Lu Shuang, courtesy name Kaiming, was a native of Linzhang in Wei Commandery. His grandfather, Lu Shunzong, served as the Governor of Nanqingzhou in the Wei Kingdom, and his father, Lu Gaizhi, served as the Governor of Huozhou in the Qi Kingdom. Lu Shuang was intelligent from a young age, starting school at the age of nine and able to recite more than two thousand characters each day. Yang Zunyan, the Minister of Writing in the Qi Kingdom, was amazed when he met Lu Shuang, saying, "The Lu family truly has talented individuals generation after generation!" At the age of seventeen, he was appointed Registrar by Yue, the Governor of Sizhou and Prince of Qinghe. He was later promoted to Assistant Imperial Secretary in the Palace, then concurrently served as Assistant Imperial Secretary in Charge of Writing, and eventually rose to the position of Assistant Director of the Imperial Library. After the fall of the Qi Kingdom, Emperor Wu of the Zhou heard of his reputation and summoned him along with more than ten others, including Yang Xiuzhi and Yuan Shude. While others brought many belongings, Lu Shuang only brought a few thousand scrolls of books. Upon arriving in Chang'an, he was appointed a Senior Official in the Palace Secretariat. After Emperor Yang Jian ascended to the throne, Lu Shuang was promoted to Supervisor of the Crown Prince's Inner Secretariat, and shortly after became the Crown Prince's Steward. He also collaborated with the Left Imperial Clerk Yu Wenkai and others to compile the "Records of the Eastern Palace" in seventy volumes. Due to his extensive knowledge and eloquence, whenever people from Chen Kingdom visited the capital, the court always sent him to welcome and receive them. In the eleventh year of the Kaihuang reign, Lu Shuang passed away at the age of fifty-three. The court posthumously bestowed upon him the titles of Yitong and Governor of Xuanzhou, and granted him one hundred rolls of silk.
His son Lu Fayen also loved to study, inheriting the good family tradition and became a court official. Initially, when Lu Shuang was serving as the Crown Prince's horse keeper, he suggested to the founding emperor Yang Jian, "The Crown Prince's sons do not have suitable names; please allow me to rename them according to the meaning of the 'Spring and Autumn Annals'." The founding emperor Yang Jian agreed. Later, when the Crown Prince was deposed, the founding emperor Yang Jian held Lu Shuang accountable and furiously remarked, "I personally chose the names for my grandsons; don't you understand? Lu Shuang, you are truly meddlesome! This person's influence also incited the Crown Prince's boldness. Although he himself has died, his descendants should all be stripped of their titles and never allowed to reclaim them." As a result, Lu Fayen was stripped of his name.
Hou Bai, from the same county as Lu Shuang, styled himself Jun Su, also loved to study, was quick-witted, had a humorous disposition, and excelled in debate. He passed the imperial examination and earned the title of scholar-official. He was down-to-earth, liked to say witty and humorous things, and everyone enjoyed interacting with him. Wherever he went, crowds gathered around him like at a busy market. Yang Jian had a very good relationship with him. Once, when Yang Jian and Niu Hong were leaving the court together, Hou Bai said to Yang Jian, "The sun is about to set." Yang Jian laughed and said, "Are you treating me like a cow or sheep that needs to be herded back?" When the founding emperor Yang Jian learned of his reputation, he summoned him for a conversation, was delighted, and appointed him to compile national history in the Secretariat. Every time the court wanted to promote him, the founding emperor Yang Jian would say, "Hou Bai cannot handle the pressure of officialdom," and would halt the promotion. Later, he was given the treatment of a fifth-rank official, and a month later he passed away. People at the time mourned his unfortunate fate. He wrote the "Jingyi Records" in fifteen volumes, which circulated widely.
Du Taiqing, styled himself Shaoshan, was from Quyang in Baoding, Hebei. His father, Du Bi, had held the position of Guard Commander in Northern Qi, a prestigious official role. Du Taiqing had a passion for learning from a young age, read extensively, and was skilled at writing.
He served as a court official in Northern Qi, then rose in rank to hold important positions such as Minister of Works, Minister of Education, Grand Librarian, and Assistant Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. He was known for his integrity, honesty, and simplicity, always holding himself to the moral standards of Confucianism. After the fall of Northern Qi to the Zhou Dynasty, he returned to his hometown and began teaching students, focusing on the teachings of the "Book of Rites" and "Spring and Autumn Annals."
During the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, he was summoned back to the capital. He had compiled a book called the "Yuzhu Baodian" based on the ancient text "Yueling," adding his own content to it. The Emperor was pleased with the book and rewarded him with 200 rolls of silk. Later, due to deafness, he felt unable to continue his official duties and requested to work on compiling national history. The Emperor agreed and appointed him as Prefect of the Imperial Library. Fourteen years later, he requested retirement, which the Emperor approved, allowing him to return to his hometown in retirement. He passed away a few years later, leaving behind a collection of essays in fifteen volumes and a twenty-volume work titled "Qi Ji," which still exists today. Unfortunately, he did not have any sons.
