Lu Sida, whose courtesy name was Zixing, hailed from Fanyang. His grandfather, Lu Yangwu, served as the Secretary of the Wei Dynasty, while his father, Lu Daoliang, chose a life of seclusion. Lu Sida was bright and articulate from a young age, possessing a free-spirited nature. At the age of sixteen, he met Liu Song from Zhongshan, who shared an inscription with him. After reading it, Lu Sida was profoundly inspired and began to study diligently under Xing Zicai. Later, he wrote an article for Liu Song, but Liu Song still did not grasp it. Lu Sida remarked, "The benefits of learning shouldn't be underestimated!" He borrowed numerous books from Wei Shou and, within a few years, became quite knowledgeable. However, he was often seen as unreliable in his dealings with others and had a tendency to look down on them.
During the reign of Emperor Qitianbao, before the official publication of the "Book of Wei," Lu Sida had already memorized it, which resulted in severe punishment. Despite making several mistakes, he did not receive any promotions. Eventually, Yang Zunyan, the Left Chief Minister, recommended him to the court, and Lu Sida became a military officer, while also serving as an attendant in the Ministry of Personnel. When Emperor Wenxuan died, the ministers were tasked with writing elegies, with Lu Sida writing eight of the ten elegies that were chosen. This led to him being nicknamed "Eight-Meter Lu Lang." However, he later leaked palace secrets, resulting in his demotion to a ceremonial position in the Prime Minister's Office. He subsequently served as an attendant to the Crown Prince and as a military officer in the Ministry of Works, where he faced constant criticism. Ultimately, he was dismissed for misappropriating treasury funds and returned home.
In the northern region of Ji, he once expressed a myriad of emotions and wrote a five-word poem to convey his sentiments, which was highly praised by people. After a few years, he became the chief registrar of the capital region, and later served as a guest minister, a minister of the Yellow Gate, and a courtier in the Imperial Academy. After Emperor Wu of Zhou pacified the Qi state, he was appointed as an official of the rank Yitong San Si, and he hurried to Chang'an, where he collaborated with peers like Yang Xiuzhi to create the "Listening to the Cicadas" piece. Lu Sidao's contribution was praised for its fresh and clear expression. Shortly thereafter, his mother fell ill, and he returned to his hometown. At this time, his fellow townsman Zuyingbo, his cousin Lu Changqi, and Song Hu, among others, rebelled, and Lu Sidao joined them. The Zhou dynasty sent Yuwen Shenju, the Zhuguo, to quell the rebellion, and Lu Sidao was sentenced to death under the law. However, Yuwen Shenju had heard of his reputation and called him out to write a battle report. Lu Sidao wrote it in one go, without even altering a single punctuation mark. Yuwen Shenju was greatly impressed and spared his life. Later, Lu Sidao was appointed as a senior instructor. After Gaozu became the prime minister, he promoted him to be the governor of Wuyang, but it wasn't his true desire. He wrote a piece called "Solitary Wild Goose" to convey his sentiments, where he wrote:
When I was young, I journeyed to the capital from my hometown and quickly made many friends who recognized my talents, including many high-ranking officials. In my early twenties, I became an official, and because some people exaggerated, I unwittingly acquired a false reputation. Influential figures like Yang Lingjun and Xing Tejin respected me greatly, warmly welcomed me, praised me enthusiastically, and raised my social status. However, my true abilities were quite ordinary, and my character was lazy. I had little interest in fame, wealth, or fortune. Although I have been in the officialdom for thirty years, I have always yearned for solitude and detachment.
My health is not great; I have some minor health issues. Later, I was appointed as an official in Dongyuan. By the Hong River, a vast plain stretches endlessly, far away from the hustle and bustle of officialdom, accompanied only by fish and birds. There was a lone wild goose, caught by a hunter, tamed, and then presented to me. I kept this wild goose by the pond, admiring it every morning and evening. It not only eased my worries but also alleviated my minor ailments. The Book of Changes says "the wild goose gradually lands on land," describing the beautiful feathers of the wild goose; the Yangzi Fa Yan says "the wild goose soars high," describing how high the wild goose flies; the Huainanzi says "returning to the east of Jieshi," which describes the wild goose flying to the east to escape the heat; Pingzi's Fu says "residing in Hengyang in the south," which describes the wild goose flying to the south to avoid the cold.
This wild goose, with its elegant gait, clear call, noble aspirations, and lofty demeanor, is as noble as a phoenix or a luan bird, rarely seen among its kind. But now its feathers are damaged, lonely under the wall, pecking at rough grains, associating with chickens and ducks. Isn't that a shame? I am fifty years old; how quickly time flies! Thinking carefully about my life, I feel a surge of emotions, so I wrote this article to comfort myself. The following are the words of the article:
(Here should be inserted the Fu written by the author, which is not provided in the original text, so it cannot be translated)
A lone wild goose, with its distinctive plumage, innately possessing a noble temperament, was born in Liaodong. When its feathers are about to fall off, it calls out in the warm spring breeze, gracefully flapping its wings through the thick clouds of ice and snow. It flies over endless islands, through the misty frost-laden air, disturbing the tightly woven nets of fish, and wary of the arrows shot by hunters.
When the Dipper points to the east and the female Yi are in charge of the moon, it flies to modest homes, then gracefully flies toward the palace. When the sky is clear and the air is crisp, it migrates with the changing seasons, sometimes singing by the Huai River, sometimes by the river. It glides through the crimson sky, flying fiercely, relying on the red air current, braving the biting north wind, enjoying the slow sunlight.
In spring, as Poyang Lake swells and Dongting Lake turns emerald, it preens its feathers and plays with many companions. It shakes its snow-white feathers in the wind, waiting for the dawn with its frosty feathers, eating the water grass in the rivers and the grains in the fields. It soars high, its voice rising and falling, as white as Qi's ice silk and as bright as Mishan's jade.
In the morning, it bathes in the dew, walking slowly; in the evening, it rests on fragrant sandbars, stretching its neck and riding the water downstream; in winter, it plays and spends the night by the Yuanshui River with its companions; in summer, it returns home, flying over the vast desert. It longs to be with the swan geese and the egrets, tired of the boundless sky, and lands in the flowers and grass by the river.
