Guo Ji, styled Xihou, was from Maoling in Fufeng. His great-grandfather Guo Jie gained renown during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty for his integrity and generosity. His father Guo Fan served as the Prefect of Shu Commandery. Guo Ji had aspirations and integrity from a young age. During the reigns of Emperor Ai and Emperor Ping of the Han Dynasty, he was summoned to serve in the Office of the Grand Minister of Works, and after three promotions, he became the Commandant of Yuyang. During the Xin Dynasty, he served as the Administrator of Shanggu and was later promoted to the Governor of Bingzhou.
After Emperor Gengshi Liu Xuan established his regime, the Sanfu region was plagued by ongoing turmoil, causing fear and unrest among the people. Powerful families armed themselves for self-protection, unwilling to surrender first. Emperor Gengshi had heard of Guo Ji's reputation and summoned him to serve as the Prefect of Fengyi, to restore order among the people. Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu later appointed him as the Governor of Yongzhou and then as the Minister of Documents. Guo Ji often offered counsel and was unafraid to speak frankly.
In the fourth year of Jianwu, Guo Ji was appointed as the Administrator of Zhongshan. The following year, after the rebellion of Peng Chong was suppressed, he was transferred to serve as the Administrator of Yuyang. The Yuyang region had just suffered from the chaos of Wang Mang's regime and was now facing the impact of Peng Chong's rebellion. Most of the populace was unruly and violent, with bandits running rampant. Guo Ji, upon taking office, governed with integrity, implementing clear rewards and punishments, capturing and executing the leaders of the bandits, who quickly vanished. At that time, the Xiongnu frequently raided the borders, inflicting great suffering on the border residents. Guo Ji reorganized the army, devised effective offensive and defensive strategies, and frightened the Xiongnu, who dared not easily enter the borders again, enabling the people to live in peace. During his five-year tenure, the population doubled. Later, as banditry surged in Yingchuan, in the ninth year of the Jianwu era, Guo Ji was summoned to serve as the Administrator of Yingchuan.
When the emperor summoned him, he expressed his concern for him and said, "Virtuous and capable governor, Yingchuan is not far from the capital, and the Yellow River nourishes the land for nine li. I hope the capital can share in your blessings. Although you are skilled at capturing thieves, the mountain roads are rugged and dangerous. How much can you handle on your own? You must be cautious!" After Guo Ji took office, he successfully persuaded hundreds of bandits, including Yang Xia and Zhao Wu from Xiangcheng, to surrender. They all complied willingly, and Guo Ji sent them back home to farm. Later, Guo Ji self-reported for taking the initiative to negotiate their surrender, but the emperor praised his strategy and did not blame him. Later, hearing of Guo Ji's reputation, Zhao Hong, Zhao Wu, and their associates flocked to surrender from Jiangnan, Youzhou, and Jizhou, in a steady stream.
Eleven years ago, I was the governor of Shuofang, managing the area of Bingzhou. When the emperor learned that Lu Fang had taken control of the northern territories, he transferred me to Bingzhou to serve as governor. I traveled to the capital to express my gratitude, and the emperor personally received me. He also gathered the crown prince and various princes to chat with me all day, bestowing upon me many carriages, clothes, and other gifts. I took the opportunity to tell the emperor that in selecting officials to fill various positions, talented individuals should be selected nationwide, not solely from Nanyang. The emperor listened to my advice. I had worked in Bingzhou before and had established a deep bond with the local people. When I returned to Bingzhou, the people welcomed me warmly, young and old alike. Wherever I went, I asked about the people's difficulties and recruited respected and capable individuals. I also provided several benches for the elderly to rest, and met with them every morning and evening to discuss state matters.
During my first inspection tour to various places, when I arrived at Xihe Meiji, there were hundreds of children, each riding a bamboo horse to greet me on the road. I asked them, "Children, how did you come from so far away?" They replied, "We heard that you were coming, so we are very happy to come and greet you." I thanked them. After the matter was completed, these children escorted me out of the city and asked me, "When will you come back?" I discussed the agreed date with my assistant and then told the children. After the inspection tour ended, I returned a day early. To keep my promise to the children, I deliberately waited in a pavilion in the wilderness for a day, only entering the city at the agreed time.
At that time, many people at court recommended me to serve as the Grand Minister of Public Works, but the Emperor, considering the example of Lu Fang's rebellion in Bingzhou and the unsettled situation with the Xiongnu, wanted me to continue working in Bingzhou, so he did not summon me back to the capital. I knew that Lu Fang was a crafty and treacherous man, not someone who could be easily subdued by force, so I continued to strengthen border defenses and clarify the standards for rewards and punishments to weaken Lu Fang's influence. Lu Fang's general Sui Yu planned to persuade Lu Fang to surrender to me, but Lu Fang escaped and fled to the Xiongnu.
I was old and frail, so I submitted my request for retirement. After 22 years of service, the Emperor summoned me to serve as the Grand Master of the Palace, granting me a residence, tents, money, and food to enjoy my later years. I gave everything to my relatives and friends, keeping nothing for myself. The next year, I passed away at the age of 86. The Emperor came in person to pay his respects and granted me a burial site.
Du Shi, styled Jungong, was from Ji County, Henan. He was talented from a young age and served as an official in the county, known for his integrity and good reputation. During the reign of Gengshi, he was summoned to work at the Grand Commandant's office. In the first year of Jianwu, within half a year, he was promoted several levels and became a censor, responsible for pacifying the Luoyang area. At that time, General Xiao Guang allowed his soldiers to act lawlessly, causing great fear among the populace. Du Shi issued several warnings to him, but Xiao Guang did not change, which led Du Shi to execute him and report the matter to the court.
The emperor summoned him, bestowed ceremonial honors upon him, and sent him to Hedong to suppress rebels including Yang Yi. When Du Shi arrived in Dayang, he heard that the rebels planned to cross the river to escape. He immediately burned their boats alongside the chief clerk, gathered the local troops, and led elite cavalry to chase and kill Yang Yi and the others, completely quelling the rebellion. Later, he was appointed magistrate of Chenggao County, where he served for three years, achieving remarkable success. He was then promoted to commander of Pei County, followed by commander of Runan County, earning the admiration of the people in every place he served.
