In ancient books, the standards for women's virtues are quite high. This is noted in the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents. Virtuous concubines support the ruler in governing the country, intelligent wives prosper the family, noble women promote pure customs, and chaste women exemplify bright and upright morals. While their excellent qualities are similar, they are often not detailed in historical records. Therefore, since the Eastern Han Dynasty, I have compiled these stories into "Biographies of Exemplary Women." Women like Empress Ma, Empress Deng, and Empress Liang have already been recorded in other historical books. The stories of Liang Yi and Li Ji are also found in their family biographies. I will not repeat these. I will only select those women with exceptionally noble character, not necessarily focusing on their extraordinary deeds.
Bao Xuan's wife was the daughter of the Bo Hai family, with the courtesy name Shaojun. Bao Xuan once studied under his wife's father, who thought highly of Bao Xuan's honesty and frugality, and thus married his daughter to him, with a lavish dowry. Bao Xuan was unhappy and said to his wife, "Shaojun grew up in a wealthy family, accustomed to luxury, while I am struggling financially and cannot afford such extravagance." Shaojun replied, "You, sir, value your high moral character and integrity, which is why my humble self is here to serve you and take care of everything. As long as I can serve a gentleman like you and follow your wishes, that is enough for me." Bao Xuan smiled and said, "Your thoughts are just what I had in mind." Shaojun returned all the extravagant clothes and jewelry, put on simple clothes, and together with Bao Xuan, they returned to his hometown in a deer-drawn carriage. After paying respects to her mother-in-law, she carried a water bucket to fetch water, diligently fulfilling her role as a wife. The villagers praised her highly.
Bao Xuan served as the Colonel of the Capital under Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty. Their son, Bao Yong, became the Prefect of Lu County in the early period of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Bao Yong's son, Bao Yu, casually asked the lady, "Lady, do you still remember the time when you pulled the deer cart?" The lady replied, "My grandmother used to say, 'Don't forget the poor when you're rich, and don't forget danger when you're at peace.' How could I forget?" The deeds of Bao Yong and Bao Yu have been mentioned before. In Taiyuan, there was a man named Wang Ba. I can't recall which family his wife belonged to. When Wang Ba was young, he was a man of strong principles. During the reign of Emperor Guangwu, he was called to serve as an official several times, but he turned down every offer. He was someone who had long since seen through the superficiality of life, similar to the figures described in "The Lives of Eccentrics." His wife also had lofty aspirations and upright conduct.
At first, Wang Ba and Ling Hu Zibo were good friends from the same county. Later, Ling Hu Zibo became the prime minister of the State of Chu, and his son became a county official. Ling Hu Zibo sent his son to visit Wang Ba, bearing gifts and dressed in fine clothes, exuding a grand demeanor. Wang Ba's son was working in the fields at the time, but when he heard that guests had arrived, he quickly dropped the plow and ran home. When he saw Ling Hu Zibo's son, he was so nervous he couldn't bring himself to look up. Wang Ba felt embarrassed seeing this, and after the guests left, he lay there for a long time, unable to get up. His wife found this strange and asked what was wrong. Initially, Wang Ba was reluctant to say anything, but when his wife took the blame, he finally opened up: "I had no previous relationship with Ling Hu Zibo. When I saw his son well-dressed and well-mannered, while my son had messy hair and exposed teeth, lacking in manners and feeling embarrassed in front of guests, I lost my composure, overwhelmed by the bond between father and son." His wife said, "When you were younger, you prioritized integrity over wealth and status. Now, even though Ling Hu Zibo is so prominent, how can he compare to your nobility? How could you forget your past ideals and feel ashamed because of your son's lack of manners?" Upon hearing this, Wang Ba suddenly laughed and said, "You are right!" Thus, the couple chose to continue living a secluded life.
In Guanghan, there was a man named Jiang Shi, whose wife was the daughter of Pang Sheng from the same county. Jiang Shi was particularly devoted to his mother, and his wife also showed great respect to her. Jiang Shi's mother liked to drink river water, but their home was six or seven miles away from the river. His wife often went upstream to fetch water. One day, a strong wind blew, and she couldn't return in time. Jiang Shi's mother, feeling thirsty, blamed her and even drove her away. His wife had to live with a neighbor, working tirelessly day and night spinning and weaving, then buying some good food to have the neighbor deliver to her mother-in-law. After some time, Jiang Shi's mother found it strange and asked the neighbor, who told her everything. Jiang Shi's mother was touched and quickly called her daughter-in-law back, treating her even better. Later, Jiang Shi's son drowned while fetching water from a distant place. His wife, worried about upsetting her mother-in-law, didn't dare tell the truth and instead said their son had gone to study abroad. Jiang Shi's mother loved to eat fish but couldn't cook it herself, so the couple often put in effort to prepare fish dishes and invited the neighbor to eat together. Suddenly, a spring appeared next to their house, its water tasting just like the river. Two carp would appear every morning, often used to cook meals for the two elderly people. When the Chimei Army rebelled and marched past Jiang Shi's house, they stopped and didn't attack, saying, "Disturbing such filial people will surely anger the gods and ghosts." During a famine, the Chimei Army even sent rice and meat to Jiang Shi, who buried these supplies until the army moved on, ensuring their safety.
