Wang Xiuzhi, courtesy name Bofen, was from Langya, Linyi. His grandfather Wang Yu held high positions in the Song Dynasty, including Left Minister of Rites and Equivalent to Three Excellencies; his father Wang Zan also became a Jinzi Guanglu Daifu. When Wang Xiuzhi was young, his grandfather was particularly fond of his demeanor and charm. He initially served as a junior literary official and later became a Crown Prince’s Attendant. After his father passed away, he set up a small shelter beside his father's grave to observe the mourning period, and returned to work after the mourning period ended. The Minister of Personnel, Chu Yuan, held Wang Xiuzhi's integrity in high regard and wished to marry his daughter to him, but Wang Xiuzhi did not agree. As a result, he was continuously transferred to less significant positions, such as a military officer assigned outside the capital. He was later promoted to positions including the Prince’s Stableman, Left Minister of Works, and Cavalry Attendant for Prince Guiyang. Wang Xiuzhi learned that Xiu Fan was plotting a rebellion, so he feigned illness to avoid going to work. He was subsequently exiled and appointed as the Prefect of Jinping.
After serving as the governor of Jinping County for a year, he told others, "The land here is fertile, and the salary is enough for expenses. I've saved enough money and can't stay here blocking others' opportunities for too long." So he submitted a request for reassignment, and at that time, people said, "Wang Jinping is afraid of becoming wealthy, so he is requesting to return to the court." Later, he was appointed as the counselor to Prince Ancheng's Cavalry, then promoted to Colonel, and later served as the counselor to Taizu's Cavalry. In the second year of Shengming, he was promoted to Left Army Historian and appointed as the magistrate of Xunyang. Upon the court's orders, he then served as the Historian of Zhenxi and the magistrate of Nanjun. His superior, Prince Yuzhang, was titled a king, and Wang Xiuzhi was promoted to Sima and magistrate of Hedong, but he refused the position. The court then gave him the title of Ning Shuo General and transferred him to Palace Attendant. Before he could officially take up the position, he was reassigned as the Historian of Prince Yuzhang's Cavalry. Prince Yuzhang established a school in Jingzhou and appointed Wang Xiuzhi as the Ritual Master of the Confucian Academy. Later, he was promoted to Ning Shuo General and Sima of Prince Nanjun. He was again appointed as Palace Attendant and concurrently served as the supervisor of the Imperial Guards. He was later promoted to Chief Historian of Prince Changsha. After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, he served as the Grand Master of the Heir Apparent, a minister of the Ministry of Personnel, then exiled as the magistrate of Yixing, and later promoted to the attendant and Master of Ceremonies, eventually becoming the Minister of War.
Initially, Wang Xiuzhi's grandfather, Wang Yu, was very upright. At the time when Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang were powerful, Wang Yu did not associate with those in power. Later, he retired to live in Wuxing and wrote a letter to his son, Wang Zan, saying, "I hope you live in a place without competition." Wang Zan attained the esteemed position of Minister of War but never sought to curry favor with the court officials. Jiang Zhan told He Yan, "Wang Zan is now a recluse in the court." Later, when Liu Yuanjing and Yan Shibai held high positions, Wang Zan did not visit them. When Wang Xiuzhi became a minister, he also did not associate with Wang Jian, who was powerful at the time. For three generations, they did not associate with the powerful and were greatly respected by their contemporaries.
He was appointed as a Court Attendant and also held the position of Commander of Archers. He was later reassigned and successively held the positions of General Assisting the State, Chief of Staff for the Western Garrison under the King, and Prefect of Nanjun Commandery.
Gou Ping of West Cao in Nan Jun is an old friend of Xiu Zhi, knows Xiu Zhi very well, and wants to befriend him, so he writes a letter to him. Xiu Zhi completely ignored his letters. With no other option, Gou Ping wrote another letter, in which he wrote: "I have heard that modesty and politeness are emphasized in the Book of Changes, which states, 'modesty cannot be excessive.' That is why Xin Ling Jun was able to accomplish great righteousness at Yi Gate, and Yan Crown Prince Dan was able to subdue Jing Ke, all because they understood etiquette. How can a great man in the world be satisfied with obscurity, enjoying wealth and glory, only to leave behind nothing but a mound of earth in the end? You are talented, famous, and holding an important position in the court, but you don't make a career out of it; how are you any different from those foolish commoners? I have been straightforward all my life, not good at dealing with others, and have lived in poverty, only able to watch others thrive. The virtue of helping others has been praised in the Spring and Autumn Annals. Recommending one of my strengths can compensate for one of your shortcomings, which is why I took the liberty of writing to you, hoping we can help each other; this is not because I have any ulterior motives! Both you and I are talents of the country. The rise and fall of fortunes is a natural order; fame, wealth, and status are arranged by fate; does it all really depend solely on individual morality and behavior? The position of the Fifth General may not be easier than that of the Cavalry General; how can the official position of West Cao compare to that of the Chief Historian? If you take so long to reply, if you treat the talents of the country like this, what will the country do? If you adhere to etiquette, it dictates that you should reply; if I reply to you, what's wrong with that? Gentlemen should interact based on virtue rather than rank. Lin Xiangru never submitted to Min Chi because of his low status, and Mao Sui never suffered humiliation at Yingmen because of his low status. If faced with enemies, I would surely be braver than both of them. Your status is noble, your power is vast; can you really compare to the monarchs of the Qin and Chu states? I treasure morality, while you treasure status; each has its own treasure, and that's more appropriate. I often hear that ancient people would end friendships without speaking ill of one another; I think that's too petty. I have nothing to offer you, but my thoughts as a poor man!" Gou Ping is from Yingchuan. When Prince Yu Zhang was serving in Jingzhou, Gou Ping wrote him a letter, advising him to reduce extravagance and waste, and Prince Yu Zhang replied to him.
