Xin Deyuan, courtesy name Xiaoji, was from Dide, Gansu. His grandfather Xin Mu served as the Prefect of Pingyuan in the Wei Kingdom, and his father Xin Fu was once the Right Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. Xin Deyuan was steady and studious from a young age, able to write elegant essays at the age of fourteen. As he grew up, he read extensively and earned a reputation early on. At that time, the Minister of Personnel of the Qi Kingdom, Yang Zunyan, and the Palace Attendant Xin Shu were both well-known figures, and they greatly respected Xin Deyuan, recommending him to Emperor Wen Xuan.
Xin Deyuan was first appointed as an Attendant of the Imperial Court, later also serving as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and Deputy Envoy to the Liang Kingdom. He then successively served as the Secretary to the Prince of Fengyi and the Prince of Huashan. The Minister of the Palace Secretariat, Liu Ti, wrote a recommendation for Xin Deyuan, stating: "He loved ancient classics from a young age, and as he grew older, he became more accomplished, well-versed in the Six Classics and widely read in the works of various philosophical schools. His writings are magnificent and exquisite, with a clear and elegant style, respectful and cautious at home, and humble and courteous to others. He is truly an outstanding talent among the rising stars, a truly rare talent in today's world. He will surely fulfill his duties and achieve success." Therefore, Xin Deyuan was appointed as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, later promoted to Assistant in the Ministry of Personnel, and also served as an Attendant Cavalier of the Palace Secretariat.
After completing a mission to the Chen Kingdom, he served at the Imperial Academy, appointed as a Middle Official in the Ministry of Personnel, and later promoted to Gentleman of the Palace Library. After the fall of the Qi Dynasty, he served as a Senior Official in the Zhou Dynasty. Once, he was urgently sent to Xiangzhou, where he encountered a rebellion led by Wei Jiong, who wanted him to serve as his Chief Commandant. Xin Deyuan firmly refused and had no option but to flee. After Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, Xin Deyuan was not reinstated for a long time, so he secluded himself in Linluo Mountain, feeling frustrated, and composed a piece titled "Ode to Seclusion" to express his feelings, but the details of the content are not elaborated on.
Xin Deyuan and Lu Sidao, the Prefect of Wuyang, had a good relationship and often interacted with each other. However, the Inspector of Weizhou, Cui Yanwu, maliciously accused Xin Deyuan of forming secret alliances and engaging in private dealings, fearing that he would engage in conspiracy and deceit. As a result, Xin Deyuan was exiled to the south to serve in military campaigns and did not return until a year later. The Chief Secretary, Niu Yan, believed that Xin Deyuan was very talented and recommended that he work with the historian Wang Shao to compile national history. Xin Deyuan used his spare time to write "Collected Annotations on the Spring and Autumn Annals" in thirty volumes and "Collected Annotations on the Yangzi's Discourses" in twenty-three volumes.
When Prince Yang Xiu of Shu heard of Xin Deyuan's reputation, he invited him over. Xin Deyuan stayed there for several years and was appointed as an aide to Prince Shu. He was later promoted to Consultative Officer and eventually passed away in office. He left behind a collection of twenty volumes of writings and also wrote "Political Treatises" and "Internal Instructions," each in twenty volumes. His sons Xin Suchen and Xin Zhengchen were also very knowledgeable and capable of writing.
Liu Bian, styled Guyan, originally from Hedong, moved to Xiangyang due to the Yongjia Rebellion. His grandfather was a Court Official of the Liang Dynasty, and his father was the Minister of State Affairs. Liu Bian was intelligent and talented from a young age, with good writing skills and a love for reading. He became a Compiler's Assistant of the Liang Dynasty, and later, when Xiao Cha seized Jingzhou, he was appointed as the Supervisor, as well as the Grand Master and Minister of Personnel. After the fall of the Liang Dynasty, he was appointed as a Palace Official, Supervisor of the Imperial Guards, and shortly after, as the Deputy Minister of the Interior. Due to tensions with his superiors, he resigned from his position and later served as a Consultative Officer to the Prince of Jin.
Prince Jin was an elegant man. He recruited more than a hundred talented scholars, such as Zhuge Ying, Yu Shinan, Wang Zhou, and Zhu Gang, who all served as his scholars. Among them, Liu Bian stood out as the most remarkable. Prince Jin treated him as both a teacher and a friend, and every time he wrote an article, he would have Liu Bian polish it before sharing it with others. Once, when Prince Jin returned from the capital, he wrote a piece called "Returning to the Fief" and asked Liu Bian to write the preface, which was beautifully written. At first, Prince Jin preferred to emulate Yu Xin's writing style, but after getting to know Liu Bian, his writing style changed.