Seven years later, he was appointed as the governor of Nanyang. He was frugal, fair in governance, established his authority through the punishment of criminals, skilled in planning, and reduced the burden of taxes and labor on the people. He also invented a water-driven pump for manufacturing agricultural tools, which was both labor-saving and efficient, greatly easing the lives of the people. He renovated water reservoirs, developed farmland, and improved the living standards of every household in Nanyang. At that time, people compared him to the virtuous minister Zhaofu, saying, "First there was Zhaofu, then came Dumu."
Feeling that he had not made significant contributions and was unworthy of holding such a high office, Du Shi wanted to resign. He wrote to the emperor:
Your Majesty, you are wise and mighty, with remarkable achievements. You have balanced military and civil affairs, leading your soldiers to return victorious. The entire nation is united, and we are all enjoying a prosperous future. However, the Xiongnu have not yet understood your saintly virtues and have repeatedly invaded the borders, oppressing the people and inflicting heavy losses. The border residents are left defenseless, and I fear that even with the efforts of brave and skilled generals, it will be impossible to completely lower our guard. After all, prolonged warfare without rest will breed resentment, and excessive fatigue without recuperation will also breed resentment. Going into battle with resentment, it's hard to expect them to perform well. I have observed the emotions of the generals and the expectations of the heroes, hoping that the soldiers in the inner counties can rest before going to battle, so as to avoid complaints. It's a common misconception that "victory in war depends on unity rather than numbers." Your Majesty, although you care for the northern borders, you should also consider scaling back military action appropriately. Ancient kings like King Tang and King Wu were good at managing the people, so there were no wars with soaring grievances. Your army has been raised for thirteen years, and the soldiers are united and their spirits are high. If the officials and county governors were to experience military life, the generals would work even harder; if the soldiers take turns to rest and recuperate, like the palace guards, their fighting spirit will be boosted tremendously. Why is that? Because the world is already peaceful, everyone cherishes their lives, from ministers to commoners, all yearn for a peaceful and prosperous life. If we don’t acknowledge their contributions and just keep them working endlessly, they won’t feel motivated. Your Majesty should vacate positions in several counties, allowing talented generals to rest and rewarding long-serving soldiers generously. This way, the soldiers on the front lines will fight with courage, fighting with the mindset that death is just going home, and the officials guarding the cities will not complain of hardship. The borders will be safer, and the defense will be more secure. A wise ruler knows to govern in tune with the people's wishes. I am speaking boldly now; if the hopes of the heroes are blocked, it is indeed inappropriate.
I see myself as just an ordinary historian, but Your Majesty, during this time of great achievements and abundance of talents, has recognized and promoted me. It feels like a great honor for someone as mediocre as I to be granted this position, yet I fear I have not fulfilled my duties as I should, having occupied this official position for so long, which has led to resentment among the accomplished officials. I feel truly anxious and unsettled. For the past eight years, I have repeatedly submitted requests to resign from my official position to avoid taking credit, but Your Majesty, in your generosity, has never granted my request. I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's grace, and I cannot bring myself to make such a hypocritical request. I genuinely wish to resign from my position as Grand Prefect and take on a lesser role. When I grow old and frail, if I am still able to contribute, then I would welcome the chance to take on important responsibilities again. Even if it means accepting more titles and honors, I would gladly do so. I only hope Your Majesty can understand my predicament!
The Emperor admired his talents greatly and ultimately did not agree to his request.
Shiya had a particular fondness for recommending talented individuals, and on several occasions recommended esteemed individuals like Liu Tong from Qinghe and Dong Chong from Luyang.
At first, the court's military mobilization system was quite simple. The emperor issued orders to send troops without the tiger tally as a verification token. Shi Ya submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying, "I have heard that the army is the state's deadly weapon, something that sages handle with great caution. Historically, the tiger tally was used to dispatch troops, while other mobilizations only required documents like bamboo slips. The two halves of the tiger tally must be united for it to take effect; it is a crucial token used to demonstrate the court's commands and display its authority. Recently, troops have been sent out only with the emperor's edict or general orders, but if someone forges them, it would be nearly impossible to detect. I believe that since the war is not over and the enemy has not been eliminated, mobilizing troops from different regions should be done with utmost caution, and tiger tallies should be established to prevent treacherous actions. In the past, the prince of Wei, who was well-known in neighboring states, even used a military token to rescue the besieged Zhao kingdom. Had it not been for Fu Ji's enmity, his achievements would not have been so remarkable. Some things may be troublesome and costly, but they must be done, and this is the situation." After reading the memorial, the emperor accepted his suggestion.
Although Shi Ya was stationed in a remote location, he always worked diligently for the court, often providing honest opinions and good strategies, actively contributing to any matters. He served in the local area for seven years, making significant political achievements and greatly improving the people's lives. In the fourteenth year, he was questioned by the court for seeking revenge for his younger brother and passed away due to illness. The Commandant of the Imperial Guard, Bao Yong, submitted a memorial saying that Shi Ya's family was impoverished, lacking land or a home, leaving no place for him to be buried after death. The emperor ordered the funeral to be conducted at the county's official residence and rewarded him with over a thousand pieces of silk.
Kong Fen, also known as Junyu, hailed from Maoling in Fufeng. His great-grandfather Kong Ba served as an attendant during the reign of Emperor Yuan of Han. When Kong Fen was young, he studied the "Zuo Zhuan" with Liu Xin, who greatly admired him and told his students, "I have learned the true essence from Junyu!"