At that time, the Minister of Personnel, Wang Jian, was a powerful figure both in the court and in the nation. Gou Ping addressed him in a letter, "You have built a distinguished reputation, yet you haven't achieved anything truly remarkable. How will you ensure your name is remembered in Qi's history?"
Later, officials in Nanjun reported Gou Ping to the prince's subordinates for some matters, and Gou Ping defended himself in a memorial. Xie Xiu, who was originally supposed to be the Chief Minister, was later appointed as the General of the Vanguard. He was appointed as Fuguo General and Prefect of Wuxing before he could take office. Xie Xiu always said that becoming the Left Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works was enough for him, and he was content. Wuxing County was where he had always wanted to go, and after taking office, he renovated the old fortifications and moved the supplies. In the first year of Longchang, he passed away while in office at the age of fifty-three, posthumously honored with the title Jianzi. Xie Xiu's relative, Seng You, was a distant cousin of Grand Marshal Wang Jian. His father, Wang Yuan, had served as a Guanglu Xun. During the Song Dynasty, someone once described Wang Yuan as follows: "Wang Yuan was skilled in flattery and adept at navigating challenges." However, Seng You had a strong character and refused to conform. Wang Jian often went to visit him, but Seng You always avoided seeing him. Emperor Taizu of Northern Wei reviewed the troops many times, and Seng You presented a poem on military training. Wang Jian wanted to borrow it for his own reading, but Seng You declined. Later, Prince Ziliang heard that Seng You was skilled in playing the qin, so he brought a qin in front of everyone and asked him to play, but Seng You refused. In the final years of the Yongming era, Seng You became a Prince's Attendant, fell ill while on duty, and left without permission before his replacement arrived, leading to a report and punishment from the appropriate authorities. He eventually rose to the rank of Huangmen Lang. At that time, Kong Huan, an official in the Wei Army, was also renowned for his integrity. He wrote the "Records of the Three Wus," but unfortunately, it has not survived.
Wang Ci, courtesy name Bǎobǎo, was from Lin Yi in Langya and was the son of Sikong Sengqian. When he was eight years old, his maternal grandfather, Wang Yigong, the Song Taizai of Jiangxia, welcomed him into the inner chamber, which was filled with treasures for him to choose from. Wang Ci only chose a simple zither and a stone inkstone, which Yigong greatly appreciated. When he was young, he studied calligraphy with his cousin Wang Jian. He later served in various positions, including:
- Secretary
- Advisor to the Crown Prince
- Registrar of military affairs for Prince Ancheng
- Scribe
He was then promoted to deputy secretary, left subordinate of the Minister of Works, right chief historian, acting governor of Xin'an, yellow gate attendant, the Crown Prince's advisor, commander of the archers, champion of Prince Ancheng, chief historian of Sikong for Prince Yuzhang, left chief historian of the Minister of Works, and concurrently a palace attendant. Later, he was appointed as an auxiliary general of the state and the governor of Prince Yuzhang. After his father's death, he resigned from his official position to observe a period of mourning for his father. He was later reappointed as General of Establishing Martial Might and the governor of Wu Commandery. He was further promoted to General of Tranquil Outpost, chief historian of the Grand Marshal, reappointed as a palace attendant, and appointed as commander of infantry.
Your Majesty, in the past, the names of the emperor and empress were not displayed in the court; this is not how it used to be! I have submitted a memorial stating: the grace of the emperor and empress is as boundless as the sky and earth, and the merits of the monarch are continuous like the sun and moon. However, the names of the royal family members are not recorded in the court, which deviates from past practice. In the past, officials of the Wei Kingdom made suggestions based on actual circumstances, and the emperor of the Jin Kingdom issued decrees based on the classics. The plaques displayed in the court clearly displayed the names of the emperor and empress, which was the tradition, but now it seems disrespectful and goes against proper etiquette.