During the reign of Ren Shou, Liu Bian was appointed as a scholar of the Eastern Palace and was also appointed as Tongzhi Sanqi Changshi, serving as a court official. The emperor was very close to him, often inviting him to the palace for drinks and conversation. Liu Bian was particularly eloquent, and whenever the emperor asked him a question, he responded with ease. He also enjoyed drinking and was witty and humorous in his speech, which endeared him to the crown prince even more. Because Liu Bian was well-versed in Buddhist scriptures, the crown prince requested that he write the "Mystical Teachings of the Lotus Sutra," comprising twenty volumes. After he completed it and presented it to the crown prince, the crown prince was very pleased and rewarded Liu Bian generously, far more than he did others.
After Yang Guang became emperor, Liu Bian was appointed as Secretary Supervisor and bestowed the title of Duke of Hannan. Every day after the emperor returned from the morning court, he would invite Liu Bian into the palace to chat, drink, and read with him until late at night. When the emperor and empress were drinking together, and when they were in high spirits, they would have Liu Bian join them, enjoying each other's company like friends. The emperor felt it was not enough and wanted him to come at night as well, so a wooden automaton was crafted, capable of sitting, standing, and kneeling, just like Liu Bian. In the moonlight, the emperor would have a palace maid place the wooden automaton beside him, and they would drink together, laughing heartily. Later, Liu Bian followed the emperor to Yangzhou, fell ill, and passed away at sixty-nine. The emperor was very saddened and bestowed upon him the title of Grand General with the posthumous title of 'Kang.' He authored a 15-volume account of the Northern Campaign of the Jin Prince and a 10-volume collection of essays that have been passed down through the ages.
Xu Shanxin, style name Wuben, was a native of Gaoyang Beixincheng. His grandfather, Xu Mao, served as a Central Secretariat official for the Prince of Liang, the Prefect of Shiping Commandery, the Prefect of Tianmen Commandery, and the Cavalier Attendant. His father, Xu Heng, held the position of Yellow Gate Attendant in the Liang Dynasty and later served as the Director of the Imperial Guard, Grand Master of the Palace, Minister of Guard, and also served as Grand Compiler during the Chen Dynasty. Xu Shanxin became an orphan at the age of nine and was raised by his mother, Lady Fan. He was intelligent from a young age, had an exceptional memory, able to memorize anything he heard, and had extensive knowledge, earning praise from people at the time. His home contained over ten thousand volumes of ancient books, all of which he had read. By the age of fifteen, he was already writing articles, which he showed to his father's friend Xu Ling, who was astonished and remarked, "This child is exceptionally talented, truly a prodigy!" Xu Shanxin's remarkable intellect and literary talent foreshadowed a promising future in the world of scholarship.
He was first appointed as the legal assistant to the King of New An. Later, the Crown Prince's Secretary Jiang Zong recommended him to participate in the imperial examination, and he achieved high marks. He was appointed as a Junior Official in the Ministry of Revenue, then promoted to the position of Attendant Minister, and later appointed as a Historiographer. In the second year of the Zhenming reign, he was granted the title of Regular Attendant of the Imperial Court and was then dispatched as an envoy to the Sui Dynasty. He arrived during the Sui Dynasty's attack on the Chen Dynasty, completed his diplomatic mission but was unable to return. He repeatedly petitioned the emperor for resignation but was not granted permission to leave and was confined to a guesthouse. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, the Sui Emperor personally delivered the news to him. Dressed in mourning attire, Xu Shanxin fell to his knees in sorrow on the western steps, weeping towards the east for three days. The Sui Emperor issued an edict to console him. The next day, he was summoned to the palace, appointed as a Regular Attendant of the Imperial Court, and rewarded with a set of clothing. After finishing crying, Xu Shanxin changed into the new clothes, came out to the north, and tearfully expressed his gratitude for the emperor's edict. The next day in court, he wept uncontrollably, barely able to stand from his grief. The Sui Emperor turned to those around him and remarked, "I have gained only this one talent after pacifying the Chen Dynasty. His loyalty to his former lord indicates he will also be loyal to me!" He then ordered him to return to his former position in the Ministry of the Interior, rewarding him with one thousand bolts of cloth and twenty horses. Later, he followed the Sui Emperor to Mount Tai, and upon his return, he was appointed as an Assistant Minister in the Bureau of Agriculture.
