Xie Chaozong, from Yangxia, Chen County. His grandfather Xie Lingyun was the Governor of Linqing in the Song Dynasty. His father Xie Feng was exiled to Lingnan during the Yuanjia period because of Xie Lingyun's affairs, and he passed away at a young age. Xie Chaozong only returned to the capital at the end of the Yuanjia period. He had a good relationship with Daoist Huixiu, often visiting each other. He was a keen learner, had impressive literary talent, and was well-known. He initially served as a court official responsible for presenting petitions to the court. Prince Xin'an Liu Ziluan, the beloved son of Emperor Xiaowu, appointed Xie Chaozong as a constant attendant in the Kingdom of Prince Xin'an after being selected. When Prince Xin'an's mother Yin Shuyi passed away, Xie Chaozong wrote a memorial and presented it to the emperor, who highly praised him: "Xie Chaozong has truly inherited the talent of his grandfather Xie Lingyun. It seems that Xie Lingyun has come back to life!" Later, Xie Chaozong was promoted to the military advisor of Prince Xin'an.
In the early years of the Taishi period, Xie Chaozong served as the Minister of War for Prince Jian'an and the Chamberlain of the Imperial Palace. Three years later, Luo Zai, the Director of Imperial Archives, established standards for the scholar exam. He stipulated that answering five questions correctly was excellent, four or three questions was average, two questions was below average, and failing to answer one question would result in elimination. Xie Chaozong expressed his own opinions on this standard, saying, "A single sentence can resolve a case; a single sentence can convince many people. The praise and criticism from Lu's historians, and the records of rise and fall in Confucius' 'Spring and Autumn Annals' do not require many words to make judgments. Expressing the essence of things and analyzing the key points of reasoning—does it always have to be written in great detail to reflect the way of governing a country? It's not about being afraid of not being able to answer all the questions, but about being afraid of using those cliché answers that lack originality. If one can provide a concise answer, it is better than answering five mediocre ones; if all answers must be brilliant, then at least one answer should be accepted." The emperor accepted both Luo Zai's opinion and Xie Chaozong's viewpoint.
Xie Chaozong later rose to the position of Registrar of Situ and Prefect of Danyang. Prince Jian'an Liu Xiuren recommended him as Situ's secretary and a regular official, while he also served as Deputy Minister of the Left in the Ministry of Personnel. Due to his outspokenness, he offended Minister of Works Liu Kang and was demoted to a Palace Attendant. Later, when Song Taizu became the General of the Imperial Guards, he often co-authored articles with Xie Chaozong and greatly admired his talent. When General Wei Yuancan heard about this, he told Song Taizu, "Xie Chaozong is quick-witted and exceptionally insightful; it is worth having a conversation with him." So, he summoned Xie Chaozong to serve as Chief Clerk and Prefect of Linhuai. After Yuancan was killed, Song Taizu appointed Xie Chaozong as Prefect of Yixing. In the second year of Shengming, Xie Chaozong was dismissed from his post due to official matters. He personally went to the East Palace entrance to explain himself. On that cold and windy day, Song Taizu said to those around him, "This guest has arrived, making everyone feel warm even without their coats." After Xie Chaozong sat down, had a few cups of wine, and spoke boldly, Song Taizu had a very enjoyable conversation with him. Later, Song Taizu appointed Xie Chaozong as Cavalry Advisor. After Song Taizu ascended the throne, Xie Chaozong was promoted to the position of Huangmen Lang.
The leaders wanted to compose songs for the temple sacrifices, so they ordered Situ Chuyuan, Shizhong Xie Pu, Sanqi Shilang Kong Zhigui, Taixue Boshi Wang Xuanzhi, Zongming Xueshi Liu Rong, He Fajing, and He Tanxiu, these ten individuals to collaborate on writing, and in the end, only the song written by Chaozong was ultimately selected.