Suddenly, it encounters the nets set by the people and the traps set by the hunters, bidding farewell to the vast world, falling into a trap. At first, it is trapped in a cage, fearing the blade, struggling desperately, resenting its loss of freedom. Eventually, it is tamed in the courtyard, nesting by the pond, feasting on rice and grains, living freely.
So, it folded its wings, contracted its neck, held its breath, suppressed its voice, extinguished its longing for the lofty heights, and buried its longing for the tranquil rivers and seas. When will it be able to raise its head, soar high, fly to the realm of purity, hover and dance in the air, and fly to distant cities? Fierce birds do not regard it as valuable, small birds look down on it; it is shamelessly content with its current state. How can it rush back to the sky and regain its former glory?
Like the great yet enviable birds of Tunan, like the insects resting on eyelashes, small yet not humble, they all find their place in the world without fighting each other. It does not listen to the music of Xianchi, does not eat the offerings of Tailao; it drinks alongside ordinary chickens and forages with wild ducks. It does not show off to seek fame, nor does it deliberately change its appearance to be seen by others; it simply resides by the marshes and ponds, maintaining inner peace. It is indifferent to honor and disgrace, only accepting the occasional attention of gentlemen.
At the beginning of the Kaihuang period, because my mother was old, I submitted a request to resign from my official post, which the emperor graciously granted.
As for myself, I can be somewhat arrogant and have unintentionally offended many, so my career has been fraught with difficulties. Later, I wrote an article entitled "On Labor," directly criticizing the social situation at that time, in which I wrote:
"Zhuangzi" said, "Heaven and earth labor me to live." This is undeniably true! I am fifty years old this year, and my health is deteriorating day by day. Looking back, my life has been a struggle. Thus, I wrote this piece to also reflect on those matters of that time.
After stepping down and returning home, one day a guest came to see me. After a while, he looked at me and said, "Life is the greatest blessing in the universe, and humans are the most refined beings, so they can harmonize with the yin and yang of the universe and are the noblest of all creatures. Whether one is beautiful or ugly, smart or foolish, these differences are as vast as the heavens and the earth; everyone has different ways of handling things, some are like diving into the sea, while others are like scaling a mountain. You, hailing from a distinguished lineage, with nine generations of ancestors who served as court officials, possess extraordinary gifts and remarkable talents, admired by all, knowledgeable, and aspire to travel the world like the disciples of Confucius, with eloquent language and writing skills rivaling those of the renowned ministers of the Han Dynasty. You conduct yourself with principles in your interactions, you are always courteous in your manners, you do not flatter or act arrogantly, you remain neither sorrowful nor overly joyful, whether in high office or humble circumstances, your demeanor is always so calm and composed, it is truly commendable! I genuinely admire you from the depths of my heart!"
I smiled and said, "Haven't you thought about this question before? What is wrong with what you said? Listen carefully, and I will explain it to you slowly. In fact, living is not all that different from not living. In my lifetime, I've worked hard. When I was young, I studied diligently, followed rules, and worked hard to move up. After becoming an official, although I remained clean, I was constrained by various rules and lost my carefree nature, forgetting the heroic spirit of the world. I was caught in a storm, stumbling along as worries and fatigue piled up, with things never ending. Why? Because of my noble birth, I was envied by my colleagues in the officialdom; because of my outstanding talent, I was resented by mediocre people. I was diligent and studious, but those ignorant people looked at me with suspicion; I spoke frankly, but those dull people harbored resentment towards me. Not only did I have to endure the jealousy of others like a worm hoarding the spring dew, or an owl hoarding a decaying mouse, like Xiangru sighing in Jiangdu, like Qu Yuan not returning in Changsha, I was also looked down upon like Lu Zhonglian was by Zang Cang, faced difficulties like the people of Chu encountering Jin Shang, mourned like Zhao Yi, and cried like Zhang Sheng. In the later years of Qi, without ever meeting a wise ruler like Shen Buhai or Shang Yang, I could only retreat and had nowhere to go. People like Duan Gui and Zhang Rang regarded money as worthless; people like Jia Mi and Guo Huai were greedy beyond measure. They abused the law, causing suffering to innocent people. I have heard the slander of villains and witnessed the cruelty of power-hungry officials. Even in the late Zhou Dynasty, I encountered an incompetent ruler. When I attended court, I was nervous and sweating, like someone from Ju Province scaling a cliff, dangerous, like a person from Qi holding a horse's tail, living in constant fear."
Let me recount my youth, riding a horse on rugged mountain roads, enduring wind and rain in remote places, working day and night without daring to slack off; these are merely a small part of what I've been through. Now the world is peaceful, the four corners of the world are at peace, with wise ministers and good officials supporting the court above, and capable ministers and efficient officials serving below. People like Qibo and Shanjuan are too proud to be blinded by the darkness of politics; people like Bian Sui and Wu Guang regret entering politics. I’m over fifty now, nearing the age of knowing my fate. By tradition, I should be retiring and enjoying my later years. Like a leaf carried away by the wind, it doesn’t affect the lushness of the whole forest; like a pair of mandarin ducks flying away, it will not affect the vitality of the whole lake.
I want to farm the fields and work by the well, admire the morning glow of the southern mountains, and watch the bright moon of the northern hall in the evening; study Fan Sheng's agricultural writings and learn his exquisite planting techniques; study the governance strategies of Cui Shi and others, and strive to put them into practice. In the morning, I wear a bamboo hat and work alongside farmers; in the evening, chatting about farming with my neighbors. Sipping fine wine, singing loudly, and feeling nothing but peace between heaven and earth.
"This is the joy of a free spirit; do you envy me for it?"
