Ma Yuan, courtesy name Wenyuan, was a native of Maoling in Fufeng. His ancestor Zhao She was a general of the Zhao state, known as Marquis Fu of Ma, and his descendants all took the surname Ma. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the Ma family moved from Handan to Maoling, holding official positions above the rank of 2,000 shi (an ancient Chinese unit of measurement for grain). Ma Yuan's great-grandfather, Ma Tong, was granted the title of Marquis of Chonghe for his contributions, but was later implicated and killed due to his brother Ma Heluo's rebellion, so Ma Yuan's family did not hold much renown for several generations. Ma Yuan's three brothers, Ma Kuang, Ma Yu, and Ma Yuan, were all outstanding and held official positions of 2,000 shi during the Wang Mang period. Ma Yuan became an orphan at the age of twelve and had lofty ambitions from a young age, which took his brothers by surprise. He once studied the "Qi Shi" but found memorizing verses meaningless, so he said goodbye to his brother Ma Kuang, aspiring to go to the border region to herd cattle. Ma Kuang said, "You are very talented and will definitely achieve great things in the future. A skilled craftsman doesn’t show unfinished work to others. You should do what you like." Later, Ma Kuang passed away, and Ma Yuan mourned for a year without leaving the grave; he was very filial to his widowed sister-in-law, refusing to enter her room without wearing a hat. Later, he became the county courier supervisor, escorting prisoners to the Ministry of Justice. He released a prisoner who had committed serious crimes out of compassion, then fled to the northern region. When there was a general amnesty, he stayed in the northern region to herd animals, and many guests sought refuge with him. He oversaw hundreds of households in the regions of Longxi and Hanzhong, often telling his guests, "A man with great ambition needs to stay strong during tough times and keep his dreams alive even in old age." He herded cattle and sheep, eventually owning thousands of cattle, horses, and sheep, as well as tens of thousands of bushels of grain stored. Later, he reflected and said, "Accumulating wealth is valuable only if it can be used to help others; otherwise, it’s just hoarding wealth." So he distributed his wealth to his brothers, relatives, and friends, wearing only sheepskin coats and leather pants himself.
In the final years of Wang Mang, the world was in chaos. Wang Mang's brother, General Wei Lin Guang, recruited talents and hired Ma Yuan and Yuan She, who were from the same county, as his staff, and recommended them to Wang Mang. Wang Mang appointed Yuan She as the Grand Administrator of Zhenrong and Ma Yuan as the Grand Administrator of Xincheng. After Wang Mang's failure, Ma Yuan's brother, Ma Yuan, was the leader of Zengshan Lian at the time. He and Ma Yuan fled to Liangzhou for refuge. After Liu Xiu ascended the throne as Emperor Guangwu of Han, Ma Yuan first traveled to Luoyang. The emperor ordered Ma Yuan to return to his county to resume his official duties, and later Ma Yuan died in office. Ma Yuan stayed in the Western Region, where Generals Xiao and Wei greatly respected him, appointing him as the General of Suide and allowing him to participate in military decisions.
At that time, Gongsun Shu proclaimed himself emperor in the Shu region, and Xiao sent Wang Yuan to assess the situation. Wang Yuan and Gongsun Shu were fellow villagers with a good relationship. He believed that upon his arrival, they would greet each other warmly as they had in the past. However, Gongsun Shu arranged a lavish reception and escorted him into the palace. After they exchanged formal greetings, Gongsun Shu invited Wang Yuan to stay at the guesthouse and specially prepared fine silk robes and a traditional cap for him. Later, Gongsun Shu summoned the officials to the ancestral hall and designated a seat for Wang Yuan among his old friends. Gongsun Shu hosted Wang Yuan and the officials with great ceremony, even planning to appoint Wang Yuan as the Grand General. The guests were all happy and wanted to stay, but Wang Yuan explained to them, "The situation in the world has not yet stabilized. Gongsun Shu is so eager to welcome talents and discuss major events with them, instead of focusing on these superficial displays like a puppet. What can this young man possibly accomplish? Will he be able to win the people's support?" After saying goodbye, he returned and told Xiao, "Gongsun Shu is merely a frog at the bottom of a well, still full of himself. You should keep your attention on the situation in the east."
