to guard the outskirts, Emperor Wu of Song wrote to him admonishing him: You are young and already bear heavy responsibilities; the fate of the nation and your country's safety rest on your shoulders. Though preserving achievements may seem straightforward, it is, in fact, quite challenging. The rise and fall of the country, the safety and danger, honor and disgrace, are all in our hands. How can we not remember our royal duties and fear disappointing this heavy trust? Now that you have been sent to a distant place, we will have fewer opportunities to meet in the future, and I will not be able to guide you regularly. You must hold yourself to high standards, reflect deeply, and act with caution. Be sincere with others and keep an open mind, respect talented people, forge friendships with exceptional individuals, be adept at distinguishing the wise from the foolish and discerning right from wrong; this way, you can cultivate the virtues of a gentleman while leveraging the strengths of the less scrupulous.
You are exceptionally intelligent and ambitious, and that’s disappointing to me because your moral character still needs improvement. You have a short temper, as even Consort Yuan has mentioned. You tend to rush into what you want to do while neglecting things you do not want to do, which is your biggest weakness. You should aspire to change yourself and control your shortcomings. How can a great man achieve success without perseverance? I've jotted down a dozen or so things for you to think about when you have time. I won’t get into bigger goals since there are countless details to cover.
Honoring the wise and being humble is what the sages taught; being arrogant and extravagant are things the ancients frowned upon. Generosity and magnanimity were virtues of Emperor Gaozu of Han; suspicion and impatience were flaws of Cao Cao. In the "Book of Han," Wei Qing was recorded saying, "The General treats scholars with respect and extends kindness to the common people." Sima Bao and An Yu were able to overcome their shortcomings, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were tormented by theirs. You need to be careful in how you deal with people.
Before my father passed away, he said to me, "If circumstances are different, and your younger brother is still young, you should assist him like Duke Zhou did with King Cheng, wholeheartedly. You must show him respect and obedience. If you have any thoughts, write them down quietly for me to read. Be careful in your words and actions. Your safety and well-being in the future will depend on the two of you, so do not forget my words."
I have already sent offerings to Consort Yuan, enough to cover all expenses. You don’t need to ask for anything more, as I have conveyed this to them. If there is a situation requiring a large sum of money and you are short at the time, you can tweak the offerings as needed. Your personal monthly expenses should not exceed 300,000, and it would be even better if you can save some.
The Western Chu region is vast and sparsely populated. You should get up early to greet your guests on time and not keep them waiting. Once you handle urgent matters, say hi and check in on how they’re doing, and then excuse yourself quickly so you don’t hold up other things. You’ll have plenty of downtime both day and night.
The residence, garden, pavilions, and towers of the mansion, you should already have a good grasp of them and there should be no need for changes. Situ also said so. If there are some areas that need minor adjustments, they should be limited to the scope of the initial renovation when you first moved in, without making things overly complicated or constantly chasing after novelty.
When handling cases, it's often difficult to predict the outcome, which can indeed be quite challenging. You lack experience and a set method to follow. A day or two before the interrogation, carefully study the interrogation records with Liu Zhan and others; this will make a significant difference. On the day of the interrogation, listen attentively and try to understand the situation as thoroughly as possible, and do not let your emotions affect your judgment of others. Be open to accepting good advice, and the benefits will naturally come to you. Do not be stubborn, self-righteous, or show off your cleverness by being arbitrary. If you do so, you will surely face significant consequences, not just in handling cases, but also in how a gentleman should conduct himself. Cases should not be delayed; they should be handled twice a month.
Everything should be approached with caution, and those around you should be advised in advance to remain loyal and honest, not to disclose what they have heard, so as not to betray their trust. The ancients said: "If a ruler is not cautious, he will lose his subjects; if the subjects are not cautious, they will lose themselves." If someone slanders or frames each other, do not take it at face value; investigate thoroughly whenever you encounter such situations.
Reputation and status should be cherished, not given away casually. Titles and rewards for those close to you should be given careful consideration. Although I have not bestowed many favors on those around me, I don't see anything wrong with listening to outside opinions. Using noble status to oppress others will not win their respect; using power to oppress others will lead to resentment; these are all easily understandable things.
As for leadership, they should instruct their subordinates: singing, dancing, and having fun, do not overdo it; drinking, fishing, and hunting, do not engage in these activities at all. You should use daily necessities in moderation, and strange clothes and items should not be accumulated too much. Since you already have enough people serving you, don’t rush to take on more concubines now that you’ve just arrived in the west.
He continued: You should regularly meet with your aides and officials; this goes beyond just the simple meetings between superiors and subordinates. If you don't meet regularly, it creates a sense of distance between you. If there is a distance, you won't be able to understand them. If you can't understand them, how can you know their various situations? By listening to opinions from all sides, you can expand your perspective and give those who advise you the space to shine.
After nine years, he was appointed commander of military affairs for six states—South Yanzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Jizhou, and Youzhou—as well as Intendant of Liangjun in Yuzhou, General Who Conquers the North, and Supervisor of South Yanzhou, stationed in Guangling. At that time, the court ordered all officials nationwide to recommend talents, and this leader wrote in a memorial:
I have heard that if the musical instruments are complete, the performance will be harmonious; if you have good horses, you can travel further. Your Majesty implements benevolent governance, your virtues are known far and wide, the political situation is stable, and the world is at peace. However, you still care about talents; even those unknown individuals, you have noticed them. So those talented individuals are eager for your recognition; those ambitious individuals also hope to serve the country.
I believe that Mr. Zong Bing from Nanyang is an upright man with noble aspirations, living in seclusion in the mountains, indifferent to fame and fortune. Although poor, he has consistently upheld his noble character. He has been summoned by the court multiple times, but he has always remained unmoved. If you offer him generous rewards and appeal to his noble morals, he will definitely come out to serve the court and assist in governing the country.
The Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Finance, Xu Senzhi, and the Direct Military Officer of the Ministry, Wang Tianbao, are both talented and trustworthy individuals. A few years ago, during the rebellion, Huayang fell, but Xu Senzhi saved the local people with outstanding military achievements. In previous battles in the Yi and Chan areas, the marshal died, but Wang Tianbao was diligent in the north, defending Yingqiu with notable military success and unwavering loyalty. While they have received commendations, their talents remain underutilized. I recommend assigning them significant responsibilities in the border regions to allow them to realize their ambitions.
Jiaozhi is quite far away. Several generals from the fiefdoms have died there before, and local governance and laws often have issues, making it very difficult to govern! In the southern border regions, the journey is long, and the customs are vastly different from ours. Those barbarians are always stealing and causing trouble, which causes great suffering for the people living on the border. We really need to send elite troops to stabilize the situation! I believe Sen would make a good governor of Jiaozhou, and Tian Bao could take on Ningzhou. I’m sure they can keep the barbarians at bay and restore stability to the area. In the past, wise ministers like Wei Wu were skilled at spotting talent; capable individuals like Zhao Wu were outstanding at managing finances. Compared to them, I am far behind, and I don't want to overstep my bounds. I just recommend people I know, hoping to help the court. But I worry that the people I recommend might not be up to the task and could let the court down.
In the sixteenth year, I got promoted to Minister of Works. The following year, General Yikang from Pengcheng messed up and got sent into exile. The court then appointed Yigong as the attendant and military chief for Yangzhou, Nanxuzhou, and Yanzhou, as well as the Minister of Works and the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. His other benefits stayed the same, plus he got an extra twenty guards with swords and some weapons. After another year, I stepped back from my responsibilities in Nanyanzhou. In the twenty-first year, I got promoted to Grand Commandant while still holding the Minister of Works position. Yigong is quite careful in what he does and has learned from Yikang's mistakes. Even though he has a lot of power, he mainly handles paperwork, which is why Emperor Taizu trusts him a lot. The Prime Minister's office gets two million coins a year, plus extra rewards, but Yigong tends to be pretty extravagant and always seems to run out of money. Emperor Taizu also gives him an extra million coins every year. In the twenty-sixth year, I also took on the job of National Libationer. At that time, someone brought in five hundred fine horses, which Emperor Taizu gifted to Yigong.
In the spring of 627 AD, the Turks invaded Yuzhou, prompting Emperor Taizong to order the excavation of the Ding River and Luo River. By autumn, Emperor Taizong appointed Yigong to lead the various armies stationed in Pengcheng, relieving him of his duties as Grand Sacrificial Official. The Turks advanced all the way to Guabu, where Yigong, alongside Emperor Gaozu, defended Pengcheng by sealing the city gates.
In the spring of 628 AD, the Turks retreated, passing through the north of Pengcheng. Yigong was too hesitant to pursue them. On that day, a report came in: "The Turks are driving over ten thousand Guangling residents. They should camp at Anwangpo tonight, tens of miles away from the city. If we pursue them now, we could capture them all." All the generals requested to pursue, but Yigong still refused to allow it. Overnight, Emperor Taizong sent someone to rush to Pengcheng, ordering Yigong to pursue with full force. Yigong then sent the military officer Tan and Zhi to pursue the Turks in Xiaocheng. The Turks had already received the news, so they killed all the driven Guangling residents and escaped on light cavalry. Initially, when the Turks advanced, the emperor was worried that Yigong could not hold Pengcheng, and specifically warned him. Yigong replied, "Although I may not match the famous Han generals who ventured into the vast seas to reach Juyan, at least I can avoid the disgrace of fleeing like Liu Zhong." As a result, when the Turks arrived at Pengcheng, Yigong did indeed flee, but thanks to the counsel of others, he ultimately did not flee. This incident is documented in the "Biography of Zhang Chang." Later, Yigong was demoted to General of the Flying Cavalry while retaining the title of Supervisor of the Imperial Guards, while his other official positions remained the same.
In Confucius's old residence in Lu County, there are twenty-four cypress trees which have stood since the Han and Jin dynasties. The tree trunks are so thick that two people couldn't wrap their arms around them. Two of the trees have fallen, and the local scholars held them in great respect and dared not disturb them. However, Yi Gong had them cut down, which made the local people sigh in dismay. He also took on the role of governor of Nanyanzhou and expanded military oversight across eleven provinces: Nanyanzhou, Yu, Xu, Yan, Qing, Ji, Si, Yong, Qin, You, and Bing, bringing the total to twenty-four provinces, including the previous thirteen, and relocated the headquarters to Xuyi. He began repairing government offices and planned to build the eastern city.
In the winter of 688 AD, I returned to the palace, and the emperor sent the royal eagle ship to greet me. Just as the empress dowager had passed away, the emperor appointed me Grand General, overseeing military affairs in Yangzhou and Nanxuzhou. My position as governor of Nanxuzhou remained the same, as did the other positions such as attendant, imperial secretary, and prince's tutor. I then took up my post in the Eastern Palace. I resigned from my attendant position before I officially took office. At that time, that scoundrel (referring to Zhang Jianzhi) revolted and summoned me that very day.
Before that, the emperor had issued a decree summoning the crown prince and all the princes, each sending a special messenger to convey the edict, fearing that someone might try to harm them. At this point, I asked to verify that the messenger carrying the edict was sent by the emperor. Zhang Jianzhi showed me the edict before letting me in. I urged him to halt the rebellion and return all the weapons in the manor to the court. Later, I was promoted to Grand Preceptor and appointed as the overseer of military affairs in Hui Province, continued to don the attire of an attendant, and also took on the role of Grand Master.
