Xu Shanxin, whose courtesy name was Wuben, is a native of Gaoyang Beixincheng. His grandfather, Xu Mao, served as the Chief Clerk to the Crown Prince of the Liang Dynasty, as well as the Prefect of Shiping County, Prefect of Tianmen County, and Cavalry Attendant. His father, Xu Heng, served as the Yellow Gate Attendant Minister in the Liang Dynasty, and later held the positions of Director of the Imperial Guard, Grand Master of the Palace, Minister of War, and concurrently held the position of Chief Editor during the Chen Dynasty. Xu Shanxin became an orphan at the age of nine and was raised by his mother, Lady Fan. He was bright from a young age, possessing strong comprehension and memory skills. He was praised by those around him for his extensive knowledge and remarkable memory. He had access to over ten thousand volumes of books at home, and he read them all. At the age of fifteen, he was already capable of writing impressive essays. When he showed his essays to his father's friend, Xu Ling, Xu Ling was astonished and remarked, "This child is exceptionally talented, truly a prodigy!"
Later, he was appointed as a legal assistant to the Prince of Xin'an. The Prince's Secretary Jiang Zong recommended him to take the exam, and he passed with high scores, being appointed as an official in charge of financial affairs. He later rose to the rank of deputy minister and was then appointed as a historian official. In the second year of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, he was appointed as a cavalry attendant and subsequently sent as an envoy to the Sui Dynasty. He arrived during the Sui Dynasty's campaign against the Chen Dynasty, completed his mission, but was unable to return. He repeatedly submitted petitions requesting to resign, but the Emperor did not allow it and kept him under house arrest. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, Emperor Wen of Sui sent someone to inform him of the news. Xu Shanxin dressed in mourning attire, wept bitterly at the west steps, kneeling facing east, weeping for three days. The Emperor issued a decree to console him. The next day, the Emperor issued a decree for him to enter the palace, still appointing him as a cavalry attendant, and rewarded him with a set of clothes. After Xu Shanxin finished crying, he changed into fresh clothes and stepped outside to stand facing north, crying and bowing to thank the imperial edict again. The following day, he attended court, sobbing uncontrollably, barely able to stand from grief. Emperor Wen of Sui looked at those around him and said, "I have only gained this loyal subject after pacifying the Chen Dynasty. Since he can remember his old master, he is a loyal servant to me!" So the Emperor ordered him to continue in his original position, serving in the Ministry of Civil Administration, and rewarded him with a thousand pieces of cloth and twenty horses. Later, Emperor Wen of Sui went to Mount Tai, and upon his return, appointed him as the Minister of the Department of Justice.
In the sixteenth year of Kaihuang, a divine sparrow flew and landed at Hanzhang Gate. Emperor Wen of Sui summoned all his officials for a celebratory banquet and shared this auspicious omen with everyone. Xu Shanxin requested paper and pen at the banquet and composed a poem titled "Ode to the Divine Sparrow," with the following lines:
"I have heard that observing the heavens reveals their will,
the Qian element aligns with heavenly virtue,
scrutinizing the earth reveals its laws,
and the vast expanse of land reflects its majesty."
The rain nourishes the clouds; the four seasons are the reason for life and death. The rivers flow and the mountains stand tall; all things are thus created.
You are the ruler of the hexagram of Thunder over Fire, the emperor who carries the auspicious signs of the goose and phoenix, born with jade hammers and jade measures, your imperial position passed down by golden tablets and cords.
You nurture the spirits of the people, warm the animals and plants, like a mysterious pearl shimmering in the red waters, silent like a bright mirror in the empty hall.
Everyone enjoys the blessings of your prosperity; auspicious gifts are gathered, your fame spreads throughout the southern land, even surpassing the renown of the "Yun" and "Shao" music.
You, our emperor, rule over the land, elucidating great principles, confronting the Tai Chi, residing in the Phoenix palace, holding the Dragon map.
You act without words, directing and guiding with gestures; without imposing authority, your throat opens and closes, bringing clarity to the world.