In the winter of the fourth year of the Jianwu era, Xiao sent Wang Yuan to Luoyang with a letter. Upon arriving in Luoyang, Wang Yuan was summoned to the Xuande Hall by the emperor. Emperor Guangwu smiled and said to Wang Yuan, "You are moving between two emperors, and seeing you today truly makes me feel inadequate!" Wang Yuan quickly thanked him and said, "In the present era, it is not only the monarch who chooses his subjects, but the subjects also choose their monarch! Gongsun Shu and I are from the same county and have known each other since childhood. When I went to Shu before, Gongsun Shu put on quite a show before seeing me. But this time, having traveled from afar, Your Majesty did not doubt for a moment that I might be an assassin or a spy. Such trust is genuinely touching!" The emperor smiled again, "You're no assassin; you're a skilled negotiator!" Wang Yuan said, "The world is in turmoil, with countless pretenders to the throne. Now that I see Your Majesty, your openness and generosity, just like Emperor Gaozu of old, I realize that a true emperor possesses distinct qualities." The emperor held Wang Yuan in high regard. Later, Wang Yuan accompanied the emperor south to Li Bing and then to the East Sea. Upon returning, he was appointed to an official position, and Emperor Guangwu even sent a high-ranking official to escort Wang Yuan back to his hometown in Longyou.
Kuai Xiao and Wang Yuan spent all day together, asking about the rumors circulating in the east and the situation in the capital. Wang Yuan told Kuai Xiao, "I went to the court before; the emperor met with me several times, and each time we spoke, it lasted from night until dawn. The emperor is wise and decisive, with exceptional military skills that set him apart. He is honest, open-minded, and possesses great integrity, somewhat akin to Emperor Gaozu. His knowledge is profound, and he handles government affairs with eloquence. He is very articulate—qualities that previous emperors cannot compare to." Kuai Xiao asked, "Do you think he measures up to Emperor Gaozu?" Wang Yuan replied, "He cannot. Emperor Gaozu was capable of anything and never forced his will on others; the current emperor prefers to adhere to rules, has a methodical approach to actions, and does not like to drink." Kuai Xiao was displeased and responded, "So you're saying that being inconsistent is worse than being evil?" Despite this, he still trusted Wang Yuan and sent his eldest son, Kuai Xun, to Luoyang as a hostage. Wang Yuan accompanied him to Luoyang with his family.
I had been living in Luoyang for several months without holding any other official position. Wang Yuan felt that the Sanfu region had fertile and expansive land, but he had many guests with him, so he submitted a memorial requesting to cultivate farmland in the Royal Shanglin Garden, and the emperor agreed. During this time, Wei Xiao heard Wang Yuan's ideas and started to waver once more. Wang Yuan wrote several letters to admonish Wei Xiao, who felt betrayed by Wang Yuan. After receiving the letters, Wei Xiao became even angrier and later rebelled against the Han dynasty. Wang Yuan wrote in a memorial, "I, Wang Yuan, consider myself to have sought refuge with the emperor and served Your Majesty. I have no qualifications to assist the court or serve at the emperor's side. I did not actively seek anything, so how could Your Majesty have heard of me? I cannot act in ways that seem excessive upfront or inconvenient behind the scenes, or make enemies without causing trouble. These are things that shame me. That's why I took the risk of offending the emperor's taboos and risked my life to state my loyalty. Wei Xiao and I were good friends. Initially, Xiao sent me to the east and said, 'I originally wanted to submit to the Han dynasty, and I want you to see the situation. If you think it's possible, go all out.' When I returned, I sincerely reported to him, hoping to guide him to do good, not deceive him by improper means. But Wei Xiao was treacherous in his heart, repaid kindness with enmity, and all his resentment ultimately fell on me. I don't want to speak, but I have no way to report upwards. I humbly request permission to present myself before Your Majesty, elaborate on the strategy for eliminating Wei Xiao, quell the Xiongnu rebellion, and then allow me to retire to the countryside, dying with no regrets."
