Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu, during his early life as a commoner, was very understanding of the hardships of the people and keenly aware of the challenges in agriculture and the struggles of the people. After the country was pacified, he devoted himself to restoring social stability, abolishing the cumbersome and complex system of the Wang Mang period, and restoring the simple laws of the Han Dynasty. He wore coarse clothes, plain in color, did not listen to extravagant music, did not use precious ornaments, showed no favoritism in the harem and treated his close ministers equally.
In the thirteenth year of his reign, Jianwu, there were foreign tributes of a steed worth a thousand miles and a precious sword, worth hundreds of gold. Emperor Guangwu used this horse to draw a ceremonial cart and presented the sword to the knights. He also dismissed unnecessary officials from Shanglin Park and ended lavish hunting practices. His letters to various regions were all one page with ten lines, with neat and delicate handwriting. His promotion of diligence and thrift set a strong example. He often summoned court officials and generals to discuss national affairs in the palace, gaining a deep understanding of the people's grievances and carefully listening to various opinions. As a result, both internally and externally were stable, allowing the people to rest and recover, and local officials were able to fulfill their duties. Officials such as Du Shi in Nanyang, who was revered by the people as "Mother Du"; Ren Yan and Xi Guang changed the customs of the border areas, these were remarkable political achievements. Others like Diwu Lun and Song Jun also made notable contributions.
However, during the Jianwu and Yongping periods, the official evaluation system for officials was too strict, and local officials were often replaced over minor rumors and trivial matters. Therefore, Zhu Fu repeatedly submitted memorials to criticize the court's harsh policies; Zhong Liyi and others also offered tactful advice on several occasions, but their suggestions were not accepted. Thus, the flourishing era of Emperor Guangwu was not without its shortcomings. After Emperor Zhang and Emperor He, many virtuous officials rose to prominence, such as Lu Gong, Wu You, Liu Kuan, and the four county magistrates from Yingchuan, all known for their benevolence, righteousness, and honesty, winning the hearts of the people; Wang Tang and Chen Chong were skilled at appointing capable individuals and managing government affairs efficiently; these people were able to influence the populace and promote education. Bian Feng and Yan Du successively served as the Prefects of Jingzhao, and they were compared to the Zhao and Zhang families of the previous dynasty. Wang Han and Ren Jun served as the magistrates of Luoyang, able to investigate and rectify corruption, yet were still regarded as talented individuals of their time. Now, I have collected and compiled the outstanding deeds of these virtuous officials into a chapter titled "Exemplary Officials."
Wei Sa, styled Zichan, was from Xiuwu County, Henan Province. Despite his poor family background, he was dedicated to his studies and took on odd jobs to support himself while studying under his teacher. During the reign of Wang Mang, he served as an official in counties and prefectures.
In the year 26 AD, I was appointed to work at the office of the Grand Minister Deng Yu. Later, due to my outstanding abilities, I was promoted to Imperial Censor, and then appointed as the magistrate of Xiangcheng County. I made significant achievements in Xiangcheng and was promoted to the position of Governor of Guiyang. Guiyang County bordered Jiaozhou, heavily influenced by the customs of Jiaozhou, where proper manners were often disregarded. Upon my arrival, I immediately established schools and restored marriage customs. Within a year, there was a marked improvement in local customs.
Earlier, the three counties of Hanyuan, Zhenyang, and Qujiang were originally under the jurisdiction of the Yue Kingdom, but after being pacified by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, they came under the jurisdiction of Guiyang Commandery. The local people lived in deep mountain valleys, adhering to ancient customs and were exempt from land taxes. Some places were very far from the commandery, with distances of up to thousands of miles. Officials had to use the boats of the common people for transportation, known as "conveyance service." Each time officials traveled, they had to requisition several households, which caused significant hardship for the locals. After I took office, I constructed over 500 miles of mountain roads, set up postal stations, and improved postal communications. As a result, the burden of labor for the common people was reduced, and there were fewer corrupt officials. Refugees gradually returned, villages and towns gradually formed, began to pay taxes, and became just like everyone else. In addition, Leiyang County was rich in iron ore, and people from other commanderies often gathered there for private smelting, which attracted criminals and led to rampant theft. Therefore, I established an official iron smelting factory in the area, prohibited private smelting, resulting in an increase of over five million in annual revenue. I handled the affairs of the people seriously, governed as if it were my own household, and my governance measures were in line with the local situation. During my ten years in Guiyang, the local government affairs were effectively managed. In the year 31 AD, the court summoned me back to the capital. Emperor Guangwu wanted me to serve as the Minister of the Treasury, but I was ill at the time and unable to assume the role. The emperor ordered me to return home as the Prefect of Guiyang until I recovered, and then I would be appointed to another position. After two years of recuperation at home, my condition worsened, so I went to the capital to report my severe illness and request to resign from my official position. The emperor took back my seal and cord, gave me a hundred thousand coins, and I eventually passed away at home. Cichong from Nanyang succeeded me as Prefect of Guiyang. He also managed the region well, teaching locals to cultivate mulberry, jujube, hemp, and ramie for economic gain, encouraging them to raise silkworms and weave cloth, which greatly benefited the locals.
Ren Yan, also known as Changsun, was from Wanyang in Nanyang. He started his studies at the age of twelve and studied in Chang'an, gaining mastery over the Book of Songs, the Book of Changes, and the Spring and Autumn Annals. He was very famous at the Imperial Academy, and his classmates called him "Ren Shengtong." Later, he fled to Longxi due to the war. At that time, Wei Xiao had already occupied four counties and sent people to invite Ren Yan, but he did not agree.
