Liu Xingben is from Pei County. His father, Liu Gui, held a prominent official position during the Liang Dynasty. Liu Xingben initially served as a chamberlain in the Wuling Kingdom, but when Xiao Yi surrendered Liangzhou to Northern Zhou, he and his uncle Liu Fan joined Northern Zhou and settled in Xinfeng County, Jingzhao Prefecture. He devoted himself to studying day and night; even in times of scarcity, he remained unfazed as if nothing had happened. He had a strong and unyielding character.
The Grand Chancellor of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Hu, took notice of him and appointed him as a secretary in the Ministry of the Interior. Later, when Emperor Wu of Zhou personally ruled, Liu Xingben was promoted to Imperial Orderly Officer and also served as an annotator. He continued to rise in ranks and eventually became the Chief Official of the Morning Court. In Northern Zhou, there was a rule that when the emperor attended court, the Chief Official of the Morning Court had to present the writing materials to the emperor's throne, which would then be handed over by the Chief Imperial Secretary. When Liu Xingben became the Chief Official of the Morning Court, he was about to present the brush to the emperor's throne, but the Chief Imperial Secretary attempted to take it from him. Liu Xingben loudly told the Chief Imperial Secretary, "I cannot give you the brush!"
The emperor was surprised and asked what was going on. Liu Xingben explained, "I have heard that each official has their own duties. I cannot carry the Chief Imperial Secretary's sword, and the Chief Imperial Secretary cannot take my brush." The emperor agreed and ordered that each official should adhere to their own responsibilities. Later, when Emperor Xuan succeeded to the throne and made many mistakes, Liu Xingben repeatedly offered advice, which angered the emperor and resulted in his demotion to Taishou of Henan.
When Gaozu was Prime Minister, Yu Ji made a rebellion and attacked Huaizhou. Liu Xingben led the local officials and people in resisting, and the emperor appointed him as Yitong, a title of honor, and granted him the title of Viscount of Wen'an County. Later, when Gaozu became emperor, he summoned Liu Xingben to the capital and appointed him as a Grand Adviser, concurrently responsible for the imperial library. Before long, he was promoted to Minister of the Yellow Gate.
Once, the emperor harshly reprimanded a certain official in front of the palace. Xingben quickly stepped forward and said, "This person is usually very upright, and his mistake is not significant. I hope Your Majesty can show him some leniency." The emperor paid him no mind. Xingben grew desperate and went directly to the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, since you didn't think my ability was inadequate, that's why you chose to keep me by your side. If I am right, of course you should listen to me; if I am wrong, you should handle it according to the law, to uphold the court's laws. How can you dismiss my words so lightly? I am not speaking for myself!" After speaking, he threw the tablet of authority to the ground and walked away. The emperor then collected himself, apologized to Xingben, and eventually pardoned the official who had been reprimanded.
At that time, the country was peaceful, and the minority groups along the borders had all pledged allegiance to the court. Xingben saw that the Tangut and Qiang tribes were close to the border and challenging to manage, so he lodged a formal complaint against their envoys in a memorial, writing, "I have heard that the southern tribes obey the orders of the Colonel, and the Western Regions respect the authority of the Protector. But now, the Qiang tribe in the west is like rats scurrying for scraps, dogs scavenging for food, disrespectful to their parents, lacking in the etiquette between ruler and subjects, completely different from us, and are the most despicable of peoples. They fail to recognize the court's benevolence, do not appreciate the court's nurturing, their hearts are consumed by cruelty and brutality, not obeying the court's orders. Their envoys have just arrived; I urge you to impose strict penalties upon them." The emperor greatly admired his spirit.
Yongzhou's deputy Yuan Zhao reported to the emperor: "An official in a certain state accepted a bribe of three hundred wen from another person; according to the law, he should receive a punishment of one hundred strokes. However, when I first took office, I established three rules with them. This official intentionally violated the agreement and requested Your Majesty to impose a one-year prison sentence." Xing Ben countered: "After the laws and regulations are promulgated, they must be clarified through decrees and agreements with the people. Now Yuan Zhao dares to disobey the imperial orders and disregard the law. He wants to ensure that his orders are followed, but forgets about the court's credibility, violating the law to show his power; this is not the attitude that a courtier ought to have." The emperor admired Xing Ben's actions and rewarded him with one hundred rolls of silk.