In the year 2 AD, Shi Xun was appointed as an official recognized for his filial piety and integrity by imperial decree, stating, "A person of great filial piety who enters the court as an official, everyone who recommended him must heed Shi Xun's advice." Therefore, everyone paid their respects to him as a Langzhong. Later, Shi Xun was appointed as the magistrate of Jiangyang County and eventually died while in office. The local people erected a temple in his honor at the site of his residence.
The wife of Zhou Yu from Pei County was the daughter of Zhao Xiaozhi from the same county, with the courtesy name A Jiao. She was well-versed in etiquette and women's virtues since childhood, but Zhou Yu was arrogant, indulgent, and capricious, often behaving inappropriately. Zhou Yu's father, Zhou Wei, told A Jiao, "Your virtuous daughter should use reason to persuade your husband. If Zhou Yu still doesn't change, then the blame will fall on you." A Jiao expressed her gratitude and accepted the task, then said to those around her, "I do not behave like Lady Fan or Lady Wei, and that is why you are reproaching me. If he disregards my words, you will surely accuse me of not heeding your teachings, and the blame will fall on me; if he listens to what I say, then it would be a son disobeying his father and obeying his wife, and the fault will be his. What joy is there in living this way?" So she committed suicide, and everyone felt sorry for her.
The wife of Cao Shishu from Fufeng County was the daughter of Ban Biao from the same county, named Ban Zhao, with the courtesy name Hui Ban, also known as Ji. She was exceptionally knowledgeable and talented. Although Cao Shishu passed away early, she consistently upheld noble character and moral standards. Her brother Ban Gu wrote the "Book of Han," but passed away before completing the Biographies of Eight Eminents and the "Treatise on Astronomy," so Emperor Wu ordered Ban Zhao to continue her brother's unfinished work at the Dongguan Library. The Emperor summoned her to the palace many times and encouraged the Empress and other nobles to learn from her, referring to her as "everyone's teacher." Whenever the court presented rare treasures, the Emperor would order Ban Zhao to write poems to praise them. When Empress Dowager Deng took power, Ban Zhao also participated in political affairs. Due to her frequent presence in the court and her hard work, the Emperor specifically appointed her son as Marquis of Guannei, and she held the position of Minister of Qi. At that time, when the "Book of Han" had just been published, many people found it difficult to understand; Ma Rong from the same county prostrated himself before her, seeking her guidance, and later the Emperor ordered Ma Rong's brother to continue the unfinished work of Ban Zhao.
In the Yongchu era, the Empress Dowager's older brother, General Deng Zhi, requested to resign from office due to his mother's passing. The Empress Dowager asked for Ban Zhao's opinion, who wrote back with the following:
"Empress Dowager, your virtue is noble, and you rule with the wisdom of Tang Yao and Yu Shun. You humbly accept advice, encourage open dialogue, and even listen to the opinions of common people. Although I am foolish, I am fortunate to live in this prosperous era. I dare to speak frankly, hoping to offer my humble contribution! I've heard that humility is the highest virtue, and ancient texts record that humility can receive blessings from the heavens. In ancient times, Boyi and Shuqi resigned from their positions, and people admired their integrity; Tai Bo relinquished his state, and Confucius praised him for his three acts of self-denial. Therefore, those who are celebrated and remembered in history are so because of their noble character. The Analects say, 'If one can govern a country with humility and courtesy, what else can't be done in governing a country!' Thus, the power of humility is truly great! Now, Uncle Four embodies both loyalty and filial piety, voluntarily resigning from his position. However, given the unstable situation, you could not agree to his request. If a similar situation arises again, there may not be another chance to refuse. So, I take the risk to humbly present my thoughts to you. I realize my words may seem insignificant, but they come from my sincere heart."
The Empress Dowager agreed to my request, so all four of my uncles went home. I wrote seven "Instructions for Women" to educate future generations of women. In the book, it is written: I am naturally dull-witted and slow to understand, blessed by the grace of my late husband, relying on the teachings of my mother and teachers. At the age of fourteen, I started doing household chores at the Cao family, and now it has been over forty years. I have always been cautious, fearing I might lose face, bring shame to my parents, and burden the family. I work hard day and night, never complaining, and only now do I feel a bit more relaxed. I am naturally foolish and poorly educated, always worried that my sons might lose face because of me. However, the Emperor has favored me greatly, bestowing upon me a golden purple robe, which was truly unexpected. My sons can now support themselves, so I no longer worry about them. But I worry that my daughters are about to marry and lack guidance, not understanding their roles as women, fearing they might embarrass the family with their in-laws. I am now old and frail, and life is uncertain; thinking of you all always weighs heavily on my heart. So, I wrote seven "Instructions for Women," hoping each of you will make a copy and that you might benefit from it. So, go ahead and work hard!
In ancient times, three days after a girl was born, she was placed under the bed to play with tiles and bricks, and ancestral sacrifices were performed. Placing the daughter under the bed was to signify her lowly status and emphasize the importance of her husband's family in her future. Letting her play with tiles and bricks was to help her become accustomed to hard work and diligent in her future responsibilities. Performing ancestral sacrifices was to instill in her an understanding of her future responsibilities in this regard. These three points represent the common principles that ancient women were expected to follow, as well as the teachings of etiquette and propriety.