His elder brother, Du Rui, although not as scholarly as he was, was more skilled in official matters and became the Governor of Kaizhou. Du Rui's son, Du Gongshan, was a keen learner from an early age, inheriting the family's good values, but he died while serving as the magistrate of Anyang County. Du Gongshan's son, Du Zhisong, became a Court Attendant during the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui.
Xin Deyuan, styled Xiaoji, was from Dizhou in Gansu. His grandfather, Xin Mu, served as the Prefect of Pingyuan in the Wei Kingdom, while his father, Xin Fu, was the Deputy Minister of the Right. Xin Deyuan was steady and studious from a young age, able to write beautiful essays by the age of fourteen. As he grew older, he became well-versed in various texts and gained an early reputation. At that time, the Minister of Works of Qi, Yang Zunyan, and the Minister of the Palace, Xin Shu, were both influential figures who highly respected Xin Deyuan and recommended him to Emperor Wenxuan of Qi.
Xin Deyuan was first appointed as a court envoy, then also served as the Assistant Minister of Personnel Affairs, and later as the Deputy Envoy to the Liang Kingdom. He subsequently served as secretary to both the Prince of Fengyi and the Prince of Huashan. The Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Liu Ti, specifically wrote a memorial recommending him, stating: "Xin Deyuan has been fond of ancient classics since he was young, and as he grew older, he became increasingly accomplished. He is well-versed in the Six Classics and has extensively studied the writings of various philosophical schools. His writing is both magnificent and exquisite, characterized by a clear and elegant style. He is respectful and cautious at home, and humble and respectful in his dealings with others. He is truly an exceptional talent among the emerging figures, a rare virtuous talent of today. He will surely be loyal to his duties and make great achievements." Due to Liu Ti's recommendation, Xin Deyuan was appointed as the Assistant Minister of Personnel Affairs, later promoted to the rank of Department Head, and also served as a Regular Attendant to the Palace. He also went on a mission to the Chen Kingdom, and upon his return, he served as an officer at the Imperial Academy, then as a Department Head in the Ministry of Personnel, and later promoted to the position of Imperial Secretary.
After the downfall of the Qi Kingdom, he went to the Zhou Dynasty to serve as a Senior Officer responsible for announcing edicts. Once, he was urgently sent to Xiangzhou, where he encountered a rebellion instigated by Wei Jiong. Wei Jiong wanted him to be his Chief Commandant, but Xin Deyuan firmly refused and was left with no choice but to flee. After Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty ascended to the throne, Xin Deyuan was not employed for a long time, so he withdrew to Linluo Mountain, feeling disheartened and unfulfilled. He even penned a piece titled "Ode to Seclusion" to articulate his feelings, but the details of the piece are not elaborated upon here. Xin Deyuan had a good relationship with the Prefect of Wuyang, Lu Sidao, and they often interacted. Later, the Inspector of Weizhou, Cui Yanwu, accused Xin Deyuan of having private associations with a political faction, fearing that he might engage in conspiracy and deceit. Consequently, Xin Deyuan was demoted and dispatched to the south for military service, returning only a year later.
Secretary Niu Hong believed that Xin Deyuan was exceptionally talented, so he petitioned for him to collaborate with the historian Wang Shao on compiling the national history. Xin Deyuan used his spare time to write "Collected Annotations on the Three Commentaries of the Spring and Autumn Annals" in thirty volumes and "Collected Annotations on the Yangzi's 'Fa Yan'" in twenty-three volumes. When the King of Shu, Yang Xiu, heard of his reputation, he invited him over. Xin Deyuan stayed there for several years, was appointed as a secretary, later promoted to a military advisor, and ultimately passed away while in office. He left behind a collection of twenty volumes of writings, as well as "Political Instructions" and "Internal Instructions," each in twenty volumes. His sons, Xin Suchen and Xin Zhengchen, were also very knowledgeable and capable of writing.
Liu Bian, whose courtesy name was Gu Yan, was originally from Hedong, but due to the Yongjia Rebellion, his whole family moved to Xiangyang. His grandfather was a minister of the Liang Dynasty, and his father was a court official. Liu Bian was clever and bright from a young age, able to write and loved reading, having read almost ten thousand volumes of books. During the Liang Dynasty, he began his career as an Assistant Editor. Later, when Xiao Cha occupied Jingzhou, he appointed Liu Bian as a Minister of the Interior, as well as the superintendent of the national university. After the fall of the Liang Dynasty, he was appointed as the Chamberlain for Law Enforcement and the Cavalier Regular Attendant, soon after promoted to the Vice Minister of the Interior. Due to his lack of skill in managing official affairs, he resigned from his position, later serving as a military advisor to the Prince of Jin.