Those ministers who have made contributions and officials who are talented are recognized for their achievements, while some are noted for their family background. For example, on the epitaph of Kong Kui, the names of his uncle and his maternal uncle are written, and on the portrait of Zi Meng, the name of the Huo family is also inscribed. Moreover, the position of the queen is honorable; writing her name in the court is a sign of respect; similarly, writing the emperor's name is also an expression of honor. When the Prince Dongping passed away in the past, Empress Xiaozhang went to the palace to mourn, weeping bitterly; when the Prince Xinye passed away, Empress Hexi also wept bitterly upon seeing his image. They did so in accordance with past customs, not to mention that we now see the emperor's merits—how can we not be in awe? Now the palace is heavily guarded, with vehicles coming and going. If the emperor and empress wish to inspect personally, wouldn't it increase your burden and cause you sorrow? I believe that writing names on simple plaques has no benefit for you; directly inscribing names in the court will not affect your diligence. I earnestly request Your Majesty to bless the realm with peace, allowing the people to live and work in harmony, and to abolish the outdated customs of the past, setting an example of filial piety. The memorial has been submitted for review by the relevant departments. Dr. Li proposed that according to the records of the "Book of Rites," whenever a new law is promulgated, a warning bell must be sounded to alert the public, and then notices must be posted in the palace, which is called "Xian," meaning to post publicly. Next, Wang Xian, the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, also expressed his opinion: the emperor's honorific titles should be avoided by everyone in the country. While the names may be visible, they should not be uttered. If they cannot be spoken, as fewer people are aware, more individuals may inadvertently breach these taboos.
Ren Fang, Assistant to the Minister of Ceremonies, believed that the opinions of Dr. Li and Chief Wang Tai Chang were very reasonable. The system of taboos has been in place since the Han Dynasty and continued through the Jin Dynasty, and has not changed in all dynasties. The notices posted in the palace clearly list the taboo words and their explanations; for example, the character "邦" is replaced with "国". This is all based on previous precedents. The emperor's name taboo is very important, expressing the highest respect, so it is posted in the court for all officials to see, allowing everyone to always remember and avoid taboos. This reflects a deep sense of reverence; how could it possibly be abolished? The practice of referring to Huo Shi (Huo Guang) in this way is clearly inappropriate. Lower-status individuals are addressed by their names, so refraining from using their names is a sign of greater respect; people of higher status must avoid using their names, so avoiding names can reflect their nobility. This is reasonable and aligns with tradition, and should continue to be upheld without any need for alteration. Unfortunately, Ci's opinions were not ultimately accepted.
Due to a foot ailment, Emperor Sizong ordered Wang Yan to tell Ci: "Ci, you have not been in office for long, and now you have a little illness, you cannot attend court, and you cannot ride a horse, so you are allowed to sit in a carriage at the back of the procession." This is also a rare exception in the Jiangzuo area. Due to illness, Ci was relieved of some duties and reassigned as Champion General and Left Chief of the Ministry of Rites. Ci's wife was the daughter of Liu Bing. His son, Guan, married the eldest daughter of Emperor Sizong, Princess Wuxian, and according to etiquette, the wedding was arranged, but the princess's mother never had the opportunity to meet Ci. Wang Feng, the Prince of Jiangxia, served as the Inspector of Southern Xuzhou, and his concubine was Ci's daughter. As a result, Ci was appointed Champion General and Prefect of Donghai, his rank was elevated to the Middle Second Rank, and he acted as the governor of Southern Xuzhou. Later, he was appointed Champion General and Chief of Staff of the Luling Prince's Central Army, but before he could assume his position, he passed away in the ninth year of Yongming, at the age of forty-one.
Xie Chaozong once asked Ci, "Can your calligraphy measure up to Qian Gong (Xie Lingyun)?" Ci replied, "I can’t hold a candle to him; it’s like comparing a chicken to a phoenix." People back then thought that was a pretty clever response. After he passed away, he was posthumously appointed as Taichang and given the title Yizi.
Cai Yue, whose style name was Jinghui, hailed from Kaocheng in Jiyang. His grandfather Cai Kuo served as the Minister of Rites in the Song Dynasty, and his father Cai Xingzong served as the General of the Western Expedition and the Yitong Sisi. When Cai Yue was young, he married Princess Anji, daughter of Emperor Xiaowu of the Song Dynasty, and was made the Husband of the Imperial Guard and Secretary Lang, but he never took the position. Later, he was appointed as the Attendant Officer of the Emperor's Chariot and the Main Clerk of the Grand Preceptor's Office, both of which he turned down. He was then moved to the Grand Preceptor's Ministry under Taizu, serving as the Libationer of the East Pavilion, and later as the Chief Clerk of the Grand Commandant's Office. After the Qi Dynasty was established, he became the Chamberlain to the Crown Prince and accompanied him to the Eastern Palace. He was then promoted to be the Advisor to the Marquis of Poyang and the Marquis of Jingling in charge of the Northern Expedition, as well as concurrently serving as a Secretary, Lang of the Palace Library, Chief Clerk of the Minister of Works, Chamberlain of the Yellow Gate, and Chief Justice of the Provincial Government.
