Wang Rong, whose courtesy name was Yuanchang, was from Linyi in Langya. His grandfather Wang Sengda once served as the Minister of the Central Secretariat, which is comparable to that of a prime minister. Wang Sengda once mentioned to Emperor Xiaowu of the Song Dynasty, "My father and grandfather both held the titles of Minister of Works and Minister of Ceremonies." His father, Wang Daoyan, once served as the Prefect of Luling. His mother was the daughter of Xie Huixuan, who was the Prefect of Linchuan, and she was a very wise and capable woman. She personally taught Wang Rong how to read and learn. Wang Rong was exceptionally intelligent, well-read, and very articulate from a young age. Eventually, he passed the imperial examination and earned the title of xiucai.
Afterwards, he first served as a military aide under Prince Jin'an, but was dismissed due to job-related matters. Later, he went to serve as a military aide under Prince Jingling, and then was promoted to be the Prince's Attendant. However, Wang Rong felt guilty about holding an official position due to his father's connections, and at a young age wanted to make a career for himself based on his own abilities. So he requested an opportunity from Emperor Song Shizu to showcase his talents. In his petition, he wrote: "I have heard that in spring, cicadas chirp, and in autumn, crickets chirp, harmonizing with each other to express the changing seasons; dew nourishes trees, and trees grow lush, displaying different scenes throughout the year, with all things sensing the passage of time. Even plants have perception, not to mention humans. I have been able to serve Your Majesty in the palace, basking in imperial favor, rising from obscurity to participating in court affairs, wearing purple official robes, walking in the Golden Hall, and being able to boast about my accomplishments when returning home each year. However, gaining an official position without merit has long been criticized by ancient sages; those who are incompetent yet receive a salary will be ridiculed by the wise. I have felt anxious and restless, struggling to find peace. It is because I deeply feel the greatness of imperial favor, yet my repayment is minimal, and I feel rare talents like myself are hard to come by for a wise ruler. As I age day by day, time waits for no one, so I wish to seize this opportunity to serve Your Majesty to the best of my ability and repay Your Majesty's unparalleled grace. If my sincerity can earn your trust and my talents can be valued, then I am willing to serve the country in civil or military positions. Like the wise ministers of old, wholeheartedly assisting the king without reservation. Like Wengui, being upright in court, like Chongguo, calling oneself an 'old minister,' I hope to emulate them, undaunted by difficulties, I will remain loyal to my duties, and even risking being misunderstood, I will do my utmost to serve the country. Like Emperor Yao, not favoring relatives, Guan Zhong was ashamed of this, and I am also ashamed of it. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to consider my request." As a result, he was promoted to Chief Secretary.
His uncle Wang Jian, initially just a ceremonial official, had once sent him poems and letters. Wang Jian was very surprised and filled with admiration, smiling as he said to others, "Is it really that easy to remove the seal of the Marquis of Rang?" Soon after, Wang Rong was promoted to Danyang Cheng and later became a Lang in the Imperial Library. Once, envoys from the northern minority ethnic groups came to request books, and the court officials were inclined to refuse. Wang Rong wrote:
I heard that everyone is discussing whether to write to the Xiongnu, but I have some doubts and do not quite understand. The Xiongnu are wild beasts in human skin, fierce and brutal; they are unreasonable and do not adhere to the principles of heaven and human relations. They roam all over, from Youzhou to Shuofang for hundreds of years, and from the Zhou Dynasty, Han Dynasty to the Jin Dynasty, Song Dynasty, they have never changed. How could they possibly understand benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust? How could they be tamed like dogs and horses rather than killing each other like eagles and tigers? Even if we prepare sufficient food and supplies for them, how could we expect them to come and pay tribute willingly? Your Majesty should act with kindness and not insult them lightly, much less allow them to learn our culture. If we treat them well, they may submit and learn our civilization; if we doubt and reject them, they may escape elsewhere, and we will find it difficult to control them. The remaining Xiongnu may even turn on each other. If left unchecked, like wild grass, they are hard to eradicate; these are not minor issues; they could pose a significant threat to our very foundations.