Be modest and cautious, respectful and polite, prioritize others over oneself, do good deeds without boasting, take responsibility for mistakes, endure humiliation and hardship, and always maintain a humble and cautious attitude; this embodies a humble attitude. Go to bed and wake up early, embrace hard work, handle household chores seriously, do not complain about the difficulty of things; as long as you take action, you will surely succeed, and handle things in an orderly manner; this is the manifestation of diligence. Be dignified and stable, serve your husband, maintain purity in body and mind, do not behave frivolously, and prepare food and wine seriously for ancestral sacrifices; this reflects one's commitment to ancestral duties. As long as you do these three things, you won't have to worry about tarnishing your reputation or facing disgrace. If you cannot do these three things, how can you expect to have a good reputation and avoid disgrace?
Next, let's talk about the way of husband and wife. The way of husband and wife is the combination of yin and yang, capable of connecting with the divine; it is a great truth between heaven and earth, the most fundamental principle of human relationships. The "Book of Rites" emphasizes the relationship between men and women, and the "Book of Songs" also explains the way of husband and wife with the poem "Guan Ju." It can be seen that the way of husband and wife is very important. If a husband is not virtuous, he cannot discipline his wife properly; if a wife is not virtuous, she cannot serve her husband properly. If a husband cannot discipline his wife, it will lead to disorder in the family order; if a wife cannot serve her husband, it will lead to moral decay. These two aspects are fundamentally linked. Nowadays, those so-called gentlemen only know that wives must obey their husbands and that family etiquette must be in order, so they focus on educating their sons, using classical texts to guide their behavior. But they do not realize that husbands must also fulfill their responsibilities and abide by etiquette and morals. Educating sons without educating daughters, doesn't this create an imbalance for both men and women? The "Book of Rites" says that children should start learning to read at the age of eight and should begin studying at the age of fifteen. Shouldn't we adopt this as our standard?
Caution and care, in plain terms, means being careful. Men and women are naturally different, and their behaviors are also different. Men see strength as a virtue, while women see gentleness as beauty. As the saying goes, "You raise a son to be fierce like a wolf, and you raise a daughter to be tough like a mouse." Therefore, the best way to improve oneself is by being cautious, and the best way to avoid conflicts is to be submissive. Thus, caution and submission are the most important etiquette for women.
This "caution" means knowing when to stop; this "submission" means being humble and courteous. Knowing when to stop will lead to contentment; being humble and courteous will put others first in all situations. In a loving marriage, spending a lifetime together, day and night, can lead to feelings of neglect. Once there is negligence and disrespect, words can become harsh. Harsh words can lead to indulgence and, ultimately, to neglecting one's husband. All of this is due to not knowing when to stop!
Conflicts and right and wrong are inevitable between spouses. When something is right, it must be argued; when something is wrong, it must be discussed. Once an argument starts, anger arises. This is all because of not knowing how to be humble and courteous! If a husband is neglectful without restraint, he may be scolded or even struck if anger continues. In a marriage, love and loyalty should come first. If there's constant scolding and hitting, what love or loyalty can there be? Once love and loyalty are broken, the marriage falls apart.
The conduct of women is the code of conduct for women. Women have four virtues: virtue, speech, appearance, and skills. When we talk about "virtue," it doesn't mean one has to be exceptionally talented; when we speak of "speech," it doesn't mean one must be eloquent; when we speak of "appearance," it doesn't mean one must be beautiful; when we speak of "skills," it doesn't mean one must have exceptional abilities.
Calm and chaste, conducting oneself modestly, behaving with propriety, and acting appropriately—this embodies the virtues expected of women. Speak cautiously, do not speak ill of others, only speak when necessary, and do not bore others; this is women's speech. Diligent about personal hygiene, dressing cleanly and neatly, bathing on time, and keeping clean; this is women's appearance. Focused on weaving, not indulging in playfulness, preparing food and drinks cleanly and neatly to entertain guests; this is women's duties. These four points are the most important virtues of women; none of these virtues can be overlooked. Achieving these virtues is not as difficult as it seems; the key is to do it with sincerity. As the ancients said, "Is benevolence far away? I want to achieve benevolence, and benevolence will naturally come." This is the point.
Let's first talk about this matter of focus. The "Book of Rites" says that men can remarry, but women cannot remarry, so men are like the sky. The sky is inescapable, just like men. If you go against the gods, the heavens will bring their wrath upon you; if you go against proper conduct, men will distance themselves from you. The "Rules for Women" says, "To be happy alone, that is eternal completion; to be unhappy alone, that is eternal ending." From this perspective, women should choose their partners wisely and approach their relationships with sincerity. But this sincerity is not about flattery or seeking favor; the most important thing is to be dignified and upright. It is important to observe etiquette, maintain purity, not listen to gossip, not look at things you shouldn't, not dress up flamboyantly when going out, not be sloppy at home, not mix with bad company, and not peek into other people's affairs; this is what it means to be dedicated and virtuous. If one's behavior is frivolous and careless, if you are indifferent to what you see and hear, if your hair is messy at home and you don't tidy up or dress up, if you act coyly and say inappropriate things when going out, and look at things you shouldn't, then you are not being dedicated and virtuous.
