Liu Zhuo, styled Shi Yuan, was a native of Xindu Changting. His father served as a county official. Liu Zhuo was handsome and intelligent, and was not very fond of playing as a child. When he was young, he formed a brotherhood with Liu Xuan from Hejian, studied the Book of Songs alongside Liu Guisi, also from the same county, studied the Commentary of Zuo with Guo Maochang from Guangping, and sought advice on the Book of Rites from Xiong Ansheng from Fucheng. However, he left without completing these studies. In Wuqiang Jiajing Bridge, there lived a man named Liu Zhihai who had many books at home, and Liu Zhuo and Liu Xuan often went to his house to read. They spent a decade reading there; despite often facing hunger and cold, they were still calm and happy.
Later, Liu Zhuo became famous for his deep knowledge of Confucianism and became a state scholar. Governor Zhao Ji appointed him as an assistant, recommended him to participate in the imperial examination, and he achieved first place in the policy examination. He also collaborated with Wang Shao, a compiler of the national history, to deliberate on legal and calendrical matters, and was always prepared to offer counsel in the ministry. Before long, he was promoted to the position of junior general. Later, he collaborated with other Confucian scholars to review various texts in the Secretariat.
Once, Liu Zhuo returned to his hometown on leave, and the county magistrate, Wei Zhiye, invited him to take up a position as a county official. He soon returned to the capital, where he engaged in discussions on challenging issues from both the past and present with Yang Su, Niu Hong, Su Wei, Yuan Shan, Xiao Gai, He Tuo, Fang Huiyuan, Cui Zongde, Cui Ze, among others, at the Imperial Academy. Each time he spoke, the debates became heated, and everyone was in awe of his extensive knowledge, even figures like Yang Su and others.
After six years, the Stone Classics from Luoyang arrived in the capital, with many of the inscriptions having worn away and being barely legible. The court commissioned Liu Zhuo and Liu Xuan to edit the texts. Later, a sacrificial ceremony was held at the Imperial Academy, where he and Liu Xuan engaged in a debate that outmatched other scholars. Jealous, these scholars accused him, resulting in his dismissal from his official position.
Liu Zhuo then returned to his hometown, dedicating himself to teaching and writing, meticulously analyzing the commentaries of Jia Kui, Ma Rong, Wang Su, Zheng Xuan, and others. He also studied over ten texts on arithmetic, astronomy, and calendars, exploring their underlying principles and mysteries. His notable works, including "Ji Ji," "Calendars," and "Five Discussions on the Classics," gained widespread recognition. Liu Xuan, who was also highly intelligent and learned, was considered second only to Liu Zhuo, which led people to call them the "Two Lius."
Renowned scholars and students sought his advice, with numerous visitors traveling from afar to seek his counsel. It was said that no scholar in centuries could rival his knowledge. However, Liu Zhuo was perceived as stingy, refusing to teach anyone who didn’t pay him, resulting in a degree of disdain from some people.
When the deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong wanted to summon him, Liu Zhuo postponed his visit. Instead, he received orders to serve the Prince of Shu, a role he was unwilling to take. This resulted in his arrest and forced conscription by the Prince of Shu. After the Prince of Shu was deposed, Liu Zhuo and other scholars were tasked with revising rituals and laws, with Liu Zhuo appointed as a Captain of the Yunqi. Following the ascension of Emperor Yang of Sui, he was promoted to Imperial Scholar but soon stepped down due to illness.
Years later, he was summoned back to the capital to serve as an advisor. He submitted his own work "Chronicles," which differed significantly from the views of the Imperial Historian Zhang Zhouxuan, and as a result, it was rejected. In the sixth year of the Daye era, Liu Zhuo died at the age of sixty-seven. Liu Xuan petitioned the court for a posthumous title, but the court did not agree. Liu Xuan, with the courtesy name Guangbo, was from Jingcheng, Hebei. He gained fame in his youth for his intelligence and wit. He and Liu Zhuo of Xindu studied together in seclusion for ten years. Liu Xuan could gaze directly at the sun without feeling dizzy, had an exceptional memory that was unmatched, and could not be compared to anyone else. He could draw squares with his left hand and circles with his right, recite books with his mouth, count with his eyes, and listen with his ears, all simultaneously without missing a beat. After Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou pacified the Qi state, the Yizhou Inspector Yu Wenkang recommended him for a position as a clerk. Later, the Inspector Li Hui appointed him as a rites clerk because of his strong ability and reputation. Over a year later, he was tasked with compiling the national history alongside Wang Shao, a Gentleman of the Masters of Writing. Shortly after, he was appointed to the Ministry of Personnel, responsible for consulting and advisory work. He also worked with some scholars to revise astronomical calendars and oversaw the review of various memorials in the Ministry of Personnel. Li Delin of Boling, the Imperial Secretary of the Interior, held him in high regard.
