Real Histories
Zang Tiao, courtesy title De Ren, was from Juxian County in Dongguan. He was the elder brother of Empress Wujing. From a young age, he had a passion for learning, particularly excelling in the "Three Rites." Despite coming from a poor family, he was diligent and self-motivated, of upright character, and was well-respected in his community. During the Taiyuan era of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin, General Xie An had recently established the national academy. Governor of Xuzhou and Governor of Yanzhou, Xie Xuan, recommended Zang Tiao to take up the position of assistant teacher.
Later, Emperor Xiaowu of Jin wanted to posthumously honor his paternal grandmother as Empress Xuan. Some people suggested that Empress Xuan should be honored together with Emperor Zhongzong. Zang Tao voiced his opinion, saying, "The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' suggests that a mother's status is determined by her son's achievements, so Zhongzi and Chengfeng are merely referred to as wives. The 'Classics' mention 'consider the palace of Zhongzi'; if Empress Xuan is honored together with Emperor Huidi, there would be no need to build a separate tomb for her. Empress Dowager Xiaowen and Empress Dowager Xiaozhao of the Western Han Dynasty were posthumously honored because of their sons, and their sacrifices took place in their own burial grounds, not alongside Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Xiaowu. The mother of Emperor He of the Eastern Han Dynasty was called Empress Gonghuai, the grandmother of Emperor An was called Empress Jingyin, and the mother of Emperor Shun was called Empress Gongmin. Although they were not posthumously honored as empresses because of their sons, their sacrifices were held in their own tombs, not alongside Emperor Zhang and Emperor An. This shows that regardless of whether it's the Western Han or the Eastern Han, although the identities of empress dowagers and empresses are different, ultimately they did not sacrifice together with the emperor, which aligns with the 'Spring and Autumn Annals.' Only Emperor Guangwu posthumously honored the deposed Empress Lv, allowing her to be worshipped together with Emperor Gaozu. Also, after the Empress Wei was deposed, Huo Guang posthumously honored Lady Li as empress, allowing her to be honored together with Emperor Xiaowu, but this does not exemplify a mother being honored because of her son; it was merely due to the absence of others to honor in the temples of Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Xiaowu. The Western Han built burial temples adjacent to tombs, which differs from the Jin Dynasty's system. I believe we should consider the implications of 'consider the palace of Zhongzi' in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' and follow the precedent of not sacrificing together in the Eastern Han Dynasty. If the posthumous title is determined, it can express the utmost respect; if a separate burial temple is built, it can demonstrate the solemnity of sacrifices; if the mother is honored by her son, it can clarify the reasons for her status, thus achieving all three points at the same time, which exemplifies the highest wisdom of a monarch!" Everyone accepted his opinion after listening.
Not long after, Zang Tao resigned from his official position. Because his mother was old and the family was poor, he and his younger brother Zang Xi gave up their official careers and returned home to farm, living frugally and honoring their parents for over ten years. After his parents passed away, he mourned for six years, earning a reputation in the village for his grief-stricken demeanor. After the mourning period ended, he was appointed as the magistrate of Linyi County. During the establishment of the Yiqi Army, he was appointed as a scholar of the Imperial Academy and participated in military actions under General He Wuji, following the army to various towns and serving as a military officer.
When Lao Zhu (Zhu Yuanzhang) was stationed in Jingkou, he wrote a letter to a man named Tao, saying, "Recently, the atmosphere of learning is very poor, young people lack enthusiasm for learning, and my home is so quiet that there is no sound. This is mainly due to the continuous warfare, which has led to the disruption of rituals and music. Those who are idle have indulged in pleasure all day long, and how can they possibly focus on studying? How can this be allowed? We must pay attention to learning and revitalize this atmosphere. There are many talented people in this area, with many young relatives; you should quickly go and seek out any talented individuals. However, just like fine jade and fragrant orchids, good things need to be nurtured and cultivated. Those with poor learning abilities are mentioned in the Zhou dynasty classics. Now that teachers are nearby, very few are willing to learn, either because there are few who want to learn, or because our call to action is not effective. Therefore, we must find ways to promote learning."
Tao later joined Lao Zhu's central army as a military officer, and subsequently served as a junior official in the Ministry of Revenue, later transferring to work in the Ancestral Temple. He also inherited the title of Marquis of Gaolingting.
When the tail of the ancestral temple caught fire, Tao said to the official Xu Guang, "In the past, when Confucius was in the state of Qi, he heard that the temples in the state of Lu were on fire, and he said it must be due to the actions of Duke Huan and Duke Xi. Now, the four ministers of the Western Expedition and the Intendant of Jingzhao should theoretically no longer be in this world, yet their tablets are still enshrined in the temple. Isn't this an ominous sign?"
Then Tao submitted a memorial to the court, saying, "I have heard that the major affairs of the state concern sacrifices and military matters. To build palaces, ancestral temples are the top priority. The sages and kings of ancient times all held respectful and devout hearts and dedicated themselves to honoring their ancestors. Only by doing so can civilization spread throughout the world and move the heavens, earth, ghosts, and spirits. Therefore, we should carefully consult ancient classics and follow the principles of ritual in handling this matter. According to ritual, the emperor has seven temples, three dedicated to the Shao lineage and three to the Mu lineage, plus one for the great ancestor. From the temple of the grandfather to that of the great-grandfather, all five temples should be sacrificed to every month. Further temples are called "tiao," with two tiao, and after the offerings and tasting, the sacrifices stop. Temples further away are called altars, and even further are called fields, only to be sacrificed during prayers. This is the hierarchy of ancestral temples, the order of closeness. Zheng Xuan believed that "tiao" refers to the temples dedicated to King Wen and King Wu, while Wang Su believed it refers to ancestors of the fifth or sixth generation. Upon careful examination of the term "qu tiao," it becomes clear that tiao does not refer to the temples dedicated to King Wen and King Wu. King Wen and King Wu are the ancestors of the Zhou dynasty; how could it be said that "qu tiao becomes an altar"? Clearly, distant temples are tiao, ancestors who are not obligated to observe mourning rites. Moreover, distant temples have rituals of offerings and tasting, with differences between tiao and altars after "qu tiao," indicating that the further removed the generations, the more distant the relationship. If tiao refers to the temples dedicated to King Wen and King Wu, they should be sacrificed to monthly like the great ancestor. Even the reverence for Hou Ji is due to merits, not always implying a hierarchy of respect. Moreover, there is a distinction of status in ritual, hence the saying 'those with great virtue shine, those with little virtue are lowly.' It is also said that from top to bottom, the hierarchy descends; this is ritual. This is the system of hierarchy, the different systems of status. It is said that emperors and princes all sacrifice to five temples; what is the reason for this? It is also said that kings sacrifice to legitimate and illegitimate sons, down to great-grandsons, with the highest offerings made only to the great ancestor. To bestow blessings on the lower levels while diminishing respect for elders is not the original intention of the sages who established the rituals. Therefore, during the time of the Taishi era when temples were being built, the opinions of the Wang family were adopted, setting the specifications for father's sacrifices in the ritual as those of a scholar, and the son's as those of an emperor or prince, with the attire worn during the sacrifices being that of a scholar. So, starting from the General Who Conquers the West, preparing for the number of six generations, although Emperor Xuan is the great ancestor, he is still in the position of his descendants. Even on the day of the Yin sacrifice, the ritual of facing east had not been implemented; the saying 'even though the son is saintly, he does not eat before the father' means this. Now that officials above the Commandant of Justice have all moved away, the great ancestor can finally occupy the central position. Some believe that the Shao and Mu temples are not enough and want to place the great ancestor in a lower seat; I believe this is not the original intention of the ritual. With the great ancestor included, this totals seven temples; from this point on, the Shao and Mu temples are sufficient; the great ancestor is beyond the six generations; it is not necessary to have seven temples to occupy the position of the great ancestor. Some also say that the main deities of the four prefectures should always be worshipped with the Yin sacrifice; I also believe this is incorrect. The classics state that the main gods of ruined temples are displayed before the great ancestor, referring to the main gods of the ancestors below the great ancestor. Therefore, the "Bai Hu Tong" states that 'the relocation of the temple for the sacrifices is to maintain the continuity of the line of the deceased lord'; are the four prefectures' main deities placed before the great ancestor? If they are not lords who inherited the throne, they do not have auspicious signs; they are not the foundation of the royal business. In the past, they were worshipped due to closer relations; now it is logical that they have become distant, yet they are continuously worshipped in the Yin sacrifice, leaving the position of the great ancestor empty forever; there is no basis for this in the ritual classics. In the past during the Yonghe era, there was a large-scale discussion about this ritual; at that time, Yu Xi and Fan Xuan were both learned scholars, and they both believed that there was no reason for the main deities of the four prefectures to be worshipped forever. Some wanted to bury them under the steps, some wanted to hide them in stone chambers, some wanted to build separate temples for them; although the methods were slightly different, they were generally in agreement. If Emperor Xuan is already above all temples, and yet the four main deities are always worshipped in the Yin sacrifice, then in the grand Jin Yin sacrifice, there will never be a place for the great ancestor. The key is to strike a balance; there’s no need for excessive favoritism; as rituals change with the times, how can they remain unchanged! Therefore, although subjects have deep feelings for their ancestors, the rituals concerning posthumous titles are more significant; although the longing for ancestors is urgent, the rituals of relocation and destruction carry more weight. Is it not a desire to show favor, but rather the ritual does not allow surpassing? The stone chamber is located to the north of the temple; as for building separate temples, it is not yet known where they should be placed. Therefore, the main god of Yu relies on spirits, and when the spirits move, there is a burial ritual. If the four main deities should be abolished from worship, it is also because the spirits are unwilling to be attached; following similar examples, they should be buried like Yu. However, the classics are challenging to fully interpret, with a multitude of complex and diverse interpretations, not something a shallow person like me can weigh." At that time, many scholars agreed with Tao's opinion, but it was ultimately not implemented.
He was first appointed as a Gentleman of the Palace and later served as a counselor to the General of Chariots and Cavalry, the Central Army, and the Grand Commandant. When Emperor Gaozu marched north to Guanzhong and Luoyang, the Prince of Langye accompanied him as the Grand Marshal, and he was appointed as an Attendant to the Grand Marshal, in charge of managing the affairs of the residence. In the fourteenth year of Yixi, he was promoted to Attendant of the Palace. In the first year of Yuanxi, he resigned from his official position due to leg ailments. After Emperor Gaozu took power, he summoned him to serve as the Grand Minister of Rites. Despite being a member of the imperial family with a high status, he remained humble and lived in a thatched cottage, eating plain meals, without altering his lifestyle. He shared his income with his family. In the third year of Yongchu, he retired, was granted the position of Grand Master of Rites, and was awarded a gold seal and purple ribbon. He passed away the same year at the age of seventy. The Emperor posthumously appointed him as Left Grand Master of Rites and bestowed upon him the title of Cavalier in Regular Attendance.
His eldest son Sui served as the Military Inspector and the Prefect of Yidu; his younger son Chuo served as the Crown Prince's Attendant and the Prefect of Xin'an. Sui's eldest son Zhen served as the Registrar of the Imperial Secretariat and the Magistrate of Wucheng. Zhen's younger brother Ning, a knowledgeable and talented individual, had a close friendship with the Minister of Works, Xu Zhan. When they were young, Ning and the Northerner Fu Sengyou were summoned by the Emperor because they were both from prestigious families. At that time, the Emperor and He Shangzhi were discussing the minting of coins, and Ning boldly expressed his opinions, leading to a repeated discussion with the Emperor. Fu Sengyou tried to stop Ning from speaking out, but Ning loudly said to him, "A wise ruler is a rare find, so it's important to express one's ideas fully." The Emperor and Ning went back and forth in discussion more than ten times, with Ning's articulate and well-structured arguments impressing the Emperor. He later served as the Recorder of the Military Affairs for Prince Dan, and although he was considered for the position of Inspector of Qingzhou, it ultimately did not happen. He was later promoted to the Deputy Minister of the Imperial Secretariat but was killed by an assassin due to his ties with Xu Zhan. His son Ying served as the Chief Clerk of the Imperial Secretariat and as the Military Advisor for Shen Youzhi's expedition to the west, showing unwavering loyalty to Shen Youzhi, as noted in "The Biography of Shen Youzhi." Ning's brother Tan also earned praise, having served as the Registrar of the Ministry of Personnel and the Deputy Imperial Censor during Emperor Taizong's reign. Later, during the reign of Emperor Feidi Yuanhui, he became the Minister of the Left and died in office. Tan's brother Cheng served as the General of the Left Archer for the Crown Prince. In the twenty-seventh year of the Yuanjia era, he led troops in battle in Xuyi, where he was defeated by the Xianbei and died in combat, posthumously appointed as a Court Official. Chuo's son Huan served as the Prefect of Wuchang during the Shundi Shengming era. When Shen Youzhi attacked Yingcheng, Huan abandoned his post as the county magistrate to join him; after Shen Youzhi's failure, Huan was also executed.
Fu Sengyou's grandfather, Fu Hongren, a nephew of the founding emperor, rose through the ranks due to this family relationship, serving as General of the Expeditionary Forces, prefect of Nanqiao, and eventually becoming the Grand Minister of Ceremonies. His son, Fu Shao, rose to the position of Gentleman of the Yellow Gate (员外散骑侍郎) and married a daughter of the Tao family. Fu Shao had a son named Fu Sengyou, who had a talent for governance, serving twice as the magistrate of Shanyin County with outstanding achievements that few other magistrates of his time could match. Unfortunately, he was ultimately killed by the mastermind due to his association with Xu Zhanzhi.
Xu Guang, whose courtesy name was Yemin, was from Dongguan, and his father, Xu Zao, served as an official in the Ministry of Works, while his brother Xu Miao was the leader of the Crown Prince's vanguard. The Xu family had a tradition of learning, and Xu Guang was especially knowledgeable, having read various books on different subjects and divination. When Xie Xuan was a local official, he invited Xu Guang to serve as his assistant in the Western Bureau. Later, Prince Qiao Sima Tian also asked him to be a military advisor to the Northern Army. Emperor Xiaowu of Jin knew of Xu Guang's extensive knowledge and appointed him as a Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat, responsible for proofreading books in the secret archives, and even assigned him additional subordinates for assistance. He was later promoted to the same title, continuing his work as a proofreader. During the Long'an period, the Minister of the Left, Wang Xun, recommended him for the position of Gentleman of the Ancestral Temple.
Empress Dowager Li has died, and everyone is discussing how to mourn. Xu Guang said, "The Empress Dowager's status is noble, similar to that of the Empress, and the funeral rites are already quite thorough, fully expressing both emotions and etiquette. The Book of Rites says that a mother is honored because of her son. Since she is referred to as Madam, the mourning etiquette should be formal, hence the title of 'Prominent Madam', with Duke Wen mourning for three years. Filial piety towards one's biological mother should be prioritized. Moreover, it's perfectly acceptable for grandchildren to take part in ancestor worship, so mourning for three more years is entirely fitting. If someone insists on creating new emotional rules, fearing that the written rules are not comprehensive enough, it will only make the mourning period seem too heavy. I believe that the mourning etiquette should be the same as that for serving one's grandmother, wearing mourning clothes and mourning for three years." Everyone accepted his suggestion.
At that time, Crown Prince Yuan Xian of Kuaiji was in charge of the Secretariat and wanted all officials to show respect to him. He asked Xu Guang to decide how to perform the rituals, and as a result, both internal and external officials treated Xu Guang with the etiquette due to a lower-ranked official. Xu Guang felt both embarrassed and helpless about it. Later, Yuan Xian promoted Xu Guang to be a military adviser and then to the Chief of Staff. When Huan Xuan came to power, he appointed Xu Guang as the literary official at the Grand General's Office.
During the Yongxi period of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the Emperor appointed Xu Guang to compile regulations on ceremonial attire, including chariots, horses, clothing, and etiquette, and thus Xu Guang was appointed as a military adviser, while also serving as a secretary, responsible for recording and drafting documents. He was granted the title of Marquis of Lecheng County and later promoted to the Imperial Secretariat, while also serving as a Gentleman of the Palace Library, responsible for compiling historical records.
Two years later, the Chancellor presented a memorial stating: "It is said that the Left Historian is responsible for recording speeches, while the Right Historian is in charge of recording political matters. The 'Chariots' and 'Records' chapters of the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' have been passed down in the states of Jin and Zheng, while the 'Zuo Zhuan' chronicles the history of the state of Lu. Since ancient times, officials have been in charge of compiling historical records for each dynasty, documenting the history of the Jin Dynasty along with its imperial laws and regulations in a prestigious manner. However, since the Taihe era, three dynasties have come and gone, and those remarkable virtues and achievements have slowly faded from memory. We believe that we should order Xu Guang, the Gentleman of the Palace, to compile the national history." The Emperor endorsed this proposal and commanded: "The kindness and blessings of past dynasties have been widely known, yet they remain unrecorded. These virtues should be preserved for future generations to educate them forever. Let’s initiate the compilation!"
Six years later, Xu Guangsheng was appointed as a Cavalry Attendant, also concurrently serving as the Governor of Xuzhou. He was later promoted to a regular Cavalry Attendant. At that time, when confronted with a disaster of wind and hail, Xu Guangsheng wrote to the emperor, saying, "Wind and hail, as natural disasters, may not always be true disasters. In ancient times, sages and wise men would feel fear when encountering such situations, reflect on themselves, and thereby promote good political and moral education. Although I am honored to serve in your ranks, I have never forgotten your grace towards me. I hope to do my best, with a sincere heart, to assist you. Initially, you raised the banner of righteousness, restored the ancestral order, exhibited martial prowess and wisdom, and quickly quelled the rebellion. Furthermore, you are humble and unpretentious, diligent and caring for the people, governing the country wisely, akin to a deity. Many recent events have occurred, where you have applied both punishment and benevolence, with countless military achievements and rewards that are hard to fully enumerate. State affairs are busy, making it inherently challenging to manage, with many trivial matters causing fear among subordinates. Furthermore, the fluctuating prices of grain and lack of enthusiasm among the people, coupled with the persistent issue of theft despite the establishment of various oversight agencies, stem from a poor social climate that is hard to improve, while your expectations are lofty and difficult to meet. Looking back at the early years of Yixi, the situation was quite different; what accounts for that? Comfort and ease are the common goals pursued by all things, and the tendency to cling to the old while being astonished by the new is a common human trait. You should pay attention to the people's will, take actions based on the actual situation, so that the court and the people will be stable and harmonious, creating a thriving environment. If my words are of no value, I hope you can still appreciate my steadfast loyalty." Afterwards, Xu Guangsheng was promoted to Grand Minister of Agriculture, while continuing to serve as a Gentleman of the Imperial Library. In the twelfth year, the "Records of Jin" were finally completed, consisting of forty-six volumes, which Xu Guangsheng submitted to the emperor. He was subsequently promoted to Secretary-in-Chief.
At the beginning, Huan Xuan seized power, and Emperor An was forced to leave the palace. Xu Guang followed everyone in weeping uncontrollably, his sorrowful appearance moving those around him. Later, Liu Yu overthrew the Jin Dynasty and declared himself emperor. Emperor Gong abdicated the throne, and Xu Guang wept again, tears streaming down his cheeks. Seeing this, Xie Hui asked him, "Xu Gong, are you going a bit too far?" Xu Guang wiped away his tears and replied, "I am different from you. You are assisting the new emperor in achieving great accomplishments, seizing a rare opportunity. I have been loyal to the Jin Dynasty all my life, and I cannot forget my former lord." After speaking, he began to sob again.
In the first year of Yongchu, the emperor issued a decree that stated, "Xu Guang, the supervisor of the secretariat, is knowledgeable, with good conduct. He has served in various official positions with great respect and caution. He is appointed as a Grand Master of the Palace Attendants." Xu Guang submitted a thank-you letter saying, "I am old and weak; serving the emperor in the court will only cause trouble. My family tomb is in Jinling, and I was raised in Jingkou. I deeply miss my hometown and often feel that my old age is approaching. Now, thanks to the emperor's grace, allowing me to take on this role, I would like to request to accompany you back to my hometown to enjoy my remaining years in peace. This would fulfill my wish and allow me to pass away peacefully." The emperor granted his request and rewarded him with many things. Xu Guang was fond of reading and persisted in his studies even in old age. In the second year of Yuanjia, Xu Guang passed away at the age of seventy-four. His work, "Answers to Questions on Etiquette," includes over a hundred entries and remains in use today. Xu Huo, Xu Guang's nephew, is mentioned in the "Biographies of Good Officials."
Fu Long, also known as Bozuo, was from Lingzhou in the northern region. During the reign of Emperor Liu Yu, he served as the Colonel of the Jin Dynasty's Imperial Guard. His great-grandfather, Fu Xi, held a position as an official in the Ministry of Works. His father and grandfather had passed away early on, leaving Fu Long alone with no relatives and in poor circumstances. Despite this, he was well-educated, upright in character, and not one to socialize. In the Yi Xi era, at the age of forty, he began serving as General Jianwei under Meng Chang and as an attendant cavalry officer. He was dismissed from his position after resigning. He later became a military officer responsible for troop recruitment in Kuaiji. After returning to his hometown of Shangyu, he planned to settle down there for good. He served in the military for eight years before being appointed to an official position. Xu Xianzhi, the Minister Steward and Intendant of Danyang, established the Jianwei Office and appointed him as a military clerk. He was soon promoted to the position of Lang of the Ministry of Rites, Intendant of Danyang, and later served as the Left Minister of Rites at court. Due to his younger brother, Fu Liang, serving as the Minister Steward, they could not serve in the same department due to etiquette rules. Therefore, Fu Long was reassigned as the Commander of the Prince's Chariots and Cavalry Consultant to Prince Lu Ling, Liu Yizhen, before being transferred to Shan Yin. During the reign of Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty, he was appointed as the Right Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works and later promoted to the Deputy Chief Censor. He excelled in officialdom, fully meeting the standards of a Deputy Chief Censor. He was then promoted to the Left Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works.
Speaking of which, there was a commoner named Huang Chu in Yanzhou County, whose wife Zhao and her sister Wang were both involved in a crime. Later, the court granted amnesty to the entire nation, and Wang, having parents, a son (named Cheng), and a daughter (named Ye) to take care of her, was allowed to remain within two thousand miles as per the law, while Zhao was exiled to a remote location.
Longyi (the name of an official) said: "The etiquette and laws of our country are based on natural laws and human reason, not dropped from the sky or sprouted from the earth. The father-son relationship is the closest relationship in the world, connected by blood and coming from the same source. The Zhao family, who is the sister of the Wang family, is related to the son of the Wang family. Even though it's been three generations, they are essentially still family, and this relationship has never been severed. Although the Wang family's son is undoubtedly suffering, there is no reason to retaliate against Zhao. If the son were to kill Zhao, how should Zhao have treated the Wang family's son in the first place? Wouldn't that lead to a cycle of violence among fathers and sons? This would contradict the laws established by our ancestors and the intentions of Jiu Yao in creating those laws! Think about it: if the son of Shi Hou (a feudal lord in the Spring and Autumn period) and the grandson of Ri Di (a minister in the Han Dynasty) were to go against their ancestors, how could the reputation of Shi Que (a feudal lord in the Spring and Autumn period) and Hou Hou (a feudal lord in the Spring and Autumn period) endure for generations and become a good story? In the past, the law stipulated that 'those who kill their parents will be exiled two thousand miles away,' but this rule clearly does not pertain to the father-son relationship. Zhao only needs to remain two thousand miles away from the Wang family. The law also stipulates that 'those who are exiled, if their relatives want to follow, can be allowed.' This reflects the human touch of the law, using familial bonds to educate and guide people. If Zhao is exiled, how can the Wang family's son not accompany her? If the son of the Wang family follows Zhao but does not take care of the Wang family's parents, does this align with the principles of etiquette? Therefore, the son and Zhao are inseparable. Zhao will feel guilty for the rest of her life, and the son will be in pain for the rest of his life, but the blood relationship between father and son is never broken; this is the essence of the matter!" After listening to Longyi's words, everyone felt that it made sense and agreed with his opinion.
I was appointed as the Prefect of Yixing and had some accomplishments during my time in office. Later, I was summoned to serve as the Left Minister of Civil Rites. Because I am honest and fair in my work, I was dismissed by some even before they had met me. I assumed my post in casual attire. Shortly after, I was reassigned to the position of Grand Minister.
In the fourteenth year, Emperor Taizu asked me to rewrite the "Book of Rites" and express my thoughts. In my memorial, I expressed: "I am unlearned and ignorant, with knowledge as shallow as that of a frog at the bottom of a well. I know little of the principles of rites and music. Now, overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, I break into a sweat. Rites are the foundational laws for governing the state and maintaining social order, the highest principles of human relationships. They are applied in family and state affairs, establishing order between ruler and subjects, and fostering closeness between fathers and sons; in marriage and ceremonies, encouraging kindness between the elderly and the young, harmony between husband and wife; in the community, encouraging mutual support among friends and respect between hosts and guests. Rites connect heaven and earth; they are profound and expansive; nothing is more important than rites."
The five musical tones, the eight trigrams of the Book of Changes, the grace of the Book of Songs, the classic edicts of the Book of Documents, and the profound teachings of the Spring and Autumn Annals are all based on the foundation of ritual. The origin of ritual is ancient, widely spread, vast in content, and profound in meaning. Without wise sages, who could truly grasp its essence? Moreover, the oppressive regime of the Qin Dynasty that burned books and buried Confucian scholars alive caused the loss of ritual and music classics, leaving hardly anything intact. It was only after the establishment of the Han Dynasty that old scholars were summoned to collect the remaining classics. However, these classics were often incomplete, fragmented, and challenging to verify. Thanks to Gaotang for recalling some ancient sayings, other scholars also wrote their own interpretations, but their differing interpretations led to a variety of perspectives. Some had different relationships with their teachers, while others developed independently. For example, Wen Ren and Er Dai both studied under Hou Cang, but later had different views; Lu Zhi and Zheng Xuan both studied under Ma Rong, and eventually established their own schools. Later scholars of ritual and music did not match the caliber of their predecessors, but they raised many questions, and their writings were magnificent and beautiful. However, the system of the five ceremonial garments was occasionally inaccurate, and the mourning rites were disorganized. The national laws and regulations were not unified across the country, and the familial codes often contradicted each other. Therefore, we should study and consider diligently, and formulate a ritual suitable for the current prosperous era of the imperial court. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to be wise and enlightened, seek counsel from a wide array of talented individuals, and initiate the grand revision of the "Three Rituals." As a humble servant in this position, I feel deeply anxious and restless, unable to eat or sleep peacefully. Now that I have received your favor and am involved in this great undertaking, I cannot even begin to repay your immense kindness. I cannot remain silent, so I respectfully present the fifty-two observations I have gathered. My observations may be simplistic, and I hope for your understanding, Your Majesty.
Please provide the text you want translated. I didn't see what you need me to translate. Please share the text, and I'll do my best to translate it into modern spoken Chinese, breaking it down as you request. Next year, he retired and was granted the title of Guanglu Daifu. After returning home, he was always engrossed in reading, read widely, with a particular expertise in the "Three Rites," was known for his caution, and often hand-copied books. He passed away when he was eighty-three.