Next, let's talk about submission. "When one person is favored, it is called everlasting; when one person is disappointed, it is called the end" is to encourage people to make up their minds and focus. You must not easily offend your mother-in-law and father-in-law! Some things become distant because of kindness, and some things break apart because of reason. Even if your husband loves you very much, if your mother-in-law and father-in-law disagree, this is a situation where relationships can fracture over principles. So, how should you treat your mother-in-law and father-in-law? The best way is to submit. If your mother-in-law says something is good, you should do it; if she disapproves, you should heed her advice. Never confront them and argue about right and wrong. This is what submission entails. "The Book of Rites" also says, "A woman should follow her husband like a shadow; otherwise, how can she expect to be appreciated?"
To put it simply, my seventh uncle's wife can receive her husband's love, all thanks to her mother-in-law and father-in-law liking her; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law liking her, all thanks to my seventh sister praising her. Whether my seventh uncle's wife is good or bad, it all depends on my seventh sister's words, so we must not ignore my seventh sister's thoughts! Everyone does not know the importance of my seventh sister and does not know how to get close to her; this is truly misguided! Who among us is without flaws, except for the saints? So Yan Hui is valuable because he can change; Confucius appreciates his sincerity, let alone women! Even with virtuous behavior and intelligence, can anyone achieve perfection? Therefore, a harmonious home can cover up bad rumors, while a discordant home will spread gossip everywhere; this is an unavoidable truth. "The Book of Changes" says, "When two people share the same mindset, their bond is as strong as gold; when they speak in unison, their words are as sweet as orchids." This is the principle being talked about.
The relationship between a sister-in-law and a younger sister is like that of half-siblings with different fathers or mothers. They are rivals in status but family in feelings. If one is gentle, kind, humble, and obedient, she can deepen the relationship based on emotions, relying on favors to strengthen the bond between them, allowing her virtues to shine while her flaws remain hidden. The mother-in-law and father-in-law will praise her, the husband will like her, her good reputation will spread to neighbors, and even reach her parents. However, if one is foolish and ignorant, she will pretend to be aloof to her sister-in-law and be proud and arrogant towards her younger sister. With arrogance and pride, how can they get along harmoniously? With favors and principles ruined, where will the good reputation come from? Therefore, flaws will be exposed, virtues will be hidden, the mother-in-law will be angry, the husband will be unhappy, gossip will spread like wildfire, bringing shame on herself, embarrassing her parents, and causing trouble for the family. This is the foundation of honor and disgrace, the basis for prominence; can one not be cautious? Therefore, to please the younger sister, the key is humility. Humility is the foundation of character, and obedience is the code of conduct for women; with these two, they can get along harmoniously. As the Book of Songs says, "This reflects the idea that when there is no malice, there is no conflict."
Ma Rong greatly admired this principle and had his wife and daughters learn it.
Zhao Nu, the younger sister of Cao Fengsheng, was also talented and intelligent; she even wrote letters to him to debate, and her writing was quite good.
Zhao Jun passed away at the age of over seventy; the Empress Dowager dressed in plain clothes to mourn his passing and even sent envoys to oversee the funeral. He wrote a total of sixteen pieces, including fu, songs, inscriptions, elegies, inquiries, annotations, eulogies, essays, memorials, and last wishes. His daughter-in-law Ding Shi organized these works for him and even wrote a piece called "Praise for the Master" in his honor.
Leyangzi's wife, I don't know which family she comes from. Once, Leyangzi went out and found a piece of gold, and brought it home to his wife. His wife said, "I've heard that ambitious people don't drink from stolen wells, honest people don't eat donated food, much less profit from found items, which would tarnish their integrity!" Leyangzi felt ashamed, so he threw the gold away and went to a distant place to study under a master. A year later, he returned, and his wife knelt before him and asked why he had returned. Leyangzi said, "I just missed home." His wife picked up a knife and gestured toward the loom, saying, "This cloth is woven from silkworm cocoons, woven bit by bit through the loom, accumulating thread by thread to create an inch, accumulating inch by inch to weave a piece of cloth. If this cloth is ruined now, all your previous efforts and time will be wasted. Your studies are the same; you should recognize your shortcomings and work on improving your character. How is your returning now any different from ruining this cloth?" Leyangzi was moved by her words, so he returned to his studies and didn't come home for seven years. During this time, his wife diligently cared for his mother and frequently sent him supplies.
Once, the neighbor's chicken ran into their yard, and the mother-in-law secretly killed it and had it for dinner. The daughter-in-law saw the chicken and refused to eat it, and she even started crying. The mother-in-law asked her what was wrong. The daughter-in-law said, "I feel troubled in my heart. Our family is poor; we shouldn't eat other people's meat." In the end, the mother-in-law discarded the chicken. Later, a bandit had intentions to harm Le Yangzi's daughter-in-law, so he kidnapped the mother-in-law first. Upon hearing this, the daughter-in-law picked up a knife and rushed out. The bandit said, "Put down the knife and follow me, and you will live. If you don't follow me, I will kill your mother-in-law!" The daughter-in-law sighed deeply, raised the knife, and took her own life. The bandit spared her mother-in-law as well. Upon hearing this, the county magistrate quickly apprehended the bandit, rewarded the daughter-in-law with silk, and arranged a grand burial for her. She was hailed as a "faithful and virtuous" woman.