The guest said, "I have heard about what you have experienced. Others also want to know roughly what happened, so please tell us." I replied, "Clouds drift by, mud settles; the high and low, the noble and humble, all differ, as do movement and stillness, lightness and heaviness. Therefore, some people can soar through the skies and sail the seas, easily catching fish and shrimp in the marshes, while others labor in the mountains and forests, toiling to fell trees. In my later years, I found myself in a time of peace and prosperity, allowing me to achieve my modest aspirations, observe the rise and fall of the world, and witness the perils and upheavals of the present times. On long winter nights, I quietly contemplate, often sighing and feeling sad, with tears streaming down my cheeks. Human life is only a hundred years, short and lamentable, like a galloping steed and passing lightning, fleeting. Reflecting on my decades of experience—wealth and poverty, honor and disgrace, rise and fall—these all seem trivial. However, there are few knowledgeable people, but many ignorant people, narrow-minded, shallow, and impatient. At home, they are ruthless and unfilial; in public, they shamelessly flatter without a hint of shame. They are perpetually dissatisfied, forgetting the noble virtues of Boyi and Shuqi; they pursue fame and profit, abandoning the loyalty and integrity of Zhou Ren. Since ancient times, these social ills have persisted, and in modern times, these societal pests have grown increasingly rampant. The spirit of modesty and humility embodied by Fan Zhongyan has found no successors; the incompetence and tyranny chronicled in the 'Book of Xia' have become the behavioral standards of those in power."
In the morning, the small carts were filled with visitors to the residences of Dong Zhuo and Shi Chong; in the evening, the luxurious carriages were crowded around the mansions of Yan Zhong and Dou Rong. These people are all portly and sycophantic, bowing and scraping to curry favor with the powerful. They speak eloquently and use flattery to please the powerful, feigning tears to elicit sympathy. They offer fine wine and delicacies, exotic treasures from afar, beautiful women and charming ladies, treating them like old shoes and discarding gold and silver treasures as well. When Deng Tong fell out of favor, they couldn't even muster a single hairpin as a bribe; when Liang Ji was executed, the prominent status of the five marquises vanished as well. Those who used to vie for official positions and visit the powerful day and night, old friends who used to chase after and curry favor with the powerful, those who used to visit the homes of the powerful, were initially terrified, as terrified as a deer in headlights, pale-faced, as scared as Ye Gong seeing a dragon; after a while, they became proud, walking with their heads held high, abandoning their former allies’ mansions, running to the home of the Holy Minister to complain. Their carriages raised dust, charging in like arrows shot from a bow; their power vanished in an instant, like the sound of a broken string on a zither. Not all sweetness is genuine, no mountains or rivers can halt their progress, ever-changing and unpredictable. These people are well-dressed aristocrats, some very talented, but shameless and undeterred by the law, disregarding their friends' reputations and unconcerned about their wives' feelings. They put on a façade of righteousness on the surface, but scheme and plot in their hearts, so they can rise to high positions, govern provinces and counties, oppress the people, and accumulate wealth. They indulge in excess, reveling in their prosperity, ears weary of the sounds of silk and bamboo, mouths tired of delicacies from the mountains and seas. Although everyone knows this is wrong, those in power turn a blind eye; the moral decay is alarming.
As for me, I do not fit in with the ways of the world, and I’m okay with living in poverty, well aware of the perils of officialdom, afraid of being caught up in political turmoil. I feel like my heart is dead inside, not after fame or fortune; there’s no extra food at home, and I don’t spend money. I occasionally participate in official activities, but I’ve remained a nobody for decades. People often laugh at my foolishness. I’m sharing all this to show you how I really feel. A truly wise ruler knows to ditch the extravagance and embrace simplicity; when people get the idea of honor and disgrace, society will be stable and peaceful. If the monarch can govern diligently, promote education, have wise ministers like Fang Xiaoru and Shao Yong to assist, strengthen military forces externally, promote the right path, maintain social integrity, select talents, and avoid abusing power, then those who seek to take advantage and flatter will be eliminated, and the shallow will fade away. Rough stones will turn into precious jade, and weeds will bloom into beautiful orchids. The chaos and corruption of the past are long gone now, and nobody dares to look down on me anymore.
Look, the Book of Changes says: "A sage makes his mark, and all under heaven can see it," that’s exactly it!
Over a year later, I got called to court, sent by the emperor to meet the envoy from Chen outside the city. Not long after that, my mother passed away, and I was heartbroken. Soon after, I was appointed as the Cavalry Attendant and took on the role of acting Minister of the Interior.
At that time, the court was discussing the establishment of the Six Qing, intending to appoint me as the Dali Qing. I (Sidao) then submitted a memorial saying, "There is already a Ministry of Works in the court, and the Taipu Temple is still retained in the temple; there is already a Ministry of Justice in the court, and the Dali Temple is still to be established in the temple. In this way, it appears that livestock is valued over criminal law, which is truly inappropriate." I also said that the palace is not a place for corporal punishment, and if court officials commit crimes that deserve corporal punishment, they should be allowed to redeem themselves with money. The Emperor greatly appreciated and adopted my suggestions.
That year, I (Sidao) passed away in the capital city at the age of fifty-two. The Emperor was deeply saddened and even sent envoys to offer condolences and pay respects. I left behind thirty volumes of literary works, which were widely circulated at that time. My son, Chisong, rose to the position of Chief Historian of Hedong during the Daye period.
Lu Changheng, styled Zijun, his father Lu Daoqian was a high-ranking official serving as the Minister of Works in the Wei Kingdom. Changheng was known as Longzi in his youth, handsome and elegant, with impeccable manners, well-read, and proficient in both cursive and clerical scripts. His younger brother, Lu Sidao, nicknamed Shenu, both brothers were renowned in the family, so the people of Youzhou would say, "The Lu family stretches a thousand miles, with Shenu and Longzi." This praise was widely circulated at the time!
At the age of seventeen, the Prince of Jiyin in the Wei Kingdom, Yuan Huiye, recruited him as a General of the Taiwei, and he also served as a General of Foreign Troops. Later, during the Qi Dynasty's usurpation of Wei, he served as the Prefect of Ping'en and as the Prince's Attendant. He was then recommended by the Minister of Works, Zu Xiaozheng, and promoted to the position of Lang in the Ministry of Finance. Zu Xiaozheng often said, "I appointed Lu Zijun as the Lang in the Ministry of Finance, and I believe it does justice to the reputation of the people of Youzhou!" Later, he also served as the Cavalry Officer and received envoys from the Zhou Dynasty. After Northern Zhou conquered Qi, he was appointed as an official responsible for the Imperial Jade, and together with Husi Zheng, revised the ritual regulations. During the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, he was appointed as the Deputy Lang of the Ministry of Rites.