In the 23rd year of the Common Era, I was appointed as an official in the Grand Marshal's Mansion and later became the Commandant of Kuaiji. I was only nineteen years old at the time, and when I took office, everyone was amazed at my youth. After arriving in Kuaiji, I took my time before diving into my duties and first went to Jizi Temple in Yanling to pay my respects. You've heard of "Jizi of Yanling," right? At that time, the world had just been pacified, and transportation was not smooth. Many people who had taken refuge in Jiangnan had not returned to the Central Plains. Kuaiji County was known for its talented individuals. After taking office, I took the initiative to visit those who were of high moral character, such as Dong Ziyi and Yan Ziling, treating them like mentors and friends.
Among my subordinates, some were struggling financially, so I shared part of my salary with them to help them get by. I also had the soldiers cultivate in the public fields to help with their living expenses. Every time I went on an inspection tour, I visited those who were filial to their parents and invited them over for a meal.
In Wu County, there was a man named Long Qiu Chang, who lived in seclusion in Tai Mo. He was noble and principled, never seeking to ingratiate himself with the powerful. During the reign of Wang Mang, all the court officials and nobles invited him to serve in government positions, but he turned them down. My subordinates suggested that I summon him, but I said, "Mr. Long Qiu's character is noble and his conduct is upright, like that of Yuan Xian and Bo Yi, people of integrity. As a mere captain, I would feel embarrassed to visit him personally, let alone summon him." So, I sent a clerk with gifts, a prepared letter of invitation, and medicine, with people waiting along the way. A year later, Long Qiu Chang finally arrived at the government office by carriage, stating that he would like to leave a record after his passing. I repeatedly declined, but eventually allowed him to serve as the Ceremonial Director. Long Qiu Chang soon fell ill and passed away. I personally attended his funeral and mourned for three days without going to court, to show my grief. As a result, the virtuous scholars and gentlemen of Kuaiji County eagerly sought to serve me.
At the beginning of the Jianwu period, Ren Yan wrote a letter requesting retirement to return home to serve his parents. However, the Emperor summoned him to serve as the Administrator of Jiuzhen. Emperor Guangwu summoned him, rewarded him with horses and silk, and allowed his family to stay in Luoyang. The people of Jiuzhen relied on hunting for their livelihood and did not know how to cultivate the land with oxen. The common people often had to buy grain from Jiaozhi, which often resulted in their poverty. Ren Yan ordered the production of farming tools and taught them to cultivate the wasteland. The amount of cultivated land grew year after year, and as a result, the people became prosperous.
Furthermore, at that time, the people in the Luoyue region did not have a system of marriage ceremonies. Everyone acted as they pleased without any concept of pairing up, and they did not understand what kind of relationship should exist between father and son, husband and wife. Ren Yan issued a decree to the county, stipulating that men aged twenty to fifty and women aged fifteen to forty should be paired and married according to their ages. Officials below the county magistrate used their own salaries to support those who were poor and had no betrothal gifts. This led to over two thousand people getting married at once. That year saw good weather and a bountiful harvest. The newlyweds had children, and they finally understood what family ties were. They all said, "Having such children is all thanks to Prefect Ren!" Many people named their children "Ren." As a result, the border tribes, such as the Yelang, admired Ren Yan's virtues, actively maintained border security, and Ren Yan stopped reconnaissance and garrison duties.
Earlier, during the reign of Emperor Ping, Xi Guang served as the Prefect of Jiaozhi, and he also educated the local people and gradually promoted etiquette. His achievements were comparable to Ren Yan's. During Wang Mang's usurpation of the Han, he withdrew from public life. At the beginning of the Jianwu period, he sent envoys to pay tribute and was appointed as the Marquis of Yanshui. The movement to educate the populace in the south began with these two prefects. Ren Yan served as the Prefect of Jiuzhen for four years, then was summoned back to Luoyang by the court. Due to his illness, he was reassigned as the magistrate of Suiyang, and the people of Jiuzhen even erected a shrine in his honor. Later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Wuwei. The Emperor personally met with him and cautioned, "Serve your superiors diligently and maintain your reputation." Ren Yan replied, "I have heard that a loyal minister does not show favoritism. Those who show favoritism are not loyal ministers. Acting according to the rules and upholding the law is the duty of a subject. Harmony between superiors and subordinates is a blessing for the Emperor. As for serving your superiors diligently, I dare not follow your decree." The Emperor sighed and said, "You are right."
After arriving in Wuwei, there was a military governor named Tian Gan, who was a prominent figure in the county. His children and guests were all tyrannical and overbearing individuals. Ren Yan arrested Tian Gan, and five or six individuals, including Tian Gan and his son, were executed along with some of his guests. Tian Gan's youngest son, Tian Shang, gathered hundreds of desperate men, declared himself a general, and attacked the county office at night. Ren Yan immediately led his troops to defeat him. From then on, his authority was firmly established in the region, and both officials and the people lived in peace and contentment.
It is said that to the north of the county was the territory of the Xiongnu, and to the south was the territory of the Qiang people. The common folk lived in perpetual fear of looting and pillaging, and many fields were left uncultivated. Later, a man named Yan Dao arrived. He carefully selected one thousand skilled warriors, laid out a clear system of rewards and punishments, and ordered them to station at important strategic locations such as Xiutu and Huangshi with various cavalry. In case of an emergency, they were ordered to counterattack and pursue the enemy without delay. The Xiongnu were always defeated and suffered significant losses, so they no longer dared to cross the border easily.
The Hexi region used to have little rainfall, so he appointed dedicated officials to oversee water management, repair canals, and benefit everyone. He also established schools for the officials' descendants to attend, lightening their labor obligations. Once they had completed their studies, they were promoted and employed. As a result, many educated and talented individuals began to emerge in the county. Later, Yan Dao was demoted to be a county magistrate in Shaoling for executing members of the Qiang tribe without prior court notification. When Xianzong Emperor ascended the throne, he was appointed as the Prefect of Yingchuan. In the second year of Yongping, he was summoned to participate in the ceremony at Biyong, and later served as the Prefect of Henan. He held the position of Prefect of Henan for nine years before he passed away from illness. His youngest son, Kai, eventually rose to the position of Minister of Rites.