In the sixteenth year, a divine bird descended at the Hanzhang Gate. The Sui Emperor summoned all officials to celebrate this auspicious event. Xu Shanxin requested paper and ink at the banquet and wrote a poem titled "Ode to the Divine Bird," which he wrote:
"The minister has heard that observing the heavens can understand the will of heaven, the Emperor conforms to the virtue of heaven, observing the laws of the land can understand the territory, the vast territory reflects the Emperor's majesty.
Rain and clouds move, the four seasons give birth and take life, rivers flow and mountains stand, all things are thus shaped."
You are the ruler of the Zhen and Cheng gua, the emperor who succeeds the geese and phoenixes. You were born under the sign of the jade hammer and jade ladle, and the golden tablets and golden cords are passed down to you.
You have nurtured the spirits of the people, nurtured both animals and plants, seen the mysterious pearls in the Red River, and looked at the bright mirror in the empty hall.
Everywhere is filled with auspicious blessings, great gifts are gathered, your reputation spreads to the south, even surpassing the fame of the "Yun" and "Shao" music styles.
You are the emperor who reigns over us, expounding on great principles, countering the chaos, residing in the phoenix mansion, and occupying the dragon's throne.
You do not need to speak; time is under your control, and you do not need to be stern; your voice flows freely.
You restore the territory of the Xia Dynasty, pacify the Shang Dynasty, people look up to you, recognize your nobility, and participate in grand celebrations.
Your blessings spread far and wide, bringing peace and stability; your deeds and reputation spread rapidly, and your blessings extend to every corner.
There are no physical rituals, yet your majesty radiates throughout the palace; there is no sound of music, yet your great virtue is displayed in the palace.
You visit the elderly in nursing homes, personally inquire about centenarians, care for the people, and hold them close to your heart.
Under the moonlight and basking in the sun, enduring both heat and cold, facing desolation without scales or feathers, the descendants of the red snake and green horse untangle their braids to please the officials, adjusting their attire to face the wind. (Even in remote and cold places, you care for the people, whether they are from the wilderness or different ethnic groups, all come to serve you.)
You have not only established peace in the north, but also stabilized the southern border; even the cities near the border are now at peace. (You have not only pacified the north, but also stabilized the southern border; even the cities near the border are now at peace.)
Therefore, the heavens do not withhold their blessings, the earth does not withhold its treasures, mountains and rivers display wonders, and the spirits of both the hidden and the visible are manifest. (So the heavens do not withhold their blessings, the earth does not withhold its treasures, mountains and rivers display wonders, and the spirits of both the hidden and the visible are manifest.)
You enjoy a rich life filled with fragrant oils and fine wine; the surroundings are full of auspicious signs. (You enjoy a good life, living in abundance, filled with auspicious signs.)
Full of benevolence, upholding justice in all matters, blessings come and society prospers. (Full of benevolence, upholding justice in all matters, blessings come and society prospers.)
During the grand ceremony, standing at the Cloud Pavilion, performing the white inspection rite, celebrating successful governance, and holding the ritual of burning offerings. (During the grand ceremony, standing at the Cloud Pavilion, performing the white inspection rite, celebrating successful governance, and holding the ritual of burning offerings.)
Although following the regular rituals, the military officials have prepared the necessary documents, but the emperor humbly declines and does not accept. (Although following the regular rituals, the military officials have prepared the necessary documents, but the emperor humbly declines and does not accept.)
Such humility and respect—could there be a better example than this? Among the seventy-two rulers of the past, none can compare to you! (Such humility and respect—could there be a better example than this? Among the seventy-two rulers of the past, none can compare to you!)
Therefore, divine birds appear, mysterious signs are particularly clear; the white bird symbolizes the extraordinary nature of the iron creature, and the red bird carries a precious scroll, symbolizing nobility. (Therefore, divine birds appear, mysterious signs are particularly clear; the white bird symbolizes the extraordinary nature of the iron creature, and the red bird carries a precious scroll, symbolizing nobility.)
Ban Gu's "Shen Jue" ode, dressed in martial garb, Cao Zhi's "Jia Jue" poem, residing in the courtyard and looking out the window. (Ban Gu's "Shen Jue" ode, Cao Zhi's "Jia Jue" poem, cannot compare to you.)