Wu Zetian sent Li Xian to attack Zhang Jianzhi. Zhang Jianzhi suspected me of having ulterior motives, so he let me stay in the Lower Ministry of Personnel and also arranged for my sons to stay in the lower ministry outside the Shentuhumen. When Zhang Jianzhi heard that Li Xian's army was approaching, he wanted to resist with all his might and engage in a desperate battle along the way. I was concerned that Li Xian's ships were both small and shabby, and Zhang Jianzhi was aggressive, which could cause a lot of trouble. So, I advised him to "abandon the south bank and set up defenses in Shitoucheng; this is an old tactic from the previous dynasty; let's just wait here; they definitely won't be able to break through." Zhang Jianzhi followed my advice.
Li Xian's vanguard troops arrived at Xinting, and Zhang Jianzhi forced me to join the battle. His confidants were always by my side, so I had no chance to escape. As a result, we were defeated, and Zhang Jianzhi ordered me to recruit soldiers in the East Hall. I had already prepared boats at Dongyezhu, and then I rode south alone on horseback. Just past the Huai River, the pursuers had already reached the north bank, and I barely escaped with my life. Zhang Jianzhi, in a fit of rage, sent Wang Jun from Shixing to the western province to execute my twelve sons.
Once, when Emperor Taizong was in Xinlinpu, Yigong arrived and urged the Emperor to take the throne. In his memorial, Yigong said: "I've heard that the rise and fall of nations often comes without warning; all are the result of various factors influencing each other. Now calamities have descended from above, and the wickedness of these villains has reached unprecedented levels of cruelty. Your Majesty, you are loyal, filial, benevolent, and righteous, decisive like lightning. You cry out to serve the nation, and people everywhere rally behind you. Hundreds of vassals have come to pledge their loyalty to you, and the Yi army is as numerous as the forest. You are qualified to inherit the throne; this is the will of heaven. But you have not yet ascended the throne; this is unacceptable; it threatens the stability of our nation and could hinder our progress for centuries. In the past, Zhang Wu firmly opposed, while King Dai acquiesced to the request; Geng Chun stated the pros and cons, and Emperor Guangwu formally ascended the throne. The current situation is even more dire; those bad people are extremely guilty, having done all the wrongs. They obstruct the army, harm good people, promote bad people, and do not see the common people as human beings; they could fall at any moment. Therefore, you should ascend the throne quickly to restore stability to the nation. Just like in the Jingping era, everyone was happy to support the emperor, and the chaos within the royal family was settled, which is why there was such a grand scene. I hope Your Majesty will understand the people's suffering, ascend the throne soon, and let everyone be at ease. I have committed a crime and have been fortunate to survive until now. I am grateful for Your Majesty's mercy in allowing me to continue serving the court. I am committed to serving the country with all my strength."
Emperor Shizu followed Yigong's suggestion and ascended to the throne. He then appointed Yigong as the Grand Chancellor, Imperial Attendant, Governor of Military Affairs for Yangzhou and Nanxuzhou, Grand Marshal, Recorder of the Imperial Secretariat, Inspector of Nanxuzhou, and Inspector of Xuzhou, and provided him with a band of drums and trumpets and twenty sword-bearing guards. He also granted him the yellow ceremonial axe (symbolizing supreme power). Once order was restored, Yigong was promoted to Grand Tutor and concurrently appointed as Grand Marshal, with the number of guards increased to thirty. Emperor Shizu also bestowed upon him the jade pendant and ceremonial sash that Yigong wore in his fiefdom, and increased his fiefdom by two thousand households.
The Emperor did not want to perform the ceremony of bowing to the Grand Tutor as a sign of respect, so he hinted to the relevant departments to submit a memorial saying: "The imperial edict emphasizes humility and the spirit of respecting teachers and virtues. The wish to bow to the Grand Tutor as a teacher could indeed foster a noble spirit and consolidate glorious rules. However, the role of teacher in the Zhou Dynasty was formally recognized as the Three Officials. The Jin Dynasty inherited the system of the Wei Dynasty and only added the ceremony of bowing to the teacher. The dignity of an emperor is paramount, and there are already fixed rites of respect. Checking historical records, there is no historical precedent for such an act. Therefore, Bian Yun and Sun Chu both believe that there is no reason for a monarch to lower his dignity and perform the ceremony of bowing to a teacher. From ancient classics to the current sentiment of the people, we have collectively discussed and believe that there should be no added ceremony of bowing."
The imperial edict stated: "I have limited ability to inherit the throne, relying entirely on the teachings of my teachers. I wish to show my respect and receive the teachings of my teachers. Your memorial states that based on the examples of past dynasties, there is no need for the ceremony of bowing to a teacher, and your reasons are sufficient. Therefore, proceed according to your opinion." Emperor Shizu appointed the Crown Prince and assigned the administrative affairs of the Eastern Palace to Yigong.
In the first year of Xiaojian, Prince Yixuan of Nanjun, Zang Zhi, and Lu Shuang rebelled. The Emperor personally led his troops to suppress the rebellion and also sent one hundred fully armed soldiers to guard the palace.