You reclaim the land of the Xia dynasty, conquer the seas of the Shang dynasty; people look up to you, sensing your nobility, and gather at your grand assembly in Xianchang.
Your blessings spread across the world, bringing peace to both distant and nearby lands; your achievements are celebrated, your virtues widely bestowed.
Without the formality of rituals, Your Majesty fills the palace; without the noise of music, your achievements fill the annals.
You care for the elderly at the academy, personally inquiring about centenarians; you care for the common people, keeping them close to your heart.
From the scorching sun to the freezing cold, from the desolate outskirts to the prosperous center, people from all walks of life, both from the frontier and the Han heartland, come to serve you.
Not only have you quelled the rebellion of the northern barbarians, but you have also stabilized the southern border; even the border towns are now at peace.
Therefore, heaven does not withhold its blessings, the earth bestows its treasures, mountains and rivers display wonders, and the spiritual world reveals its presence.
You enjoy a good life, savoring sweet nectar; your life, like the phases of the moon, is filled with brightness and change.
With compassion in your heart, you uphold righteousness, thus bringing auspicious signs and societal prosperity.
At the grand ceremony in Dengfeng, you stand at the Yunting Pavilion, holding the white ceremonial staff; you govern successfully and offer sacrifices to the heavens.
Although the regular etiquette is in place, and the military is prepared, the emperor humbly declines to claim any credit.
Such humility and deference—has there ever been anything like it? The seventy-two rulers cannot compare to you!
Therefore, divine birds manifest, mysterious signs are especially prominent; the white bird symbolizes the extraordinary iron creature, the red bird carries the precious red book.
Ban Gu's "Divine Birds" praises the military achievements and literary accomplishments; Cao Zhi's "Exquisite Birds" poem also extols the wise and illustrious.
But none compare to the soaring literary palm in the martial tent, brushing against the green reeds as it soars over the red carpet.
The jade table is placed in the court; you admire the treasures between the curtains. The golden gate opens every day, leaving behind the treasure of the Yunzai.
Throughout the ages, unprecedented, this is a blessing from the heavens, manifested today.
In the year of the Upper Chapter, the laws are harmonious; it is a good time for sacrificial ceremonies.
The sovereign has yet to seek his robes, rising in the Hall of Contemplation in the morning.
An auspicious bird descends.
Moving gracefully before the throne, approaching respectfully, and walking along the palace steps.
The auspicious sign symbolizes the blessings of a wise ruler; the bird symbolizes the treasure of the sage. According to the "Kao Yi You," "Xuan Yuan had a yellow bird with a red head that stood beside the sun." The divination said: "It is the response of the earthly spirit." Also, in the "Li Ji Ming Zheng," it is recorded: "If the sacrifice is appropriate, then the yellow bird will gather." In the past, the Han gathered at the Tai Zhi Palace, the Wei built the Wen Chang Palace, and once visited the Yongqiu Shrine, entered the Pingdong Mansion three times, and observed and reflected on the side. In humble affairs, with insignificant people, what is there to be proud of? As an insignificant person, I feel ashamed compared to the virtuous talents of the past! This era is more prosperous than the previous ones, and although my abilities are limited, I still want to do something and dare to offer this poem:
(Insert the original text of the ode here, translation is not possible due to missing original text)
Li Qian lived in the remote western region, and Lu Ji grew up in the east since childhood. I, as an insignificant person, am ashamed compared to those virtuous talents of the past! This era is much stronger than before, and although my abilities are average, I still want to do something and offer this poem, hoping you can take a look.
(Insert the original text of the ode here, translation is not possible due to missing original text)
The text begins by discussing the origins of the world, the natural way, the intangible merits, and the nameless Tao. The major events in the world have all developed gradually, and the historical records of auspicious signs are clear and vivid. Our emperor, with both scholarly and martial prowess, has reached a high level. He governs the world, his reputation is far-reaching, culture and education flourish, and the people live in peace and contentment.