Wang Jing, courtesy name Zhongtong, was a native of Han County in the Lelang Commandery. His ancestor, Wang Zhong, eight generations prior, was originally from Buqi County in Langye Commandery. Wang Zhong was fond of Taoism and was very knowledgeable about astronomy. During the chaos caused by the rebellions of the Lü clan, King Ai of Qi often sought Wang Zhong's advice when considering sending out troops. Later, when King Xingju of Jibei rebelled and wanted to hand over military power to Wang Zhong, out of fear for his own safety, Wang Zhong fled by boat to the mountains of Lelang Commandery, where he settled down. Wang Jing's father, Wang Hong, once served as one of the three elders in the commandery. After the failure of the Xin Dynasty, the local leader, Wang Diao, killed the commandery governor Liu Xian and declared himself Grand General and Prefect of Lelang. In the sixth year of Jianwu, Emperor Guangwu sent Prefect Wang Zun to lead troops to suppress him. When Wang Zun arrived in Liaodong, Wang Hong, along with the commandery registrar Yang Yi and others, killed Wang Diao and welcomed Wang Zun. They were all granted the title of marquis, but Wang Hong renounced his title. The emperor admired him and summoned him to the capital, but he died of illness on the way.
Wang Jing studied the Book of Changes from a young age, later delving into various books and enjoying studying astronomy and numerology. He had extensive knowledge and diverse skills. He was summoned to work in the residence of Sikong Fugong. At the time, someone recommended Wang Jing for his expertise in water management, so Emperor Xianzong ordered Wang Jing and Wang Wu, the Director of Works, to repair the Junyi Canal together. Wang Wu implemented Wang Jing's water management techniques, resulting in the prevention of future floods.
During the reign of Emperor Ping, it is said that the Yellow River and Bian River overflowed and were left unrepaired. In the tenth year of the Jianwu era, Zhang Si, the county magistrate of Yangwu, submitted a memorial to the emperor, stating: "The Yellow River has been overflowing for a long time, leading to significant erosion. Dozens of counties along the Ji Canal have been eroded. Although the cost of repairs is not small, the engineering challenges are manageable. We should quickly repair the embankments to reassure the people." After reading the memorial, the emperor immediately sent troops to repair the river. While the repairs were underway, Le Jun, the county magistrate of Qunyi, submitted another memorial, saying: "Back in the era of Yuanguang, the population was dense and fields were cultivated along the riverbanks. However, when the Huzi River overflowed, it remained unrepaired for over twenty years. Now with a sparse population and vast land, even if left unrepaired, it shouldn’t be a major problem. Moreover, having just gone through a war, everyone is exhausted and overburdened with labor. The people are really struggling. We should let everyone catch their breath first before thinking about river repairs." After listening to Le Jun's words, the emperor decided to halt the river repair project.
Later, the Bian River eroded eastward, its extent grew increasingly larger, and the original water gates were submerged in the river. The people of Yanzhou and Yuzhou voiced their grievances, feeling that the government was constantly undertaking pointless projects and never cared about the life and death of the common people. In the twelfth year of Yongping, the court decided to repair the Bian River and summoned a man named Wang Jing to ask him for a solution to the water disaster. Wang Jing analyzed the situation thoroughly, responded promptly and effectively, and the emperor was very satisfied. The emperor was aware of Wang Jing's previous successes in water management in Junyi, so he rewarded him with the "Shan Hai Jing," "Hequ Shu," "Yu Gong Tu," along with money, clothing, and other gifts. In the summer, the emperor dispatched tens of thousands of laborers, allowing Wang Jing and Wang Wu to work together to repair the canal and build embankments from Xingyang to the Qiancheng estuary, spanning over a thousand li! Wang Jing, based on the terrain, blasted through mountains, cleared obstacles, removed silt, reinforced key river sections, and constructed a water gate every ten li to manage the water flow and prevent further breaches. Although Wang Jing carefully calculated and saved expenses, the total costs still exceeded one hundred million. The following summer, the canal was finally repaired. The emperor conducted a personal inspection and ordered the appointment of river embankment managers in the counties along the river, in accordance with the old system from the Western Capital. Wang Jing's reputation skyrocketed as a result, and Wang Wu and other officials involved in the project were all promoted by one rank. Wang Jing himself was elevated three ranks to become a court censor. In the fifteenth year of Yongping, when the emperor went on an inspection tour and arrived in Wuyan, he highly valued Wang Jing's contributions and appointed him as the river embankment official, rewarding him with carriages, horses, money, and silk.
In the year 78 AD, he was transferred to Governor of Xuzhou. Prior to this, a man named Du Du from Duling submitted a petition titled "On the Capital Tax," hoping to persuade the emperor to move the capital back to Chang'an. Upon hearing this news, the common people longed for their hometowns, looking westward with reluctance. Concerned that the palaces and temples had already been built, he feared the people might have many doubts. At that moment, auspicious signs, including the appearance of a divine bird, appeared. He then wrote an essay titled "On the Golden People," praising the prosperity of Luoyang and how it conforms to the principle of harmony between heaven and man, crafting the essay skillfully.