I have been working in the court for several years, and I was appointed as the Left Libationer to the Prince, still responsible for the same administrative work as before. His Highness the Prince holds me in high regard and is somewhat intimidated by me. At that time, Tang Lingze was also the Left Libationer, but the Prince was very close to him, often letting him teach the palace women to sing and dance. I criticized him: "The Left Libationer should help the Prince stay on the right path; how can you be so intimate with the Prince, spending all day in the inner chambers?" Lingze was very embarrassed but still couldn't change. At that time, Liu Zhen from Pei State, Ming Ke from Pingyuan, and Lu Shuang from Weijun were all valued by the Prince for their education. I was frustrated that they weren't able to support the Prince effectively and often told them, "You all only know how to read books!"
At that time, the Chief of the Left Guard, Xiahou Fu, was deeply favored by the Crown Prince. One time, they were playing around in the attic. Xiahou Fu burst into laughter, and the sound carried outside. I was below in the attic at that time, and when he came out, I sternly reprimanded him: "His Highness treats you generously and appreciates you; who do you think you are, daring to be so presumptuous!" Then, I had him arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law. After a few days, the Crown Prince interceded for Xiahou Fu, and he was released. One time, the Crown Prince got a good horse and let Xiahou Fu ride it to show off. The Crown Prince liked it very much and wanted me to ride it too. I firmly disagreed and solemnly said to the Crown Prince: "The Emperor appointed me as the Chief of the Left to assist you in walking the right path, not to be a clown for you!" The Crown Prince felt embarrassed and did not force me again.
Later, I was appointed as the magistrate of Daxing County. The high-ranking officials were afraid of my integrity, and no one dared to visit me. As a result, the phenomenon of petitioning and gift-giving disappeared, and the laws became straightforward and fair, and the people supported me. Not long after, I passed away, and the Emperor was deeply regretful. When the Crown Prince was deposed, the Emperor lamented: "Ah! If Liu Xingben were still alive, things wouldn't have developed to this point." I had no sons.
Liang Pi, styled Jinghe, was a native of Wushi in Anding. His grandfather Liang Yue had served as the Inspector of Jingzhou, Yuzhou, and Luozhou in the Wei Kingdom and was also titled the Duke of Heye County. His father Liang Mao had served as the Inspectors of Cangzhou and Yanzhou during the Zhou Dynasty. Liang Pi was upright and straightforward, spoke candidly, and was well-educated.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of Zhou, Liang Pi passed the Classical Studies examination and became an official, gradually rising to the position of Daifu in the Ministry of Rites. During the war to pacify the Qi state, he was appointed as Chief of Staff and made significant contributions in the battle to capture Bingzhou. Later, he was appointed as Deputy Minister and was also conferred the title of Equitable Officer. During the Xuanzheng period, he was made the County Lord of Yiyang, with a fief of four hundred households. He was later promoted to the position of Wuzang Daifu. After Emperor Gaozu Yang Jian usurped the Zhou dynasty and declared himself emperor, Liang Pi's title was elevated to Marquis.
In the early years of the Kaihuang reign, the court established the Imperial Censorate. Due to Liang Pi's integrity and straightforwardness, he was appointed as Censorate Assistant Imperial Secretary, a position that was considered suitable for him by all. Shortly after, he was transferred to the position of Daxing Ling, and later promoted to Governor of Yongzhou. After leaving the Imperial Censorate, he managed affairs in the capital city, conducting himself with fairness and impartiality, which offended many influential figures. As a result, he was appointed Governor of Xiningzhou, and his title was changed to Marquis of Handan County. He served as the Governor of Xiningzhou for eleven years.
In the past, the tribal chiefs in that area liked to wear golden crowns, and the more crowns they had, the more prestigious they were. This led to frequent conflicts and unrest in the border regions due to the competition for gold. Liang Pi was deeply concerned about this situation. Later, the tribal chiefs started offering him gold as bribes. Liang Pi placed the gold next to his seat and tearfully said to the gold, "These things cannot be eaten when hungry or worn when cold. You have killed each other countless times for these things! Now you are sending them to me, are you trying to harm me?" He refused to accept any gold and returned all of it. Touched by his actions, the tribal chiefs stopped attacking each other.
Emperor Gaozu Yang Jian was pleased when he heard about this incident and summoned Liang Pi back to the court, appointing him as Attendant Cavalier and Grand Minister of Justice. He adjudicated cases with fairness and justice, gaining widespread praise from his contemporaries. More than a year later, he was promoted to Shang Kefu.
