Chu Yuan, courtesy name Yanhui, was from Yangzhai, Henan. His grandfather Chu Xiuzhi served as the Grand Minister of the Song Dynasty; his father Chu Zhanzhi was a General of the Cavalry and married Princess Shi'an'ai, the daughter of Emperor Wu of Song. Chu Yuan was well-known from an early age and later married Princess Xiangong of Nanjun, the daughter of Emperor Wen, creating a family legacy of marrying into the imperial family. He held positions such as General of the Cavalry, Assistant Officer in the Imperial Archives, Attendant to the Crown Prince, Military Advisor to the Grand Preceptor, Royal Stable Master, and Chief of the Imperial Secretariat. After his father's death, Chu Yuan divided the family wealth among his siblings, keeping only a few thousand scrolls of books. He then inherited the title of Marquis of Duxiang. He also served as a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Personnel, and Assistant in the Ministry of Personnel.
When Emperor Ming ascended the throne, he wanted Chu Yuan to concurrently serve as Colonel of the Crown Prince's Cavalry, but he declined. Later, he was promoted to Palace Attendant, overseeing affairs in the Eastern Palace. He was then appointed as Minister of Personnel, followed by leading the Crown Prince's Right Guard, which he firmly declined. When the Prince of Jian'an, Xiu Ren, marched south to suppress the rebellion of Yi Jia, stationed at Quewei, Chu Yuan was sent to the army with full authority to select officers below the generals. After the campaign, Chu Yuan was promoted to General of the Valiant Cavalry.
When Xue Andu rebelled and occupied Xuzhou, enemies from the north frequently invaded the Huai River and Si River basins. The court sent Chu Yuan to boost the morale of the northern troops. Upon his return, Chu Yuan reported to the Emperor, "West of Xuyi, the defenses are weak and need strengthening; Ruyin and Jingting are surrounded by enemies, Anfeng has fallen, and the troops in Shouchun can only hold their ground. If the enemy sends light cavalry to harass Shouyang, then there's a risk south of the Yangtze River. Liyang, Guabu, Zhongli, and Yiyang all require reinforced defenses, and skilled personnel should be assigned there."
When Emperor Ming of Song was still a prince, he had a good relationship with Chu Yuan. After ascending the throne, he trusted him completely and heeded his advice on everything. The emperor changed his title to Count of Yudu County with a fief of five hundred households. He was promoted to the position of Court Attendant, serving as the Right Guard General, and soon after became a Cavalier In Regular Attendance and the Intendant of Danyang. Later, he was appointed as the Administrator of Wuxing, while still keeping his title as Cavalier In Regular Attendance. The court wanted to increase his salary, but he firmly refused.
As the emperor fell seriously ill, he quickly sent for Xie Yuan to take care of affairs after he was gone. The emperor intended to execute Prince Xiu Ren of Jian'an, but Xie Yuan strongly advised against it, but the emperor didn't listen. He also wanted him to continue serving as Minister of Personnel Affairs, concurrently holding the positions of Palace Attendant and Commandant of the Guards. Xie Yuan turned down the Commandant position, but the emperor insisted, so he was appointed as the Right Vice Chancellor, letting him keep his role as Commandant of the Guards. Xie Yuan mentioned that his mother was old and in poor health, needing care daily, so he declined the position of Commandant of the Guards, but the emperor disagreed.
Upon the emperor's death, a posthumous decree named Xie Yuan as the Minister of the Secretariat and General Protector, and added the position of Cavalier In Regular Attendance, entrusting him and Yuan Can to help the young emperor. Xie Yuan and Yuan Can worked together to handle state affairs, promoting frugality after the previous excesses, benefiting the common people. Xie Yuan received guests with humility and attentiveness. Unfortunately, at that time, Wang Daolong and Ruan Dianfu held power, corruption was widespread, and Xie Yuan couldn't do anything about it.
Xie Yuan's stepmother, Lady Guo, passed away, and he was very devoted, mourning for days and losing a lot of weight. He did not wash his face or comb his hair for a whole year, only revealing his true self when he cried. The court issued a decree to end his mourning and prohibited guests from paying their respects. After the funeral, Xie Yuan was appointed as General of the Central Army, keeping his previous positions.
In the year 452 AD, King Xiu Fan of Guiyang rebelled. Wang Sengyuan and General Wei Yuan together entered the palace to calm the people's fears and avoid greater panic. When Wang Sengyuan had just been appointed as the magistrate of Danyang, he and his brother Wang Sengzhi went out in a carriage and met Liu Yu (later Emperor Wu of Song) while traveling. Wang Sengyuan pointed to Liu Yu's carriage and said to Wang Sengzhi, "This man is no ordinary person!" Later, Wang Sengyuan was transferred to Wuxing County as an official, and Liu Yu gave him many gifts. Wang Sengyuan said again, "This person has extraordinary looks, and his future accomplishments will be extraordinary!" When Liu Yu was appointed during a critical moment, Wang Sengyuan recommended him to the court.