The Prince of Jin had a fondness for elegance and recruited many talented scholars, such as Zhuge Ying, Yu Shinan, Wang Zhou, Zhu Mang, and more, with over a hundred serving as scholars. Among them, Liu Bian was the most formidable. The Prince of Jin regarded him as both a teacher and a close friend, always having Liu Bian revise and refine his writings before presenting them to others. Once, when the Prince of Jin returned from the capital, he wrote a piece titled "Returning to the Fief," and had Liu Bian write the preface, which turned out to be exceptionally magnificent. Initially, the Prince of Jin's writing style was reminiscent of Yu Xin's, but after meeting Liu Bian, his literary style changed.
During the reign of Emperor Yang, Liu Bian was appointed as a scholar of the Eastern Palace, promoted to the position of Secretary Supervisor, and also served as the Director of the Imperial Horse Stables. The Crown Prince was very close to him, often calling him to the inner chambers to drink and chat together. Liu Bian was particularly clever and eloquent, always serving by the Crown Prince's side and able to answer any questions immediately. He also enjoyed drinking and had a witty and humorous way of speaking, making him even more favored by the Crown Prince. Because Liu Bian liked Buddhist scriptures, the Crown Prince asked him to write the "Lotus Sutra," consisting of twenty volumes, which he presented to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was very pleased with it, rewarding him generously, giving him preferential treatment over others.
After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Liu Bian was appointed as Chief of the Secretariat and granted the title of Duke of Hannan County. After the Emperor finished court sessions, he would have Liu Bian enter the palace to chat, drink, and read together until late at night. When the Emperor and his concubines were drinking together and in good spirits, he would have Liu Bian come and dine with them, sitting at the same table like a close friend. The Emperor felt it was not appropriate to summon him every night, so he had a wooden automaton crafted to sit, stand, and kowtow, resembling Liu Bian. Whenever the Emperor drank under the moonlight, he would have the palace maid place the wooden figure next to him to drink and share laughter. Later, when Liu Bian accompanied the Emperor to Yangzhou, he fell ill and passed away at the age of sixty-nine. The Emperor was very saddened and posthumously promoted him to the rank of Grand General, with the posthumous title of "Kang." He wrote the "Records of Prince Jin's Northern Expedition" in fifteen volumes and a collection of essays in ten volumes, which have been preserved through the ages.
Xu Shanxin, whose courtesy name was Wuben, came from Gaoyang Beixincheng. His grandfather, Xu Mao, held the position of Central Attendant to the Crown Prince, Prefect of Shiping Commandery, Prefect of Tianmen Commandery, and Cavalier Attendant. His father, Xu Heng, rose to the position of Secretary of the Yellow Gate during the Liang Dynasty. During the Chen Dynasty, he held the titles of Imperial Guard Commander, Grand Master of the Palace, Minister of War, and Chief of the Imperial Library. Xu Shanxin lost his parents and became an orphan at the age of nine, being raised by his mother, Lady Fan. He was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, with an exceptional ability to understand and memorize information. He was praised by many for his extensive knowledge and remarkable memory. He had over ten thousand old books at home, all of which he read. By the age of fifteen, he was already writing excellent articles. When he shared his writings with his father's friend Xu Ling, Xu Ling was astonished and remarked to others, "This child's talent is extraordinary; he is truly a prodigy!"
He was initially appointed as the legal advisor for the Prince of Xin'an. Later, the Prince's Chief Secretary, Jiang Zong, recommended him to take the imperial examination, in which he passed the examination with the title of scholar. His essays were especially well-received, and he was appointed as a junior official in the Ministry of Revenue. He was later promoted to a higher official position and also appointed as a historian scholar. In the second year of the Zhengming era, he was further appointed as an imperial attendant of the Palace's Secretariat and was sent as an envoy to the Sui Dynasty. While he was on his mission, the Sui Dynasty launched an attack against the Chen Dynasty. After completing his mission, he repeatedly requested to resign, but the Sui Emperor refused and kept him at the inn. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, the Sui Emperor informed him of the news. Xu Shanxin dressed in mourning attire, wept bitterly at the western steps, prostrated himself on the ground, facing east, and cried for three days. The Sui Emperor issued an edict to console him. The next day, he was summoned to the government residence, appointed as an imperial attendant of the Palace's Secretariat, and rewarded with a set of clothes. After crying, Xu Shanxin changed his clothes and came out to the north, shedding tears as he once again expressed his gratitude for the edict. The next day, he attended court, crying uncontrollably, barely able to stand from grief. The Sui Emperor turned to those around him and said, "After subduing the Chen Dynasty, I have acquired such a talented individual. Since he can remember his former master, he must also be loyal to me!" He then ordered him to serve in his original position in the government office and rewarded him with a thousand bolts of cloth and twenty horses. Later, when the Sui Emperor went to Mount Tai, he appointed Xu Shanxin as an assistant in the Ministry of Justice. In the sixteenth year, a divine sparrow landed at the Hanzhang Gate. The Sui Emperor summoned all officials for a celebratory banquet and announced this auspicious omen. Xu Shanxin requested the Four Treasures of the Study during the banquet and wrote a poem titled "Ode to the Divine Sparrow," in which he wrote: "I have heard that observing the heavens reveals divine intent, and examining the earth reveals the land's greatness."