It pales in comparison to flying to the martial tent, presenting ceremonial gifts consisting of woven palm leaves, picking blue rushes, and soaring over the red carpet. (Flying to the martial tent, the ceremonial gift consists of woven palm leaves, picking blue rushes, and soaring over the red carpet.)
The jade table in the imperial court, you appreciate the view between the pillars, the golden door opens at dawn each day, casting the shadow of Yunzhai. (The jade table is placed in the imperial court, you appreciate the view between the pillars, the golden door opens at dawn each day, casting the shadow of Yunzhai.)
Throughout ancient times, such grandeur has never been witnessed, blessings beckon, obtained on this day. (Throughout ancient times, such grandeur has never been witnessed, blessings beckon, and today it is obtained.)
In the year of Shangzhang, the laws resonate in harmony; it is a good time for the Xuanxiao Festival. (In the year of Shangzhang, the laws resonate in harmony; it is a good time for the Xuanxiao Festival.)
The emperor has yet to request his robes, rising early in the Hall of Contemplation. (The emperor has yet to request his robes, rising early in the Hall of Contemplation.)
An auspicious bird descends gracefully. (An auspicious bird descends gracefully.)
It moves then pauses, gradually approaching the imperial carriage, coming together in ceremony, looking around the courtyard. (It moves then pauses, gradually approaching the imperial carriage, coming together in ceremony, looking around the courtyard.)
The auspicious omen symbolizes good fortune, the sign of a wise ruler; the bird symbolizes the rank of the sage. (The auspicious omen symbolizes good fortune, the sign of a wise ruler; the bird symbolizes the rank of the sage.)
The "Kao Yi You" records: "Xuanyuan had a yellow bird with a red head, standing near the sun." The divination says: "This is the symbol of the earth spirit." Also, the "Li Ji Ming Zheng" records: "When the rituals are performed correctly, the yellow bird will appear." (The "Kao Yi You" records: During the time of Xuanyuan, there was a yellow bird with a red head, standing next to the sun. The divination says: This is the response of the earth spirit. The "Li Ji Ming Zheng" records: When the rituals are performed correctly, the yellow bird will appear.)
Once, the Han dynasty gathered at the Tai Zhi Palace, and the Wei dynasty at the Wen Chang Palace. I have visited the shrine at Yongqiu once and entered the Pingdong Mansion three times, merely observing from the sidelines. These matters are trivial and hardly worth mentioning.
I have also heard that if no lives are harmed, the phoenix and dragon will sing in harmony. Without interference or destruction, the Chi and the Dragon will flourish.
I, Li Qian, dwell in seclusion in the distant west, while Mr. Lu Ji has grown up in the east. Compared to my predecessors, I feel truly inferior and ashamed. Yet, in this prosperous era, despite my limited abilities, I shall do my utmost to present this hymn:
(Insert original hymn text here, translation not available due to missing text)
Li Qian lives in seclusion in the remote west, while Mr. Lu Ji grew up in the east. Compared to the predecessors, I am truly inferior and ashamed. However, in this prosperous era, although my abilities are limited, I must do my best and offer this hymn.
The opening lines speak of the creation of heaven and earth, the flourishing of all things, boundless virtues, and the nameless great Dao. As society evolves, traditions are upheld, and various auspicious signs herald a time of peace. The emperor is wise and martial, excelling in both civil and military affairs, skillfully governing the nation, resulting in prosperity and stability. With peace reigning across land and sea, prosperity flourishes everywhere, and all is rejuvenated. A multitude of auspicious signs emerge continuously, both in heaven and on earth, heralding good omens all around.
These diverse magical scenes, like celestial birds soaring and mythical beasts bowing, with various rare birds and exotic creatures coming to pay homage, truly filled with joy, as auspicious signs gathered together. This is indeed a divine blessing, with all fortunes converging, and it is truly delightful! Kong Tu presented a red auspicious object, and Xun Wen presented a white auspicious object, with various strange scenes and magical signs appearing one after another. This is truly the will of the heavens and the blessings of the divine!
In this era of prosperity and peace, the ministers are all working hard, contributing to the development of the country, playing music and dancing, praising the prosperous age. Words of praise fail to capture the excitement in their hearts; the dance falls short of conveying their inner joy. The ministers bow down in thanks, wishing the emperor endless longevity!