After Liu Yu pacified the rebellion in Guiyang, he was promoted to Zhonglingjun by the emperor, while also serving as the Inspector of South Yanzhou, and his fiefdom and household were increased. Liu Yu firmly declined and wrote to Wang Sengyuan and Yuan Can, saying, "I’m just an ordinary guy with no grand ambitions. I have been elected to this position due to changing circumstances, with limited abilities yet shouldering heavy responsibilities, constantly on edge. At times of national crisis, everyone advances bravely, how can I possibly hold back my own life? It is only natural to risk danger in battle to serve the country, but the court has given me such high rewards, promoting me to Zhonglingjun, increasing my fiefdom and title, leaving me anxious and unsettled. I have served the court with all my heart and never pretended. I have never declined the court's favor before. The current rewards make me even more uneasy. I feel ashamed for having accepted the late emperor's favor and now, due to the rebellion of royal relatives, I already feel ashamed. Being elevated for quelling the rebellion feels like a disgrace to the nation, and as a loyal subject, I cannot accept this. Honor must not be abused, rewards must not blind; I humbly request the emperor to revoke the appointment of Zhonglingjun, cancel the order to increase my fiefdom and household, so I can live in peace and serve my country by the Huai River. If I return victorious like when I defeated the Xiongnu, only then will I accept the title; I will never decline."
Wang Sengyuan and Yuan Can replied, "We have long heard of your extraordinary wisdom, and we hold you in high regard for your humility. We have no doubt about your modest and cautious attitude, and we have long grasped the essence of your words. We understand the humility expressed in your letter. However, what we should discuss now are urgent matters of great importance. The world is currently in turmoil, with internal and external troubles in the country, unrest in all directions, hardships for the people on the borders, huge financial expenditures for the country, the treasury in need of reserves, and the invasion of nomadic tribes from the north is a source of great concern. All wise men in the world are worried about the country, and we share the heavy responsibility of the nation. In this situation, should we be focusing on self-cultivation and humility? From your heart, this is evidently not feasible. Since it is impossible, there is no need to insist. Moreover, with formidable enemies advancing and the flames of war engulfing the land, such unforeseen changes, which are rarely witnessed in history, should have been prepared for in advance. We must fortify the city and prepare for battle, and make decisive decisions, which is inevitable. Once the battle begins, the enemy will be eliminated. With this victory, you will be promoted to lead the army and receive more land. But what is this compared to your achievements? How can this repay your merits or fulfill your wishes? Your current position as a close attendant to the Imperial Guard and promotion to lead the army is not an excessive reward. When you served as the Governor in Ji and He regions, the level of your military command did not exceed the original level. According to your merits, you should have received a higher reward, but now your rank has been lowered, which contradicts the court's established protocols. You have served the court for many years, and there are few who have stood with you. Liu Jun leads the army with integrity and courage, sacrificing heroically, which is mournful. National affairs are urgent, and we cannot afford to delay. As a talented individual like you resigning from your official position, who else can we rely on? You should exert greater effort in your significant military role and serve the court diligently. Even as a commoner, you must uphold your commitments, and the monarch's orders must be followed. Hesitation is not permissible. Those in high positions with outstanding merits should consider the overall situation when advancing or retreating. If one only considers their own interests, how can they earn the trust of the populace? By not considering yourself, you can demonstrate your fairness. After thorough deliberation, we have decided to accept your counsel." Finally, Liu Yu accepted the appointment.
That year, Chu Yuan was promoted to the position of Minister of State and Court Attendant, and was also assigned twenty sword-bearing guards, but he firmly declined the position of Minister of State. Three years later, he was granted the title of marquis, with his fiefdom increased by one thousand households. After the mourning period was over, he was appointed as the Director of the Palace Library, retaining his roles as Court Attendant and Commander of the Guards, and he was also given a ceremonial music band. The following year, Chu Yuan's birth mother, Princess of Wu County, passed away, which left Chu Yuan heartbroken and gaunt. After the princess was buried, the court issued an edict ordering him to return to his duties, but he still firmly declined. Even after the mourning period had ended, he submitted a request to resign, but the court did not allow it.
King of Cangwu, Liu Xiufan, became increasingly arrogant and overbearing. Emperor Taizu, Chu Yuan, and Yuan Can discussed state affairs together. Yuan Can said, "The Emperor is still young, and some minor faults can be easily corrected. Acting as a regent, like Yi Yin and Huo Guang, is not something we should do in this era. Even if successful, one cannot ultimately maintain their position." Chu Yuan remained silent but leaned more towards Emperor Taizu in his heart. Later, the King of Cangwu was removed from power, and the courtiers discussed the matter together. Yuan Can and Liu Bing were unwilling to accept new appointments. At this point, Chu Yuan said, "Without Duke Xiao (referring to Xiao Daocheng), this matter cannot be resolved." He immediately presented a memorial to Emperor Taizu. Emperor Taizu said, "If everyone declines, how can I refuse!" The matter was thus decided. After Emperor Shundi ascended the throne, Chu Yuan was reassigned as General of the Guards, with the title of Household Counselor and the position of Court Attendant retained, and he could bring fifty guards when entering the court. After the Shen You incident broke out, Yuan Can began to have doubts, and Emperor Taizu summoned Chu Yuan to discuss countermeasures. Chu Yuan said, "The rebellion in the west, referring to Shen You, is bound to fail; the Emperor should first strengthen internal defenses." Emperor Taizu secretly made preparations according to his advice. After the rebellion was quelled, Chu Yuan was promoted to the position of Director of the Palace Library and Minister of Works, while retaining his previous positions.