Chao Zong, boasting of his talent, loves to drink and often offends people. He often gets drunk while on duty at the court. Once summoned by the emperor to discuss the northern war, Chao Zong said, "The northern barbarians have been invading for twenty years; even the Buddha can't do anything about them!" The emperor thought his words were too disrespectful and demoted him to be a military advisor under the Prince of Nanjun. Chao Zong was quite disgruntled and complained to others, saying, "In my current situation, I might as well be a donkey keeper!" This remark was reported to the court, and he was dismissed and imprisoned for ten years due to showing resentment. Recalling when Minister Chu Yuan sent Governor Wang Sengqian to Xiangzhou, the pavilion collapsed, and he fell into the water; and when the Minister of Works, Wang Jian, jumped off the cart because the ox was startled. Chao Zong burst into laughter and clapped, saying, "The three nobles fell into the water, and the Minister of Works fell off the cart!" His earlier sarcastic remarks gradually spread throughout the court and among the people. After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, he appointed Chao Zong to oversee the national history and appointed him as a military advisor under Prince Jingling, also serving as a secretary. However, he was still very dissatisfied. Chao Zong married Zhang Jing'er's daughter, which raised the emperor's suspicions. In the first year of Yongming, Zhang Jing'er was executed, and Chao Zong said to Li Anmin, the magistrate of Danyang, "Previously they killed Han Xin; this year they killed Peng Yue. What do you intend to do?" Li Anmin reported this to the emperor. The emperor was always dissatisfied with Chao Zong's disdainful attitude and had Minister Yuan Tuang report this to him:
I heard that Xie Chaozong, a soldier in the Northern Expedition, has a boastful and unpredictable character, acts impulsively and rashly, flatters the powerful in the court, and always flatters others first and then slanders them. Whenever someone is demoted, he is quick to slander them; he praises them on the surface but badmouths them behind their backs. He constantly creates trouble for the talented in the court, and he always speaks harshly about government policies. He speaks ill of others when he is unhappy; there's no one worse than him. He shows disrespect to the emperor, and very few people can get along with him.
I quickly reported to Wang Yongxian, "What crime has Xie Chaozong committed? When he visited the nobles, he was disrespectful in his remarks. Please explain the situation in detail." Yongxian said, "Xie Chaozong often visits the nobles, and each time he visits, he offends them with his resentment. He was close to Zhang Jing'er and even pledged to marry her. After Zhang Jing'er died, he has been moping and grumbling. Earlier this month, he visited Li Anmin and said, 'Zhang Jing'er should not have died.' Li Anmin replied, 'Zhang Jing'er's memorial was clearly stated; how can you say such things?' He said many disrespectful things; I can't remember them all." His account matches what we heard; Xie Chaozong's offenses are quite evident and should be handled according to standard protocol.
Xie Chaozong was improper in his youth, and his behavior only worsened as he grew older. He was arrogant and cunning; he has been despised throughout history for his character. He made repeated mistakes and was criticized daily. They hoped he would turn over a new leaf and vanish from public view for good. However, the Emperor, in his benevolence and mercy, forgave him and gave him a chance to reform. Unexpectedly, his ambitions did not wane, and he grew even more arrogant; his true nature became more unruly after receiving favor. So he began stirring up trouble again, complaining everywhere, acting arrogantly and domineering in front of the officials in the capital city, and acting wantonly before the ministers. If we do not punish him severely, what becomes of the rule of law in the country? If we let him go, who else cannot be tolerated? I respectfully request the Emperor to dismiss Xie Chaozong from his post, revoke his secretary status, hand him over to the court, and punish him according to the law. Xie Chaozong's rank has not been reported yet, but I am reporting to the Emperor now.
Although the Emperor agreed to the memorial, he was greatly angered because Yuan Tuan's memorial was vague, so he ordered Left Minister Wang Quan to present a memorial saying:
"It is said that a loyal minister serves faithfully, while a disrespectful one is detestable; a farmer removes weeds and weeds out evil. Therefore, those who are virtuous and achieve greatness have never stored private benefits while in office, and yet they are able to preserve their reputation."