After this article was submitted to the emperor, who expressed his delight and remarked, "I witnessed the celestial bird firsthand, and I watched it with the empress. Today I will summon all the ministers and talk about this. Shanxin, you sit there; just listen and you'll get it. You can effortlessly compose such a fine eulogy without hesitation. I have only heard of such things before; today I finally saw it with my own eyes!" The emperor was greatly pleased and rewarded Shanxin with two hundred pieces of silk.
In the seventeenth year, Shanxin was appointed Deputy Secretary. At that time, the palace's library was in disarray, so Shanxin took it upon himself to organize Ruan Xiaoxu's "Seven Records" and compiled his own "Seven Forests," each with a general summary at the beginning. He provided detailed annotations for the texts, explaining the author's intentions, and classified the books. He then requested the emperor to convene scholars such as Li Wenbo and Lu Congdian to rectify the inaccuracies in the classical texts.
In the first year of Renshou, Shanxin acted as the Huangmen Shilang. In the second year, he was also appointed as the acting Taichang Shaoqing, and together with Niu Hong and others, discussed the formulation of the ceremonial music system. The positions of the Secretariat and Huangmen Shilang remained unchanged. In the fourth year, Shanxin stayed in the capital. Emperor Gaozu died in Renshou Palace, but Emperor Yang kept the mourning a secret. He first replaced the officials in the capital and sent Shanxin away, appointing him as the governor of Yanzhou. Just as Han Wang Liang was leading a rebellion, Shanxin did not take up the new position.
In the first year of Daye, Shanxin was promoted to Libu Shilang. He recommended Confucian scholar Xu Wenyuan as the National University Doctor and promoted Bao Kai, Lu Deming, Chu Hui, and Lu Shida to be teachers. That same year, the Vice-Nayan Yang Da was sent as an envoy to Jizhou, and because the Emperor was pleased with his work, he rewarded him with five hundred rolls of cloth.
Every morning, General Yu Wenshu of the Left Guard borrowed dozens of his soldiers to do private work, which would be completed in half a day. The Grand Minister of Justice, Liang Pi, lodged a formal accusation against him. The Emperor originally trusted Yu Wenshu and initially handed the matter over to the judge for investigation. However, over a thousand people testified that they had been borrowed by Yu Wenshu. After more than twenty days of investigation, the judge, seeing the Emperor's intention, said that even if the soldiers were not fully employed for a day, the large number of soldiers borrowed could not be considered as a single case. Even if the matter was true, it would not be considered a crime. Upon hearing this, the soldiers also altered their testimonies, claiming they had not been borrowed for work.
The emperor considered pardoning Yu Wenshu and allowed the ministers to discuss the truth of the matter. Most ministers claimed it was false, but Shan Xin had a different opinion. He believed that Yu Wenshu had requisitioned soldiers from the army for personal tasks, even if they hadn't worked a full day; this was a violation of his duty to defend the emperor, which was completely different from normal official business. Moreover, those soldiers were originally on duty in rotation, but later returned to their barracks. Yu Wenshu still had to investigate them one by one, and their accounts were completely consistent, suggesting that something was amiss. Now almost a month had passed, and the truth had finally come to light; how could this treachery be overlooked? Su Wei, Yang Wang, and more than twenty other ministers agreed with Shan Xin's opinion, but others felt that Yu Wenshu should be pardoned. In the end, the emperor ultimately pardoned Yu Wenshu.
A few months later, Yu Wenshu falsely accused Shan Xin, claiming: "When Chen Shubao died, Shan Xin, Zhou Luohou, Yu Shiji, Yuan Chong, and Cai Zheng went to the funeral together; Shan Xin even wrote a eulogy, saying Your Majesty, how dare you give Chen Shubao a posthumous title today!" The emperor called Shan Xin to ask about this, and Shan Xin explained that this was done according to ancient customs, and the issue was resolved. However, the emperor was very unhappy. 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 said that the country was still in mourning, making it inappropriate to celebrate. Yu Wenshu incited the censors to charge Shan Xin; as a result, Shan Xin was demoted to the rank of Assistant Minister, a reduction of two ranks.