Later, he was exiled to Xinan as the Prefect, then returned to the court as the Chamberlain of the Yellow Gate, while also holding the positions of Commandant of the Imperial Guards, Palace Attendant, General of the Agile Cavalry, Middle Household Steward of the Crown Prince, and Commandant of the Garrison Cavalry. On the first day of the eighth month in the eighth year of Yongming, Cai Yue took off his military cap, removed his sword, and slept in the provincial office until the middle of the night without waking up to the night watchman's call, which got reported to the authorities. He was punished for it, but later got off. After the crown prince succeeded the throne, he continued to serve as a Commandant.
Afterwards, he was appointed as the Chief Historian of the Champion at Yidu Wang, while also serving as the Governor of Huainan, overseeing the affairs of the prefectures. Emperor Shizu said to him, "I am now sending you to serve as an assistant in a nearby fief, hoping that you can meet my expectations." Cai Yue replied, "Nanyu is close to the capital; even if left unattended, it can still function on its own. Who am I but an insignificant spark? How can I possibly last?" At that time, the various princes often fought for power and profit, but during Cai Yue's term, the relationship between the senior officials and their subordinates was quite harmonious.
He was later promoted to the Left Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works. When Emperor Gaozong was in charge of the imperial government, all officials rushed to pay their respects to him, but Cai Yue remained in plain shoes and did not change his demeanor. The emperor remarked to Jiang Ji, "The Cai family has always valued etiquette, so his behavior is quite commendable." Jiang Ji replied, "The Grand General has the virtue of humility in dealing with guests, which is a rare quality these days." In the first year of Jianwu, Cai Yue was promoted to the Palace Attendant. The following year, he was promoted to the Chief Military Historian of the Fumou of Xiyang Wang and appointed as the Champion General, and later transferred to the position of Right Chief Historian of Lu Ling Wang, with the position of General unchanged. He was then promoted to the Minister of the Capital, later promoted to the Teacher of Shaoling Wang, appointed as the Censor, and then promoted to the Chief Military Historian of the Chariots and Cavalry of Jiangxia Wang, appointed as the General of Conquering the Barbarians, but he never took up the position. He enjoyed drinking, led a simple life, and avoided mingling with the secular world. Ultimately, he was appointed as the Attendant to the Crown Prince. In the second year of the Yongyuan era, Cai Yue passed away at the age of forty-four, and he was posthumously elevated to the rank of Grand Minister of Ceremonies.
Lu Huixiao, styled Shuming, was a native of Wu County. His grandfather, Lu Wanzai, held the position of Palace Attendant. His father, Lu Zizhen, served as the Governor of Hailing during the Yuanjia reign. At that time, the Imperial Scholar Qiu intended to return to Hailing for a funeral and planned to use the opportunity to mobilize the people to repair a bridge, but Lu Zizhen believed this would hinder agricultural work and declined. Prince Liu Yikang of Pengcheng greatly admired Lu Zizhen upon hearing this. Lu Zizhen later resigned from the position of Governor of Linhai due to eye problems, and later passed away.
Lu Huixiao is upright and honest, not one to socialize casually with others. Zhang Chang, the Governor of Kuaiji and a fellow villager, had long admired Lu Huixiao's talent. Zhang Chang praised him, saying, "He is the Pei Kai and Yue Guang of Jiangdong!" Lu Huixiao was initially summoned by the state and passed the imperial examination, becoming a xiucai, served as a historian in the Imperial Guard, and also held the position of military advisor in various prefectures. Because his mother was old, he returned home to care for her for over a decade, not holding any official position. After the Song Taizu took power, he was appointed as a Chamberlain of the Hall of State. When neighbors came to congratulate him, Lu Huixiao raised his glass and said, "I am in my thirties, and I only got this position thanks to my father-in-law's connections. So why are you all celebrating?"
Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty ordered a ban on extravagance and waste. Lu Huixiao drafted a reply to the edict and was appreciated by Taizu, leading to his promotion as the Grand Tutor and Libationer of the Eastern Pavilion. In the first year of Jianyuan, he was further promoted to be the Prince's equerry. When Prince Wuling, Liu Ye, served as the governor of Kuaiji, he selected outstanding officials and appointed Lu Huixiao as the Clerk of Military Merits, alongside Liu Ling from Pei. Passing through Wuxian County, Liu Ling told others, "I heard that Zhang Rong and Lu Huixiao live very close to each other, separated by a river. The water in that river must have a unique flavor." So he went to the river to fetch water to drink. He Dian from Lujiang recommended Lu Huixiao to Prince Yuzhang, Liu Yi, who appointed Lu Huixiao as the Chief Clerk of Works and received special favor from Liu Yi. Later, he was promoted to be the Military Advisor of Prince Changsha. When Marquis Anlu, Liu Mian, served as the governor of Wu County, he also treated Lu Huixiao with special courtesy. Lu Huixiao then requested a position as Military Advisor in Liu Mian's office. He was later promoted to be the General of Prince Shixing, the Western Military Advisor, overseeing the Crown Prince's Records and serving as the Colonel of the Secretariat of the Minister. Finally, he was promoted to be the Right Chief Historian. At that time, Xie Pu from Chen County served as the Left Chief Historian. The Intendant of the Prefecture, Prince Jingling's son Liang, said to Wang Rong, "The two chief officials in my office, if placed in ancient times, who could compare with them?" Wang Rong replied, "Having two talented individuals in office at the same time is something we’ve never seen before!" Wang Liang copied books in the West Pavilion and had Lu Huixiao participate in it. Lu Huixiao had a diverse career in government service, serving in many positions. He first served as the Chief Clerk of Military Merits under Prince Xiyang, then as the Chief Clerk of the Rear Army under Prince Baling, later as the Chief Clerk of Fuguo under the Marquis Linru, and also managed the affairs of the Prefecture. He then returned to Prince Xiyang's side as the Chief Clerk of the Left Army and also served as the Magistrate of Kuaiji, overseeing county affairs. In the first year of Longchang, he was transferred to Prince Jinxi as the Chief Clerk of the Crown Prince, also serving as the Interior Minister of Jiangxia, managing the affairs of Yingzhou.
Huixiao worked in several departments, known for his integrity and uprightness, and his subordinates often presented him with gifts. Some people advised him, "As a high-ranking official, you shouldn't be so humble." Huixiao replied, "I can't stand rudeness, so I must treat others with respect." He rarely flattered high-ranking officials, and when asked why, he said, "High-ranking officials do not need flattery; only those of lower status do. In life, how can you let social status and hierarchy weigh on your mind!" He treated everyone equally throughout his life.
During the Jianwu period, he was appointed as the Chief of the Western Central Command while keeping his previous role as Interior Minister. He was soon summoned to be a Yellow Gate Official, and before taking office, he was promoted to the Ministry of Personnel. At that time, the Imperial Secretary Wang Yan liked to promote his own students to important positions; Huixiao only recommended a few and then stopped, which greatly angered Wang Yan. Wang Yan even sent a singing girl to him, trying to win his favor, but Huixiao did not accept. Throughout his tenure as the Clerk of the Ministry of Personnel, officials sought Huixiao's advice on appointing officials, but he always acted on his own and never consulted them. The Emperor sent his confidant Dan Jingjun to question Huixiao, who told Dan Jingjun, "I am sixty years old and no longer have the energy to listen to the opinions of the Clerk of the Ministry of Personnel. If the Emperor thinks I am incapable, then let me resign!" The Emperor was very cautious of him. Later, when considering promoting him to the Privy Councilor, the Emperor dismissed the idea because he thought Huixiao was too short. He later successively served as Deputy General of the State, the Marshal of Prince Jin'an, the Chief of the Northern Expedition, the Governor of Donghai, and also managed the affairs of the Prefectures. After returning to the court, he became the Minister of War for the Five Military Affairs and also managed the affairs of Yangzhou. After the Cui Huijing incident was resolved, he was appointed as the General of the Right Army and the Inspector of South Xuzhou. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Commissioner of South Yan, Xuzhou, Qingzhou, and Jizhou, the Deputy General of the State, and the Governor of South Yan. He fell ill shortly after taking office, returned home, and passed away soon after at sixty-two. He was posthumously granted the title of Minister of Ceremonies.
Our fellow townsman Gu Xianzhi, styled Shisi, is the grandson of General Gu Kai of the Song Dynasty. He is known for his exceptional integrity and straightforwardness. In the sixth year of Yongming, he took on the role of Chief Clerk of the Eastern Guard, responsible for handling the affairs of Kuaiji County.
At that time, the commander of Xiling Garrison, Du Yuanyi, submitted a report saying, "This year, Wuxing has had a poor harvest, while Kuaiji has had a good one, which led to twice as many merchants passing through compared to previous years. The government has set the tax revenue from Niudai in Xiling at 3,500 per day, but upon observation, it can easily be doubled each day, adding up to an extra million per year. I also suggest that the government take direct control of the two ferry crossings in Puyang and the four in Liupu, which could bring in an additional four million per year. Xiling Garrison is already collecting taxes there, which wouldn’t interfere with their duties, and I’ll make sure to assign trustworthy people to manage the other three ferry crossings." After receiving the report, the Emperor instructed Kuaiji County, saying, "Is this reliable? Investigate thoroughly before reporting back." Gu Xianzhi then analyzed:
"When I first built Niudai, it wasn't meant to force everyone to pay taxes! It was mainly because the waters there were rough and dangerous, beyond human capability to handle, resulting in many drowning incidents. That's why it was built to help people cross the river and assist in emergencies. This benefits both the government and the people, so there shouldn't be any complaints about paying taxes, just like the waterway ferries in the capital.