The following year, he was promoted to the position of Prefect of Lujiang. Prior to this, the locals were unfamiliar with plowing the land with oxen, resulting in fertile soil yet frequent food shortages. There was a rice field in Shao Bi in the county, which had been dug by Sun Shuo, the former magistrate of the Chu state. He led officials and the people to repair the abandoned fields and taught them how to use a plow. As a result, the area of cultivated land more than doubled, and Lujiang was abundant in grain, resulting in prosperity. He also inscribed oaths on stone tablets to inform the people of the regulations they should follow. He also promoted sericulture and weaving techniques, established relevant systems, and inscribed them in the village. These texts continued to circulate in the Lujiang area. Finally, he passed away during his term in office.
At first, he believed that the "Six Classics" contained only divination content, requiring divination before acting and interpreting the signs from yarrow stalks and tortoise shells. However, different texts offered conflicting interpretations, so he consulted a variety of texts on fortune-telling, geomancy, and selecting auspicious days, compiling the practical information into a book titled "The Great Principles of the Grand Unity."
Qin Yuan, styled Boping, was from Maoling in Fufeng. Since the establishment of the Han Dynasty, his family had been officials for generations. His ancestors had served as officials for six generations, with one ancestor even serving as the Prefect of Yingchuan. Qin Yuan and his relatives had five members who were all appointed as high-ranking officials at the same time, so people in the Guanzhong region called them the "Ten Thousand Stones Qin Family." His aunt married into the Peng family and became a court noble during Emperor Ming of Han's reign, receiving much favor. In Yongping Year 7, thanks to his aunt's noble status, he was promoted to the position of Marquis of Kaiyang City Gate along with other minor marquis of the four surnames. In the fifteenth year of Yongping, he was appointed as a Cavalry Commander and went on a northern expedition against the Xiongnu with the Marshal of the Household Geng Bing.
In the first year of Jianchu, Peng Chong was appointed as the Prefect of Shanyang. He educated the people through rituals and never resorted to punishment. He championed Confucianism and placed a strong emphasis on education, personally demonstrating elaborate rituals during the spring and autumn sacrifices. He also formulated four admonitions to regulate family etiquette between elders and juniors. Those who followed his teachings would be promoted to village elders, and he rewarded them with wine and meat every August as encouragement. If officials made mistakes, he simply dismissed them without humiliation. The people loved and respected him, and no one dared to deceive or violate his regulations. He cultivated thousands of acres of rice paddies, personally measuring the fields during harvest season, categorizing the fertility of the soil into three levels, and recording detailed information in the archives of the villages and counties. This way, corrupt officials had nowhere to hide. Peng Chong then petitioned the court to implement this system nationwide. The court ordered his regulations to be distributed to the three offices and various provinces and counties.
Six years later, Peng Chong was transferred to the position of Prefect of Yingchuan. During his time in office, auspicious signs like phoenixes, qilins, and sweet dew appeared in Yingchuan. During Emperor Suzong of Han's inspections, he visited Yingchuan twice, bestowing him with a large amount of money and provisions, showing him great favor. Peng Chong passed away in the second year of Zhanghe. His brothers, Peng Dun and Peng Bao, both became Garrison Commandants.
Wang Huan, courtesy name Zhizi, was from Qi County in Guanghan Commandery. His father, Wang Shun, once served as the Administrator of Anding. When Wang Huan was young, he enjoyed making friends with knights-errant, valuing martial skills, and often associating with lighthearted youths. However, he later changed his ways, seriously studying Confucian classics, studying the "Book of Documents" in depth, and understanding their core principles. He served as the assistant to Magistrate Chen Chong, handling matters fairly and honestly, without fearing those in power. Chen Chong's reputation grew greatly as a result, and he was later transferred to the imperial court to serve as the Grand Minister of Agriculture. The Emperor asked Chen Chong, "How did you manage the commandery?" Chen Chong bowed and thanked him, saying, "I appointed Wang Huan in charge of selecting talents, and appointed Zhubu Xin in charge of correcting errors. I only carried out the orders of the court." The Emperor was very pleased, and Wang Huan's reputation skyrocketed as a result. The province recommended him as a talented individual, and he was appointed as the magistrate of Wen County. Wen County had many deceitful individuals who had long been a scourge to the people. Wang Huan used tactics to arrest and eliminate them all. The area became peaceful and stable, allowing merchants to even camp along the roads. Even the cowherds said that the cattle belonged to "Zhizi" (Wang Huan's courtesy name), and no one dared to infringe. Wang Huan served as the magistrate of Wen County for three years before being promoted to the Inspector of Yanzhou, where he reformed the province and his reputation spread far and wide. Later, he was dismissed from office due to his involvement in a case of false rumors. Over a year later, he was summoned back as an Imperial Censor. In the fifteenth year of Yongyuan, when the Emperor returned from a southern tour, Wang Huan was appointed as the magistrate of Luoyang. He was fair, strict in law enforcement, and kind in his treatment of others, handling matters with just the right touch. Those long-standing difficult cases that other officials could not solve, he unraveled cases, uncovered the truth, and resolved disputes. He was also skilled in using strategies to expose covert deceit, and people in the capital praised him as truly ingenious! Sadly, he passed away in the first year of Yuanxing. The people of Luoyang mourned his passing, with everyone, young and old, donating money for his funeral, and thousands of food and wine offerings were made in his honor.
After Wang Huan's death, his coffin was to be carried back to his hometown. When passing through Hongnong, the townsfolk set up offerings along the roadside to pay their respects. When the officials inquired about it, everyone said that in the past, when transporting rice to Luoyang, it would always be intercepted by the soldiers, often resulting in a loss of half. Since Wang Huan took office, this situation ceased to happen, so everyone came to repay his kindness. This shows just how deeply his contributions resonated with the people! The people remembered him fondly and erected a shrine in his honor west of Anyang Pavilion. During each worship ceremony, they sing and dance to express their respect.