After the Qitai was completed, Chu Yuan recommended He Zeng to Emperor Taizu, saying that He Zeng had been promoted from the Minister of Personnel of Wei to the Prime Minister of Jin, and requested to appoint him to an official position in Qi. Emperor Taizu humbly declined. In the first year of Jianyuan, Chu Yuan was promoted to Minister of Personnel, while retaining his positions as Attendant and Director of the Palace Library, and was titled Duke of Nankang, with a fief of three thousand households. Chu Yuan firmly declined the Minister of Personnel position, and even wrote a letter to Wang Jian, the Supervisor, wanting to follow the example of Cai Mo. Wang Jian thought it was inappropriate and advised him to accept the appointment, but Chu Yuan still refused.
Chu Yuan had a dignified appearance, elegant demeanor, and every move was graceful. Whenever he attended court, the officials and foreign envoys all watched him in admiration, reluctant to leave. Emperor Ming of Song once remarked, "Chu Yuan can achieve success by moving slowly and steadily; just based on this alone, he could serve as prime minister!" Soon after, Chu Yuan was further appointed as Prefect of the Masters of Writing, while his original position was retained. Two years later, the court appointed him as Minister of Personnel once more, and once again he firmly declined.
That year, the nomadic tribes in the north began to stir again, and the Emperor wanted to summon all officials below the rank of nobles and kings to join the army. Wang Yuan advised the Emperor, saying that this would be of no practical use and would only increase chaos, which led the Emperor to reconsider his decision.
In court, the Emperor often sought advice from Wang Yuan on major and minor matters, and each time he adopted his suggestions, showing him particular favor. Once, at a grand feast, after several rounds of drinks, the Emperor said to the ministers, "You ministers, just like the officials of the Song Dynasty, should stop insisting that I should be the Emperor." Before Wang Jian and the others could respond, Wang Yuan solemnly said, "Your Majesty, you cannot say that your subjects did not recognize your royal countenance earlier!" The Emperor laughed heartily, "I truly apologize to Wen Shu (Wang Yuan's courtesy name), I have known you for a long time and recognized you as a loyal subject long ago."
Wang Yuan is knowledgeable and well-informed, and he can also play the pipa. When his ancestor, the founding emperor, was still in the Eastern Palace as the Crown Prince, he rewarded Wang Yuan with a pipa with a golden handle and silver pillars. Wang Yuan is gentle in character, very elegant, and never acts rashly. When his house caught on fire, as flames raged and thick smoke billowed, everyone around was in a panic, but Wang Yuan remained calm and composed, calmly instructed people to carry his sedan chair and leave at a leisurely pace.
Some frivolous people used his reputation to gossip, saying that Wang Yuan had a lot of white in his eyes, claiming that he had a "white rainbow piercing the sun," believing it was a sign of the impending downfall of the Song Dynasty.
When the founding emperor passed away, he appointed Xiao Yuan as the Minister of Personnel. This was unprecedented in the Jiangnan region, as no one had ever been appointed solely as the Minister of Personnel before, so the appropriate authorities were unsure of what to do. The Minister Wang Jian suggested, "Logically, since Xiao Yuan is currently holding his official position and has been separately appointed as the Minister of Personnel, he should be given a decree, but there has never been such a precedent before. Starting from the central government, officials of the second rank or higher receive a decree but not an edict; the decree serves as a commendation, while the edict includes both an appointment and instructions. The Minister of Personnel position is among the highest in the government, so a decree is always issued upon appointment. The rank of the Minister of Personnel is unclear, but the power is great. In the past, it was often appointed together with the main official, so there was no separate decree. However, Xiao Yuan's case is unique and should not be compared to that of ordinary officials, so he should be given a decree to reflect the significance of his appointment." Everyone agreed with his reasoning and adopted his suggestion. As a result, Xiao Yuan's ceremonial retinue grew to thirty people, and he began meeting with the emperor every five days.
After a while, Xiao Yuan fell ill. He observed strange celestial signs and felt very uneasy, so he submitted a request to resign from his post. He also shared his thoughts with Emperor Wen through Wang Jian and the Palace Attendant Wang Yan, but Emperor Wen did not agree. Xiao Yuan submitted another memorial saying, "My abilities are mediocre, my fortune is too great, which has instead brought disaster upon me. I can't perform my duties like those capable ministers. I’ve been feeling uneasy, thinking I’m not up to the task at any moment. I’ve not held this position for long, and I got seriously ill in my first year, and it’s been a struggle ever since, endangering my life several times, causing me great anxiety. Your Majesty has urged me to stay; some might think it's a collective opinion, but it is actually your excessive kindness, hoping that I continue to enjoy wealth and honor. I am now forty-eight years old, having achieved such a high position, and now I am resigning due to illness; this shouldn't come as a surprise to you. The role of Minister of Works is rarely held by anyone from Jiangnan; it is of high status and importance. I’m drawing a salary but can’t fulfill my duties; retirement is what I wish for; it’s not a demotion for me, it’s clear to everyone, and there’s no need for you to worry about me or feel sorry for me. If I can be clean in heart and humble in appearance, even if I'm accused, I deserve it. But I cannot do it, and it is unforgivable in the eyes of heaven and earth. These are my heartfelt words. I cherish every moment and hope to serve the country as Yao and Shun did. Wang Hong insisted on resigning before and was finally appointed as the Guard General, and Song Shi agreed without hesitation, and there were no objections at the time. Compared to him, I am not worth mentioning at all. I hope Your Majesty can continue to show great ambitions, allow me to retire, so that even if I die, it’ll feel like I’m still around." Finally, Emperor Wen agreed to his request, appointing him as the Minister of Works and concurrently as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, still serving as the Palace Attendant and the Minister of Works.