Emperor Gaozu once summoned all officials to report their merits. Everyone boasted about their accomplishments, except for Lu Changheng, who remained silent. The Minister of the Left, Gao Qiang, thought he was special. Later, envoys from the Chen Dynasty, He Che and Zhou Fen, visited the Sui Dynasty, and Lu Changheng was always sent to receive them, showing the court's esteem for him. He was later appointed as the Governor in Xuzhou, where he performed exceptionally well. The Minister of Personnel, Su Wei, remarked, "His character serves as a model for others; his actions are exemplary for officials." Many believed this was the best evaluation of Lu Changheng.
Once, while passing through Junyi, his horse was killed by a cow. The owner of the cow apologized and offered compensation, but Lu Changheng refused, saying it was a normal occurrence and not the cow owner's fault. He was generous and did not dwell on such trivial matters, which reflected his character. He was later promoted to the Governor of Shouzhou. The Chief Steward at the time, Yu Wenshu, respected him greatly and entrusted him with many affairs of the state. A year later, he was appointed as the Governor of Jinzhou.
During the Renshou period, he was appointed as the Provincial Inspector of Henan Province. Upon his return, he was awarded the title of Yitong Sanqi for his efficient work and was rewarded with three hundred bolts of cloth. Feeling old, Lu Changheng requested retirement, but the Emperor did not grant his request. In the early years of Daye, he was summoned to be the Junior Libationer to the Crown Prince and went to Luoyang for the position. However, he passed away on the way at the age of seventy-two. His sons were Lu Baosu and Lu Baoyin.
Li Xiaozhen, courtesy name Yuancao, was from Bairen County in Zhao Commandery. His father, Li Xili, once held the position of Inspector of Xinzhou in the State of Qi. His family was a well-respected and prominent lineage. Li Xiaozhen had a love for learning from a young age and had excellent writing skills. During his time in the State of Qi, he first served as a military aide in the Situ Mansion. He was a quiet and reserved person, not one to socialize easily with others, and shared strong bonds with his cousin Li Sao, the Crown Prince's Attendant Li Jijie, Cui Ziwu from Boling, and Lu Xunzu from Fanyang. Later, he passed the examination, ranked first, and was appointed as an official.
At that time, the Yellow Gate Attendant Gao Gan needed to arrange many things for a marriage proposal and approached Li Xiaozhen. Li Xiaozhen rejected him, which led to a longstanding grudge between them. Gao Gan covertly undermined Li Xiaozhen, resulting in his demotion to the role of Outer Military Officer in the Taiwei's office. Later, he successively served as the Imperial Secretary, Boling Prefect, Sizhou Attendant, and also concurrently held the position of Cavalier In Regular Attendance, and embarked on a diplomatic mission to the Western Zhou. Upon his return, he was later appointed as a Yellow Gate Attendant. After Emperor Wu of the Western Zhou conquered the Qi State, Li Xiaozhen was appointed as Yitong Sansi and Xiaodianxiadafu. When Emperor Xuan of Sui ascended the throne, he was promoted to the position of Dafu of the Ministry of Personnel. When Emperor Wen of Sui served as Prime Minister, Wei Jiong rebelled in Xiangzhou, and Li Xiaozhen followed Wei Xiaokuan to suppress the rebellion, and due to his accomplishments, he was promoted to Shang Yitong Sansi.
During the Kaihuang era, he was appointed as the Prefect of Fengyi. Because of a breach of taboo, everyone began to refer to him by his courtesy name "Yuancao." Several years later, he was transferred to be the Governor of Mengzhou, and the local people held him in high regard. Since then, he rarely wrote anymore. When asked why, he would sigh and say, "I am fifty years old; time passes by so quickly, my hair has turned white, my body has aged, my interest in politics and literature has faded; it's truly a pity!" However, whenever he had some time to relax, he would invite friends over to sing, drink, and have a great time. Later, he was summoned back to the court to serve as the Minister of the Interior, handling documents alongside the Minister of the Interior, Li Delin. However, Li Xiaozhen was often seen as lacking in his ability to handle government affairs, which led to frequent dissatisfaction. The Emperor became angry and ordered an investigation by the Imperial Censor, which resulted in his demotion to Governor of Jinzhou. In the end, he died in office. He wrote many articles, compiled into a collection of twenty volumes, which have been preserved through the ages. He had a son named Li Yunyu.
Li Xiaowei, Li Xiaozhen's younger brother, was also a man of prestige, and during the Daye era of Emperor Yang of Sui, he achieved the position of Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.
Xue Daoheng, whose courtesy name was Xuanqing, hailed from Fenyin, Shanxi. His grandfather, Xue Cong, served as the Governor of Jizhou in the Wei Kingdom; his father, Xue Xiaotong, served as the Prefect of Changshan. Xue Daoheng lost his parents at the age of six, but he dedicated himself to his studies. At the age of thirteen, he read the "Zuo Zhuan," and when he came across the story of Zichan assisting the state of Zheng, he wrote a piece called "Guo Qiao Zan," which was remarkably well-written and left everyone impressed.