The emperor summoned Wang Yuan to discuss this matter in detail. The emperor then sent Wang Yuan to lead five thousand cavalry troops to persuade the generals under Wei Xiao, such as Gao Jun and Ren Yu, as well as the leaders of the Qiang tribe, to explain the stakes and sow discord among Wei Xiao's supporters. Wang Yuan also wrote a letter to Yang Guang, a general under Wei Xiao, urging him to persuade Wei Xiao:
Chunqing, how are you? Since we parted in Jina, there has been no news. After returning to Chang'an, I was left in Shanglin Park. I found that the world has been pacified, and the people are living in peace and contentment. Only the Ji Meng brothers are isolating themselves and resisting the court, becoming a typical rebellion in the world. I am always worried that people in the world will hate them deeply and want to tear them apart, so I am writing to you to persuade them. But I heard that the Ji Meng brothers blamed everything on me and believed the flattering words of Wang Youweng, thinking that they could easily take over west of Hangu Pass. It's laughable now!
When I passed through Henan, I visited Bochun and met his servant Ji, who had just returned from the west and said that Bochun's brother Zhongshu saw Ji and wanted to ask about Bochun, but couldn't say a word and cried all day in overwhelming grief. Ji also described the miserable scene in Bochun's house, which words cannot capture. Hatred is like a knife; it can hurt people but cannot be erased. When I heard this, I couldn't help but shed tears. I've always known that the Ji Meng brothers are very filial to their parents, even more so than Zeng Can and Min Ziqian. Since they are so filial to their parents, wouldn't they love their own children? Would they behave like children clinging to three sticks, jumping around and fighting over food?
The two brothers, Ji and Meng, used to say that they maintained a strong military force to defend their parents' country, protect their ancestors' tombs, and honor scholars and officials. But now, what they wish to defend is on the verge of destruction, what they wish to protect is being threatened, and the people they wish to honor are abandoning them. Ji once refused the title offered by Ziyang, but now he wants to join forces with Lulu. Where does that leave his dignity? If we attempt to persuade them with lavish gifts once more, where can we find such a high price? Ziyang wanted to treat you with noble etiquette, but you refused; now that you are older, do you still want to share the same hardships with insignificant people and serve as an official alongside enemies? A true man accepts death; what is there to regret? The court has high expectations of you now; you should counsel Ji and Meng alongside Niu Juqing and other senior ministers. If they refuse to listen, we may have no choice but to take them away. I have previously examined a map; there are a total of 106 counties in the world. How do they believe they can contend with the other 104 counties with only two? Your relationship with Ji and Meng is that of ruler and subject on the surface, but also that of friends in reality. If you are a ruler, you should advise; if you are friends, you should communicate with each other. How can you merely sigh and stand by while knowing their actions will lead to failure? There’s still time to devise a solid solution now, but if you miss this opportunity, it will be difficult to have such a chance again. Furthermore, your uncle is highly respected in the court, and the court values him greatly; he has always spoken up for the Western region. I urge the court to establish trust with you; they will definitely not break their promise. I cannot stay long; I hope you reply soon. Guang paid him no mind at all.
After eight years, the emperor personally led a campaign from the west to subdue the arrogant and overbearing Wei Xiao, and reached Qi County. Many generals believed the army was strong enough not to venture into dangerous territory, but after much discussion, they couldn't come up with a solid plan. At that moment, Ma Yuan arrived at night. The emperor was thrilled and quickly invited him in to share everyone's thoughts. Ma Yuan pointed out that Wei Xiao's generals were demoralized, like a collapsing wall, and as long as we deployed our troops, we would surely defeat him. He even used piles of rice to illustrate valleys for the emperor, pointing out the terrain and explaining the twists and turns of the army's routes in and out, analyzing it clearly and straightforwardly. The emperor joyfully declared, "The enemy is already under my control!" The next day, the army advanced to the front lines, and Wei Xiao's forces were routed.