When Wang Mang usurped the Han Dynasty, Kong Fen fled to the Hexi region with his elderly mother and young brother to escape the chaos of war. In the fifth year of Jianwu, the Grand General of Hexi, Dou Rong, recognized Kong Fen's abilities and appointed him as an Assistant to the Council, tasked with guarding Guzang (now Wuwei, Gansu). Eight years later, Kong Fen was appointed as the Marquis of Guannei County. At that time, the world was in turmoil, but the Hexi region was relatively stable, and Guzang was a prosperous city with frequent trade with the Qiang and Hu tribes. The market was lively, bustling with trade occurring four times a day, and many people could amass considerable wealth in just a few months of service in Guzang. However, after serving for four years, Kong Fen's family property did not increase at all. He was deeply filial and attentive to his mother, preparing her fine meals while living a frugal life. He and his wife and children ate simple meals together. At that time, many officials disregarded integrity, which drew ridicule from many. Despite this, he remained steadfast in his principles of benevolence and righteousness, earning the respect of the governor Liang Tong, who would personally greet him at the gate and take him to see his mother. After Longxi and Shu were pacified, officials from the Hexi region were gradually summoned back to the capital by the court, bringing along substantial wealth with them. However, Kong Fen remained incorruptible and set out alone. The officials, people, and Qiang and Hu people of Guzang all said, "Mr. Kong is known for his honesty and benevolence, and the entire county has benefited from his kindness. Now that he is leaving, we must repay his kindness!" Everyone donated money and goods, gifting him cattle, horses, and various items valued at over a million, escorting him for hundreds of li. Kong Fen repeatedly refused, accepting nothing. Upon his arrival in the capital, he was appointed as the Prefect of Wudu County.
At that time, there were still remnants of bandits such as Wei Mao in the Longxi area, who raided the county government at night and killed the county magistrate. The bandits feared being pursued by Kong Fen, so they captured his wife and son as leverage. Kong Fen, who was already fifty years old at the time and had only one son, did not hesitate to pursue the bandits with full force. The county officials and people were inspired by his righteousness, and everyone fought bravely. There were many Di people in Wudu County who were familiar with the terrain of the valleys, and Qi Zhongliu, a trusted leader among the Di people, was highly regarded. Kong Fen led Qi Zhongliu and others to employ a strategy of encirclement. The bandits were forced into a corner and brought Kong Fen's wife and son to the army in an attempt to make him retreat, but Kong Fen fought even more bravely and ultimately captured and killed Wei Mao and the others, which tragically led to the deaths of his wife and son. Emperor Guangwu of Han praised Kong Fen's loyalty and appointed him as the Prefect of Wudu.
My father, Kong Fen, was respected by everyone after becoming a county official, and later became the Prefect, transforming the conduct and culture of the entire county. He ruled with integrity and decisiveness, rewarding the good and punishing the evil. He treated virtuous people with love as if they were family, and treated those who broke the rules with hatred as if they were enemies, thus establishing lasting peace in the county. My younger brother, Qi, once went to study in Luoyang. My father believed that Qi was talented and would definitely become an official in the future, but sadly, my father fell ill and had to resign, spending his later years in his hometown and eventually passing away at home. Qi was well-read and knowledgeable about the classics, and even wrote *The Selections of Zuo Zhuan*. My father had a son named Jia in his later years, who rose to the rank of Commandant of the City Gates and also wrote *The Discourses of Zuo*.
Zhang Kan, courtesy name Junyou, was a native of Wan County in Nanyang and came from a prominent local family. Zhang Kan became an orphan at a very young age, but he entrusted the millions left by his father to his brother's son. At the age of sixteen, he went to Chang'an to study, with lofty aspirations and upright conduct. He was known as the "Holy Child" among scholars at the time. Emperor Guangwu of Han, Liu Xiu, who was still a commoner at the time, valued Zhang Kan's aspirations and integrity and admired him greatly. When Liu Xiu became emperor, Zhang Kan was recommended by the Palace Middle General to the emperor and was appointed as a court official, later rising to the rank of palace attendant.
One time, Zhang Kan was tasked with escorting a large shipment of silk and seven thousand warhorses to support the Grand Marshal Wu Han in his campaign against Gongsun Shu. On the way, he was appointed as the Prefect of Shu Commandery. At that time, Wu Han's army had only seven days of food left and was secretly making plans to build ships for an escape. When Zhang Kan heard about this, he immediately went to see Wu Han, analyzed the situation and explained that retreat would lead to certain failure, and proposed corresponding combat strategies. Wu Han accepted his advice, intentionally feigned weakness to lure the enemy, and Gongsun Shu personally went out to battle, which led to his death in battle. After Chengdu fell, Zhang Kan was the first to enter the city, taking inventory of the treasury and collecting treasures, and then reporting back to the court in detail, with no mistakes. He also reassured the people, who were all very pleased.
After serving as the Prefect of Shu County for two years, Zhang Kan was summoned to be the Cavalry Commandant, and later led the army of General Du Mao to defeat the Xiongnu at Gaoliu, scoring a decisive victory, and was appointed as the Prefect of Yuyang. He enforced the law strictly, with clear rewards and punishments, and the people were willing to work for him. Once, the Xiongnu sent ten thousand cavalry to invade Yuyang, and Zhang Kan led thousands of cavalry to counterattack, achieving a great victory, which stabilized the border. He also reclaimed over eight thousand hectares of rice paddies, encouraged the people to cultivate, and made the Yuyang area prosperous. The people sang, "Mulberry trees are flourishing, wheat ears grow abundantly; under Lord Zhang's governance, happiness knows no bounds!" Zhang Kan served as the Prefect of Yuyang for eight years, and the Xiongnu no longer dared to invade the border.
The Emperor once summoned the accounting officials from various counties, asking about the local customs and the achievements of the previous officials. The accounting official of Shu County, Fan Xian, stood up and said, "Former Prefect Zhang Kan of Shu County governed with benevolence, benefiting the people, and effectively rooting out corruption. When the city was captured, the mountains of looted gold and silver were enough to enrich ten generations, but on the day he left office, he only rode in a dilapidated carriage, carrying simple cloth and a few personal items."
After hearing this, the Emperor sighed for a long time, then promoted Fan Xian to be the county magistrate of Yufu County. Just as he was about to summon Zhang Kan, he heard that he had died of illness. The Emperor felt deep regret and ordered to commend him, rewarding him with one hundred bolts of silk. "Prefect Zhang Kan of Yuyang, formerly in Shu, with benevolence and kindness, was able to punish the wicked. When the former Gongsun Shu was defeated, the treasures piled high like mountains; the wealth he held was enough for ten generations, yet on the day of his resignation, he rode in a broken cart, with only a simple cloth and bundle."