In Hanzhong, there was a man named Cheng Wenju, whose wife was the sister of Li Fazhi from the same county, whose courtesy name was Mu Jiang. Cheng Wenju had two sons, and his previous wife had four sons. Cheng Wenju became the county magistrate of Anzhong and later died while in office. Since the four sons were not Mu Jiang's biological children, they had always treated her poorly, often complaining and causing her trouble. Despite this, Mu Jiang treated them with exceptional kindness and love, even better than her biological sons, taking care of every aspect of their lives and giving them more than her own sons. Some people advised Mu Jiang, saying, "These four boys are so ungrateful. Why not have them move out and keep their distance?" Mu Jiang said, "I want to guide them with reason and help them change for the better on their own!"
Later, the eldest son of Cheng Wenju's ex-wife fell seriously ill and was on the verge of death. Mu Jiang was deeply distressed, personally prepared medicine and cooked for him, treating him very well. After the eldest son recovered from his illness, he called his three younger brothers and said, "Our stepmother is truly compassionate and kind; this is the blessing bestowed upon us by heaven! We brothers are ignorant and do not appreciate her kindness; we are even worse than animals! Although our stepmother is very kind to us, we have made many mistakes!" Then, the eldest son took his three younger brothers to the county yamen in Nanzheng, confessed to their stepmother's kindness and their own mistakes, and requested to be punished according to the law. The county official reported this to the magistrate, who greatly admired Mu Jiang's virtue, exempted their family from labor duties, released the four sons, and allowed them the chance to reform. From then on, these four brothers all reformed themselves and became good people.
Mu Jiang passed away at the age of over eighty. Before she died, she told her children, saying, "My younger brother Li Bodu is a wise man. He advocates for a simple burial, which is wise. My will before my death also follows the practice of sages. You must all abide by my will, not to follow worldly ways that would burden me." Her children all followed her instructions.
Now, let's talk about the story of a devoted daughter named Cao E, who was from Shangyu in Kuaiji. Her father Cao Xu was a talented singer, musician, and shaman. In the second year of Han'an, on the fifth day of the fifth month, Cao Xu went to the riverbank to conduct a ritual for the gods, but was swept away by the current, and his body was never recovered. Cao E was only fourteen years old at the time, and she wept by the river day and night, crying non-stop for seventeen days before ultimately jumping into the river to end her life. In the first year of Yuanjia, the county magistrate Chang Lengshang had Cao E reburied by the river in the south and erected a stele for her.
Wu Xusheng's wife was the daughter of the Lü family, whose courtesy name was Rong. Xusheng was a wayward gambler in his youth and did not focus on his work, but Rong was diligent in managing the household and showed great filial piety towards her mother-in-law. She often advised Xusheng to study, and whenever he went astray, she would cry and counsel him. Rong's father was very angry with Xusheng's behavior and asked Rong to remarry. Rong sighed and said, "This is the fate that is meant for me; I cannot betray my principles!" Ultimately, she steadfastly refused to remarry. Xusheng was moved by his wife's deep affection, sought redemption for his past mistakes, sought out teachers to study, and eventually achieved great success. He was later summoned to serve by the local government and went to Shou Chun for his new post. Unfortunately, he was killed by bandits on the way. Yin Yao, the Governor of Shou Chun, captured the bandits. Rong went to retrieve her husband's coffin from the road, and upon hearing about the incident, she approached the local authorities to demand the execution of her husband's murderers. Yin Yao agreed to her request. Rong personally beheaded the bandit as an act of mourning for Xusheng's spirit. Later, the county was besieged by bandits intent on raiding the city. Rong scaled the wall to flee, and the bandits pursued her with drawn knives. One of the bandits said, "Come with me and you will live; refuse and you will die!" Rong declared, "I will never allow myself to be humiliated by bandits, even to survive!" And with that, she killed the bandit. That day, a fierce storm raged, complete with thunder and lightning, and darkness enveloped the sky and earth; the other bandits, terrified, kowtowed in apology before burying the bandit slain by Rong.