However, the managers who came after didn't understand the original purpose of building Niudai, only looking out for their own interests and power plays. Some restricted other routes, some collected tolls on the river, some intentionally raised boat fees, and some even imposed fines for minor issues after doing their jobs. Those who reported without using Niudai were caught and faced additional penalties, including being dismissed from their posts. The earlier uproar eventually quieted down for now."
In recent years, Wuxing has suffered from poor harvests year after year. This year, there is a severe drought, causing the people to flee to more fertile areas because they are starving. Some people go out to sell goods in exchange for food to support their families; others struggle to get by with their elderly and children. However, the officials in Niudai are clinging tightly to tax collection, refusing to lower the taxes according to the old regulations. The old tax standards were meant to be lowered, but before they could be officially implemented, they raised the taxes instead. This is simply unfair and unethical! The emperor has shown mercy by reducing taxes for disaster relief, but Yuanyi took advantage of this opportunity to increase taxes and burden the people even more. People everywhere, throughout history, despise such behavior!
Furthermore, those who previously raised taxes and established markets one after another not only failed to earn new tax revenue, but also could not collect the old tax standards in full. I'm worried that Yuanyi will end up with the same results this time, and it won't be good. If things go wrong, he will surely be punished, and at that time, the people will suffer even more and resent the government even more. Yuanyi's cruelty is already evident, and putting him in charge of the region is like letting a wolf guard the flock. He will definitely find ways to line his pockets, like a wolf in sheep's clothing! It is said in the books: "Better to have a minister who is a thief than a minister who is greedy for money." This means that corrupt officials can cause far more damage to the country than thieves.
During the Yongxi period, the country is peaceful and prosperous, and everything is running smoothly. This situation is truly inappropriate, so I urge the emperor to make a wise decision. Those in charge of this matter should be honest and fair. Honesty will prevent embezzlement of public funds, and fairness will protect the interests of the people. By "cheap," I mean what benefits both the country and the people. I've noticed that those who previously spoke of "cheap" didn't take the common people's actual situation into account or make good use of the favorable conditions. Their actions were harmful to the people on that day and will also harm the country in the future. They are failing to live up to their promises and are undermining the national system. All of these situations should be thoroughly investigated.
In Shanyin County, around twenty thousand households are required to pay taxes; about half of these households have assets of less than three thousand coins, and after layers of exploitation, they are left with less than a third. Those with a bit of money are mostly former officials and literati. The poorest are all conscripted for hard labor. Several officials are just waiting to pocket their share; the various taxes and levies seem never-ending. The inspections, verifications, and investigations are countless and entangled. When one person gets caught, ten others end up suffering; and when one issue surfaces, it triggers a cascade of problems. Silkworm farming is neglected, agriculture is abandoned, and they hire cheap labor while juggling public and private affairs, leaving them overwhelmed all day long. How can anyone avoid breaking the law? They aren't even afraid of death, much less punishment; if they don’t care about their own lives, why would they care about their wives and children? Therefore, the stricter the investigations become, the more loopholes emerge; the tighter the legal net, the less it can be enforced. I think the reason the common people have become so cunning is due to the frequent wars and heavy taxes during the late Song Dynasty; the people couldn’t bear the burden, so they found ways to get by, and over time, it became a habit, causing them to forget their original responsibilities. The world is vast, and there are so many common people with different ideas that it's tough to manage them all at once. Changing the overall atmosphere has to be gradual and can't be rushed. If we can avoid troubling the people, tolerate some flaws, and be a bit more lenient, things can slowly start to improve.
However, those documents and files, due to their age, have many details lost, and the orders from above are strict, making us hesitant to trust easily. The county reports to the state, and the state reports to the court; various reports are unpredictable. Those who hear about it find it unbelievable, and those who see it are even more shocked. Relatives, friends, and neighbors are wandering around and struggling through hard times, with no end in sight. The scholars and women are particularly difficult to accommodate. If we don't investigate, we're afraid they'll pull a fast one; if we do, we're unsure how to proceed. I think this issue should be handled by the county itself, focusing on the main problems without needing to oversee every detail, to minimize loopholes, allowing everyone to be more relaxed, and those suffering from illness can also feel the court's benevolence.