Lian Fan, courtesy name Shu Du, was a native of Du Ling in Jingzhao and a descendant of the great general Lian Po of the Zhao Kingdom. After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, because the Lian family was a noble family, they moved from Kuxing to that place. Several generations of their family served as officials in the frontier regions, with some having died in Xiangwu, Longxi, so the Lian family continued to serve there. Lian Fan's great-grandfather Lian Bao served as Right General during the reigns of Emperor Cheng and Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty; his grandfather Lian Dan served as Grand Marshal and Governor of Agriculture during the reign of Wang Mang, both of whom were respected individuals. Lian Fan's father died as a result of the chaos of war in Shu Han, leaving Lian Fan to wander to the Western Region. After the Western Region was pacified, he returned to his homeland. At the age of fifteen, he said goodbye to his mother and traveled west to retrieve his father's coffin. The Prefect of Shu County, Zhang Mu, had been a subordinate of Lian Dan, Lian Fan's grandfather, and offered substantial financial assistance to Lian Fan, but Lian Fan did not accept anything, and walked with a few others, carrying his father's coffin back to Jameng. The boat hit a rock on the way, broke apart, and Lian Fan, holding the coffin, sank into the water. Everyone was moved by his filial piety, and after he was rescued, treated, and saved. Upon hearing this, Zhang Mu sent people to deliver the previous support, but Lian Fan still resolutely declined.
After the mourning period was over, Lian Fan went to the capital to study and became a student of Doctor Xue Han. Both Jingzhao and Longxi Counties invited him to take official positions several times, but he refused each time. In the first year of Yongping, the Prefect of Longxi, Deng Rong, invited Lian Fan to serve as his assistant with great respect. At that time, Deng Rong was accused by the authorities and faced an investigation. Lian Fan knew this matter would be difficult to resolve, so he pretended to be sick and requested to leave. Deng Rong did not understand his intentions and became very angry. Lian Fan then ran to Luoyang, changed his name, and became a prison guard in the court's prison. Before long, Deng Rong was indeed arrested and taken to prison, which allowed Lian Fan to serve by his side and work tirelessly. Deng Rong felt that he resembled his former assistant Lian Fan, but he couldn't bring himself to believe it, so he asked him, "Do you look like my former assistant?" Lian Fan retorted, "Are you confused by your troubles?" and then ignored him. Lian Fan cared for Deng Rong, who was imprisoned due to illness, until his death, without ever revealing his identity. He personally transported Deng Rong's coffin for burial in Nanyang, and only departed after the burial was complete.
Fan Shu later became an official in the court, and by chance, Xue Han was killed for being involved in the rebellion against the King of Chu. None of Xue Han's colleagues and disciples dared to handle his funeral arrangements. Only Fan Shu went to take care of Xue Han's body. This matter reached the emperor's ears, and the emperor was furious and summoned Fan Shu to question him: "Xue Han rebelled with the King of Chu, almost causing chaos in the world. You, Fan Shu, are an official of the court, yet you did not stand with the court, but instead went to take care of the body of this criminal. What do you have to say for yourself?" Fan Shu quickly knelt down and admitted his mistake: "I was foolish; I thought Xue Han and the others had been killed, and I was overwhelmed by my loyalty to my teacher, committing a grave mistake; I deserve to die!" The emperor calmed down somewhat and asked Fan Shu, "What is your relationship with Lian Po? Are you related to General Bao and Grand Marshal Dan in any way?" Fan Shu replied, "Bao is my great-grandfather, Dan is my grandfather." The emperor said, "That explains your boldness!" So he let him go. After this incident, Fan Shu gained notoriety.
Later on, Fan Shudu was promoted to talented official, and within a few months, he was further promoted to the Prefect of Yunzhong. Just as the Xiongnu invaded in large numbers, the beacon towers were continuously signaling alarms. According to previous rules, if the invading Xiongnu exceeded five thousand troops, support had to be requested from nearby counties. Officials wanted to send out requests for assistance, but Fan Shudu disagreed and personally led soldiers to resist. Fan Shudu's army was outmatched by the overwhelming number of Xiongnu troops. When night fell, Fan Shudu ordered each soldier to tie two torches together and ignite them, filling the camp with flames. The Xiongnu saw many flames from afar and thought that reinforcements from the Han army had arrived, which startled them. As dawn approached, the Xiongnu prepared to retreat, but Fan Shudu ordered his soldiers to quickly eat, and as soon as it was light, they pursued the Xiongnu and killed hundreds of enemy leaders, causing chaos that led to the deaths of thousands. From then on, the Xiongnu dared not invade Yunzhong again.
Later on, Fan Shudu also served as the Prefect of Wuwei and Wudu counties successively, and he was able to govern according to local conditions and achieved great political success. In the early years of Jianzhong, he was transferred to be the Prefect of Shu County. The people of Shu enjoyed spirited debates, so Fan Shudu often taught them to be honest and kind, and not to be cunning. The people of Chengdu lived in abundance, with densely packed houses. It was previously forbidden to light fires at night to prevent fires, but people still protected each other, so fires frequently occurred. Fan Shudu abolished this rule and only required everyone to store enough water. The people found it more convenient, so they began to compose songs in his praise: "Uncle Lian, why come late? No fire ban, people live in peace. Throughout life, no complaints, now five descendants." After serving as the Prefect in Shu for several years, Fan Shudu was removed from office for breaking the law and returned to his hometown. Fan Shudu's family had lived on the border for generations, owning many fields and accumulating a lot of food, which he used to support his relatives and friends.