In the fourth year of Daye, Shanxin wrote a book titled "Fangwuzhi" as a tribute to the emperor. In the seventh year of Daye, Shanxin followed the emperor to Zhuojun as the emperor was personally leading a military campaign. Shanxin submitted a memorial that angered the emperor, resulting in his dismissal. Later that same year, he was reinstated and appointed as a Guard Official. In the ninth year of Daye, Shanxin served as the acting Chief Historian of the Left Yiwu and accompanied the emperor across the Liao River, and was granted the title of Jianjiewei. The emperor mentioned the token given to the founding emperor and asked about spirits and deities, ordering Shanxin and Cui Zujun to write the ten-volume "Records of the Strange and Supernatural."
My father initially intended to write "History of the Liang Dynasty" about Shanxin, but sadly passed away before he could finish it. I took up his legacy, completed the book, and wrote a preface. The last paragraph of the preface conveys the following sentiment:
It is said that when the universe was in chaos, when all things were just forming, the movements of celestial bodies established the passage of time. The earth nurtured all living things, and everything began to grow. As humans emerged, so did kings and the distinctions between nobility and commoners, which are all part of the inevitable laws of social development. Kings, blessed by the heavens and loved by the people, should enact grand political policies, formulate long-term strategies, attract talents, and lead the gifted. Both war and peace have their own merits; objects symbolizing power such as tripods, jade, tortoise shells, and divination symbols represent the unity of the country. Since the establishment of dynasties and the creation of systems, the role of historical records has gradually become apparent, recording events and statements, with the role of historians becoming ever more significant. From the reign of Yan Emperor, many events were recorded only by name, with few details documented; from the reign of Huang Emperor, though the historical texts were somewhat obscure, their importance became more apparent. From mountains and rivers to celestial movements, and from the Xia Dynasty's calendar to the Shang Dynasty's rituals, all were recorded. Later on, people began to distinguish directions and positions, discuss the situations and achievements of the time, and different regions had different names; even notorious figures like Taotuo found a place in the annals of history. Even when a country's shortcomings are concealed, the actions of kings must be recorded. Thus, those treacherous officials and villains, feared by all, have their misdeeds clearly documented, much like a tortoise shell or a mirror. Throughout the dynasties, each claimed to be the sovereign of the realm, considering the governance of the realm their duty, honoring their ancestors. Which generation has not been like this? Therefore, the act of writing and recording history is indeed of utmost importance!
It is said that the emperor of the Liang Dynasty ruled over the realm and established a state in Jiangzuo, a prosperity that was truly unprecedented. One emperor founded the country and passed it on to four emperors, flourishing for a total of forty-eight years, with the dynasty lasting an additional fifty-six years. Emperor Wu came from a humble background but eventually ascended to the throne, rescuing the people from turmoil and disaster, ending the turbulent times, and ushering in a golden age. The court was filled with gentlemen, and there was no lack of talent among the people. The system of rites and music was well-established, and laws and regulations were strictly enforced. He was generous and kind, never resorting to unjustly killing innocent people, demonstrating great tolerance and seldom resorting to punishment. His rule was truly magnanimous and praiseworthy. However, later on, minority ethnic groups from the north invaded, leading to widespread warfare and devastation. The country was thrown into chaos, facing immense disaster. Court officials became victims, treasures were looted, and the once beautiful scenery disappeared. This echoes the saying, "A family that accumulates good deeds will have blessings, while a family that accumulates bad deeds will have calamities." The benevolent and just Liang Dynasty ultimately met its demise. Was this the will of heaven, or was it a consequence of human actions? I have composed a detailed treatise on this matter, as detailed in the "Preface" volume.
My forebears devoted themselves to writing from an early time, having completed fifty volumes of the "Book of Qi" and part of the "Book of Liang," which was intended to total one hundred and eighty volumes. After the fall of the Liang Dynasty, numerous books and classics were lost to the ravages of war. Tombs were desecrated, manuscripts stolen, and personal belongings ruined. Where can I possibly find these texts now? The infamous burning of books and burying of scholars under Qin Shihuang resulted in the loss of ancient classics bequeathed by earlier rulers, and officials in the Han Dynasty only passed down knowledge orally without written records. Many of the manuscripts bequeathed by my ancestors were lost during that time. After the establishment of the Chen Dynasty, the emperor appointed me as the court historian to restore the lost content. Drawing upon memory and oral accounts, I have reorganized and revised six volumes out of the planned fifty-eight, following the catalog, and have already submitted them to the court.