Although Liu Xuan held positions in three provinces, he never obtained an official title. Instead, he was urged by the county to pay taxes. Liu Xuan then went to the Ministry of the Interior, which sent him to the Ministry of Personnel. Wei Shikang, the Minister of Personnel, asked him about his talents. Liu Xuan wrote a resume, stating: "I can discuss the commentaries of thirteen scholars, such as the 'Rites of Zhou', 'Book of Rites', 'Book of Songs', 'Book of Documents', 'Gongyang Commentary', 'Zuo Commentary', 'Classic of Filial Piety', 'Analects of Confucius', as well as the commentaries of Kong, Zheng, Wang, He, Fu, Du, and others. While my explanations may vary in depth, I am able to interpret them all. As for the 'Book of Changes', 'Rites of Zhou', and 'Guliang Commentary', I have studied them slightly less. I have memorized historical records, various literary collections, good articles, and inspiring stories. I've also studied the intricacies of astronomy and calendars. When it comes to writing official and private documents, I have never sought help from others." The Ministry of Personnel did not conduct a detailed examination of him, but several influential figures in the court vouched for Liu Xuan's abilities, which led to his appointment as an internal general.
At that time, Niu Hong submitted a request to collect lost books from around the country. Liu Xuan forged more than a hundred volumes, titled 'Lianshan Yi', 'Lu Historical Records', and others, which he presented to the court to claim rewards before making his exit. However, he was eventually found out, and although he was spared from the death penalty due to a general amnesty, he was dismissed and went back to his hometown to become a teacher. Prince Yong heard about this and summoned him to the capital, ordering him to serve Prince Xiu of Shu. However, Liu Xuan kept putting off his departure. This angered Prince Xiu, who had him arrested and sent to Yizhou in shackles. Eventually, he was assigned to work inside the camp, acting as a gatekeeper, stick in hand, every day. He was later released and assigned to proofread books. Liu Xuan then imitated Qu Yuan's 'Li Sao' and wrote a piece called 'Shi Tu' to convey his feelings.
After King Shu was deposed, Yang Xuanzhi and a group of Confucian scholars revised the "Five Rites" together, and then he was appointed as a military officer. The Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong, made a suggestion that according to ancient ritual systems, the relatives of vassals should be demoted by one rank. Although Yang Xuanzhi is now a high-ranking official, different from ancient vassals, his status is equivalent to a senior official, with a rank of second grade; therefore, his relatives should be demoted by one rank. Many people thought Niu Hong's suggestion made sense. However, Yang Xuanzhi argued, "In ancient times, officials only valued one person, the emperor, and illegitimate sons had no chance to rise in rank. Therefore, ancient kings valued legitimate sons very much, and there were stipends designated for legitimate sons. Even distant relatives and legitimate sons had to wear mourning clothes made of hemp for three months, because they all received favors from the royal family. Nowadays, officials rise through their abilities, regardless of legitimacy, which is different from ancient times. Why should they be downgraded? Many officials nowadays neglect their close relatives. If they are really downgraded, the bonds among common people will weaken, and it will start from here!" So this issue was left unresolved. In the twentieth year of the Kaihuang period, the court abolished the four divisions of the Imperial Academy and the schools in the prefectures and counties, leaving only two doctors and seventy-two students in the Imperial College. Yang Xuanzhi submitted a memorial strongly opposing the abolition of schools, expressing his heartfelt concerns, but Emperor Gaozu did not listen to him. As the Kaihuang period was coming to an end, the country was very prosperous, and all eyes were on Liaodong. Yang Xuanzhi believed that Liaodong was not suitable for attack and wrote a "Treatise on Pacifying the Barbarians" to advise against it, but at that time, no one grasped his point. By the end of the Daye period, the Sui Dynasty had attempted to invade Liaodong three times without success, proving that Yang Xuanzhi's previous advice was correct.