I saw Yang Su, the Minister of Works, becoming immensely powerful, and everyone was too scared to speak up. I feared he might pose a threat to the nation, so I wrote a memorial to the emperor, saying: "I have heard that ministers should not wield excessive power. If ministers have too much power, it will harm their own families and the country. I have privately observed that Yang Su, the Minister of Works and Duke of Yue, is gaining more and more favor and power, and all the officials and nobles bow to him. Those who do not please him will be immediately marginalized and suppressed; those who curry favor with him will be promoted and rewarded. The promotion and disgrace of officials all depend on his word; the rise and fall of the nation all hinge on his will. He promotes only his own cronies, all of whom are his relatives and friends, and his relatives are spread throughout the land, controlling the various regions. The nation is currently at peace, but he might be scheming in secret; once there is a slight disturbance in the country, he will surely cause chaos. The rise of corrupt officials often happens gradually. Wang Mang relied on years of accumulation, Huan Xuan seized power, and ultimately led to the downfall of the Han Dynasty and the Jin Dynasty. Jisun held power in the State of Lu, the Tian family usurped the State of Qi; these are all documented in history, not mere speculation on my part. If Your Majesty continues to trust Yang Su, I worry he may lack the loyalty of Yi Yin. I humbly urge Your Majesty to consider historical examples carefully and reassign him away from the center of power, to ensure lasting peace and prosperity for the nation and the happiness and well-being of its people. I have overstepped, and I ask for Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
Emperor Gaozu was very angry and ordered the relevant departments to prohibit discussion of this matter, and personally questioned me. I argued my case, saying, "Yang Su is abusing his power, indiscriminately killing innocent people for no reason. On the day the Crown Prince and Prince of Shu were deposed, all the officials in the court were shocked and afraid; only Yang Su was gleeful, reveling in the misfortunes of others, hoping for more chaos in the country so he could profit from it." I spoke frankly and sincerely, and Emperor Gaozu had no choice but to release me. From that point on, Yang Su's influence gradually waned. However, Yang Su was very powerful at the time, oppressing many people. The court officials all catered to him; no one dared to challenge him. Only I, Liu Yu, and Deputy Right Minister of Personnel Li Gang dared to confront him. Later, the Emperor no longer completely trusted Yang Su, all because he listened to my words.
After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, I was promoted to Minister of Justice and served as the Grand Inspector. I lodged a formal accusation against Yuwen Shu for privately mobilizing the army. The Emperor wanted to exonerate Yuwen Shu, but I strongly opposed, angering the Emperor, who then had Zhang Heng replace me as the Grand Inspector. I fell ill due to the stress and passed away a few months later. The Emperor ordered Minister of Personnel Niu Hong to pay his respects and gave me five hundred bolts of silk.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Zijing Zhen held the position of Director of the Grand Court. At that time, the Emperor sought to convict the Grand Master of Splendor, Yu Juluo, so he had Zijing Zhen handle the case. Zijing Zhen followed the Emperor's wishes and framed Yu Juluo, which resulted in his death. Not long after, Zijing Zhen fell ill, reportedly seeing the ghost of Yu Juluo come to claim his life, and he died a few days later.
Liu Yu, courtesy name, Youwen, was a native of Jie County in Hedong. His ancestor Liu Zhuo, seven generations before him, followed the Jin Dynasty during a southward migration and settled in Xiangyang. His father Liu Zhongli was a general of the Liang Dynasty, but after his defeat in battle, he sought refuge in the Northern Zhou Dynasty before returning to his hometown. Liu Yu loved learning from a young age, studying a wide range of classics and historical texts. Yuwen Hu, the Grand Preceptor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, recognized his talent and appointed him as a scribe in the Ministry of Internal and External Affairs. After some time, he was sent to Ningzhou as an overseer. When Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty personally took the throne, Liu Yu petitioned the court to participate in the imperial examinations. Emperor Wu highly valued him and appointed him as a Master of Martial Arts before later promoting him to the magistrate of Zheng County. After pacifying the state of Qi, the emperor rewarded the officials who had rendered service, but those who remained in the capital were not rewarded. Liu Yu submitted a memorial stating, "Now that the world is just beginning to be at peace, rewards should be open and transparent, recognizing those who have truly contributed. Breaking through enemy cities was done according to the emperor's will; killing enemy generals and capturing their flags were also a result of the emperor's wise and martial prowess. The soldiers who endured hardships in battle, defended the country, and protected the imperial palace should all have their contributions recognized. These contributions were all thanks to the emperor's wise decisions, not their individual capabilities. The officials who remained in the capital to work should also receive equal consideration. Officials below the Crown Prince played a role in safeguarding the ancestral temples. Previously, Xiao He remained behind to guard the rear and was the first to build thatched houses in Pingyang; Mu Zhi also remained in the capital and was honored with generous treatment after his death. These are merely my humble suggestions, respectfully submitted for your consideration." As a result, Liu Yu was allowed to remain in the capital and was promoted to a higher position.