Later, Xue Daoheng's reputation grew, and Xiao Xi, the Governor of Sizhou and Prince of Pengcheng, invited him to serve as a military officer. At that time, the Left Deputy of the Ministry of Personnel, Hongnong Yang Zunyan, a remarkable figure, praised Xue Daoheng highly. Later, Xue Daoheng was appointed to the position of Imperial Attendant. The Minister of Personnel, Xinxin Shu of Longxi, chatted with him, exclaiming, "The governance of Zhengguo is secure!" Pei Yan of Hedong remarked, "Since the dynasty moved to the Hebei region, I thought it would be hard to find talents like Confucius in the western regions, but now we have met Mr. Xue!" After Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou took office as Prime Minister, he appointed Xue Daoheng as a secretary. After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, Xue Daoheng was promoted to the position of Chief Clerk of the Grand Commander’s Office. Over a year later, he additionally served as Cavalier Attendant, responsible for receiving envoys from the Zhou and Chen dynasties. During the Wuping period, the court ordered him and some Confucian scholars to revise the "Five Rites," and later appointed him as the Left Outer Guard of the Ministry of Personnel. The envoy of the Chen dynasty, Fu Zai, came to Qi, and Xue Daoheng also served as the Chief Guest Officer to receive him. Fu Zai presented him with a fifty-line poem, and Xue Daoheng reciprocated with a poem, which garnered high praise in both the north and south. Wei Shou remarked, "Fu Zai is like using worms to catch big fish." Later, Xue Daoheng was appointed as an attendant in the Wenlin Pavilion, where he enjoyed a close friendship with Lu Sidao of Fanyang and Li Delin of Anping. He also concurrently served as a direct provincial officer of the Zhongshu Province and was soon promoted to the position of Deputy of the Zhongshu, while also serving as the Prince's Tutor. During the reign of the later emperor, he was increasingly trusted, but also faced criticism for being overly flattering. Later, he participated in political affairs with the attendant Huluxiaoqing, proposing many thorough strategies that were ultimately ignored. After the downfall of Qi, Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou appointed him as an Imperial Scholar of the Second Rank. He later returned to his hometown, starting as a provincial clerk and eventually rising to the rank of Senior Official of the Sulu.
After Gaozu became the Prime Minister, he accompanied Marshal Liang Rui in a campaign against Wang Qian and served as the acting governor of Lingzhou. During the Dading era, he was appointed as an official in Yitong Sanqi and also served as the acting governor of Qiongzhou. After Gaozu ascended the throne, he was dismissed from office for various reasons. Later, Prince Hong of Hejian led a campaign against the Turks in the north, and Gaozu was summoned to serve as a military secretary. Upon his return, he was appointed as an official in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In the same year, he also served as a Cavalier Attendant and was sent on a mission to the state of Chen.
Dao Heng submitted a memorial saying, "Jiangdong is merely a remote region, but it has long been usurping the title of emperor, all because of the fragmentation of the Central Plains since the Yongjia period. People like Liu Yuan, Shi Le, Fu Jian, Yao Chang, the Murong clan, and the Helian clan, who proclaimed themselves emperors, eventually perished. The Northern Wei unified the north and south but had not yet launched a distant campaign. Northern Zhou and Northern Qi were established successively and focused on annexation, so Jiangdong has not been attacked for many years. Your Majesty possesses extraordinary virtue, having inherited the throne and standing alongside the three wise rulers, how can we tolerate the existence of the small state of Chen beyond our control for a long time? This time, on my mission, I request to order Chen to submit and pay tribute." Gaozu said, "I intend to endure for the time being, ignore them for now, and do not speak ill of them, as long as they understand my intention."
The people of Jiangdong love poetry and literature, especially Chen Houzhu, who has a particular fondness for poetry. Every time Dao Heng wrote a poem, the people of Jiangdong would eagerly recite them. Eight years later, during the campaign against the state of Chen, Dao Heng was appointed as the Minister of Personnel of the Huainan Circuit and was also in charge of documents. When the army reached the banks of the Yangtze River, Gao Feng sat in his tent at night and asked Dao Heng, "Do you think this campaign against Chen will be successful?"
Dao Heng replied: "When it comes to the success or failure of major events, the first step is to judge them with the correct principles. The Nine Provinces mentioned in the 'Tribute of Yu' were originally the territory of the emperor. At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, warlords rose up, and the Sun family took control of Wu and Chu. Emperor Wu of Jin was granted the Mandate of Heaven and quickly destroyed the state of Wu. The southward migration during the Yongjia period resulted in another division. Since then, wars have never ceased. Prosperity will inevitably decline; this is the way of the heavens. As Guo Pu said: 'Jiangdong may prosper as a king for three hundred years, but in the end, it will return to the Central Plains.' The time is almost here. From the perspective of divine will, success is assured! First, those with virtue prosper, while those without virtue perish. Throughout history, the rise and fall have followed this principle. The emperor is diligent and frugal, caring for the people's suffering, while Chen Shubao indulges in extravagance and debauchery, causing discord among the people and angering both man and god. This is destined to fail! Second, the strength of a nation lies in its talent. The officials of Chen are all in name only. Chen Shubao relies on the unscrupulous Wen Qing to handle political affairs, and the Minister of Works, Jiang Zong, only focuses on composing poetry and essays, not the kind of talent needed for effective governance. Xiao Moho and Ren Mannu are their main generals, but they are merely brave warriors. This is destined to fail! Third, we possess righteousness and a strong national power, while they lack virtue and have weak national power. Their army is only a hundred thousand strong. From the Wuxia in the west to the sea in the east, we have divided them, causing their strength to become scattered and hard to resist. If they concentrate their forces, they will neglect other areas. This is destined to fail! Fourth, we are like a bamboo that breaks through; victory is just around the corner!" Gao Feng happily said: "Your analysis of success and failure is both clear and logical; I understand it all at once. I never expected your military strategy to be this brilliant!"
After his return, Dao Heng was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Personnel. Later, due to his efforts in promoting talent, some accused him of forming cliques, showing favoritism towards Su Wei, and appointing people based on personal connections. As a result, he was dismissed from his position and exiled to a remote area in Lingnan. At that time, Prince Jin Guang was in Yangzhou and secretly sent someone to persuade Dao Heng to leave, hoping to request the court to keep him. Dao Heng, who had no fondness for Prince Jin, heeded the advice of Prince Han Liang and departed from Jiangling. Shortly thereafter, the court issued an edict summoning him back and appointed him to the Ministry of Interior. Prince Jin resented him for this; yet, acknowledging his talent, he remained relatively courteous.