Emperor Suzong of Tang died, and Fan Pang hurried to the Jingling Mausoleum to pay his respects. At that time, a minor official named Yan Lin from Lujiang Commandery was traveling to the capital to pay his respects, and the two met on the road. Yan Lin was riding a small carriage, but the road was muddy, and the horse had collapsed from exhaustion and couldn't go any further. Seeing this, Fan Pang felt a pang of sympathy, so he ordered his attendant, who was riding a horse, to dismount and lend it to Yan Lin. Fan Pang simply walked away without a word. Once he had completed his tasks, Yan Lin couldn't locate the horse, so he followed the hoofprints back. Someone told Yan Lin, "That was the former Prefect of Shu Commandery, Lian Fan, who was especially willing to help the poor. He is now rushing to mourn and only has this one horse." Yan Lin had heard of Fan Pang's reputation and found the explanation credible, so he took the horse to Fan Pang's doorstep, thanked him, and returned the horse. Later generations admired Fan Pang's sense of righteousness, though some criticized him for his association with Grand General Dou Xian. Ultimately, Fan Pang passed away at home.
Fan Pang was known to share a close friendship with a man from Luoyang named Qing Hong. People often remarked, "Just as there were Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya in the past, there are now Qing Hong and Lian Fan." Qing Hong was known for his generosity and righteousness; as Prefect of both Langye and Kuaiji Commanderies, his accomplishments were widely praised.
Historical texts remark, "Zhang Kan and Lian Fan were renowned for their heroic and righteous spirits. Consider how they stepped forward in times of crisis, confronting danger fearlessly. This is truly commendable! Zhang Kan's integrity regarding wealth and Fan Pang's selfless generosity, expecting nothing in return, are sufficient to inspire belief in their sincerity and move the hearts of many. Just as Emperor Gaozu of Han summoned Luan Bu and Emperor Ming of Han promoted Lian Fan, they used anger to inspire these people's ambitions; even in the face of imminent danger, they could enhance their standing. It is the duty of kings to admire those moved by righteous acts! However, the ways of the world can be both open and obstructive at times."
Wang Tang, courtesy name Jingbo, was from Qi County in Guanghan Prefecture. He was initially recommended as a promising talent for the Imperial Academy and later promoted to the position of magistrate of Gucheng, where he made significant contributions to governance. During the Yongchu era, the Western Qiang forces invaded Ba Commandery, causing immense suffering for the populace. The court ordered General Yin to lead an expedition against the invaders, but they were unable to achieve victory after many years of fighting. The three court ministries recommended Wang Tang to address the crisis, and he was appointed as the Governor of Ba Commandery. Wang Tang quickly led his troops to engage the bandits in battle, killing thousands of enemies. The regions of Ba Commandery and Yongguo were restored to peace, and the grateful people erected a temple in his honor. The Inspector Zhang Qiao praised his achievements in a memorial tribute, which led to Wang Tang's promotion to Right Protector of Feng.
During Emperor An of Han's western inspection tour, his mother, Wang Sheng, along with Palace Attendant Jiang Jing and others, requested the emperor to appoint Su Zhang to serve by his side, but the emperor refused the request. Su Zhang's subordinates urged him strongly, but Su Zhang said, “I have received the country’s favor; how can I go against my conscience just to please the powerful? I would rather die with honor!” That day, he sent his family back home, then stayed indoors, claiming to be ill. Indeed, someone made a false accusation against Su Zhang, and following the emperor's death, Jiang Jing and others were all executed. Su Zhang's reputation soared due to his adherence to principles. In the second year of Yongjian, the court summoned him to serve as the Grand Architect. In the fourth year of Yongjian, he was demoted to a Gentleman of the Court due to official duties. Later, he was appointed as the Minister of Lu, governing with remarkable simplicity and fairness, and for several years, there were no legal disputes.
Afterwards, he was promoted to Taishou of Runan. He recruited talents widely, honored those with virtue and ability, never acted unilaterally; instead, he instructed his officials, saying: "The ancients sought talents diligently, but employed them with ease, which allowed them to lead by example and foster harmony in governance. You should carefully evaluate the talents and character of your officials, entrust important tasks to Chief Clerk Chen Fan, allowing him to oversee the rectification of government affairs, identifying and addressing shortcomings; arrange the main clerk Ying Si properly, letting him handle specific affairs. Only then can we truly fulfill our responsibilities and assess the officials' actual performance." Since then, Su Zhang handled government affairs diligently, no longer issuing arbitrary orders, and as a result, Runan Commandery was well managed. At that time, Grand General Liang Shang and Prefect Yuan Tang held grudges against Su Zhang because their requests for his assistance were unsuccessful. Later, bandits from Lujiang invaded the Yiyang region, and Su Zhang led troops to pursue them, causing the bandits to quickly disperse. However, Liang Shang and Yuan Tang took this opportunity to report to the court that Su Zhang had failed in his defensive duties during his tenure, resulting in his dismissal and return home.
Su Zhang passed away at the age of 86. He left a will requesting a simple burial in a tile coffin. His son, Su Zhi, known for his integrity, chose not to pursue an official career. His great-grandson Su Shang was appointed Taishou of Shu Commandery by Liu Yan, the Governor of Yizhou, and was also known for his effective governance.
Su Zhang, styled Ruwen, was from Pingling in Fufeng. His eighth-great-grandfather, Su Jian, served as Right General during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. His grandfather, Su Chun, styled Huangu, was highly regarded, upright, and strict in his evaluations of others. Scholars revered him, often saying to one another: "When you see Sir Su, you worry about being reproached by him; when you don't see him, you miss him." People in the Sanfu region called him "the great man." During the Yongping period, Su Chun served in the army of the Attendant Cavalry Officer Dou Gu, campaigned against the Northern Xiongnu and Cheshi, achieved military exploits, and was granted the title of Marquis of Zhongling Township, eventually becoming the Taishou of Nanyang.
Zhang Shaobo was a particularly knowledgeable individual and a skilled writer. During the reign of Emperor Han An, the court selected talented and upright individuals, and he participated in the examination, achieving excellent results and earning the title of Yilang. He often pointed out the gains and losses of the court without reservation, speaking frankly. Later, he was appointed as the magistrate of Wuyuan County. During a famine, he decisively opened the granaries to provide relief to the people, saving more than three thousand households.