After Emperor Yang Jian ascended the throne, Liu Yu's official career advanced steadily, rising to the position of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Later, he resigned from his post due to the death of his mother. Not long after, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, but he firmly declined, and the Emperor refused to accept his resignation. At that time, it was stipulated that officials of rank three or higher must display a halberd (an ancient ceremonial weapon) at the gate of their residence. Gao Hongde, son of Gao Feng, the Left Deputy Marshal, was conferred the title of Duke of Yingguo and requested to have a halberd displayed at the gate of his residence. Liu Yu replied, "The son of the Deputy Marshal should not live any differently from others, and his father's halberd is already displayed outside his gate. There should be a proper order between the noble and the humble, and the son should show respect to the father. How can a halberd be displayed at the father's gate while also being displayed at the son's gate?" Ultimately, this request was not granted, and Gao Feng, upon hearing of it, held Liu Yu in high regard. Later, Liu Yu was promoted to Imperial Secretary in charge of editing official documents, and he was renowned for his integrity and commanded great respect from all officials. The Emperor admired his uprightness and told him, "A true gentleman should leave a legacy and not lead a life of idleness." He also rewarded him with one hundred thousand coins and one hundred sheng of rice.
Back then, most of the provincial governors were former military generals and were mostly inept. Liu Yu petitioned the emperor, saying, "Now that the world is peaceful and the people are content, we need capable people in charge! In the past, Emperor Guangwu of Han was intelligent and wise, starting from being a commoner; he understood the ways of life, led his twenty-eight top generals through challenges, pacified the world, and even after achieving fame and success, he did not give himself any official position. But just look at this decree, appointing an almost eighty-year-old man who's nearly pushing up daisies and his incompetent son as the provincial governor of Qizhou! He used to be an official in Zhaozhou, knowing nothing and leaving the day-to-day to his underlings; corruption was rampant, and the people were fed up, with everywhere songs mocking him, singing: 'If you don’t harvest the crops in time, weeds will take over the fields.' The ancients said, 'Ask the farmer about farming, ask the weaver about weaving.' This just proves that everyone has their own strengths! He Ganzi's good at riding and shooting; governing people and being an official isn’t his thing. Your Majesty, if you really want to run the country right and handle countless affairs, if you want to honor this old man, just give him some gold and silver; why make him a provincial governor? That would be a huge mistake! I’ll say this even if it costs me my life; I can't be disloyal or insincere!" The emperor agreed and eventually dismissed He Ganzi.
There was also Tang Junming, the governor of Ying Prefecture. After his mother passed away, he shockingly married the cousin of Kudishiwen, the chief official of Yong Prefecture. Liu Yu accused him, saying: "I’ve heard that there are distinctions in the universe, etiquette between husband and wife, ethics between ruler and subject, and respect between elders and juniors. Therefore, filial piety is the foundation of behavior, etiquette is the cornerstone of character, and the governance of the country and family should follow this principle. I believe that the love and respect for parents should come from the bottom of the heart, and the weight of mourning is the highest duty in human relationships. Even though Tang Junming changed out of his mourning clothes, his heart had not changed; he forgot the sorrow of his mother's death and hastily married while still wearing mourning attire. This is a violation of human ethics, and "Spring and Autumn" records that such people will perish; lacking in etiquette, poets have wished for his early demise. Kudishiwen holds a significant position in Shenzhou, setting an example for others, yet he abandoned a significant family marriage, violating the norms of the six rituals. I implore Your Majesty to imprison them for life to restore social order." As a result, both were convicted. After the chaos of the Sui Dynasty, the social climate worsened, and Liu Yu implemented numerous corrective measures, for which the emperor held him in high regard.