In Sun Tzu's Art of War, it is said that when you push the enemy to desperation, you should impose harsher punishments; when they have no way out, offer them more incentives; make them fearful first, then they will obey. Doesn't this situation fit the Xiongnu? In the past, although the common people of the Central Plains had been conquered by the Xiongnu, they still adhered to their own rituals even during weddings and funerals. However, we imposed severe laws and punishments, frequently resorting to executions. At that time, the Xiongnu had just migrated, and the various tribes were still disunited; the people harbored resentment and were fleeing in fear. Their soldiers fled, resources were scarce, they feared the powerful Rouran to the north, were pressured by the Southern Xiongnu to the west, and people were fleeing in all directions as the situation became critical. Thus, they feigned submission by wearing our clothes, remaining inactive for several years. Those wishing to submit hoped for it day and night; those who wanted to leave also fled along the Yangtze River basin. The Xiongnu's situation grew increasingly desperate each year, their plans were full of loopholes, so they came to pay tribute, in search of peace. If we appeal to their sense of benevolence and morality, respond to them, show them the rituals of the Han Dynasty, and bring them back to our side, our officials carrying the emperor's decree could once again enter the passes without needing to deploy eight hundred elite soldiers or a hundred thousand troops; they would naturally lay down their weapons, longing for peace, the Three Qins region could be unified, and the Six Dynasties could also consolidate the country.
Back in the day, those who served in the court were not pure Han Chinese; they always had Xiongnu people around them to prevent any mischief. The court also set up various official positions with different tasks, which further revealed their true intentions: to suppress the original Han officials and promote Xiongnu relatives. For example, descendants of Feng Jinguo served as military protectors, the Gu clan managed the general records, Qiu Tui and Gou Renduan held important positions in the court, while Mu Ling and Qian Er wielded real power. Even the important positions in the Eastern and Western capitals were occupied by Xiongnu people such as Cui Xiaobo, Cheng Yuqiu, Li Yuanhe, Guo Jiyu, Li Sichong, and You Minggen. Now, those classic literary works and historical poems have spread to the north. Individuals like Feng and Li naturally uphold Xiongnu culture, while people like the Gu clan are constantly hindered. Why is that? Because the Xiongnu people are used to sleeping on felt, hunting for a living, trudging through the wind and snow in their square hats, riding on the grasslands in left-collared clothes. If you make them wear Han clothes, hats, and learn Han etiquette, they will definitely feel extremely uncomfortable, as if they were bound, fearful, and clumsy, making their movements awkward. When spring comes, they want to herd but are hindered; when autumn comes, they want to hunt but cannot fully enjoy it. They are far from the mulberry fields of their homeland, unable to enjoy the dairy of their homeland, unable to understand Han music, and unable to adapt to Han houses. Although people like Feng and Li are proud, the Xiongnu people's hearts are heavy with pain. So, their longing for their homeland grows deeper, their resentment stronger, and many want to leave, taking up arms in resistance. Tribes fight each other, and leaders are in danger, creating a prime opportunity for us to conquer them, just like Bian Zhuang stabbing a tiger. Moreover, in the past, Ji Bao recommended Yu Yunwen, which ultimately expanded the territory of Jin; Da Zhong recommended Zhibo, which led to the destruction of Sushi. Now, the emperor is wise and martial, the four corners of the world submit, and the imperial procession visits Mount Tai; all of this happened in the blink of an eye. Therefore, I suggest collecting the memorials about the Yi and Chan regions, storing them properly, preferably in the inner court, then in the outer library, which adheres to the rules and incurs no loss. If you find my suggestion reasonable, please give the order to implement it.
The Emperor replied, "My thoughts are the same as yours. The suggestion you made this time is more detailed and thoughtful than when we last met." However, in the end, the matter was not carried out.