The history books say: if virtuous individuals are selected from among the people, then the country's governance can thrive, and individuals can also advance in their careers; if talents are only sought in the court, it will lead to the prevalence of ostentation and exaggeration. The "Six Classics of Confucianism" are profound and vast; they are the right path for governing the country, while other schools of thought are superficial and shallow; they are shortcuts, but also detours. During the Han Dynasty, talent selection emphasized recommendations from local communities, advocated for respecting the fundamentals, valued learning, and did not pursue superficiality and deceit; this approach made it easier to attain high-ranking positions and wealth. As a result, everyone at the time was eager to learn; every household delved into specialized skills, talents emerged one after another, the places they lived in quickly turned into bustling cities, schools were also established one after another, and the number of students even reached tens of thousands. Therefore, it is said that being an official relies on knowledge and achievements, and establishing oneself relies on moral support. Since the Wei Dynasty was established, rulers have favored trivial skills; families no longer value the classics, and people value extraordinary skills and clever tricks. Moreover, the power to select talent is held by the court ministers. They judge the importance of mountains and rivers and the merits of talents based solely on their own views; this practice is often misguided. Therefore, being an official has become reliant on reputation and luck; learning is no longer for self-improvement; people value quick success through extraordinary skills and clever tricks while looking down on skills that require diligent study to master. Thus, scholars have turned away from studying the classics, each pursuing utilitarianism, working long hours solely for material gain. Over the hundred years from Huangchu to the end of the Jin Dynasty, those who taught the classics in schools and academies, as well as the teachers who gathered students for lectures, saw Confucian education gradually decline. After Gaozu ascended the throne, he planned to establish the National Academy, but due to the busy affairs of the court, it was not implemented until the Yuanjia period; although there was a slight revival of Confucianism, it was far from its former glory, but it also restored some of the previous systems. The emperor rode in a dragon chariot, with a solemn procession, personally went to the National Academy, and the crown prince also wore ceremonial robes and bowed to the teachers; this was something later generations had never heard of, even the elderly with white hair had never seen it; this was a significant event back then. Zang Tao, Xu Guang, Fu Long, Pei Songzhi, He Chengtian, Lei Cizong, and others, all well-versed in the classics and history, not influenced by secular trends, left their names in history; this was only natural. Yu Weizhi from Yingchuan, Zhou Yewang from Yanmen, Zhou Wangzi from Runan, Xiang Yan from Henan, He Daoyang from Kuaiji, all devoted themselves to the study of classics and were praised by later scholars. Yu Weizhi had a basic understanding of the "Book of Rites" and annotated He Xun's "Funeral Attire," which has been passed down through the ages.
Kong Jing, courtesy name Jigong, was from Shaoxing, Zhejiang. His name shared the same characters as that of the founding emperor’s ancestor, so everyone called him by his courtesy name. His grandfather Kong Yu was the General of Chariots and Cavalry in the Jin Dynasty; his father Kong He was the Imperial Secretariat. Jigong initially served as a well-respected and upright official in the county and later held positions as a scribe, assistant in the Department of History, attendant to the Crown Prince, Marshal of the Garrison, and Left Division Clerk of the Ministry of Works. Before he assumed his position, his mother passed away. In the fifth year of Long'an, while he was still in mourning, the court appointed him as General Who Establishes Might and Magistrate of Shanyin County, but he declined the appointment.
When the founding emperor was campaigning against Sun En in the east, he visited Shaoxing several times. Jigong warmly welcomed him and provided substantial material support. Later, when the founding emperor was once again attacking Sun En, it was clear that Huan Xuan's ambition to usurp the throne was evident, and he wanted to raise troops in Shaoxing to attack Huan Xuan. Jigong believed that Shaoxing was too far from the capital, and since Huan Xuan had not yet formally declared himself emperor, it would be better to wait for his usurpation to be completely revealed and his crimes to accumulate before raising troops from Jingkou, which would increase the chances of success. The founding emperor also agreed with his reasoning. At that time, Yu Xiaofu was the General Who Conquers the East and the Interior Minister of Kuaiji. Jigong initially aimed to be his Chief Clerk but wasn't able to secure the position. After the emperor pacified Huan Xuan, he appointed Jigong as the Interior Minister of Kuaiji and sent someone to deliver the official seal for his formal appointment. This appointment happened just as Jigong was returning home, so he immediately turned back on his ship and rushed back to Kuaiji overnight. Upon returning home, he quickly knocked on the door and told Yu Xiaofu to quickly clean up another room for him to stay in. Yu Xiaofu, who was appointed by Huan Xuan, was frightened upon hearing the news of Huan Xuan's failure and quickly opened the door to apologize. Jigong reassured him, saying he could stay the night and move out in the morning. After taking office, Jigong dedicated himself to serving the people, prohibiting extravagance and waste, and harshly punishing those who were lazy. As a result, theft declined, and the area became peaceful and stable.
He was appointed as the General of the Right Guard and also as a Censor, but he did not accept. Shortly afterwards, he was promoted to the position of Chamberlain, concurrently serving as the Chief of the Central Bureau of his own country. Later, he was transferred to serve as the Grand Marshal under the Prince of Langye. He was then sent to Wu Xing as the Governor and also appointed as the General of Champion. Previously, the Governors of Wu Xing always died quickly. It was said that the spirit of Xiang Yu transformed into the King of Bian Mountain, haunting the county office. Whenever an official of the rank of two thousand stones came, he would hide; meanwhile, Ji Gong stayed in the office, and nothing ever happened to him.
Later, he was promoted to the position of Supervisor of the Right and Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, but he firmly declined. In the eighth year of Yixi, he was appointed as the Inspector of the Five Armies, General Who Conquers the Enemies, and the Interior Minister of Kuaiji. He reformed the schools and encouraged students to study hard. Ten years later, he was appointed as the Supervisor of the Right and the Cavalier Attendant, but he declined once again. After some time, he was appointed as the Commander of the Army, the Cavalier Attendant, and also served as the Chief of the Central Bureau of his own province. In the twelfth year of Yixi, he retired and was granted the title of Golden Purple Grand Master of Virtue, while retaining the position of Cavalier Attendant. That year, Emperor Gaozu launched a northern expedition, and Ji Gong requested to join the campaign. He was appointed as the Grand Commandant, Military Consultant, and Rear General. He followed Emperor Gaozu in pacifying Guanzhong and Luoyang. After Emperor Gaozu became the Chancellor, he moved with him.
When the Songtai was first established, someone recommended him for the position of Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat and also appointed him as the Cavalier Attendant, but he declined once again. Finally, he was appointed as the Palace Attendant, Special Consultant, and Left Illuminated Virtuous Gentleman. He resigned and returned home, where Emperor Gaozu bid him farewell at the Horse-Training Platform, and officials in the court composed poems to praise him. When he officially accepted the appointment, he was also appointed as the General of the Guard, but he had been declining for many years and ultimately did not accept. In the third year of Yongchu, he passed away at the age of seventy-six. After his death, he was posthumously appointed as the Palace Attendant, Left Illuminated Virtuous Gentleman, and General of the Guard.
His son Shanshi held several prominent official positions, serving as Imperial Attendant and Governor of Kuaiji. However, he was dismissed from his post and returned home because his younger brother, Jia Bulaang, forcibly took a commoner's daughter. He passed away in the 27th year of the Yuanjia era.
My younger brother Lingfu was Chief Steward to Prince Xiao Yixuan of Nanqiao and later Governor of Nanjun during the Yuanjia period. He later served as an official in the Ministry of Personnel. In the early years of Emperor Xiaowu's rule, he was promoted from Attendant to General of the Guard and Governor of Yingzhou, and later transferred back to the court as Intendant of Danyang.
Shanyin County is small but densely populated. Lingfu proposed to the court that the poor residents of Shanyin County be relocated to the border areas of Yuyao, Yinxian, and Mouxian to cultivate the wasteland near the lake. The Emperor asked the ministers to discuss this matter thoroughly. Grand Preceptor Prince Yigong of Jiangxia remarked, "Developing agriculture and building a solid foundation is something every country should prioritize. The local peasants are used to their way of life, just like those in the capital who have no fields and have never even thought about moving to other counties. Furthermore, the wealthy landowners in Shanyin County have more than enough land, so the food shortage isn't due to a lack of cultivable land but rather the need to reclaim unused land. Besides, the people living by the lake mainly make a living by fishing and hunting. If they have homes, there's no reason for them to move."
The officials Liu Yuanjing, Liu Xiuzhi, Wang Zanzhi, Gu Kaizhi, Yan Shibai, and Wang Xiaoyu all agree: "Wealthy families living well do not need to move; poor families living poorly should move to better places. Building houses and farming on barren land doesn't require much, but the country can't afford to provide both money and labor; the common people can’t manage to provide the necessary resources. Once they settle into a stable life, their motivation to reclaim wasteland naturally declines. We should recruit fugitives and rebels to help with land reclamation, first improving their current living conditions before relocating them." Shizhong Shen Huaiwen, Wang Jingwen, Huangmen Shilang Liu Ai, and Qi Yong believe: "Even if the common people aren't farming themselves, they have their own means of making a living. If they are forced to farm, they will resist. Additionally, Ning County and three other counties are quite far from Danyang County, and forcing settled families to suddenly relocate, with new houses still unbuilt and old ones already torn down, leaves them stuck and makes life even harder. I believe we should respect the wishes of the common people and let them choose for themselves, tolerate fugitives, help them find work, and only consider relocation if the land is fertile." Taichang Wang Xuanmo said: "Poor families have to travel far to reclaim land, leaving their homes and starting over without food or seeds, making it hard to adapt and even harder to convince them. I think they should receive some support to help them work hard, with clear rewards for the diligent and consequences for the lazy." Guanglu Xun Wang Shengzhi said: "The neglected land must be cleared of thorns and weeds before it can be cultivated, and forcing the poor to reclaim it makes the task even harder. They should first receive assistance to build their living conditions, and then we can gradually proceed with relocation; it’s not too late."
The emperor did not accept the advice of these ministers, but agreed to the suggestion of Lingfu, moved the people, and ultimately achieved good results. Now, let’s talk about Lingfu; he hailed from Danyang. Later, he became the governor of Kuaiji, then was promoted to the position of Chief of Military Affairs in the Prince of Yuzhang's residence. His family was wealthy, with extensive properties, especially in Yongxing where he built a luxurious villa with a circumference of thirty-three li, spanning two hundred and sixty-five hectares of land and water, which included two mountains and nine orchards. Its immense scale caught the attention of the authorities. Although the emperor issued a pardon for him, his explanation was rather vague, and he was ultimately dismissed from office. However, he later regained his original position and was appointed as the Chief of the Right Army in the Prince of Xunyang's residence, retaining the position of governor. Lingfu was known for his integrity and strong abilities, never resorted to deceit, and wherever he served, his achievements were remarkable. Unfortunately, during the reign of the deposed Emperor Jinghe, he offended several powerful figures, was falsely accused by them, and ultimately killed. His two sons, Zhanzhi and Yuanzhi, were also executed in the capital city. Later on, Emperor Taizong took the throne and posthumously honored Lingfu with the title of Grand Master of the Golden Purple Radiance.
His son Yuanzhi was appointed as a department official during the Ming Dynasty. At that time, in Anlu Yingcheng County, there was a commoner named Zhang Jiangling, who, along with his wife Wu, scolded his mother, Huang, to death. Huang, unable to bear the humiliation, hanged herself. Coincidentally, there was a general amnesty in place. According to the law, those who injure or assault their parents face beheading; those who curse them face severe punishment; and those who murder their spouse's parents also face severe penalties. However, during a general amnesty, the death penalty could be commuted to exile. Jiangling's verbal abuse of his mother was more serious than physical harm, and if punished for murder, it would seem too severe; if punished for assault and insult, it would seem too lenient. At that time, the law specified that only those who physically harm their mothers would face beheading; even during a general amnesty, there was no provision for exemption from the death penalty for scolding one's mother. Yuanzhi said, "A son's disrespect towards his mother is unacceptable, even to the most virtuous person. Just the reputation alone is despicable, not to mention the actual behavior. Therefore, assault and cursing should not be forgiven by the law, and when it reaches the point of insulting her to the point of death, there is even less reason to forgive. Although the law provides for lenient punishment, this is due to concerns about fairness, not the literal interpretation. Even though Jiangling was granted clemency under the general amnesty, he should still face beheading. His wife acted out of loyalty, and since marriage is not innate, and Wu did not participate in Huang's death, she should be pardoned from the death penalty and sentenced to exile, which aligns with the law." The emperor accepted Yuanzhi's opinion, and Wu was spared from the death penalty.
Yang Xuanbao is from Nancheng, located at the foot of Mount Tai. His grandfather, Yang Kai, held the position of Minister of Works, and his father, Yang Sui, served as a ministerial attendant. Yang Xuanbao initially worked as a Doctor of Rites in Chutai. After the death of his mother, General He Wuji and former General Zhuge Changmin both invited him to serve as a military advisor after his mourning period, but he turned them down. He was subsequently appointed as the magistrate of Lin'an. Liu Muzhi recommended him to Emperor Gaozu as a military advisor, and he later served as an official in the Ministry of Revenue and as the magistrate of Yongshi. He then served as a military advisor to Emperor Gaozu, was promoted to Chief Clerk, and eventually became the Governor of Danyang. In the second year of Emperor Jingping's reign, he entered the court as the Deputy Minister of Works and was later promoted to Deputy Minister of the Left. He then served as the Chief Historian under the Minister of Works. The Minister of Works at the time, Wang Hong, held him in high regard and told Deputy Minister Yu Dengzhi and Minister of Personnel Wang Zhun, "Both of you are intelligent and capable, with broad knowledge, but I believe Yang Xuanbao stands out even more, so we should recommend him collectively." Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Gentleman of the Yellow Gate.
He is an excellent chess player, ranked third in chess. Once, Taizu played chess with him in Du County, and as a result, he was appointed Prefect of Xuan Cheng. Before this, when Liu Shizhi served as the Prefect of Xuan Cheng, he implemented a special policy for capturing fleeing civilians: if one person is not captured, the responsible village head will be sent to the state capital for punishment, and if someone is caught, they can be promoted by two levels. Yang Xuanbao believed that this system was inappropriate, so he wrote a letter stating his opinion: "I have carefully examined the reasons behind the people's flight; they are all compelled to flee. Implementing such a policy will only exacerbate the situation. I have heard that excessively harsh policies are unsustainable, and I am worried that it will have bad consequences. The ancient philosopher Gong Sui likened the people to tangled threads; only by loosening can they be straightened out. Huang Ba governed with leniency as a priority, rather than severity. I believe that individuals who flee should be held accountable solely for their actions, rather than implicating others. Now, if one person is not captured, many people will be punished; everyone will fear taking responsibility and will flee for self-preservation, resulting in more and more people fleeing. Moreover, those who capture fleeing people are mostly not serious and responsible; they are not competent and waste the energy of officials in vain. Official titles and rewards become mere titles, there are many drawbacks, and the official ranks are insufficient for proper rewards, causing the people to lose the motivation to work hard. Furthermore, this system is only applied in Xuan Cheng; if this system is correct, it should be promoted nationwide; if this system is wrong, it should not only be implemented in one county. It is crucial to keep the people free from distress, otherwise the drawbacks will be significant. I am concerned about the challenges of implementing this system in my role, so I respectfully submit my opinion to you." Therefore, this policy was ultimately abolished.
Yang Xuanbao served as the Tingwei in that county for a year, and he was promoted rapidly. Within a few months, he was promoted to Lang of the Ministry of Personnel, Deputy Imperial Censor, Right Chief Clerk to Prince Yiji of Hengyang, Governor of Nandonghai, and was also appointed as General Assistant of Fuguo. Later, he returned to the court and served as the Minister of Court Affairs, Left General of the Guard, and was appointed as Attendant Official. He later became Prefect of Danyang and Prefect of Kuaiji. He was then transferred to Wujun as the Prefect, with a significant increase in his rank and salary. Emperor Taizu believed that Yang Xuanbao was honest, lived a simple life, and had few desires, so he often appointed him to prestigious positions. Although he did not achieve any noteworthy achievements during his tenure, he was fondly remembered after his departure. He never pursued wealth and maintained a frugal lifestyle at home. Emperor Taizu once said, "To serve as an official and a prime minister, one needs not only talent but also luck; whenever a desirable official position opens up, Yang Xuanbao is always the first person I think of."
After the mastermind seized the throne, Yang Xuanbao was appointed as the Minister of Officials, also serving as the Grand Scholar, and was soon promoted to Grand Minister of Rites. Later, Emperor Shizu launched a campaign against the rebels, and many officials in the court fled. At that time, the powerful minister Xiao Daocheng (Shao) summoned the remaining officials, drew out his sword, and shouted angrily, "You all can leave!" Everyone was frightened and dared not speak, only Yang Xuanbao remained calm, calmly saying, "I am willing to die in loyalty to the court." Xiao Daocheng then sheathed his sword. After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, he appointed Yang Xuanbao as the Cavalier Attendant, concurrently serving as the Commandant of the Chongxian Guard. Shortly after, he was promoted once more to Grand Minister of Rites with the title of Golden Purple. Due to his cautious and respectful nature, he earned the favor of Emperor Shizu and received many rewards. In the early days of the Ming Dynasty, he was promoted to Grand Minister of Rites. Five years later, he was promoted once more to Cavalier Attendant and was granted the honorary title of Special Contributor. From a young age to old age, Yang Xuanbao was very meticulous and serious about sacred rituals, offering sacrifices on time with fresh offerings. He never ate anything that had not gone through the sacrificial rites. Eight years later, Yang Xuanbao passed away at ninety-four and was posthumously honored with the title "Dingzi."
His son Yang Rong was talented but rather reckless and irresponsible. Yang Xuanbao once said, "This child will definitely ruin our family." Yang Rong achieved the rank of Attendant Officer. Later, he and Wang Sengda debated court matters and were executed. After Yang Rong's death, Emperor Shizu summoned Yang Xuanbao, who expressed his regrets, saying, "I lack the wisdom of the Duke of Zhou, and thus I have not lived up to Your Majesty's expectations." Emperor Shizu greatly appreciated his words. Emperor Taizu bestowed names upon Yang Xuanbao's other two sons, one named Yang Xian and the other named Yang Can. Emperor Taizu said to Yang Xuanbao, "I hope your two sons will embody the noble virtues of the reclusive scholars."
Xuan Bao and He Shangzhi were both exceptionally talented chess players. Chu Yin, a native of Wu County, reached an impressive level of chess skill by the age of seven, and as he grew older, he outshone his peers, unmatched by anyone at that time. Chu Yin's father, Rong Qi, and Zang Zhi rebelled together, and Chu Yin was destined for execution. However, He Shangzhi pleaded for him, arguing, "Chu Yin's chess skills have surpassed those of the ancients, reaching an unparalleled level. There are numerous instances of talented individuals, like Wei Chou, being spared the death penalty, even when their fathers were guilty. I urge that his life be spared, so this exceptional skill does not fade into obscurity." Unfortunately, the request was denied, and everyone at the time lamented his fate.
Xuan Bao's nephew Xuan Xi, courtesy name Taiwen, was talented from a young age. In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, he served as the Left Chancellor. At that time, the Governor of Yangzhou, Prince Shang of Xiyang, submitted a memorial stating: "Although there are old regulations regarding the prohibition of burning mountains and enclosing lakes, the common people have become accustomed to it and have largely ignored it. They view burning mountains and enclosing lakes as their own interests. In recent years, this phenomenon has become increasingly serious, with wealthy and powerful individuals occupying the mountains, leaving the poor unable to even find firewood, and even fishing areas being seized. This is a significant governance issue that needs to be addressed thoroughly. The old regulations should be revised, and new systems should be established." The relevant authorities reviewed the edict from the Renchen year, which stated: "Those who occupy mountains to protect lakes shall be punished for robbery, and those who occupy more than ten feet shall face the death penalty." Xuan Xi believed: "The Renchen year's regulations are too harsh to enforce, and the actual situation has already changed. The issue of occupying mountains and sealing waters is worsening, with this behavior becoming a hereditary practice. If these practices are suddenly abolished, it could easily lead to resentment. We now need to revise and establish five new regulations. For all mountains and wetlands, if they were previously burned and cultivated, planted with bamboo, trees, or fruit trees, or if fish weirs were built in lakes, rivers, and seas through hard work, they should be allowed to continue to own them without any further investigation. First- and second-rank officials can occupy three hectares of land; third- and fourth-rank officials, two hectares and fifty mu; fifth- and sixth-rank officials, two hectares; seventh- and eighth-rank officials, one hectare and fifty mu; ninth-rank officials and common people can occupy one hectare. All according to the specified quantity, registered accordingly. If the mountain was previously occupied, it cannot be occupied again; if it was previously occupied less, it can be supplemented according to the regulations. If it is not an established practice, it is strictly prohibited. Violators occupying more than one foot of land shall be punished for robbery and have their land confiscated. The Renchen year's regulations from the second year of Xiankang have been abolished." The emperor accepted his proposal.
Liu Yu, formerly the General of the Right Guard, was on bad terms with Sima He Jimu in the mansion. Sima He Jimu had a close relationship with the Minister of Works, Prince Jianping Wang Hong, and constantly tattled on Liu Yu to Prince Jianping. Later, Liu Yu was sent to Yizhou as the Inspector, where he snatched a commoner's wife to be his concubine, prompting Prince Jianping to send Yang Xi to report on him. As a result, Liu Yu lost his position and developed a strong hatred for Yang Xi.
One of Liu Yu's students, named Xie Yuanbo, often associated with Yang Xi. Liu Yu asked him to find out the specific reasons for his dismissal. Yang Xi said, "This was not my idea." That day, Liu Yu went to Prince Jianping's house and wrote a letter of thanks, saying he had heard from Yang Xi. For leaking the information, Yang Xi was also dismissed.
As the Ming Dynasty neared its end, Yang Xi became the Commander for the Conquest of the True Prince of Shi'an, and later held positions as the Yellow Door Gentleman and the Chief Imperial Censor. In the third year of Taishi, he was sent to serve as the General of Ning Shuo and the Inspector of Guangzhou. Initially, he recommended his son-in-law, Xiao Huihui, as his Chief Clerk and concurrently as the Prefect of Nanhai, but the Emperor did not agree. He then recommended Xiao Huihui as the Prefect of Dongguan. After Yang Xi took office in Guangzhou, both the Chief Clerk and the Prefect of Nanhai, Lu Fazhen, passed away, and he recommended Xiao Huihui as their replacement. The Emperor decreed, "Yang Xi comes from a humble background, with generations of obscurity. He is reckless and has made numerous mistakes, failing in various roles. It was only because of his integrity and diligence that he was promoted to a position in Lingnan, but he acted recklessly there, constantly seeking promotions for his allies. He is demoted to Hengye General!"
At the beginning, Li Wanzhou and Liu Sizu were probably from near Guangzhou, as noted in the "Biography of Deng Wan." Emperor Taizong appointed Li Wanzhou as Colonel of Infantry and later promoted him to General of Ning Shuo, allowing him to manage affairs in Guangzhou. After Li Xi arrived in Guangzhou, he found that Li Wanzhou and others had other plans, so he had them killed. Li Xi appointed Liu Sidao, a native of Pei County, as the Prefect of Jinkang, and led troops to fight against the barbarians. As a result, Liu Sidao defied orders, lost the battle, and Li Xi sent troops to arrest him. Liu Sidao refused to surrender and attacked the city with his men. Li Xi sent Zou Yang, the Chief of Pingyue, to set up defenses at Chaoting to defend against the attack, but the army was defeated and Zou Yang died in battle. Liu Sidao continued to assault the city, and Sima Zou Sizhi resisted at the west gate, but he too was defeated and killed. Li Xi scaled the wall to escape but was caught and killed by Liu Sidao. The Prefectural Officer Zou Man led a small force to confront Liu Sidao, and although they entered the city, they were outnumbered and ultimately failed. Meanwhile, the Prefect of Dongguan, Xiao Huihui, led over a thousand civil and military officials from the county to attack Liu Sidao, but they were ultimately defeated and killed. At that time, General Long Xiang, Chen Boshao, led his troops against the barbarians, and after returning, defeated Liu Sidao and quelled the rebellion. Later, the court posthumously honored Li Xi as the Assistant General of Fuguo, Xiao Huihui as the Gentleman of the Central Secretariat, and Zou Sizhi as the Cavalry Colonel of Yue.
Li Xi's son, Li Chong, styled Boyuan, was the Master of Ceremonies at the Ministry of Personnel. After his mother passed away, he was overwhelmed with grief, exceeding the bounds of customary mourning. When he heard news of the rebellion in Guangzhou, he immediately ran barefoot out of Xinting, but he could walk no further and collapsed by the riverbank. Neighbors used a small boat to ferry him across. After his father's funeral, he died from overwhelming grief.
Shen Tanqing was from Wukang, Wuxing, and was a relative of Huaiwen, the elder Chamberlain for Law Enforcement. His father, Shen Fa, previously served as an Attendant Cavalry Gentleman but he passed away at a young age; the Prefect of Wuxing, Wang Shao, wrote an elegy in his memory.
Tan Qing started as a principal clerk, then served as a county official, chief clerk of the Western Department, and finally became the chief clerk of the military command under Changsha's Wang Yixin. When his mother passed away, he was extremely grief-stricken, and his health deteriorated. Fortunately, the county magistrate of his hometown, Zhuge Chan, wrote a letter to the court to explain the situation. After the mourning period for his mother, he resumed his position as principal clerk. Yixin recommended him for the position of military advisor. He was later dispatched to Yuhang as the county magistrate, then promoted to the chief clerk of Personnel, and then served as the military recorder for General Wang Yigong of Jiangxia, eventually rising to the high position of Deputy Minister of Personnel. At that time, there were frequent floods and droughts, and Tan Qing suggested setting up a granary for disaster relief, which the emperor agreed to, but unfortunately, it was not successful in the end.
Later, he also served as the local magistrate, treasurer, and historian in Yangzhou, as well as the chief military officer of King Jun of Shixing. Later, a tragic regicide occurred, and the Emperor brought troops to suppress the rebels, with the rebel leader Shao sending Tan Qing east to recruit soldiers and procure horses. However, General Andong, along with Wang Dan, captured Tan Qing and imprisoned him in Yongxing County for an extended period before releasing him.
After the emperor ascended to the throne, Tan Qing was appointed as the Chief of Staff for East Sea King Yi, and later returned to the court, becoming the Minister of Personnel. He later served as the Grand Marshal and Chief Historian for King Yi of Jiangxia, the Prefect of South Donghai, and the General of the Left Guard. In the first year of Daming, he was appointed as the Commander of Military Affairs for the regions of Xuyan, Liangjun, and Fuguojun, the Assistant General, and the Governor of Xuzhou. At that time, the Deputy General of the Imperial Guard, Pei Jingren, was stationed in Pengcheng to assist the military. Pei Jingren was a northerner who was well versed in border affairs. Tan Qing asked him to write a book called "Qinji," which detailed the rise and fall of the Fu clan's usurpation of power, a book that later became widely circulated. The following year, he was summoned back to the court to serve as the General of the Left Guard and also served as Censor, while concurrently acting as the Grand Supervisor of the province. Three years later, he was promoted to the Minister of Ceremonies. In the same year, he passed away at the age of fifty-seven. His original title was restored posthumously. Tan Qing was known for being cautious, honest, upright, and clean, and he was successful in all his endeavors. He often admonished his descendants, saying, "I have no exceptional talents; I was just a high-ranking official." Later generations praised him as a venerable figure. Historical records state: Jiangnan was really thriving! Despite its vast territory, stretching from Xiangpu in the south to Qiongshan in the west, and the need to pay taxes and tributes to fill the national coffers, the actual area under control only reached Jingzhou and Yangzhou. Since the Han Dynasty, the population had been decreasing continuously, and the Jingchu region was a battleground and a vital transportation hub, with towns and cities in ruins, leaving only one out of ten still standing. From the rebellion of Sima Xiuzhi in the eleventh year of Yuanxi to the end of Yuanjia, a period of thirty-nine years, there were no wars, no extra burdens on the people, and the taxes and corvée were relatively light. The population grew rapidly, with food overflowing in the fields, and every household did not need to lock their doors. This was arguably the most prosperous period for Jiangnan. At that time, the area actually controlled in Jiangnan was only as large as Danyang and Kuaiji counties during the Han Dynasty. From the relocation of the capital during the Jin Dynasty to the Taiyuan period, over a hundred years, there was no war, and the region was peaceful.