The wife of Yuan Wei from Runan was the daughter of Ma Rong of Fufeng, whose courtesy name was Lun. Yuan Wei's accomplishments have been noted earlier. Lun had a gift for rhetoric from a young age. The Ma family had a prominent background, wealth, and lived lavishly. At the beginning of their marriage, Yuan Wei asked Lun, "A wife should only manage the household; why is your dowry so lavish?" Lun replied, "This is my mother's love; I cannot go against it. If you want to follow the simple and frugal ways of Bao Xuan and Liang Hong, I am willing to emulate the thrifty ways of Shao Jun and Meng Guang." Yuan Wei then asked, "It is inappropriate for a younger brother to hold office before his elder brother. Your sister has not yet married; is it suitable for you to marry first?" Lun replied, "My sister has noble virtues far beyond my reach; she has not yet found a suitable husband, unlike me, who is ordinary and can marry at will." Yuan Wei then asked, "The Lord of Nanjun studies deep principles and is a master of literature, yet his official positions are always compromised due to money. How is this so?" Lun replied, "Even great sages like Confucius were not exempt from slander by Wu Shu; capable people like Zi Lu faced accusations from Bo Liao. It's not unusual for our father to face such challenges." Yuan Wei fell silent, unable to respond, and those who were listening outside the tent felt embarrassed. At that time, Yuan Wei was powerful, and Lun was well-known across the land. She lived into her sixties before she passed away. Lun's younger sister, Zhi, was a woman of talent and integrity. She lost her parents at a young age, and in her grief, she wrote the "Shenqing Fu." I won't translate this poem; feel free to enjoy it on your own.
Zhao E, from Pangyu County, is the daughter of the Zhao family, her courtesy name was E. Her father was killed by people from the same county, and E's three brothers also passed away due to illness. Her enemies were smug, believing no one could take revenge on them. However, Zhao E quietly seethed with anger and prepared weapons, frequently setting up ambushes in her horse-drawn carriage, waiting for the opportunity for revenge. After more than a decade, she still hadn’t found the opportunity. Later, she encountered the enemy in Doting and finally managed to kill him. Then, she turned herself in at the county office, saying, "I've avenged my father. Please let me face the law." County Magistrate Lufu admired her bravery and offered to take off his official robe and run away with her. But Zhao E refused, saying, "Avenge my father and die trying is my duty; handling the case according to law is your responsibility. How could I live dishonorably and break the law?" Eventually, she was pardoned. The local government erected a monument to honor her. Zhang Huan, the Grand Minister, also praised her highly and sent her gifts to express their respect.
The wife of Liu Changqing from Pei County is the daughter of Huan Luan, also from Pei County. The deeds of Huan Luan have been recorded earlier. She gave birth to a son, who tragically died at the age of five. In order to avoid criticism from others, she refused to return to her parents' home. When her son was fifteen years old, he also unfortunately passed away. Fearing misunderstanding, she decided to cut off her own ear as a vow to uphold her integrity. The women in her clan sympathized and advised her, "Your family should have no ulterior motives; even if there are, you can express your sincerity through your mother-in-law and sisters. Why place such high importance on integrity at the expense of your own life?" She replied, "My father was Master Wugeng, a renowned Confucian scholar, who studied Confucian classics, became a master of Confucianism, and once served as the Emperor's teacher. Since Master Wugeng, several generations of our family have been known for loyalty and filial piety among men, and for chastity among women. The Book of Songs says, 'Do not disgrace your ancestors, strive to cultivate your virtues.' That's why I cut off my ear in advance to show my intentions." County magistrate Wang Ji reported to the imperial court, commending her noble character, and erected a monument for her family, bestowing upon her the title "Xingyi Huanli." Every time there is a sacrifice in the county, offerings are made to her.
As for the wife of Huang Fu Gui, I am unsure of her family background. Huang Fu Gui's first wife died, and later he married her. This wife possessed exceptional literary talent and could write cursive script. She often helped Huang Fu Gui write letters and replies, and everyone praised her writing skills. At the time of Huang Fu Gui's death, she was still young and beautiful.
Later, Dong Zhuo became the Prime Minister. Hearing of her reputation, he sent a grand entourage of a hundred carriages, twenty horses, numerous servants, and wealth to marry her. She went to Dong Zhuo's house in simple clothes, knelt down, and pleaded her innocence, heartbroken. Dong Zhuo ordered his guards to surround her with drawn swords and said, "My power and influence are meant to make the world submit. How could a mere woman defy me?" She knew she couldn't escape, so she began to curse Dong Zhuo, shouting, "You Qiang barbarian, wreaking havoc on the world—hasn’t that been enough? My ancestors have always been honorable; the Huangfu family has been loyal and accomplished for generations, serving the Han Dynasty. Didn't your parents want you to be a lowly official? How dare you, a lowly official, treat me, a court lady, with such disrespect?" Dong Zhuo stopped the carriage in the courtyard, hung her head from the carriage shaft, and lashed her mercilessly. She even shouted at the one whipping her, "Why are you being so soft? Just kill me already!" She then died under the carriage. In later years, people painted her portrait and referred to her as "Lizong."