It is said that towards the end of the Yongle period, Emperor Zhu Di wanted to go to war and launch a northern expedition. He commissioned the painter Mao Huixiu to create a "Map of the Northern Expedition of Emperor Wu" and assigned Xia Yuanji to handle the matter. Xia Yuanji was ambitious, so he submitted a memorial to the throne, roughly stating:
I believe that the key to success or failure lies in the strength of one's convictions and the thoroughness of one's plans. Proper planning from the beginning is essential for successful execution. Those who value etiquette and solemnity deserve admiration; they are humble, courteous, and act with caution. Those who are brave and enterprising are also worthy of respect; they can ignite the fighting spirit in everyone. Since the beginning of time, the rise and fall of emperors have their reasons, and those who ultimately achieve imperial dominance do so through gradual progress. Today, the country's strength is thriving like fertile land, with the emperor commanding respect across the four seas; resources are abundant, like piles of coins, with the emperor holding the honor of the four seas. The holding of the Fengshan ceremony showcases the emperor's dignity; the creation of maps illustrates the empire's boundaries.
Your Majesty, you are wise and mighty, holding the fate of the world in your hands, like the harmony of yin and yang, the radiance of the sun and moon. You have saved the country from peril, transformed the social climate, truly unifying the world and being a champion of peace and prosperity for the people! I am also fortunate to live in this prosperous era, with no worries about food and clothing, living gratefully in this peaceful era. However, my knowledge is limited, my learning is shallow, like the humble ferns and weeds by the roadside, insignificant. Your Majesty, you have keen insight, attuned to the whispers of your subjects, appreciating their strengths, understanding their shortcomings, elevating a commoner like me, giving me the opportunity to enter the court, and even attend the New Year's greetings to bask in the radiance of the sun and moon. I am truly grateful for these favors. However, such times of prosperity are rare, and I hope to serve the country and contribute my own strength. I have studied military strategy, agriculture, and various schools of thought, always aspiring for the chance to serve in the palace and discuss current affairs with Your Majesty. Although my position is lowly, my loyalty to Your Majesty is unwavering.
Nowadays, the world is at peace, the people live and work in harmony, and there is harmony in all directions, free of any disputes. People in the east are singing and dancing, people in the south are singing and laughing, the Qiang and Bo people from the west are crossing the mountains, and people from Qin and Yue are crossing the seas to pay their respects. Envoys are coming and going, and translators are extremely busy. We are preparing to establish new cities in Guilin and new border fortresses in the west. However, those barbarians dared to invade our great Han, taking advantage of the empty defenses of the passes, sneaking through Hangu Pass, capturing our old capital, and reducing our once-prosperous capital to desolation and ruin, forcing scholars to abandon their homes and causing the people to become displaced. The people on the northern border and the elderly in the eastern capital are all grieving and weeping, hoping the court will implement benevolent policies and longing for the arrival of a wise ruler. If we can send envoys, gather troops, attack the fallen cities, and win over the surrendering enemies, we can easily solve the problem without using force. This is the true mark of a king: the ability to conquer without fighting! I request permission to lead troops to pacify the Central Plains, cleanse the rivers of their muck, lift the fog over Wolf Mountain, capture the Chanyu and subdue the Zuo Xian King, restore the old system of the Han Dynasty, and welcome the emperor's inspection tour. By then, the world will be peaceful, and we can hold a grand sacrificial ceremony on Mount Tai, with officials paying tribute, nations coming to pay respects, treasures abound, and the sound of long live songs resounding—what magnificence and beauty it will be! Duke Huan wanted to attack the state of Ju, Guo Ya saw through his intentions; Queen Wei wanted to break free from the control of the Han Dynasty, and De Zu also saw through her thoughts. I may be dull and lacking insight, but I cannot fathom the emperor's intentions. However, I have faith in the emperor's grand vision and strategies, and I am filled with joy over it.