Several years later, Dao Heng was appointed as the assistant minister of the Ministry of Interior and was granted the title of Yitong Sanqi. When Xue Dao Heng wrote, he would always hide in an empty room, lying against the wall. If he heard someone outside the door, he would get angry, illustrating his seriousness in thought. Emperor Wen of Sui often said, "The articles written by Xue Dao Heng are exactly to my liking!" but also cautioned him not to write too unusually. Later, the Emperor held his abilities in high regard, telling Yang Su and Niu Hong, "Dao Heng is aging and works diligently; he deserves to enjoy wealth and honor." Thus, he elevated Dao Heng's position and rewarded him with a hundred bolts of cloth. Dao Heng humbly declined, stating he had no merit, but the Emperor replied, "You have been working in key positions in the court for so long, responsible for conveying important state affairs; how can you say you have no merit?"
Xue Dao Heng held important positions for a long time, and his reputation soared, attracting the crown prince and other princes who sought to associate with him. Gao Feng and Yang Su also greatly admired him; his reputation became exceptionally prominent, unmatched for a time.
During the Renshou period, Yang Su held a monopoly on court politics, and Xue Daoheng had a very good relationship with him. The emperor did not want Xue Daoheng to hold the secrets for a long time, so he appointed him as the governor of Xiangzhou. Xue Daoheng had been busy for the court for a long time, and he felt very sad and was choked up at the sudden transfer, saying, "You are old, and it is very hard to serve the court. I want you to go there as a leader to help and comfort the people. Now that you are leaving, I feel like I have lost an arm." So he bestowed upon him three hundred bolts of cloth, a nine-ring gold belt, a set of seasonal clothes, ten horses, comforted him before sending him off. He served in Xiangzhou with integrity and simplicity, and the people appreciated his kindness.
After Emperor Yangdi ascended the throne, Xue Daoheng was reassigned as the governor of Fanzhou. More than a year later, he submitted a request for retirement. Emperor Yangdi told the Minister of the Interior, Yu Shiji, "Xue Daoheng is coming, and he should be welcomed in the capacity of Secretary of the Secretariat." After Xue Daoheng arrived, he submitted the "Ode to Emperor Wen of the Gaozu Period," in which he wrote:
In the beginning, the world was chaotic and empty, even earlier than the earliest written records by many years. At that time, human civilization was unimaginable and indescribable, much less witnessed. Humans at that time were like birds and beasts, living in caves, drinking dew, no different from other animals; how could there be nobility or wisdom?
Later, great figures like Fuxi, Shennong, and Huangdi emerged, and during the time of Tang, Yao, Yu, and Shun, they began to establish laws and educate the people, elevating the status of emperors and the importance of sage teachings. During the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, monarchs like Dayu, King Tang, King Wen, and King Wu did many good deeds for the people, and their accomplishments were chronicled in the "Odes" and "Eulogies" of the "Book of Songs," yet these dynasties ultimately fell into decline and faced numerous wars.
The Qin Dynasty was merely a transitional period, using severe laws as the foundation of governing the country; although the Han Dynasty had prophecies, its governance combined both tyranny and benevolence. Later, the country fell into chaos, with the Three Kingdoms vying for power. By the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, battles erupted across the nation. Everywhere was filled with the traces of war, like whales and sharks in a deadly struggle, and the chaos continued despite Cao Cao controlling Luoyang and Sima Yi controlling Guanzhong.
The only dynasty that managed to endure for such a long time, unify the nation, and flourish like the leaves of autumn was the great Sui Dynasty! It is said that when Emperor Gaozu was born, the room was aglow with a red light, yet he often maintained a low profile, with an aura of purple radiating toward the heavens. He was born with a dragon-like appearance, a jade-like quality, all recorded in historical records and reflected in his appearance. He hailed from a noble family renowned for its accumulated merits and virtues; unlike the founding kings like King Wen of Zhou and King Wu of Zhou, his family did not rise to wealth overnight. Through trials and tribulations, he rose step by step, becoming the head of the six ministers, ranking above all officials, just like the high-ranking officials of ancient times.
As the dynasty neared its decline, chaos spread throughout the country, wars raged, with treacherous officials and rebels wreaking havoc, occupying the Hebei region and connecting with the Shandong region; barbarian leaders committed evil deeds, blocking the White Horse Pass and occupying Chenggao. The Yong and Shu kingdoms betrayed the court, taking advantage of Tongliang's strategic location; the Yun and Huang kingdoms rebelled, attracting thieves from Jinling. The Three Rivers region was already in turmoil, and the Nine Tripods were about to be taken away. Emperor Gaozu rose rapidly like a dragon and phoenix, fulfilling the prophecies of the Red-Faced Talisman and the Dark Fox Manuscript. He commanded victorious generals, mobilized heavenly soldiers and generals, pacified the rebellions, and vanquished the enemies, swiftly restoring peace as if from a mythological tale. With minimal military strength and few battles waged, he quickly quelled the rebellions, bringing peace to the country and allowing the people to live in peace and prosperity.
The country is stable once more, and people from all directions come to pay homage. The musicians are frightened to perform, afraid that the instruments will make strange sounds. The people support him, and even heaven itself approves of him. After his ascension to the throne, he held a grand sacrificial ceremony, offering sacrifices to heaven and earth, ushering in a new dynasty, and establishing the capital in Chang'an. Chang'an's geographical location is advantageous and aligned with celestial signs. He dedicated himself to governance, reformed the administration, rectified corrupt practices, and changed customs. However, the border regions are still in constant turmoil, with barbarian tribes, such as the Xiongnu, frequently invading. Fan Kuai suffered defeat in battle as a result, and Li Ling was captured. The Zhou and Qi dynasties were once formidable, but they were unable to completely solve the border problems.
It wasn't until Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, employing strategic military tactics to pacify the realm, that the barbarian tribes on the border submitted to him, and vast lands were incorporated into his territory. The southern regions also experienced continuous unrest, with imposters who claimed to be emperors. After several generations of effort, a long-awaited era of peace and prosperity finally dawned. The current emperor inherited the legacy established by his forebears, ruling wisely and bravely, quelling rebellions, ensuring peace throughout the land, and allowing the people to live and work in peace, culminating in the nation's prosperity. He implemented a policy of recuperation, developed culture, and brought about great governance throughout the land.