Observing celestial phenomena and geography can help us understand the rise and fall of a country and the honor of its land. The rain and movement of clouds determine the vitality and fierceness of the four seasons; the flow of rivers and the towering mountains shape the forms of all things. These are all the laws of heaven in operation.
The ruler of the Zhen hexagram and the follower of the Li hexagram, the one who continues the tradition of the geese and the phoenix, the jade hammer and jade measures descend from the heavens, the golden plate and golden cords are passed down through generations.
This reflects the emperor's nobility and the inheritance of the imperial throne, as if it were a divine mandate. The emperor governs the world, educates the people, nurturing the growth of all living things, bringing peace and harmony to the world.
Nurturing the spirits, warming the plants and animals, the mysterious pearl hidden in the red waters, and the clear mirror in the empty hall. Everywhere is filled with auspiciousness, all kinds of blessings gather together, his good reputation spreads to the south, even surpassing the fame of Yun and Shao music.
The emperor's rule brings peace and prosperity to the world. His reputation spreads far and wide, surpassing even the wise rulers of ancient times.
Our emperor reigns over the realm, elucidating the great path, harmonizing with the Tai Chi, residing in the Phoenix Palace, occupying the Dragon Throne.
The emperor's rule is as stable as heaven and earth. He governs the country without fanfare, yet he brings peace to the land.
Without speaking, he commands and directs; without appearing stern, he opens and closes the throat bell. He pacifies Xia and Shang, unifies the country, people look up to him, honor him, and celebrate grand ceremonies together.
The emperor's achievements are remarkable, unifying the country and ensuring that the people live in peace and happiness. His governance is characterized by a profound sense of morality, which has won the deep loyalty of the populace. He personally cares for the elderly, listens to the people's concerns, and shows fatherly love for all, extending his compassion even to the remote borderlands and minority communities. His influence is felt across the nation, bringing harmony to both distant and nearby realms. Through his benevolence and virtuous rule, the emperor has ushered in an era of prosperity and flourishing for the nation.
The grand ceremony in Dengfeng, where the Emperor stands in the cloud pavilion to conduct the white inspection ritual, celebrates the successful governance of the country. Although the customary rituals were set, and the military officers drafted the documents, the Emperor humbly declined to accept them. The Emperor's humility and benevolence are unparalleled in history. Divine birds manifest, showcasing remarkable omens, indicating the Emperor's sagacity. A myriad of auspicious signs manifests, heralding the Emperor's profound wisdom. No sign or omen can rival the Emperor's profound wisdom.
Throughout the ages, never before has there been such a prosperous era. This is a blessing from heaven, destined by fate, and now it has come to fruition.
This is an unprecedented golden age.
In this year, laws and regulations are harmonious, reflecting a perfect balance.
This is the scene of a peaceful and prosperous era.
Before the emperor even requests his garments, someone brings them to him. In the morning, he rises in the Hall of Enlightenment, and at that moment, auspicious birds soar down.
These auspicious signs signify the emperor's wisdom.
Moving and stopping, advancing slowly in front of the hall, coming together and lingering before the steps.
Li Qian lives in the remote western region; Lu Ji grew up in the eastern region since childhood. As a mere official, I feel ashamed in comparison to the great sages of the past! Though my abilities are limited, I wish to do my best by offering this ode:
(The original text of the ode should be inserted here, but as it is not provided, this space is left blank)
Li Qian and Lu Ji, one in the west and one in the east, are both remarkable figures! My humble talents are insignificant compared to theirs. However, the world today is much better than before, and I wish to contribute to the country. So, I have written this ode to present to the emperor, hoping he will appreciate it. I feel somewhat anxious, given my limited abilities, and I wonder if my offering will meet the emperor's approval.
The text begins by stating that in the beginning of heaven and earth, the great Dao nourishes all things; its profound virtues are both invisible and intangible, and the profound mystery of the heavenly Dao is beyond description. This peaceful and prosperous world is a positive omen inherited from our ancestors, clearly recorded in historical books. The emperor is both wise and martial, excelling in both civil and military affairs, governing the country effectively. His rule extends throughout the world, with far-reaching influence, as if he has created a new era of prosperity, flourishing like the times of Yao and Shun.