Look at this world, from the borders to the Fen River, everything has been governed with meticulous order and has been revitalized. His diligent governance exemplifies the virtues of an emperor, with various auspicious signs appearing one after another, as if divine beings have descended, bringing blessings from the heavens! Divine birds have appeared, and rare and exotic animals are showing themselves, truly fulfilling the auspicious signs mentioned in ancient books. These signs of auspiciousness are all coming to the imperial palace, signifying peace and blessings spreading across the realm.
Kong Tu offered red auspicious gifts, while Xun Wen presented white ones; these extraordinary occurrences were meticulously documented, becoming a testament to history. These signs of auspiciousness all indicate the will of heaven, the manifestation of heaven's favor. We, as courtiers, are fortunate to witness all of this, truly honored! We have written songs to praise these prosperous scenes, but words are inadequate to express, and dances are insufficient to convey the joy; we can only humbly bow in thanks, wishing Your Majesty longevity without bounds!
Once the hymn was composed, it was presented to Emperor Gaozu, who expressed great delight and remarked, "I saw that divine bird with my own eyes; I even witnessed it alongside the Empress! I called you all here today to talk about this. Shàn Xīn, you were seated there, and instantly grasped; you could write the hymn right away, with no need for embellishment, the pen flowed continuously. I had only heard of such things before; today I finally saw it with my own eyes!" He then bestowed upon Shàn Xīn two hundred rolls of cloth. Seventeen years later, Shàn Xīn was appointed as the Secretary of the Secretariat. At that time, the palace housed numerous disorganized texts; Shàn Xīn organized Ruan Xiaoxu's "Seven Records" and compiled "Seven Forests," including a general summary at the beginning of each work and detailed descriptions of the authors' intentions and classifications in the table of contents. He also recommended over a dozen scholars like Li Wenbo and Lu Congdian to rectify inaccuracies in historical texts and classics.
In the first year of Renshou, Shanxin served as the acting Huangmen Shilang. In the second year, he also served as the acting Taichang Shaoqing and discussed the systems of ritual and music with Niu Hong and others. The positions of the Secretariat and Huangmen Shilang remained unchanged. In the fourth year, Shanxin stayed in the capital. When Emperor Gaozu died in Renshou Palace, Emperor Yang kept the mourning a secret, first replaced the officials stationed in the capital, and appointed Shanxin as the governor of Yanzhou. At that time, Prince Han Liang staged a rebellion, so Shanxin did not assume the position.
In the first year of Daye, the Vice Minister of Rites nominated the Confucian scholar Xu Wenyuan as a Doctor of the National Academy and promoted individuals such as Bao Kai, Lu Deming, Chu Hui, and Lu Shida to higher ranks, appointing them as academic officials. That year, the Vice Chancellor Yang Da was appointed as the Grand Envoy of Jizhou and was granted five hundred items. The General of the Left Guard, Yu Wenshu, would borrow a few soldiers from his troops every morning for personal errands, but would usually let them go after half a day. The Imperial Censor, Liang Pi, lodged a formal accusation against him. The Emperor initially trusted Yu Wenshu and referred the case to the law, with over a thousand people confessing to being used for private tasks. After more than twenty days, the judges awaited the Emperor's decision, eventually claiming that the tasks did not take a full day, and even if there were many, they should not be considered crimes. When the soldiers heard this, they said they were not used for private tasks initially. The Emperor wanted to release them, and after discussing the truth, the officials agreed that the accusations were unfounded. They believed that Yu Wenshu's use of soldiers for private tasks, even if not for a full day, was different from regular tasks, as these were not part of their regular duties. Furthermore, when many soldiers were sent on missions and returned to their base, they did not coordinate their stories. After almost a month, the truth emerged, and the wrongdoing became evident. How could they be pardoned? Su Wei, Yang Wang, and more than twenty others agreed with the officials' opinion. The rest argued for pardon. The report suggested pardoning Emperor Yang. Several months later, Yu Wenshu falsely accused the officials of conspiracy, claiming that when Chen Shubao passed away, they had attended the funeral together and had written a eulogy addressing the Emperor, presumptuously bestowing an honorable title upon Chen Shubao that day. When questioned, they cited historical examples and were released, but the Emperor disliked them greatly. The Grand Historian reported that the year of the Emperor's ascension matched that of Yao, and the officials argued that due to the recent national mourning, congratulations were inappropriate. Yu Wenshu accused them, and they were demoted and transferred. In the fourth year, they wrote "Records of Square Objects" and presented it. In the seventh year, they went to Zhuojun, and the Emperor was on a military campaign to the east. The officials submitted a petition contrary to his wishes and were dismissed. That year, they were reappointed as Assistant Gentlemen. In the ninth year, they served as the Chief Historian of the Left Guard, crossed the Liao River, and were appointed as the Commander of the Jianjie Guard. The Emperor once mentioned the symbol of the mandate bestowed upon Gaozu and inquired about matters of the supernatural, ordering the officials to compile ten volumes of "Records of the Supernatural Phenomena" with Cui Zujun.