Until Sun En's uprising and rebellion, the casualties were severe. Over the next sixty years, the population returned to its previous level. The land is vast, the resources are abundant, and the common people are diligent in farming; the harvests are good, and several counties do not have to worry about hunger. Located by the sea and near a lake, there are tens of thousands of acres of fertile land, each acre worth one gold, much better than the Hu and Du regions. Jingzhou has the richness of Southern Chu, while Yangzhou boasts the fertile fields of the entire Wu region, abundant in resources like fish, salt, and timber, supplying the entire country. Silk and cloth production is immense, meeting the clothing needs of the whole nation. However, farmers' lives are very hard; labor is heavy, and income is meager. They work in the fields all year round without a day of rest, and all taxes and living costs are borne by the farmers. In years of good harvests, food prices drop, yet farmers work hard and struggle to make a profit; in years of poor harvests, food becomes expensive, while merchants reap substantial profits.
During the Han Dynasty, the constant grain reserve system was established. In the thirteenth year of Yuanjia, there were floods in the eastern region, and the people's lives became challenging. Song Taizu was frugal and opened the grain warehouse to help the disaster victims, preventing the disaster from escalating, all thanks to him. In the late Ming Dynasty, there were consecutive years of drought. Although droughts had occurred before, the relief measures were not as effective as in previous years, so the severity of the disaster was less than in previous years, but the death toll doubled. Many families lost more than half of their family members. If the constant grain reserve system had been implemented in the middle of the disaster and timely relief provided to the victims, perhaps the outcomes might not have been as dire. Although purchasing grain at a fair price would cause losses to the government and benefit the people, this proposal was not implemented at the time, and the reason for that is evident.
Zhang Maodu, from Wu County, Jiangsu, is a descendant of Zhang Liang. Because his name is the same as the Han Emperor Liu Bang, he is referred to by his courtesy name. Zhang Liang's seventh-generation descendant became the Prefect of Changsha, so he moved to Wu County to live. His ancestors include his great-grandfather Jia and his grandfather Cheng, both Grand Officials of the Jin Dynasty; his father Chang served as an attendant, a secretary, and the Historian of Wu State, and he was a prominent figure.
Zhang Maodu initially served as a clerk, a registrar, and a scribe in the county, but he declined an offer to serve as a historian. He was later appointed as a staff officer in the Prince of Langye's Guard, then as an assistant cavalier attendant, and a secretary in the Ministry of Revenue, but he did not take up the positions after his father's death. After completing his mourning period, he became a staff officer for General He Wuzhi in the South. Shortly after, he was transferred to Jin'an as the Prefect. When Lu Xun rebelled, throwing Jiangzhou into chaos, Zhang Maodu and the Prefect of Jian'an, Sun Douzhi, received Lu Xun's orders and were forced to carry them out. After Lu Xun's defeat, they both lost their positions.
Later, he was appointed as the Magistrate of Shixing County. The county had just been ravaged by bandits; the government offices were burned down, and the people were displaced, with only one in ten surviving. Zhang Maodu rebuilt the city walls and temples, comforted the families of the deceased and the injured, gathered the scattered people back together, and gradually, the people began to restore their normal lives. He served as the Magistrate of Shixing County for a year before being summoned to the court to serve as a military officer, then he was promoted to registrar, and later as a historian in the office of the Governor of Yangzhou. Later, when the Emperor wanted to march west against Liu Yi, Zhang Maodu stayed behind to handle all the affairs of the state. After the Emperor returned triumphant, Zhang Maodu was promoted to the Deputy Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.
Afterwards, he was sent to serve under Sima Xiu as the Pingxi Sima, concurrently serving as the Prefect of Henan. Emperor Gaozu was preparing to attack Sima Xiu, but when Zhang Maodu heard about it, he quickly escaped on a small boat. He met Emperor Gaozu on the way, who then appointed him as a Registrar, while still retaining his position as Prefect. After the fall of Jiangling City, General Bieqijiang Daolian was appointed as the Inspector of Jingzhou, and Zhang Maodu continued to serve as his advisory officer, with his position as Prefect unchanged. Later, he returned to Yangzhou and became an Assistant to the Prefect. When Emperor Gaozu launched a campaign in the north, he stayed in Yangzhou to manage governmental affairs. Later, he was appointed as the Commissioner, Commander of the military affairs of Guang and Jiaozhou, General of Establishing Martial Might, and Governor of Guangzhou. He successfully pacified the unrest in the Lingnan region, restoring stability to the area. Due to illness, he requested to return to court and became Daolian's military advisor. After his stepmother's death, he completed his mourning period and was appointed as the Minister of Justice, later rising to the position of Minister of Personnel.
In the first year of Emperor Yuanjia of the Song Dynasty, Liu Maodu was appointed as the Commissioner, Commander of the military affairs of Yining and Ningzhou, Ba and Xi of Liangzhou, Zitong, Dangqu, Nanhan, Zhong Qin, Huaining, and Angu six counties, Champion General, and Governor of Yizhou, holding a high-ranking position. Three years later, Emperor Yuanjia of the Song Dynasty launched a campaign against Xie Hui, the Inspector of Jingzhou, and ordered Yizhou to send troops to attack Jiangling. Consequently, the issue with Xie Hui was resolved before the Yizhou army arrived at Baidi City. Liu Maodu and Xie Hui had a good relationship, and some suspected him of delaying the deployment of troops. At that time, Liu Maodu's brother Liu Shao was the Inspector of Xiangzhou and also raised troops to support the court. The Emperor, seeing Liu Shao's loyalty and reliability, did not pursue further investigation into Liu Maodu and merely transferred him back to the capital.
Seven years later, Liu Maodu was appointed as Chief Justice, promoted to the rank of Cavalry Commandant, and concurrently served as the magistrate of the province. Later on, he was promoted to the position of Five Armies Secretary and then transferred to the position of Minister of Rites. Due to a leg ailment, he was reassigned as the Prefect of Yixing, with a promotion in rank. Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty once casually said to Liu Maodu, "Stop thinking about the affairs of Western Shu." Liu Maodu replied, "If I had not encountered Your Majesty's wisdom, I would have died in my hometown long ago." Not long after, Liu Maodu resigned from his post and returned home. Later, the court summoned him to serve as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and appointed him as a Cavalier Attendant, but he declined citing illness. Finally, he was appointed as a Grand Master of Ceremonies and was granted the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon.
Liu Maodu came from an affluent family, leading a secluded life. He used his family's wealth to build a house on Mount Hua in his hometown, enjoying a leisurely lifestyle for seven years. In the eighteenth year of Yuanjia, he was appointed as the Prefect of Kuaiji. He was renowned for his administrative skills, and during his tenure, he handled governmental affairs in an orderly manner. The following year, he died in office at the age of sixty-seven and was posthumously given the title "Respectful Son."
Liu Maodu's fellow countyman, Lu Zhongyuan, was the great-grandson of Lu Wan, a prominent Grand Commandant of the Jin Dynasty. Recognized for his abilities, leading to steady promotions, he served as a Qingzi official, Lang of the Ministry of Personnel, Right Guard General, Court Attendant, and the Prefect of Wu County. From Lu Wan to Lu Zhongyuan, their family had served as Court Attendants for four generations, and at that time, people compared their family with the two major families of Jin and Zhang. Lu Zhongyuan's son, Lu Zhen, served as the Prefect of Hailing in the tenth year of Yuanjia. Di Dang, a scholar in the Imperial Academy, enjoyed the Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty's high trust. He lived in Hailing and requested to be buried back in his hometown after his death, but the roads and bridges were in disrepair, making it impossible for the funeral procession to proceed. Hailing County requested civilian labor to fix the roads, but Lu Zhen opposed this. Upon hearing this, Liu Yikang, the Minister over the Masses and Prince of Pengcheng, held him in high regard and invited him to serve as a National Scholar, and later promoted him to Left Western Clerk of the Ministry of Works, Prefectural Prefect, and the Prefect of Dongyang in Linhai.
Mao Duzi served as a chamberlain to the Crown Prince. His younger brother Jing was once the Governor of Xin'an. Both of them were well-known figures at that time, but unfortunately died young. They also had a younger brother named Yong. Yong, whose courtesy name was Jingyun, initially served as a county registrar and then as an official at the state level, later promoted to be a military officer in the Ministry of War, then transferred to serve as a county magistrate in Yuyao. He later returned to the court to serve as a clerk in the Ministry of War. The regulations in the Ministry of War were especially complex, so in the 18th year of Yuanjia, the court sought to properly organize these documents and appointed Yong as an editor, specifically responsible for this work. In the 22nd year of Yuanjia, he was appointed as the magistrate of Jiankang. He excelled in every position he held. Later, he was appointed as a military officer in charge of the records of the Prince of Guangling. Yong was well-read and skilled in writing, calligraphy, music, equestrianism, and various other arts. He was exceptionally creative and highly valued by Emperor Taizu. He even crafted his own paper and ink. Whenever the emperor received his memorials, he would read them carefully and praise them, often remarking that the officials in the palace responsible for such matters were no match for him. In the 23rd year of Yuanjia, Yong was entrusted with overseeing the construction of Hualin Garden and Xuanwu Lake. All planning and construction had to align with his directives. He was later reassigned to serve under Prince Yigong of Jiangxia as a military officer, while concurrently holding the positions of Cavalry Colonel and General of Zhenwu, as well as the Prefect of Guangling and Nanpei. In the 28th year of Yuanjia, he was appointed as Cavalry Colonel under Prince Yigong of Jiangxia, while retaining his position as the Prefect of Nanpei as before.
Speaking of Yong, he is indeed capable and puts in a lot of effort at everything he does. Even the Emperor Taizu felt that he was a talented general. In 29 AD, the court appointed Yong as the military commander of three counties: Jizhou, Qingzhou, Jinan, Le'an, and Taiyuan. He was appointed as General Yangwei and Governor of Jizhou. He was tasked with leading Wang Xuanmo, Shen Tan, and other generals to fight in Henan and recapture lost territories.
However, when they laid siege for many days to Qiaoaocheng, they failed to take the city. On the evening of the seventh day of August that year, the enemy suddenly opened the city gates, set our siege equipment ablaze, and came out to fight us fiercely. Many of our soldiers were burned to death or killed by the enemy, leading to significant losses. Seeing the unfavorable situation, Yong quietly withdrew his troops that night without informing the other generals, which caused chaos among the ranks. The enemy took advantage of the situation to chase and defeat them, resulting in devastating casualties. Yong and Shen Tan were captured by the Chief Military Officer Xiao Sihua and imprisoned in Licheng.
When the Emperor heard this, he felt that Yong had suffered repeated defeats in battles and his subordinates were unreliable. He harshly reprimanded Yong, Xiao Sihua, and the others. The Emperor issued a decree, cautioning them against recklessly risking their lives again, with winter fast approaching. He warned them that if they dared to die recklessly, they would have no one to blame but themselves. He also wrote a letter to Prince Yigong of Jiangxia, lamenting that he couldn't just force them onto the battlefield with a sword.
Thirty years ago, he became the mastermind of the power-grabbing uprising. Later, he was appointed as the military commander of Qingzhou, Dong'an County in Xuzhou, and Dongguan County, with the official title of General Deputy of the State and Governor of Qingzhou. When King Yixuan of Nanqiao, the Sikong, rebelled, he was again appointed as the military commander of Jizhou, Qingzhou Jinan County, Le'an County, and Taiyuan County, with the official title of General Deputy of the State and Governor of Jizhou. He sent Sima Cuixun and Middle Army Lieutenant Liu Ze to lead the army to suppress the rebellion. At that time, Xiao Sihua was in Pengcheng. Yixuan was worried that these two would not get along, so he wrote a letter to Xiao Sihua, advising him to maintain a good relationship with him. Yixuan also had his cousin, Changshi Zhang Chang, write to him, saying: "I recently received a letter from the capital, detailing the reasons for your imprisonment. It's evident that despite being imprisoned, you have a clear conscience. Xiao Sihua is known for his fairness and kindness, and there were no prior grudges. After reading your letter, he did not attack you in his words. How can he speak so kindly and pleasantly? Now that the situation in the world is difficult and dangerous, uprisings are breaking out everywhere, and it is necessary for everyone to work together to pacify the chaos. You should follow the examples of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru, who put the country's interests first, and emulate the virtues of Zhou Bo and Guan Ying, who forget personal grudges, put aside minor grievances, and restore old friendships. You should also make sure Xiao Sihua understands your thoughts, exchange information with each other, and commit to this principle together." After the rebellion was suppressed, he was appointed as the Grand Marshal of Jiangxia King Yigong, in charge of overseeing the army.
At that time, the court asked the officials for suggestions. He believed that there should be an official for counsel to create a channel for open dialogue, learn military strategies, maintain constant vigilance, and not forget about potential dangers. In the first year of the reign of Emperor Xiaojian, Zang Zhi staged a rebellion. The court sent him to assist Prince Wuchang Hun in guarding Jingkou. That year, he was also sent to Yangzhou as an assistant historian. The following year, he was summoned back to the court to serve as the Left Deputy Minister of Personnel. Soldiers were granted leave three times a year, resulting in chaos on the roads. He suggested, "I have heard that military leaves should align with the agricultural calendar. Ancient emperors also followed this practice of alternating farming and warfare, which is a strategy for governing the country and ensuring peace. Now that the world is peaceful and the seas are unified, we should avoid such burdensome practices. I see that soldiers are granted leave three times a year, with tight schedules and early departures. This results in multiple journeys within a year, some missing spring planting while others delay the autumn harvest, leading to insufficient national reserves and food shortages for households. After careful consideration, this policy should be revised. I believe that the leave period should be set for a year, so that soldiers do not feel too burdened and farmers can harvest peacefully. This will bring stability to the country and allow the people to live in peace and prosperity." His suggestion was adopted.
In the first year of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, he was promoted to the Attendant of the Yellow Gate, and shortly after became the General of the Imperial Tiger Guard and the Chief Justice of his district. Three years later, he was promoted to the Minister of Justice. The emperor said to him, "You share the same surname with Zhang Shizhi, and I hope there are no wrongful cases in the world." He was then further appointed as the General of Ning Shuo, the Minister of Personnel, the Chief Historian of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Chief Historian for Prince Fang of Xunyang.
In the fourth year, he constructed the Mingtang and continued to hold his original official position while also serving as the Chief Craftsman. After the completion of the Mingtang, he was promoted to the position of Right Guard Commander of the Crown Prince. Seven years later, he constructed a temple for the esteemed concubine, Lady Yin, and once again served as the Chief Craftsman. He was then promoted to the position of General of the Right Guard. That year, the emperor went on a southern tour, and he traveled by water along the Houdao from Xuancheng. Due to severe drought and impassable roads, the emperor was enraged and removed him from office. At that time, the emperor favored his son, Prince Luan of Xin'an, and appointed him as the Inspector of Nanxuzhou, transferring Wu County to the jurisdiction of Xuzhou.
In the eighth year, he was appointed as an attendant historian. In the same year, he was summoned back to the court to serve as the Chief Censor. In the first year of Emperor Taizong's reign, he was appointed as the Prefect of Wuxing, later promoted to Minister of Finance. After Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, he appointed him as Minister of Personnel. Before he could take office, he faced rebellions across the region and was appointed as the Prefect of Wuxing again, promoted to General of the Crown, and granted the power of military command. Before officially taking office, he traveled to Wu County as the Prefect, holding the title of General, leading multiple armies against the Inspector of Xuzhou, Xue Andu. He won multiple battles, defeating Xue Andu, Suolu, and others, with detailed accounts documented in "The Biography of Andu."
He was promoted to the positions of Cavalry Attendant, General of the Guard, and Minister of the Crown Prince, serving as the Inspector of Xu Province. Later on, he was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of military affairs in the provinces of Xu, Yan, Qing, and Ji, as well as Commissioner and Commander of military affairs in the provinces of Nan Yan and Xu, while retaining his positions as Cavalry Attendant and General. At that time, Xue Andu occupied Pengcheng and requested to surrender, but in reality, he did not truly submit. Emperor Taizong sent him and Shen Youzhi to lead a large army to meet Xue Andu and ordered him to lead the vanguard and advance to Pengcheng. Xue Andu lured the Sogdian army to provide reinforcements, but his soldiers dispersed, and he had to retreat in a sorry state while being pursued by the enemy, suffering a major defeat. With heavy snowfall, his soldiers dispersed even more, and he lost his toes to frostbite; he barely managed to escape, losing his fourth son in the process. Over the course of three years, he was reassigned as the military commander of five counties, including Kuaiji, Dongyang, Linhai, Yongjia, and Xin'an, while also serving as the Prefect of Kuaiji. His rank as General remained unchanged. Due to errors in military operations in the north, he voluntarily requested a demotion and was reduced to Left General. He mourned the death of his son deeply, and his sorrow persisted even after the mourning period ended. He set up a memorial tablet and treated his son's needs as if he were still alive. Every time he went out, he would prepare a beautiful carriage and good horse as if they were for his son's servant, telling his attendants to report to the "young master" (his son) for any matters. For defeating Xue Suo'er, he was granted the title of Marquis of Xiaochang County with a fief of one thousand households. During his tenure in Kuaiji, some of his guests, including Xie Fangtong, were imprisoned for corruption and bribery, and later died. He was demoted to Champion General as a result.
Four years later, he was appointed as the military commander, inspector of Yongzhou, Liangzhou, and the Jingling and Sui counties of Yingzhou, North and South Qinzhou, Right General, and Governor of Yongzhou. Before he could take office, he was reassigned as Attendant to the Crown Prince, while also holding the positions of Regular Cavalry Attendant and Governor of Benzhou. Six years later, he was further appointed as the General of the Guard, responsible for military affairs at Shitou Garrison, and was provided with a military band. Seven years later, he was promoted to the rank of Grand Master of Golden Purple Illuminated Virtue, and soon resumed his position as General of the Guard. When the usurper emperor took the throne, he was promoted to Right Grand Master of Illuminated Virtue, appointed as Palace Attendant to the Emperor, serving as the teacher of Prince Ancheng, and was assigned twenty trusted guards. He also served as Grand Central Supervisor, then was transferred to be the Prefect of Wu County, with a rank equivalent to two thousand stones, while retaining his positions as Palace Attendant and Right Grand Master of Illuminated Virtue. In the second year of Yuanhui, he was appointed as the military commander and inspector of Nanyang, Xuzhou, Qingzhou, Jizhou, and Yizhou, General of the North, and Governor of Nan, while maintaining his position as Palace Attendant.
When I was young, I roamed around, eager to contribute to the country. Although I am old now, I still have the same ambition. Despite living a leisurely retired life, I feel unfulfilled. This time, the court entrusted me with a significant responsibility, and I was overjoyed, so I immediately set off back to the capital. Before I could even assume my post, Prince Xiufan of Guiyang rebelled. I led my troops to station at Baixia. Xiufan reached Xinting, and the defending troops put up no fight, with the vanguard launching a direct assault on Nanye Gate. I dispatched scouts to assess the enemy's situation, and the scout returned with the report: "The city has fallen!" My army dispersed as a result, and I deserted my troops and fled back to Nanyuan, my former residence. As an old minister, the emperor spared me from severe punishment, merely stripping me of my position and title. I was filled with deep shame and regret, which led to my illness. Three years later, I died at the age of sixty-six. In the second year of Emperor Shun's Chengming era, the court posthumously honored me with the titles of Privy Counselor and Right Guanglu Grand Secretary. My son, Gui, rose to a high position toward the end of the Chengming Dynasty. My brother, Bian, was similarly favored by Emperor Taizong, serving as a Lang in the Ministry of Personnel, Governor of Guangzhou, and Minister of Agriculture. Dai, Bian's brother, rose to become Minister of Personnel toward the end of the Chengming Dynasty.
Yu Dengzhi, courtesy name Yuanlong, was a native of Yanling in Yingchuan. His great-grandfather was Yu Bing, the Minister of Works of the Jin Dynasty, his grandfather was Yu Yun, the Governor of Guangzhou, and his father was Yu Kuo, the Prefect of Dongyang. When Yu Dengzhi was young, he relied on his own abilities to establish himself. He initially served as a military advisor under the Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi, during the Jin Dynasty. When he raised troops during the Yixi era, he served as a military staff officer under the founder Liu Yu. Due to his contributions in suppressing Huan Xuan, he was conferred the title of Fifth-Class Noble of Qujiang County. He also held positions such as military advisor to the Grand Marshal Langye Wang Sima Dewen, Assistant to the Historian of Yuzhou, Chief Registrar of the Grand Marshal, and an official in the Left Department under the Minister of Works. Although Yu Dengzhi did not have much formal education, he was skilled in handling worldly affairs and had friendships with famous scholars such as Wang Hong, Xie Hui, and Jiang Yi. He was later promoted to Chief Registrar of the Grand Commandant. In the twelfth year of the Yixi era, when Liu Yu launched a northern expedition, Yu Dengzhi actively responded and bravely fought the enemy. Later, he asked for leave from Liu Muzhi, citing his elderly mother and requesting to retire to his hometown. Many scholars at that time were afraid of the expedition, but Yu Dengzhi sought to evade it, which infuriated Liu Yu. He removed him from the list of officials. After the army set out, he was appointed as the Protector-General against Barbarians and Prefect of Xiyang. He later returned to the court and served as the Crown Prince's son, Deputy Director of the Left of the Imperial Secretariat, and was eventually appointed as the Prefect of Xin'an.
After Xie Hui became the General of the Protectorate and the Prefect of Jingzhou, he recommended Deng Zhi to be the Chief of Staff and the Prefect of Nanjun, while also allowing him to continue serving as the Chief of Staff of the Guards without changing his position as Prefect. Deng Zhi and Xie Hui are both sons-in-law of the Cao family, and their status used to be similar, but now Deng Zhi has become Xie Hui's subordinate, which he resented. When he submitted the official documents he submitted upon taking office, he only wrote "arrived respectfully today," without a single word of thanks. Every time he went to visit Xie Hui, if any boxes, packages, or cushions were missing or incomplete, he would not sit. Xie Hui remained quite tolerant towards him. Later, when Xie Hui opposed the imperial forces and wanted Deng Zhi to stay behind, Deng Zhi refused, as noted in the "Biography of Xie Hui." After Xie Hui's failure, Deng Zhi was placed under house arrest for failing to fulfill his duties.
In the fifth year of the Yuanjia era, Deng Zhi was appointed as the Chief Military Officer in charge of pacifying Hengyang King Liu Yiji. Liu Yiji was young and had not yet taken full control, so he entrusted all matters to Deng Zhi. Not long after, he was also appointed as the Prefect of Nan Donghai. Later, he successively served as the Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works, the Minister of Personnel, and then the Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works again. At that time, the master of the mansion, Prince Pengcheng Liu Yikang, took sole control of political affairs and refused to consider his subordinates' opinions. Deng Zhi was straightforward in character and always expressed his thoughts candidly. Liu Yikang was very displeased and sent him to serve as the Prefect of Wu County. Wu County was adjacent to the previous county, and Deng Zhi's style remained unchanged. He was dismissed due to corruption and bribery during his term. His younger brother, Liu Bing, was the Interior Minister of Linchuan at the time, so Deng Zhi accompanied him to Linchuan, where he enjoyed a leisurely life. Not long after, he was appointed as the Prefect of Yuzhang. Upon his arrival in Linchuan, local officials and residents looked down on him. Yuzhang and Linchuan were adjacent, and Yuzhang was a prosperous county; he received a grand reception, which surprised the scholars. In the eighteenth year of Yuanjia, he was promoted to Governor of Jiangzhou. Later, he fell gravely ill, and the court summoned him to serve as the Central Guard, but he passed away before he could take office. In the twentieth year of Yuanjia, he died at the age of sixty-two, and the court posthumously conferred an official title upon him. His son, Chongyuan, had a father, Taizong, who had previously served as the Chief Military Officer in Gushu and later died while serving as the Prefect of Yuzhang, and was posthumously appointed as a Palace Attendant.
His younger brother, Xie Bingzhi, courtesy name Zhongwen, initially worked in the Secretariat and served as an attendant to the Crown Prince. Later, Liu Cui appointed him as the Chief Historian for the Northern Expedition and the Prefect of Guangping. His older brother, Xie Dengzhi, served as Chief Historian under Xie Hui, and Xie Bingzhi went to visit his brother. At that time, Xie Hui held great power, and all the officials in the court showed him utmost respect, but only Xie Bingzhi dared to sit on an equal footing with him, which earned him great respect. Later, the court appointed him as the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, but he declined the position. Instead, he was sent to Qiantang to serve as the County Magistrate, where he was highly effective in local governance. He was then transferred as the Chief Clerk of the Cavalry under Prince Yikang of Pengcheng, but before he could take up the position, he was reassigned as the Magistrate of Danyang.
Before Xie Bingzhi arrived in Danyang to take up his new position, the Prefect of Danyang was concerned about how to properly receive him, so he consulted officials from the Ministry of Rites. Pei Songzhi, a deputy in the Imperial Secretariat, remarked, "In the eighth year of Duke Huan of Lu, as recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, Jie Zhong welcomed the Queen to his state. According to the Gongyang Commentary, 'A woman is called a woman within her own state; why then is she called a queen here? It is because the king rules over all, so this makes sense.' By analogy, since Xie Bingzhi has already accepted the appointment from the court, his official position is confirmed, and the proper etiquette should naturally follow. Moreover, even if those provincial and county officials have not officially taken up their positions, the common people still hold them in high regard because they have accepted the appointment from the court, establishing the relationship between ruler and subject. Just as accepting an appointment from the court is akin to the ritual of bowing to an official, the common people will not neglect them just because they have not met, so how can the officials neglect the proper etiquette before taking up their positions? I believe we should honor him according to official etiquette." Everyone agreed with his words. As a result, Xie Bingzhi was promoted to the position of Left Attendant to the Minister of Works.
General Zuo, Prince of Jingling, Yixuan had not officially taken office yet, but he let Xie Bingzhi serve as his military advisor and handle many matters. Later, General Hou, Prince of Changsha, Yixin, stationed in Shouyang, appointed Xie Bingzhi as his Chief of Staff and concurrently as the Governor of Nanliang. He was later promoted to Chief Historian of Zhenguo, with his position as Governor unchanged. Afterwards, he was transferred to Linchuan as an internal historian. General Hou, Prince of Shixing, Jun stationed in Xiangzhou, appointed him as the military officer (Sima), concurrently holding the position of Chief Internal Historian of Changsha. However, Wang Jun did not want him to serve as the Chief Internal Historian of Changsha, so he transferred him to be the Governor of Nantai Mountain, with his position as military officer unchanged.
At that time, the General of the Army Liu Zhan was allied with the Grand General, Prince of Pengcheng, Liu Yikang, but they had a contentious relationship with the Minister of Rites, Yin Jingren. Whenever court officials visited Yin Jingren's home, Liu Zhan would not let them in. Only Xie Bingzhi could interact with both Liu Zhan and Yin Jingren, and he always secretly remained loyal to the court. Yin Jingren had been claiming illness and not attending court for several years, and Emperor Taizu always sent Xie Bingzhi to convey orders, which Liu Zhan never doubted. Later, Liu Yikang was sent to a remote fiefdom, Liu Zhan was executed, and Xie Bingzhi was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel in the Ministry of Personnel, participating in confidential political affairs with the Right Guard General Shen Yanzhi.
Before long, Xie Bingzhi was promoted to be the Palace Attendant, concurrently serving as the Grand Central Secretary of his province. Later, he was further promoted to be the Minister of Personnel, concurrently leading the army of Prince Yiyang. Both internal and external officials pledged their allegiance to him, and his influence was very strong in the court and the public.