Later, Liu Yu found that the emperor was too diligent in handling state affairs, with numerous memorials from officials that were often trivial and complicated. He then advised in a memorial, "I have heard that the wise emperors of ancient times, like Tang, Yao, and Shun, followed the laws of heaven and earth in their governance, focusing on significant matters and avoiding being bogged down by trivial details. This is what wisdom entails. As the saying goes, 'Heaven does not speak, yet the seasons change effortlessly.' Therefore, the key to issuing commands lies in simplicity, not in excess. Emperor Shun appointed five great ministers, and Emperor Yao consulted the Four Mountains, establishing official positions with specific responsibilities, governing with virtuous conduct, and bringing peace to the world. This means that the effort should go into selecting talent, while employing them should be effortless. It is also said, 'The emperor is majestic, and the vassals are respectful.' This means that there should be a difference in behavior between rulers and subjects. Now, with state affairs being so numerous, both big and small, all require the emperor's personal attention. Your Majesty, you govern the country with dedication, not sparing any effort, because the officials fear making mistakes and dare not make decisions themselves, waiting for your orders. With too many memorials, even for the construction of small things or the distribution of insignificant items, you have to reply to all officials in a day, causing you to be overwhelmed, unable to sleep at night, dealing with documents, and exhausting yourself. I hope Your Majesty can consider my advice, handle fewer complicated matters, prioritize cultivating your mind and body, and think of the principles of King Wu's peace and King Wen's diligence and anxiety. For major state affairs that cannot be decided by subordinates, I hope Your Majesty can personally make the decision; as for the trivial matters, they can be left to the relevant departments to handle, so that your health and longevity will be preserved, and your subordinates will continue to receive your blessings." The emperor was very pleased after reading the memorial. Later, he was dismissed for offending the emperor's orders. Shortly after, the emperor reinstated him and said, "Do not change your mind." Because Liu Yu came from a poor family, the emperor ordered relevant departments to build a residence for him, saying, "Liu Yu is an honest official and a valuable asset to the country!" This clearly shows how much the emperor valued him.
At that time, Yang Su was incredibly powerful, and everybody was afraid of him; nobody dared to cross him. One time, he made a minor mistake, and the emperor ordered him to be sent to the South Tower, which was like the judicial department back then, for handling. Yang Su, relying on his power and influence, nonchalantly sat in the interrogator Su Wei's chair. When Su Wei entered from outside and saw Yang Su like that, he stopped on the steps, holding the tablet correctly, and seriously said to Yang Su, "By the emperor's order, I am here to investigate your crimes." That’s when Yang Su hurriedly got up from the chair. Su Wei sat behind the desk, made Yang Su stand in the courtyard, and then began to question him about what happened. Yang Su held a grudge against Su Wei because of this. However, back then, Su Wei was very trusted by the emperor, and Yang Su couldn't do anything about it.
Su Wei saw that the atmosphere was troubling. Every year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the people of the capital would engage in performances like Jiao Di, competing against one another and squandering money. So he petitioned the emperor, requesting a ban on this kind of activity. In his memorial, he wrote: "I have heard that in the past, wise rulers governed the country and educated the people according to the law, and all actions adhered to etiquette. Actions that violate the law should not be taken, and unreasonable pursuits should not be engaged in. However, now in the capital and even in other provinces, every fifteenth night of the first lunar month, the streets are packed with revelers. The drums are deafening, and the torches blaze brightly; people wear animal masks, men don women's clothing, and there are all kinds of acrobatics, strange shapes, and forms. They celebrate vulgarity and obscenity as sources of joy, and regard low-level vulgarity as fun. Whether officials or common people, they all watch together without any reservation. Grand stages stretch across the streets, huge tents cover the sky, magnificent clothes, beautiful makeup, congested vehicles, and crowds of people. The feasts are lavish, musical instruments are in harmony, and many people have wasted their fortunes in pursuit of fleeting pleasure. Every household, regardless of status, men and women mingle freely, and there is no distinction between monks and laypeople. Various obscene behaviors emerge as a result, and thieves also arise. This kind of atmosphere has already formed and has been around for a long time, with no one willing to correct it. Not only does it not benefit education, but it also undermines the people's welfare. I request the emperor to issue a nationwide ban on this activity immediately. Consider the 'Odes' and 'Hymns' in the Book of Songs, which eloquently praise virtuous conduct. People sing and dance, expressing a sense of effortless joy. Anyone who violates this should face punishment as per the imperial decree." The emperor approved his memorial.