The emperor diligently governs, exemplifying the virtues of kingship, with seven divine spirits safeguarding the land and five immortals ascending to the heavens. The mountain god unveils heavenly secrets, the river god nurtures treasures, black birds soar to the altar while blue fish rest beneath its drapery. Red birds dance like fire, white pheasants dance with the wind, and auspicious birds perch in the Afang Palace, singing at Qishan, heralding the prosperity of the royal family. These auspicious signs are even closer to the palace than the arrival of the gods, heralding the arrival of countless blessings. A portrait of Confucius presents red offerings, and Xunzi's writings convey loyalty; strange scenes abound, and every step reveals a lucky sign.
Jade axes and halberds are displayed before the throne, and courtiers stand by, adorned with rings and swords. All of this reflects the will of heaven and the protection of the gods. As a courtier, I feel privileged to be part of this and will forever cherish this magnificent scene, like an endless symphony. No hymn, no matter how magnificent, can capture my excitement, and no dance, no matter how splendid, can convey my joy. I can only bow in gratitude and pray for the emperor's everlasting reign!
After the performance, Emperor Gaozu was very happy and said, "I have seen the sacred bird with my own eyes, and even enjoyed it with the Empress. I have summoned all the ministers here today to share this tale. Shan Xin, your thoughts are quick, your writing is fluent, and your penmanship is excellent. I have only heard of such things before, but today I finally witnessed it with my own eyes." He then rewarded him with two hundred pieces of silk. In the seventeenth year, Shan Xin was appointed as the Secretary of the Secretariat. At that time, the royal library was in disarray, and Shan Xin organized Ruan Xiaoxu's "Seven Records" and compiled "Seven Forests," writing a general preface for each work and clarifying the authors' intentions, as well as categorizing the books. He also advised the court to recall more than ten scholars such as Li Wenbo and Lu Congdian to correct errors in the classics and histories.
In the first year of Rénshòu, Shan Xin acted as the acting Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. In the second year, he was promoted to acting Assistant Minister of Rites, and his positions as Secretary of the Secretariat and Minister of the Imperial Secretariat remained unchanged. In the fourth year, Shan Xin stayed in the capital. Emperor Gaozu passed away in the Rénshòu Palace, and Emperor Yang secretly replaced the officials in the capital before sending Shan Xin away, appointing him as the Governor of Yanzhou. However, when Prince Han Liang rebelled at that time, Shan Xin did not assume the position.
In the first year of Dà Yè, Shan Xin was promoted to the Minister of Rites. He recommended the Confucian scholar Xu Wenyuan as the Imperial Scholar and promoted Bao Kai, Lu Deming, Chu Hui, and Lu Shida to teaching positions. In the same year, Vice Chancellor Yang Da was dispatched to Jizhou as an envoy, and for his commendable service to the Emperor, the Emperor rewarded him with five hundred pieces of cloth.
General Yuwen Shu of the Left Guard borrowed dozens of soldiers from his unit each morning to run personal errands, usually finishing in half a day. The Grand Master Liang Pi reported him to the emperor. The emperor originally trusted Yuwen Shu, so he initially handed the matter over to the judges for investigation. The result was that over a thousand people claimed to have been borrowed by Yuwen Shu to work. After more than twenty days of investigation, the judges, noticing the emperor's intention, said that although the soldiers worked for less than a day, and even though there were many of them, it could not be considered as one offense. Even if it were true, it wouldn't count as a crime. When those soldiers heard this, they backtracked and said they had never been borrowed to work in the first place.
The emperor wanted to let Yuwen Shu off, so he let the ministers discuss the truth of the matter. Most of the ministers said it was false, but Shan Xin felt something was not right. He said that although Yuwen Shu borrowed soldiers from the army to do private work, even though it was less than a day, it still affected the duty of the army, which was completely different from normal borrowing. Moreover, the soldiers had already returned to their respective offices, and they had to be brought back one by one for questioning. The consistency of their testimonies suggested something was off. It had been almost a month since this incident was uncovered, and the deception was clear. How could he be let off? Su Wei, Yang Wang, and more than twenty other ministers agreed with Shan Xin's statement, while the other ministers felt Yuwen Shu should be pardoned. In the end, the emperor still pardoned Yuwen Shu.
A few months later, Yuwen Shu falsely accused Shan Xin, saying, "When Chen Shubao died, Shan Xin went to the funeral with Zhou Luohou, Yu Shiji, Yuan Chong, and Cai Zheng, and even wrote a eulogy, claiming that those words were spoken for Your Majesty. How dare he give Chen Shubao a posthumous title today!" The emperor had it investigated and found it to be true, but Shan Xin cited ancient precedents to explain, and the issue was put to rest. However, the emperor disliked him greatly.