Nine years later, the emperor appointed Ma Yuan as the Grand Minister, to oversee other generals alongside Lai She to pacify Liangzhou. Since the end of Wang Mang's reign, the Western Qiang have been constantly harassing the border, even settling in the frontier and occupying many counties near Jincheng. Lai She reported that the Longxi region was heavily troubled by the Qiang, and only Ma Yuan could pacify them. In the summer of the eleventh year, the emperor appointed Ma Yuan as the Prefect of Longxi via an imperial decree. Ma Yuan led three thousand infantry and cavalry to defeat the Xianling Qiang at Linzhao, killing hundreds and seizing tens of thousands of cattle, sheep, and horses. Over eight thousand Qiang outside the border surrendered to Ma Yuan, and tens of thousands of Qiang gathered to loot and plunder, blocking the Haowei Pass. Ma Yuan and General Yangwu Ma Cheng attacked them together. The Qiang relocated their families and belongings to Yunwu Valley for shelter, so Ma Yuan secretly flanked them and struck their camp. The Qiang were terrified and fled to Tangyi Valley, but Ma Yuan pursued them. The Qiang concentrated their best troops on the northern mountain, while Ma Yuan positioned his army at the foot of the mountain and sent hundreds of cavalry to attack them from behind. Taking advantage of the night, they lit fires, beat drums, and shouted, causing the Qiang to be completely defeated with over a thousand killed. Due to limited forces, Ma Yuan could not continue the pursuit, so he seized their food and livestock before returning. Ma Yuan was struck in the leg by an arrow during the battle, and the emperor sent a special imperial decree to commend him, rewarding him with thousands of cattle and sheep, which Ma Yuan generously distributed among his subordinates.
At that time, the court ministers believed that Jincheng was too distant from the territory of the Qiang people and that the route was fraught with bandits, suggesting that Jincheng be abandoned. However, Ma Yuan presented in his memorial that most of the cities to the west of Jincheng were largely intact and easily defensible, as well as fertile land and convenient irrigation. If the Qiang people were left in the Huangzhong area, they would continue to cause trouble; therefore, Jincheng must not be abandoned. The emperor agreed with Ma Yuan's suggestion and ordered the magistrate of Wuwei to send all the refugees in Jincheng back to their original hometowns. Over three thousand households returned to their homeland, and Ma Yuan requested the court to set up local officials in Jincheng, repair the city walls, build fortresses, cultivate farmland, and encourage farming and herding, which resulted in Jincheng County quickly regaining a state of peace and harmony. He also sent the Qiang tribal leader Yang Feng to persuade the Qiang people beyond the borders, many of whom expressed a willingness to reconcile with the court. In addition, the Di people of Wudu surrendered in dissatisfaction with Gongsun Shu's rule, and Ma Yuan restored their titles of marquis and chieftain individually, and the emperor approved them all. Thus, Ma Yuan abolished the title of Marquis Chengjun.
Thirteen years later, the Canlang Qiang of Wudu and some other tribes began to stir up trouble again by killing local officials. Ma Yuan led more than four thousand troops to quell them. Upon arriving at Dadao County, he discovered that the Qiang people had taken control of the advantageous mountainous terrain. Ma Yuan ordered his troops to take advantageous positions, cut off the Qiang people's access to water and grazing, and avoid direct confrontation. The Qiang people soon found themselves in a predicament, with tens of thousands of households fleeing to the border, while the remaining thousands of Qiang people surrendered. As a result, the Longyou region finally achieved peace once more.
Ma Yuan was very open-minded and warm-hearted. He had great trust in his subordinates, only focusing on the big picture and delegating specific tasks to them. As a result, his door was always open to guests. Various departments often reported insignificant matters to him, but Ma Yuan always said, "These are the duties of the officials and clerks, why trouble me? Let me enjoy some leisure and take a stroll, can't I? If there are wealthy households oppressing the common people or cunning Qiang people causing trouble, then that's the magistrate's responsibility!"
One time, an incident of retaliation occurred in a neighboring county, causing panic among officials and residents who feared a rebellion by the Qiang, and they all fled into the city. The magistrate of Didaoxian rushed to Ma Yuan's residence, requesting to close the city gates and deploy troops to quell the unrest. At that time, Ma Yuan was drinking with guests, and he let out a hearty laugh, saying, "Those Qiang people who plunder and kill wouldn't dare to come back and challenge me. Go back and tell the magistrate of Didaoxian to stay home and not worry; if they're really scared, they can just hide under the bed." Eventually, the situation calmed down, and the entire county admired Ma Yuan's bravery and generosity. Ma Yuan served in Jincheng County for six years before being summoned by the court to serve as a General of the Imperial Guard.
Initially, General Fubo Ma Yuan wrote to the emperor in Longxi, suggesting that the minting of five-zhu coins should continue as before. This proposal was first sent to the Three Departments (Ministries of Personnel, Rites, and War) for discussion, but they deemed it unfeasible and set the matter aside. Later, when Ma Yuan returned to the capital, he retrieved the reasons for the rejection from the government offices. There were over ten reasons! He addressed each reason in detail and wrote a new memorial to the emperor. This time, the emperor was convinced, which ultimately benefited the entire nation.