That year, Su Wei was ordered to inspect 52 prefectures in Hebei, requesting the removal of over 200 corrupt and incompetent officials. As a result, all prefectures and counties were rectified, and everyone was on edge. The emperor was very pleased and rewarded him with 200 pieces of silk, 30 felt cloaks, and appointed him as an official of the rank equivalent to the Three Excellencies. A year later, he was promoted to Associate Cavalryman and Palace Attendant, still responsible for managing official affairs. In the early years of Renshou, he was ordered to inspect 19 prefectures in Taiyuan. Upon his return, the emperor rewarded him with 150 pieces of silk. Su Wei once received a ten-volume "Collection of Governance" written by Li Wenbo from Boling. Prince Yang Xiu of Shu sent someone to ask for it. Su Wei gave the book to Yang Xiu, who then rewarded him with ten servants. Later, when Yang Xiu fell into disgrace, Yang Su accused Su Wei of colluding with court officials and princes, deprived him of his title, and exiled him to guard the border in Huaiyuan. On his way to Gaoyang, the court issued a decree recalling him. Upon reaching Jinyang, he unexpectedly found himself amidst the rebellion of Prince Han, Yang Liang, who urgently summoned Su Wei to discuss matters. Su Wei was forced to go by the messenger, initially unaware of Yang Liang's rebellion. Just as he was about to enter the city, the rebellion was exposed. Realizing he was cornered, Su Wei pretended to have a stomachache and refused to eat, claiming he was gravely ill. Yang Liang, furious, had him imprisoned. After Yang Liang's failure, Yang Su accused Su Wei of playing both sides while watching the situation unfold, not openly rebelling but actually colluding with the rebels, and therefore exiled him to Dunhuang. After Yang Su's death, Su Wei finally submitted a personal petition. The court issued a decree to recall him to the capital, but he died en route. He had a son named Su Shao, who later became the magistrate of Jiexiu County.
This passage tells of Su Wei's experiences, which were full of twists and turns. First rewarded, then demoted, called back, and finally exiled, ultimately passing away in a foreign land. His experiences were like something out of a novel! "Yu once obtained the ten-volume 'Collection of Ruling Principles' written by Li Wenbo of Boling, and King Shu sent someone to request it." The beginning seemed promising, as he received precious books and rewards from the king; who could have imagined what would happen next! "When Shu offended, Yang Su accused Yu of communicating with the feudal lords, stripped of his title and sent to guard the Huaiyuan Garrison." Yang Su was indeed a ruthless figure; with just one sentence, he caused Su Wei to plummet from grace. "Ordered to return, upon reaching Jinyang, encountered the rebellion of King Han Liang," the turning point of fate is truly something that makes one sigh in disbelief! Finally, "After Yang Su's death, he was posthumously vindicated, ordered to return to the capital, and passed away on the way," which really makes one reflect on the unpredictability of life!
Zhao Chuo was from Hedong and was known for his honesty and determination. He started out as a minor official in the Department of Heavenly Officials of the Zhou Dynasty, but due to his seriousness and responsibility, he was later promoted to a junior official in the Department of Summer Officials. His outstanding ability in managing affairs gradually gained him recognition, leading to his promotion to senior official in the Department of Internal Affairs. When his father passed away, he was devastated and became gaunt, and was highly regarded for his filial piety. After the mourning period, he was appointed as a junior officer overseeing education. When Gaozu became Chancellor, knowing Zhao Chuo's integrity, he recruited him as a military secretary. He quickly rose to the position of chief military secretary, following the military commander Yuwen Hui in suppressing the rebellious barbarians, and was rewarded with titles and a substantial amount of fabric. After Gaozu became emperor, he appointed Zhao Chuo as the Grand Minister of Justice. He carried out fair and just law enforcement, consistently excelled in evaluations, and was later promoted to Grand Minister of Justice. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Justice in the Ministry of Punishments. In handling cases like that of Liang Shiyan and others, his exemplary performance earned him the emperor's reward of 300 bolts of cloth, ten servants, and twenty horses. Every time he presented a judgment report, he did so with a serious and diligent demeanor, which resulted in the emperor's growing trust in him.
The emperor felt that banditry was rampant and wanted to punish them severely. Zhao Chuo advised, "Your Majesty, you should show more leniency, following the example of Yao and Shun. Besides, the law is the foundation of the state; how can it be easily violated?" The emperor gladly accepted his counsel and said to him, "In the future, if you have any ideas, please speak up more." So Zhao Chuo was promoted to the position of junior official in the Dali Court. Xiao Moha, a general of the Chen Dynasty, had a son, Xiao Shilue, who rebelled in Jiangnan; Xiao Moha should face consequences. The emperor said, "Xiao Shilue is not yet twenty years old, what can he possibly do? He’s merely the son of a renowned general, coerced by others." So he wanted to pardon Xiao Moha. Zhao Chuo firmly opposed this, and the emperor found it difficult to change his mind. He wanted Zhao Chuo to eat first and then grant a pardon to Xiao Moha, so he ordered Zhao Chuo to leave the court to eat. Zhao Chuo said, "The cases I reported haven't been fully reviewed, so I can't leave the court." The emperor said, "Let the Dali Court grant a pardon to Xiao Moha on my behalf!" So he ordered his guards to set Xiao Moha free.