Under Emperor Han Shun, Zhang Shao was promoted to the Inspector of Jizhou. He had a friend who became the Prefect of Qinghe, and when Zhang Shao conducted an inspection, he uncovered his friend's acts of corruption and bribery. Zhang Shao then invited the prefect to dinner, where they enjoyed food and wine while reminiscing about their past friendship. The prefect happily said, "Others only have one lifetime, but I feel as if I have lived two lifetimes of happiness!" Zhang Shao replied, "Tonight, you are drinking with an old friend; that is personal friendship; tomorrow, I will handle your case officially." In the end, Zhang Shao still held him accountable under the law. The people of Jizhou all knew that Zhang Shao was fair and impartial, and they all respected him. Later, he was transferred to be the Inspector of Bingzhou, but he fell out of favor with the emperor for taking a stand against some powerful figures, and he was dismissed. He retired to his hometown and withdrew from public life. Later, the court summoned him to be the Intendant of Henan, but he declined. At that time, the world was becoming increasingly chaotic, and people's lives were becoming increasingly difficult. People said Zhang Shao had the talent to govern, but unfortunately, the court ultimately did not reappoint him, and he ultimately passed away in despair. He had a brother whose grandson was named Buwei.
Bu Wei, also known by his courtesy name Gongxian. His father was named Qian, who initially served as the postal inspector in the commandery. At that time, there was a man named Li Gao in Wei Commandery, who was the county magistrate of Meiyang. He was involved in corruption and oppression, intimidating the people. Previous senior officials feared his influence, and no one dared to challenge him. When Bu Wei's father Qian took office in Wei Commandery, he uncovered Li Gao's crimes and had him sent to the capital for trial. Qian later rose to the position of commandant of Jincheng, and after stepping down, he returned to his hometown. According to Han dynasty law, dismissed officials could not go to the capital without a court summons. However, Qian later traveled to Luoyang secretly, where Li Gao had become the Colonel of Retainers, and was arrested and severely tortured. As a result, Qian died in custody, and Li Gao even whipped his corpse in a fit of rage to settle old scores.
Bu Wei was eighteen years old at that time and went to Chang'an to enlist, coincidentally witnessing Qian's murder. Bu Wei transported Qian's body back to his hometown, buried him, but did not hold a proper funeral. He looked up at the sky and sighed, saying, "What was Wu Zixu really like?" He then hid his mother in the Wudu Mountains, changed his name and identity, hired swordsmen with all his family property, and attempted to assassinate Hao near the tomb but was unsuccessful. Later, Hao was promoted to the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture. At that time, the Right Colonel's granary was located beneath the north wall of the temple. Bu Wei and a few close brothers secretly sneaked into the granary, dug at night and hid during the day. After a few months like this, they finally dug close to the place near Hao's bedroom and emerged from under the bed. They happened to encounter Hao going to the toilet, so he killed Hao's concubine and child, left a note and fled. Hao was so scared that he quickly scattered thorns throughout the house, boarded up the floor with wooden boards, and moved nine times in one night, even his family did not know where he was living. Every time he went out, he carried a sword and a halberd, with strong men to protect him. Bu Wei knew that Hao was on guard, so he traveled day and night to Wei County, dug up his father's grave, cut off the headstone, mourned his father's grave, and set it up in the market with the inscription "Li Junqian's father's head." Hao was so scared that he was too terrified to speak, voluntarily resigned and returned to his hometown, secretly reburied his father's remains. Bu Wei was pursued for years but was never caught. Hao was angry and sad, became ill, vomited blood, and died.
Bu Wei was granted amnesty and returned home; he was then reburied and the funeral was conducted. Many scholars criticized him for exhuming the remains, saying he was venting his anger on the remains, which violated ancient customs. Only He Xiu of Rencheng likened him to Wu Zixu. Guo Linzong of Taiyuan remarked upon hearing this: "Although Wu Zixu fled for his life, he was later favored by the King of Wu, leveraged the power of Helu, and with the help of a powerful army, sought revenge. In no time, he desecrated the tomb and mutilated the corpses, but in the end, he did not personally kill the King of Wu, Fucha, for revenge. How can he be compared to Su Zi (referring to Bu Wei), who stood alone, facing formidable enemies, yet rose to the rank of Nine Ministers? In such heavily guarded places as the city gates, palaces, and forbidden gardens, not a speck of dust or dew could touch him. In his quest for revenge, Bu Wei disregarded his personal safety, took great risks, and nearly jeopardized his family; although he ultimately failed, his resolve for revenge ran deep. Moreover, he also cut off the heads of his enemies, employing this extreme method to provoke the living and cursing them to a miserable fate. This could be seen as invoking divine power against him. His strength was only that of an ordinary man, yet he achieved feats worthy of a thousand chariots. Compared to Wu Yuan, isn't he even better?" Consequently, everyone who discussed this topic admired Bu Wei.
It is said that Prime Minister Chen Fan wanted to appoint him as an official, but he did not agree. Later, he became the county's Five Officials. At first, Zhang Huan from Hongnong had a good relationship with the Su family, and Duan Feng from Wuwei was also on good terms with Su Hao. However, Zhang Huan and Duan Feng eventually had a falling out. When Duan Feng became the Colonel of the Inspectorate, he politely invited Su Wei to take office, but Su Wei, fearing him, pretended to be ill and did not attend. Duan Feng, who already held a grudge against Zhang Huan, became even angrier and brought up past grievances, saying that Su Wei had helped Su Hao before, and that Su Hao had submitted a memorial to the court claiming to be very modest, but was killed. This was fate's doing, but Su Wei resented him for it. He also had some people in Chang'an report Su Wei, saying that he was too friendly with guests and seized his uncle's property, and then sent Zhang Xian and others to assassinate Su Wei at his home. Duan Feng also poisoned Zhang Xian's father first, saying, "If Zhang Xian cannot kill Su Wei, you will drink this poisoned drink." When Zhang Xian arrived in Fufeng, the county magistrate of Fufeng asked Su Wei to greet Zhang Xian. As a result, he was immediately arrested. Over sixty members of Su Wei's family were killed, and the Su family fell into decline as a result. Later, Duan Feng was killed by Yang Qiu, and people everywhere said this was the Su family's revenge.
