Zhang Chong, a native of Suzhou, whose courtesy name was Shuxuan, served as General of the Left during the Chen Dynasty, but he did not find this work fulfilling. He preferred to study classic works and wrote the book "Spring and Autumn Essentials," which has over seventy differences from Du Yu's version; he also wrote three volumes of "Funeral Rites Essentials," three volumes of "Xiao Jing Essentials," ten volumes of "Analects Essentials," and twelve volumes of "Qian Han Pronunciation Essentials." He eventually attained the position of attendant reader to the Han King.
King Xiaoji of Pingyuan had a passion for learning from a young age, read many books, thoroughly studied the Five Classics, and was very eloquent. He had a particularly good relationship with Liu Xuan from Hejian, who was a close friend. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui, he was summoned to the Secretariat by the court to assist Wang Shao in compiling national history. However, Wang Shao did not respect him at all. He spent many years in the Secretariat, even having to pay taxes himself, which was quite disheartening. Xiaoji felt deeply aggrieved and wrote a memorial to the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong, saying:
"I have been bitten by a poisonous insect, unable to sleep all night, feeling hungry and cold. I have not had a good day all year. Why is this so? Because the pain is unbearable, poverty is even more distressing. My heart feels like it’s being torn between ice and fire, my body is like being eroded by wind and frost; how can I suffer in silence? How can I endure such pain! I earnestly implore you, Minister, to have mercy on me and help me. Your kindness is like bringing a dead fish back to life, allowing a bird to soar high again. Your words can warm my heart and fulfill my request. Although the mountains are high and the road is long, the deities are watching; everything I say is the truth; there is no exaggeration, but I am worried that help will come too late. If we wait for the people of Yue to come and help row the boat, and the craftsmen of Lu to come and build a cloud ladder, I fear I may have already perished."
I am a poor man who has been an official in the province for seven years. I have been burdened with various tasks all this time, yet I've never received any rewards. I had to sell my land to pay for expenses and support my young children, with no brothers to count on. To make matters worse, my elderly mother is still at home, time flies, seasons change, my hometown feels distant, and I'm filled with anxiety about my bleak future. My mother’s expectations hang over me day and night. Like Sima Xiangru, if I were to fall ill, no official position would spare me; like Mei Fu, even madness is something no deity can escape. My sorrows are more terrifying than ghosts, and life is not as solid as rock! I fear my soul will be lost, and after I die, no one will know of my struggles. I will die with regrets, having squandered your kindness. It's like Wang Ji's words made Ying Hou unhappy. My troubles are hidden in my hair and between my brows; not even Ziye can hear them, nor can Lizhu see. I remain unknown, and in the end, without any recommendations, I can only fade away quietly. For three generations, my family has produced no great figures, and though I am unknown, I have not encountered a confidant in ten years.
Only a wise monarch can avoid encountering someone like me, and only a wise minister can avoid meeting someone like me. Yet, I, someone like me, have met a wise monarch like you, which is why I feel fortunate. You hold power but dress modestly, not seeking luxury, and that is why I do not dare to ask for more. In the past, Jing Yu was not put to the test, and Bian He's feet were cut off; Bai Li Xi lost his head before being reinstated. Now I have the opportunity to tell you about my experiences, and you have the ability to help me. You can see the truth, I have no other difficulties, yet you hesitate to act, and that leaves me perplexed! Sometimes, official positions don't align with talent, and talent can't always voice its grievances. Once someone talks, the world knows. My efforts go unrecognized; how can I not have hope? If my illness has not reached the point of death and my mind is still clear, I will document my pain and worries for posterity, recording them in history, so that future generations know my experiences, sympathize with my misfortune, hold accountable those responsible, and clear my name. Even if I die, my grievances will not disappear.
I hope you can have a little compassion for me, pay more attention, and do not neglect me! As for Hong, everyone knows he is very knowledgeable, but he has never been employed by the court and can only return to his hometown to teach, and lived out his days that way. He also made annotations on the "Book of Documents" and the "Book of Songs," but unfortunately, these works were lost in later chaos.
As the ancients said, "Ugliness does not matter, weakness is not a problem, humble family background is irrelevant, lack of famous ancestors is also not important, but if one can make a name for themselves and bring glory to their descendants, it is all thanks to knowledge!" How true that is! Hui Yuan, Rong Bo, these people, they worked exceptionally hard, persevered, studied diligently on their own, and eventually became respected individuals, earning everyone's admiration. Some could teach hundreds of students, some became high-ranking officials themselves, riding in the carriages of power, and were highly regarded in their time, all because of their serious study of ancient classics.
Jiang Yang, a man of calm demeanor, graceful and possessing an extraordinary temperament, was skilled in profound discussions and was quite renowned during his time; Yanzhi, on the other hand, devoted himself to studying the classics, was upright, principled in his actions, and held the principles of national laws and regulations close to his heart, with his words and actions being highly principled; Hetuo, who was knowledgeable and quick-witted, had excellent eloquence and writing skills, but was too blunt in his demeanor, somewhat lacking the qualities of a Confucian scholar; Liu Chao was highly esteemed among scholars of his era, proficient in astronomy and the calendar, with profound knowledge; his research on astronomical phenomena was thorough, and his academic achievements were deep and far-reaching; for centuries, few matched his caliber; Liu Xuan was also well-versed and capable of serving as an official, having explored various fields of study; although not as adept as Liu Chao at tackling profound questions, in articulating and clarifying academic viewpoints, his writing was even better than Liu Chao's.
All these individuals were exceptionally talented, yet sadly, they were born in the wrong era; some could only hold minor official positions, while others fell into destitution; it's truly unfortunate! As Zixia once said, "Life and death are predetermined, and wealth and honor are determined by heaven." Heaven granted them only intelligence and wisdom, not high positions and riches; even sages cannot escape this fate, so what can Liu Chao and Liu Xuan do? "Life and death are predetermined, and wealth and honor are determined by heaven." It's all a matter of fate!