Wow, this Xie Bingzhi really has a quick temper, no patience at all. If someone asks him for something even slightly unreasonable, he immediately loses his temper, starts scolding and arguing, his face turning red. He doesn't have much real talent, so most people don't have much respect for him. He does seem to be quite clean though; when officials visit his home, before they even step inside, he has the tables wiped down and the bed sheets cleaned.
Yin Chong of Chen County is also quite particular about cleanliness. If his servants don't bathe and change into clean clothes, they can’t even get close to him. However, he can overlook officials who are just a bit unkempt. Geng Bing's obsession with cleanliness is quite different from Yin Chong's, and Yin Chong often pokes fun at him for it. Geng Bing, who is an official, has no public support and accepts bribes. In his haste to get home, officials Qian Tai and Zhou Boqi from the Ministry of Personnel dropped by his place to ask about something. Qian Tai plays the pipa, Zhou Boqi sings, and Geng Bing ended up inviting them to stay the night.
As per the old rules, officials are not allowed to stay overnight when handling business at someone else's home, even if it's by the emperor's order. This incident was reported to the emperor. The emperor had a soft spot for Geng Bing and wanted to let him off the hook, so he asked the Minister of the Right Shu He Shangzhi what was going on. He Shangzhi listed Geng Bing's strengths and weaknesses. He even discreetly informed the emperor, "Your Majesty, whether it's the country or a family, one must adhere closely to ancestral rules. Now, just for Geng Bing, breaking the rules isn’t the mark of a wise ruler. What Geng Bing did is no small matter. I have heard about it for a long time, and I have seen many things with my own eyes. The evidence is as solid as a rock. If you indulge him like this, how can you govern the country? Even though Emperor Wu of Jin wasn’t considered a wise ruler, he had a knack for making sharp judgments, and that’s how he managed to govern effectively. Although Hua Hao was highly regarded by the emperor, he was demoted for years and ended up as just a city gate captain.
You said Geng Bing is loyal to the country, but what acts of loyalty has he actually done? He has a good relationship with Yin Jingren and Liu Zhan; can we really overlook what happened with Yin Jingren back then? The court ministers all support them; what should we do about this? Even if Geng Bing is somewhat good, it cannot cover up his wrongdoings. Jia Chong has made significant contributions. He is a minister of the Jin Dynasty, and although his contributions are not as great, there's no evidence of him committing any major crimes. The ministers all suggest exiling him to a remote area. Your Majesty is both wise and valiant; why are you hesitating on this matter? Geng Bing's crimes are already very obvious; he is still forming cliques, spreading rumors, and causing trouble, corrupting the social atmosphere. His wrongdoings are even more than Fan Ye's; he is just short of rebellion.
I earnestly request Your Majesty to carefully consider this matter, send someone to investigate, and ask those who are worth consulting. Let everyone see that Your Majesty values this matter, so they will not cover up for each other. During the investigation, he should face severe condemnation for his crimes. If this isn't done, uncovering the truth will be very challenging. I am but a humble subject, perhaps presumptuous in speaking out, only wishing to fulfill my duty faithfully. If Your Majesty does not accept my suggestion, please forgive my offense.
Shang continued, saying: "Shi Bing had the two minor officials stay overnight. The officials went to ask Luozai, the official in charge, who said it was against the rules. The officials explained the situation to Shi Bing, saying they couldn't let them stay, but Shi Bing completely ignored them. It's not that he doesn't understand the rules; he deliberately chose to let them stay! Everyone outside knows about this, but falsely accusing him of being overly trusting. Your Majesty, you don't need to make excuses for him. Even if they are just minor officials, allowing them to stay without permission is a serious violation of the court's regulations. How can this possibly be seen as a trivial matter? Xie Hui was dismissed from his position as a court official for failing to handle matters properly; Wang Xun, a talented man, was demoted to commoner status for a minor infraction. And Huan Yin was also demoted for a mistake in the spring search. Furthermore, Shi Bing has violated the court's regulations. Can we demote him to commoner status as well, like we did with Wang Xun and Huan Yin, so as not to affect his career prospects and serve as a warning? Kong Wanshi, in the position of Left Minister, also did not consider the seriousness of the matter, saying to Luozai: 'Shi Bing's status is noble, different from other officials, let's just overlook this small matter.' He even said, 'Don't be deaf and dumb, don't be a family man.' He actually dares to say this, which is absolutely outrageous!"
The emperor was still indecisive, so he asked the Ministry to further elaborate on his opinions. The chief secretary then detailed all of Bing's various faults, saying, "The twenty additional staff members that were added to the Ministry previously, because the two assistant ministers Yuan and Kai pretended to be sick, Bing often reassigned ten people without authorization to work on tasks, inquiring about vacant positions but failing to fill them promptly. Recently, with the support of the Wang army, he still hesitated to let them go back, so I sent someone to inform them, 'First, assign people to work; I've been uneasy about this. Now that we have enough manpower, they shouldn't be held back any longer.' After they received my letter, he let them go back. Bing tends to be quite casual, and his work is often chaotic, which not everyone can comprehend. I remembered what Zhang Liao said: although Guan Yu is Cao Cao's brother, did Cao Cao and his son never talk to each other? Nowadays, there are very few people who worry about the country, so I feel I must stay silent. Even the light of the sun and moon can sometimes be obscured. However, those who do not understand me, would they not think that I am competing for power and profit, and feel regretful? Bing and I have a close relationship, both receiving favor from the emperor; we shouldn't concern ourselves with each other's status. The Grand Marshal told me a few days ago that Bing's faults are not just one; near and far all fear him, shaking the whole country. Someone like him should be commended even more. Yu Xiu's disciples serve him by regularly bringing him delicious food, along with many other tributes that are too numerous to list. Bing's family, large and small, all ask Zhang Youxu for money and goods, which Zhang Youxu cannot bear. Bing used to have a bad relationship with Liu Deyuan, who played the pipa very well. After Bing gave him a pipa, Liu Deyuan became very friendly to him. The district magistrate Sheng Fu offered hundreds of pieces of wood to build his mansion; fearing that others would find out, he made false purchase certificates. Liu Daoxi suddenly gave him a lot of things, spending half of his salary. Liu Yong felt that he had received his help, serving him like a father, even sending him sugarcane in the summer, as if it had just been shipped from the province. Officials transport firewood, never stopping along the way. If they see others with something, they rarely hesitate to ask for it. It is said that Liu Zunkao is talented, so he asks him for his talent; when he sees a good candlestick, he asks for the candlestick. The selection of talent is unfair, with countless examples. The Grand Marshal also said that Bing does not have a cooperative attitude towards others; all talent selection is done according to his wishes, and the Grand Marshal knows all about it. Regarding Yu Xiu's actions as the Yellow Gate Attendant, the Grand Marshal did not give a clear answer, so this matter was shelved. Recently, the Grand Marshal and Bing have been exchanging letters, wanting De Yuan's son to be the deputy of the western prefecture, but Bing appointed him as the main clerk and even told Liu Deyuan, who declined the Grand Marshal's offer. Leaking imperial favor is simply excessive; even if his crimes are not punished, he should be transferred. The people resent him, not merely due to the tragic defeat of Xiang Yu at Chu. Since the punishment of Pei and Liu, the soldiers have worked even harder; today's situation can be inquired about. If Your Majesty can strive to strengthen and clarify the laws, you can live peacefully in the palace without any worries.
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Second paragraph:
Your Majesty, think about it. After Pei and Liu were punished, the generals under your command have worked even harder than before. You can ask them about the situation. If you can get your act together and clarify the laws, then you can relax in the palace without a care in the world! This Bing is completely out of control, shaking down everyone from high-ranking officials to ordinary folks. He is totally uncooperative, and he has to approve all appointments. Your Excellency, you know very well that what he's been up to is just outrageous! The people are up in arms; this is serious business! Think about how much the people despised Xiang Yu when he was defeated, with the songs of Chu ringing out everywhere! Now this Bing is getting close to that level! Therefore, for the sake of the people and the country, you must punish him severely! Stop dragging your feet! Otherwise, you won't believe the mess it could cause!
The Emperor wants to transfer Bingzhi to Danyang and has come to ask Shangzhi's opinion. Shangzhi replied, "I do not have the eloquence of Jia Yi or the courage to speak bluntly like Ji An. While serving you, I often struggle to provide satisfactory answers to your questions. After being reprimanded by Your Majesty a few days ago, I reflected on my own shortcomings. Now, Bingzhi's behavior has sparked widespread discussion, and his misdeeds are already clear, though the full extent of his crimes has not been uncovered. This alone constitutes a crime, a betrayal of Your Majesty's favor, and there is nothing more to say. Furthermore, it is unprecedented for an official to make such mistakes. Your Majesty, by showing leniency towards him, has already been exceptionally merciful. If this leniency persists, it may become excessive. Allowing him to continue holding important positions in the capital will discourage those who are loyal to the country and embolden the corrupt. This will not only tarnish the country's reputation but could also incite chaos. From what I know, Bingzhi's misdeeds have been accumulating for a long time, with no achievements. Sending him to Qu'a may seem like a demotion, but it will only strengthen his power, which is utterly absurd! As the ancients said, 'Without rewards and punishments, even the legendary Yao and Shun could not govern effectively.' How can you jeopardize the royal authority for the sake of an ordinary person? If there were any room for negotiation, I would hesitate to voice my concerns. But now Bingzhi's crimes are clear, and if you still do not understand, it would be a great sorrow for Jia Yi and Liu Xiang if they were alive today. When I advised Fan Ye before, I feared angering you, but for the country, I had to take the risk, even if it meant risking my life. If Bingzhi can repent and prove himself in a new position after being transferred, it is not impossible for him to regain trust, thus restoring some of the country's reputation and reducing criticism. His crimes have reached monumental proportions, yet he remains unpunished. If he commits even greater crimes, who will dare to report to you? Moreover, without special merits and achievements, how can his current sins be redeemed? Throughout history, no one has made so many mistakes, accepted bribes of millions, and still received such high positions and rewards. It pains me deeply to see such things happening in a wise and bright court. If individuals like us were to act as he has, what would our fate be? Recently, Jia Chong was also sent to a distant place, similar to Bingzhi's situation. Transferring him to another location might be a prudent course of action. I know you may not accept my opinion, so I can only humbly offer my thoughts for your consideration."
Many people are currently in favor, so why do I have to plead so earnestly for this issue? This is solely to uphold the emperor's dignity and ensure the country's long-term stability!
Second paragraph:
"I know Your Majesty may not heed my words, so I cannot fully express my humble thoughts. Now there are many who have received favor and honor; why should I care so much about this? It's really just because I want to see Your Majesty happy and the country thrive."
"I kindly ask you to think it over again" is a formal phrase in ancient Chinese, meaning "kindly ask you to reconsider." When translated into modern Chinese colloquial language, it can be flexibly adjusted based on context, such as "please think about it again" and "could you take another look?" Without more context, it's tough to find the best way to say this.
Rumor has it that Liu Bochong was very generous to Yu Bingzhi. Someone gave gifts to Zhang Youxu, and Zhang Youxu told others, "Although I’m still in debt for three hundred thousand coins!" Yu Chongyuan gave gifts to Bingzhi, and when they arrived in Xinlin, they were still bound, but he somehow managed to get someone to untie him. Xun Wanqiu once visited Bingzhi and happened to meet a guest surnamed Xiahou. The host asked him, "Do you have good cows?" He said "no"; then asked "Do you have good horses?" He said "no, only good donkeys." Bingzhi immediately said, "That’s exactly what I want!" When the guest left, Bingzhi sent someone to get that donkey. Liu Daoxi said it was Bingzhi's idea and asked for dowry items and sacrificial utensils worth millions from Liu Daoxi; and that’s just the beginning! The historian Zhang Long told me that Bingzhi took too many bribes, noting that "he did receive dowry items, four bronze stoves that required four strong men to lift, and countless other items." In the Ministry of Personnel, he even sent servants to buy Longjiu, making a hundredfold profit; this is something we’ve never seen in the imperial court! I wonder if Your Majesty might consider ignoring some of these slanderous words? It may damage your holy wisdom; I sigh for him in private!
After hearing these reports, Emperor Taizu dismissed Yu Bingzhi from his official position. That year marked the twenty-fifth year of the Yuanjia era. In the twenty-seventh year, Yu Bingzhi passed away at home at sixty-three. Taizu, recognizing his past contributions, restored his original position. He had two sons, named Ji Yuan and Hong Yuan.
Xie Fangming, from Yangxia in Chen County, was the cousin of the Minister of Works Xie Jingren. His grandfather Xie Tie served as the Governor of Yongjia, and his father Xie Chong served as the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. He lived in Kuaiji, and due to illness, he was appointed as a Yellow Gate Attendant by the court, but he declined the offer. Later, he was murdered by Sun En and was posthumously appointed as a Cavalry Attendant.
Fang Ming followed his uncle, Wu Miao, the Prefect of Wu Xing, in Wu Xing County. Later, Sun En rebelled and attacked Kuaiji, and many places rallied to his cause. Two commoners from Wu Xing, Hu Jie and Gao Biao, captured Dongqian County. Fang Ming urged Wu Miao to take cover quickly, but Wu Miao did not listen. Eventually, the bandits came, Wu Miao was killed, and Fang Ming escaped and did not die.
At first, Wu Miao's brother-in-law, Feng Sizhi, a native of Changle, and a scholar from the north, Feng Yichou Xuanda, both fled to Wu Xing to seek refuge with Wu Miao. Wu Miao settled them in the county school, but treated them quite coldly. They were both quite displeased and secretly colluded with Sun En. Sun En once secretly entered the county city with Feng Sizhi and others for several nights, but upon seeing the large number of Wu Miao's supporters, they fled without learning anything. Sun En initially intended to raise an army in Wu Xing, but his plans fell through, so he went to Kuaiji. When Hu Jie and others attacked Wu Xing County, Feng Sizhi and Xuanda also participated in the planning. Later, Liu Laozhi and Xie Yan went to attack Sun En, who fled to the sea, while Feng Sizhi and his group did not pursue him. Eventually, they regrouped.
Fang Ming enlisted the help of his uncle Wu Miao's former students and friends to assemble a group of over a hundred men to capture Feng Sizhi and his associates, capturing them all and executing them.
At that time, the world was in turmoil, and many rules were abolished. Fang Ming's family encountered a great disaster, and their family wealth was completely wiped out, yet he still devoted himself fully to managing the funeral. In a few months, the funeral was completed, as grand as one during a time of peace; it left one truly speechless. After some time, Sun En attacked Kuaiji again, and Xie Yan was killed. Sun En was frantically searching for Fang Ming everywhere. Fang Ming took his mother and sister, fled from Shangyu to Dongyang, crossed Huangye Mountain to Poyang, then boarded a boat back to Jiankang, and stayed at the National University. He endured numerous hardships and faced many dangers along the way, but his integrity remained unchanged.
In the first year of Yuanxing, Huan Xuan captured Jiankang. Bian Fan, the Governor of Danyang, was very powerful at the time and wanted to marry his daughter to Fang Ming, even sending Wang Teng, the Minister of Personnel, to persuade him, but Fang Ming refused. Huan Xuan admired him and immediately appointed him as a Zuo Lang of the Imperial Secretariat and as the Registrar of the Minister of Works, Wang Mi.
My brother Jingren was appointed by the Emperor as the Registrar of the Central Army. He was upright, loyal, and dedicated to his work. The Emperor once said to him, "I feel quite ashamed that I haven't been able to reward you generously yet, but I will definitely let you share the salary of Yuzhang State." He rewarded him on numerous occasions. My brother was meticulous and serious, good at understanding his situation, never slacking off, even when in a dimly lit room. He possessed no extraordinary talents, but naturally exuded an elegant temperament. My other brother, Hun, despite his considerable reputation, only dropped by during the holidays.
At that time, the powerful official Liu Muzhi of Danyang was visited by many court officials, except for my brother Hun, myself, Chi Sengshi, and Cai Kuo. Liu Muzhi was quite upset about this. Later, Cai Kuo and I went to visit him, and Liu Muzhi was very happy. He reported to Gaozu, "Xie Fangming is truly a person of noble birth! Even without considering his talent, just based on his background, he is qualified to be among the court's important ministers." Shortly after, I was promoted to the position of Lang and appointed as the Chief Historian under General Dao Lian. I was responsible for all the major and minor affairs in Gaozu's household. I was later promoted to Chief Historian of the Central Army. Then I was promoted to Jinling Prefect and once more took on the roles of Chief Historian of the Cavalry and Magistrate of Nanjun, with responsibilities similar to those I held before.
At the end of a year, the prisoners in Jiangling County prison, regardless of the severity of their crimes, were allowed to go home and return in three days. Among them, more than twenty people were likely to be sentenced to severe punishment, and the prison officials and guards were filled with fear and anxiety. The former registrar Hong Jisheng and Xu Shouzhi, who were also present in the west at that time, urged me, stating, "Although there have been such incidents in ancient times, they may have been recorded inaccurately or exaggerated. Moreover, the people's morals today are hypocritical and lacking, and cannot be measured by ancient standards." However, I disregarded their advice and allowed the prisoners to return. The prisoners and their families were both shocked and happy, crying tears of joy, feeling that even if they died, they would have no regrets. When the deadline arrived, only two serious offenders failed to return, and I chose not to order their arrest. One of them did not return because he was drunk and came back two days later; the other prisoner did not return for ten days, and Wuanguan Qianqi requested an audience with me to plead for an arrest order. I understood it was a matter concerning the prisoners, so I had my subordinates reject Wuanguan's request, saying that the prisoners would come back on their own. The prisoner hid in the village, too afraid to return on his own, and the villagers scolded him and brought him back, but unexpectedly, not a single person fled. People from all around held me in high regard. Later, after my mother passed away, I resigned from my official post. Once the mourning period was over, I took on the role of Lang in the Song Dynasty's Ministry of Personnel.
The Emperor appointed him as a palace attendant, akin to the chief secretary at his side. In the third year of Yongchu, he was dispatched to serve as the magistrate of Danyang, a region known for its prosperity at the time, and he performed excellently. Later, he was promoted to the position of Taishou of Kuaiji, which was also a prosperous area at that time.
The Jiangdong region had a large population and a developed economy, but the people were tough, and social tensions ran high. The strong exploited the weak, and corrupt officials were rampant. Whenever official documents were issued, all kinds of documents and official letters followed one after another, with far-reaching consequences. If one person committed a crime, the whole village would be unlucky, leaving everyone anxious, with dogs barking throughout the night.
Fang Ming was well aware of the principles of governance. He did not rigidly adhere to every rule and regulation, but instead relaxed some strict provisions and focused on key issues. He promptly handled the official documents from the state and court, giving the common people more time to handle their affairs at a relaxed pace. County officials were not allowed to issue unjust orders, and even high-ranking officials dared not violate the law. He abolished collective punishment and freed many long-detained prisoners. In the past, during wars, laborers were conscripted and only allowed to return home after the war ended. He promoted those who had suffered under harsh policies to official positions.
Previously, officials were often unreasonable, with unfair rewards and punishments, making it difficult for common people to navigate bureaucratic processes, as they would be restricted by various rules and regulations. Fang Ming, on the other hand, streamlined processes, striking a balance where everyone could carry out their duties. Even those who had served ten years of corvée labor could quickly find resolution. The people of Jiangdong still praise him to this day.
He was especially generous and rarely criticized others, upholding his predecessors' policies without making hasty changes. If changes were truly necessary, he would make gradual adjustments so that people hardly noticed the changes. In the third year of the Yuanjia era, he passed away in office at the age of forty-seven.
Xie Huilian was smart and clever from a young age; he could write essays by the time he was ten. His cousin Xie Lingyun admired him a lot, which is noted in "The Biography of Lingyun." Later, the local government offered him a position as a registrar, but he turned it down. Previously, Xie Huilian had a crush on a minor official named Du Deling in Kuaiji County. After his father passed away, he wrote over ten five-character poems to him, which gained considerable fame at that time. Later, he was exiled to the frontier due to some issues, leaving him with little opportunity for advancement. The Minister of Works, Yin Jingren, held his talent in high regard and once told Emperor Song Wu, "I've seen some truly great writing in my time, and everyone said it was written by Xie Huilian, but it was not." Emperor Song Wu replied, "In that case, he should be rehabilitated." In the seventh year of the Yuanjia era, Xie Huilian was finally appointed as the legal officer for Prince Liu Yikang of Pengcheng. At that time, Liu Yikang was building the East Palace City and discovered an ancient tomb while digging the foundation of the city wall. He had the tomb reinterred and asked Xie Huilian to compose a eulogy, which turned out exceptionally well. He also wrote a piece called "Ode to Snow," which was also quite impressive. His writings have been preserved. In the tenth year of Yuanjia, Xie Huilian passed away at the age of twenty-seven. He died young and had a somewhat carefree nature, which rubbed many people the wrong way, which meant he never held a high official position and died without leaving any sons. His younger brother Xie Huixuan later served as the Attendant Cavalry for Prince Liu Dan of Jingling and as the Interior Minister of Linchuan.
Jiang Yi, courtesy name Maoyuan, was from Kaocheng in Jiyang. His grandfather, Jiang Lin, was the Guard General of the Jin Dynasty; his father, Jiang Ai, was a military advisor to the Cavalry. Jiang Yi worked hard to improve himself from a young age and stood out among the young elites of his time. When the province asked him to be the chief clerk, he declined the offer. During the usurpation of Huan Xuan, he was appointed as a literary official for Prince Yuzhang. During the Yongxi period, Emperor Wu of Song, Liu Yu, rebelled, and Jiang Yi was appointed as a military advisor, later participating in military operations with the Grand Marshal Langye Prince Liu Daogui, and was dismissed from office for official reasons. After some time, he was appointed as the chief clerk. He distinguished himself in the campaign against Huan Xuan and was granted the title of Marquis of Wuling County in Southern County. Later, he served as the Marshal of Mengchang, Deputy Director of the Central Secretariat, Military Attendant of the Central Army Marshal, Chief Historian of the Grand Marshal Liu Daogui, Governor of Southern County, and then promoted to Military Advisor of the Grand Marshal, concurrently serving as a recorder, then promoted to Chief Historian, and ultimately appointed as an attendant to the Grand Marshal. He followed the Grand Marshal's office in a northern expedition, paid respects at the imperial tombs in Luoyang, and went all the way to Tongguan. Upon his return, he served as General of Ningyuan, Intendant of Langye, and Grand Central Supervisor of his home province. Emperor Wu of Song entrusted him with the affairs of the Grand Marshal's office and the Langye Kingdom.
At first, Song Tai served as the Minister of War, similar to a Minister of Defense. Later, when the founding emperor ascended the throne, he was reassigned to the finance department and became the Minister of Finance. He was then sent abroad to serve as the Prefect of Yixing, with a promotion and an annual salary of two thousand shi, similar to a senior civil servant. However, due to illness, he resigned from office. Shortly after, he was appointed Minister of Personnel, similar to a Minister of Human Resources, and later served as the Prefect of Wu County, equivalent to a mayor. When the King of Yingyang was murdered in Wuxian, he went to mourn and organized the funeral with the utmost respect. He resigned from office once again due to his brother's illness.
Later he became the prefect of Danyang, equivalent to a mayor, and then returned to his position as Minister of Personnel, also holding the title of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. His official position was elevated once more, and he became the Right Deputy of the Imperial Secretariat, a very high position within the court. Song Tai was known for his good looks, elegance, and reputation for being mild-mannered and unpretentious during his time in office. Later, he was dispatched as the Inspector of Xiangzhou, with the additional title of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, but he fell ill and died before assuming the position. He was just forty-eight at the time. Before his death, he asked his family for a simple and frugal burial. The court posthumously conferred upon him the title of General, while keeping his original rank. His son, Song Zhan, also has a separate record.
Historians have remarked: When it comes to serving the country, honesty is more important than just filling your belly; in being a person, character is more important than talent. Scholars and gentlemen should build their foundation on strong character, stick to principles as a core value, and then cultivate talents and practice ritual and music. If balancing all of these is tough, it is better to have slightly less talent but noble character. So, one must be careful and vigilant to serve the greater good; those who just talk without action will eventually find themselves in trouble. As the Book of Songs puts it, "Gentleness and elegance form the bedrock of virtue." This is truly correct! People like Jiang Yi, Xie Fangming, Xie Hongwei, Wang Hui, and Wang Qiu have good knowledge and character, but they haven't made a name for themselves yet; however, their integrity and elegance are qualities that few court officials can match. The Book of Songs says, "Gentle and respectful people are the foundation of virtue." That's for sure!
Yu Yue, courtesy name Zhongyu, was a native of Yanling, Henan. His great-grandfather was the high official of the Jin Dynasty, Grand Commandant Yu Liang; his grandfather was the Interior Minister of Wu State, Yu Xi; his father was the General of the Western Army and Governor of Yuzhou, Yu Zhun. When Yu Yue was young, he first served as a military advisor and a sergeant under General Wei, Prince Langye of Langye. He later became a chief clerk and then rose to the position of Right Chief Historian. Later, when Huan Xuan rose to power as the Governor of Yuzhou, he appointed Yu Yue as his Deputy Historian, and later promoted him to General of Agile Cavalry. After Huan Xuan usurped power, Yu Yue was transferred to the position of Gentleman-in-Attendance. After Emperor Gaozu Liu Yu restored order in the capital, Prince Wuling Liu Zun ordered Yu Yue to be appointed as Military Inspector for Jiangzhou, Yuzhou, Xiyang, Xinchai, Runan, Yingchuan, and Sizhou, as well as General of Establishing Might and Governor of Jiangzhou, to lead the troops from Poyang in the east in resistance. Lu Xun sent General Ying Jiu with over a thousand troops to intercept at Wumiaoqiao, but Yu Yue defeated them, then occupied Yuzhang, disrupting Lu Xun's supply lines.
At first, Liu Yi lived in Jingkou, leading a simple life, often practicing archery with some local scholars. At that time, Yu Yue was the Right Chief Historian, temporarily in Jingkou, and invited the officials from his residence to go to the East Hall. Liu Yi had already arrived, so he sent a messenger to inform Yu Yue, "I usually live a simple life; organizing a gathering is not easy. You are a high-ranking official; you can go anywhere to have fun, why do you insist on taking this spot?" Yu Yue was known for his straightforwardness and went over, completely ignoring Liu Yi's words. Seeing this, the others quickly distanced themselves from him, while Liu Yi continued shooting arrows as before. Yu Yue had prepared a lavish feast, but Liu Yi did not partake. Seeing that Liu Yi didn't leave, Yu Yue was displeased and left shortly afterward. Liu Yi then sent someone to tell Yu Yue, "I haven't had goose this year; how could I possibly serve you leftover roasted meat?" Yu Yue still ignored him.