Later, the Court Historian said that the year the emperor ascended the throne was the same as the year Yao Emperor ascended the throne. Shan Xin felt the country was in mourning and celebrations were inappropriate, so Yuwen Shu incited the Court Historian to accuse Shan Xin. Shan Xin was demoted to a junior minister and dropped two ranks.
In the fourth year of Daye, Shanxin composed "Fangwuzhi" and presented it to the emperor. In the seventh year of Daye, Shanxin followed the emperor to Zhuo County, where the emperor was personally commanding troops. Shanxin submitted a memorial to the emperor with a dissenting opinion, which led to his dismissal. Later that year, he was reappointed as an attendant. In the ninth year of Daye, Shanxin served as the acting Left Yiwu Changshi and accompanied the emperor across the Liao River, being appointed Jianjie Wei.
The emperor once talked about the tokens given to the founding emperor upon his appointment, and he also inquired about matters of ghosts and spirits, commissioning Shanxin and Cui Zujun to co-author "Lingyi Ji," a ten-volume work.
Initially, my father began writing "Liang Shi" with a good heart, but unfortunately he passed away before completing it. I then took on his unfinished work, continuing to write family letters, honoring my father's wish. In the preface to the family letters, I wrote:
"The universe began in chaos, then gradually the yin and yang of heaven and earth came into being, the sun, moon, and stars were used to measure time, the mountains and rivers gave life to all things, and various things began to have vitality."
"By following the principles of the Three Powers to nurture virtue, and emulating the two systems to bring down spirits, with the people come rulers and elders, there are distinctions between noble and humble, to honor their ancestors to the fullest. Uphold the heavenly mandate, embrace the joy of the earth below, everyone must uphold the grand principles, inspire long-term strategies, evoke the winds and clouds, and drive forward talented individuals."
"Man is the essence of heaven and earth, with the hierarchy of rulers and subjects, fathers and sons, forming the fundamental social order. Those rulers must comply with the will of heaven, gain the love of the people, prioritize righteousness, display their talents, inspire talents, and govern the country using various methods."
"Through warfare and diplomacy, various achievements can be attained; through the tripod, jade, and tortoise shell, unity is realized. Through revolution and creation, the principles of bamboo and silk gradually reveal themselves, and through recording events and words, the authority of the written word gradually takes shape."
Some rely on military force to unify, some rely on humility to gain control, but the ultimate result is the same: all for the unity of the country. With the development of society, the system of historiography is gradually improving, recording history and inheriting civilization; the role of these historians is becoming increasingly important.
In the past, names were preserved but traces were lost; since the time of Huang Xuan, texts were obscured but their utility was highlighted. Climbing the hills and valleys, holding instructions and doctrines, connecting the stars and entering the rooms, transmitting the rites of the Xia and Yin dynasties.
Starting from the Yellow Emperor, some historical books only recorded their names, neglecting their specific achievements; some, on the contrary, do not focus much on textual records but more on their actual functions. From the ancient system of rites to the calendar of the Xia Dynasty and the sacrifices of the Yin Dynasty, these are all worth studying and researching.
Distinguishing the square positions, discussing the achievements of the times, the north and south, the east and west, all have their own distinctions, riding in chariots, each excelling in their own reputation. Even though the country may try to conceal its wrongdoings, the ruler must document them, so that traitors and rebellious ministers, causing great fear in the world, can be clearly seen in the clear mirror of history.
Later on, people began to distinguish directions and positions, judge merits and demerits, and the assessment of historical figures became more nuanced. Even if the country makes mistakes, they must be truthfully recorded; the evil deeds of those treacherous ministers and villains will be recorded, acting as a cautionary tale for future generations.
As the three borders are handed down, the five victories are passed on, all claiming to be masters of all things and assuming responsibility for the four seas, with great glory and accumulated virtues; how can there be a world without them?
Throughout the dynasties, those emperors who dominated a region all proclaimed themselves as masters of the world, glorifying their ancestors and accumulating merits. Was there ever a dynasty that didn't have such events?
During the Liang Dynasty's reign, the world was peaceful, and the Jiangnan region was thriving, marking an unprecedented era of prosperity! Starting from Emperor Wu, a total of four emperors ruled the Liang Dynasty, lasting for forty-eight years, and later the Northern Liang, it lasted a total of fifty-six years. Emperor Wu, born into a poor family, later became emperor and saved the people from turmoil, creating a prosperous era. The court was full of talented individuals, and there were no hermits left undiscovered among the common people. The system of rites and music was well-established, and laws were well enforced. Emperor Wu was kind and compassionate, never killing the innocent, governing with benevolence and rarely resorting to harsh punishments, and the entire country was peaceful, truly a good emperor. Unfortunately, later on, there were invasions by minority groups from the north, leading to chaos and devastation, an unprecedented disaster! Talented individuals in the court were killed, the country fell into chaos, and all good things were destroyed. This truly raises questions: was it fate or the result of human actions? For more details, see Volume One of the "Preface."