The emperor sent the attendant Wang Yan and the imperial gatekeeper Wang Xiu to visit the condition of Minister Wang Yuan. As a result, Wang Yuan passed away, leaving no money at home and owing a lot of debt, amounting to hundreds of thousands. The emperor said, "Minister Wang Yuan passed away suddenly, and I am deeply saddened. Although he has been in poor health, I personally went to pay my respects. I rewarded him with a set of precious items from the East Garden, a set of court attire, one garment, two hundred thousand coins, two hundred bolts of cloth, and two hundred pounds of candles." At that time, the officials of the Sikong Mansion were uncertain whether to pay their respects in an official capacity since Wang Yuan had not officially taken office as Sikong. Wang Jian said, "According to the rules of the Book of Rites, when a wife hears that someone has died in her husband's family while on the road, she must change into mourning clothes and rush back. Although these officials have not officially taken office, they represent the court and should observe the proper mourning rituals." The historian of the Sikong Mansion inquired whether, since Wang Yuan had resigned and had not yet received a new appointment, the mansion should observe mourning in accordance with the etiquette for an official in office. Wang Jian said, "According to the court's practice, for example, Sun Dezhu, who was transferred from Leling to Chenliu, died before taking office. The officials of Leling County observed mourning according to his previous official position, while the officials welcoming him in Chenliu observed mourning according to the auspicious day of his marriage. Therefore, the Sikong Mansion should observe mourning according to his previous official position."
The emperor issued another decree, saying: "Commending merits and virtues is to inspire the people; handling funerals carefully is to show kindness and righteousness. The regulations and systems of the past emperors must be followed. Therefore, the Grand Secretary, Situ, Director of the Secretariat, and newly appointed Minister of Works, Duke of Nankang, Wang Yuan, was upright, insightful, and broad-minded. He exhibited noble character from a young age, and after entering officialdom, he worked diligently and earned deep respect from all. He was filial to his parents and friendly to his brothers at home, loyal and devoted to the court, with significant accomplishments. He assisted the previous emperor in governing the country, faced hardships, and finally completed his mission. He managed court affairs comprehensively, ensuring everything was in order. His actions were comparable to those of the virtuous ministers of ancient times, setting an example for future generations to follow. He was humble and cautious, repeatedly declining promotions. Although he obeyed the emperor's decree, he also disappointed my expectations. He was supposed to be promoted to a higher position to further promote his teachings. Unfortunately, he suddenly passed away, causing me great sorrow. I posthumously awarded him the title of Taizai, with his titles of Grand Secretary, Director of the Secretariat, and Duke remaining unchanged. He was awarded the ceremonial axe, additional feathered banners and musicians, and the funeral procession was expanded to sixty attendants. His funeral will follow the standards established by Wang Hong, the Taibao of the Song Dynasty. His posthumous title is Wenjian."
Initially, the carriages of the common-born San Gong officials lacked a uniform standard. Wang Jian suggested adding canopies and curtains to the carriages of first-rank officials, starting with Wang Yuan. The emperor also ordered the temporary opening of the tomb of Wang Yuan's wife, who served as the prefect of Baxi County during the Song Dynasty, and posthumously conferred upon her the title of Lady of Nankang County.
Wang Yuan's eldest son was named Wang Ben, styled Weixian. He initially served as a secretary. During the reign of Emperor Song Ming, he held various positions such as Grand Commandant under Emperor Taizu, Right Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works, Attendant of the Grand Tutor's Office, Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, Commander of the Imperial Guard, Chief of the Prince of Qi, and Assistant Officer of the Imperial Guard. During the Jianyuan era, he returned to the palace and eventually became an attendant of the palace. After Wang Yuan's passing, Wang Ben finished his mourning and went to see Emperor Xiao Daocheng (Shizu), crying uncontrollably. The Emperor appreciated his filial piety and appointed him as an attendant of the palace, as well as Infantry Colonel, Minister of the Masses, Cavalier Attendant, and Director of the Imperial Secretariat, although he declined these positions. Six years later, he reported being ill and relinquished his title to his brother, Wang Zhen. It was widely believed that Wang Ben stopped serving in official positions because of his father's perceived lack of loyalty during the Song Dynasty. In the seventh year of Yongming, Wang Ben died, and the Emperor granted him 30,000 coins and 50 bolts of cloth.