In the second year of Yongchu, Empress Dowager Deng issued a decree saying, "Loyal and capable officials are the backbone of good governance. Such talents are rare. Confucius once said, 'There are not many talented people!' Like the Minister of Agriculture Zhu Yi and the Right Minister of Fufeng Yin Wenggui, they have made notable contributions and have a widespread reputation. Emperor Xiaoxuan highly praised them and even rewarded their sons with a hundred jin of gold. The magistrate of Luoyang, Wang Huan, was of noble character, upright, and dedicated to his duties, wholeheartedly seeking benefits for the people. It’s a pity he died young, leaving his work unfinished. The people honor him. Who else would do this if not for their loyalty and admiration for him? Now, I hereby appoint Wang Huan's son, Wang Shi, as a Langzhong to encourage diligent officials."
During the Yanxi era, Emperor Huan of Han was overly influenced by the teachings of Huang-Lao and ordered the demolition of many temples. However, he made a special decree to preserve the temple of Grand Tutor Zhuo Mao and the shrine of Wang Huan in Luoyang.
Wang Huan's younger brother Wang Xian later became famous and served as the Inspector of Yuzhou during the reign of Emperor An of Han. At that time, the country faced a severe drought, leading to rampant theft. In Yuzhou alone, over ten thousand thieves were apprehended. Wang Xian sympathized with their plight, and in order to reduce their guilt, he actually pardoned them without authorization, and then submitted a self-reproach. After the emperor received the memorial, he did not investigate his responsibility. Eventually, Wang Xian was promoted to the Weiwei of Changle.
After Huan's death, the court issued decrees three consecutive times, specially selecting the magistrate of Luoyang, but none of those selected were able to perform adequately. During the Yonghe period, the court appointed Ren Jun, a former county magistrate in Bohai, to take over. Ren Jun promoted and utilized civil and military officials, allowing them to display their talents, cracking down severely on corrupt officials and thieves, making it so that wrongdoers dared not show their faces, and after a year, only a few dozen cases were handled. His reputation even surpassed that of his predecessor Huan, but his ability to govern affairs did not match Huan's. Ren Jun, styled Shugao, eventually rose to the position of Prefect of Mount Tai.
Xu Jing, styled Shaozhang, was from Yangxian County in Kuaiji Commandery. His grandfather Xu Wu had been a governor and was recommended as a filial and incorrupt candidate by Diwu Lun. Xu Wu had two younger brothers, Xu Yan and Xu Pu, who were relatively unknown at the time. Xu Wu wanted them to succeed, so he told them, "Etiquette has its distinctions, and families have their own reasons for living separately." So they divided the family property into three parts. Xu Wu took the fertile land, spacious residence, and strong slaves for himself, while his two brothers received relatively inferior shares. The villagers praised the two brothers for their humility and held Xu Wu in disdain for his greed. Xu Yan and Xu Pu were recommended and promoted as a result. Later, Xu Wu gathered his relatives and cried, saying, "As the eldest brother, I am unworthy, seeking fame and fortune, stealing the good family property, and my two brothers have not enjoyed wealth and glory at their old age, so I requested to divide the property, which resulted in great criticism. Now that the family property has tripled after the division, I have given it all to my two brothers, not keeping any for myself." As a result, the entire commandery respected him and praised him far and wide. He eventually rose to the position of Prefect of Changle.
When Xu Jing was young, he served as an official in the prefecture. His nephew had once committed murder in a quest for revenge, offending many people, and those people returned armed to seek revenge. Upon hearing this, Xu Jing immediately went out to meet those seeking revenge and knelt down, saying, "My nephew's past behavior was improper and he made mistakes, and this was due to my failure to properly discipline him. My brother passed away early, leaving behind only his son. If you kill him, it would mean cutting off his line. I am willing to die in his place." The people seeking revenge helped Xu Jing up and said, "Xu Yuan has a good reputation in the prefecture, how dare we harm you?" So they stopped. Xu Jing's reputation spread even further, and the governor Huang Jing recommended him for his filial piety.
During the reign of Emperor He, the governor of Jingzhou received a minor promotion and became the governor of Guiyang. Guiyang was close to the southern states, where customs were rather rough and the common folk lacked understanding of proper etiquette. The governor of Jingzhou implemented regulations governing funerals and marriages, so that everyone knew which etiquette norms to follow and what was prohibited.
Once, during spring, he went to Leiyang County for inspection and encountered a pair of brothers, Jiang Jun, who were suing each other over family property. The governor of Jingzhou, with a sigh, said, "I carry the heavy burden of responsibility for the country, yet I have failed to educate the people properly. This responsibility lies with me as the governor!" Therefore, he ordered his subordinates to draft a petition, detailing the situation and requesting the court to send an official to investigate and handle the case. The Jiang brothers were moved by the governor of Jingzhou's actions, regretted their behavior, and voluntarily requested punishment. After twelve years of service as an official in Guiyang, the local elders praised him and composed songs in his honor. Later, due to illness, he requested retirement from the court, was appointed as a Grand Adviser, and ultimately passed away in his official position. The people of Guiyang constructed a temple in his memory and erected stone tablets to honor him.
Jing Youyu, the grandson of the Governor of Jingzhou, became the Grand Commandant during the reign of Emperor Ling. Meng Chang, whose courtesy name was Bozhou, was a native of Shangyu in Kuaiji. For three generations, his ancestors were officials in the county and all sacrificed their lives heroically for the country. Meng Chang was known for his integrity from a young age and served as a minor official in the county. In Shangyu, there was a widow who was very filial to her mother-in-law. After the mother-in-law passed away at an old age, the jealous sisters-in-law falsely accused the widow of mistreating her mother-in-law and even claimed that she poisoned her to death, resulting in the widow being reported to the county yamen. The county ruled the widow guilty without conducting a proper investigation. Meng Chang had known all along that this was an injustice and repeatedly explained the situation to the magistrate, but the magistrate ignored him. Meng Chang cried bitterly outside the magistrate's yamen, pleading for a retrial of the case, but eventually had to resign and return home in helplessness. The widow ultimately died unjustly.