After the painting was finished, the emperor hung it on the wall of the Archery Hall in Langye City, and every time he visited Langye, he would appreciate it. Nine years later, the emperor visited Fanglin Garden, where he hosted a banquet for his ministers, and he asked Wang Rong to write "Preface to the Poems of Qu River." The piece was lauded for its exquisite prose and was considered the best of its time. As for Wang Rong, with his remarkable eloquence, he served as an envoy for eleven years, tasked with receiving foreign envoys. He received envoys from Northern Wei, Fang Jinggao, and Song Bian. When Song Bian saw Wang Rong was so young, he asked him how old he was. Wang Rong smiled and said, "I'm fifty this year, already past the halfway mark of my life." Then Song Bian remarked, "I've heard in court that you wrote the 'Preface to the Poems of Qu River.'" Fang Jinggao also said, "I heard in the north that the piece you wrote is even better than the works of Yan Yannian; we're eager to read it!" So Wang Rong showed them the piece.
After a few days, Song Bian said to Wang Rong in Yaochi Hall: "I have read Sima Xiangru's 'Fengshan Wen' before and understood the merits of Emperor Wu of Han; now that I have read your 'Poetry Preface', I can feel the flourishing era of King Qi." Wang Rong modestly replied, "Our royal prosperity, how can it compare to Emperor Wu of Han! My writing is quite rough and can't hold a candle to Sima Xiangru." Later, because the horses offered by the Northern Wei didn't meet the standards, the emperor sent Wang Rong to find out the truth. The emperor asked, "West of the Qin State, north of Jizhou, there are actually many good horses; why did Wei State present such poor horses? This clearly seems half-hearted and hard to believe! Could it be that those solemn promises sometimes turn out to be empty? Just like those inferior horses, they cannot breed offspring at all." Song Bian replied, "This shouldn't be seen as false reporting; they probably don’t understand our land." Wang Rong said, "King Mu of Zhou traveled the world in a carriage, searching for a thousand-mile horse. If the temperament of a good horse changes due to the region, then even skilled charioteers like Zao Fu can run into trouble sometimes." Song Bian asked again, "As an envoy of the court, why did you come all the way here?" Wang Rong replied, "Since your country has different opinions on the quality of horses, I came to check things out and get a better understanding. If I came all this way, the emperor will definitely personally drive to meet me." Song Bian said, "From what I understand, the emperor won't be driving himself." Wang Rong said, "Even if it's all because of the story of Guo Kui!" Song Bian was speechless at Wang Rong's response. Wang Rong, confident in his abilities, aimed to become a high-ranking official before turning thirty. When he was working the night shift in the Secretariat, he sighed, "Even Deng Yu laughs at others!" One day, he encountered a large boat trip, with the noise making it hard to move, and he sighed again, "Without even eight guards, how can anyone call themselves a great man?"
The court wants to attack Wang Huan, the governor of Yongzhou, and Wang Rong has also submitted a memorial to the emperor...
I often read historical books, and when I see those loyal patriots and righteous heroes who worry about the country and the people, sacrificing their lives for the nation, I can't help but sigh and feel that the principles remain unchanged through the ages. However, some people, just because they have said a few flattering words and received a minor favor, believe they stand shoulder to shoulder with those renowned ministers, as noble as the commoners. Unlike me, who rose from obscurity to an undeserved high position, reaping fame and fortune while living a life of comfort and ease every day. Therefore, I dare to offer my advice, hoping that Your Majesty can listen to my opinions.
Some people fret over the Western Xia, but I believe such concerns are unfounded. Why? Your Majesty is both wise and valiant, and the courtiers are all doing their best to fight the rebels together. Your Majesty has clearly defined standards of reward and punishment from top to bottom, pointing out the path of life and death, and the entire nation stands united against the common foe. Although the Western Xia army is at the gates, the common folk are too preoccupied with their own struggles, like a starving bird, they will inevitably scavenge for food; a cornered beast will also fight fiercely. The army will return in triumph, celebrating with feasts even before dawn. I have but one humble wish.