On the ninth day of the ninth month, the Imperial Censor Sima Kan accused Xie Chaozong, a military advisor for the Northern Expedition, of being "confused in nature, reckless in mind, contrary in opinion, and offensive in speech, causing his relatives and friends distress, donning a mask of propriety, and handing over to the court for punishment." Although the accusation was severe, the official in charge dismissed the memorial for being too brief. That night, the Deputy Imperial Censor Yuan Tuan revised the memorial to provide more detailed content. Initially, the situation was concealed, but this was ultimately due to Yuan Tuan's actions.
Let's talk about this kid, Xun Chaozong, who is fierce, violent, and wicked, with grand ambitions, acting like a tyrannical jackal, bringing disaster to the people. Zhang Jing'er secretly wanted to turn against him, but before Xun Chaozong's crimes were fully investigated, he cried out injustice, putting on a show of innocence. He also gathered a band of rogues, suspected those who had merit, stirred up malicious sentiments, criticized current affairs, fueled public outrage, and everyone hated him. Yet, the court turned a blind eye, treating his reports with indifference. He also accused some old ministers, with unfair standards of judgment, allowing those guilty of serious crimes to self-report, thus covering up his own misdeeds. Moreover, Xun Chaozong's crimes far exceed those of historical traitors; even when caught, he receives lenient sentences, with inconsistent punishments, undermining the dignity of the law!
Next, let's talk about Wang Tuan. This Wang Tuan, who possesses shallow knowledge and mediocre abilities, only rose in rank by clinging to the powerful, abusing his power with the emperor's favor. He not only cannot control his own desires but also rarely repays the emperor's favor, pursuing personal gain and abusing his power to satisfy his own selfish desires. How can he correct the flaws in the court and uphold the emperor's authority? After discussing among ourselves, we suggest removing Wang Tuan from his position, revoking his role as the Deputy Chief of the Censorate, temporarily appointing someone else to take over, and prohibiting him from continuing to participate in government affairs.
Although the Censorate Sima Kan has been fair in his work, he did not firmly oppose Xun Chaozong from the beginning and should also be punished. We suggest that he be punished with fifty strokes and removed from his position for one hundred days. As for those lower-ranking officials, there is no need to investigate further; let's proceed with this course of action.
Regarding Sima Kan's accusation against Xun Chaozong, we participated in the investigation at that time and submitted the case to the chief official, but it was subsequently dismissed. We are deeply regretful and shocked by our oversight.
The emperor said, "The crimes of Xun Chaozong are akin to treason and are utterly unforgivable! Wang Tuan concealed the truth, deceived the state, protected his accomplices, and showed contempt for the monarch; he should be sentenced to death, but in light of his past merits, he is pardoned from execution, removed from his position, and imprisoned for ten years."
Xun Chaozong was taken to the Ministry of Justice, and overnight, his hair turned completely white. The emperor exiled him to Yuezhou, and when he reached Yuzhang, the emperor ordered Yu Cong, the Intendant of Yuzhang, to inform Xun Chaozong to commit suicide there, but not to harm his body.
The following year, Xun Chaozong's student Wang Yongxian accused Xun Chaozong's son Cai Qing of committing more than twenty capital crimes. The emperor suspected this was a false accusation, handed Cai Qing over to the Ministry of Justice for trial, and the investigation proved the accusations false, leading to Cai Qing's release. Wang Yongxian took his own life in prison.
Liu Xiang, whose courtesy name was Xianzheng, hailed from Dongguan in Ju County. His grandfather Liu Shizhi served as the Governor of Wu County, and his father Liu Ai served as the Grand Attendant of the Grand Commandant. During the Song Dynasty, Liu Xiang first served as a military advisor for the Western Expedition of the King of Baling, and later held various official positions in the Cavalry Central Army. He also served as the Grand Libationer of the Eastern Pavilion of the Grand Marshal Tai Zu and the Chief Clerk of the Cavalry. During the Jianyuan era, he became the Champion Recorder of Military Exploits and was highly regarded by the Prince of Wuling at the time, Wu Yang, which led to his promotion.