Initially, Shanxin's father wrote "History of the Liang Dynasty," but passed away before completing it. Shanxin followed his father's intentions, continued the family tradition, and at the end of the "Preface to the Biography," he expressed the intention of the work as follows:
Carefully examine the beginning of the great era, the initial distinction of chaos, the foundation of the Qian principles, the alignment of celestial signs, nurturing life abundantly, and the dissemination of energy in all things. Embrace the three talents to nurture virtue, emulate the two rulers to bring down divine spirits. With the presence of the people, establish rulers and officials, differentiating between the noble and the common, aspiring to the highest honor. Uphold the heavenly mandate while embracing earthly joys, while adhering to grand principles, inspiring the talented, summoning the winds and clouds, and driving forward the heroes. Through battles and negotiations, achieving great feats symbolized by the tripod, jade, and tortoise shell, achieving unity. Through revolutionary reforms, the principles of simplicity gradually emerged, and historical events and written records began to take shape. From the era of Yan and Huang, their names were preserved but their footprints were lost, while from the time of the Yellow Emperor, their writings were obscure but their applications were evident. Ascending the hills and valleys, compiling teachings and decrees, following the movements of the stars, transmitting the rituals of the Xia and Yin dynasties. Distinguishing between right and wrong, discussing the achievements of each era, recognizing the distinctions between North and South, East and West, and traveling in a carriage as a noble family. Although the country may hide its faults, the ruler's deeds must be documented, so that rebellious subjects and corrupt officials will be deeply feared, and the clear mirror of foundational principles will be evident. Through the succession of the three suburban sacrifices, the five victories that have been passed down, all proclaiming to be the masters of the hundred grains and taking responsibility for the four seas, accumulating immense glory and virtue, how can there be a world without them!
During the reign of Emperor Liang, the country prospered in the Jiangnan region. The mandate was received by a single ruler, handed down through four sovereigns, and flourished for forty-eight years. The dynasty lasted for fifty-six years. Emperor Wu came from humble beginnings, rose to power, corrected the failings of countless rulers, saved the people from danger, eradicated the remnants of the Jin dynasty, and established a new path to greatness. In the court, there were many virtuous gentlemen, and in the countryside, there were no lacking talents. Rituals and music were essential, and laws were upheld. The emperor showed great kindness by sparing lives and great tolerance by avoiding punishment. His rule was grand and magnificent, worthy of praise. When the barbarians invaded the land, and the Jie and Hu tribes encroached upon the capital, chaos erupted on an unprecedented scale. The imperial palaces were in order, but the fields had become a hunting ground, akin to that of foxes and rabbits. The precious jade and silk were reduced to mere scraps, like dog and sheep hides. While good fortune was amassed, disaster loomed overhead, and righteousness was present while the nation faced ruin. Is this the will of heaven or the folly of man? These matters have been discussed in the "Preface."
The previous emperor, in ancient times, had already begun to record his achievements. He compiled the "Book of Qi" in fifty volumes and the "Book of Liang" with detailed accounts of events. The incomplete works were noted in the "Catalog," consisting of one hundred and eight volumes. The Liang dynasty suffered from calamity, with graves and records destroyed. The tombs and walls were all but ruined, with nothing left to steal, and the treasures were plundered, leaving the farmers with nothing to seek. The Confucian scholars of the Qin dynasty had buried the teachings of the ancient kings, and the ministers of the Han dynasty had lost the oral tradition. The books that were compiled were scattered and lost. Chen Chu established himself as the court historian, filling in the gaps and reciting from memory. He followed the original catalog, made revisions, and completed one hundred volumes, with fifty-eight chapters across six volumes already archived in the imperial library.