Since the Western Xia has repeatedly invaded the border, bullied the people, and disasters have befallen us, danger is approaching. In addition, there is internal turmoil in the palace with the Empress Dowager, the country is running low on supplies, rumors are rampant, and the people are in panic; we are at a critical juncture for survival. If we can, like the Han Dynasty, have the army return triumphantly and let the soldiers vent their pent-up anger, taking Hangu Pass would be a piece of cake, and breaking through the passes would be as simple as crushing dry weeds. However, the soldiers are not trained regularly and are unable to immediately engage in battle; failing to train the populace for battle is tantamount to abandoning them. Therefore, I hope to secretly recruit some troops and conduct training drills beforehand. If Your Majesty allows, please let me be in charge of their food and management to strengthen the defense of Shitoucheng in case of emergencies. I have always valued my reputation since I was a child and have practiced martial arts from a young age. If the experiment fails, I am willing to accept punishment; if I can make achievements, I can also repay Your Majesty's favor.
Just as the Western Xia invaded, Prince Liang of Jingling recruited soldiers in the Dongfu, with Ban Rong as the General of Ning Shuo and army commander. Ban Rong is outstanding in literary talent, quick-witted, and especially good at emergency writing, able to write anything when needed. He has a very good relationship with Prince Liang, sharing a strong bond. Recently, he has been particularly diligent in practicing horse riding. With his talent and Prince Liang's backing, he has made many friends and warmly welcomed them, drawing in talent from both civil and military backgrounds. He recruited hundreds of people from Jiangxi and Chu, all of them useful talents.
The emperor fell gravely ill and lapsed into unconsciousness. At that time, Ziliang was in the palace, while the crown prince had yet to arrive. Fang Rong, dressed in red official robes, blocked the Eastern Palace officials at the entrance of the attic in the Ministry of Personnel, hoping to support Ziliang. After the emperor regained consciousness, the crown prince entered the palace, and all political matters were entrusted to Emperor Gaozong. Fang Rong realized that Ziliang's chances were gone, so he removed his official robes and returned to the Ministry of Personnel, sighing as he said, "You’ve ruined me!" Yulin was furious and harbored a deep hatred for Fang Rong. Just over ten days after his ascension to the throne, Yulin had Fang Rong arrested and thrown into the Ministry of Justice, and then had the Minister Kong Zhigui submit a memorial stating, "Fang Rong is obstinate, ruthless, arrogant, and eccentric. Recently, the border situation has been unstable, and he begged the court to send generals, but ended up gathering a group of unreliable individuals, inciting the rude and ignorant. He exaggerated his power, acted arrogantly, lied constantly, and stirred up trouble everywhere. He acted with impunity, slandering the court, and attacked and defamed the nobles and ministers. He believed himself exceptionally talented and looked down on all others. His actions are known far and wide; let Fang Rong explain himself, if you please."