Since then, Shangyu experienced two years of drought, and no matter how hard they prayed for rain, their efforts were in vain. Later, the newly appointed magistrate Yin Dan, after learning the full story, summoned Meng Chang to the yamen and inquired in detail about the injustice done to the widow. Meng Chang said, "There was once a filial daughter-in-law in Donghai whose piety moved heaven, which led to a drought. Later, someone spoke up for her with righteous words, and the rain came in time. Now, the person who falsely accused the widow should be punished, and sacrifices should be made to her spirit, so that justice can be served and the rain can come as scheduled." Yin Dan accepted Meng Chang's suggestion, immediately executed the woman who falsely accused the widow, and conducted a sacrificial ceremony at the widow's grave. Sure enough, heavy rain began to fall, and the crops thrived.
Meng Changsheng was first recommended as a filial and incorruptible official, later became known as a talented individual, and eventually became the Prefect of Hepu. He performed outstandingly in his various positions, and within a year, jewelry began returning to Hepu. Hepu was a place that didn’t grow food but was abundant in jewelry. It bordered Jiaozhi County and had frequent trade with merchants who depended on imported food to make a living. Previous prefects were corrupt, seizing property and extorting the locals, which led to jewelry flowing into Jiaozhi County. This resulted in fewer merchants, and the people were left with no money or food, with the poor starving to death on the roads.
After Meng Changsheng took office, he quickly reformed the corrupt practices and listened to the people's suffering. The people resumed their former way of life, and commerce flourished. Everyone looked up to him like he was a god. Later on, Meng Changsheng fell ill and notified the court. The court summoned him back, but the people clung to his carriage, not wanting him to go. Unable to turn them down, Meng Changsheng took advantage of the night to sneak away by boat with the villagers. He settled in a secluded marshland, farming and picking up odd jobs. Many folks from nearby counties admired his character and moved to settle near him, with hundreds of families moving in.
During the reign of Emperor Huan, the Minister of Personnel Yang Qiao, who was from the same hometown as Meng Chao, recommended Meng Chao in a memorial: "I have previously submitted seven memorials recommending Meng Chao, the former Prefect of Hepu, but due to my humble status and insignificant words, I have never received the attention of the court, which feels like a fruitless endeavor. Meng Chao is a man of benevolence and righteousness, passionate about morality, with noble character and exceptional talent. When he was in office before, he changed the local customs, managed government affairs, brought back jewels to Hepu, and saved countless starving people. Furthermore, the South Sea region is rich in treasures, making it easy to accumulate wealth. Meng Chao could have easily taken advantage of his position to amass a large amount of money, but he resigned from office due to illness, personally farming and living in obscurity, without flaunting his accomplishments. This is true talent, not just for personal gain. However, such a talented individual lives in seclusion in the countryside, without any high official positions or wealth, a pillar of the nation left unrecognized. Now that he is old and frail, nearing the end of his life, unable to serve his country during its flourishing time, I am deeply saddened and cannot help but shed tears. People tend to cherish what is rare, and talent is no different. Those unknown talents, like buried wood and pearls, are only valued when recognized by the emperor. The emperor should select talents based on true ability. Although my abilities are limited, I hope to recommend talents to the best of my ability, without any selfish motives. I am willing to risk my life to recommend talents like Meng Chao." Unfortunately, Meng Chao was not ultimately valued and passed away at the age of seventy at home. Di Wu Fang, styled Zhongmou, was a native of Changling in Jingzhao, a descendant of Sikong Lun. He grew up in poverty, often helping others plow fields to support his older brother and sister-in-law. In his spare time, he studied cultural knowledge. Later, he became a magistrate in the county, was named Filial and Honest, and then appointed as the magistrate of Xindu County. He governed the area smoothly, with remarkable achievements. Within three years, people from neighboring counties all submitted to him, and the population surged tenfold.
He was later promoted to Prefect of Zhangye. That year, there was a famine, and the grain supply was only a few thousand stones. Diwu Fang opened the granary to provide aid to the people, relieving those affected by the famine. Some feared he might be punished for this and wanted to report him to the court immediately. Diwu Fang said, "If we must report to the court, wouldn't that be abandoning the people? A Prefect should risk his own life to save the people!" So he distributed the grain to the common people. Emperor Shun of Han specially issued an edict to commend him. Thanks to his actions, the entire county was spared. Over a year later, both officials and commoners were well-fed and well-clothed, and there were no bandits within the borders.
He was later promoted to Prefect of Nanyang, but eventually resigned. He was subsequently appointed as the Protector-General of the Qiang, and people along the border held him in high regard. He ultimately died while in office.
Liu Ju, known by his courtesy name Shufang, hailed from Xiaoxian in Pei. His uncle, Liu Guang, served as Minister of Works during the reign of Emperor Shun of Han. From a young age, Liu Ju was known for his high integrity, and since neither his father nor uncle had held official positions, he declined the summons from the local authorities. The Grand Commandant Zhu Chong and the Grand Tutor Huan Yan both admired his integrity, and as a result, his uncle was summoned by the court and appointed as a court official, and Liu Ju was recommended as a filial and incorrupt official.
He gradually rose through the ranks and became the Magistrate of Yongqiu County. He educated the people through rituals, and even those who were unfilial were moved by him and rectified their mistakes. If there were disputes among the people, Liu Ju would bring them in front of him, pull their ears, and admonish them, telling them they could endure anger but must not disrespect the authority of the magistrate, and urged them to return and reflect on their behavior. Those who had filed lawsuits were so moved by him that they withdrew their cases. If someone lost something on the road, everyone would pitch in to help find the owner. He served as magistrate for four years before resigning due to his mother's death.