Wang Zhen, styled Maoxu, began his career as a Gentleman of the Outer Palace during the Yongming era and was later appointed as the Governor of Yixing. In the eighth year of Yongming, he was granted the title of Marquis of Badong County. The following year, he relinquished his title to Wang Ji, the son of Wang Ben, and the Emperor approved. During the Jianwu era, he held the positions of Minister of the Crown Prince's Chariots, Minister of Revenue, and General Who Directs the Army. He died in the first year of Yongyuan and was posthumously honored with the title of Grand Preceptor and given the posthumous title of Mu. Wang Yuan also had a younger brother named Wang Cheng.
Cheng, styled Yandao. Initially, his father Zhanzhi married Princess Shi'an, who passed away, then he took a woman from the Guo family as a concubine and had his brother Yuan. Later, Zhanzhi married the Princess of Wujun and had Cheng. His brother Yuan was very filial to the emperor, who also liked him very much. After Zhanzhi passed away, the emperor designated Yuan as his legitimate son. Cheng married Princess Lujiang, daughter of Emperor Wen of Song, and became the Duke of the Imperial Guard. His official rank continued to rise, and he was skilled in medicine. During the Jianyuan era, he became the governor of Wu County. When the Prince of Yuzhang fell ill, the emperor summoned him to treat the Prince, and he quickly recovered. Later, he was appointed as the Minister of Civil Service. After his brother Yuan passed away, Cheng spent over ten thousand coins to redeem the white weasel fur bestowed upon Yuan by the emperor and had it made into a fur coat and hat tassels. He also redeemed Yuan's hat, rhinoceros horn guide, and the yellow ox that Yuan rode. In the first year of Yongming, he was impeached by the Censor Yuan Tuan and was dismissed from his position and imprisoned, but later reinstated. He later became a Chamberlain and General of the Right Army, greatly valued by the emperor for his hard work. He died that same year. His daughter later became the empress of the Donghun Marquis. In the first year of Yongyuan, he was posthumously granted the title of Grand Minister of Golden Purple.
Once upon a time in Dongyang, there was a man named Xu Si who had extraordinary medical skills. There was a rural old man who had been plagued by a chronic illness for many years. Even with thick blankets and a fire burning beneath his bed, he did not get better. Xu Si treated him in the winter by making the old man sit bare on a stone and pouring more than a hundred bottles of water over him. Initially, after dozens of bottles, the old man was shivering from the cold and nearly died. His son and grandson were crying nearby, but Xu Si insisted on going on. After pouring around seventy to eighty bottles, steam began to rise from the old man's body, like steam. Only then did Xu Si tell him to take off all the bedding. The next day, the old man was able to get out of bed and walk. Xu Si said it was a serious fever. Another time, in the spring, while he was out and about, Xu Si heard someone groaning in a thatched hut near the South Lattice Gate. He remarked, "This illness is serious. If it’s not treated in the next couple of days, it could be fatal." So he went to see. An old lady complained that her whole body hurt and was covered in black spots. Xu Si went home and cooked more than a liter of herbal soup for her to drink. After taking the medicine, the old lady's pain intensified, and she jumped up from the bed several times. Before long, all those black spots came out on their own, each over an inch long. Xu Si then applied ointment to the wounds, and she was healed in just three days. He diagnosed it as a carbuncle. There were many cases like this, and Xu Si's medical skills were even more impressive than Cheng's.
Wang Jian, styled Zhongbao, was a native of Linyi in Langya. His grandfather, Wang Tan Shou, served as the Right Guanglu Daifu during the Song Dynasty; his father, Wang Sengchuo, held the title of Jinzi Guanglu Daifu. Soon after Wang Jian was born, his father was killed, and he was raised by his uncle, Wang Senqian. At a young age, Wang Jian inherited the title of Marquis Yuning, received his fiefdom, and cried profusely at the time. From a young age, Wang Jian was very intelligent, devoted to his studies, and always had his nose in a book. The magistrate of Danyang, Yuan Can, had heard of his reputation and recommended him to Emperor Song Ming, so Wang Jian married Princess Yangxian and was appointed as the Duke Consort. Later, the Emperor, due to the involvement of his stepmother, Princess Wukang, in a scandal, wanted to move Princess Wukang's tomb. Wang Jian personally presented his case to the Emperor and discreetly offered to sacrifice his life to atone, which resolved the matter.
Afterwards, Wang Jian served as a Secretary, then as a Junior Scholar to the Crown Prince, and quickly rose to the position of Secretariat Assistant. He submitted a request to proofread the classics and compiled a forty-volume work titled "Seven Records" following the format of the "Seven Strategies," which he presented to the Emperor in an elegantly formal memorial. He also compiled the "Catalog of the Four Books of the Yuanhui Era." After his mother's passing, Wang Jian observed a three-year period of mourning, and upon its completion, he became the Right Chief Historian of the Ministry of Personnel. The "Regulations of Jin" stipulated that the Chief Historian in a public office was required to wear court attire, but from the Song Dynasty onward, they began wearing vermilion robes instead. Wang Jian suggested reinstating the old system, but the courtiers at the time disagreed. Later, when a rebellion broke out in Cangwu, Wang Jian was very worried and requested Yuan Can for permission to leave. Citing the example of Wang Xianzhi, the husband of Princess Xin'an of the Jin Dynasty, who had previously served as the Governor of Wuxing, he requested to be appointed as the Prefect of Yixing. Upon his return, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, and then was promoted to the Ministry of Personnel.