Emperor Yang of Sui ascended to the throne, and Niu Hong recommended Pei Xuan to revise the laws and regulations. During the reign of Emperor Gaozu (Yang Jian), he felt that there were too many unscrupulous officials among the clerks, who became cunning over time because of the circumstances of the era. He also felt that the social atmosphere was deteriorating, with women failing to uphold traditional values. Therefore, rules were established mandating that assistant officials in prefectures and counties be rotated every three years, and wives of ninth-rank officials were prohibited from remarrying. Pei Xuan wrote an article arguing that this approach was ineffective, but Niu Hong proceeded to implement it nonetheless. Schools and teachers were established in every county, and funds were allocated to schools in distant areas, all of which were suggestions proposed by Pei Xuan.
Once, Niu Hong casually chatted with Pei Xuan and asked him, "When you look at the 'Rites of Zhou,' there were many scholars and few historiographers, but now there are a hundred times more historiographers than before, and a decrease in judges, which is problematic. What’s the reason behind this?" Pei Xuan replied, "In ancient times, officials were given significant responsibilities, and they were evaluated annually based on their performance; documents were not subject to repeated review, and the paperwork was straightforward. The role of historiographers was to focus solely on the essential content. Nowadays, however, officials fear making mistakes in documentation, so they scrutinize and revise repeatedly, fearing that things are not handled meticulously. They travel far and wide to investigate old cases, which is why there's a saying: 'old officials die clutching their cases.' The difference between ancient and modern times lies here; the overwhelming number of tasks and the chaos in governance stem from this issue."
Niu Hong asked again, "During the Wei and Qi dynasties, the duties of official historians were relatively light, but now there is no peace; why is that?" Pei Xuan replied, "During the Qi dynasty, there were only a few dozen states established, with the Three Departments and the Circuits mutually supervising each other, issuing only about ten official documents. Now there are over three hundred states, and that's one reason for the increase in documents. In the past, states only had disciplinary officials, counties had only county magistrates. Their subordinates were chosen by the officials themselves and took office after receiving orders, with only a few dozen officials in each state. Now it's different; officials of all ranks are appointed by the Ministry of Personnel, with even minor details being assessed, and that's another reason. Fewer officials mean less work, and less work leads to peace of mind. How can one expect less work but still want to be relaxed?" Niu Hong greatly appreciated his words but could not adopt his suggestions.
Censor-in-Chief Yang Da recommended Pei Xuan for his extensive knowledge, outstanding literary talent, and excellent performance in exams, appointing him as a Doctor of the Imperial Academy. He was dismissed due to his low rank over a year later and returned to Changping, only to be summoned back to where the Emperor was staying. Some claimed he had poor conduct, so the Emperor dismissed him from office and sent him back to his hometown of Hejian. At that time, thieves were rampant, food prices soared, scholarly studies were interrupted, and teaching ceased. Pei Xuan was separated from his wife by a hundred miles, with no news from her and feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, so he wrote a self-reflection, the content of which is as follows:
"I know that famous figures such as Sima Xiangru, Yang Xiong, Ma Rong, and Zheng Xuan have all written autobiographies, leaving a lasting legacy. I dare not compare myself to them, lest I be laughed at. As I see myself getting older, nearing the end, old friends have scattered, students have gone their separate ways, like the morning dew, about to disappear quickly, buried in the desolate north after death, with no one remembering me, and future generations not knowing me. So while I am still alive, I want to share my thoughts, leaving it for posterity, informing the elders of my hometown, so that future generations of talented individuals will understand my aspirations."
From my earliest memories to now gray-haired, my parents were very loving and never once scolded or punished me when I was a child; my teachers also valued me and never reprimanded me during my school days. As I grew up, I worked hard to get along well with my relatives and friends from all walks of life, valuing reputation above all else, always putting others before myself. When I was young, I enjoyed spending time with my elders, and as I grew older, I often interacted with young people. I studied diligently and never grew weary; when teaching others, I gave it my all without ever feeling exhausted. However, I tend to be introverted and not very sociable, always feeling somewhat dissatisfied.
Thinking carefully about my life, from beginning to end, I can identify four fortunate events and one major regret. I have always felt somewhat slow-witted and came from a poor family, but thanks to the help of my older brothers, I managed to become an official, albeit just barely, allowing me to read extensively, understand history, do good deeds in the village, and gain recognition throughout the country, which is my first stroke of luck. I have experienced various situations and held various official positions in my life, although I haven't achieved any remarkable accolades, at least I can hold my head high, which is my second stroke of luck. Despite my mediocre talent, I received the court's favor on several occasions; with my humble background, I entered the high levels of the court multiple times, mingling with high-ranking officials and nobles, serving in various court roles, and being granted numerous rewards and honors, which is my third stroke of luck.