Liu Xiang has had a passion for literature since childhood, with a frank and cheerful disposition, speaking and acting relatively casually, without regard for others' status. Once, when Situ Chuyuan went to court, holding a fan at his waist to shield himself from the sun, Liu Xiang walked past him and said directly, "Your actions are truly embarrassing to witness. What's the use of using a fan to block the sun?" Chu Yuan replied, "People from humble origins are not bound by etiquette." Liu Xiang retorted, "If even figures like Yuan Shao and Liu Biao could not be defeated, why would we be afraid of us humble-born disciples?" In the first year of Yongming, Liu Xiang was promoted to the positions of General of the Town Army and Military Advisor, and he also participated in the compilation of the "Book of Song," which criticized the issue of abdication. Wang Jian, the Minister of the Interior, privately reported this to the emperor, and although the emperor was angry, he did not investigate further. Later, he held various positions such as the Zhenglü of Wang Zhaolu, the Yuzhang of Wang Dasi, and the Linqing of Wang Biaoqi of the Marquis. His brother Liu Zheng served as an official in Guangzhou and died in office. Liu Xiang went to his sister-in-law to claim the property left by his brother before his death. This matter reached the court, and many courtiers felt his actions were inappropriate and criticized him. When Wang Huan was the Minister of the Interior, Liu Xiang and Wang Huan's son Wang Rong traveled together in a carriage. As they approached the main hall, they saw someone driving a donkey on the roadside, and Liu Xiang said, "Donkey! You’re quite skilled; someone like you has already been made a servant in my eyes!" He also composed fifteen poems known as "Lian Zhu" to express his thoughts. When he resigned from office, he wrote:
It is said that the path to promoting education must be uniform; the means of saving the common people lies in eliminating wrongs. Therefore, the custom of yielding dates back to the times of Yao and Shun; the glories of war were seen in the eras of Yin and Zhou. The gentle breeze brings forth spring, and the white frost warns against severity.
It is said that the drum carries music, waiting for the drumsticks to vibrate; heaven and earth are filled with spirits, providing darkness and light to descend. Therefore, talented ministers borrow from Tang and Wu to prosper; wise and virtuous rulers borrow from Yi and Zhou to govern.
It is said that in times of famine, one should admire the abundance of wild vegetables; enduring the scorching heat, one should remember the warmth of a fox's fur. Therefore, talent should be harnessed to adapt to the times; the path should be honored to align with the common people.
When learning a skill, one must rely on external resources to succeed; in exploring the truth, if the timing is not right, nothing can be found. Look at those craftsmen, working hard every day, yet their skills become more refined; while those who understand the greater way may find their wisdom buried, which is quite common.
Once one understands the truth, their heart will be at ease, not caring about worldly evaluations; with sincere feelings, one can face the world's insults calmly. Each fragrant flower and plant has its own character; there is no need to lament like Qu Yuan; those who understand the truth do not need to weep like Jing Ke.
Look at the towering platform that reaches the clouds; it is not built from just a tree that can withstand frost; a spring that fills a foot may not necessarily yield treasures like luminous pearls. Therefore, although the truth is grand, sometimes it is disconnected from reality; some things may be small, but contain profound truths.
A loyal minister does not necessarily have to serve as an official in the court; those aspiring individuals who rectify the situation, as long as they have a sense of justice, can make a difference. Look at Bao Xu crying desperately, not for seeking high office and wealth; Wang Sun sacrificing himself for righteousness, not for scheming in the temple.
Wisdom comes from within; truths cannot be confined. Reputation depends on external objects, which can be exhausted. Look at the bird flying over the waves, unable to escape; the trees growing on the cliffs, unable to withstand the wind.