Fang Rong defended himself: "I admit I am ignorant and have made many mistakes, but I have received a good education since I was young and have always been a cautious person. From the time I started my official career to my current age, the people in my hometown have always regarded me as honest and trustworthy, and the court officials also believe I have done nothing wrong. I have been recognized and promoted by the late emperor, and favored by the current emperor. The Minister of Works even allowed me to participate in the imperial examinations, and the Prince of Anlu has also shown me favor. Since I have received this favor from the country, I should repay it with my life. I have previously offered advice and strategies to defeat enemies, following the example of the late emperor. Now that there is some unrest at the border, Jiseng Zhen followed the emperor's orders and conveyed information about the situation in the northern border, asking me to draft an edict. I reported the situation then, hoping for the emperor's guidance. Later, the Minister of Works ordered the recruitment of soldiers; this is not the first time this has happened, and given the significance of military matters, I cannot disobey orders. Later, I was given a military position and ordered to recruit soldiers; I acted on orders, without any intention to incite. Furthermore, when I arrested rebel elements, regardless of region, there is evidence to back this up; I have not embezzled or taken bribes; I have never lied to anyone; I have not stirred up disputes everywhere. I have written articles such as "Ode to Sweet Dew," "Silver Urn Proclamation," "Three-day Poetry Preface," and "Reply to the Captured Envoy," all of which praise the virtues of the emperor; how can this possibly be viewed as 'slander'? In addition, all court officials are capable individuals of varying ranks; I wouldn’t dare overstep my bounds; how could I possibly 'attack and defame'? My abilities are limited, but I have been given important responsibilities and have always worked diligently, never boasting in my hometown or elsewhere. I have always reflected on myself; those rumors are all unjust accusations against me. It is just because I am insignificant that these slanders have arisen. I earnestly implore the emperor to show mercy and grant a general amnesty this Wuyin year, forgiving all criminals, whether minor or major. I have been imprisoned for a hundred days, and only ten of those have been served; yet I have faced such harsh punishment. If I have truly committed a crime, please allow me to accept my punishment; even if it means dying nine times, I would have no complaints or regrets."
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The emperor ordered the death of Fang Rong in prison; he was twenty-seven at the time. Before his death, he sighed and said, "If I didn't have an elderly mother, I would definitely clarify things." Fang Rong sought to reveal some of the emperor's faults from his time as crown prince.
When Lao Rong was arrested, the soldiers under his friend's command went to the North Temple to inquire about the news. They arrived one by one along the road. Lao Rong begged Zi Liang to help save him, but Zi Liang, feeling anxious and fearful, dared not intervene. Later, Lao Rong's writings were passed down through generations.
Xie Mao, with the courtesy name Xuanhui, was from Yangxia, Chen Jun. His grandfather Xie Shu had been the Prefect of Wuxing, and his father Xie Wei had been a Gentleman of the Imperial Court. Xie Mao had a passion for learning from a young age, was known for his clear and elegant writing style, and gained a good reputation. He initially served as a military officer at the Prince of Yuzhang's residence, then went to the East Palace of the Prince of Sui, and later rose to be the Libationer of the East Pavilion of Wang Jian's Guard. He then became a Gentleman of the Crown Prince, the Chief Clerk of the Prince of Sui's Western Garrison, and finally became a man of letters.
Xie Mao, who was an official in Jingzhou, especially liked writing poetry, often gathering colleagues and friends for gatherings to show off his literary talent. He was highly appreciated by his superiors, and everyone enjoyed lively conversations, often lingering and reluctant to leave, wishing they could spend all day together. The Governor of Jingzhou, Wang Xiu, felt a little uneasy seeing Xie Mao's talent at such a young age, so he secretly reported to the emperor. The emperor ordered, "The imperial reader Yu Yun should always serve the emperor; Xie Mao can return to the capital." On his way back to the capital, Xie Mao wrote a poem to send to the official in Jingzhou, in which he wrote, "I often fear the hawks' swift strike, as autumn's chrysanthemums wither beneath the frost. To the one who sends the silk, soaring high in the boundless sky." Later, Xie Mao was appointed as the Chief Military Officer of the Central Army under the Prince of Xin'an.