After the incident subsided, the emperor rewarded Zang Zhi with seven hundred good horses and also granted him the title of Yigong over two thousand households. The emperor believed that Yixuan's rebellion was due to the nobles' excessive power at that time, so he wanted to weaken their influence. Yigong understood the emperor's intentions and submitted a memorial requesting the streamlining of officials in the Ministry of Personnel, saying: "I have heard that the positions of heaven and earth are established differently, but the three realms (heaven, earth, and humanity) adhere to the same order. The emperor's teachings should be upheld by the nine officials (the ancient Nine Ministers) who should perform their duties diligently. The achievements of wise ministers and generals during the reign of Emperor Shun are clearly documented in the 'Yudian'; the flourishing of morality during the Zhou Dynasty is likewise recorded in history. The establishment of the Taifu (officials assisting the emperor) is intended to harmonize yin and yang; the establishment of the Yuankai (ancient official position) is to manage the officials. Therefore, Lu Bu's opposition is contextual, and encroaching on official duties should be avoided; Chen Ping resolutely opposes, and one should not deviate from their duties to respond. After the Han Dynasty inherited from the Qin Dynasty, there were some changes in the officials' appointments. Titles change with the times, and official positions change with the times. The total record system was not an old system, but has been passed down through the ages and remains unchanged to this day. Now that the royal family is re-establishing the system, it should follow precedent, refer to ancient systems, and streamline the officials in the Ministry of Personnel in accordance with previous regulations. Only in this way can we effectively utilize talented individuals, ensuring that words match actions, and achievements can be recorded. I hold an important position, and with such high status, I am acutely aware of the rise and fall; how could I not work wholeheartedly?" The emperor accepted his suggestion.
Yi Gong, General He Biaoqi and King Jingling of Jianling jointly submitted a memorial saying, "We have heard that there are regulations concerning the number of people in the sacrificial music and dance troupe, different levels, and different ceremonies; there are also regulations on the wearing of tablets, and distinctions in status. These are all magnificent plans formulated by ancient sage monarchs, models for future generations to follow. However, with the passage of time, any system will have its drawbacks, and the prevailing trend of extravagance and waste has led to the system norms deviating from their ancient roots. After the Eastern migration of the Jin Dynasty, the old system gradually fell into decline, and the regulations governing princes and governors became increasingly cumbersome, with reality no longer matching the titles. It is difficult to change everything all at once. The clothing and accessories have become excessively luxurious over the years. Now the court is re-establishing the system, and the emperor is ushering in a new trend; extravagance and waste have not been completely eliminated, and all officials should streamline their expenses. It is necessary to establish regulations aimed at reducing waste. We are in important positions, ranking among the Three Excellencies, and should lead by example in following the correct system, starting with streamlining the royal relatives. We should take some time to discuss and identify nine areas that need streamlining. Although we are concerned that our suggestions may not be fully developed, we still try to express our thoughts. We hope that Your Majesty will listen to our opinions and adopt our suggestions so that the various levels of the court can coexist harmoniously and internal and external peace can be achieved." The emperor ordered the memorial to be submitted to the relevant department for detailed review. The relevant department responded with a memorial stating: It is said that the regulations concerning carriages, horses, clothing, and utensils are clearly outlined in the "Book of Yu," and the "Spring and Autumn Annals" also clearly warn against disorder. Therefore, there were strict laws and regulations for the royal items used in the Han Dynasty. If the vassals dared to use them privately, even relatives would be punished. However, nowadays, everyone is becoming more and more careless, and the trend of overstepping boundaries has become rampant. From utensils and clothing to music and dance, from nobles to common people, everything has descended into chaos, with no clear distinctions between ranks, causing the people's hearts to be scattered. Yi Gong's suggestions align well with the ceremonial system, but the nine regulations are still insufficiently comprehensive, so we have added more, bringing the total to twenty-four.
First of all, when dealing with government affairs, officials cannot sit facing south, nor use luxurious tents and carpets. Officials of vassal states cannot go to court barefoot in the dead of winter, nor dress too casually when delivering orders to the state teacher or commanding troops or wielding a halberd; princesses and consorts cannot wear red clothes when delivering orders; the vehicles they use must not be overly luxurious; the sunshade fan must not be made from pheasant tail feathers; the sword must not take on a distinctive shape like that of the Lu sword; the decoration of the lance cannot be made of peacock white feathers; the ceremonial guard must not wear crimson attire; officials must not ride more than two horses during peacetime; concubines from the Hu region cannot wear colored clothes; dancers are required to wear coats in winter and are prohibited from wearing makeup; during winter sacrifices, one cannot perform the bell and cup dances; dances such as Changqiao, Touxia, Shuwanjian, Boshan, Yuandatong, and Shengwuan cannot be performed unless they are the regular music played during winter sacrifices; concubines and princesses cannot wear ribbons; the flags, except for court officials, must all be crimson red; county officials and inner officials do not need to pay respects after stepping down if they are not among the three public officials of the court, and do not need to address the ruler, only using the title of lower official is sufficient; when military forces from various regions are on the move, the number of carriages cannot exceed six, and the white straight hub, a type of ceremonial carriage, is exempt from this limit. The decoration of swords cannot be made of precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper; when princesses of counties are granted titles, the wives of princes and those granted the title of marquise are not permitted a ceremonial procession; when the princes inherit the throne, significant events such as weddings and funerals must adhere to the etiquette observed by dukes of various states, and cannot be the same as the etiquette of imperial brothers and princes. If the carriage is not a yaoche (a specific type of carriage), it cannot have oil decorations; the ends of flat-bottomed boats must be flat, and cannot mimic the shape of a dragon boat, and cannot be painted with vermilion paint; tent hooks must not be shaped like five flowers or bamboo shoots.
The imperial decree was granted. In November of that year, I returned to Jingkou. In the spring of the following year, I was promoted to the official overseeing the two provinces of Dong and Nan Yanzhou. By winter, the court summoned me to take up the position of governor of Yangzhou, while keeping my other posts. When I attended court, I didn’t have to rush like everyone else or shout my name; I could just wear my sword and court boots to enter the court. I turned down these special privileges. Later, I resigned from the positions of Chief, Commander, and Attendant to the Emperor.