I've been kind-hearted since childhood, but I lack both talent and connections. During the Taijian era, I repeatedly submitted memorials to the court to express my thoughts. By the Zhide period, I was finally appointed as a historian by the court. At that time, I hoped to meticulously conduct interviews and keep records, work hard, and carry on the aspirations of the sages. However, in my youth, I struggled with poor health, had few connections, stayed at home all day, rarely interacted with others, and made little progress. I could only learn by reading the works of Ban Gu and listened to others recount stories of Wang Yin, but I never met him in person. In addition, due to my limited abilities and lack of knowledge, I held the position of a Langguan (a junior official) and was responsible for compiling the "History of Chen," resulting in significant delays in completing this book.
In the second year of Zhenming, as a court official, I was sent on a mission, only to find my hometown devastated by war. I ended up stranded in a foreign land, delaying my journey and unable to complete the task. I wept bitterly at the Wangdu Pavilion, and then moved to another residence where I began practicing medicine. The old manuscripts of my family's historical texts were subsequently destroyed. Now, only sixty-eight scrolls remain, and they are missing pages and in disarray. Since I returned to the capital, I have been repairing and organizing them, and I have finally managed to compile a total of seventy scrolls. Among them, "Chronicles of the Four Emperors" spans eight scrolls, "Biographies of the Empresses" one scroll, "Records of the Third Prince" one scroll, making a total of ten scrolls; "Biographies of the Royal Princes and Dukes" ten scrolls; "Biographies of the Ministers" twenty scrolls; "Biography of the Imperial Relatives" one scroll, "Biography of Filial Piety" one scroll, "Biography of Loyal Officials" one scroll, "Biography of Literary Figures" two scrolls, "Biography of Confucian Scholars" two scrolls, "Biography of Recluses" one scroll, "Biography of Mathematicians" one scroll, "Biography of Feudal Lords" one scroll, making a total of ten scrolls; "Biography of Those Who Stopped" one scroll, "Biography of Women" one scroll, "Biography of Favorites" one scroll, "Biography of Barbarian Invaders" two scrolls, "Biography of Treacherous Officials" two scrolls, "Biography of Rebels" two scrolls, "Narrative and Commentary" one scroll, making a total of ten scrolls.
All the records about the historian were what my father said before, and the records of those notable figures were what I endeavored to supplement and improve. I also wrote an additional piece titled "Narrative," which is placed at the end of "Narrative and Commentary."
Ten years passed, and he was transferred back to Huaiyuan Town, with his official rank promoted to Gentleman of the Court. Later, when the Turks besieged Yanmen Pass, he was temporarily appointed as the Left General of the Imperial Guards, leading the army from Jiangnan to defend the imperial palace. When the emperor visited Jiangdu County, he remembered his past contributions and appointed him as a Counselor. Afterwards, he was ordered to return to his original position as a Gentleman of the Palace.
In the fourteenth year, on the day Yang Guang (Hua Ji) murdered Yang Yong, all the officials of the Sui Dynasty hurried to the court to offer their congratulations, except for one person, Shan Xin. Xu Hongren hurried to tell him, "The emperor has died, General Yuwen is regent, and all the civil and military officials are gathering there. The will of heaven and human affairs have their own cycles; why are you still hesitating?" Shan Xin became furious upon hearing this and refused to go with him. Xu Hongren had no choice but to mount his horse, tears streaming down his face, and said, "General, you have no ill intentions towards the Yuwen clan, yet you suddenly wish to take your own life; how can this not make people sad?" Then he went back to report to Tang Fengyi, informed Yang Guang, and sent someone to Shan Xin's house to bring him to the court. Yang Guang ordered to release him, but Shan Xin did not come out happily; instead, he appeared calm. Yang Guang looked at him and said, "This man is so arrogant!" So he ordered to seize him, scolding, "I was going to let you go, but you dare to be so disrespectful!" His subordinates seized him and ultimately led to his death at the age of sixty-one years. Later, when King Yang Tong ascended to the throne, he posthumously bestowed upon him the title of Left Guanglu Daifu and Duke of Gaoyang County, along with the posthumous title of Wenjie.
Fan Shi, the kind-hearted mother, daughter of Xiao Cai, a filial and talented official of the Liang Dynasty, was widowed at a young age and raised her child alone. She was well-educated, talented, and of high moral character. When Emperor Yang Jian learned of her situation, he ordered the imperial kitchen to provide her with fresh meals daily and often sent her gifts. He even issued a decree to have Fan Shi enter the palace to serve the empress and teach her to read, bestowing upon her the title of County Lady of Yongle. By the time her son was killed, Fan Shi was already ninety-two years old. She did not cry in front of her son's body, but only touched the coffin and said, "He died for the country; my son did not die in vain!" After saying this, she lay down and refused to eat, passing away more than ten days later.