Kindness is like the morning dew, light and unburdened. At the end of the Taizhan period, frequent reports were submitted. At the beginning of Zhide, the task of recording history was entrusted to me. I am willing to engage with the oil and silk industries, record the happenings at my door, offer support to the weak, and strive to achieve the aspirations of my predecessors. However, there are few strong individuals like Single Zong, and the empty room resembles the situations of Yuan and Yan. Having retired in isolation, they do not seek to improve themselves. Borrowing the book of the Bansi succession, I am only familiar with its content through hearsay, using Wang Yin's pen but not having seen the person. In addition, feeling unworthy of my position as a Lang official, I have also written "Chen Shi," resulting in delays in completing this book. In the second year of Zhenming, I entered the court as a Lang official, but my hometown was devastated, and I was forced to move to a foreign land. The traveler missed their chance, and fate may not return. I gazed at the pavilion, overwhelmed with sorrow, and relocated to another residence, setting up my cooking pot. The old family history books were later burned. Currently, only sixty-eight volumes remain, with several missing sections. Since coming to the capital, I have been making necessary repairs and have managed to complete around seventy volumes.
- "Chronicles of the Four Emperors": 8 volumes
- "Empresses": 1 volume
- "Records of the Three Princes": 1 volume
- Total: 10 volumes.
- "Biographies of Royal Princes and Dukes": 10 volumes.
- "Biographies of Exemplary Officials": 20 volumes.
- "Biography of External Relatives": 1 volume
- "Biography of Filial Virtue": 1 volume
- "Biography of Loyal Ministers": 1 volume
- "Biography of Literary Figures": 2 volumes
- "Biography of Confucian Scholars": 2 volumes
- "Biography of Recluses": 1 volume
- "Biography of Mathematicians": 1 volume
- "Biography of Border Officials": 1 volume
- Total: 10 volumes.
- "Biography of Those Who Stopped": 1 volume
- "Biography of Women": 1 volume
- "Biography of Favorites": 1 volume
- "Biography of Barbarians": 2 volumes
- "Biography of Traitors": 2 volumes
- "Biography of Rebels": 2 volumes
- "Record of Biographical Discussions": 1 volume
- Total: 10 volumes.
All the figures mentioned in the historical records were cited by their ancestors, and the following entries serve as heartfelt additions. Additionally, there is a separate section titled "Discussion," placed at the end of the biographical records.
For ten years, he returned to Huaiyuan Town and was appointed as a Gentleman of the Court. When the Turks besieged Yanmen, he took command as the Left Guard Commander and led the troops in guarding the palace in Jiangnan. He was then summoned to Jiangdu County, where he was praised for his previous achievements and appointed as a Court Councillor. He later returned to his original position as a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. In the fourteenth year, on the day of the rebellion’s suppression, all Sui officials came to the court to offer congratulations, except for Shan Xin. Xu Hongren hurried to inform him, stating, "The Emperor has passed away, General Yuwen is in charge, and all civil and military officials have gathered at the court. The natural order of heaven and human affairs will unfold; why should you linger here like this?" Shan Xin was infuriated and refused to leave. Xu Hongren mounted his horse and tearfully said, "General Yu has no ill intentions towards you, yet you seek death so suddenly; how painful it is!" He subsequently informed Tang Fengyi of Shan Xin's conduct and sent people to his home to bring him to the court. Yu Wenhua ordered Shan Xin to be released, but he left without performing the customary gestures of respect. Yu Wenhua watched him leave and remarked, "This man is exceedingly proud." He ordered him to be captured, scolding him, "I intended to spare you; how dare you show such disrespect!" His followers dragged him away and ultimately killed him at the age of sixty-one. When the King of Yue assumed the throne, he was posthumously appointed as Left Grandee of Light and given the title of Duke of Gaoyang, with the posthumous title of Wenzhi.