In the second year of Shengming, Wang Jian was promoted to Imperial Secretary while also serving as Chief Clerk. However, following his father's death, he firmly declined the position. Wang Jian had long recognized the great talent of Xiao Daocheng (Emperor Taizu) and actively befriended him before he rose to a high-ranking official position. After Xiao Daocheng became the Grand Commandant, he summoned Wang Jian as the Chief Clerk of the Right, valued him highly, and often met with him in private, entrusting him with significant responsibilities. Later, he was promoted to Chief Clerk of the Left. When Xiao Daocheng ascended to the position of Grand Tutor, this was also due to Wang Jian's recommendation. From a young age, Wang Jian had ambitions of becoming a prime minister, and everyone highly praised him. Later, when Xiao Daocheng wanted to ascend the throne as emperor, Wang Jian, as an assisting minister, was involved in preparing for the enthronement ceremony, managing the rituals and edicts, with only the abdication edict drafted by Chu Yuan, in which Wang Jian took part in the revisions. After the establishment of the Qi dynasty, Wang Jian was appointed Chief Minister of the Right while also serving as Minister of Personnel, at just twenty-eight years old. Xiao Daocheng once casually remarked to Wang Jian, "Today, I regard Qingxi as the Hong Gou." Wang Jian replied, "By aligning with the will of Heaven and heeding the people's sentiments, we can avoid a conflict like that between Chu and Han." In the first year of Jianyuan, Wang Jian was granted the title of Duke of Nanchang County, with a fief of two thousand households. The following year, he was promoted to Chief Minister of the Left, continuing to oversee the Ministry of Selection.
Emperor Song Ming wanted to tear down the Purple Pole Hall to use its materials to construct the Xuanyang Gate. Minister Jian, along with Chu Yuan and his uncle Monk Qian, jointly submitted a memorial to advise, "We have heard that character is the foundation of a person, and thriftiness embodies that character. In the past, officials from the Jin Dynasty oversaw the construction of the Spring Terrace, and the ministers of the Han Dynasty participated in the planning of the palace. Some of those people were princes, and some served the emperor; they were all open to advice from their subordinates. Moreover, Your Majesty is a wise monarch, and we, as your loyal subjects, bear significant responsibilities. Thus, we humbly invoke the teachings of the late emperor to express our thoughts. Your Majesty, you have promoted the appointment of officials and the practice of thriftiness, stressing simplicity and austerity in your dragon robes and the palaces. We truly do not understand the benefit of dismantling the Purple Pole Hall to use its materials to construct the Xuanyang Gate. A good doctor focuses on treating the whole illness, not just a specific symptom; running away from your own shadow isn’t a way to live peacefully. Furthermore, it is currently the busy farming season, and the people are toiling away. Halting agricultural work for construction projects is not a way to showcase your great achievements and enhance your reputation. If the Xuanyang Gate, located to the south of the palace, is an important city gate that has been damaged over time, it can be repaired according to the actual situation without needing extensive construction that is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. If there are any shortcomings in our memorial, please consider our suggestions, Your Majesty." After reviewing the memorial, the Emperor agreed with their suggestions.
The six gates outside the Song Dynasty palace were originally surrounded by bamboo fences. In the beginning of that year, someone opened a White Tiger jar (a type of wine vessel) and said, "The White Gate has three layers of locks; the bamboo fence cannot be breached." The emperor listened to these words and thought they made sense, so he ordered the construction of city walls. Jian advised again, and the emperor replied, "I want future generations to never be able to surpass my achievements." The court had just been established, and the system was still in its early stages. Jian was well-versed in past events and could answer any question. The emperor sighed, "As the Book of Songs states, 'When the mountain descends, it bestows blessings, giving rise to Fu and Shen,' it seems that Heaven has sent Jian to me now!"
That year, Jian Gu requested to resign from his official duties, stating in a memorial: "I have carefully studied the past and present events, and reflected on my own situation. I considered seeking promotion through imperial favor, but found that I do not have the qualifications. Why is that? Zhang Liang met Emperor Gaozu of Han, and Ji An met Emperor Wen of Wei; these are praised in historical records as exemplary tales, and gentlemen also praise their noble character. These two ministers were truly talented in assisting emperors; their actions were not flattery, and the two emperors appointed them based on their own authority, which undermined the emperor's magnanimity. How can this be compared to those mediocre individuals who gained promotion through imperial favor? I have long had a plan in mind; how could I not be aware of it? Even if I exhaust my family's strength, sacrifice my own life, and make a negligible contribution to the country, I should still do my utmost to repay any kindness; how can I care about external decorations and pursue ordinary matters? The appointments of officials across various ranks, the atmosphere and examples, are all based on this, distinguishing between jade and cinnabar. I do not mean to say that there are no minor explanations in the official documents, but I am not very good at evaluating talents. Although I have been trying hard, my abilities fall short of my aspirations. If I take on this responsibility reluctantly, it will be a burden for both of us. I only want to do my job well and hope to make a slight contribution. Moreover, those who previously managed the selection of officials were not necessarily the most outstanding talents at the time, so why must it be me now? I am wholeheartedly committed to serving the country, not seeking to decline or evade my duties. I am willing to share the joys and sorrows with the country; why wait until I receive a high position to consider it wholehearted? If Your Majesty does not give me a clear answer based on this principle, how can I expect special favor? I have repeatedly overstepped my bounds with Your Majesty and shared Your concerns, which I sincerely regret." The Emperor agreed to his request. Jian Gu was appointed as an attendant, but he declined and was finally appointed as an Imperial Attendant.