Xin Dan, the Minister of Punishments, once wore red underwear, a folk legend that claimed this was a sign of promotion and wealth. The emperor viewed it as an ominous sign and wanted to kill him. Zhao Chuo said, "According to the law, he should not die, and I cannot carry out the decree." The emperor was furious and said to Zhao Chuo, "Do you pity Xin Dan but not yourself?" He ordered the Left Supervisor Gao Feng to kill Zhao Chuo. Zhao Chuo said, "Your Majesty would rather kill me, but you cannot kill Xin Dan." In the court, he stripped down, ready for execution. The emperor sent someone to ask Zhao Chuo, "What do you want to say?" Zhao Chuo replied, "I uphold the law with all my heart and do not fear death." The emperor stormed off and eventually released him after a long wait. The next day, the emperor apologized to Zhao Chuo, offered him encouragement and a reward of three hundred pieces of cloth. At that time, the emperor prohibited the use of inferior currency. Two individuals exchanged inferior currency for good currency in the market. Wu Hou caught them and reported to the emperor, who ordered them all beheaded. Zhao Chuo remonstrated, "These two should be punished with a beating; killing them violates the law." The emperor said, "This isn't your problem." Zhao Chuo said, "Your Majesty, if you didn't think I was foolish and incompetent, why would you put me in the Ministry of Justice? You want to kill people at will; how can you say this isn't my problem?" The emperor said, "Those who disturb the tree should step back." Zhao Chuo replied, "I hope to touch your heart; why mention shaking the tree?" The emperor added, "If the soup is too hot, set it down. Do you want to challenge the emperor's authority?" Zhao Chuo prostrated himself on the ground, stubbornly refusing to back down. The emperor finally left for the palace. The Imperial Secretary Liu Yu also strongly remonstrated in a memorial, and the emperor finally relented.
The emperor often summoned Zhao Chuo into the palace because of his honesty and sincerity. Sometimes the emperor and empress would share a bed, and Zhao Chuo would sit beside them, discussing state affairs together. He was rewarded countless times. Later, Zhao Chuo was promoted to the position of cabinet minister, and his father was posthumously honored as the governor of Cai Prefecture. At that time, Xue Zhou from Hedong was the Minister of Justice, and both were renowned for their fairness and integrity. However, Xue Zhou was more flexible in his judgments, while Zhao Chuo strictly followed the law, and both were competent. The emperor frequently remarked to Zhao Chuo, "I am generous with my rewards for you, but your appearance is not suitable for a high-ranking official." Zhao Chuo passed away during the Ren Shou era at the age of sixty-three. The emperor wept for him, sent eunuchs to offer condolences, and the Honglu Temple was in charge of his funeral. He had two sons, Zhao Yuanfang and Zhao Yuanxi.
Pei Su, styled Shenfeng, was from Wuxi in Hedong. His father, Pei Xia, was a minister of the Ministry of Personnel in the Zhou Dynasty. Pei Su was recognized for his integrity and sense of responsibility from an early age, and he had a special relationship with Liang Pi from Anding, who was a good friend of his. He began his career as a junior censor in the Zhou Dynasty and gradually rose to the position of Grand Master of Ceremonies. He also went to war in Huainan as a Chief of Staff with Wei Xiaokuan.
Later, when Yang Jian became the Prime Minister, Pei Su sighed and said, "Emperor Wu unified the world with his great talent and strategy, but his tomb is not even dry yet, and the dynasty has changed. Is this the will of heaven?" Yang Jian took offense at this remark, so Pei Su was retired.
In the fifth year of the Kaihuang era, he was appointed Assistant Minister of Rites. Two years later, he was promoted to be the Chief Secretary of Shuozhou, and then transferred to Beizhou as the Chief Secretary, where he excelled in these roles.