Yigong authored a book titled "Yaoji," spanning from the Western Han Dynasty to the early years of the Jin Dynasty, and presented it to the emperor. After reading it, the emperor ordered it to be stored in the imperial library. At that time, Prince Shang of Xiyang was highly favored by the emperor, so Yigong resigned from his position as governor of Yangzhou to distance himself from him. Consequently, the court promoted him to Grand Preceptor and Minister of the Interior. Yigong constantly worried about being suspected by the emperor. When Prince Huimao of Hailing staged a rebellion in Xiangyang, he submitted a memorial stating:
In ancient times, all wise emperors granted extensive titles to their relatives in order to consolidate royal rule. Those who were granted the title of princes also hoped that their fiefdoms would remain stable forever. However, figures such as Guan Shu, Cai Shu, King Liang, and King Yan brought calamities to the Zhou and Han dynasties. They not only betrayed the emperor's favor but also lost their fiefdoms and the foundation for their descendants' survival. Countries that uphold virtue should thrive, but throughout the dynasties, the fates of the feudal lords were not much different from those of ordinary people. Are all outsiders wise while those of royal blood are not? This is because they were born in the deep palace and have not seen the hardships of farming and harvesting by the common people. They are surrounded by flatterers and have not experienced the true suffering of the common people, so they easily fall into arrogance and indulgence. Once they accumulate too much wealth and power, they will invite disaster upon themselves. The Han dynasty assigned mentors and chancellors to the feudal lords, but they still could not prevent them from rebelling; the Rebellion of the Seven States was caused by the excessive power of those feudal lords. The extensive enfeoffment during the Jin dynasty ultimately led to the Yongjia disaster. Excessive power has been a longstanding issue throughout history. If reforms are not carried out, the root causes of these disasters will never be resolved.
Speaking of which, recently the common people have been taking advantage of their relationships with the powerful, nearly bringing the country to its knees! Last year, those bandits in the west nearly toppled the nation, emboldened by their connections! Unexpectedly, trouble has arisen again in Xiangyang and the Chu region, all because of the treacherous terrain and strong military, which have fueled their arrogance. We must learn from past mistakes and take heed of the future! Your Majesty, you are both wise and valiant; the future of the realm rests upon your shoulders! I am advanced in years, and my mind is not as sharp as it once was, so I have few good ideas. However, as a senior member of the royal family, I am truly worried and would like to offer a few suggestions, hoping they might be of some use.
I believe that those princes, due to their noble status, should not be stationed in the border regions. If they were to be temporarily relocated to a favorable place like Huazhou, that would be advisable. Since they have provinces to govern, there is no need for additional administrative offices. If they want to be officials, allow them to hold no higher than third-ranking positions, perhaps merely as chief secretaries or clerks. If they are fit for duty along the borders, then send them as generals to serve as guardians of the city. If they prefer peace and quiet, do not force them to fight. If they enjoy wielding swords and spears, allow them to serve as guardians of the borders. As for the civil officials, they should serve as advisors, and ensure that none of those idlers accompany them. Military and civil officials ought to alternate their duties, rest on time, and their families need not follow them. When officials pay their respects to the princes, they should follow the customs of the Jin Dynasty, with prior notification and in accordance with the rules of hospitality. People from Hengshan and Miyang need not serve the princes specially. Those privately owned weapons and armor, seldom utilized, such as swords and armor decorated with gold and silver, should be surrendered to the national treasury. Preventive measures must be consistently implemented to avert calamities, ensuring that the virtuous are unafraid while the wicked are deterred from wrongdoing.
It is said that Emperor Shi Zu of the Yuan Wei dynasty had an irritable temperament and was strict in his methods. Wang Sengqian, also known as Yigong, worried about falling out of favor with the emperor, so he was always cautious, flattering the emperor in every way, speaking and acting with great finesse, striving to please the emperor. Whenever an auspicious sign appeared, he would quickly write poems to praise and extol the emperor's virtues. In the first year of the Daming era, when three bundles of thatch grew on the west bank of Shitoucheng, he proposed that the emperor hold a grand ceremony to offer sacrifices to Heaven, which greatly pleased the emperor.
Three years later, the emperor lightened some of his military responsibilities, appointed him as the Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat, and increased his troops and servants, entrusting him with command of the Chongyi, Zhaowu, and Yonghua battalions, totaling four hundred and thirty-seven households, and added one thousand seven hundred servants, bringing the total personnel in his household to two thousand nine hundred. In the sixth year, he resigned as Minister of Works and Grand Preceptor, but the emperor continued to call him in and gave him three thousand bolts of cloth each year as a reward. In the seventh year, he accompanied the emperor on an inspection tour and was appointed as the Minister of Rites, while resigning from the position of Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat. In the eighth year of the intercalary month, he was appointed as the Grand Marshal. In that same month, Emperor Shi Zu passed away. Before his passing, the emperor issued a decree: "Wang Sengqian, also known as Yigong, is to be relieved of his duties as Minister of Rites and appointed as the Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat; Liu Yuanjing is appointed as the Minister of Rites and will be based in the city. These two ministers will be responsible for all major and minor affairs; major affairs will be determined in consultation with Shen Qingzhi, and in case of military matters, they will command the army. The Ministry of Works will be overseen by Yan Shibai; Wang Xuanmo will oversee the affairs under the Ministry."