Yin Yu from Nanyang was married to Cai, the daughter of Xun Shuang from Yingchuan, whose courtesy name was Nuxun. She was intelligent and talented. At the age of seventeen, she married Yin Yu, but he passed away when she was nineteen, shortly after she gave birth to a daughter. At that young age, Cai worried that her family would force her to remarry, so she took many precautions. Later, when Guo Yi, a man from the same county, lost his wife, Xun Shuang arranged for Cai to be married to him. Xun Shuang pretended to be ill to summon Cai. Cai had no choice but to return. She secretly vowed while carrying a knife. Xun Shuang had his maid confiscate the knife, helped her into the carriage, and worried she might become agitated, so he sent many people to protect her. When she arrived at Guo's house, Cai feigned happiness and said to those around her, "I originally planned to be buried with Yin Yu, but I never expected to be forced into this situation. My wish was not fulfilled, alas, what am I to do?" Then, she had four lamps lit and dressed herself beautifully, inviting Guo Yi in to meet her, engaging him in conversation until dawn. Guo Yi felt both respect and fear towards her and did not dare to force her, so he left at dawn. Cai ordered the servants to prepare a bath. Once inside the room and having closed the door, she asked the maid to leave, then wrote on the door with chalk: "The dead are still here." Before she could finish writing "the dead," fearing someone might enter, she took her sash and hanged herself. The servants were unaware, and by the time they discovered it, she was already dead, and people at the time mourned her.
Sheng Dao's wife, Yuanjiang, was the daughter of the Zhao family from the same county, Jianwei. In the fifth year of Jian'an, there was a rebellion in Yizhou, and Sheng Dao gathered people and horses to take up arms, but their efforts were in vain. Both were arrested and sentenced to death. In the middle of the night, Yuanjiang said to Sheng Dao, "The law has set penalties, and we will definitely not survive. You must escape quietly, rebuild our family, and I will remain in prison to take the blame for you." Sheng Dao hesitated and did not agree. Yuanjiang then unlocked Sheng Dao's shackles and prepared food and money for him. Their son Xiang was five years old at the time, and Yuanjiang asked Sheng Dao to take the child and flee. Yuanjiang kept watch for Sheng Dao throughout the night, handling everything with ease. When she confirmed that Sheng Dao had escaped far away, she confessed to the authorities and was executed immediately. Later, Sheng Dao and his son were allowed to return home following a general amnesty. Sheng Dao was moved by her selfless act and never remarried for the rest of his life.
In Jianwei, there was a devoted daughter named Shu Xianxiong. Her father, Nihe, worked as a county official during the Yongjian era. One day, the county magistrate sent Nihe to Ba County (now Chongqing City) by boat to pay a visit to the governor, but tragically, he drowned in the swift river, and his body was never recovered.
Shu Xian was feeling sad and resentful in her heart, crying all day as if she couldn't bear to live any longer, even considering suicide. She had two young children, so she made small cloth bags for them, each filled with a bead bracelet to hang around their necks, repeatedly bidding them farewell. Her family kept a close watch on her, afraid she might do something drastic. After about a hundred days, they slightly relaxed their vigilance. Shu Xian took the opportunity to row a boat to the spot where her father had drowned, cried out in anguish, and then drowned herself. Her brother, Shu Xianxian, dreamed that night his sister told him, "In six days, I will appear with father." On that day, he indeed saw his sister's and father's bodies floating together on the river. The local authorities reported to the court and erected a monument in honor of Shu Xian, with her portrait engraved on it.
In Chenliu (modern-day Kaifeng, Henan Province), there was a woman named Dong Si, the daughter of Cha Yong from the same county, named Yan, with the courtesy name Wenji. She was knowledgeable, eloquent, and accomplished in music. She married Wei Zhongdao from Hedong (southern Shanxi Province). Sadly, her husband died without leaving any children, so she returned to her family home. During the Xingping period, chaos erupted across the land, and Wenji was taken captive by the Left King of the Southern Xiongnu. She spent twelve years among the Xiongnu, during which she even bore two sons. Cao Cao, who had a close relationship with Cha Yong, regretted that he had no descendants, so he sent envoys to ransom Wenji back with gold, silver, and jewels and then arranged for her to marry Dong Si.
Cha Yong's son, Cha Si, became a military officer in charge of farming and was sentenced to death for his offenses. Wenji pleaded for mercy from Cao Cao. At that time, the hall was filled with high-ranking officials, renowned scholars, and envoys from distant lands. Cao Cao said to the guests, "Cha Bojie's daughter is here; let everyone meet her now."
When Wen Ji entered, her hair was messy, barefoot, banging her head on the ground in confession with a clear and loud voice, a tone both sorrowful and earnest, causing everyone present to change their expressions in surprise. Cao Cao said, "She is certainly very filial and evokes sympathy, but the official documents have already been sent out, what are we going to do?" Wen Ji said, "You have so many horses in your stable, and soldiers as numerous as trees, why not spare a swift horse to save a dying man?" Cao Cao was moved by her words and revoked the charges against Cai Shi. Since it was quite cold, Cao Cao also rewarded her with a hat and some socks.
Cao Cao then asked her, "I heard that your family used to have many books, how many do you still have memorized?" Wen Ji said, "My father used to have over four thousand volumes of books, but because of the chaos of war, none were left. I can now only recite about four hundred pieces." Cao Cao said, "I'll send ten officials right away to help you with the transcription." Wen Ji said, "I heard that there are differences between men and women, and it’s not proper for me to be taught directly. Please give me paper and pen, I will listen to your instructions for cursive and regular script." So she began writing the books, making no mistakes at all.
Later, Wen Ji, feeling deeply affected by the war and its aftermath, reminiscing with sorrow and anger, composed two poems.