The emperor hosted a banquet in the palace for several ministers, allowing them to showcase their talents. Chu Yuan played the pipa, Wang Sengqian played the zither, Shen Wenji sang the "Midnight Song," Zhang Jing danced, and Wang Jing kept the beat. Jian Gu remarked, "I have no talents to showcase, only my studies." So he knelt down and recited Sima Xiangru's "Letter on Sacrifices to Heaven." The emperor laughed and said, "This is a praise of the achievements of the prosperous era; I am not worthy of such praise!" Later, the emperor asked Lu Cheng to recite the "Classic of Filial Piety," starting from the chapter "Confucius at Home." Jian Gu said, "Although Lu Cheng's recitation is extensive, it lacks focus; please allow me to recite." So he recited the chapter "The Matters of a Gentleman." The emperor said, "Very good! Zhang Zibu's (Jian Gu's courtesy name) recitation is indeed remarkable!" Shortly after, Jian Gu was appointed as the Prince's Attendant and was given an additional two hundred soldiers as guards.
When the emperor passed away, his will stipulated the principle of frugality, appointing him as Palace Attendant, Minister of State, and General of the Guard. After the new emperor took the throne, he assigned him twenty armed guards. In the first year of Yongming, he was promoted to General of the Guards and participated in the selection of officials. The following year, he also served as the National Teacher and the Intendant of Danyang, with his original positions unchanged, and a ceremonial ensemble was assigned to him. In the third year, he continued to serve as the National Teacher. When his uncle Wang Sengqian passed away, Xiao Jian submitted a request to resign from his official positions, but the emperor did not approve. He was then appointed as the Tutor of the Crown Prince and also served as the Chief Official of the province, resigning from the position of Intendant of Danyang. Previously, there were two Tutors of the Crown Prince who assisted together, but at this time, the court decided to treat the Tutors with the etiquette typically reserved for guests. That year, the court converted Zongming Hall into the Academy of Scholars, placed in Xiao Jian's residence, where the four classics were housed, and issued a decree for his residence to be used as an official residence. In the fourth year, he was also appointed as the Minister of Personnel in addition to his original position.
Xiao Jian is proficient in etiquette and very familiar with court ceremonies. Whenever he participates in court discussions, he can cite classics and references; few can match him. None of the eight officials can match his prowess. Dealing with official duties every day, the seats are filled with guests, but Xiao Jian handles them with ease and keeps everything in order, without any delay. Every ten days, he has to return to the Imperial Academy to personally supervise the students taking exams. His hat and books are displayed in the courtyard, with guards and officials dressed in their best, creating a grand spectacle. With his hair down and a hairpin tucked into his hat, everyone in the court starts to mimic his style. Xiao Jian often tells others, "In the annals of Jiangnan, only Xie An was a distinguished chancellor." Clearly, he is comparing himself to Xie An! The Emperor trusts him greatly, and most of his recommendations for selecting and appointing scholars are accepted. After five years, the Emperor wanted to confer upon him the title of a provincial governor, but he firmly declined. In the sixth year, the Emperor once again ordered him to take up the position. Initially, the Emperor ordered him to return to court every three days, and even the officials had to report to the Emperor when conducting official business. Finding this arrangement burdensome, the Emperor then ordered him to work in the Ministry of Personnel, allowing him to leave the office for only ten days a month. When he submitted his petition to resign, the Emperor refused his request.
After seven years, he submitted a memorial, saying, "For years, I've been requesting to resign. My intentions are as clear as day to the heavens and the earth, and my sincerity is evident to all in the court and the common folk. Everyone also feels that my request is reasonable, but Your Majesty has not approved it. I've heard that a wise person knows when it's time to step down, and now is the time for me to retire. Those with mediocre abilities in the court drift aimlessly, making no achievements, while I have been lucky to hold a successful career in a peaceful and prosperous era. In autumn, leaves fall without needing the wind and rain; the sun rises without needing the faint glow of fireflies. As the times change, a wise monarch does not monopolize power but welcomes talents. I've been fortunate to have reached a high position, responsible for court affairs for a long time, in charge of selecting officials, spanning two dynasties for a decade. I'm old and frail, my hair turned white. Time flies, and most of my colleagues have passed away. I have made no achievements over the years, and my reputation has faded. My past achievements were once praised, but that praise has faded; while the satirical poems about current politics will rise in the future. As for the prestigious official positions and splendid attire, honestly, I don't care much for these. My abilities are limited, and I've already got a high enough position. Even if it were the position of prime minister, I could handle it, but I am truly incapable of selecting officials. I've worked day and night, yet haven't accomplished anything. Over the years, there aren't many cases like mine. I don’t regret taking this job, but I am worried that I am unable to fulfill it and disappoint Your Majesty's expectations. Now, there are many talented people in the court, and Your Majesty can choose suitable officials from among them, as it was done in ancient times. I humbly submit this memorial, hoping that Your Majesty can understand my intentions. I respectfully conclude this memorial and won't take up any more of your valuable time." The emperor finally agreed to his request, appointing him as the Supervisor of the Imperial Library, participating in the selection of officials. In the same year, he fell ill, and the emperor came to visit him personally. In the end, he passed away at just thirty-eight.