After the new emperor ascended to the throne, he issued a decree stating: "The system for recording officials is inherited from the previous dynasty. In the early years of the Xiaojian era, although some institutions were briefly merged, it is necessary to reform and adjust based on the actual circumstances in order to better govern the nation. Having ascended the throne at a young age, I am still unfamiliar with political affairs. All matters, big and small, should be entrusted to ministers of high virtue and reputation. Grand Preceptor Wang Yigong, newly appointed as the Chief of the Imperial Secretariat and Grand Commandant, holds a prestigious position and is deeply trusted by the late emperor. He is a pillar of the nation, capable of shouldering the significant responsibility of governance. Therefore, he will also oversee the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat while retaining his other positions. Palace Attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Inspector of Nanyanzhou, Duke of Ba Dong, and Liu Yuanjing, the newly appointed Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, also bear the important duty of assisting the royal family. You must work together to revitalize the nation, as you are my support. Liu Yuanjing may continue to hold his original positions, including that of Supervisor of the Palace, and may appoint officials as he sees fit. Everything will remain as before, with Liu continuing to serve as the Intendant of Danyang and Palace Attendant, with no changes to his other positions." The emperor also increased Yigong's ceremonial retinue, allowing him to have forty attendants bearing swords and ordered additional honors to be conferred upon him. However, Yigong firmly declined these honors.
This Yigong figure, with a capricious nature, moves residences frequently, and his relationships with people begin well but frequently end in discord. He treats money with utter disregard, and those who are favored by him could easily spend one or even two million taels of silver in a single day; if he is displeased, he would promptly reclaim it. Although he received a lot of money from the court at the time, he was perpetually in debt, often buying things on credit and eventually unable to repay the debts. When the common people came to ask for money, he would write "IOU" on the promissory note. He was particularly skilled in horseback riding and had a good understanding of music theory, often going out for leisure, traveling hundreds of miles at a time, with Emperor Shizu indulging his whims. He even traveled to Wu County, climbed Tiger Hill, climbed Wushan in Wuxi, and admired the view of Taihu Lake. During the Ming Dynasty, he participated in the compilation of national history, and Emperor Shizu personally wrote a biography for him. By the time of the Yongguang era, although he had become a prime minister, he often appeared dissatisfied with favored courtiers such as Dai Faxing.
The former Emperor, known for his madness and cruelty, led Yigong, Yuan Jing, and others to conspire to depose him and establish a new sovereign. In August of the first year of Yongguang, the deposed Emperor led the Imperial Guards to Yigong's residence, where he executed Yigong and his four sons. Yigong was fifty-three years old at the time. In an even more brutal act, they dismembered Yigong's body, gouged out his eyes, and soaked them in honey, calling it "Ghost Eyes Essence."
Later, Emperor Taizong pacified the rebellion and issued an edict saying: "Dao Xing, the Prince of Jiangxia, formerly served as Minister of the Central Secretariat, Grand Preceptor, Commander-in-Chief, and Chancellor. He was known for his profound knowledge and insight, established a strong reputation, and promoted virtue and moral integrity. He held a prestigious position, worked tirelessly for the country, and bore significant responsibilities, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to his duties, leaving behind a lasting legacy. However, he was wronged, suffered persecution, and met an untimely death without justice, which has caused widespread anger and grief among the people. As I face difficulties and dangers, I find it hard to express my sorrow. Thanks to the blessings of our ancestors and the grace of heaven, I hereby posthumously honor him with various high-ranking titles, along with the appropriate ceremonial honors." This is a verbatim transcription of an edict from Emperor Taizong. This means that Prince of Jiangxia, Dao Xing (also known as Yi Gong), was a man of integrity and foresight, renowned even during his time in the vassal state, dedicated himself to the country, but was unjustly killed and died under suspicious circumstances. I am deeply saddened by this, and now posthumously honor him with various high titles and corresponding ceremonial honors.
In 267 AD, the emperor issued another decree, saying: "The royal family's foundation has just been laid. The hexagrams 'Tun' and 'Bo' symbolize challenges and hardships. Now the country is about to create a prosperous era, thanks to the loyalty and contributions of those who have served faithfully. Therefore, they should be allowed to enjoy sacrifices for generations and have their accomplishments inscribed on the ancestral temple's ceremonial vessels. The late emperor, the founder, pacified the rebellions and consolidated the country, all relying on the assistance of the ministers. Therefore, I hereby honor Jiangxia Wenxian Wang Sima Yigong, Badong Jun Kaiguo Zhonglie Gong Yuan Jing, Shixing Jun Kaiguo Xiangong Sima Qingzhi, and Taoyang County Kaiguo Suhou Sima Que. They may understand the heavenly principles, enlightening the people and ensuring peace in the realm; or they may have put their utmost efforts in pacifying rebellions and defending against external enemies. They should all be honored according to the state system, allowing them to receive sacrifices together in the ancestral temple."
Sima Yigong's eldest son, Sima Lang, styled Yuanming, was adopted by the young emperor and titled as the King of Nanfeng County, with a fief of one thousand households. He later served as the Inspector of Xiangzhou, Palace Attendant, and concurrently held the position of Colonel of Archers. Sadly, he was later murdered by treacherous villains. After the accession of the emperor, he was posthumously honored as General of the Front and Inspector of Jiangzhou. In 452 AD, Sima Xin, the eldest son of the imperial clan Sima Zhi, inherited the title of King of Nanfeng County. Later, Sima Zhi was killed, and Sima Xin's title was also revoked. In 267 AD, the title was passed down to Sima Xian, the second son of Sima Yun from the imperial clan. Sima Xian once served as a Secretariat Gentleman, but he later died alongside Sima Yun. In the second year of Song Shundi's reign (442 AD), this title was passed to Sima Ji, son of Sima Kun from the imperial clan. Three years later, Sima Ji passed away. After the Qi dynasty usurped the throne, the title of King of Nanfeng County was subsequently abolished.