After Ma Yuan returned to the capital, the Emperor frequently summoned him. Ma Yuan had a vibrant appearance, with glossy black hair and beard, handsome eyebrows and eyes, and spoke in a very organized manner. He was especially skilled at telling historical stories. When he spoke, everyone, from important figures in the capital to young men in the countryside, listened intently. Even the Crown Prince and other princes were captivated by his stories, never feeling weary. Moreover, Ma Yuan was well-versed in military strategy, and the Emperor often said, "General Fubo's military tactics align with my thoughts!" Almost every time the Emperor had a military plan, he would always consult Ma Yuan.
Later, a man named Weisi claimed to be a deity and had hundreds of disciples, but was executed for inciting rebellion. After his death, his disciples, including Li Guang, falsely claimed that Weisi had achieved immortality and was still alive, deceiving the people. In the 17th year of Jianwu, Li Guang and his followers gathered a following, captured a city, killed the Marquis of Xun, Liu Min, and proclaimed himself the "Great Master of Mount Nan Yue." The court sent Zhang Zong with thousands of soldiers to suppress them, but Li Guang defeated them. The court had no choice but to send Ma Yuan to gather troops from various counties, totaling more than ten thousand soldiers, to defeat Li Guang and kill him.
In another incident, the women of Jiaozhi, Zheng Ce and her sister Zheng Er, rebelled, captured their county city, and the local tribes of Jiu Zhen, Rinan, and Hepu supported them, plundering more than sixty cities in Lingnan, with Zheng Ce proclaiming herself their queen. The court appointed Ma Yuan as General of Fubo, along with Marquis Fulue Liu Long as the deputy general, leading Navy General Duan Zhi and others to march south to suppress Jiaozhi. When the army reached Hepu, Duan Zhi fell ill and died, so the court then ordered Ma Yuan to take command of the troops. Ma Yuan then advanced along the coast, clearing the way and building roads, traveling over a thousand miles.
In the spring of the eighteenth year of the era, the army arrived at Langpo, fought with the enemy, defeated them, beheaded several thousand enemies, and had over ten thousand surrender. Ma Yuan pursued Zheng Ce and others to Jinxi, defeated them several times, and the bandits scattered and fled. In the second year of January, Ma Yuan killed Zheng Ce and Zheng Er and sent their heads to Luoyang. The court granted Ma Yuan the title of Marquis of Xinxin, with a fief of three thousand households. Ma Yuan slaughtered cattle to treat the troops and lightly remarked to his men, "My younger brother Shaoyou always sighs for me, saying that I have great ambitions and a hasty temper, and that people live their lives; as long as they can eat well, dress warmly, ride a good horse, hold a small official position, guard the ancestral tomb, and be praised by the villagers, that's enough; why strive for more? It only makes life harder."
"When I was in Langpo and Xili, the enemy had not been eliminated yet; it was rainy, foggy, and filled with toxic fumes, and even eagles couldn't soar. As I lay there, I remembered my brother Shaoyou's words; at that time, I really felt it was impossible to achieve! Now, thanks to the efforts of all the soldiers and the emperor's favor, allowing me to wear the golden seal and purple ribbon ahead of my peers, I am both happy and ashamed!" The officers and soldiers all knelt and shouted, "Long live!"
Ma Yuan led more than two thousand boats and over twenty thousand soldiers to attack the remnants of the Nine Zhen bandits, led by Zheng Ce, from Wugong to Jufeng, capturing more than five thousand people and bringing peace to the entire Lingnan region. Ma Yuan reported that Xiyu County had a population of thirty-two thousand, more than a thousand li from the capital, and requested to split Xiyu County into two new counties: Fengxi and Wanghai, which the court granted. Wherever Ma Yuan went, he constructed city walls and dug irrigation canals, making life easier for the locals. He also resolved the conflicts between the Yue laws and Han laws, with more than ten conflicting regulations, explaining the old system to the Yue people to guide them. From that point forward, the Luo Yue region adhered to the system set by General Ma.