During the reign of Ren Shou, Pei Su saw that Crown Prince Yang Yong, Prince of Shu Yang Xiu, and Left Minister Gao Jiang were all deposed. He wrote a letter to the emperor, stating, "I've heard that when serving a monarch, one should speak openly and not conceal anything. What I have in mind, I will boldly report to you. I personally believe that Gao Jiang is a born leader and a founding figure. Your Majesty has already bestowed great favor upon him. However, even the most upright individuals have faults that can be criticized. There are countless people who focus on others' shortcomings! I hope Your Majesty will recognize his significant contributions and overlook his minor shortcomings. I have also heard that the wise emperors of ancient times were known for their education rather than execution. Your kindness has surpassed that of previous sage kings. The two princes (Yang Yong and Yang Xiu) have made mistakes for some time. Do they not have any remorse in their hearts? I hope Your Majesty can show paternal love, consider the benevolence and righteousness in their nature, grant them a small fiefdom, and observe their behavior. If they can repent and improve gradually, that would be good; if they still do not repent, it is not too late to demote them. To cut off their chances for repentance now, depriving them of the opportunity to repent, would it not be too sad?" After reading the letter, the emperor told Yang Su, "Pei Su is truly loyal to my family." He then summoned Pei Su to the capital. When Crown Prince Yang Yong heard about it, he asked Left Attendant Zhang Heng, "What does Pei Su want me to do to repent?" Zhang Heng replied, "From Pei Su's intentions, he wants you to be like the Duke of Wu and the King of Donghai in the Han Dynasty." The Crown Prince was very unhappy upon hearing this. Shortly after, Pei Su arrived in the capital and met the emperor in the Hanzhang Hall. The emperor said to Pei Su, "As the emperor, I rule over the four seas. Only a few enjoy favor in the harem, including those from Yang Yong downwards, all born of the same mother. Their deposition is not due to hatred or favoritism." The emperor then indicated that Yang Yong's situation was beyond repair. Afterwards, the emperor dismissed Pei Su.
Before long, the emperor died. Yang Guang took the throne, and Pei Su was sidelined for a long time, so he withdrew from public life. Later, the authorities considered the Lingnan region to be remote and desolate, and in defiance of the imperial decree, they appointed Pei Su as the magistrate of Yongping County, where he was greatly admired by both the locals and ethnic minorities. A little over a year later, Pei Su died at the age of sixty-two. The local ethnic minorities fondly remembered him and erected a temple for him by the Zhang River. He had a son named Pei Shangxian.
Historical records say that when ferocious beasts stay in the deep mountains and old forests, people will not go to pick wild vegetables and grass there; upright ministers in the court will thwart the schemes of wicked individuals. These individuals are all committed to serving the public good, with their integrity clear for all to see. This is not just about the rise and fall of the country's laws and discipline, but also the nation's safety and peril. Prince Jin and Prince Shu, both favored sons of the emperor, relied on their power and favor, making it nearly impossible for them to show respect and caution! During Yuan Yan and Wang Shao's time as prime ministers, everyone greatly respected them, and no one dared to step out of line. Their integrity and steadfastness were truly commendable! Xing Ben in Fangling was known for his stern sense of righteousness; Liang Pi, in front of Yang Su, had the courage to speak frankly; their integrity and firmness are truly inspiring. During Zhao Chuo's tenure as Minister of Justice, there were no wrongful convictions in the prison; when Liu Yu served as the Grand Minister of Justice, the wicked kept their heads down. Among those who stood up to power, Liang Pi was one of them, and Xing Ben and Liu Yu were similar. Pei Su never participated in court meetings or banquets; he was loyal and generous, unafraid to challenge the emperor. Thus, widows fretted over the fall of the Zhou dynasty, and young girls mourned for the young prince—these were more than just words! Reflecting on historical records, Yan Zuan was another such individual.
This passage from the historical text discusses those upright ministers who are like fierce beasts, striking fear into the wicked. They are devoted to the country, upright and incorruptible, and the rise and fall of the nation are closely tied to their actions. The princes of Jin and Shu, the emperor's sons, abuse their favoritism and act lawlessly, contrasting sharply with these upright ministers. When Yuan Yan and Wang Shao served as prime ministers, they held significant prestige, and no one dared to break the law or defy authority. Xing Ben, Liang Pi, Zhao Chuo, Liu Yu, and others were all officials who spoke their minds, were unafraid of the powerful, and served the country and its people. Pei Su was even more honest and upright, refusing to flatter, and he did not hesitate to offend the emperor if necessary. There have been many people in history like Yan Zuan; they are the backbone of the nation!