Now that I am old, retired and back in my hometown, I read books and newspapers to nurture my spirit, raise flowers and birds to relax my mind, take leisurely walks outdoors and enjoy the gardens, and live my life at a slow pace. Being healthy and safe is the greatest blessing. This is my fourth stroke of luck. I live in a peaceful and prosperous era, but I see the decline of Confucian values. I learn from the virtues of the sages, but see the decline of morality and chaotic speech. I study classic works diligently, correct some mistakes, complete my works, and accomplish my career, but my wishes are not fulfilled. The world is difficult, schools are deserted, my teachings did not spread in my time, and my career did not pass down to future generations. I will die with regrets and be laid to rest; this is my greatest regret!
Speaking of Mr. Liu Xuan from Hejian, he stayed in the county town, but the food supply was cut off, and many students followed the bandits. Mr. Liu Xuan was in poverty and had no choice but to go to the county town for help. The county magistrate finally provided him with food. As a result, Mr. Liu Xuan was captured by the bandits and taken near the fortress outside the city. Not long after, the bandits were defeated by the official army. Mr. Liu Xuan, hungry and cold with nowhere to turn, was forced to return to the county town. However, the county official suspected he was linked to the bandits and was afraid he would get into trouble again in the future, so he closed the door and did not let him in. On that frigid, snowy night, Mr. Liu Xuan perished from the cold and hunger at the age of sixty-eight years. Later, his students gave him the posthumous title of "Mr. Xuande."
Mr. Liu Xuan had a quick temper, loved competition, liked to joke around, especially loved to show off, and often looked down on the people of his time, which offended many in power, leading to an unsuccessful career. He authored numerous works, including "Annotations on the Analects," which spans ten volumes, "Clarification of the Spring and Autumn Annals" in ten volumes, "Correction of the Five Classics" in twelve volumes, "Annotations on Filial Piety" in five volumes, "Annotations on the Spring and Autumn Annals" in forty volumes, "Annotations on the Book of Documents" in twenty volumes, "Annotations on the Book of Songs" in forty volumes, "Notes on Poetry" in one volume, and "Arithmetic" in one volume. These works have been preserved through the ages.
Chu Hui from Wu County, also known as Gaoming, was renowned in Jiangnan for his expertise in the "Three Rites." During Sui Emperor Yang's reign, the court summoned knowledgeable individuals from all over the country to gather at the Ministry of State, where each of them would give lectures. Chu Hui was exceptionally eloquent, and no one could refute his arguments, so he was promoted to the position of Imperial Academy Scholar. He also wrote a hundred volumes of "Ritual Commentaries."
Gu Biao from Yu Hang, also known as Zhongwen, was highly proficient in the "Book of Documents" and the "Spring and Autumn Annals." During Sui Emperor Yang's reign, he became a Secretariat Scholar and wrote twenty volumes of "Ancient Texts of the Book of Documents Commentary."
Lu Shida from Yu Hang served as an assistant professor at the National University during Sui Emperor Yang's reign. He wrote forty-two volumes of "Mao Poetry Commentary," which are still extant.
Zhang Chong from Wu County, also known as Shuxuan, served as the Left Central Commander during the Chen dynasty. However, he was more passionate about studying the classics. He wrote "Spring and Autumn Interpretations," which had over seventy differences from the Du family's version. He also wrote three volumes of "Funeral Attire Interpretations," three volumes of "Filial Piety Interpretations," ten volumes of "Analects Interpretations," and twelve volumes of "Former Han Pronunciation and Interpretations." He later became the literary advisor to Prince Han.
Prince Xiaoji of Pingyuan developed a passion for learning early on and was well-versed in the Five Classics. He was very literary and was good friends with Liu Xuan from Hejian. During the Kaihuang period, he was summoned to the Secretariat and assisted Wang Shao in compiling national history. However, Wang Shao treated him poorly, and even after many years in the Secretariat, he still had to pay taxes. Feeling discontent, Prince Xiaoji wrote a memorial to the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong, voicing his grievances.
I was bitten by a venomous insect, and I couldn't sleep at night, feeling both hungry and cold, having lived in misery all year long. Why? Because pain is unbearable, and poverty causes anxiety. Moreover, my heart feels like it's caught between ice and fire, my body is eroded by wind and frost. How can I possibly stay silent, endure this, not groan, or bear the pain? I beg the honorable Lord to have mercy on me and lend me a hand. Your kindness can save dying fish; your encouragement can help birds that cannot fly take off. Your words are as fragrant as pepper and orchids, as warm as cloth and silk. Please grant my request and listen to my plea. Although the mountains are high and the waters are far, the spirits are watching over us; everything I say is true; I’m not lying. But I am still worried that help will come too late, like waiting for the ships from Yue or the ladders from Lu. By then, I will already be hanging from a dead tree branch, sinking into the abyss.