In the autumn of the twentieth year of the reign, Ma Yuan led his army back to the capital city. Around one-fifth of the soldiers perished from miasma and plague. The court honored Ma Yuan with a military chariot. When he was received by the emperor, he was seated behind the Nine Ministers.
I excel in horseback riding and have a keen eye for selecting fine horses. I acquired a bronze drum from the Luo Yue people in Jiaozhi and used it to craft a model of a horse, which I presented to the emperor. I stated, "In the heavens, nothing surpasses the dragon; on the earth, nothing surpasses the horse. Horses are essential to the military and serve a vital role in the nation. In times of peace, they can be used to distinguish ranks; in times of war, they can help solve difficulties near and far. In ancient times, there was the Thousand Li Horse, capable of running a thousand li in a single day. Bo Le could recognize it at first sight without doubt. In recent times, Xi Hezi Yu was also skilled in horse identification. Yu passed his skill to Xihexi Changru, who passed it to Maoling Dingjundu, who passed it to Chengji Yangzi A. I had the privilege of studying under Yangzi A, where I learned his method for identifying horse skeletal structures. I have practiced based on these methods and have found them effective. I believe that firsthand experience is superior to hearsay, and examining real objects is far better than merely viewing illustrations. If one were to use a live horse to make a model, it would be difficult to fully represent the horse's skeletal structure and pass it on to future generations. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowu of the Han Dynasty, Dongmen Jing, a master of horse identification, crafted a bronze model of a horse for the emperor. The emperor commanded that the bronze horse be erected outside the Luban Gate, which was subsequently renamed the Golden Horse Gate. I meticulously consulted Yishi's "Geqi", Zhongboshi's accounts of horse mouths and teeth, Xieshi's observations of horse lips and manes, and Dingshi's descriptions of horse bodies, integrating these diverse horse identification methods as the standard." This horse model stood three feet five inches tall and measured four feet five inches in circumference. The emperor commanded that it be displayed in the Xuan De Hall as the benchmark for a fine horse.
When I triumphantly returned home and was almost there, many old friends came to greet and congratulate me. Meng Ji, a famous strategist from Pingling, congratulated me at the banquet. I asked him, "I expected you to offer some insightful words, but you seem just like everyone else? In the past, General Fubo Lubode established seven counties and was only granted a few hundred households; while my modest contribution has earned me the reward of a large county. How can a modest contribution lead to such a large reward in the long run? Do you have any solutions to this problem?" Meng Ji said, "I am dull and cannot think of a solution." I said, "Now the Xiongnu and Wuhuan are still harassing the northern borders. I would like to volunteer to campaign against them. A true man should die fighting on the frontier, with his body wrapped in horsehide and brought back home for burial. How can one lie in bed and die at the hands of his children?" Meng Ji said, "You are truly a hero and should act accordingly!"
After more than a month, the Xiongnu and Wuhuan invaded Fufeng County, impacting the Sanfu region and threatening the Imperial Mausoleum. Therefore, Dou Yuan requested an expedition, and the Emperor agreed. He arrived in the capital in September and then marched to Xiangguo again in December. The Emperor also ordered all officials to see him off. Dou Yuan told the Yellow Gate Attendant Liang Song and Dou Gu, "As a person, you must know when to be noble and when to be humble. Those in high positions like you should not be arrogant, but should always remain humble and cautious. Remember my words." Liang Song later faced disaster due to his arrogance, and Dou Gu was almost implicated because of it.
In the autumn of the second year, Dou Yuan led three thousand cavalry from Gaoliu, passing through Yanmen, Daijun, Shanggu, and other border areas. When the Wuhuan leaders saw the Han army approaching, they scattered in fear, and Dou Yuan returned without capturing anyone.
Dou Yuan was once ill, and Liang Song came to visit him. He only bowed under the bed, but Dou Yuan ignored him. After Liang Song left, Dou Yuan's sons asked him, "Liang Song is the emperor's son-in-law, with great power in the court. All the court officials are afraid of him. Why didn't you bow to him, father?" Dou Yuan said, "Liang Song and I are old friends. Even if he is of high status, he cannot break the rules!" Liang Song held a grudge against him for this.