Shan Xin's mother, Lady Fan, was the daughter of the Filial and Talented Middle Attendant of the Liang Prince. She was widowed at a young age and raised her son alone, with extensive education and high moral character. Emperor Gaozu knew of her and ordered fresh food to be sent to her regularly, often sending gifts. She was once summoned to the palace to serve the Empress and was granted the title of Lady of Yongle County. When Shan Xin met his tragic fate, Lady Fan was ninety-two years old. She did not shed a tear at his funeral but instead said while caressing his coffin, "He died for his country during a time of crisis; I still have my son." She then lay down and refused to eat, passing away herself after more than ten days of mourning.
The Boling Li Wenbo, known for his uprightness and forthrightness, was tireless in his pursuit of knowledge, especially in the study of moral principles and reasoning. He would often revisit the successes and failures of past loyal officials and scholars, reflecting on their deeds. During the reign of Emperor Kaihuang, he served as an imperial cavalry officer and caught the attention of the Minister of Personnel, Xue Daoheng. He was regularly called upon to examine official documents and histories, as well as to reflect on his own conduct. Whenever he came across effective governance practices, he would record them, and if he found errors, he would offer critiques. Daoheng always followed his advice eagerly. Later, Wenbo was appointed as a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat, responsible for editing official records. Despite his poverty, he maintained strict moral principles and never sought personal gain, always conducting himself with propriety and respect for others. Daoheng, aware of his circumstances, often invited him to his home and provided him with financial assistance. Wenbo was well-versed in historical and contemporary affairs, analyzing the successes and failures of governance without seeking official positions. He was eventually promoted to a position as a junior official and later appointed as a county magistrate, where he excelled in his duties and remained in the same position for several years. Daoheng, now a high-ranking official, encountered him in the Eastern Capital and was deeply moved by his dedication, recommending him for a position as an assistant. Li Wenbo's talents were recognized by the Prince of Qi, Sima Li Gang, who commended him and expressed joy at encountering him. Despite his hardships, Wenbo remained resolute in his principles and was respected by his peers. He once visited Fang Xuanling in Luoyang, who acknowledged his integrity and asked about his recent efforts to uphold moral standards in troubled times. Wenbo boldly proclaimed, "To purify the stream, one must cleanse the source; to correct the end, one must rectify the beginning. Today, corruption is rampant, and even if ten corrupt county magistrates are removed daily, what good would that accomplish?" His candor and steadfastness earned him much admiration, even during a time of political turmoil and corruption. His fate after being displaced by the chaos is ultimately unknown.
At first, Wen Bo was an internal scribe, and Yu Shiji's son was also inside, dressed elegantly and did not shy away. Wen Bo casually inquired about his age, and he replied, "Eighteen." Wen Bo then said to him, "In the past, Jia Yi at this age, what matters did he discuss? You are merely preoccupied with your appearance; what purpose does that serve?" Also, when the Queen of Qin bore a son, Gaozu was overjoyed and distributed rewards to the officials. Wen Bo's family frequently faced financial difficulties, and people assumed he was content, yet he remarked, "Rewards and punishments should be based on merit and faults. What does the birth of a son to the queen have to do with the officials? Accepting rewards in this case is misguided!" He adhered to the principles of justice, recorded faults and achievements, and ensured that rewards and punishments were fair, and that faults and achievements were not hidden. Wen Bo originally studied Confucian classics, but later read historical books, which greatly enriched his understanding. He was good at debate and writing, and wrote "Collection of Governing Principles" in ten volumes, which gained widespread acclaim.
Historians note: Ming Kerang, Wei Dan, and others were well-versed and articulate, possessing a refined writing style. They were praised as talents from Yan and Zhao, but were, in truth, the finest talents of the southeast. Wherever they went, they were given positions and rewards, as if it were meant to be. Dan's "Book of Wei" was known for its simplicity and strict regulations, which have been passed down through generations. Other scholars also produced their own writings, varying in scope and significance, but all aimed to articulate their thoughts. This is genuinely commendable.