Yongxing County and Zhuji County sustained significant losses in both public and private property from past wars, and the situation is worse than that of Shanyin County. If they face floods or droughts again, it will be even tougher. As the saying goes, "Kuji drums for relief, Wuxing officials." Kuji used to be a prosperous place, but now you can imagine how dire it is; Wuxing was originally a barren place, so the situation is evident. These lingering problems definitely need reform. With the emperor's blessing, I boldly share my thoughts. "Kuji drums for relief, Wuxing officials."
The emperor also agreed. He earned high regard for his integrity and later went to Nan Yu State and Nan Yan State to manage affairs, overseeing document signing and government matters, never acting superior and always adhering to the law. He served successively as a Yellow Gate Attendant and an official in the Ministry of Personnel. During the Yongyuan era, he was appointed as the Interior Minister of Yuzhang.
Xiao Huiji, from Nanlanling, is descended from Xiao Yuan, a former general of the Song Dynasty. His father, Xiao Sihua, was a general of the Western Expedition and a Sima of the Ministry of Rites. As a member of the imperial family, Xiao Huiji was highly regarded by Prince Yigong of Jiangxia, who appreciated his carefulness and diligence and gave his daughter in marriage to him. Xiao Huiji initially served as a junior official in the Palace Library, later becoming a military advisor for the Northern Expedition, an official in the Ministry of Water, and a clerk in the Ministry of Personnel. He was later appointed as the Inspector of Xiangdong and then promoted to Commandant of the Imperial Carriages and Chief Registrar of the Cavalry.
During the initial period of the Taishi era, his brother Xiao Huikai (who was the Governor of Yizhou at the time) refused the court's orders. Emperor Ming then sent Xiao Huiji to Shu to convey imperial orders to him. Xiao Huikai surrendered, but the people of Yizhou rebelled against him and besieged the city. Xiao Huiji publicly proclaimed the court's rewards and authority, resulting in the surrender of the rebel leader Ma Xinghuai to Di tribesmen Shao Hu and Hao Tianci. After returning to the court, Xiao Huiji was appointed as an attendant to the Crown Prince. Leading over a thousand soldiers westward, although everyone expected rewards for their achievements, he destroyed the records of their accomplishments and asked for no benefits. When asked why, he said, "If I record these achievements, I will have to constantly toil and labor in the future, which is not what I desire!"
Initially appointed as the Inspector of Wuling, he later became a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. Xiao Huiji had excellent calligraphy skills and was particularly skilled at chess, which endeared him to Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, who recognized his value early on.
During the Battle of Guiyang, Huiji's sister was the wife of Xiu Fan. Emperor Taizu said, "Another rebellion has broken out in Guiyang, your family's territory!" The Emperor stationed his troops in a newly built pavilion and appointed Huiji as the deputy commander, while Huiji's younger brother, Hui Lang, was fighting alongside Xiu Fan. Huiji remained completely untroubled in the city, showing no signs of worry.
Later, he was sent to serve as the governor of Yuzhang. Upon his return, he became an official in the Ministry of Personnel, received promotions and titles, and also served as an attendant. On the night when Yuan Can and Liu Bing rebelled, Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty knew that Liu Bing was related to Hui Ji, who was serving as an attendant at the time. Taizu then sent Wang Jingze to observe Hui Ji's reaction and found that Hui Ji remained calm and had not colluded with Liu Bing. As a result, Taizu trusted and valued him even more.
During the campaign against Shen Youzhi, Hui Ji was promoted to the position of Assistant General of the Nation and stationed in Xinting. After the situation was settled, his military position was removed, and he was appointed as the Chief of Changshui. Later, when his mother passed away, he resigned from his position and returned home to observe mourning rituals.
After Emperor Taizu ascended to the throne, he appointed Hui Ji as the General of Conquering Enemies and Guard Commander. Shortly after taking office, Hui Ji repeatedly requested to resign, and the emperor eventually approved. After completing his mourning period, he was appointed as the General of Conquering Enemies and Governor of Dongyang, with a two-rank promotion. He served as the governor of four counties in total, but never engaged in corruption and remained upright.
He later returned to the court, serving as the Minister of Imperial Affairs, and was then transferred to the Ministry of Personnel as the department head. In the third year of Yongming, due to long-term illness, he was transferred to serve as an attendant, also concurrently holding the position of General of Agile Cavalry. At that time, the Chief Minister, Wang Jian, held great power and high status. Hui Ji and he worked in the Rites Chamber, and unless it was official business, they never met privately, keeping public and private matters separate. In the fifth year of Yongming, he was promoted to the position of Grand Minister of Ceremonies and also appointed as an official of the Imperial Secretariat.
Starting from the Song Dynasty Daming period, the popular music was mostly the lowbrow music of Zheng and Wei, while the orthodox elegant music was rarely appreciated. However, Hui Ji had a deep understanding of music theory and particularly enjoyed the music of the three masters of the Wei and Jin periods and the "Xianghe Ge." Whenever the music played, he listened with great joy and couldn't get enough.