The Han Dynasty lost power, and Dong Zhuo threw the court into chaos. With ambitious intentions to usurp the throne and kill the emperor, he first killed many loyal ministers and generals. He forced the emperor to move the capital, using the emperor's authority to command the feudal lords and expand his own power. Throughout the country, rebellious forces emerged, aiming to punish this ominous figure. Dong Zhuo's army descended from the east, glistening in golden armor, gleaming under the sunlight. The local populace was weak and defenseless, while Dong Zhuo's army consisted of fierce Qiang people. They surrounded cities like hunters, conquering all, winning all battles, leaving devastation in their wake. Slaughtering endlessly, leaving no survivors, bodies piled together, propping each other up. Beside the carts were piled high with the heads of men, while women were carried behind. Dong Zhuo's army marched straight into Guanzhong, the roads rugged and treacherous, extremely difficult. Looking back, my hometown was already out of reach, and my heart felt like it was being torn apart. Tens of thousands had been plundered, but now they could not gather together. Some were separated from their loved ones, wanting to speak but afraid to. Any misstep could be construed as collusion with the enemy, leading to execution. They would point a knife at you and say, "I will kill you with this knife; we will not spare you!" How could I value my own life when I couldn't endure their insults? They would even beat us with sticks, inflicting unbearable pain on us. Crying during the day, crying while sitting at night, wanting to die but unable to, longing to live yet finding no hope. Oh God, what sins have we committed to deserve such suffering!
The border areas and the Central Plains are different, where the people are tough and lack compassion and moral integrity. It's a land of ice and snow, and the biting northern wind howls throughout the year. The wind whistles through my clothes and into my ears. I think of my parents and feel utterly heartbroken, lamenting endlessly. When visitors from afar hear about my plight, they often seem pleased. They ask about my news, but they are usually strangers, mere chance encounters, hoping to help me reunite with my family. If I manage to escape, I will have to leave my child behind. Oh God, why must you torment our hearts like this, leaving me and my family with no hope of reunion? Life and death separate us; I can't bear the thought of leaving my child. My child hugs my neck and asks me where I am going. "They say mommy is leaving, will she come back? Mommy has always been kind, why are you so heartless now? I am still so young; how can you leave me like this?" Seeing my child like this shatters my heart; I feel like I'm losing my mind. I cry as I hold my child, torn between the urge to stay and the need to leave. At the same time, my peers come to say goodbye, envious that I get to go home, crying and wailing. My horse stops, my carriage stops. The crowd weeps, and even passersby join in the tears. I must let go of this love and set out on a long journey.
Three thousand miles apart, when will we meet again? Just thinking about my child, my heart feels shattered. I finally returned home, only to find that everything was gone. The city has turned into barren mountains and wasteland, the courtyard is choked with thorns. Bones lie scattered everywhere, their owners unknown, lying in disarray, unburied. I can't hear any human voices outside, only the howling of jackals. I stand alone before this desolate scene, heartbroken. I climb to a high vantage point and gaze into the distance, feeling as if death is closing in on me. I feel as though I am about to die; only then do others finally come to console me. I gasp for breath, questioning the purpose of my existence. I can only place my hopes in a new life and strive to rise again. I am displaced, destitute, and feel utterly insignificant, always afraid of being abandoned again.
Alas, how many opportunities does life truly offer us? I am engulfed in sorrow throughout the year!
This poem expresses the author's lament for the brevity of life and the constant presence of sorrow. Think about it, life is short and fleeting, yet I am always surrounded by sorrow, making life unbearable!
Oh, how unlucky I am! I have lost my family and now I am all alone. Holding a simple bag, I went west, facing many difficulties and dangers along the way, passing through the territories of the Qiang and barbarian tribes. The valleys are deep, the journey is long, and I can’t help but glance back at my hometown, my heart heavy with sadness. I can't sleep at night, nor can I eat; tears flow endlessly, leaving my eyes swollen. My spirit is crushed; I long for death; though I am still alive, I feel like a mere shadow of my former self.
Over there, sunlight is scarce, the air is thick, and it even snows in summer. The desert is vast, with dust flying, stunted vegetation, and no signs of vitality even in spring. People behave like wild beasts, eating putrid food, speaking incoherently, and looking haggard. The year is coming to an end, time flies by quickly, the nights stretch on, and the palace gates are tightly closed. I can't sleep, so I get up, wrap myself in a tattered grass mat, and climb to the palace of the barbarians, arriving in the vast courtyard. Dark clouds cover the moon and stars, the north wind howls, and the cold bites. The mournful sound of the Hu flute, the neighing of the horses at the border, solitary geese flying south, their cries echoing desolation. Musicians play the zither and lute, their music is harmonious yet filled with melancholy. My heart is filled with resentment, wanting to vent but afraid of disturbing others, so I can only cry silently, tears soaking my clothes. Finally, I can go home; I need to go back and see. Halfway there, I give birth to a child, the child wails for its mother, and I cover my ears, unable to stand it. I carry the child, walking alone, completely worn out and haggard. Looking back, I've disappointed everyone’s hopes; my heart feels shattered, feeling as if I've died and been reborn. Praise: With noble conduct and a gentle presence, in the quiet and leisurely, clear and steadfast, he shines brightly upon me with his crimson light.