Xie Mao wrote a resignation letter to the Jingzhou Governor Wang Jinglong, saying, "I heard that murky water always wants to rush to the sea, but ends up drying up; inferior horses always want to catch up with the fine horses, but end up exhausted. Why is that? Because seeing the decay of the surroundings fills the heart with melancholy; seeing the road diverge makes the heart confused. Moreover, I am just a low-ranking official serving the master; the desire to return to the capital feels unattainable, like falling raindrops and autumn leaves. I, Xie Mao, am merely an ordinary person with limited abilities, thankful for the court's kindness, which has given me the opportunity to display my talents in a peaceful era and serve the court. I was originally a farmer, but now I can enter the court, oversee the Yangtze River in the east, tour the Seven Marshes in the west, laugh in the military camp, dress elegantly in the court, enjoying the riches and honors. I thought this would last forever, but now I have to leave. Now leaving the bustling officialdom, returning to my quiet hometown, like a boat going against the current, casting a solitary shadow, only the white clouds in the sky, never to see Longmen again. Leaving Jingzhou, I find myself missing it more and more, and I am more grateful for your kindness. I only hope to return here one day, like a boat returning to shore in spring, like mature reeds in autumn. If my shoes and official robes are still there, my seat has not changed, even if I die, I hope my wife and children will know my fate. I bid you farewell with tears in my eyes, a wave of sadness washes over me."
Later, Xie Mo took on the additional role of Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat while retaining his original official position. During the Longchang era, the Emperor ordered him to receive envoys from the north. Xie Mo, believing he lacked eloquence, declined the task, which the Emperor agreed to. After Emperor Gaozong came to power, he appointed Xie Mo as the Consultant of the Cavalry, concurrently serving as the Director of Records, in charge of managing the documents of the royal household. He was tasked with drafting edicts and announcements for the Imperial Secretariat and was appointed as the Deputy Secretary, but before taking office, he was reassigned as a Gentleman of the Imperial Library. Later, he was sent as the Prefect of Xuan Cheng, but soon after was called back to the court to serve as a Gentleman of the Imperial Library. In the year 49 AD, he was appointed as an official responsible for military consultations under Prince Jin'an, concurrently serving as the Prefect of Nan Donghai, in charge of the affairs of South Xuzhou. He informed Prince Jin'an of Wang Jingze's conspiracy to rebel, and the Emperor greatly appreciated him, thus promoting him to the Minister of Personnel. He declined three times in his memorial, and the officials in the Imperial Secretariat believed he was not of sufficient rank to decline, so they consulted the Scholar Shen Yue. Shen Yue said, "In the past, during the Song Yuanjia era, Fan Ye declined the position of Minister of Personnel, Zhu Xiuzhi declined the position of Yellow Gate Attendant, and Cai Xingzong declined the position of Prefect of the Imperial Library. All three of them declined three times in their memorials, and the Emperor specifically replied each time. This is well documented. Nowadays, it has become customary for lower officials to decline, so your refusal may not be appropriate. Wang Lantian and Liu Anxi, who hold high positions, did not decline at the beginning, so why do you insist on declining like them? Sun Xinggong and Kong Yi declined the position of Director of Records; are you also going to decline all three official positions? Xie, the Minister of Personnel, has been granted a superior official position; his refusal must have another purpose; what does the rank of the official position matter? Refusing such a noble gesture is a common human trait. If all high officials are expected to decline, wouldn't that be akin to those who petition at the palace gates? Since there is such a precedent, it indicates that your refusal is entirely justified." And so, he declined once again in his memorial, and the Emperor replied to him with special favor, but still did not agree.
He excelled in cursive script and clerical script, and was also very good at writing five-character poems. Shen Yue often said, "I haven't seen poetry this good in two hundred years!" When the Empress Dowager passed away and was to be buried in the imperial tomb, the elegy he wrote was unparalleled in the entire Qi dynasty.
Emperor Donghun was debauched and corrupt, and Jiang Ji wanted to support Prince Xiaoxi of Jiangxia, Xiao Baoxuan, as emperor. However, he soon changed his mind and privately confided in Xiao Mao and Xiao Si, "Prince Xiaoxi is young and frivolous, unable to bear the heavy responsibility of being emperor. We can no longer allow him to be emperor. Prince Shi'an is older and more prestigious; it would be more fitting for him to inherit the throne. We are not after wealth and power, but rather the stability of the nation." Xiao Yaoguang also sent his confidant Liu Feng to privately approach Xiao Mao in an attempt to win him over. However, Xiao Mao, feeling indebted to Emperor Gaozong, did not trust Liu Feng's words and refused.
