The Book of Southern Qi consists of 59 chapters in total, divided into eight volumes of annals, eleven volumes of records, and forty biographies, written by Xiao Zixian, a historian of the Liang Dynasty. Before Jiang Yan, ten volumes of records had already been written, and Shen Yue also wrote the "Annals of Qi," but Xiao Zixian voluntarily requested to write this Book of Southern Qi, specifically recording the achievements of Emperor Wu of Qi. We are responsible for proofreading the errors in the book and then organizing the table of contents, like this:
The purpose of this historical work is to summarize the successes and failures in history, learn from them and warn future generations. In order to achieve this goal, historical facts must be recorded accurately to ensure their lasting legacy. This underscores the significance of writing historical works. However, if qualified individuals are not found to write these records, various problems may arise: either distorting the true intent of history, obscuring the truth of history, lacking logical coherence, or having poor literary style. Therefore, even if the book records some remarkable achievements and virtues, they may appear obscure and unable to be fully displayed due to these problems; while deceitful, malicious, and sinister events may be obscured.
Let's take a closer look at this. The great historians of ancient times must possess a profound understanding of the principles governing the world, their methods must be versatile enough for various contexts, their wisdom must allow them to grasp complex meanings, and their writing must vividly convey complex emotions, to be regarded as qualified historians. Why is that the case?
Think about it, during the times of Tang, Yao, and Shun, they possessed sacred virtues and deep moral refinement. Their actions were indescribable, their virtues were incomprehensible; this serves as the foundation for governing the world. The decrees they issued and the laws they established were extremely concise in language but very comprehensive in content; this is the tool for governing the world. The authors of the two volumes of the "Book of Documents" have clearly explained all of this. Is what they recorded merely the superficial aspects of things? They also conveyed the profound meanings. Major events and minor details, precision and lack of detail—nothing was overlooked; fundamentals and details, sequence of events, nothing was unclear. Those who read these records feel as if they are there; to understand their intentions feels as if facing the parties involved. Is it not fair to say that their understanding encompasses the principles of all things in the world, their methods can adapt to various purposes in the world, their wisdom can comprehend those difficult-to-understand meanings, and their writing can express those difficult-to-express emotions thoroughly? So, in that era, were the officials in power only talented individuals? Those who wielded the pen were also disciples of the sages.
Since the Han Dynasty, historians have significantly lagged behind. Thousands of years after the era of the Five Emperors and Three Kings, after the burning of books and burying of scholars in the Qin Dynasty, Sima Qian collected and organized bit by bit from the remaining classics and biographies of various schools, recorded the traces of good and evil, the reasons for rise and fall, and created his own work, including annals, hereditary houses, tables, books, and biographies; this can certainly be considered quite remarkable. However, did he not obscure the laws of the sages? Are there not places where right and wrong are confused, and mistakes in selection? Is it not accurate to say that his understanding falls short of fully grasping the principles of all things, his methods are insufficient to adapt to various purposes in the world, his wisdom is insufficient to comprehend those difficult-to-understand meanings, and his writing is insufficient to express those difficult-to-express emotions thoroughly?
Since the third generation, people who write history like Sima Qian are undoubtedly regarded as talented and outstanding figures. However, we still have to say that his understanding is insufficient to grasp the complexities of all things in the world, his methods lack the versatility to suit various contexts, his wisdom falls short of uncovering those elusive meanings, and his writing fails to convey those complex emotions effectively. What accounts for this? Because the realm of the sages is too profound; Sima Qian certainly cannot fully understand their thoughts and feelings, nor express them completely, so he cannot reach that height. This encapsulates Sima Qian's successes and failures; what about others? And that's not even to mention the historical books of the Song, Qi, Liang, Chen, Later Wei, and Later Zhou dynasties.
As for Zixian, he particularly likes to freely express himself in his writings, making numerous revisions and embellishing his language. However, the quality of his writing has been declining. Could it be that his talent was inherently limited and could not be forced? Historical records spanning several generations portray him this way, leaving his deeds quite obscure. Although there are some monarchs and ministers who conspired with him for fame and fortune, they failed to make his achievements widely recognized. And those who were greedy, unreasonable, and went against the norm at that time were lucky enough not to leave a bad name in history. Isn't this a result of their poor choices in allies? What a shame!
You see, the purpose of historical books is to elucidate the principles of governing the world, so those who write history must be among the best talents to effectively fulfill this role and clarify events. This cannot be done carelessly! Chen Xun, Chen Baochen, Chen Mu, Chen Zao, Ju Zhu, Chen Jue, Chen Yanruo, and Chen Gong respectfully present the index, risking their lives to submit it.