Valuable treasures in the hands of those who do not appreciate them cannot fully realize their worth; talented individuals who fall victim to villainy will be buried. Therefore, fallen leaves blocking the sunlight obscure the brilliance of the moon; grand halls can sometimes seem dim and dull when the lights are low.
Focusing solely on immediate benefits can lead to the loss of long-term planning; only being busy with the present can lead you to forget long-term goals. Therefore, those who are solely concerned with immediate benefits often find themselves feeling sad; those who only seek immediate pleasure cannot appreciate the kind of broad-mindedness that embraces the world.
The difficulty of tasks depends on whether you can grasp the key; emotional connections can still be understood even when separated by thousands of miles. Therefore, those who can inspire great change often find success; those who merely complain often lack wisdom.
As achievements grow, emotions may fade; even amidst the sound of bells and drums with thousands listening, it might not truly touch hearts. Even with the Dao within oneself, it may not necessarily gain the approval of the world.
Wild grass in the deep mountains won’t change its fate of withering just because winter arrives; pine trees by the mountain streams will not lose their beauty with the changing seasons. Therefore, Zhang Fu was dismissed three times and left no good reputation behind; not all figures of history are known to the world.
Rare treasures, if they miss the right moment, will lose their value; worldly items, if not recognized by the wise, may be forgotten. Therefore, beautiful jade buried in Chu may go unnoticed, and Zhang Fu's hat in Yue will go unappreciated.
I heard that if someone is deaf, they cannot hear even the loudest sounds; if someone is blind, they cannot see even the brightest light. Therefore, the deaf cannot hear the thunderous roar; the blind cannot see the bright glow of the moon.
This is similar to the case of Xiang; someone reported him to the emperor using the article "Lianzhu." The emperor ordered the Chief Censor Ren Xia to investigate, and Ren Xia reported: "Xiang has been cunning and eccentric since childhood, and he has not changed at all as he grew up. He often sneaks around through back channels, argues with people in public, and dares to speak casually about the emperor's travels. He has been demoted several times for committing numerous unscrupulous acts, and he always speaks so arrogantly. When his brother died, his younger brother showed no signs of grief whatsoever; he didn't even collect his brother's funeral expenses, and his sister-in-law and nephew cut off ties with him. His brother's coffin was returned alone, and he showed no concern for whether his brother was dead or alive. As a result, bandits robbed the coffin on its way back, which caused great sorrow among the onlookers. Xiang's student, Sun Langer, reported him: 'Xiang has been drinking heavily recently, becoming increasingly reckless in his speech, discussing court matters, and saying disrespectful things, completely disregarding those around him and proving to be utterly untrustworthy. When his brother passed away while serving as an official in Guangzhou, last year, he requested that his brother's coffin be brought back. When it arrived in Leizhou, it was reported that Xiang and his brother's wife, Meng, had a fierce quarrel over the division of family property, so Xiang sent the coffin back, and before it could reach Que Tou, it was robbed by bandits that night, and his sister-in-law was also assaulted by the bandits.' Sun Langer's accusations align with the rumors we've heard. Therefore, we request that Xiang be dismissed from his official position and handed over to the court for trial."
The emperor said, "Your conduct has always been inappropriate, and everyone in the court knows it well. You disrespect your family and insult your brothers and sisters-in-law; this is your own issue and has nothing to do with anyone else. Your abilities and insights are hardly worth mentioning. Your official position is already very high, so you have no reason to feel aggrieved. Why do you still behave recklessly, slander officials and spread rumors indiscriminately, and belittle others to elevate yourself? I hope that you, being older, can reflect on yourself and make a fresh start. But I heard that your bad behavior is getting worse, causing trouble in the court, disregarding rank and respect, speaking indiscriminately and without restraint, utterly lawless. I recently saw the poem 'Lian Zhu' you wrote, full of defiance and arrogance; this behavior cannot persist. Consider Xie Chaozong; his talents are merely average, far inferior to yours, but the errors you’ve committed are far more serious than his. Considering that you still have some credit, I shall spare your life and send you far away for reflection. Should you manage to reform, I will allow your return."