I am a poor man, and I have been an official in the province for seven years. I have been burdened with all sorts of tasks, without receiving any rewards. I even sold all of Gong Yu's fields just to get by. I still have young children to support, without any strong brothers to lean on. My elderly mother is still at home, growing older and needing care throughout the year. The road ahead is long, and all I can do is make promises with clenched fists. The future is uncertain, and my parents' expectations are always on my mind day and night. Just like Sima Xiangru, without an official position, I cannot escape sickness; even immortals can't prevent madness, as seen with Mei Fu. My sorrows are more terrifying than ghosts; life isn't as solid as gold or stone. I fear my soul will scatter, leaving no one to honor me with sacrifices after I die, entering the underworld with regrets, having failed to repay your kindness. This is what Wang Ji sought to express, and it's also the reason for Ying Hou's unhappiness. My experiences are hidden in my thoughts, right before my eyes; Ziyi hasn't heard of it, and Zhu hasn't seen it either. I am buried in the annals of history, never having been recommended, forever forgotten. Three generations have never entered officialdom; though it's peaceful, I haven't been promoted in ten years, truly without a confidant.
What is truly rare is a virtuous monarch; what is truly rare is a virtuous minister. As a rare individual like myself encountering a rare monarch like you, this is why I believe you, Minister Ming, are fortunate. You hold the power to select talents, yet you dress plainly and do not pursue luxury; this is why I believe you will not value me. In the past, when the exquisite jade of Jingshan was not discovered, Bian He's feet were cut off; when Baili Xi was not valued, Qin Xi's head was cut off. Now I have the opportunity to present my plight to you; you have the ability to help me, you can see things more clearly, not be troubled by trivial matters, yet you still hesitate—who can understand? Sometimes official positions do not match talents; sometimes talents cannot showcase themselves. When someone speaks privately, their words will spread far and wide. My hard work has not been rewarded; how can I not have hope? If I am not dead from my illness yet, I can still think. I will document my suffering and my worries, record them in history, so that future generations will know and lament my plight, investigate the faults of those responsible, and preserve a bit of my innocence. This way, even if I die, I will be at peace; my sins will not be recorded.
I hope you can show me some compassion, pay me a little more attention, and not forget me! Hong, although everyone knew he was knowledgeable, he never became an official. Later he returned to his hometown, making a living by teaching, until he passed away at home. He also annotated the "Book of Documents" and the "Book of Songs," but unfortunately, these works were lost in the subsequent chaos.
Historical records state: "The ancients said: 'It doesn’t matter if you’re unattractive, weak, come from an ordinary family, or lack famous ancestors, but if you can achieve fame and bring honor to your descendants, it all relies on studying!' This is absolutely true! Individuals like Huiyuan and Rongbo, who are devoted to their studies, never let up, rely on their own efforts, and ultimately, they can achieve success through their efforts, gain fame, and earn the respect of others. Some attract thousands of students, while others rise to high-ranking positions and gain the court's attention, all because of their serious study of ancient classics.
Jiangyang is calm and elegant, possessing great poise, refined in speech, and known for his profound discussions, making him quite famous at the time; Yan Zhi is diligent in studying the classics, upright in character, principled in actions, and very disciplined; He Tuo is intelligent, quick-witted, eloquent, and a skilled writer, but he is a bit too blunt, lacking some of the grace typically associated with Confucian scholars; Liu Chao was highly regarded among scholars of his time, well-versed in astronomy and calendars, and knowledgeable across various disciplines. His deep knowledge and widespread influence have remained unmatched for centuries; Liu Xuan was also a scholar well-versed in the classics, exceptionally talented, and widely read in various fields, though not as deep as Liu Chao in tackling complex issues, he excelled more in writing and explaining principles.
However, despite their talents, the times did not permit them to realize their ambitions. Some could only become low-ranking officials, and some even ended up in poverty. It’s truly a shame! Zixia once said: 'Life and death are predestined, wealth and honor are in the hands of heaven.' Heaven granted them intelligence and wisdom, but not high positions or wealth. Even the wisest cannot escape this fate. What could Liu Chao and Liu Xuan do in such circumstances?