My father had always wanted to write a book. He completed fifty volumes of the "Book of Qi" and started writing a part of the "Book of Liang" in the biographical history style, but it was not completed. The catalog listed a total of one hundred and eight volumes. After the fall of the Liang Dynasty, many books were lost, those in the tombs were damaged, and the remaining ones were few. Many things were destroyed, which made it difficult for me to locate them! Qin Shihuang burned books and buried scholars, almost causing the classics of the pre-Qin period to be lost; officials in the Han Dynasty also requested the emperor to preserve the classics, but many orally transmitted documents were lost. Much of what my father wrote was lost during that time. After the Chen Dynasty was established, the emperor appointed me as a historian to restore the missing historical records. I had to rely on memory and oral tradition to accomplish this task. Following the original catalog, I have completed one hundred volumes in total, including six sections with fifty-eight volumes, which have been submitted to the court.
From a young age, I've always been kind-hearted, but unfortunately, I didn't have the right opportunities to study well. During the Taijian period, I wrote several memorials to the court to share my thoughts. In the Zhide era, I was finally appointed as a court historian. Back then, I really wanted to conduct thorough interviews and keep detailed records, work hard to meet the court's expectations, and carry on the legacy of the previous historians. However, I was young and healthy, but I had few friends and a pretty laid-back life. I hardly interacted with anyone, much like Yan Yuan, and did not pursue promotion. Although I've read Ban Gu's works, I only know of his ideas; although I've read Wang Yin's books, I have not met him in person. Plus, given my limited skills and shallow knowledge, and as a lang official, I had to write the "History of Chen," which meant that this book was completed slowly and still isn't finished.
In the second year of the Zhenming era, I was sent as an envoy by the court, but my hometown was destroyed, which forced me into exile, delaying my journey and preventing me from completing the task on time. I wept bitterly at Wangdu Pavilion and later relocated to a different residence to practice medicine. My family's historical records and books were subsequently burned. Now only sixty-eight volumes exist, disorganized and incomplete. Since my return to the capital, I have been repairing and reorganizing them, and there are now approximately seventy volumes in total. Among them, "Records of the Four Emperors" comprises eight volumes, "Consorts" one volume, "Records of the Third Prince" one volume, making a total of ten volumes; "Biographies of Royal Princes and Dukes" ten volumes; "Biographies of Officials" twenty volumes; "Biographies of Imperial Relatives" one volume, "Biographies of Filial Piety" one volume, "Biographies of Loyal Officials" one volume, "Biographies of Literary Figures" two volumes, "Biographies of Scholars" two volumes, "Biographies of Recluses" one volume, "Biographies of Mathematicians" one volume, "Biographies of Feudal Lords" one volume, totaling ten volumes; "Biographies of Those Who Stopped" one volume, "Biographies of Women" one volume, "Biographies of Favorites" one volume, "Biographies of Barbarians" two volumes, "Biographies of Traitors" two volumes, "Biographies of Rebels" two volumes, "Biographical Essays" one volume, making a total of ten volumes. All parts recording the words of historical officials are based on the records of the ancestors; the supplemented and improved sections reflect my efforts to restore them. I also composed an additional "Biographical Essay," placed at the end of the "Biographical Essays."
Ten years later, he was transferred to Huaiyuan Town, and his official rank was elevated to Court Gentleman. Later, when the Turks laid siege to Yanmen Pass, he was temporarily appointed as the Left Guard of the Imperial Bodyguards, leading the troops from Jiangnan to defend the palace. When the emperor visited Jiangdu County, he recalled his past contributions and appointed him as a Grand Master of Ceremonies. Afterwards, he was commanded to return to his previous position as an official attendant.
Fourteen years after Yang Guang (also known as Hua Ji) had Yang Yong killed, all the officials of the Sui Dynasty went to the court to congratulate, but only one kind-hearted individual stayed behind. Xu Hongren rushed to inform him: "The emperor has died, General Yuwen is regent, and all civil and military officials in the court are gathered there. There comes a time for the mandate of heaven and human affairs to shift; why are you still hesitating?" Upon hearing this, the kind-hearted individual became angry and refused to follow. Xu Hongren mounted his horse, crying, and said, "General, you have no ill will towards General Yuwen (Yuwen Shu), yet you suddenly wish to end your life; this is truly heartbreaking!" He then went back to report to Tang Fengyi, conveyed the situation to Yang Guang, and sent someone to bring him to the court. Yang Guang ordered his release, but the kind-hearted individual did not leave happily; instead, he appeared very indifferent. Yang Guang watched him leave and said, "This man is truly arrogant!" So he ordered his arrest and scolded him, "I intended to let you go, yet you dare to be so disrespectful!" His associates joined in as well, and in the end, he was killed; he was sixty-one at the time. Later, King Yang Dong proclaimed himself emperor and posthumously conferred him the title of Left Guanglu Daifu and Duke of Gaoyang County, with the posthumous title Wenjie.