Li Wenbo, from Boling, was a righteous person who loved learning, especially about the principles of governing the country. When he read stories about the rise and fall of dynasties and loyal officials, he pondered and thought deeply. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui, he became a captain in the imperial guard and attracted the attention of Xue Daoheng, the Minister of Personnel. Xue Daoheng often had him read historical texts in the audience chamber, observing his ability to manage affairs. If he encountered good political matters, he would record them; if he encountered mistakes in selecting talents, he analyzed the pros and cons. Xue Daoheng always welcomed his opinions with pleasure.
Later, Li Wenbo was transferred to the Secretariat to work on proofreading classics. He was honest and led a simple life, finding contentment in his poverty. Although he struggled for food and clothing, his integrity was unwavering. He did not easily make friends and always adhered strictly to etiquette. His colleagues both respected and feared him. Xue Daoheng knew of his poverty, so he often invited him to his home for dinner and gave him some living expenses. Li Wenbo was well-versed in both ancient and modern governing strategies and political affairs, as if they were at his fingertips, but he had little luck with promotions. He gradually rose to the position of a copyist, and later was appointed as a county magistrate, but he held that position for several years without further advancement.
Later, Xue Daoheng became the Grand Master of the Scribes in the Eastern Capital and met Li Wenbo in the Ministry of Personnel Affairs. He felt a strong sympathy for him and requested the court to appoint him as an official. Xue Daoheng happily told Prince Qi Li Gang, "I finally met Wenbo today, and I recommended him!" It can be seen that Xue Daoheng appreciated and valued Li Wenbo. When he was in Luoyang, Li Wenbo once visited Fang Xuanling. Fang Xuanling saw him off at the intersection and asked him, "You have pursued righteousness all your life. Now that you are an official, you should have done something, right? What have you done recently to address the current issues?" Li Wenbo immediately exclaimed excitedly, "To govern the river well, one must first dredge the source of the river; to correct the end of things, one must first correct the foundation. Now the court is in chaos; even if ten corrupt county magistrates are dismissed every day, what's the use?" This is characteristic of his outspoken and fearless nature. At that time, the court was becoming increasingly corrupt, as many were engaging in corruption and bribery. Only Li Wenbo always maintained a noble character, and people respected him for it. Later, when the world was in chaos, he became displaced and ultimately vanished. Initially, Wenbo was an editor in the palace, and the son of Yu Shiji was also there, dressed flamboyantly and without restraint. Wenbo calmly asked him how old he was, and he replied, "Eighteen." Wenbo then said to him, "When Jia Yi was eighteen, he was discussing national affairs. What are you doing now, only focused on your appearance?" Another time, when the queen of King Xiao of Qin gave birth to a son and the Emperor was very happy, he rewarded the courtiers, with varying amounts. Wenbo's family was always poor, and when someone said he was happy to receive the reward, he said, "The reward and punishment system is used to measure merits and demerits. What does the birth of the queen's son have to do with us as officials? Why should we receive rewards without merit?" He always carefully examined the truth of things, meticulously weighed merits and demerits, and always ensured that rewards and punishments were fair and just, without any concealment.
Wenbo originally focused on Confucian studies, but later read many historical texts and was well-versed in the teachings of various schools of thought and discourses. He was known for his straightforward personality, enjoyed discussing current affairs, and was also skilled at writing. He wrote a ten-volume book called "Collection of Governing the Way," which gained widespread circulation in society.
Historical records mention individuals like Ming Kerang and Wei Dan, who possessed extensive knowledge, broad experience, and elegant prose in their writings. They were lauded as outstanding talents from the northern Yan and Zhao regions and as distinguished figures from the southeastern regions. Wherever they went, they were often sought after and secured official positions. While their rise to prominence and wealth was not merely coincidental, it was indeed due to their talent. Wei Dan's "Book of Wei" was regarded as concise, clear, and detailed in its time, worthy of being preserved for future generations. The accomplishments of others were also documented; even though their achievements varied in significance, they all aimed to articulate their own theories and writings, which is indeed a commendable pursuit!