During the interrogation, Xiang defended himself, saying, "The Emperor asked me, 'You have been cunning and deceitful since childhood, and you have not repented as you grew older. Recently, you have been drinking excessively, disrespecting the Emperor, slandering the ministers of the court, showing no respect for rank, and speaking recklessly everywhere.' I answered according to the imperial decree. I have been an official from the common people for more than twenty years, always low-profile, never thinking of rising to higher ranks. After the Emperor ascended the throne, he quickly promoted me, appointing me as the Grand Sacrificial Official and Registrar, positions that were previously held in the Prime Minister's office. The Emperor is wise and martial, showing me special favor, and made me a Consultative Gentleman, promoting me twice in a year. At every grand banquet held by the court, I could attend, and I could see the Emperor at every morning court session. Though I may be foolish, how could I not feel gratitude? What grievances do I have to dare criticize the Emperor? Since becoming an official, I have served four princes: as a clerk in Wuling for two years, as a counselor in Changsha for a period, working in the Grand Marshal's office, being favored and appointed as a Cavalry Gentleman for a short time, and the Prince of Linchuan treated me well, even inviting me to his banquets. The Prince of the Ministry of Works is respected for his civil and military achievements, deeply loved by the people. My humble status only allows me to greet them according to the rules, occasionally receiving their guidance. As for other princes, I have not visited them, so I have no chance to serve them, nothing significant to say. If there are doubts about imperial decrees and official documents, they should be reported. Due to the Emperor's authority, I wouldn't dare to speculate recklessly. For private doubts, I once sought advice from General Wei Jian, a respected minister of the court. Knowing my limited knowledge, he helped me analyze it, and I still have the notes he gave me. I do not understand these matters; how could I 'slander the ministers of the court'? Who did I disrespect the Emperor to? If I did, there should be evidence; how could there be slander without any basis? Everyone knows I cannot hold my liquor; I get drunk after just a liter of wine." Xiang defended himself once again. Ultimately, he was demoted to Guangzhou.
After Xiang Liu arrived in Guangzhou, he was deeply unhappy, drinking heavily day after day, and not long after, he fell ill and died at the young age of thirty-nine.
Xiang Liu was the younger brother of his ancestor, Liu Biao, and also a direct descendant of his great-great-grandfather Liu Mu. In the early years of the Jianyuan era, he was appointed as the Duke of Nankang County and rose to the rank of General of the Imperial Guards. However, during the first year of Yongming, he was demoted due to the lack of maintenance of ancestral tombs. Later, he also served as the Director of the Imperial Guard. Nine years later, he failed to take proper care of his deceased brother's mother, Yang Shi, who lived apart from him; she passed away without being buried in a timely manner, resulting in a significant scandal. In the end, a nun named Huishou from Chongsheng Temple took vows and became a nun, bought a coffin for five hundred coins, and used a simple mud cart to bury Yang Shi in the Liu family's graveyard. The authorities became aware of this incident, and although it was reported, it ultimately led to no consequences.
Historical records note: Emperor Wen of Wei once said, "Scholars do not pay too much attention to minor details," which remains true to this day. Xiang Liu believed he valued deep emotions and righteousness and did not care much about external things such as fame and fortune. However, he went too far in his actions, resulting in increasing problems and offending many. He originally wanted to protect himself but ended up harming himself. Therefore, it's important for wise individuals to exercise moderation in their actions and not overly rely on their own ideas.
Praise: Surpassing his ancestors in literary talent and carrying on their legacy. Xiang Liu admired the extraordinary, and his words were equally distinctive. By defying the court and neglecting tradition, he was exiled to the south.