The kind-hearted individual's mother, Lady Fan, was the daughter of Xiaocai, a courtier of the Liang Dynasty, and she raised her child alone with great knowledge and noble character. When the founding emperor, Yang Jian, learned of this, he ordered the imperial kitchen to send her fresh food every day and often sent her some rewards. The emperor even summoned Lady Fan to the palace to serve the empress and teach her reading, bestowing upon her the title of Lady Yongle County. After the kind-hearted individual was killed, Lady Fan was already ninety-two years old. She did not weep before the spirit of her son but only touched the coffin and said, "He sacrificed himself for the country; my son did not die in vain!" She then lay down and refused to eat, and after more than ten days, she also passed away.
Li Wenbo, a native of Boling, was upright and loved learning, especially focusing on the classics of Confucianism and the principles of governance. Whenever he read stories about the rise and fall of dynasties and loyal officials, he would ponder deeply. During the reign of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, he became a Yuqi Wei (a cavalry officer) and was valued by the Minister of Personnel, Xue Daoheng. Xue Daoheng often had him read historical books in the audience chamber and observe his conduct. Whenever Li Wenbo came across effective governance methods, he would quickly transcribe them; if he found any flaws in the selection of officials, he would directly point out the errors. Xue Daoheng was always pleased to listen to his opinions.
Later, Li Wenbo was transferred to the Secretariat, responsible for proofreading classics. He lived a simple and frugal life, peaceful and tranquil. Despite often lacking in food and clothing, he maintained noble integrity, never casually socializing with guests and always strictly adhering to etiquette. His colleagues respected and even feared him. Knowing his poverty, Xue Daoheng often invited him to dinner at his home and provided financial assistance. Li Wenbo had a deep understanding of history and governance strategies, as if they were in the palm of his hand, but he never received significant recognition. He slowly rose to the position of Editor of Classics and was later appointed as a county magistrate, but for several years, he remained without further promotions.
Xue Daoheng, after becoming the Grand Secretary, met Li Wenbo in the Eastern Capital's Ministry of Personnel and sympathized greatly with his situation. He petitioned the court to appoint him to a position. Xue Daoheng happily told King Qi Li Gang, "Today I have finally met Li Wenbo; I have recommended him to the court!" This shows that Xue Daoheng valued and acknowledged Li Wenbo. When Li Wenbo was in Luoyang, he visited Fang Xuanling, who even saw him off at the crossroads. Fang Xuanling asked him, "You have pursued righteousness all your life; now that you are in a position, you should be able to accomplish something, right? What have you done recently to combat corruption?" Li Wenbo immediately excitedly said, "To govern the flow of water well, you must first purify the source; to rectify the end of things, you must first rectify the root. Now the water source is chaotic; even if ten corrupt county magistrates are dismissed every day, what difference does it make?" He was honest and outspoken, despised evil fiercely, and never hesitated, always like this. At that time, the court was increasingly corrupt; many people were embezzling and taking bribes, but only Li Wenbo always adhered to his principles, and people respected him even more because of this. Later, the world descended into chaos; Li Wenbo wandered around and eventually disappeared. At first, Wenbo started as a copyist in the palace, and the son of Yu Shiji was also there, dressed flamboyantly, showing no humility. Wenbo calmly asked him how old he was, and he answered, "Eighteen." Wenbo said to him, "When Jia Yi was eighteen, he was discussing national affairs. What are you doing, only focusing on your appearance?" Later, when the Queen of Qin Xiaowang gave birth to a son, Emperor Gaozu was particularly happy and rewarded the courtiers with varying amounts. Wenbo's family had always been poor, and when someone remarked that he seemed pleased to receive the reward, he said, "The reward and punishment system is used to measure merits and demerits. Now that the queen has given birth to a son, what does that have to do with us officials? Why should we receive rewards for nothing?" He was always like this, seriously following the system, assessing merits and demerits, ensuring that rewards and punishments were fair and just, without any concealment.
Wen Bo originally focused on Confucian studies, but later also studied historical texts and was well-versed in the teachings and discussions of various schools of thought. He was quite straightforward in personality, enjoyed discussing current affairs, and was also an accomplished writer. He wrote a ten-volume work titled "Collection of Governing Principles," that circulated widely in society.
Historical records note that individuals like Ming Kerang and Wei Dan possessed extensive knowledge, broad experiences, and their writing was both elegant and fluent. They were respected and held official positions wherever they went. While their rise to fame and fortune was not solely due to their own efforts, their character remained commendable. Wei Dan's "Book of Wei" was regarded as concise and clear in its time and was worthy of being passed down to future generations. Others also produced their own works. Though their achievements varied, they all committed themselves to writing and scholarship, and that is truly admirable!