After Lu Xun was defeated, Xie Yi wanted to serve as the governor of Jiangzhou. He believed that Jiangzhou was located in the interior, whose primary responsibility is to govern the people, so there was no need to establish a military office. He submitted a memorial to the court to clarify the situation. He said, "I have heard that Heaven operates on the principles of gain and loss, and governing a country follows the principles of increase and decrease. If the situation is not good, and the policies are not reformed, the people are impoverished, and the situation does not improve, how can we timely resolve crises and save the people from danger? Since the time of Huan Xuan, Jiangzhou has been in constant turmoil, with the people displaced and homeless, men having nothing to eat, women having no partners, and fugitives everywhere. If it were not for the depletion of family wealth and exhaustion of strength, how could it have come to this? If we do not seriously consider making changes, the lament of destruction will soon follow. While I am honored to hold this position, I am deeply troubled. Establishing official positions, clearly defining responsibilities, focusing on developing production for the people while prioritizing military strategies for problem-solving. Currently, both are being handled at the same time, which is merely a stopgap. Over time, it will become the norm. Jiangzhou is located in the interior, near Yangzhou and Yuzhou, acting as an important barrier. Establishing a military office is redundant. In the past, when the Hu people invaded, the measures to resist the enemy were temporary. Even intelligent individuals like Wen Qiao, who handled this matter themselves, found drawbacks and detailed explanations. In the current Jiangzhou region, with a population of barely a few hundred thousand and land area of less than a few thousand li, the layers of management institutions have not decreased. To put it plainly, this is a national disgrace! Furthermore, Jiangzhou is located in the interior and does not need a military, yet a military office is still established. The costs of civil and military officials are considerable. This is not effectively leveraging advantages to offset disadvantages. In counties and border areas, the population is sparse, and the long distance of relay stations often delays transportation due to fear of wind and waves. This is not truly utilizing advantages to compensate for disadvantages. I believe the military office should be abolished, and the administration should be moved to Yuzhang, located at the center of ten counties, implementing straightforward and effective policies. After a few years, vitality can be restored. Moreover, the struggling subordinate counties should also be supported, and the recruitment and transportation should be appropriately reduced according to the actual situation to save expenses. Since the arrival of the Inspector Yu Yue in Jiangzhou, he has indeed cared for the people, but without changing the system, this cannot be resolved by mere principles alone. Xunyang is near territories inhabited by barbarian tribes and should strengthen defense. We can transfer a thousand soldiers from the prefectural government to assist the county magistrate in guarding the area.
"Thanks for your help with the project!"
Therefore, Xie Yi dismissed Yu Yue from his position as governor and general, allowing him to move to Yuzhang in the capacity of a governor. Xie Yi appointed his trusted aide Zhao Hui to lead one thousand soldiers to guard Xunyang, and all three thousand civil and military officials from Jianwei Prefecture were placed under Xie Yi's command. Xie Yi's orders were very strict, and he humiliated Yu Yue many times. Yu Yue was very dissatisfied, developed a severe carbuncle, and died shortly after arriving in Yuzhang, at the age of thirty-eight. The court posthumously conferred upon him the title of General for Conquering Barbarians, and in recognition of his achievements in Guanggu, he was posthumously granted the title of a fifth-rank noble of Xinyang County.
Wang Dan, known by his courtesy name Maoshi, was a native of Linyi in Langye and was the cousin of Grand Tutor Wang Hong. His grandfather, Wang Tian, had served as General of the Central Army, and his father, Wang Hun, had served as Minister of Ceremonies. Wang Dan was talented from a young age. When Emperor Xiaowu of Jin passed away, his uncle, Wang Xun, who served as the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, was tasked with writing the elegiac essay but was unable to complete it. He told Wang Dan, "There's still a section missing that describes the scenery of the four seasons." He then showed Wang Dan the part he had written. Wang Dan picked up the pen and added a sentence, continuing after the changing seasons of autumn and winter, writing, "Frost is thick and widespread, and the wind sweeps back to the high halls." Wang Xun highly praised the elegance and refinement of this line of poetry and used it. Wang Dan inherited the title of Marquis of Zhixiang County and was appointed as a Gentleman of the Secretariat, Literary Officer for the King of Langye, and Registrar of the Central Army.
In the fourth year of the Long'an era, the Crown Prince of Kuaiji, Xie Yuanxian, established the Houjun Mansion and appointed Wang Dan as the Chief of Staff. Shortly after, Wang Dan was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel, while continuing as the Chief Historian of the Houjun, concurrently serving as the Prefect of Lujiang, and was appointed as the General of the Frontier. Later, he was promoted to the rank of Dragon Cavalry General and the Interior Minister of Langye, while maintaining his duties as Chief Historian. Wang Dan had a good relationship with Xie Yuanxian's favorite concubine, Zhang Fashun, which earned him Xie Yuanxian's trust. When Xie Yuanxian took a new concubine, Wang Dan personally went to greet her. Following Xie Yuanxian's promotions, Wang Dan was appointed as the Chief Historian of the Cavalry, with his positions as General and Interior Minister unchanged. When Xie Yuanxian attacked Huan Xuan, intending to kill the entire Huan clan, Wang Dan strongly argued that Huan Xiu and others had different intentions from Huan Xuan, so Huan Xiu and others were spared. Huan Xiu was Wang Dan's nephew. When Huan Xuan gained power, Wang Dan faced execution, but Huan Xiu interceded for him with Huan Xuan, explaining the reasons why Huan Xiu and others were spared, so Wang Dan was exiled to Guangzhou.
Lu Xun occupied Guangzhou and appointed Wang Dan as the Chief Historian of Pingnan Prefecture, treating him very kindly. Wang Dan stayed in Guangzhou for a long time and wanted to return home, so he said to Lu Xun, "I have been exiled here and received your special favor, which makes me feel that you appreciate me. I really want to repay you. I am not cut out for military life, and I am of no use here. I knew General Liu Laozhi before, and we had a good relationship. If I can return to the north, I will definitely be able to make a contribution and repay your kindness. It's much better than wasting time here." Lu Xun agreed with him. At that time, the Inspector of Guangzhou, Wu Yinzhi, was also held by Lu Xun. Wang Dan said, "General, detaining Mr. Wu now is not beneficial to you and Mr. Wu. Does Sun Ce not want to keep Hua Xin? It's simply that one place can't have two rulers." So Wang Dan and Wu Yinzhi were both allowed to return to the north.
At the beginning, he was appointed as the Cavalier Attendant of the Imperial Court, but before he could take office, Gaozu asked him to serve as the Adviser to the Grand Commandant, and later he was promoted to Chief of Staff. He diligently assisted Gaozu, working day and night, and Gaozu trusted him greatly.
Later, during the Northern Expedition to Guanggu, he was appointed as the Prefect of Qi Commandery. Lu Xun fled south from Cai Island, and Liu Yi strongly demanded pursuit and attack, but Gaozu was hesitant. At this time, he privately said to Gaozu, "You have already subdued Guanggu. If you eliminate Lu Xun as well, your accomplishments will be unmatched in history, second to none. Such a monumental achievement—how could you let anyone else take credit? Liu Yi and you both rose from common people, supporting each other in the beginning. Now that he has failed, he should not be allowed to achieve merit again." Gaozu accepted his advice.
Seven years later, he was appointed as the Interior Minister of Wu State. But when his mother passed away, he resigned from his post to observe the mourning period. Later, when Gaozu wanted to launch a campaign against Liu Yi, he was appointed as the Assistant General, but he adamantly refused the title of general, dressed in mourning attire while accompanying the army on the expedition. At that time, Zhuge Changmin was acting as the Grand Commandant in charge of the affairs of the mansion, feeling quite uneasy, causing concern for Gaozu. After Liu Yi was pacified, he expressed a desire to return to his hometown first. Gaozu said, "Changmin seems to have some doubts; it wouldn't be wise for you to leave right now." He said, "Changmin knows that I am highly regarded by the emperor. If I now return lightly, he'll feel less threatened, and it will ease his mind." Gaozu smiled and said, "Your bravery surpasses that of Ben and Yu!" So he was allowed to return first.
Nine years later, he passed away at just thirty-nine. Because he had participated in numerous battles between the north and south, he was posthumously granted the title of Fifth-Rank Marquis of Tang County. His son Xu served as the Prince's Attendant in the Song Dynasty, but also met an early death.
Xie Jingren, from Yangxia in Chenjun, is the uncle of General Xie Hui of Wei. He shares the same courtesy name as Liu Yu, the founder, so they both use courtesy names. His grandfather Xie Ju was the younger brother of Grand Tutor Xie An, and his father Xie Yun served as the Governor of Xuancheng. Xie Jingren had a close relationship with Xie An since childhood, and Xie An highly valued him. Initially, he served as a military officer and military advisor. At that time, the favored attendant of Prince Sikong Yuxian, Zhang Fashun, held significant power, and officials and nobles all tried to curry favor with him, but Xie Jingren chose not to. He did not become a Zuo Lang until he was thirty. Later, when Huan Xuan killed Sikong Yuxian and saw Xie Jingren, he admired him and said in front of everyone, "How is it that the Sikong family hasn't been overthrown, and Xie Jingren only became a Zuo Lang at the age of thirty!" After Huan Xuan became the Grand Commandant, he promoted Xie Jingren to be a military officer, and later when Huan Xuan was elevated to Grand General, Xie Jingren was also promoted to be an assistant military officer. When Huan Xuan built the Chu Tower, he promoted Xie Jingren to be the Yellow Gate Attendant. After Huan Xuan usurped the throne, he appointed him as the General of the Valiant Cavalry. Xie Jingren was knowledgeable and adept at elucidating the causes and consequences, so Huan Xuan never found their conversations dull. When Huan Xuan went out, Yin Zhongwen, Bian Fanzhi, and others rode horses, while Xie Jingren accompanied Huan Xuan in his carriage.
Liu Yu (Founder) was a military aide under Huan Xiu's command, who once paid a visit to Xie Jingren to discuss matters. Xie Jingren enjoyed an engaging conversation with him and invited Liu Yu to join him for a meal. Before the meal was ready, Xie Jingren was called away by Huan Xuan. Huan Xuan was impatient, and after a while, several urgent edicts were sent down. Liu Yu considered leaving several times, but Xie Jingren insisted on adhering to protocol, saying, "When summoned by the emperor, one must adhere to the established protocols. I was just about to have a meal with my guest; how could I leave before finishing the meal?" Liu Yu calmly finished his meal before responding to the summons. Liu Yu was deeply touched and often remarked that Xie Jingren was the grandson of Grand Tutor Xie An. Later, after Liu Yu restored order to the capital, stationed at Shitoucheng, Xie Jingren and other officials visited Liu Yu together. Liu Yu turned to Xie Jingren and remarked, "This is a scion of the esteemed Xie family!" He then said to Xie Jingren, "The Ministry of Ceremonies needs a junior officer, so I hereby appoint you." Xie Jingren was then appointed as the junior officer to the Grand General Sima Zun of Wuling, while concurrently serving as an Attendant in the Palace, and later ascended to the position of Left Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works. Afterwards, Xie Jingren was sent as Liu Yu's Garrison Marshal, concurrently serving as the Inspector of Jinling, and later ascended to the position of Marshal of Chariots and Cavalry.
In the year 409 AD, Liu Yu, Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty, felt that the internal strife in the country had settled down and wanted to expand externally, preparing to attack the Xianbei. However, the court officials disagreed. At that time, Liu Yi was stationed in Gushu and strongly advised Emperor Wu, saying, "When Fu Jian invaded, even someone as powerful as Xie An did not personally lead the troops into battle. If the Prime Minister goes on a distant expedition, it would undermine the stability of the country!" However, a man named Xie Jingren stood up and said, "Your Majesty, you have inherited the achievements of Huan Wen and Xie An, followed the will of heaven and the people, restored the imperial family's territory, eradicated the treacherous. Even though your achievements are remarkable, your good governance and prestige have not been fully consolidated. It’s the right time to punish their crimes and calm the people. The Xianbei are near our borders, frequently infringing on our territory. After pacification, reorganize the army, then lead the troops to the vicinity of Luoyang to inspect and repair the imperial mausoleum. Are we just going to let the enemy act arrogantly at our borders and cause us harm?" Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty listened to his words.
After the Northern Expedition began, Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty was very worried because Wang Langye, the Grand Marshal, was the Emperor's own younger brother and a candidate for the heir, which was vital for the country. Therefore, Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty promoted Xie Jingren to Left Marshal, allowing him to be fully responsible for the affairs of the Grand Marshal's Mansion. He also concurrently served as the Right Guard General and an Attendant. Later, he was promoted to Minister of Personnel. At that time, Xie Jingren's cousin, Xie Hun, was the Left Minister. According to regulations, they could not hold important positions at the same time. However, Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty looked to the examples of Wang Biao and Wang Shao and made an exception for Xie Jingren and Xie Hun to serve as officials in the court at the same time. Xie Jingren also promoted the official historian Xing Antai to be the Commandant of Pingyuan and the Prefect of Pingyuan at the same time. Xing Antai, dressed in civilian clothes, went to pay respects at the mausoleum as the official historian, but was reported by the Censor-in-Chief Zheng Xian.
In the year 411 AD, Xie Jingren was promoted to the position of General-in-Chief. In 414 AD, he was promoted to Right Minister, and later to Left Minister. Jingren was someone who paid great attention to cleanliness, and his living quarters were always kept neat and beautiful. If he felt the need to spit, he would turn away first to avoid spitting on the clothes of the attendants beside him. After finishing his daily tasks, he would have his clothes washed. Over time, whenever he wanted to spit, those around him would rush to catch it. The Emperor held him in high regard and even married his daughter, Princess Yizhen of Luling, to Jingren's son. Jingren passed away at the age of forty-seven, a tremendous loss. The Emperor posthumously granted him the title of Jinzi Guanglu Dafu and also appointed him as a Cavalier Attendant. On the day of Jingren's burial, the Emperor personally attended and wept bitterly. He also wrote a letter to the General of Chariots and Cavalry Dao Lian, saying, "Jingren has passed away, and I am overwhelmed with grief, finding it hard to bear. You must be shocked and saddened upon hearing the news; it is truly unbearable. He was exceptionally talented, and my feelings for him were deep. I had hoped to serve the country alongside him, but he suddenly left. I am truly heartbroken and regretful! Alas, the dead cannot return to life! What should I do? What should I do?" Jingren's son Xun was the Prefect of Poyang. Xun's son Zhi was proficient at playing the sheng and later became the Prefect of Xiyang.
Jing Ren's younger brother Chun, styled Jing Mao, initially served under Liu Yi as the Deputy Prefect of Yuzhou. When Liu Yi was stationed in Jiangling, he promoted Chun to be the Chief of Staff and the Governor of Nanping. Later, Wang Zhen'e led his troops to attack Liu Yi, and the army was at the city gates. At that time, Liu Yi was sick, and his subordinates went in to visit him. After Chun finished visiting, he heard the army approaching, so he hurried back to his residence. The people around him wanted to pull the carriage and escape, but Chun scolded them, saying, "I am an official of the court, why should I run away!" Then he went inside. When Liu Yi was defeated and everyone dispersed, it was already dark. Sima Maoxiuzhi said to Chun, "Just follow me." Chun refused, helped two people out, and was ultimately killed in the chaos. Chun's grandson Shen, during the reign of Emperor Taizong in the Taishi era, served as the Military Officer for Prince Xiu Ruo of Baliang and the Prefect of Shanyin, but was later killed for committing a crime.
Describing himself as Jing Xian, he had aspirations and conduct from a young age, following his brother Chun in Jiangling. Unfortunately, his brother Chun was killed, so he transported his brother's coffin back to the capital. Upon reaching Xisai, they encountered a storm, and his brother's coffin boat was swept away by the wind and waves, not knowing where it had gone. He then took a small boat to search for it.
Passing by his sister-in-law Yu's boat, Yu sent someone to tell him, "Whether the coffin boat sinks or floats, there should be news by now. With such a storm, how can you take such a risk in a small boat? Even if you go, you won't find it. Are you willing to risk your life for this?" He replied tearfully, "If I can safely reach the shore, I will definitely handle the funeral properly. If my brother has met an unfortunate end, I have no desire to live alone." So he braved the storm, and when he saw his brother's coffin about to sink, he cried out to the heavens. Fortunately, he managed to rescue the coffin, and everyone believed that his heartfelt sincerity had touched the heavens.
Emperor Gaozu was very impressed with him after hearing about him. When Emperor Gaozu came to Yuzhou, he hinted to the officials to make Shu the chief clerk and held him in high regard. Jing Ren was very fond of his third brother Kan, but had a strong dislike for Shu. He once held a banquet and invited Emperor Gaozu to eat, hoping Kan could sit beside the Emperor Gaozu, but instead called for Shu. Shu knew this was not Jing Ren's true intention and worried that Emperor Gaozu might have summoned him, so he quickly declined. Emperor Gaozu quickly summoned Shu, and only then did he seem pleased. When Jing Ren fell ill, Shu cared for him devotedly, tasting all the medicine and food before serving it to Jing Ren, not changing his clothes or grooming himself for several days on end. Jing Ren felt deeply touched and guilty.
Xie Shu Xian first served as a military officer at the Grand Commandant's residence, then followed Sima Xiuzhi on a military expedition and was appointed as the Marquis of Jiyang. His son Xie Zong also became a military officer in the expedition against the Lu, later promoted to Chief Clerk, and then served as the Attendant of the Ministry of Rites. Xie Zong later became the Chief Clerk of the Central Army, then promoted to the Attendant of the Crown Prince, and finally appointed as the Interior Minister of Changsha, with outstanding achievements. In the second year of Yuanjia, Xie Shu was summoned back to the court to serve as the Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat. The following year, he was again appointed as the Governor of Wuling, concurrently serving as the Chief of the Cavalry of Prince Pengcheng Liu Yikang, and also serving as the Governor of Nanjun. Prior to this, Xie Shu's cousin Xie Yao served as the Chief of Liu Yikang's staff, and after his death, Xie Shu took over his position. Emperor Wen of Song wrote a letter to Liu Yikang saying, "Now let Xie Shu replace Xie Yao. His talent and experience are all written in his resume, so I am sending him to assist you. You have just started handling government affairs, with great responsibilities and numerous matters to deal with. You should communicate more with talented people and make good use of his assistance. I think you should understand, there is no need for me to say more." After Liu Yikang became the Chancellor, Xie Shu served as the Chief of the Left Historiographer, and later was promoted to General of the Left Guard. He was honest and frugal in his official duties, and he didn't even own a house. Liu Yikang thought highly of him. The Minister of Works Yin Jingren and the General of the Army Liu Zhan both had a close friendship with Xie Shu. Xie Shu was handsome and elegant, and Liu Zhan often told others, "I've never met anyone like Xie Dao'er (Xie Shu's nickname)."
Zhang Shao, the Governor of Yongzhou, was brought before the Ministry of Justice on charges of corruption and bribery, facing the death penalty. Xie Shu submitted a petition highlighting Zhang Shao's contributions in the previous dynasty and requested the emperor's clemency. Emperor Wen of Song issued a decree pardoning him. Xie Shu told his son Xie Zong, "The emperor, considering Zhang Shao's previous loyalty, intended to lighten his punishment. My petition happened to coincide with this opportunity, so the emperor granted it as a special favor. If this petition were made public, it would appear as if I were usurping the emperor's favor, which is a very bad thing." So he instructed Xie Zong to burn the petition. Later, Emperor Wen of Song said to Zhang Shao, "You were spared death, thanks to Xie Shu's great efforts."
Xie Shu suffered from heart disease and had an eccentric personality at times. He was appointed as the Prefect of Wu County, but he did not take up the post due to his illness. After recovering, he was appointed as the Prefect of Wuxing. He was respected for his integrity and diligence in office and was deeply loved by the people. In the twelfth year of Yuanjia, Xie Shu passed away at the age of forty-six. As his coffin was being transported back to the capital, just a few dozen miles from home, Yin Jingren and Liu Zhan took a boat to meet it, crying uncontrollably on the boat. In the seventeenth year of Yuanjia, Liu Zhan was killed and Liu Yikang was exiled. Before his departure, Liu Yikang sighed, "Xie Shu always advised me to step back, while Liu Zhan always urged me to move forward. Now that Xie Shu is dead and Liu Zhan is still alive, this is why I have made mistakes!" Emperor Wen of Song also said, "If Xie Shu were still alive, Liu Yikang would not have come to this end."
The Yuan family had three sons: the eldest, Zong; the second, Yue; and the youngest, Wei. The eldest Zong was talented and skilled in clerical script, serving by the Crown Prince's side. Later, he conspired with his uncle Fan Ye and was put to death. The second son Yue was also implicated and died. The third son Wei married the fifth daughter of Song Taizu, Princess Changcheng. He had a poor relationship with the second son, so he avoided punishment and was sent to Guangzhou. Later, during the Xiaojian period, he returned to the capital, renowned for his integrity, just like his father. During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Song, he rose to the position of a senior official.
Yuan Zhan, courtesy name Shishen, was from Yangxia in Chen County. His grandfather Yuan Dan served as the Governor of Liyang in the Jin Dynasty, and his father Yuan Zhi served as the Neishi of Langye, both of whom were well-known figures. Yuan Zhan received recognition from his maternal grandfather Xie An at a young age, and married the daughter of Xie An's nephew. He initially served as a military officer in the Wei forces and later held positions as an official in charge of cavalry, a staff officer in the Ministry of Works, and a military officer under Huan Xuan. He later entered the court as a Yellow Gate Attendant in the Imperial Secretariat and then served as the Chief of Staff under Huan Xiu.
When Emperor Gaozu of the Song Dynasty rose in rebellion, Yuan Zhan was appointed as a military adviser. The following year, he was promoted to the position of an official in the Ministry of Personnel, and later served as the Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works and the Palace Attendant. Due to his achievements in battle, he was granted the title of fifth-rank noble in Jinning County. He was later sent to serve as the Chief of Staff to Emperor Gaozu and then promoted to Left Imperial Secretary, before being transferred to the Ministry of Personnel to oversee personnel matters. He later served as the Prefect of Wuxing, a desirable position, where he governed the region effectively and was beloved by the people.
He later returned to the court as the Prefect of the Interior of Wuguo and the Chief of Staff, both prestigious positions. In the twelfth year of Yixi, he was promoted to the position of Right Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and concurrently served as the Chief Censor of Benshou. At that time, when Emperor Gaozu began a northern campaign, Yuan Zhan served as the Grand Commandant, and along with Fan Tai, who also held the positions of Minister of Works, Attendant Cavalier, and Imperial Secretary, they were tasked with presenting gifts to Emperor Gaozu. Emperor Gaozu humbly declined, but Yuan Zhan and the others followed the army to Luoyang and stayed at Baiguwu barracks. Fan Tai felt their mission was unfinished and did not go to pay respects at the tomb of the Jin Emperor, while only Yuan Zhan went to pay respects at the Five Tombs. People praised him for doing the right thing at that time.
At the beginning, Xie Zhong of Chen Jun, the grandson of Wang Hu, was not very respectful to his uncles. Xie Zhong's son, Xie Xuan, who was the nephew of Xie Zhan, once disregarded Xie Zhan on one occasion in public. Xie Zhan sternly said, "You young man, there's been no 'Wei Yang' kind of affection for two generations!" Xie Xuan felt embarrassed at that time. Fourteen years later, Xie Xuan passed away at the age of forty. The court posthumously appointed him as Left Minister of Rites and honored him with the title of Cavalier Attendant. After Emperor Taizu ascended the throne, he posthumously honored Xie Zhan as his father-in-law and appointed him as Attendant, Left Minister of Rites, and concurrently as a Minister of the Imperial Clan, with the honorary title of "Respected Duke."
In the third year of the reign of Emperor Shizu, the Emperor went to his ancestral fields to offer sacrifices and passed by Xie Zhan's tomb. The Emperor decreed, "The late Attendant, Left Minister of Rites, and Minister of the Imperial Clan, honored as Jingong, my esteemed elder of the maternal family, renowned for his integrity and uprightness, as time has passed, his tomb is slowly falling into disrepair. I recently surveyed a thousand acres of land and caught sight of his tomb from a distance, reminiscing about his appearance and demeanor, feeling deeply moved. It is appropriate to send people to offer sacrifices to express my nostalgia for him." The Emperor also added five households to guard Xie Zhan's tomb.
Xie Zhan's son, Xie Chun, and Xie Chun's son, Xie Huan, both passed away. Xie Zhan's younger brother, Xie Bao, styled Shiwei, was also appreciated by Xie An. He was knowledgeable and well-read. Initially serving as an assistant in the Imperial Library, he later served as a secretary under the command of Huan Qian of the Guard. The Grand General Prince Wuling, Sima Zun, ordered him to serve as a secretary. That year, the Prefect of Danyang, Meng Chang, appointed him as the Jianwei Marshal. Over a year later, he was promoted to the Left Western Commandant of the Minister of Works and then served as Liu Yi's military advisor while also acting as a secretary. At that time, Liu Yi proposed large-scale cultivation of fields, and Xie Bao put forth his thoughts in a memorial.
The country takes the people as its foundation, and the people depend on food for survival. Developing agricultural production can promote education; focusing on the fundamentals is essential for managing the details. This is the key to governing the country and educating the people. If the fundamentals are neglected, then trivial matters will proliferate; if the people are suffering from hunger and cold, their sense of shame will be lost. We have just experienced the turmoil of usurping power and encountered serious disasters. Competition for resources has emerged, and the culture of luxury and waste is becoming more widespread. Wealth and status have obscured people's true nature, and heavy taxes have exhausted the people's resources. Fertile land is left uncultivated, and every household struggles with not having enough food or clothing. A series of disasters keep striking, and the people are busy every day, unable to catch their breath. It's only been a year or two since we laid down arms and stopped fighting, and the long-standing problems are difficult to solve quickly. Now is the time for us to show compassion and promote education.
Ah, this situation actually has its reasons. Those in charge are not paying attention, and regular officials just stick to the rules without considering how public sentiment has changed. It's like fixing a dike to hold back floodwaters while ignoring that the river's course may shift; it's like playing the piano with old strings without caring that the tune has changed. Having assessment criteria alone is useless. They don't understand that to govern effectively, we must address problems at their root, just like water needs to be clear; it must be governed from the source, not just focusing on fixing loopholes.
To strengthen the country, we must select talented individuals and appoint them to positions based on their abilities, rather than just looking at their reputation. This way, those who have been wandering will return home to farm; with more farmers, land will naturally be cultivated. Officials should be given appropriate duties so they can fulfill their roles effectively; those without duties should not be assigned. Those officials who need to go should be let go, cutting down on excess personnel, which will allow fallow land to be cultivated.
We must focus on practical matters, develop commercial circulation, and discard the flashy and impractical, without placing too much emphasis on rare treasures. This way, those who profit from speculation will be sidelined, and food will be valued. Farmers toil hard but reap little, while merchants profit easily. Thus, we should raise taxes on merchants while lowering land taxes to decrease speculation and increase the happiness of farmers.
The officials in power are free from corruption, and the common people do not seize land. Rewards are not based on personal relationships, and corvée labor is not siphoned off for personal gain. Idle hands will return to the fields and become industrious; with fewer idlers and more workers, agricultural production will naturally prosper. It is essential to clearly differentiate between the diligent and the negligent, impose strict penalties on the negligent, establish clear reward and punishment systems, and enforce laws strictly. This way, the lazy will have nowhere to escape, and hardworking individuals will have hope. With happy hardworking people and fearful lazy people, farmers will naturally work hard.
These are all critical elements for agricultural development. We must be content, persistent, honest, and cautious, not merely focus on short-term gains but look towards long-term development. In doing so, the social climate will gradually improve, and people's hearts will gradually change.
Bao is good at speaking in a refined and vulgar manner, comparing things past and present, while reciting and singing, causing listeners to forget their weariness.
Now, let's discuss the situation concerning Meng Huaiyu's mother. Meng Huaiyu was promoted and became the Marquis of Poyang County, and his mother was to be appointed as the Grand Lady of the State, a decision that had the authorities' approval. However, a man named Bao stepped forward to object, saying that a woman should enjoy good fortune with her husband, as is only natural. Since Meng Huaiyu's father was already a high-ranking official, why should his wife be promoted just because of her son? Therefore, Bao filed a complaint, accusing officials Liu Liu, Xu Xianzhi, and He Shao of incompetence. Ultimately, these officials were dismissed and fined.
After Meng Chang died, Bao took over as the Governor of Danyang. Later, in the seventh year of the Yuanxi era (公元 405 年), Bao was demoted for embezzlement and began as an advisor to the Grand Marshal, later being promoted to Chief Clerk. After that, he went on to fight against Liu Yi.