Since ancient times, China has been plagued by endless conflicts. Over time, the populace grew accustomed to both warfare and duplicity. The wisdom of the sages fell into obscurity, and the systems of the ancient kings were abandoned. Therefore, the emperor ordered the compilation of the "Five Rituals" and instructed the crown prince to reform the "Six Arts" system. The rituals used for sacrifices, such as jade and silk, along with ceremonial vessels, were standardized, and clear distinctions were established between the refined and popular styles of music performed on instruments like gold, stone, silk, and bamboo.
The emperor attaches great importance to state affairs, working day and night, attending morning court and retiring in the evening, neglecting both sleep and food. He is always worried about the people's livelihood and concerned about any potential mistakes. He practices the strategies of the previous kings, thinking about daytime matters at night and nighttime matters during the day; he makes every effort to rectify the shortcomings of past emperors and constantly strives for improvement. When he sees something good, he joyfully praises it; when he hears something bad, he sighs deeply. He reduces taxes and labor burdens, encourages agricultural production, and ensures the national treasury is well-stocked with grain, so the people no longer have to worry about hunger.
The emperor is kind-hearted and compassionate, protecting even birds, beasts, their eggs, and plants from harm. Although he enacts strict laws, he takes specific circumstances into account when making judgments. Even when sentencing to death, he can make decisions quickly, ensuring social order and harmony. He is surrounded by no flatterers, and officials dare not abuse their power. He serves the heavens and the earth carefully, governs the nation with diligence, and is always vigilant against arrogance and complacency.
He educates the people with virtue, making the social atmosphere simple and honest. The court ministers and officials from all over the country see this as a rare opportunity and hold a grand ceremony of the Ceremony of Ascension, the highest ritual for emperors since ancient times. Although the emperor completes these grand ceremonies, he never boasts about his accomplishments. Even when praised by others, he modestly deflects. Despite his achievements, he remains diligent and continuously strives for self-improvement, humbly admitting his mistakes.
He understood that "humility and self-restraint" in the 64 hexagrams of the Book of Changes was the most important principle, and also understood that the "ceremony of achievement" of emperors in history was only secondary. He was so humble that there were no suitable words to describe him. His sincere virtue touched heaven and earth, and harmony filled the universe. Blessings came from above, and all beings sang praises, with signs of auspiciousness evident in the sun, moon, stars, wind, clouds, and plants. Mountains, rivers, jade, and precious stones, as well as birds and beasts, all heralded good fortune, with countless signs of auspiciousness.
These scenes were unprecedented, not recorded in history books, and never seen or heard by people. As the ancients say, when the sage rules the world, all things thrive, protected by spirits, and treasures abound; this is the effect of the sage's rule.
As for me, later on, my thoughts began to wander, and the desire to withdraw to Mount Gushan became stronger; the wish to forge a cauldron on Mount Jing and achieve immortality grew even greater. The common people, each one a subject of the emperor, longed for their parents, grieving tightly, like a drawn bowstring. Tushan was so quiet, with no sacrificial rituals left, and Changling was also desolate, with only the occasional visitor to the noble tombs.
If we talk about the deeds of the founding emperors, the awe-inspiring majesty of the gods, the names engraved in the imperial registers, holding supreme power, the establishment of a foundation, the continuation of the imperial line, this reflects the highest virtue of a sage; pacifying rebellions, stabilizing the country, unifying the land, promoting a common culture, this is a marvelous achievement; offering fine wine in sacrifice, playing harmonious music, worshipping the heavens, honoring the supreme Heavenly Emperor, this is the utmost filial piety; ending wars, organizing rituals and music, allowing the people to live in peace and prosperity, this is the highest way of governing. He ruled the world, on par with the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors; how can he be merely compared to the Zhou, Han, or even the Wei and Jin dynasties? Although the Five Elements Dance is often performed in ancestral temples, and the Song of the Nine Virtues is often sung in music halls, his achievements are far-reaching, not limited to material achievements; his great accomplishments cannot be summed up with just a few words of praise.
I may be of humble status, but I am fortunate to work in the imperial court, to serve in the palace, but once I leave the palace, it's like night and day, only left with the ambition to rise, yet feeling as futile as ants trying to move a mountain. Therefore, I take the liberty to use my pen to sing praises! Just like how the birds filling the sea won't increase the land area, and the tears of a river won't increase its flow, I merely strive to express my feelings, following this train of thought, unknowingly becoming enthusiastic in writing. So I wrote a eulogy, as follows:
Far and ancient, that was in ancient times, the Nine Provinces, countless emperors. After the Three Dynasties, their legacy declined; by the time of the Jin Dynasty, the issues had multiplied. The northern barbarians invaded the Central Plains, various malevolent forces wreaked havoc, seizing power, with more than a dozen small states declaring themselves kings and emperors. They ruled with force, acting tyrannically, violating rituals and laws, corrupting morals; the Five Sacred Mountains were covered in dust, the Three Mountains shrouded in mist.
Then, a wise monarch rose from a remote area, defeated the rebellious forces, and ruled the realm. He ruled for more than two hundred years, longer than the previous emperors, but the realm was still not peaceful, with many places in constant turmoil. The regions of Wu Yue, Min Yue, the Hebei region, and the Wei River basin were divided, with three forces facing off. Wars continued, killings persisted; although the eastern regions had been pacified, the realm remained restless and unstable.
At the beginning of the millennium, the founding emperor was born in response to the needs of the times and gained the support of the people. He was wise and martial, decisive in decision-making, punished the wicked and rewarded the virtuous, and quelled rebellions. He established rituals, revised the calendar, and used the solitary bamboo flute and the cloud and zither to perform ritual music. Grand sacrificial ceremonies were held, worshipping the Heavenly Emperor, officials paying homage, and the mountains and rivers manifesting auspicious signs. He adjusted the borders according to celestial omens, consolidated power, and developed the country.