At that time, the most formidable chess player was Wang Kang of Langye, who held the top rank; Chu Sizhuang from Wu County and Xia Chisong from Kuaiji were tied for second place. Chisong was known for his rapid play and quick attacks, while Sizhuang was recognized for his slower, more strategic defensive play and counterattacks. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Song, Yang Xuanbao served as the governor of Kuaiji, and the emperor dispatched Chu Sizhuang eastward to challenge Yang Xuanbao to a game of chess. Sizhuang even prepared a chess diagram and presented it to the emperor upon his return. Later, Emperor Taizu arranged for Chu Sizhuang to compete against Wang Kang in a chess match that lasted from noon until evening, concluding only after several hours. The emperor grew weary and allowed him to rest in the palace, with the outcome only being determined at dawn. Some remarked, "Chu Sizhuang's high ranking is due to his profound thinking and the time he invests, which others simply cannot rival." Later, both Wang Kang and Chu Sizhuang became officials. During the Yongming period, the emperor commanded Wang Kang to demonstrate his chess skills, assigning Prince Liang of Jingling to oversee the event.
In the beginning, Chu Sizhuang purchased a property in Qu'a, set in a tranquil environment perfect for retirement. Hu Ji often told his relatives and friends, "When my children are all settled, I will return to my hometown to retire." He was known for his integrity and simple lifestyle, earning praise from the court as a virtuous man. The following year, he passed away at the age of fifty-nine, and the court posthumously conferred upon him the title of Jinzi Guanglu Dafu.
Xiao Huixiu was appointed governor of Guangzhou in the fourth year of Yongming. Upon stepping down, he submitted his entire salary as a tribute. The emperor dispatched the imperial secretary Ru Faliang to inquire of Xiao Huixiu, "I previously instructed you to decree that he should not use his own salary as a tribute. Now it appears that his loyalty far exceeds that of his predecessors. Inquire whether he truly refrained from using personal funds, as I wish to reward him with a portion."
In the eleventh year of Yongming, Xiao Huixiu was promoted from Deputy General of the State of Fuguo and Prefect of Nanhai to Governor of Xuzhou. After Emperor Yulin ascended the throne, Xiao Huixiu was promoted to General of Champions. In the second year of Jianwu, the enemy besieged Zhongli City, but Xiao Huixiu steadfastly defended the city. The enemy sent an envoy, Zhong Changwen, to the city to shout, "The Emperor is enacting benevolent policies, why are you building defenses against the imperial decree?" Staff officer Yang Lun replied: "The Xianbei (a northern nomadic tribe) are powerful, that's why we are preparing for battle." The enemy attacked the city, but Xiao Huixiu fiercely resisted and defeated the enemy. He was then promoted to Palace Attendant, also serving as Infantry Colonel, and was granted the title of Viscount of Jian'an County with a fief of five hundred households. In the first year of Yongyuan, he was transferred to the position of Governor of Wuxing, and later summoned to serve as Right Attendant Officer. Wuxing Commandery was a former territory of Xiang Yu, renowned for its bold and fierce populace. Many say that "Xiao Huixiu shows great reverence for the gods, that's why he was able to obtain such good official positions." In the second year of Yongyuan, Xiao Huixiu passed away and was posthumously honored with the title of Grand Master of Golden Purple Illuminated Virtue.
Xiao Huixiu's younger brother, Xiao Huilang, was an excellent horseman. He once rebelled with the rebels of Guiyang, but was later pardoned by Emperor Taizu and given another important role. In the ninth year of Yongming, he served as Chief of Military Affairs for Prince Xiyang, acting for the Nanyanzhou administration. His subordinate, the registrar He Yisun, was convicted of embezzling and accepting bribes totaling millions, and was sentenced to death. Xiao Huilang was subsequently dismissed from his post.
Historical records state: people like Xiao Huixiu, who can calmly face the emperor and dare to speak frankly to the ministers in court, are referred to as "Yizhi" (upright), a quality few can attain. However, people like him, who come from humble backgrounds and face tough circumstances while remaining uncompromising, often encounter obstacles in their careers despite their noble character. As a result, many choose to compromise and resign. Noble lineage and inherited achievements don’t need to rely on underhanded methods; as long as they stick to the right path and move forward bravely, they won’t face obstacles. The Wang family has upheld their values for generations and refused to bow to the powerful, which is truly admirable!
Praise: Xiao Xiu, serving as an official in court, is honest and upright. The Xiao family has been prestigious for generations, a family of great honor. He respects family traditions and knows when to step up or hold back. Smart and wise, loyal and upright, he is a true gentleman. Xiao Huiji and Xiao Huihe were both outstanding officials of their time.