Yang Xu, whose courtesy name was Xingzu, was from Pingyang, located at the foot of Mount Tai. His ancestors for seven generations held high official positions, with his grandfather, Yang Qin, serving as the Colonel Director of Retainers under Emperor An, and his father, Yang Ru, serving as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies under Emperor Huan. Because he was a loyal subject, Yang Xu was appointed as a court official. After resigning, he was invited by the Grand General Dou Wu to work in his household. After Dou Wu's defeat, Yang Xu, being associated with him, was imprisoned for over a decade, leading a quiet life at home. When the political restrictions were lifted, he was invited to work at the Grand Commander's office, where he was promoted four times in quick succession and eventually became the Prefect of Lujiang. Later, when the Yellow Turban rebels besieged Shu County in Yangzhou, setting the city ablaze, Yang Xu organized all men above the age of twenty in the county to take up arms and defend the county. Younger and weaker individuals were assigned to fetch water and extinguish the fires. He mobilized tens of thousands of people, fought valiantly, and ultimately secured a great victory, restoring order in the county. Subsequently, when bandits led by Daifeng rebelled in the Anfeng region, Yang Xu defeated them, beheading over three thousand bandits and capturing their leader alive. He treated the remaining bandits as ordinary civilians, distributing farming tools to them and encouraging them to take up farming.
In the year 178 AD, a soldier named Zhao Ci from Jiangxia rebelled, killed Qin Jie, the Prefect of Nanyang, and captured six counties. The court appointed Xu as the new Prefect of Nanyang. Upon taking office, Xu did not make a grand display, but instead wore old clothes, accompanied only by a young servant, to quietly observe the situation in each county and gauge the people's sentiments before officially taking office. The greedy officials and cunning people had already heard about Xu's situation, instilling fear throughout the Nanyang commandery. Xu led troops to attack Zhao Ci together with the Inspector of Jingzhou, Wang Min, and secured a resounding victory, killing Zhao Ci and capturing over 5,000 enemy combatants, while the remaining rebels surrendered. Xu reported to the court, requesting forgiveness for those who participated in the rebellion but had less serious offenses. After pacifying the rebellion, Xu issued edicts to alleviate the people's suffering, and the people of Nanyang all greatly supported him.
Xu strongly disdained the lavish lifestyles of the wealthy and powerful families, always wearing old clothes, eating simple food, and using old and worn-out vehicles. The magistrate had once sent him some fresh fish that Xu hung in his courtyard; when the magistrate sent more fish later, Xu took out the previous ones to show him, politely rejecting the gesture. Once, Xu's wife and son came to the county office, but Xu chose not to see his wife, opting to stay with his son instead. Their belongings consisted of just a few old quilts, some salt, and a small amount of wheat. Xu warned his son, "If I live so simply, how could I possibly provide for your mother?" and then sent his son and wife back to their home.
In the year 181 AD, Emperor Ling of Han wanted to appoint Xu as the Grand Commandant. At that time, those appointed as the Three Dukes had to present a large sum of money as a gift to the Eastern Park, and the court would send eunuchs to oversee the process. This money was referred to as "Zuozou." Those appointed would receive various privileges and bribes. However, Xu had someone sit on a humble mat, pointing to the coarse robe he was wearing, and said, "This is all I have." The eunuch reported this to Emperor Ling, who took offense, and as a result, Xu was not able to become the Grand Commandant. Later, the court summoned Xu to serve as the Minister of Ceremonies, but before he could take office, he fell ill and passed away at the age of forty-eight. Before his death, he instructed his family to give him a simple burial and not accept any funeral gifts. According to tradition, when a third-rank official passed away, the court would grant them one million coins. However, the Prefect Jiao Jian followed Xu's wishes and refused to accept any money. The court issued an edict praising Xu and ordered the Governor of Taishan to reward Xu's family with funds from the treasury.
Jia Cong, with the courtesy name Mengjian, was from Liaocheng in Dong Commandery. He was recommended as filial and later promoted to Intendant of Jingzhao, where he achieved notable accomplishments.
The region of Jiaozhi produces many treasures such as pearls, kingfisher feathers, rhinoceros horns, ivory, tortoiseshell, exotic woods and fragrant materials, all of which are local specialties. However, the previous governors were all corrupt, flattering the powerful above and accepting bribes below, amassing wealth and constantly seeking promotion at every opportunity. This resulted in widespread discontent among the populace, eventually leading to a rebellion. In the first year of Zhongping, the garrison in Jiaozhi mutinied, capturing the governor and the Prefect of Hepu, and even self-styled as the "Pillar of Heaven General"! Upon hearing this, Emperor Ling swiftly selected competent officials from the Three Offices and ultimately appointed Liu Cong as the Governor of Jiaozhi.
When Liu Cong arrived in Jiaozhi, he investigated the reasons for the rebellion. Everyone said that the taxes were too heavy, the common folks were so impoverished they could barely put food on the table, and they were far from the capital with no place to complain. They couldn't live like this, so they turned to banditry. Liu Cong immediately issued a public notice, urging everyone to live peacefully, granting amnesty to those who had scattered, dealing with the bandit leaders, and selecting a few good officials to serve as county magistrates. In less than a year, the rebellion was quelled, and the common folks enjoyed a peaceful and happy life. People were singing in the streets: "Jia Fu, the former governor, arrived late, allowing us to rebel first; now that we see this era of peace and prosperity, the officials dare not be corrupt anymore!" Liu Cong served as governor of Jiaozhi for three years, ranking first in performance across the thirteen provinces. The emperor called him back to the capital and appointed him as a court official.