Minister of Personnel Affairs Wang Yanqi has passed away, and the funeral arrangements are quite simple and frugal. The Emperor said, "Yanqi was a man of great virtue and lofty aspirations. He was about to achieve great things, but unfortunately, he unexpectedly succumbed to illness without time for treatment. It was so sudden, and I am utterly heartbroken and cannot contain my sorrow! I have always remembered the hardships he endured in the past. Upon hearing this news, I am overwhelmed with grief, and alas, how painful! What a loss!" The Emperor also ordered that the military officials and ceremonial guards should temporarily stand down until after the funeral.
The Emperor further decreed, "It is a long-standing tradition to honor the deceased and commend their contributions. Therefore, I hereby honor the late Wang Yanqi, who was of noble character and broad vision. Since his youth, he has always been upright and incorruptible in his conduct, beloved by the people for his honesty. He assisted in establishing the dynasty and strengthening the imperial family's foundations. His contributions and achievements are forever etched in the annals of history. He faithfully served and assisted me, demonstrating exceptional qualities in governing the country. He was loyal, principled, and consistently excelled in his duties. As a loyal minister of the royal family, he was prepared to play a greater role in the court to help me govern the country. Regrettably, fate intervened, and he departed us suddenly. I am deeply saddened! He is posthumously appointed as Grand Commandant, with his previous official positions unchanged. He is bestowed with ceremonial weapons and an increased honor guard, now totaling sixty. The funeral will be held according to the standards of the late Prime Minister Chu Yuan, with the government overseeing the tomb and burial arrangements."
Wang Yanqi led a simple life, with few hobbies, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to serving the country. He dressed simply and had no savings at home. His writing skills were excellent and highly valued at the time. In his youth, he wrote "A Collection of Mourning Garments: Ancient and Modern" and other works, which have been passed down through the ages. After the emperor ascended to the throne, he ordered a stele to be erected for Wang Yanqi, bestowed him with the title of Marquis, and granted him a thousand households.
Wang Yanqi's younger brother, Wang Xun, served as the Dan Yang magistrate during the Shengming period. He once complained to Liu Bing but did not receive any rewards. In the early years of the Jianyuan era, he became the Jinling Prefect, which led to some complaints. Wang Yanqi was worried that he would cause trouble, so he reported the matter to the emperor through Chu Yuan. The Minister of Personnel, Lu Cheng, also brought this matter to the emperor's attention. The emperor said, "The Wang family has served the country for generations with unwavering loyalty. I hereby pardon Wang Xun's offenses." He then demoted Wang Xun to Yongjia County, where he was executed during the journey.
Historical records state that both Chu Yuan and Yuan Can were highly regarded by Emperor Song Ming. Yuan Can died a martyr for the Song Dynasty, while Chu Yuan witnessed the rise of the New Dynasty, leading to criticism from many. In my opinion, measuring Chu Yuan against founding emperors like Tang and Wu, or saintly emperors like Yao and Shun, as well as wise ministers like Yi Yin and Lv Shang, is not an objective measure.
From the prestigious families of the Han Dynasty, such as Jin Ridi and Zhang Chang, among others, to high-ranking officials like Yuan An and Yang Zhen, they all served the Han Dynasty faithfully because they were generously treated, serving wholeheartedly. When the Wei Dynasty came to power, their reign was short-lived, and officials who previously served the Han Dynasty now served the Wei Dynasty. After the Jin Dynasty took over, they continued to be highly valued; even though they were nominally Wei subjects, they actually served the Jin Dynasty. Therefore, even though the emperor changed, their positions remained the same.
From then on, hereditary official positions became prevalent and became a common practice. The extravagant displays made many people envious, and loyalty to the emperor and love for the country became just empty words. High-ranking officials relied on the reputation of their families to effortlessly rise to positions of power and influence, showing no willingness to sacrifice for their country. Protecting their families was their main concern. As dynasties changed, new favorites and nobles emerged, each exhibiting the same attitude. Zhong Xian and Zhi Bo Yao did not receive different treatment.
During the Taishi era, Chu Yuan had no concerns about lacking an official position. He was both valued and dismissed based on public opinion. His title and salary were not high, and the emperor's favor was not reserved for him alone. The emperor's expectation that others would die for him was a frequent error and a societal prejudice.
Praise:
Praising Lord Chu, his virtue is profound. Unwavering public acclaim, his family's reputation thrives. Serenely assisting the world, his counsel is selfless. Respecting the laws and regulations, embodying the role of a minister. Describing the power dynamics, upholding order and traditions. Hoping for two reigns, navigating the imperial court.