Gaozu wanted to send the Yizhou governor Zhu Lingshi to attack against the Shu region, so he asked Bao to write a proclamation. The proclamation stated:
"Those who uphold virtue will prosper, while those who defy it will perish; without benevolence and righteousness, peace is hard to achieve; harboring grievances seldom leads to success."
The rise and fall of the Shu region has been fated since ancient times; Chengdu has never enjoyed lasting prosperity, and Huayang has never produced a prosperous country. Recently, various troubles have arisen, affecting all corners. That Qiao Zong, banking on his minor influence, has been manipulating the common folk and colluding with each other, becoming more and more arrogant, daring to assault local officials and harm the people, leaving the people in the western regions feeling abandoned by the court.
Since our righteous army went to war, heaven has favored our dynasty, the old order has been restored, and the world is at peace. We were initially preoccupied with rebuilding our homes, but now, ten years have passed, and Qiao Zong still shows no remorse, seeking opportunities to create chaos, recruiting soldiers, expanding his power, and harassing our neighboring tribes, threatening our borders.
Therefore, we have dispatched troops to deal with them; all those villains have been wiped out, not a single one escaped. Huan Qian and Qiao Fu have died, and the rest are hiding, biding their time until they are caught.
As it stands now, the northern Di tribes have been subdued, and the southern insurrection has been quelled. The court is in good order, the people are living in peace and working happily, and peaceful scenes abound. "The song of Kang Zai is bright, and the prosperity of the house can be sung." I carry the heavy responsibility of overseeing Western Sichuan, reflecting on the achievements of Yu the Great in flood control; I am filled with a strong sense of duty and a desire to serve the country, for I have been ordered to head west. Along the way through Jingzhou and Yingzhou, looking at the land of Bashu from afar, I am overwhelmed with mixed emotions, and feelings of indignation well up within me.
The Qingjiang River flows from its source, the crystal-clear river water is as transparent as a well. Now is the time to pacify the rebellion and soothe distant lands. I have commanded Prefect Kuai En of Hejian and Prefect Liu Zhong of Xiaping to march twenty thousand elite soldiers directly to Chengdu; General Zang Xi of Longxiang to lead twenty thousand troops advancing from Dianjiang; Governor Zhu Lingshi of Yizhou to command thirty thousand naval forces, proudly asserting their presence on the river; and I have also dispatched Auxiliary General Suo Ken to lead the Hanzhong army advancing from Jiange; General Zhu Kezi of Zhenwei to lead the elite troops of Ningzhou across the Lu River.
Now, the four armies are advancing in unison, the heavenly net is expansive, the grand army stretches across thousands of miles, and the sound of drums and gongs fills the air. Soldiers clad in armor wield flashing blades, creating a majestic momentum as people from all ethnic groups rally together. With such a powerful offensive, what enemy could possibly stand against us? Moreover, we fight in the name of justice, aligned with the will of heaven; what is there to fear?
The strategic terrain in the Three Gorges is now within our territory, not as treacherous as it was in Cen Peng's time in Jingmen; as we venture into Shu territory, the roads are well-connected, not as difficult as when Deng Ai captured Mianzhu. The terrain of Shu, compared to before, has not changed much, and the ease of attack and defense is now much greater than before. In the past, the Shu kingdom was powerful, and the people were prosperous; even Ziyang could not stabilize in Yong and Bo, Liu Chan dared not flee to the south-central region, the strategies from Jingzhou and Handan failed, and Boyue's ambitions were also thwarted. Therefore, success and failure are determined by fate, not something that can be controlled by human effort. These are all lessons from the past in Yizhou, and now is a great opportunity for us to recover Yizhou, just like the ancient Yuan Gui, a legendary figure known for his wisdom.
Even those as powerful as Lu Xun and as strong as Rong Chao, although they once dominated the South Sea, controlled Beidai, possessed tens of thousands of warships, and had countless troops sweeping the plains, ultimately in the Battle of Guanggu, the ground forces were utterly vanquished; in the Battle of Zuoli, the navy also suffered heavy losses. Some were killed in the capital, some were beheaded and displayed, their heads sent thousands of miles away. Therefore, success and failure are governed by fate, and human effort is difficult to resist. These are vivid examples before us, with profound lessons worth pondering.
The common people of Liangzhou and Yizhou understand the benefits of righteous governance; although they were temporarily coerced, that was not the intention of the emperor. However, the tyranny and cruelty of those officials have been increasing day by day, with indiscriminate killings, and deaths flowing like water. Faced with the imminent slaughter of the enemy, like the ferocious attacks of wolves and tigers, should we not reflect on the loyalty of Nankai, look up to the hope of Dongyun, let the people of the world experience the blessing of revival, while some of the people harbor resentment towards me?
When the king's army goes to war, benevolence and righteousness are the foundation. It should be approached with gentleness and humility, from the moment the army sets out. One should avoid indiscriminate killing. As long as they lay down their weapons and surrender, they will not be harmed. Those who turn back and surrender, even if they are in armor, will not be pursued. The people live in peace and happiness, carefully discerning between good and bad, praying for blessings. My integrity shines brightly like the morning sun. If they remain lost and refuse to see the truth, then it will be like a fire raging on Mount Mengzhu, burning away the good and the bad together, like the Yellow River bursting its banks, engulfing everything uneven. Even if they want to regret, it will be too late!
He passed away nine years later at the age of forty-one. The following year, for his involvement in the campaign against the Shu region, he was posthumously titled as the fifth-ranked son of Nanchang County.
His son Xun served in prominent official positions during the Yuanjia period. When Prince Luling Xiao Shao held the title of General of the South and Governor of Jiangzhou, Xun was young and did not govern directly, so he served as his Chief Clerk and acted as the Prefect of Xunyang, managing the affairs of the province. In the late Yuanjia period, he served as the Prefect of Wu County. After the usurpation of the throne by the usurper, Xun was posthumously honored as the General of Establishing Might and appointed as an assistant historian. When General Andong rebelled alongside Wang Dan, Xun was called upon as the vanguard and subsequently appointed as the General of Assisting the State. Shortly after the situation was settled, he passed away, posthumously honored as the General of Conquering Barbarians, with the posthumous title of Zhenzi. His eldest son Yi has his own biography. His youngest son Ji was passionate about learning and writing and earned a good reputation in the world, holding official positions as a Langzhong of the Minister of Works and the Interior of Wuling, but passed away early. Xun's younger brother Zuo was a scholar in Yangzhou who also died young. Zuo's son Can, along with others, has his own biography.
Chu Shudu was from Yangzhai, Henan. His great-grandfather was the Grand Tutor of the Jin Dynasty, Chu Pou, his grandfather was the Minister of Works, Chu Xin, and his father was the Golden Purple Chamberlain, Chu Shuang. His brother, Chu Xiuzhi, styled Changqian, served as the Cavalry Commandant of Langye, Chamberlain of the Yellow Gates, and Chief Historian of the Western Army under Emperor Gaozu Liu Yu. Chu Xiuzhi's sister was the Empress of Emperor Gong of Song, and though a relative of the Jin Dynasty, she remained loyal to Liu Yu. Chu Xiuzhi later advanced to the position of Palace Attendant and was subsequently appointed as the Right Army Chief under the Grand Marshal. After Emperor Gong ascended to the throne, he became the Minister of Ceremonies and the Grand Supervisor of the province. After Liu Yu ascended to the throne, Chu Xiuzhi was transferred to the position of Minister of Ceremonies. In the first year of the Yuanjia period, Chu Xiuzhi died at the age of forty-seven.
The younger brother of Chu Xiuzhi, Chu Danzhi, also held many prestigious official positions, such as the charioteer and cavalry officer of the founding emperor Liu Yu, the Minister of Personnel, the Minister of Justice, and the general of the Left Guard. After Liu Yu became emperor, Chu Danzhi was appointed as an imperial attendant. Both Chu Xiuzhi and his brother were very loyal to Liu Yu. Every time Emperor Song Gong had a son, Liu Yu secretly found ways to have the child killed, sometimes bribing palace maids, sometimes secretly poisoning them, more than once. After Emperor Gong abdicated and took residence in Moling Palace, he was always afraid of being killed. He lived in the same room as Empress Chu, worried about poisoned wine, so he cooked his meals by the bed. Liu Yu planned to kill Emperor Gong but didn't want to send someone into the inner chamber, so he sent Chu Danzhi to see Empress Chu. Empress Chu came out from another room to meet them, and then soldiers scaled the wall and delivered the poison to Emperor Gong's room. Gong refused to drink it, saying, "Buddhism teaches that those who take their own lives cannot be reborn as humans." Thus, he was smothered with a quilt. Later, when the position of Prefect of Kuaiji County became available, some officials proposed Cai Kuo for the position, but Liu Yu said, "He is just a good boy from the Cai family, with no experience in official matters; we can appoint 'Fo'." "Fo" is Chu Danzhi's nickname. So Chu Danzhi was appointed as the Prefect of Kuaiji. In the second year of the Jingping era, the Sun family in Fuyang County hatched a plot to rebel, with accomplices hidden in Yongxing County, colluding in secret. The county magistrate of Yongxing, Yang Xun, uncovered their conspiracy and quickly reported it to his superior, Danzhi. Danzhi did not believe him at all, instead believing that Yang Xun was making false accusations, so he arrested him and dismissed him from his post.
As a result, Sun Faliang, this fellow, who dubbed himself "Champion General," led Sun Daoqing and others to attack and occupy Fuyang County, and even helped Gu Can, the magistrate of Fuyang County, into a position, bestowing upon him the honorary title of "Assistant General." Then, Sun Faliang sent several so-called generals, Sun Daozhong, Sun Gongxi, and Sun Fasha, to attack Yongxing County. The people of Yongxing County, initially in cahoots with the bandits, later realized their mistake and began to surrender one by one, following Yang Xun in resisting the bandits. Unfortunately, with their numbers few and their strength weak, they were eventually defeated and driven away by the bandits. The bandits put a guy named Xu Zu in charge as the county magistrate, while Yang Xun fled to Jiangtang Mountain to hide, but soon got caught by the bandits, who forced him to continue serving as county magistrate and help them.
The bandits took firm control of Yongxing, promoted one another, and even appointed Sima Wenyin, the county magistrate of Mian County, as "General of the West Expedition," Sun Daozhong as "Chief of Staff of the West Expedition," and Sun Daofu as "Left Sima," along with Sun Gongxi, Sun Fasha, and others, under the guise of banners, beating drums, and aggressively heading towards Shanyin.
Well, this Danzhi fellow went ahead and gave himself the title of "General of the Lingjiang," and he really knew how to save face for himself! Then, he appointed Lu Shao, the county magistrate of Shanyin, as the Sima and promoted him to the title of General of Zhenwu. Former Minister of the Household Cavalry Wang Maozhi was named Chief of Staff, and former National Scholar Kong Xin and former Minister of the Household Cavalry Xie Qin were both appointed as military advisors. He also gathered more than seventy military advisors to join him. Even more impressive is that the son of the former Zhenxi Adviser Kong Ningzi and the son of the Left Guanglu Doctor Kong Jigong, even though they were dealing with family funerals, were also pulled in by him to serve as generals. This web of connections is pretty solid!
Next, he sent Team Leader Chen Yuan and County Councilor Yu Daona with two armies to the other side of Puyang River. However, they were defeated, and the enemy soldiers pursued them, coming within twenty miles of the city walls. Dan Zhi quickly dispatched Lu Shao, along with Jigong and General Lu Yun, to command the navy to intercept the enemy, and also sent Xingcanjun Gong Qi with infantry to fight alongside him. Dan Zhi himself also led his troops to the outskirts of the city to stand by. They engaged the enemy in battle at Keting and achieved a decisive victory, driving the enemy back to Yongxing. He also sent the pretender General Ning Shuo, Sun Lun, with five hundred men to attack Qiantang. However, Sun Lun fought with the defending general of Qiantang County at Qidi, lost the battle, and retreated back to Fuyang in disgrace. Sun Lun was quite adept at playing both sides and, in turn, killed more than ten people, including General Fabu, and sent their heads to the capital to seek rewards.
The court also sent Palace External General Xu Zhuo with one thousand men, and Prince Yikang of Pengcheng sent General Qiu Xian with five hundred men to the east to suppress the rebellion. Minister of Works Xu Xianzhi then appointed Shen Sizhi as the county magistrate of Fuyang, leading five hundred men from Wuxing to the east. However, by the time they reached their destination, the rebel forces had already been quelled. The Prefect of Wu County, Jiang Yi, had a rather easy time, staying in Wu for a night before reaching Fuyang. He then began sorting the good from the bad and sent the remaining families of the enemy soldiers—several hundred households—to places like Pengcheng, Shouyang, and Qingzhou. Two years later, Dan Zhi passed away at the age of forty-five and was posthumously honored with the title "Zhizi."
Uncle Xie, whose name is the same as that of the founding emperor Liu Yu, so he was referred to by his courtesy name instead. Initially, he served as a military advisor under the King of Langya, and later served as a military advisor under the founding emperor Liu Yu, as well as the Left Minister under the Chancellor, a military advisor of the Central Army, in charge of military affairs of the Central Army, and later promoted to General Jianwei. He fought with great effort alongside Liu Yu against the Xianbei. Later, when Lu Xun attacked Chapu, Uncle Xie fought to the death and made significant contributions. Lu Xun fled south, and the founding emperor Liu Yu was appointed as the Inspector of Guangzhou. Uncle Xie was also promoted and became the Commander of Military Affairs of the Two Provinces of Jiaoguang, General Jianwei, Commander of the Central Guard of Pingyue, and Inspector of Guangzhou. Huan Xuan's relatives plotted to create unrest in Guangzhou, but were subdued by Uncle Xie.
In the eighth year of the Yixi era, Liu Jingdao, a remnant of Lu Xun, was cornered and surrendered to Jiaozhou. The Inspector of Jiaozhou, Du Huidu, reported this to the court, and Uncle Xie believed that Liu Jingdao and his followers were pretending to surrender, and suggested to the court to execute them. Du Huidu was caught off guard, and as a result, Liu Jingdao rallied a group of desperate outlaws, broke through Jiuzhen Commandery, and killed the Prefect Du Zhangmin. Du Huidu eventually brought them under control. Uncle Xie unilaterally demoted Du Huidu to General Who Exerts Valor without prior approval from the court, and was impeached by the court officials. The emperor later granted him a pardon.
Liu Yu, the founding emperor, went to campaign against Liu Yi. Shu Du sent three thousand troops across the Jiaoshan Mountains to provide support, and only returned after Jingzhou was pacified. He served as the governor in Guangzhou for four years, engaging in extensive plunder. His family was very wealthy, but he was ultimately dismissed for corruption and sentenced to life imprisonment. Upon returning to the capital, he gave numerous gifts to anyone he had even a passing acquaintance with. Soon after, he was appointed as the Grand Commandant, military advisor, and Right Marshal of the Prime Minister. After Emperor Liu Yu ascended to the throne, Shu Du was appointed as the General of the Right Guard. The Emperor held Shu Du in high regard, considering him from a noble family but dedicated to his work, and valued him highly. He therefore issued a decree stating: "Rewards should not overlook those who work hard, in order to encourage ministers to work harder; titles must be given to those who have contributed, so that those who have contributed can be recognized. Shu Du often undertook important military tasks in the campaigns in the north and south, and also made great achievements in the Lingnan region. He was specially granted the title of Marquis of Panyu County, with a fief of four hundred households." Shortly afterwards, he was further appointed as the Cavalier In Regular Attendance. In the third year of Yongchu, Shu Du was appointed as the Commissioner-in-Chief, overseeing the military affairs of six counties in the south of Jingzhou in the provinces of Yong, Liang, South and North Qin, as well as the General Conquering the Barbarians, Inspector of Yongzhou, concurrently holding the position of Colonel of Ningman, and Prefect of Xiangyang Yicheng. He was renowned for his integrity and simplicity during his tenure. In the second year of Jingping, Shu Du passed away at the age of forty-four. His grandson succeeded him as Prefect of Nanlangye. After the grandson passed away, his son Zizhao inherited the official position. After Zizhao passed away, his son Zixuan inherited the official position. Later, during the Qi dynasty, the title of the state was abolished. Shu Du's second son Jizhi served as an Assistant Imperial Secretary, but sadly passed away at a young age. His son Ai married the sixth daughter of the Grand Ancestor, Princess Zhenchang of Langye, and also held a military position, but passed away early.
Zi Tian's younger brother Zhan Zhi, courtesy name Xiu Xuan, married Princess Shi'an Ai, the seventh daughter of Gaozu, and was appointed as the Duke of the Imperial Guards and a Gentleman of Letters. After Princess Shi'an Ai passed away, he married Princess Wu Jun Xuan, the fifth daughter of Gaozu. Most of the men who married princesses were from prominent families, not all of them necessarily talented. Zhan Zhi was cautious, practical, and capable, which earned him the appreciation of the Emperor. He rose through the ranks and held various positions such as General of the Flying Cavalry, Governor of Nan and Pei Commanderies, Central Household Gentleman of the Crown Prince, Chief Clerk of the Left in the Ministry of Works, Palace Attendant, General of the Guards on the Left, Minister of the Left in the Ministry of Personnel, and Intendant of Danyang. Later, when the traitor rebelled, he was appointed as Minister of Personnel, then later as General of State Defense, Governor of Danyang, in charge of the defense of Shitoucheng.
During the Song Emperor's campaign against Wei, Shao attacked Xinting Fort on his own and ordered Zhan Zhi to lead the navy in the attack. As a result, Zhan Zhi fled south on a light boat with his two sons, Yuan and Cheng. Yuan had just had a son, who was killed by Shao. After the Emperor's ascension, Zhan Zhi was appointed as the Supervisor of the Right of the Masters of Writing. In the first year of Xiaojian, he was appointed as Prefect of the Palace Secretariat and Intendant of Danyang. Several sons of Prince Yixuan of Nan Commandery were hiding in the commandery, causing Wang Xingzhi, the Prefect of Jiankang, and Shen Daoyuan, the Prefect of Jiangning, to be imprisoned, leading to Zhan Zhi's dismissal and exile to the Chu region. In that same year, he was appointed as Cavalier Attendant and General of the Guards on the Left, shortly after promoted to Palace Attendant, while still retaining his position as General of the Guards on the Left. Due to long-term illness, he was awarded the titles of Cavalier Attendant and Grand Secretary, and bestowed with a gold seal and purple ribbon. After some time, he was reappointed as Intendant of Danyang, retaining the title of Grand Secretary. Later, he served as Supervisor of the Left in the Masters of Writing. In recognition of his contributions during his flight to the south, he was granted the title of Marquis of Duxiang. He passed away in the fourth year of Daming at the age of fifty. He was posthumously awarded the titles of Palace Attendant, Special Advanced, and General of the Flying Cavalry, and he was bestowed with a copy of the Book of Odes, retaining his position as Supervisor of the Left in the Masters of Writing. He was posthumously given the title of Respectful Marquis.
Zhan's son Yuan was a bastard. Princess Xuan, recognizing Yuan's talent, requested that he be recognized as the legitimate son. Yuan served as Minister of Works during the late years of the Sheng Ming period. Historians note that although the founder's family had been based in Jiangnan for generations, his manner of speaking remained unchanged, and there’s no record of any refined romantic escapades. Those literati and famous figures from the past flocked to the founder, eager for official positions and to follow in his footsteps. The historians argue that despite the founder's prestigious background, he remained unaffected by Jiangnan culture, sticking to his old ways of speaking and acting, lacking cultural refinement or a good reputation. These literati and past celebrities rushed to align themselves with him, hoping for his protection. Historians are skeptical of the motives of the founder and his followers.
Prince Jing of Changsha, Dao Lian, was the younger brother of Emperor Gaozu. He initially studied at the Imperial Academy. Later, Xie Yan became the Inspector of Xuzhou and appointed him as a historian. After Emperor Gaozu captured the capital city and pacified the surrounding areas, Dao Lian remained at home to care for and comfort the Empress Dowager. After Huan Xuan fled, General Wuling Wang Zun, in accordance with the Emperor's orders, appointed him as a Gentleman of the Cavalry. Shortly after, he was promoted to General of Establishing Might and the Governor of Internal Affairs in Nan Pengcheng. At that time, the Inspector of Northern Qingzhou, Liu Gai, rebelled and allied with the Suolu tribe of Xianbei. The Prefects of Qinghe and Yangping Counties, Sun Quan, also gathered troops to join his cause. In the first year of Yi Xi, the Suolu leader, Tuoba Kai, and Grand General Huslan launched an attack on Xuzhou. They captured Xiang County, took the Prefect of Julu, He Shen, captive, and then surrounded the General Ning Shuo, Yang Muzhi, stationed in Pengcheng. Yang Muzhi sought help from the court, and Dao Lian led troops to rescue him. When the army arrived at Lingzha, he killed Sun Quan. Then he marched to Pengcheng, where Tuoba Kai and Huslan fled. Dao Lian led General Ningyuan, Meng Longfu, Longxiang General Kong Long, and others to pursue. Tuoba Kai and Huslan fled to Xiangcheng; he pursued them to Guangshuigou, where he killed Liu Gai, and nearly all of Liu Gai's troops were either slain or drowned.
Emperor Gaozu stationed in Jingkou, promoted Dao Lian to Longxiang General, and also appointed him as the Prefect of Tangyi, stationed in Shitou City. The following year, the court further appointed him as the Commissioner of Military Affairs and Supervisor of Military Affairs in the Conquest of Shu, leading General Liu Jingxuan and others to attack Qiao Zong. However, due to the strategic advantage held by Wen Chumao and Wen Zuo, the army could not advance, and the campaign was unsuccessful. For his contributions, he was titled the Marquis of Xinxing County of the fifth rank. In the fourth year of Yixi, he succeeded Zhuge Changmin as the Inspector of Bingzhou and Prefect of Yichang, retaining his titles of General and Director. He continued to be stationed in Shitou City.
It is said that the Xianbei people always bully us, moving south from Pengcheng, causing the common people to take shelter. The garrisons in Shanyang and Huaiyin have also been withdrawn. Dao Lian voluntarily requested to defend Pengcheng and gradually rebuild his homeland. The court felt that Pengcheng was too far away, so they ordered him to defend Shanyang instead. Later, he was promoted to the position of General of the Conquest of the Barbarians, overseeing military affairs in the Huainan region, and also serving as the Prefect of North Donghai. He retained his previous positions as Inspector of Bingzhou and Prefect of Yichang. Due to his achievements in the battle of Poshuodu Zhen, he was titled the Baron of Xinyu County, with a fief of five hundred families.
Following Emperor Gaozu to attack Guanggu, he always charged ahead. When the city was breached, Murong Chao tried to break through with his personal guards but was captured by Dao Lian's troops. He was promoted again, becoming the General-in-Chief and was also appointed as the Left General. Seven years later, he left Bingzhou and was appointed as the Inspector of North Xuzhou, transferred to Pengcheng as the garrison commander. Eight years later, Emperor Gaozu went to attack Liu Yi and appointed him as the Chief Military Commander of Guanqing, Qing, Jinling, Jingkou, Huainan, and other regions, while retaining his previous titles as he continued to garrison at Jingkou. In the ninth year, he led fifty soldiers directly into the palace to pay an audience. Due to his merits in the battle of Guanggu, he was granted the title of Duke of Jingling County, with a fief of one thousand households. He gave half of his previously rewarded land and property to his second son, Yizong.
In the tenth year, he was promoted again to the position of General of the Central Army, also receiving the position of Cavalry Attendant and a ceremonial guard. The following year, during the campaign against Sima Xiuzhi, Dao Lian was responsible for guarding the rear and entered the palace with one hundred soldiers. After capturing Jiangling City, he was appointed as the Commander of the military forces in Jing, Xiang, Yi, Qin, Ning, Liang, and Yongzhou, rising to the rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry, Household Counsellor, Defender General of the Southwestern Frontier, Inspector of Jingzhou, while keeping his previous titles. Both civil and military officials in the Northern Court followed his commands. Speaking of Dao Lian, he didn't possess much genuine talent, had a strong Chu accent, and exhibited rather coarse behavior. Although Emperor Gaozu sent generals to assist him, he was excessively greedy and self-indulgent, constantly feeling he never had enough money. Every time he left his station, the treasury was always left bare.
After Emperor Song Gaozu defeated Sanqin, he began to consider external expansion. He appointed Liu Daolian as the chief military officer in the areas of Shizhong, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, and Yangzhou Jinling, retaining his previous rank and benefits. In the first year of the Yuanxi era, Liu Daolian resigned from the position of Shangshu Ling and was promoted to Sikong, assigned to Jingkou. Later, Emperor Song Gaozu was proclaimed emperor, and Liu Daolian was promoted to Grand Commandant, titled as King of Changsha, with a land grant of five thousand households, retaining his previous rank and benefits. In the second year of Yongchu, he returned to the court to attend the court assembly and stayed in the imperial palace.
Earlier, Prince Luling Liu Yizhen served as the governor of Yangzhou. The Empress Dowager remarked to Emperor Song Gaozu, "Daolian grew up with you since childhood and has a good relationship with you, so he should be appointed as the governor of Yangzhou." Emperor Song Gaozu replied, "Why would I hold back on Liu Daolian? But Yangzhou is crucial to the country, with many responsibilities that Daolian might not be able to manage." The Empress Dowager said, "Daolian is already in his fifties; is he not as capable as your teenage son?" Emperor Song Gaozu said, "Although Yizhen (Liu Yizhen's nickname is Cheshi) serves as the governor, I personally handle all the affairs of the province. Daolian is older and cannot personally handle everything; merely listening to reports isn't sufficient." The Empress Dowager was persuaded by Emperor Song Gaozu and did not say anything further.
In the spring of the third year of his reign, Emperor Song Gaozu fell ill and added thirty sword-bearing guards. At that time, Liu Daolian was in the court, leaving Sima Lü Zhongyuan to guard the mansion. Diao Kui's son, Diao Mi, became a fugitive, leading dozens of people into the capital, where he was killed by Lü Zhongyuan. Earlier, someone in the mansion reported signs of Diao Mi's rebellion. Afterwards, this person was rewarded with two hundred thousand coins and appointed as a county magistrate. In May, Emperor Song Gaozu passed away, while Liu Daolian was unwell and unable to attend the funeral. In June, Liu Daolian died at the age of fifty-five. The court posthumously appointed him as Grand Tutor, with his rank and treatment remaining unchanged. His funeral followed the specifications of the Jin Dynasty's Grand Tutor Anping Wang, using nine royal carriages, yellow banners, mourning songs, feathered banners, and one hundred sword-bearing guards.
In the year 432 AD, Emperor Song Wudi Liu Yu issued an edict stating that ancient wise rulers placed great importance on honoring and memorializing their meritorious subjects, establishing specialized institutions to record their achievements, and holding various ceremonies to recognize their merits, inscribing their names on ceremonial vessels and offering sacrifices in ancestral temples. From the Han Dynasty to the Jin Dynasty, successive emperors followed this tradition.
My father, Liu Yu, founded the Song Dynasty, pacified the realm, and made significant contributions, which, of course, was only possible thanks to the efforts of his loyal ministers. Therefore, I will emulate the practices of the late emperor, posthumously honor and commemorate those meritorious subjects who have made great contributions to the country, to commend their achievements and ensure their contributions are remembered for generations.
The edict mentioned many individuals, such as Prince Jing of Changsha (son of Liu Daolian), King Liewu of Linchuan, Duke Wenxuan of Nankang, Duke Kaiguo of Huarong County, Duke Kaiguo of Yongxiu County, Marquis Zhen'e of Longyang County, and others. Some of them were of noble character, some were exceptionally talented, and some were loyal and devoted, all of whom made significant contributions to the country, on par with the ancient virtuous ministers Yi Yin and Zhou Gongdan.