A few days later, Xiao Yaoguang appointed Xiao Mao as the Guard Commander. Fearing he would be used, Xiao Mao informed Zuo Xingsheng of Jiang Ji and others' plans. Zuo Xingsheng remained silent. Jiang Ji, upon learning of this, informed Xiao Yaoguang. Furious, Xiao Yaoguang ordered Xiao Mao to be summoned, then handed him over to the court officials, and together with Xu Xiaosi, Jiang Ji, and Xiao Xuan, submitted a memorial demanding the execution of Xiao Mao. The memorial stated, "Xie Mao is deceitful and treacherous, with a bad reputation known far and wide. Wang Jing was previously involved in plotting rebellion; though evidence was lacking, he was promoted above others. However, he is insatiable and does as he pleases. He instigates rumors and causes trouble everywhere, slandering the emperor and spreading gossip in the palace, defaming those close to the emperor, disrespecting court officials and making bizarre comments, far too numerous to list. His intentions are nefarious, and his ambitions have become clear; he should be put to death. We believe he must be executed to uphold the law."
The emperor decreed: "Your memorial states that Xie Tiao is frivolous and wicked, with a long-standing bad reputation. He only relied on some cleverness to associate with the high-ranking officials. When he was in Zhugong before, he conspired with the palace personnel, flattering and ingratiating himself day and night, observing words and expressions. After returning to the capital, he brazenly revealed his ambitions, taking credit for pacifying the Jianghan area. His true nature has long been laid bare, so the court officials regarded him with suspicion. Although he showed some sincerity in the events of last year, he received more rewards and promotions than others, but he was ungrateful and became even more arrogant. He spread rumors, misled the courtiers, and slandered the court, casting doubt and sowing discord among those close to the emperor. His silver tongue was a stark departure from his previous conduct. These small actions of his should serve as a cautionary tale for posterity. He should be handed over to the court officials for legal proceedings." Then the Vice Censor-in-Chief Fan Xiu was sent to arrest Xiao Tiao, who was executed after being imprisoned, at the age of thirty-six.
Old Wang's (Wang Jingze) daughter married Xie Tiao, but she always wanted to avenge her father, hiding a knife, so Xie Tiao dared not see her. Later, Xie Tiao was appointed as a Lang in the Ministry of Personnel, and Shen Zhaolu said to him, "You are truly talented and have a boundless future, don't waste this position. It's a pity that today you will fall victim to your wife." Xie Tiao sighed before his death: "I did not kill the noble officials, yet their deaths were caused by me."
The history books say that after the Jin Dynasty moved its capital to Jiangnan, no one considered returning to the Central Plains. The fact that the brilliant generals assisted the emperor in pacifying the Central Plains further highlights the decline of the Jin Dynasty. During the Yuanjia period, Emperor Wen of Song led two military campaigns to attack Henan, resulting in the army being completely wiped out. Since then, the court rarely discussed going to war again; even if there were wars, it was solely for defending territory. Wang Rong lived during the Yongming period, when the country was stable and peaceful. Despite his outstanding literary talent, he had few opportunities to achieve anything and could only earnestly offer advice to the court. If the court had not declined at that time and there were still border conflicts, Wang Rong might have had more opportunities to serve the country. Governing a country requires long-term vision and patience to see results. Achieving success is indeed more important than anything else, and talents like Jia Yi and Zhong Jun are truly rare! In conclusion, Yuan Chang (Xie Mo) was talented and poised to soar, but unfortunately, his ambitions were unfulfilled as he died prematurely due to misfortune. Emperor Gaozong (Emperor Xiaowu of Song) initially held Xie Huilian (Xie Mo's uncle) in high regard when he started his career, but faced with incompetent emperors and chaotic times, Xie Mo ultimately fell into disaster.