Just after the Yellow Turban Rebellion was quelled, the taxes in various counties were increased, leading to various forms of corruption. The court ordered the removal of governors and two-thousand-stone officials, and the selection of honest and capable officials. Liu Cong was appointed as the governor of Jizhou. According to the old rules, when a governor takes office, he should be greeted with a magnificent carriage adorned with red curtains. However, when Liu Cong took office, he declared as soon as he climbed into the carriage: "A governor should investigate everywhere, listen widely to opinions, distinguish right from wrong, and there’s no reason to hide anything." Then he had the curtain lifted by the coachman. When the cities in Jizhou caught wind of this, they all showed him respect. Those corrupt officials quickly resigned upon hearing the news; only Yingtou County magistrate Dong Zhao and Guanjin County magistrate Huang stayed to await Liu Cong, and just like that, Jizhou was stabilized.
Later, Emperor Ling died, and the Grand General He Jin recommended Liu Cong to be the General of the Northern Expedition, and he ultimately met his end while in office. "Jia Fu showed up late, which forced me to rebel; now that there’s peace, officials dare not be corrupt."
Lu Kang, courtesy name Jining, was a native of Wu County in Wu Commandery. His grandfather, Lu Xu, is mentioned in "The Biography of a Solitary Traveler." His father, Lu Bao, was quite ambitious and was called to serve as an official several times, but he never went. When Lu Kang was young, he became an official in the commandery, known for his integrity and chivalrous spirit. The Inspector Zang Min recommended him as a talented individual, and he was later appointed as the magistrate of Gaocheng County. Gaocheng County was located on the border, and the magistrate mandated that every household keep bows and crossbows for emergencies, restricting free movement. Previous officials often compelled the people to repair the city walls whenever they took office. After Lu Kang took office, he canceled all these regulations, to the great relief of the people. He governed the region with kindness and integrity, resulting in a significant drop in crime, and his achievements were reported to the authorities. In the first year of the Guanghe era, he was promoted to Wuling's Administrator, and later successively served as the Administrators of Guiyang and Le'an, earning acclaim wherever he served.
At that time, Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty wanted to cast bronze figures, but the treasury was nearly empty. He ordered the people to levy a tax of ten coins per mu of land. However, there were years of persistent drought and flooding, resulting in poor harvests and great hardships for the people. Lu Kang submitted a memorial in which he advised, "I have heard that in ancient times, the most crucial duty of a wise monarch is to care for the people, reduce burdens and taxes, and bring peace to the world; to eliminate complexities and promote simplicity, leading the people to submit and auspicious signs to emerge. In the end times, incompetent monarchs indulge in endless production, constantly creating new systems, causing the people to toil excessively, only to satisfy their own desires. The people are filled with grievances, and even the heavens and earth are shaken. Your Majesty has inherited the sacred virtue bestowed by heaven and should vigorously promote education, but instead orders the collection of land taxes and the casting of bronze figures. After reading the decree, I am deeply saddened and greatly troubled. In ancient times, the tax rate was one-tenth of the harvest, known as 'che,' which means 'thoroughfare,' indicating that this system can be passed down through the ages. However, Duke Xuan of Lu collected land taxes and brought locust plagues; Duke Ai increased taxes, and even Confucius criticized him. Can one forcibly take the people's wealth to cast useless bronze figures? Can one abandon the teachings of wise rulers and walk the path of a doomed monarch? The ancient books say, 'The deeds of monarchs should be recorded. If the recorded deeds do not conform to the law, what can future generations possibly learn from this?' Your Majesty should reflect seriously, correct your mistakes, and choose better practices to appease the people's grievances." After the memorial was submitted, someone in the palace maliciously accused Lu Kang of disrespect, claiming he compared wise monarchs to doomed monarchs using examples of other countries. He was then taken in a prisoner’s cart to the court. The Imperial Censor Liu Dai was in charge of the case. Liu Dai submitted an explanation of the situation, and in the end, Lu Kang was acquitted and allowed to return home. Later, he was summoned again to serve as a court official.
The bandits from Lujiang, led by Huang Rang, allied with the barbarian tribes of Jiangxia, raising an army of over one hundred thousand, capturing four counties, and then proclaiming themselves the Prefect of Lujiang. After Kang (Kang Cheng) was appointed as the Prefect of Lujiang, he established clear rewards and punishments, defeated Huang Rang and others, and the remaining bandits surrendered. The Emperor was very pleased with Kang Cheng's accomplishments and promoted his grandson, Sun Shang, to be a court official.
After Emperor Xian ascended the throne, chaos spread throughout the country. Kang Cheng, at great risk, sent filial officials to offer tribute to the court, and the court issued an edict commending his achievements, also bestowing upon him the title of General of Loyalty and Righteousness, with an official rank equivalent to Middle Two Thousand Stones (a senior official). At that time, Yuan Shu was stationed in Shouchun with his soldiers starving, so he sent people to Kang Cheng for food and weapons. Kang Cheng viewed Yuan Shu as a rebel, so he refused to provide assistance and strengthened the city's defenses, preparing to resist Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu was very angry and sent his general, Sun Ce, to attack Kang Cheng, surrounding the city with multiple layers of siege. Kang Cheng held the city under siege, and even when some officials and soldiers took leave to rest at home, they all sneaked back in the middle of the night, climbing the city walls to enter the city.
Kang Cheng resisted Yuan Shu for two years, but eventually, the city was breached. One month later, he fell ill and passed away at the age of seventy. Over a hundred members of his family, facing war and famine, nearly half of them perished. The court sympathized with his loyalty to duty and appointed his son, Kang Jun, as a court official in his stead.
Kang Cheng's youngest son, Kang Ji, later became the Prefect of Yulin in the Wu Kingdom, renowned for his profound knowledge and outstanding achievements; he was quite well-known at the time. When he was young, he even visited Yuan Shu, the child from the well-known story about the oranges, which was quite famous at that time.
Praise: Ji Mu, the Guardian of Shuo Fan, Xin Li, the Establishment of Youth. Poetry defends the South Chu; people gossip. Racing in a single horse-drawn carriage, able to manage even a broken axle. Fan is surrounded by friends; Tang depends on his strong arms. The two Sus are strong and determined; Yang and Jia are both skilled. Ji Ning refuses to take the reins; the city falls and the chariot is wrecked.