Lang Dirui, styled Yuanshui, was originally a prince's attendant. Unfortunately, he was killed by the villain. Later, the court posthumously conferred upon him the title of attendant minister and the posthumous title of Prince Xuan. In the second year of the Great Ming dynasty, he was posthumously appointed as King Anlong. Then, his fourth son, styled Baosun, inherited the title of King Anlong and was awarded a fief of two thousand households. At the same time, Lang Dirui was also posthumously honored as King Xuan. Baosun was appointed Commander of Military Affairs in Yingzhou, Champion General, and Governor of Yingzhou; later promoted to Rear General, along with the additional title of Commissioner. In the first year of Taishi of Emperor Taizong, Baosun was promoted to General of the Southern Campaign, was renamed King of Jiangxia, and granted a fief of five thousand households. Lang Dirui was posthumously honored as King Xuan of Jiangxia. Unfortunately, Baosun had not yet officially accepted the appointment when he rebelled with Prince Xun of Jin'an and was eventually executed.
Seven years later, Emperor Taizong adopted his eighth son, styled Zhongsheng, as the grandson of Yigong, and appointed him as King of Jiangxia with a fief of five thousand households. Later, when Emperor Fei ascended the throne, Zhongsheng was appointed Commander of Military Affairs over Kuaiji, Dongyang, Xin'an, Linhai, and Yongjia, East General, and Governor of Kuaiji, later promoted to Left General. After the establishment of the Qi Dynasty, Zhongsheng was demoted to the Duke of Shayang County with a fief of fifteen hundred households. However, he conspired to rebel and was executed.
Rui's younger brother Shao, styled Yuanhe, became the Marquis of Xinwu County and served as an Infantry Colonel. After his death, he was posthumously honored as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and titled Marquis of Valor. Shao's younger brother Tan, styled Yuandu, became the Marquis of Pingduhuai. Tan's younger brother Yuanliang was the Marquis of Jiang'anmin. Yuanliang's younger brother Yuancui was the Marquis of Xingpingdao. Tan, Yuanliang, and Yuancui were all posthumously appointed as Cavalry Attendants. Yuancui's younger brothers Yuanren, Yuanfang, Yuanliu, Yuanshu, and Yuanyin, along with Lang, a total of twelve people were all killed by the traitor Yuanxiong. Yuanyin's younger brother Boqin was born in the third year of the Xiaojian era. Several sons of Yigong were all killed, and the court showed sympathy for them, so they named this child Boqin in memory of Boqin of Lu, the son of Duke Zhou of Tan. Boqin later held the positions of General of State, Inspector of Xiangzhou, and unfortunately was killed by the former deposed emperor, posthumously titled Prince Ai, later appointed as the King of Jiangxia, and his title was changed to King Min. Boqin's younger brother Zhongrong was appointed as the Marquis of Yongxiu County and held the positions of General of Ningguo and Prefect of Linhuai and Jiyang. Zhongrong's younger brother Shuzi was appointed as the Marquis of Yongyang County. Shubao, Shuzi, and Zhongrong were all killed by the former deposed emperor. Zhongrong and Shuzi were both posthumously titled Marquis Shang.
Prince Liu Yiji of Hengyang, known for his honesty and simplicity since childhood, free from common vices. When his grandfather Liu Yu was the Inspector of Jingzhou, his father Liu Yilong took him to Jiangling, which made his grandfather Liu Yu particularly fond of him. In the first year of the Yuanjia era, he was titled as Prince of Hengyang, governing a territory of five thousand households. Five years later, he became the General of Conquering the Barbarians. Eight years later, he was appointed to oversee the defense of Shitoucheng. Nine years later, he was promoted again, holding the titles of Commissioner, Commander of Military Affairs in Southern Xuzhou, Right General, and Inspector of Southern Xuzhou. Impressive, right? In the sixteenth year, he took over from Prince Liu Yiqing of Linqi, serving as Commander of Military Affairs in eight provinces including Jing, Xiang, Yong, Yi, Liang, Ning, Southern and Northern Qin, General Who Maintains the West, and Inspector of Jingzhou, inheriting all the powers previously held by Liu Yiqing, and even having a ceremonial guard.
When Prince Liu Yiqing of Linqi was in office, the Bashu region was in chaos, as troops came and went, leaving the national treasury empty. After Liu Yiji took office, he lived a simple life, cut costs, accumulated wealth, filling the national treasury within a few years. There was a soldier under his command named Xufeng, whose mother was old, very poor and unable to support herself, which led Xufeng to stop eating meat altogether. Liu Yiji sympathized with him, giving Xufeng's mother two bushels of rice and one thousand coins every month, and specifically told Xufeng to make sure to eat meat. Liu Yiji wasn't skilled at writing, so he had someone else write his memorials to the court, and he just signed his name. In the twentieth year, he was promoted again, appointed as Cavalier Regular Attendant, and promoted to Grand General of the West, while also serving as Colonel of Southern Man.
This kid Yiji really loves to drink; he's been drinking non-stop ever since Prince Pengcheng Liu Yikang was deposed, barely ever sober for more than a few days. The emperor has criticized him many times, and Yiji has made many apologies. The emperor replied, "Who hasn't made mistakes? As long as you correct them, that's what matters. But drinking not only holds you back but also harms your health. There are plenty of examples of this; you should know better. Just look at your buddies in Changsha; aren't they all in trouble because of drinking? General Su Hui got sick from drinking too much; he could be in danger at any time. I even encouraged him to quit drinking and put him on a medicinal diet, and now he can stand up. Alcohol can be managed; it’s just that those who are addicted struggle to commit to quitting. Even someone like Emperor Jin Yuan can take Wang Dao's advice and quit drinking for good. Since you have so much potential and I care about you, why can't you just try harder? Do I really have to be strict with you just to get you to drink less? I really hope it doesn't come to that; our family can't go down this path! Where did you pick up this bad habit? As I write this, I can't help but sigh."