Later, the Grand Commandant Hu Guang recommended Liu Ju as a talented and upright person. He was promoted four times and eventually became the Grand Commandant. Liu Ju was honest and straightforward, refusing to flatter those in power, which offended the Grand General Liang Ji. He was reassigned as the magistrate of Changshan and later resigned due to illness. At that time, Liang Ji's brother-in-law Sun Zhi was the magistrate of Pei County. Liu Ju was afraid of being harassed by him, so he was afraid to return home and instead hid at a friend's house in Pengcheng. Over a year later, Liang Ji's attitude softened, and Liu Ju was safe at last. He was appointed as an Attendant Official, once again serving as the Grand Commandant, and later promoted to the Director of the Imperial Clan and the Grand Minister of Rites.
In the year 168 AD, Liu Ju succeeded Huang Qiong as the Grand Commandant. Later, Huang Qiong became the Minister of Works, and Liu Ju, Huang Qiong, and the Minister of the Masses Zhong Hao assisted the Emperor together, known as wise ministers. During that time, several disasters occurred consecutively, prompting the Commandant of Justice to accuse the three officials. The Minister of Works Zhu Mu defended Liu Ju and his colleagues in a memorial, stating that they were all good officials and citing examples of ancient rulers not punishing their subordinates. However, the Emperor ignored their pleas, and ultimately due to a rebellion by the tribes, Liu Ju was dismissed, only to be reappointed as the Grand Master of the Palace Attendants later.
When Emperor Ling ascended the throne, Liu Ju succeeded Zhou Jing as the Grand Commandant for the second time. He recruited renowned Confucian scholars and highly respected individuals. He never colluded with local officials, always advising the Emperor tactfully, and many of his suggestions were adopted. However, he was dismissed once more following a solar eclipse. He then requested retirement and passed away at home.
Liu Chong, styled Zuyong, was from Mouping, Donglai, and was a descendant of King Dao Hui of Qi. King Dao Hui's son, King Xiao, was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Mouping, and his descendants had been living there since then. Liu Chong's father, Liu Pi, was knowledgeable and respected as a scholar.
Liu Chong inherited his father's scholarly pursuits from a young age and was recommended as a filial and incorrupt official after successfully passing the imperial examination. He later became the county magistrate of Dongping and was beloved by the people for his kindness and compassion. When his mother fell ill, he resigned from his post to care for her at home. The townsfolk came to see him off, blocking the road so that his carriage could not get through. He had no choice but to slip away home in ordinary clothes.
He was promoted four times, becoming the governor of Yuzhang, and was promoted three more times to serve as the governor of Kuaiji. The people in the Kuaiji mountain area were simple and kind, with some elderly individuals never having entered the city in their entire lives. However, they frequently faced harassment from officials. Liu Chong simplified the complicated government affairs, prohibited illegal searches by officials, and transformed the county's atmosphere. Later, he was summoned by the court to serve as the Grand Architect. In Shanyin County, five or six elderly men came out of the mountains to present him with money as a token of gratitude. They explained that they had never encountered county officials until Liu Chong took office, and that the previous governors' officials would plunder the people day and night, creating chaos. Since Liu Chong took office, the nights were peaceful and the people were no longer bothered by officials. The elderly men considered themselves fortunate to live in such a virtuous era and came to bid him farewell when they heard he was leaving.
Liu Chong graciously accepted their gratitude and generously gifted them a substantial amount of money. He later served as the Director of Ceremonies and the Grand Master of Ceremonies. In 168 AD, he succeeded Huang Qiong as the Minister of Works, but was dismissed due to unusual weather patterns. He was soon reappointed as the Grand Architect, then later as the Director of Ceremonies. In 172 AD, he succeeded Wang Chang as the Minister of Works, and was subsequently elevated to Minister of the Masses and Grand Commandant. In 173 AD, he was dismissed due to a solar eclipse and returned to his hometown.
Chong served as a governor in several regions before rising to the position of minister. He led a frugal life and had little savings. Once, when he left the capital and wanted to rest at an inn, the innkeeper stopped him, saying, "We are cleaning up and preparing to welcome you, Lord Liu, so you can't stay here right now." Chong left without saying a word. He was praised for his noble character, and later, when he grew old and fell ill, he passed away.
His younger brother, Fang, served as governor of Shanyang. Fang had two sons, one named Dai, whose courtesy name was Gongshan, and the other named Yao, whose courtesy name was Zhengli. Both brothers were well-known.
When Dong Zhuo marched on Luoyang, Dai was appointed Inspector of Yanzhou. He was humble and cared deeply for the people, so scholars supported him. In the third year of Chuping, the Yellow Turbans invaded Yanzhou, killed the county magistrate of Rencheng, Zheng Sui, and advanced into Dongping. Dai led his troops to fight them and died in battle.
During the Xingping period, Yao became the Governor of Yangzhou and the General who Calms the Waves. At that time, Yuan Shu occupied Huainan, so Yao moved to Qu'a. Amidst the chaos in the realm, many friends fled to the south, and Yao led his family and some friends to live a relatively comfortable life, earning a good reputation. Later, Yuan Shu sent Sun Ce to defeat Yao, who fled to Yuzhang, where he eventually fell ill and died.
Chou Lan, whose courtesy name was Jizhi and also known as Xiang, was from Liukao City. When he was young, he was a scholar, known for his simple, silent, and reserved personality, with few people in the village knowing him. When he turned forty, the county called him to serve as an official, and he was later selected as the head of Puting. He encouraged everyone to work hard, set up a series of rules, and even imposed limits on how many vegetables, chickens, and pigs one could raise. After the harvest season, he arranged for the children to live together and attend school. He assigned idle individuals to work the fields and implemented strict penalties. He personally attended funerals and provided relief to poor widows. Within a year, his political achievements gained widespread recognition.