He established laws, governed the country, consolidated the capital, and strengthened his rule. The Xiongnu, the Hexi region, the western borders, and the southern tribes frequently invaded. But the emperor's majesty deterred all sides, and his benevolent governance resonated throughout the land, with people from all corners acknowledging his rule. The Wu Yue region, as well as other places, all submitted to him, generation after generation.
However, some rebellious forces were still not completely eliminated, like a storm that would not settle, and the elusive whales that remained uncaught. The emperor granted military power to his generals, ultimately quelling the rebellion completely. The realm enjoyed peace, and society thrived; rituals and moral teachings flourished, and the realm was well-governed. He inherited the legacy of Emperor Yu, completed the accomplishments of Shun, employed rituals to stabilize society and music to educate the populace.
He cares about the suffering of the people, loves and protects them; people from all directions submit, and everyone repents and starts anew. He educates the populace, ushering in a peaceful and prosperous era; the world is stable, and the people live in peace and contentment. He is devout and respectful, holding a deep reverence for heaven and earth; the nation thrives, and auspicious signs are plentiful. He is humble and low-key, and his saintly virtues shine even brighter. His achievements are comparable to those of King Wen of Zhou, as he inherits the noble aspirations of the sage king; his legacy is akin to that of Emperor Guangwu of Han, inheriting the precious teachings of Zhuangzi.
He has insight into the past and foresees the future; his dynasty flourishes and prospers, built on a solid foundation. He once went to Mount Kongtong to seek the Way and shot arrows at the Fen River; his eloquence was celebrated far and wide, and ultimately ascended to immortality. After his death, the world mourned; his benevolence endured for centuries, educating the people. We ought to remember his accomplishments and learn from his example; his lineage will forever be passed down, and his benevolence will benefit all things.
With peace throughout the land and prosperity in the country, as a humble official, I pen this ode to convey my unwavering loyalty. The emperor was displeased after reading the memorial and turned to Su Wei, saying, "Dao Heng credits the previous dynasty for his achievements; this reflects the principle of the 'Fish and Seaweed' ode." Thus, he promoted him to the position of Grand Master of Records, preparing to hold him accountable for his offense. Dao Heng was still unaware of the gravity of the situation. The provincial governor, Fang Yanqian, had a cordial relationship with Dao Heng and, knowing he was in trouble, advised him to quickly distance himself from guests, adopt a more humble demeanor, and speak more courteously. But Dao Heng simply couldn't listen.
At a court meeting to discuss new decrees, after a long discussion without results, Dao Heng said to the court officials, "If Gao Jiao hadn't died, this decree would have been passed long ago." Someone reported this to the emperor, who was furious, saying, "Are you still thinking about Gao Jiao?" He immediately handed Dao Heng over to the officials responsible for law enforcement for questioning. Dao Heng felt that he did not deserve to die, so he urged the law enforcement official to make a quick decision. On the day the report was submitted, he thought the emperor would pardon him, so he prepared food and drinks for guests to visit. However, the report was submitted, and the emperor ordered him to commit suicide. Dao Heng was completely taken aback and did not dare to commit suicide. The law enforcement official reported again, and finally, Dao Heng was strangled to death, and his wife and children were exiled to Qiemai. He was seventy years old at the time. People across the nation expressed their outrage. The seventy volumes he wrote during his lifetime are still circulated among the people.
Dao Heng had five sons, with the youngest son, Shou, being the most renowned, adopted by his uncle. Shou was upright and proud, not associating with the common crowd, well-read in history and literature, talented in poetry, and although he did not produce any significant works, his poems were profound. During the Sui Kaihuang period, he served as an imperial censor and a military officer in charge of Yangzhou. He always insisted on being upright, and many of his colleagues found him hard to approach. After his term ended, he successively served as the magistrate of Qingyang County and the county clerk of Xiangcheng, eventually dying in office. He enacted benevolent policies wherever he served. He had a special bond with Dao Heng, who had taken him in as a baby, almost forgetting his biological father as he grew up. Once, when Hu Zhongcao, the Taichang Cheng, asked to borrow a knife to trim his nails at the court, Shou considered him unrefined and refused to lend it to him. His reluctance to easily make friends and his proud, aloof nature were just like that.
The son of Dao Heng's older brother, Mai, achieved the rank of Lang in the Selection Department; Dao Heng's younger brother, Dao Shi, held positions as an Assistant Lang in the Ministry of Rites and the Prefect of Lishi, and both brothers were well-known. Dao Heng's nephew, Deyin, was very talented and initially served as a Cavalry Officer. Later, he assisted Wei Dan in compiling the "History of Wei," and after its completion, he was promoted to Assistant Lang in the Compilation Department. When King Dong of Yue claimed the throne in the Eastern Capital and Wang Shichong usurped it, all military dispatches and official documents were written by him. After Wang Shichong was defeated, Deyin was executed for his involvement. His writings gained significant popularity at the time.
Historical records state that Li Bai, Xue Tao, and their contemporaries were all remarkable talents from the late Qi Dynasty, each celebrated for their extraordinary literary talents. From the Zhou Dynasty to the Sui Dynasty, they were highly revered. Li Bai was the most outstanding literary talent of that era, while Xue Tao was the most respected figure, both shining brightly like celestial serpents, radiating brilliance, akin to two spirited horses galloping side by side, their literary prowess was magnificent, with writings that resonated like golden voices and jade chimes. In terms of writing, Lu Lun's literary prowess surpassed that of Li Bai and Xue Tao. Li Bai and Xue Tao had successful official careers, while Lu Lun's path in government was more challenging. Although it's often said that one's destiny regarding wealth and status is often seen as predetermined, Lu Lun's struggles in his career might also stem from his lack of attention to detail.
In short, Li Bai, Xue Tao, and their contemporaries were all exceptional literary talents, revered throughout the Zhou to the Sui Dynasties. Li Bai was truly remarkable, while Xue Tao was another key figure of the era, both excelling in literary style, with grand writing that truly resonated. Lu Lun's literary skills surpassed even theirs. Li Bai and Xue Tao both held high official positions and prospered, while Lu Lun's official career was not as successful. Although fate is often seen as predetermined, Lu Lun's challenging career path might also be linked to his lack of attention to detail.