Although Yi Ji received the emperor's letter, he continued to drink heavily and hardly eat anything, eventually falling ill. The emperor wrote to him again, saying, "You drink heavily and hardly eat anything; your health was already poor, and you often expose yourself to the elements. I’ve been worried this would happen, and now you have indeed fallen ill. Even if you don’t care about the country, you should care about your own life! It’s really frustrating and sad to see you wasting your life like this! I just wanted to advise you to take care of yourself, not to make things hard for you. Now I am sending Sun Daoyin to assist you; let him and Yang Fo take care of you day and night, preparing medicinal food for you. Be open to it and don’t hold back. I’ve seen many people quit drinking; it’s not as hard as it seems. The key is that they were too addicted when they were drinking, and they could not control themselves at all. Now I am worried about your life; I don’t have time to worry about state affairs. Why do you have to make me so anxious and angry?"
Yi Ji ultimately didn’t change and ended up dying as a result. In AD 21, Xie Lingyun was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the military affairs of the Southern Yan, Xu, Qing, Ji, and You six provinces, the Grand General of the Northern Campaign, the ceremonial equivalent of the Three Excellencies, and the governor of Southern Yan Province. His original positions as the Imperial Envoy and the Palace Attendant were also retained. On the day he took office, he didn’t bring any of the standard items a governor should take when traveling, leaving them all behind. This became a well-known tale in the Jingchu region. The following year, in AD 22, he was promoted again to oversee the Liang commandery in Yuzhou. Later, he was transferred to be the governor of Xuzhou, while still retaining his positions as the Imperial Envoy, Palace Attendant, and commander-in-chief. By the second year, AD 23, the northern Xiongnu invaded, causing unrest in the border areas. Thinking about what happened to Yi Kang (Liu Yikang), Xie Lingyun didn’t want to seek rewards based on military achievements and had no other military plans. Instead, he spent his days drinking.
The emperor (referring to Emperor Wu of Song, Liu Yu) criticized him in an imperial edict: "Du Ji, Shen Hu, and others were able to use weak military forces to support and resist the enemy at critical moments. As a senior military commander with strong troops, you have no will to fight, hesitating time and again after receiving orders. This not only seriously undermines the principle of acting promptly but also disappoints the people's expectations. Moreover, the Xiongnu will despise the Han Dynasty because of your inaction and will begin to look down on us. When the enemy has just begun their invasion and their plans are unclear, of course, you can first organize the army and observe the situation. But after a few days, the situation will become clearer, and you should have a major strategic plan. Why do you remain inactive and dare not take action? I sent troops to you to seize the opportunity, address the crisis, and show our might, not to get involved in large-scale battles on the plains. Besides, mountain roads are easy to defend, so why fear being attacked from front and rear by the enemy? If you think military operations should be this way, then just stationing troops in key cities and gathering armies will only create more problems."
In the year 24 AD, Xie Lingyun fell seriously ill. The emperor sent the Minister of the Central Secretariat, Xu Zhanzhi, to visit him and ordered him to return to the capital. However, before he could leave, he passed away in Pengcheng at the age of 33. The Grand Commandant, King of Jiangxia, Liu Yigong, requested to resign so he could go pay his respects to Xie Lingyun's remains, but his request was not granted. The emperor sent the King of Donghai, Liu Yi, to the north to meet Xie Lingyun's remains. He was posthumously appointed as a Palace Attendant and Minister of Works. He also retained the titles of Plenipotentiary, Commander, and Inspector.
His son, Prince Gong of Xie, Xie Yi, inherited his title. He had served as a Minister of the Central Secretariat and a Son of the Crown Prince. In the seventh year of the reign of Emperor Shizu of Song, Xie Yi passed away and was posthumously appointed as Champion General and Inspector of Yuzhou. His son, Xie Bodao, inherited his title. In the third year of the reign of Emperor Shundi, Xie Bodao passed away. In the same year, the Qi Dynasty came to power after the abdication, and the Xie family's titles were revoked.
The historian said: Be wary of dangers you cannot see, be afraid of threats you cannot hear; the key lies in being cautious about the things you overlook. King of Jiangxia was the beloved son of Emperor Gaozu, rising to the position of prime minister and personally presiding over court meetings during the reign of Emperor Ming of Han. He was humble and cautious in every aspect, showing extreme humility in court, to an extreme degree. Even in the face of a tyrannical emperor, he managed not to show any suspicion, managing to survive for over a decade thanks to his royal connections. By the time of Emperor Yongguang's reign, with the young emperor taking control, powerful ministers like Gong Dan should have had their power redistributed. Jiangxia believed he had freed himself from the worries of walking on thin ice and could now rest easy, but before long, he was executed and his body dismembered. The ancients used this obscure example to warn future generations, truly with great care!
"Beware what is not seen, fear what is not heard; the key lies in being cautious of what is overlooked." This means, be careful of dangers unseen and beware of threats unheard; the key lies in not neglecting anything. King of Jiangxia, the emperor's own son, rising to the high position of prime minister during the reign of Emperor Ming of Han, even personally presiding over court meetings—how glorious! But he was especially humble, walking carefully in the palace, afraid of offending anyone. Look at him, so humble to the extreme!
Even in the face of a hot-tempered emperor, he managed to remain composed, living peacefully for over a decade, preserving his life with his status as a royal relative. But when Emperor Yongguang ascended the throne and the power of the court began to shift, he felt safe, feeling as secure as if he were standing on Mount Tai, no longer needing to be on guard. Who would have known, before long, he was tragically killed, his body even dismembered! This really makes you think! The ancients shared this story to caution future generations, showing great foresight!