Liu Daolian had six sons: Yixin, Yiqing, Yirong, Yizong, Yibin, and Yiqi.
Yixin, originally appointed as a cavalry attendant, declined the position. Later, he served as a military leader, General of the Conquest of Barbarians, governor of Qingzhou, and magistrate of Weijun. Despite holding the title of general, he was stationed in Shitoucheng. In the first year of the Yuanjia era, he was promoted to General of the Rear and also appointed as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance. Three years later, he continued to serve as General of the Rear and was appointed as the governor of Nanyanzhou. In the seventh year, Xie Yanzhi's forces advanced to the Yellow River, and Yixin led his troops to Pengcheng to provide support. Xie Yanzhi was defeated, and unrest broke out in Qingzhou and Qizhou. His subordinates were worried about a possible invasion and advised Yixin to abandon his post and return to Jiankang. However, Yixin remained resolute and unwavering. Later, he was appointed as Commissioner, Supervisor of Military Affairs in Yuzhou, Sizhou, and four other provinces, and his title as general was retained. He was assigned an honor guard, remaining stationed in Shouyang.
At that time, the land around Shouyang lay barren, the people were homeless, the city walls were in ruins, and bandits roamed freely. After Yixin took office, he earnestly rectified the government, actively developed production, and dealt with bandits and robbers by executing them upon capture. As a result, the people in the area lived and worked in peace, no longer fearing theft on the roads; the treasury was well-stocked, and Shouyang became a rich and powerful place. At that time, officials from Huai Xi and north of the Yangtze River preferred to employ unrefined men who lacked education and only knew how to fight; they were clueless about governance. Yixin wrote a memorial saying, "The Jianghuai region is characterized by poor soil and a sparse population, and has suffered from famine for several years. The cities are in ruins, and the situation has become even more dire. To govern this place well, capable officials are needed. Those rough men who only know how to fight do not understand how to govern the area; many local officials are just filling the numbers. The southeast region is relatively rich, and even there officials need to be carefully selected; let alone in such desolate places, we need to select talented individuals to restore good governance. I hope the court will carefully select officials and must choose the right people so that we can govern the place effortlessly." Shouyang's Shaobi boasted many fertile fields, covering tens of thousands of acres, but the embankments were long neglected, leading to annual water shortages during the summer and autumn. Yixin dispatched the advisor Yan Su to oversee the repairs. An old canal existed that could channel Mi water for irrigating Shaobi, but because no one had been managing it for a long time, the canal had become choked with trees and weeds. Yan Su led people to cut down trees and clear the weeds; the water flowed smoothly, and the drought was alleviated. In the tenth year of Yuanjia, Yixin was promoted to General of the Town Army and also appointed as a commander. In the summer of the eleventh year, he traveled to the capital to pay his respects, and Emperor Taizu of Song held him in high regard and bestowed upon him great honors. In the sixteenth year of Yuanjia, Yixin passed away at the age of thirty-six. The court posthumously honored him with the title of Cavalier Attendant, General Who Conquers the West, and Supervisor of the Left; his positions as commander and governor remained unchanged, and he was posthumously honored with the title Cheng Wang.
Wang Jin, style name Yan Yu, held the position of Colonel of the Prince's Stables. Later, in the thirtieth year of some unspecified era, he was killed by a contemporary villain. After Emperor Shizu ascended to the throne, he was posthumously honored as a Cavalier Attendant. His son, Wang Can, died young, and Wang Can's younger brother, Wang Zuan, style name Yuan Ji, later became an Infantry Colonel. He died in the second year of Emperor Shundi's reign, just as the Qi dynasty was abdicating, and the Wang family's titles were stripped away.
Wang Jin's younger brother, Wang Zhi, style name Yan Qi, served as a Gentleman of the Palace Library during the Ming dynasty. At that time, the Grand Preceptor, Wang Yigong, who was serving as the Supervisor of the Palace Library, requested resignation due to mourning, which prevented him from working. Emperor Shizu issued a decree stating, "In the past, the two Xie, referring to Xie An and Xie Shi, were held in high regard. From now on, officials of the Three Offices and Five Provinces should follow this example." In the early years of Emperor Taizong's reign, Wang Zhi became the Inspector of Nanyanzhou and the Minister of the Imperial Clan, and later participated in the rebellion of Prince Xun of Jin'an, which led to his beheading.
Wang Kai, Wang Zhi's younger brother, served as a secretary and was killed by the local tyrants. He was posthumously granted the title of Tongzhilang. Wang Zhan, Wang Zhi's younger brother, served as the Prefect of Jin'an and also rebelled alongside Zixun, but was beheaded. Wang Zhan's younger brother, Wang Yun, known by his courtesy name Yanwen, served as a Colonel of Infantry and Xuancheng Prefect. During Zixun's rebellion, many people gathered at Quewei to assault Xuancheng. At that time, almost all local officials participated in the rebellion; only Wang Yun abandoned Xuancheng and fled to the court for refuge. Emperor Taizong greatly appreciated his loyalty, promoted him to Huangmenlang, Taizi Zhongzhuzi, and Shizhong, and appointed him as the Governor of Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, Nanyanzhou, and Prefect of Wuxing. He also served as Shizhong, and was the General of the Left Army; later he was appointed as Xiaoqi General, Fuming General, Yongzhou Governor; served as Shizhong again, led the Right Guard General; then changed to Left Guard General, Sangqi Changshi, and Zhonglingjun. In the first year of the Chengming era, he plotted a rebellion and was executed. Wang Yun was, in fact, quite mediocre in ability, but because of his merit for seeking refuge at court from Xuancheng, he was especially favored by Emperor Taizong. When he was in office in Xiangzhou and Yongzhou, he had someone skilled in painting draw the procession during his outings, and often took it out to admire it himself. He once showed this painting to the General of the West, Cai Xingzong, who playfully teased him, pretending not to recognize the painting, pointing to the image of Wang Yun in the painting and asking, "Who is sitting in the carriage?" Wang Yun said, "That's me." This illustrates how vulgar and incompetent he truly was. Wang Bi, Wang Yun's younger brother, served as the Prefect of Wuchang and also participated in Zixun's rebellion, where he was executed. Wang Jian, Wang Yun's younger brother, served as an External Cavalry Attendant, but he passed away at a young age. Wang Xie, Wang Jin's younger brother, known by his courtesy name Yanhe, served as Shizhong and Prefect of Wuxing, and later passed away in the first year of the Later Emperor Yuanhui.
The eldest brother was named Xie Di Hao. He held official positions such as Shizhong, Left Guard General, and also served as Champion General and Wuxing Prefect. Unfortunately, he passed away before assuming office in the fourth year of Yuanhui. He was posthumously appointed Right General.
His younger brother was named Xie Di Shu, who served as Dongyang Prefect and Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. Later, he rebelled with his brother, Bing, but their plot was soon uncovered, and they fled to Baishan, where they were eventually captured and killed.
Yi Xin's younger brother, Yi Qing, was adopted by King Daogui of Linchuan, known as Liewu.
Yi Qing's younger brother, Yi Rong, was made Marquis of Guiyang County with a fief of one thousand households in the first year of Yongchu. At that time, all princes who were made marquises were granted a fief of one thousand households. Yi Rong later held positions such as Shizhong, Left Guard General, Taizi Zhongshuzi, Wubing Shangshu, and Lingjun General. He was highly capable, particularly adept at using short shields. He passed away in the eighteenth year of Yuanjia and was posthumously honored with the title of Chariot and Cavalry General, with the posthumous title of Gonghou.
Yi Rong's son, Marquis Xiao Yi, inherited the title and held positions such as Taizi Yijun Xiaowei but was later assassinated by evildoers. After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, he was posthumously honored with the title of Cavalier Attendant. Since he had no sons, his brother succeeded him in the title, which was subsequently passed on to his son, Hang. In the second year of Shengming, Xie and other conspirators including Yuanjun Zuren Ancheng Jirenzu, Huangren Wang Wulian, and Yulin Vice Peng Yuanjun were all executed for their rebellion.
Xi Zimao, who served as a Crown Prince's Attendant and the Prefect of Ancheng County. When Prince Xun of Jin'an rebelled, Xi defended the city and resisted the siege by Xun's forces. Emperor Taizong held him in high regard and appointed him as the Inspector of Yingzhou, Marquis of Jianling County, with a fief consisting of five hundred households. Jianling County was part of Cangwu Commandery, but due to its remote location, he was later reassigned as Marquis of Linli County. In the sixth year of Taishi, he passed away while serving as Zhong Hu Jun. He was posthumously promoted to General of the Guards and was also made a Cavalier Attendant. He was posthumously honored as the Loyal Marquis. Xi was actually quite ordinary, as during his time in Yingzhou, he would work outdoors in the summer, which confused his subordinates. They only realized it was him after they asked. His son Min succeeded his title and was later made Marquis of Dongchang County in the third year of the Ming Dynasty. Eventually, he and his brother Huang were both executed.
Xi's younger brother Biao worked as a Secretary, while another brother Shi served as a Crown Prince's Attendant, but both of them died young. Shi's younger brother Shuang served as the Prefect of Hailing County.
Yi Rong's younger brother Yi Zong, who was deeply loved by their grandfather, the Emperor Gaozu, since childhood, whose courtesy name was Benu, was granted the title of Lord of Xinyu County. In the first year of the Yongchu era, he was promoted to Marquis, later serving as Minister of the Yellow Gate and Left Guard of the Crown Prince. In the eighth year of Yuanjia, when his disciple Du Deling acted rudely by hitting someone, the incident came to the Emperor's attention, which led to his own dismissal from office. Du Deling, who was quite good-looking, was particularly favored by Yi Zong, who was originally just a minor official in Kuaiji County. While Xie Fangming served as the Prefect of Kuaiji County, his son Xie Huilian also became fond of Du Deling, even composing over ten poems for him, one of which was "Riding the Currents Back to the Riverbank." Yi Zong later held the positions of Palace Attendant and Crown Prince's Consultant, and was additionally appointed as Cavalier In Regular Attendance, General Who Conquers the Caitiffs, and Inspector of Nanyanzhou. In the twenty-first year of the Yuanjia era, Yi Zong passed away, posthumously honored with the titles of Cavalier In Regular Attendance and General Who Pacifies the North, and was posthumously titled Marquis Hui. He valued talent, enjoyed doing good deeds, and had a passion for reading, all of which were praised by later generations.
His son, Marquis Huai Jie, inherited his title, later serving as the Prefect of Langye County and Prefect of Qin County. Unfortunately, he was later killed by evil people and posthumously appointed as Cavalier In Regular Attendance. Marquis Huai Jie had no sons, so his brother Bing arranged for his own son to inherit Marquis Huai Jie's title.
Lao Shen, whose courtesy name was Yanjie, began his career as a literary official and later held various official positions such as Commander of the Imperial Guards, Cavalry Colonel, Minister of the Central Secretariat, and Minister of the Imperial Court. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, he became an Imperial Attendant and was later appointed as General of the Left Wing, Intendant of Danyang, Chamberlain to the Crown Prince, and finally Minister of Civil Service. Despite the many members of the royal family, there were few who possessed genuine talent and knowledge. Shen Yue had strict standards for himself from a young age, which earned him widespread acclaim, and Emperor Taizong valued him greatly. Five years later, the Emperor appointed him as the General and Governor of Huainan and Xuancheng, but he respectfully declined the appointment and returned to his former role.
Later, he became an Imperial Attendant again while also serving as the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat and overseeing the Chamberlain to the Crown Prince. Before he could assume these new roles, he was promoted to General of the Southern Army, Commander overseeing military affairs in the provinces of Nanxu, Xuyan, Yu, Qing, and Ji, Governor of Nanxu, and was also given the title of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. When the Deposed Emperor ascended the throne, his duties changed again, becoming the Commander overseeing military affairs in Yingzhou and Yuzhou in Yiyang County, Sizhou, Governor of Yingzhou, while retaining his previous titles. Before he could assume the new positions, he was retained in the court and was appointed Minister of the Left and Chief Censor, where he was involved in political matters. In the first year of Yuanhui, he assumed leadership of the Ministry of Personnel, with an increase of five hundred troops. He was subsequently offered the position of Commandant of the Imperial Guards, but he chose to decline it.
King Xiu Fan of Guiyang staged a rebellion, General Liu Men of the Central Army went to guard Shitoucheng, and Shen Yue temporarily assumed the role of General-in-Chief, leading the troops assigned to him by the court, and went directly to the palace to see the emperor. The following year, he was also appointed as the Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and the Intendant of Danyang, resigning from his position as Minister of Personnel. The emperor also appointed him as Marquis of Dangyang County, with a fief of one thousand households. He, along with Prince Qi, Yuan Can, and Chu Yuan, took turns handling government affairs and addressing major matters. In the fourth year, he was promoted to the position of Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, and his positions as General Who Pacifies the Army, Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, and Intendant of Danyang remained unchanged. When Emperor Shundi ascended the throne, he was further promoted to Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and General of the Central Army, while retaining his position as general.
At that time, Prince Qi held real power, and all the people in the world turned to him, but he had other secret plans. Yuan Can was stationed at Shitoucheng and did not realize the mandate of heaven. Shen Youzhi rebelled, and Prince Qi stationed himself in the imperial palace. Yuan Can secretly conspired with generals such as Xiao Bing and Huang Hui to rebel, planning to meet at Shitoucheng that night and rise up the next day. Xiao Bing, being timid and nervous, was restless, and after two days, he took his family, hundreds of subordinates, and set off from Danyang County towards Shitoucheng. Upon arriving at Shitoucheng and seeing Yuan Can, Yuan Can was shocked and said, "How did you come so quickly? The plan has already been uncovered!" Xiao Bing said, "Seeing you now, even if I die, it’s worth it!"
Xiao Bing's cousin, Xiao Yun, was an official at the court. He secretly conspired with General Bu Boxing to launch an attack on Prince Qi that night. Xiao Bing's rebellion was uncovered, prompting Prince Qi to send General Wang Jingze to arrest Xiao Yun that very night. Xiao Yun was ready for battle, but Wang Jingze charged in with his troops and swiftly defeated Xiao Yun's forces. Xiao Yun was killed on the spot, and Bu Boxing met the same fate. Yuan Can was defeated, and Xiao Bing fled over the wall, only to be captured at Eyan Lake. He, along with his two sons, Xiao Cheng and Xiao Yu, was executed. At that time, Xiao Bing was forty-five. Xiao Bing's wife was Xiao, the daughter of Xiao Sihua. During the Yuanhui period, with the court in turmoil, Xiao Bing's wife frequently worried about the family's downfall. She often urged Xiao Bing, "You’re already wealthy and well-off. You should think about your sons. You're nearly fifty—what's left to hold onto in the days you have?" But Xiao Bing never took her advice.
Xiao Bing's younger brother, Xiao Mo, held the position of an official in the court. Xiao Mo's younger brother, Xiao Xia, styled Yan Dao, also served as an official in the court and served as a Minister of War. He had an affair with Lady Yin, the adopted daughter of his stepmother, who tried to stop him multiple times. Lady Yin died of a sudden illness, with blood streaming from her mouth and nose before her burial. Suspecting that Xiao Xia had secretly poisoned her, the authorities launched an investigation. Emperor Shizu exiled him to Shi'an County, and he was not pardoned and allowed to return until the Yongguang period. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, he held various high-ranking positions, ultimately being killed by Prince Qi following Xiao Bing's death. Xiao Xia was incompetent and often attempted to embellish his own image, claiming that his mother was unjustly executed by Emperor Xiaowu. He repeatedly asked Xiao Bing to appoint him as a local official, but Xiao Bing declined, citing the potential negative repercussions. Xiao Xia questioned whether he would be able to survive once Xiao Bing fell from power. In the end, he met the same fate.
Yi Bin, the emperor's brother, was conferred the title of Marquis of Xinye County in the second year of the Yuanjia era. Six years later, due to the impoverished state of Xinye County, he was reassigned as the Marquis of Xing'an County. He subsequently held various positions, eventually attaining the rank of General Who Assists the State and Governor of Xuzhou. He passed away in the twenty-fifth year of the Yuanjia era and was posthumously elevated to the rank of Marquis Su. His son, Marquis Hui, inherited the title but later passed away, with his son Xian inheriting the title. However, their titles were abolished when the Qi dynasty seized power in the second year of Shengming. Yi Bin's younger brother, Kun, held the position of Prefect of Jinping.
Yi Bin's younger brother, Yi Qi, was appointed as the Marquis of Yingdao County in the sixth year of Yuanjia. He was a bit foolish and not very knowledgeable, and was often teased by Prince Jun of Shixing. Once, Jun said to Yi Qi, "Lu Ji's poem says: 'Yingdao has no strong heart.' What's wrong with you? Why are you so pathetic?" Yi Qi replied, "I had no idea what that poem meant at first, so how could I be weak?" His goofy demeanor really made people chuckle. Later, Yi Qi became the General of the Right Guard and the Governor of Xiangzhou. He died in the second year of Xiaojian and was posthumously honored as the General Who Pacifies the South, with the posthumous title of Marquis Xi. His son, Chang You, inherited his title and became the Infantry Colonel. He died in the third year of Shengping, and after the Qi dynasty usurped the throne, his title was also abolished.
King of Linchuan, Lie Wu Dao Gui, styled Daoze, was the younger brother of Emperor Gaozu. He was very ambitious and spirited when he was young, and the Emperor Gaozu held him in high regard. They even planned together to kill Huan Xuan. At that time, Huan Hong was stationed in Guangling, and Dao Gui served as the Colonel of the Central Army in the Expeditionary Force. After Gaozu captured the capital, Dao Gui, along with Liu Yi and Meng Chang, killed Huan Hong on the same day, then led the army across the Yangtze River. They swiftly quelled the rebellion in the capital, and Huan Xuan fled in defeat. The Grand General of the Jin dynasty, Prince of Wuling Wu Zun, following the emperor's orders, appointed Dao Gui as the General Who Uplifts Military and Prefect of Yichang.
I pursued Xuan (referring to Xuan Yan) together with Liu Yi and He Wuji. Xuan fled west to Jiangling, leaving Guo Quan, He Danzhi, and others to defend the Pot Mouth. When the Yi army arrived, the bandits deployed their warships and faced us. He Danzhi hoisted a feathered flag on an empty boat, while he himself was on another boat. Wuji wanted to attack the boat with the flag, but everyone disagreed, saying, "He Danzhi must not be on that boat; even if we take it, it won't do us any good."
Wu Ji said, "He Danzhi is not on that boat; that's obvious. Since he is not on that boat, the soldiers on that boat must be weak. If we send in our best troops for a strong attack, we'll definitely be able to take it down. Once we take that boat, they'll surely think their leader has been captured. Our people will all think the enemy leader has been caught, we'll have the upper hand, they'll be scared, and once they are, they'll scatter. Defeating them will definitely not be a problem!" Dao Gui happily said, "This is a great plan!" So he launched our troops to attack the boat and indeed took it down. Then he shouted loudly, "He Danzhi has been beheaded!" The enemy army and the righteous army all believed it to be true. So we launched our troops to attack fiercely; the enemy troops were defeated, and we quickly secured Penkou, and then pacified Xunyang.
Then we quickly advanced and encountered Xuan in Zhengrongzhou. Our forces, led by Dao Gui and others, numbered less than ten thousand, while Xuan's army had tens of thousands of troops. Everyone was scared and wanted to fall back to Xunyang. Dao Gui said, "No! They have more men than us; there's a huge power disparity. If we are afraid and retreat now, they will definitely pursue us in victory. Even if we return to Xunyang, how long can we hold out? Even though Xuan likes to think of himself as a hero, he's actually quite timid, and morale is low after just being defeated. The key is in the decisive battle between our two armies—whoever shows courage will win. In the past, Emperor Guangwu won at the Battle of Kunyang, and Cao Cao won at the Battle of Guandu, all with fewer troops against more; these are all well-known. Even if we aren't as skilled as those in the past, we cannot just assume we are inferior to them!" So he rallied the troops, and Liu Yi and the others charged alongside him, defeating Xuan's army. Guo Quan and Xuan fled on a small boat together; Jiangling was no longer defensible, and they wanted to escape to Shu, but were ambushed and killed by Feng Qian.
The rebel army couldn't continue their advance because of the strong winds. Huan Qian and Huan Zhen took back Jiangling. Meanwhile, Xie Daogui and Tan Wuji launched an attack on Huan Mi at Matou and Huan Wei at Chongzhou, defeating both. Tan Wuji wanted to capitalize on their victory and directly assault Jiangling, but Xie Daogui said, "Military strategy emphasizes a measured approach to advancing and retreating; we can't just charge in blindly. The Huan family has lived in Xichu for generations, and their subordinates are fiercely loyal. Huan Zhen is exceptionally brave and skilled; defeating him won't be easy. It’s better to halt the attack, regroup the troops, conserve our strength, and use tactics to wear them down; that way, we’ll definitely win." Tan Wuji ignored his advice and was ultimately defeated by Huan Zhen. They then retreated to Xunyang to repair their ships and weapons before marching towards Xiakou again.
General Feng Gai of the pretender regime stationed on the east bank of Xiakou, General Meng Shantu occupied Lucheng, and General Huan Xianke guarded Yan Yue Lei. At this time, Liu Yi attacked Lucheng, while Xie Daogui and Tan Wuji attacked Yan Yue Lei; both were captured, and Huan Xianke and Meng Shantu were captured alive. That night, Feng Gai fled. Baling was also successfully pacified. Huan Qian and Huan Zhen sent envoys to request the cession of Jingzhou and Jiangzhou, expressing their willingness to submit to the Emperor of the Jin Dynasty, but were rejected. At this time, Lu Zongzhi, the Prefect of Nanyang, rebelled against Xiangyang, and the pretender governor of Yongzhou, Huan Wei, fled back to Jiangling. Lu Zongzhi reached Jinan, and Huan Zhen personally went to resist him, leaving Huan Qian to guard Jiangling. By this time, Liu Yi and Xie Daogui had arrived at Matou, and they quickly rushed to attack Jiangling. Huan Qian fled, and on that very day, Jiangling was captured. After defeating Lu Zongzhi, Huan Zhen returned and, upon hearing that Jiangling had been captured, fled as well. Tan Wuji escorted the emperor back to the capital city, while Xie Daogui stayed at Xiakou. After pacifying Jiangling, Xie Daogui ranked Liu Yi's contributions first, Tan Wuji's second, and his own last. He was appointed as the General of the State, Supervisor of the Northern Huai River, Inspector of Bingzhou, while retaining his position as Prefect of Yichang. At that time, many remnants of the Huan clan still remained in the areas of Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, Jiangzhou, and Yuzhou, with their armies camping everywhere. Later, he was promoted and appointed to oversee military affairs in Wuchang and Jiangxia in Jiangzhou, Suijun, Yiyang, and Sui'an in Jingzhou, and Xiyang, Runan, Yingchuan, and Xincai in Yuzhou, to adeptly handle the situation and completely pacify these remaining forces. Due to his significant achievements, he was granted the title of Duke of Huarong County, with a fief comprising three thousand households.
After that, he was promoted again, serving as the military governor of Jingzhou, Ningzhou, Qinzhou, Liangzhou, Yongzhou, Sizhou, and the Henan region, while concurrently holding the positions of Protector of the Southern Tribes and Governor of Jingzhou, with his general position unchanged. He handed over the position of Protector of the Southern Tribes to Yin Shuwen. Later, when Yin Shuwen was killed, he reassumed this position. He was very skilled at governing the region, with strict enforcement of laws and clear distinctions between rewards and punishments, and the common people respected him greatly and held him in high regard. Liu Jingxuan's attempt to subdue the Shu region ended in failure, so Dao Gui's position as Inspector General was reduced to General of Establishing Might. Lu Xun's troops had reached near the capital, so Dao Gui sent Sima Wangzhen, General Yangwu Tan Daoji, and General Guangwu to rescue the court. Upon reaching Xunyang, they were defeated by the bandit Xun Lin. Lu Xun immediately promoted Xun Lin to Protector of the Southern Tribes, gave him troops, and ordered him to take advantage of the victory to attack Jiangling, spreading rumors that Xu Daofu had already taken the capital. At the same time, Huan Qian marched into the Shu region from Chang'an, and Qiao Zong unexpectedly appointed him as Governor of Jingzhou, providing him with a lot of money, food, and supplies, and also ordered him to attack Jiangling alongside the senior general Qiao Daofu, coincidentally meeting up with Xun Lin. Xun Lin was stationed in Jiangjin, Huan Qian's army was in Zhijiang, and the two rebels surrounded the capital from both sides.
Jingzhou and the land of Chu have long been the old territory of the Huan family, and everyone is on edge. Dao Gui called the generals together for a meeting and said to them, "Huan Qian is nearby now, and I’ve heard that some are thinking of running away. The civil and military officials who arrived from the east are more than capable of handling this crisis. If you want to leave, I won’t stop you." He then opened the city gates at night and left them open until dawn, leaving everyone shocked. No one left. Lu Zongzhi, the governor of Yongzhou, rushed to support from Xiangyang with thousands of troops. Some said Lu Zongzhi was hard to read, but Dao Gui went to meet him without hesitation, and Lu Zongzhi was immediately moved. Everyone suggested that Tan Daoji, Dao Yanzhi, and Lu Zongzhi lead the troops together, but Dao Gui said, "Lu Xun is now stuck in the river, stirring up trouble everywhere, with Huan Qian and Xun Lin responding from front and back. Everyone is in a panic, and the key to success or failure lies in this battle. I need to lead the troops myself." So he asked Lu Zongzhi to hold the fort and manage the rear while he took the army to confront Huan Qian.
The generals under his command strongly advised him, saying, "The odds of us succeeding in an expedition against Huan Qian right now aren't good. Xun Lin is near Jiangjin, keeping a close eye on our every move. If he attacks the city, Lu Zongzhi may not be able to hold it, and if something goes wrong, it would be a disaster!" Dao Gui said, "You don't understand military tactics! That little fool Xun Lin has no strategies. As soon as I leave, he won't dare to attack the city for sure. I will first take down Huan Qian and quickly return. Once they're confused about what's going on, we'll strike back. Once Huan Qian is defeated, Xun Lin will be scared out of his wits and won't even think about attacking the city. Besides, Lu Zongzhi can hold the city alone for a few days without any problem." He passed the Southern Man Colonel's seal to Adviser Liu Zun and personally led the troops to attack Huan Qian, advancing by both land and water. Huan Qian was soundly defeated, fled on his own, and was killed while trying to escape to Xun Lin. Dao Gui returned to Pukou, where Xun Lin had also fled. Liu Zun led the army to pursue Xun Lin, catching up with him in Balin and killing him.
Initially, when Dao Gui arrived in Zhijiang, the folks in Jiangling wrote him letters updating him on the city's situation and expressing their desire to help him from within. Later, the Colonel Cao Zhongzong discovered these letters and burned them all without reading a word, which put everyone's minds at ease. Dao Gui got promoted and was made General of the West.
Earlier, Huan Xin's son, Huan Daoer, took off to Jiangxi, attacked Yiyang County, and teamed up with Lu Xun, who even sent Cai Meng to help him. Dao Gui sent Adviser Liu Ji to take down Huan Daoer and ended up killing Cai Meng in the fight.
Xu Daofu led thirty thousand troops and suddenly struck Puzhong. Lu Zongzhi had already returned to Xiangyang, and no one could pursue him. Everyone was shocked at the time. There were rumors that Lu Xun had taken the capital and appointed Xu Daofu as governor. The people of the Jianghan region were grateful for Daogui's act of burning the letters, and they no longer harbored any doubts. Daogui ordered Liu Zun to lead a guerrilla campaign, while he himself went to Yuzhangkou to block Xu Daofu. The vanguard forces suffered defeat, but Daogui's momentum only grew stronger, lifting morale. Liu Zun executed a flanking maneuver and achieved a resounding victory. Over ten thousand were beheaded, with nearly as many drowning in the river. Xu Daofu barely escaped back to Penkou on a small boat. Initially, when Liu Zun was tasked with leading the guerrilla forces, everyone said, "The strong enemy is right in front of us now. We are afraid that we do not have enough manpower. We should not divide our elite soldiers and send them to useless places." After defeating Xu Daofu, everyone recognized the effectiveness of the guerrilla tactics and came to respect them.