When Chou Lan arrived in Puting, there was a man named Chen Yuan who lived with his mother. His mother went to complain that Chen Yuan was not filial. Chou Lan was taken aback and said, "I recently passed by his house and saw that it was very clean, and the farming was done in a timely manner. He is not a bad person; perhaps his upbringing hasn't been adequate yet, and he has not realized the importance of filial piety. His mother has been a widow raising children, working hard all her life. How could she let her son become unfilial over a moment of anger?" Chen Yuan's mother listened and left in tears, filled with regret. Chou Lan personally went to Chen Yuan's house, drank with the mother and son, shared with them the importance of conduct, and the repercussions of unfilial behavior. Later, Chen Yuan indeed became a filial son. The villagers would say, "Where are the parents? They're right here in my courtyard; I nourish my children like a spotted dove."
At that time, Heinei Wang Huan was the magistrate of Kaocheng County, renowned for his strictness. When he heard that Fan Lan was able to influence people with virtue, he appointed him as the chief clerk. Wang Huan said to Fan Lan, "I heard that Chen Yuan made a mistake; you did not punish him but influenced him. Are you lacking in ambition?" Fan Lan replied, "I believe eagles can't compare to phoenixes." Wang Huan laughed and sent him off, saying, "Thorns are no place for phoenixes to roost, and the path of the wise is not easily traveled! Nowadays, the students in the imperial academy, clad in long robes, are all achieving fame and becoming role models for you down the line. Put in the effort and make the most of the salary provided by the court!"
Fan Lan entered the Imperial Academy to study. At that time, Fu Rong from the same county had a great reputation among students and lived very close to Fan Lan, with guests constantly coming and going. Fan Lan always maintained his integrity and never spoke to Fu Rong. Fu Rong observed his words and actions, feeling perplexed, and said to Fan Lan, "We are from the same hometown, and we live close by. Now in the capital, there are many heroes and like-minded people making connections with each other. Although you are dedicated to your studies, why are you so aloof?" Fan Lan replied seriously, "Is the Emperor's establishment of the Imperial Academy merely for empty talk and idle chatter?" After saying this, he bowed and departed, never speaking to Fu Rong again. Later, Fu Rong shared this with Guo Linzong, and Guo Linzong, along with Fu Rong, went to visit Fan Lan at his residence with name cards in hand, requesting to stay overnight. Guo Linzong sighed and got out of bed to pay his respects to Fan Lan.
After completing his studies, Fan Lan returned to his hometown, where officials from various counties and prefectures came to invite him, but he declined, citing illness. Even while resting at home, he always dressed neatly and adhered to proper etiquette. If his wife erred, he would immediately remove his hat and apologize. His wife had to wait for him in the courtyard until he put on his hat before she could enter the hall. His family had never seen him display any unusual emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness. Later, the court summoned him to serve as a fair and honest official, but he sadly passed away from illness.
His three sons all had talents in literature and history, with the youngest son, Fan Xuan, gaining the most recognition.
Tong Hui, styled Han Zong, was a man from Langya. His father, Tong Zhongyu, exhausted the family's wealth to help the people during a severe famine, saving hundreds of lives across nine villages. Tong Zhongyu passed away early.
When Tong Hui was young, he held official positions in various counties, and the Minister Yang Ci heard of his fair and honest law enforcement, so he summoned him. Later, when Yang Ci was accused and about to be dismissed, his subordinates all submitted their resignations, but Tong Hui alone stood up to defend him in court. In the end, Yang Ci was vindicated, and his subordinates returned to their positions, while Tong Hui left with a cane. As a result, people lauded his character.
After the restoration of the government office, he was serious about his duties. He established all necessary rules. If any official violated the laws, he would directly address it on the spot. On the other hand, if any official fulfilled their duties and the common people performed good deeds, he would reward them with wine and food, encouraging everyone. Farming, weaving, and harvest practices were all clearly regulated. The entire region was peaceful, and there were no criminals in the prison for several years. People who fled from neighboring counties were also settled, settling over 20,000 households.
Once, the common people were harmed by a tiger, so he ordered the setting of traps to catch the tiger, capturing two alive. When the Prefect of Qingzhou heard about this, he personally went to the scene and admonished the tiger: "Heaven created all things, with humans being the most esteemed. Tigers and wolves should only eat livestock; how can they harm people? Our laws stipulate that killing requires a life, and injuring someone must be handled according to the law. If you really killed someone, confess honestly; if you are truly innocent, proclaim your innocence loudly!" One tiger lowered its head and closed its eyes in fear, and was immediately killed. The other tiger glared at him, roaring and thrashing about, and in the end, it was released. His subordinates all wrote poems praising him for this. He achieved remarkable success in Qingzhou and was promoted to be the Prefect of Danyang, but unfortunately, he later died of a sudden illness.
His younger brother, Yi, styled Hanwen, was even more talented than his brother, and the court had long wanted him to serve as an official. However, Yi was a reserved person and did not want to be an official. After his brother Huai was appointed by the court, he took the imperial examination and was appointed magistrate of Xuchang County. He had a distinct approach to governance, and officials and commoners alike erected steles in his honor. Later, when he heard that his brother was dying, he resigned and returned home to mourn. Although he was recommended for official positions, he declined them and eventually passed away at home.
As the saying goes: "The political arena is tense, and wise governance is seldom seen. Foster loyalty and alleviate the people's suffering. When one person understands, a thousand families will resonate. Treasure my affection and perpetuate the virtues of the wise."