Liu Zun, courtesy name Huiming, was from Linhuai Haixi and was the maternal uncle of Daogui, related through his mother's brother Xiao. He held the positions of Right General, Intendant of Xuan City, and Governor of Huainan. He passed away in the tenth year of Yixi, posthumously honored as the Marquis of Jianli County, with a fief of seven hundred households.
Daogui later ascended to the rank of Grand General of the West, holding the title of General of the Household with the right to offer sacrifices, but he declined the appointment. Shortly after, he fell ill and was appointed as the Commander overseeing military affairs in six counties, including Xuan City, Huainan, Lujiang, Liyang, Anfeng, and Tangyi in Yujiang, Yuzhou, with the titles of Acting Director and General remaining unchanged. However, due to his illness, he did not take up the position. In the eighth year of Yixi, he passed away in the capital at the age of forty-three, posthumously honored as Palace Attendant and Minister of Works, with an additional twenty swordbearers. He was posthumously named Duke Liewu. For his contributions in pacifying Huan Qian, he was further enfeoffed as Duke of Nanjun, receiving a fief of five thousand households. After the founding emperor took the throne, he was posthumously promoted to Grand Marshal and enfeoffed as King of Linqian, with the same fief as before.
Dao Gui had no male heirs, so Yi Qing, the second son of Prince Jing of Changsha, was appointed as the heir. Initially, Taizu was raised by Dao Gui, and the Emperor Gaozu allowed him to inherit the throne, which everyone thought was in accordance with ritual and law, without any discrimination. Later, Taizu returned to his own family and appointed Yi Qing as the heir. Yi Qing became the Governor of Jingzhou, and his family's ancestral temple should also be moved to Jiangling. Taizu ordered, "Commending the merits of our ancestors is a great matter for the country; honoring relatives and remembering ancestors is a noble wish from the heart. Therefore, the Grand Minister of State, Liewu Wang, who exemplified noble character, profound merit, outstanding wisdom, filial piety, and love for others, excelled in all respects. He assisted Dao Gui in achieving great things; he led troops in battle and defeated strong enemies. When rebellions broke out, the situation was critical, and people were in panic, with no one having a firm will, only Wang (Liewu Wang), relying on his remarkable talent and courageous military prowess, pacified internal and external rebellions, executed many criminals, his achievements resonated throughout the Jianghan region, surpassing those of Weizi Qi and Guan Zhong; his foresight rivals that of the Book of Odes, and his heroic spirit surpasses that of two ancient virtuous ministers. When I was young, he showed me special care; our bond was deep. His affectionate teachings and kindness I will forever cherish, and I feel grateful. Now, his remains are to be moved, and the first sacrifice will be held in Xixia. I intend to conduct a solemn ceremony to express my respect, to let his merits be known to future generations, and to honor the rituals of both realms. He will be posthumously conferred the title of Prime Minister, given the highest honors: using a nine-dragon phoenix carriage, yellow canopies, flags on the left, equipped with ceremonial axes, feathered banners at the front and rear, drummers, and a hundred Tiger Guard soldiers armed with swords, with his position as Zhongshu Lingchuan remaining unchanged."
After the deaths of the Empress Tan Shi of Changsha and the Empress Cao Shi of Linqian, during their memorial ceremonies, the same ceremonial Nine Liang phoenix chariot, yellow canopy with left banners, carriages, and musical bands performing elegies, feathered fans and drums both in front and behind, and a hundred soldiers with swords were used, with the same level of grandeur.
The Emperor Gaozu valued Yi Qing since he was young, often saying, "This child is the pride of our family!" He inherited the title of Duke of Nanjun at the age of thirteen. Later, the court arranged a position for him as a censor, but he did not take up the position. In the twelfth year of Yi Xi, he participated in the campaign against Chang'an, and upon his return, he was appointed Assistant General of Fuguo, Governor of North Qingzhou. Before he had the chance to assume the position, he was transferred to Yuzhou, where he served as both Inspector and Military Commander of Yuzhou, and was also responsible for military affairs in Huibei. He retained his positions as Inspector and General of Yuzhou. In the first year of Yongchu, he inherited the title of King of Linqian. He was later summoned to the capital to serve as an attendant. In the first year of Yuanjia, he was promoted to Cavalry Officer, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, then appointed Minister of Revenue, and later Intendant of Danyang. He also retained his positions as Assistant General and Cavalry Officer.
Once, there was a man named Huang Chu, whose wife, Zhao, killed their daughter-in-law. According to the law, she should have been exiled to escape retaliation from her daughter-in-law's family. Yi Qing stated, "According to the Zhou Li regulations, a parent's enemies must flee overseas, and even if they encounter each other in a crowded market, they cannot retaliate. This is because such deep-seated enmity cannot be altered; those involved are grieving and always prepared for revenge, which is understandable. However, when relatives kill each other—flesh and blood harming one another—it becomes unreasonable; there is no clear law governing this; it is based solely on human emotions. Moreover, there are provisions in rituals and laws for leniency regarding mistakes, and there are no legal provisions concerning the avenging of ancestors. Furthermore, Zhao's actions were prompted by alcohol; she did not harbor malicious intent, making this situation exceedingly absurd. How can a drunken mother-in-law who commits murder be equated with deep-seated enmity encountered in everyday life? I believe this grandson endured humiliation and sorrow without violating filial piety; they live in the same country and region, and he has not failed in his duties of filial piety."
At the age of six years, he was promoted to the position of Left Deputy of the Imperial Secretariat. Eight years later, when the Tai Bai star conflicted with the right law enforcement star, Yiqing, fearing disaster, requested to be reassigned to a remote post. The Emperor reassured him, saying, "The changes in celestial phenomena are unpredictable and hard to interpret. Moreover, historical texts regarding celestial omens offer various interpretations. Even if a war star clashes with the ruling emperor, it merely indicates that the emperor should face consequences. Therefore, there's no need to be afraid. After Minister Zheng's death, there were also changes in the Right Law position, but Minister Wang is still safe and sound. A three-day solar eclipse is the most dreaded event. Emperor Xiaowu of the Jin dynasty experienced this phenomenon early in his reign, yet he was a mediocre ruler and nothing catastrophic happened. Heaven aids the virtuous, so why worry unnecessarily? You and your brother hold important positions both inside and outside the court to strengthen the government. The nation's rise and fall rests in your hands, a duty passed down through generations. Even if disaster were to strike, could you truly escape it by fleeing thousands of miles away? If you are outside the capital, you would be unaware of fortune and misfortune; staying in the capital might lead to unforeseen events. How could I go against Heaven's will?"
Yiqing persisted in resigning from his position as Deputy, and the Emperor ultimately agreed, appointing him as Minister of the Palace Library and promoting him to General. He retained his positions as Palace Attendant and Intendant of Jingzhao. After nine years as Intendant of Jingzhao in the capital, he was sent on a mission to oversee military affairs in the seven provinces of Jing, Yong, Yi, Ning, Liang, Nan, and Bei, as well as appointed General Who Pacifies the West and Governor of Jingzhou. Jingzhou, located upstream, was strategically significant, boasting a large population, a strong military, abundant resources, and well-equipped forces, representing half of the imperial power. Thus, the Emperor entrusted his descendants with the responsibility of guarding the region. Yiqing, a member of the imperial family known for his good character, earned this significant position. He was humble and cautious, declining all gifts upon his arrival in and departure from Jingzhou.
At the age of twelve, the emperor asked all officials to recommend talented individuals. Yiqing wrote in a memorial, "Your Majesty, by issuing a decree to solicit opinions from officials at all levels, even extending to remote areas, you are commending those virtuous talents who reside in secluded places. Your sagacity, wisdom, and benevolent governance are evident, yet you personally inquire about the regulations of government offices, follow the teachings of the sages, personally inquire about the management of warehouses, and even show concern for the smallest aspects of people's livelihoods. Your virtues surpass those of ancient kings. I strive to follow your intentions. I believe that the former county magistrate Yu Shi of Linju is upright and honest, very filial. When his mother passed away, he was so grieved that he became emaciated; now that his father is ill, he cries tears of blood. He is filial to his parents at home and highly praised among his neighbors, sufficient to educate the populace and uphold social customs. Also, the former envoy Gong Qi from Wufeng inquired at court is calm and unpretentious, with upright conduct, devoted to the study of knowledge, and worthy of promotion to suppress the societal trend of impetuosity. The recluse Shi Jue from Nanjun is outstanding in talent, noble in character, knowledgeable, and resolute. I previously invited him to serve as a provincial scholar, but he declined. Appointing them would truly be a blessing for the country!" Yiqing deeply cared for the people. If officials in the prefecture had elderly parents or relatives who were not with them, five officials would be sent to deliver grain to their homes each year. In fact, Wang Hong had already implemented such a system when he served as the governor of Jiangzhou. Yiqing served in Jiangzhou for eight years and was deeply loved by the local people. He also wrote a ten-volume "Biographies of the Worthy of Xuzhou," which he presented to the emperor. He also wrote "Excerpts" following Ban Gu's "Book of Rites" to document the significant events of the dynasty.
In the sixteenth year, Yi Qing was appointed as the Cavalier Attendant, Commander of military affairs for the six provinces of Xiyang, Jinxi, and Xincai in Jiangzhou and Yuzhou, Guard General, and Governor of Jiangzhou, with his responsibilities remaining the same. In the seventeenth year, he was also appointed as the Commander of military affairs for the six provinces of Nanyan, Xuyan, Qing, Ji, and You, and the Governor of Nanyan Province. Shortly after, he was also appointed as the Chancellor of the Palace Attendants. He was known for his simplicity and frugality, with few desires and a love for literature. Although he did not write many articles, his work was enough to become a model for the imperial family. He served as an official in various places, without indulging in any extravagance, only supporting monks in his later years, which required a larger expenditure. He was good at horse riding when he was young, but as he grew older and found the world to be difficult, he eventually gave up riding. He gathered many talented literati, who traveled from near and far. Yuan Shu, the Marshal, was the most talented writer of his time; when Yi Qing was in Jiangzhou, he invited him to serve as a military advisor. Others like Lu Zhan from Wu County, He Changyu from Donghai, and Bao Zhao were all distinguished literary figures, all of whom he recommended as advisors or officials. The letters from the Emperor to Yi Qing were always meticulously revised. Bao Zhao, with the style name Mingyuan, wrote elegant and flowing prose, and once composed ancient Yuefu poetry characterized by its vigor and beauty. During the Yuanjia period, the Yellow River and Ji River were both clear and transparent, which people at the time regarded as auspicious signs. Bao Zhao composed a poem titled "Song of the Clear River," featuring a particularly well-crafted introduction. The poem begins like this: "It is said that those who speak eloquently about the heavens must first seek signs in humanity; those who speak well of the ancients must first examine their achievements today."
He is a simple man with no particular hobbies; he just enjoys reading and writing. Although he doesn't write much, he is regarded as a cultured individual among the nobility. When he was in office, he was quite disciplined and didn't engage in any wrongdoing. In his later years, he devoted a significant amount of money to supporting monks. He was an excellent horseman in his youth, but later found life too challenging and gave up riding. He particularly enjoys making friends with talented people, eager to connect with them, no matter the distance. Notable literary figures of the time, like Yuan Shu and Yi Qing, who served as officials in Jiangzhou, maintained a close relationship with him. Yi Qing even invited him to serve as a military advisor! Renowned writers such as Lu Zhan, He Changyu, and Bao Zhao also collaborated with him. The emperor would meticulously revise his letters to Yi Qing, demonstrating the significance he placed on Yi Qing.
Bao Zhao, with the courtesy name Mingyuan, was an exceptional writer known for his ancient Yuefu poems, characterized by a strong and ornate style. During the Yuanjia period, both the Yellow River and the Ji River had cleared, which was seen as a good omen. Bao Zhao wrote a poem called "River Clearing Ode," opening with a remarkable line: "Those who talk about heaven must first see signs in people; those who speak of the past must first consider the present achievements." This suggests that to discuss celestial phenomena, one must take human affairs into account; when discussing ancient matters, one must consider the current situation. He then goes on to discuss numerous ancient tales, from Fuxi and Shennong to Yao, Shun, and Yu, with many of their achievements recorded in historical texts. The achievements of Emperor Yao were "recognized above and below," and the music celebrated the virtues of King Wen "shining in the heavens." These ancient auspicious signs, like white foxes and black jades, foretold the commands of emperors; signs like simple cows and large spiders predicted the establishment of the calendar; changes in fish and birds, abundant harvests of grains—these subtle omens can be cherished for generations and documented in history. Therefore, Bao Zhao said, it's strange that poets no longer compose poetry, and songs are seldom sung anymore, isn't it?
Speaking of our Great Song Dynasty, blessed by Heaven, drawing upon the essence of Yinglong and following the wisdom of the river turtle, the emperor ascended the throne, the country prospered, the ancestral legacy has grown even more glorious, and His Majesty has been in power for twenty-four years now. His benevolent rule reaches every corner of the land, with profound blessings, national prosperity, and the people living in peace and contentment. Within the four seas, all receive his grace. The emperor is compassionate towards the people's suffering, reducing the tributes from the rooftops, providing aid to disaster victims and drawing from the national granaries. He is hardworking and frugal, rejecting extravagance, avoiding indulgence, living simply, and acting with integrity. He is honest and open-hearted, without complaints. His political achievements shine as brightly as the sun and moon, even Heaven is moved. Therefore, even without strict orders, the people willingly abide by the law; even without sending messengers to proclaim, auspicious signs will naturally appear.
With the nation prosperous and at peace, peaceful borders, and full treasuries, exotic birds and beasts flock to the palace. The people across the country are well-fed, the palaces magnificent and grand, surpassing the grandeur of the Han Dynasty's Five Tombs and the palaces of the Three Rivers. Every household lives in abundance, with peace and prosperity all around, bustling with life. This is about more than just the people's contentment; the courtiers no longer need to worry about their livelihoods.
Therefore, auspicious signs keep appearing one after another, and blessings are becoming even more plentiful: foxes from Qingqiu and birds from Danxue all come to the palace to roost and frolic; golden mushrooms with nine stems, wooden grains with six blades, all appear in the palace gardens. These should all be celebrated with grand rituals, but there are just too many auspicious signs to count.
However, the emperor still rises early and sleeps late, governs diligently and cares for the people, as if he always feels there are many tasks yet to be completed. He is humble and cautious, never arrogant about his achievements. Therefore, the inscriptions praising his virtues remain unorganized and piled up; urgent government affairs have also piled up and remain unaddressed. The literary officials tasked with extolling the emperor's virtues can only offer their silent praises outside the palace; the officials accompanying him in court can only silently admire him in their hearts. May heaven bless us, and peace prevail in the world. This situation has persisted for a long time.
Speaking of the Qianqing Palace, the moonlight bathes the earth, the Yellow River rushes endlessly, flowing together into a vast, clear river, glistening with ripples, stretching clear for miles. This scene is truly a sight to behold, shining on the prosperous dynasty! The ancients often said, "Shadows follow forms, auspicious signs accompany virtues," doesn't this scene beautifully illustrate that saying? Confucius said, "If the phoenix does not come, the Yellow River will not produce a map," and the Book of Documents also says, "When the Yellow River runs clear, how long can one expect to live?" All of which express amazement at this rare sight. However, what the ancients could only dream of, we are now witnessing! Mencius said, "One sage appears every thousand years, just as common as morning and evening," truly remarkable!
Throughout the ages, emperors and kings, their achievements and reputation have been passed down for thousands of years; these are their great accomplishments. They bestowed grace upon the people, made the country prosperous and strong, established clear laws; this is their virtue. They established rituals, created music, and educated the people; this is their culture and education. They quelled rebellions and strengthened the borders; this is their military prowess. The chirping of birds, the leaping of fish, and the clarity of rivers are signs of heavenly blessings. Such great achievements, virtue, culture and education, military prowess, heavenly blessings, with the people living in peace and happiness, all complement each other. Heaven is great—Emperor Yao is the best example; the golden age of the Tang Dynasty—who can compare? I have also heard that the influence of power is limited, and so is the reach of a good reputation; while the influence of virtue is profound, the blessings it brings will endure as well. Therefore, those great achievements are recorded, and their virtues and good names are sung and praised. Look at ancient times, Xi and Jifu created music for emperors; look at the medieval times, Sima Xiangru, Wang Bao, and others also composed poems for emperors. These splendid works shine brightly and are passed down for generations. Ban Gu praised the reign of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, with over a thousand memorials submitted; the prosperity of literature was comparable to the golden ages of the Three Dynasties. It can be seen that writing for emperors is the duty of a subject and a necessary part of the country. While my abilities may be limited, I will certainly do my best.
Emperor Shizu liked to write, thinking that no one could match him. Zhao, referring to the author, saw through the Emperor's thoughts, deliberately using crude language and repetitive sentences in his writing. At that time, people thought Zhao had exhausted his talent, but that was not the case. Later, Sima Yue, the Prince of Linhai, became the Inspector of Jingzhou, and Zhao became his military aide, in charge of handling documents. Later, Sima Yue was defeated in battle and killed by marauding soldiers.
Yiqing suffered a severe illness in Guangling. At that time, a white rainbow appeared in the sky, spanning the city, and a wild deer ran into the mansion. Feeling this was a bad omen, he strongly requested to return to court. The Emperor agreed to let him return and restore his original title. In the twenty-first year of his life, Yiqing passed away in the capital at the age of forty-two. He was posthumously honored as a Palace Attendant and Minister of Works, with the posthumous title of Prince Kang.
His son, Prince Ai Xiao Ye, styled Jing Shu, served as a Palace Gentleman, but was later killed by nefarious individuals. He was posthumously honored as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance. Xiao Ye's son, Xiao Chao, styled Zi Liu, served as a Commandant of Infantry. In the third year of Shengming, Xiao Chao rebelled and was subsequently executed, and his title was revoked. Xiao Chao's younger brother, Xiao Wan, died young. Xiao Ye's younger brother, Xiao Yan, served as a Servant to the Crown Prince. Xiao Yan's younger brother, Xiao Jing, served as the Governor of Xuancheng. Xiao Jing's younger brother, Xiao Ying, served as the General of the Front. Xiao Ying's younger brother, Xiao Qian, served as the Prefect of Nan Xincai.
Xiao Zun's ancestors were distant cousins of Emperor Gaozu. Xiao Zun's great-grandfather was named Xiao Chun, a younger brother of the Emperor's great-grandfather, Wu Yuanling Xiao Hun, who held the position of Senior Officer. Xiao Zun's grandfather, Xiao Yan, served as the Governor of Haixi. Xiao Zun's father, Xiao Juanzi, served as the Interior Minister of Pengcheng.
Xiao Zun initially served as a Zhenwu General, participating in the campaign against Lu Xun and was granted the title of Marquis of Xiang. Later, he became the General of Establishing Might, the Governor of Pengcheng, and joined Emperor Gaozu in the Northern Expedition. At that time, Emperor Gaozu's sons were all weak, and among the imperial family, only Xiao Zun was relatively powerful. After the pacification of Chang'an City, Xiao Zun was appointed as the Inspector of the provinces of Bingzhou and Sizhou, the military commander overseeing the five counties of Pingyang, Beiyong, Anding, and others, the General Who Aids the State, the Governor of Bingzhou, and the Prefect of Hedong, where he was stationed at Puban. Later, after Guanzhong fell, Xiao Zun retreated south and was appointed as the General of Guerrilla Warfare, later promoted to Champion General. After the Jin Dynasty Emperor's abdication, he lived in the Moling Palace, commanding troops to ensure his safety.
When Emperor Gaozu had just ascended the throne, he issued a decree of grace, saying, "According to the ancestral rules, relatives are relatively close, and there are not many members of the imperial family. They should be given more favor and titles. He was granted the title of Marquis of Yingpu County, with a fief of five hundred households." He was then appointed as the Prefect of Pengcheng and Pei counties.
In the first year of the Jingping era, he was promoted to Right Guard General. In the second year of Yuanjia, he was sent out again to serve as the General of Pacifying the Barbarians and the Governor of Huainan. The following year, he was promoted again to serve as the Commissioner, Commandant of the Guard, in charge of the imperial palace. Later, he was sent out again to serve as the Commissioner, Inspector of the provinces of Yong, Liang, Nanbei Qin, Jingzhou, Nanyang, Jingling, Shunyang, Xiangyang, Xinye, and Sui, the General of Pacifying the Barbarians, the Colonel in Charge of Miao Pacification, the Governor of Yongzhou, and also serving as the Prefect of Xiangyang and Xinye counties. His father was known for his strictness and violent temperament during his tenure, plundering the people without restraint.
When he was five years old, because of his father's affairs, he was reported to the imperial court, but the emperor chose not to pursue the matter and allowed him to return to the capital. Seven years later, he was appointed as the Right Guard General of the Crown Prince, and also given the position of an official in the Court of Imperial Affairs. The following year, he was appointed as the Commander of Military Affairs in the southern provinces of Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and the military affairs in the regions north of the Yangtze River and Huai River, and the General for Conquering the Barbarians, Governor of Yanzhou, and concurrently the Administrator of Guangling. Later on, he was summoned back to the capital, appointed as a palace attendant, and promoted to General of the Rear Army, then transferred to the Ministry of Ceremonies. In the ninth year of his service, he was promoted to Right Guard General and also given the title of Cavalier in Regular Attendance. In the twelfth year, due to illness, he was unable to attend to his official duties in time and was relieved of his role as a Cavalier in Regular Attendance, retaining only his marquis and Right Guard General titles. The next year, he was reinstated to his former position. In the fifteenth year, he was also appointed as the Grand Master of Ceremonies for Xuzhou and the Crown Prince's Household Counsellor, while retaining his previous titles. That year, he was also appointed as the Commander of Military Affairs in the provinces of Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou, General of the Front, and Governor of Xuzhou and Yanzhou. Before he could assume his new post, he was retained in the capital, appointed as a palace attendant, and promoted to Left Guard General.
In the second year, he was appointed as a military commissioner overseeing the military affairs of the four counties in the southern region of Yu Province. In the twenty-first year, he was dismissed for failing to implement relief efforts during a drought, having previously served as Front General and governor of the southern Liang County. He was subsequently reinstated and appointed as a Cavalry Commandant, followed by a post as the governor of Wu Xing, with an official rank of Middle Two Thousand Stones. In the twenty-fifth year, he was summoned to the capital and appointed as General of the Army. In the twenty-seventh year, when invading forces from the north advanced to Guabu, he led troops into battle, and the emperor temporarily granted him a ceremonial axe. In the thirtieth year, he was again appointed as a military commissioner, overseeing the governorship of Yu Province. Following a political upheaval and the ascension of a new emperor, he was appointed as General of the West and tasked with monitoring Xu Anqi and Yang Jiezu to ensure their defense. Ultimately, he executed Xu Anqi and the others, rising in rebellion in support of Wang Yixuan of Nanchao, who appointed him as General of the West. Later, when Xiahou Xian led his troops to Guabu and pledged allegiance to Emperor Shizu, he was once again dismissed from his post.
In the year 452 AD, Lu Shuang and Zang Zhi rebelled. He was appointed as General for Pacifying the Barbarians, stationed his troops in Linyi, and also served as the Prefect of Wuxing. The following year, the court summoned him to serve as the Governor of Xiangzhou, but before he could depart, he was promoted to Left Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. In 454 AD, he was transferred to Danyang as Prefect, with the additional title of Cavalier Attendant. Shortly after, he was promoted to Right Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently serving as the Right Guard Commander of the Crown Prince. The next year, he was further appointed as General Who Leads the Army, retaining the title of Cavalier Attendant. In 456 AD, he was once again promoted to Right Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, bestowed with the title of Grandee with Golden and Purple Rank, while retaining the title of Cavalier Attendant. The following year, he was promoted to Left Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, still retaining the title of Cavalier Attendant. He also concurrently served as the Governor of Xuzhou, Grand Master of Ceremonies, and Grand Herald of the Faith. When the deposed emperor came to power, he was promoted to Special Advisor, Right Grandee of the Palace Attendants, while retaining the positions of Cavalier Attendant and Grand Herald of the Faith. In 457 AD, he was dispatched to oversee military affairs in Southern Yuzhou, holding the titles of General of the West and Governor of Southern Yuzhou. After Emperor Xiaowu of Song ascended the throne, he was appointed as Palace Attendant, Special Advisor, Right Grandee of the Palace Attendants, continuing to serve as Grand Herald of the Faith, and was also assigned thirty personal guards. After the Grand Herald of the Faith passed away, his position as Grand Herald was revoked, but his other official positions remained unchanged. In 461 AD, the court bestowed upon him several ceremonial staffs (symbols of honor), and high-ranking officials received delicacies from the court as rewards every season, as well as medical treatment from imperial physicians when ill, all of which he declined. Later, upon the accession of the deposed emperor, he was promoted to Left Grandee of the Palace Attendants, with his other official positions remaining the same. In 471 AD, he passed away at the age of eighty-two. Posthumously, he was honored with the titles of Left Grandee of the Palace Attendants and Household Grandee, while his position as Palace Attendant was retained, and he was posthumously granted the title of Lord Yuan. His ancestors were not particularly distinguished, but because they were related to the imperial family, they were consistently favored by successive dynasties. In his later years, he suffered from illness and went blind.
His son Chengzhi achieved a prominent position during the reign of Emperor Shundi of the Song Dynasty. Chengzhi's younger brother Kunzhi once served as the chief clerk of Prince Jingling Liu Dan. When Liu Dan rebelled and wanted Kunzhi to serve as a military advisor, Kunzhi refused to yield and was imprisoned for dozens of days. He was eventually killed by Liu Dan. He was granted the title of Yellow Gate Gentleman posthumously, and the court specifically had Xie Zhuang, the Minister of Personnel, compose a eulogy for him.
His cousin Sikao also received favor from the court. He held many high-ranking positions throughout his life, including Prefect of Yuzhang, Prefect of Kuaiji, Governor of Yi Province, and Governor of Xu Province, governing a total of ten commanderies and three provinces. In 461 AD, he died at the age of seventy-five while serving as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance and a Grand Master of Splendid Merit. He was posthumously promoted to a special position, and his titles of Cavalier In Regular Attendance and Grand Master of Splendid Merit were retained.
Historians say: We have traitors within our ranks and strong enemies at our borders, with Xun Yu and Huan Jie pressuring us in turns. The situation in Jingchu is extremely perilous! If there are still strategic oversights or miscalculations, the enemy is about to breach our walls, and the imminent crisis will erupt. The enemy currently holds a two-thirds advantage and is vying for control of the north. Whether we can achieve complete victory is uncertain. King Lie Wu had keen insight and implemented effective strategies to annihilate the powerful enemy, not just relying on favorable timing but also on strategic planning! Unfortunately, he died young and could not participate in the final victory, which is truly a pity!
Oh no, with traitors within and strong external pressures, Xun Yu and Huan Jie are applying pressure one after another. The situation in Jingchu is looking really dire! If any part of this isn't thought through or calculated correctly, we might not be able to hold the city walls, and trouble will come our way fast. The enemy is strong right now, holding most of the advantages, and is pushing northward to expand their territory. Whether we can win is anyone's guess. King Liu Wu is really impressive; he picked the right people and had some clever strategies, taking out the strong enemy in no time. This wasn’t just luck; it was all about skill and strategy! It's such a shame he died so young and didn't get to see the final victory—what a bummer!
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