In the twenty-fourth year of the reign, General Liu Shang launched an attack on the Wuling region, deep into enemy territory, but the entire army was wiped out. Dou Yuan seized this opportunity to request another military campaign. At that time, he was already sixty-two years old. The emperor, considering his advanced age, initially refused. Dou Yuan requested himself, saying, "I can still wear armor and ride a horse!" The emperor allowed him to demonstrate his capability. Dou Yuan mounted his horse and surveyed the surroundings, proving he was still fit for duty. The emperor smiled and said, "What a spry old general!" Therefore, the emperor sent Dou Yuan to lead the generals Ma Wu, Geng Shu, Liu Kuang, Sun Yong, and others, commanding over forty thousand soldiers recruited from twelve counties, including those exempt from punishment, to attack the Five Creek barbarians. That night, Dou Yuan bid farewell to his send-off party and said to his friend Du Yin, "I have received great favor from the court, but I am old, and my days are numbered. I have always worried that I would not be able to sacrifice myself for the country. Now my wish is fulfilled; I die without regrets, but I worry that the officials' children or the accompanying soldiers will be hard to manage and cause trouble."
In the spring of the following year, the army arrived at Linxiang and encountered bandits who were attacking the county town. Dou Yuan fought back, defeating the enemy and killing or capturing over two thousand. The rest fled into the nearby bamboo forest.
Initially, the army was stationed in Xiajun, with two possible routes to take. The Hutou route was shorter, but the water was swift; the Chong route was flat, but the distance for transporting supplies was greater. The emperor was uncertain at that time. Upon the army's arrival, Geng Shu preferred the Chong route, but Yuan believed it would waste time and resources, suggesting a direct attack on Hutou to cut off the enemy's supply line, causing the enemy on the Chong side to collapse naturally. Yuan reported this strategy to the emperor, who adopted his advice. In March, the army was stationed at Hutou. The enemy clung to their advantageous positions, and the swift current made it impossible for boats to pass. Due to the scorching weather, many soldiers succumbed to illness, and Yuan fell ill as well. In a critical situation, he had to dig a pit on the shore to create a makeshift shelter to escape the heat. The enemy often climbed to high places to beat drums and shout, and Yuan dragged his sick body to watch, inspiring tears in those around him with his perseverance. Geng Shu wrote to his brother, Marquis Haozhi Yan, saying: "I previously suggested attacking Chong first, although it was difficult to transport supplies, the army could fully unleash its potential, and tens of thousands of soldiers were eager to attack first. Now, the army is unable to advance at Hutou, everyone is seething with frustration, many have died of illness, it’s truly disheartening! When we arrived at Linxiang before, the enemy inexplicably retreated; if we had launched a night attack, we could have wiped them out entirely. General Fubo is akin to the barbarians from the Western Regions, stopping at a place and repeatedly suffering defeats. Now the army is facing an outbreak of disease, just as I previously described." After receiving the letter, Yan presented it to the emperor. The emperor then dispatched General Liang Song of the Tiger Ben Zhonglang to swiftly interrogate Yuan and appointed him as the military supervisor in place of Yuan. Just as Yuan succumbed to his illness, Liang Song had long harbored a grudge against Yuan, so he took the opportunity to frame him. The emperor was enraged and revoked Yuan's title and seal as Marquis of Xinxin.
At first, my elder brother's children, Yan and Dun, were quite fond of criticizing others and associating with some frivolous knights. When I was in Jiaozhi, I wrote a letter home to warn them, saying, "I hope that when you hear others making mistakes, you treat it as if you were hearing your parents' names; you can hear it, but you mustn't speak of it. I dislike discussing the good and bad of others and making random judgments of right and wrong; this is what I hate the most. I would rather die than see my descendants behave like this. You know how much I detest this behavior, so I am telling you again, this is as simple as tying your shoelaces—repeating the advice of your parents so that you remember it forever."
"Long Bogao is honest, cautious, speaks carefully, humble, thrifty, and dignified. I hold him in high regard and care for him deeply; I hope you learn from him. Du Jiliang is bold and righteous; he cares for others and brings them joy, and he is very upright in his dealings with people. When his father passed away, many people from several counties came to pay their respects. I love him very much and value him greatly, but I do not want you to emulate him. If you can't emulate Bogao, at least you can become a cautious and orderly person, just like if you can't draw a swan, you can at least draw a duck; if you can't emulate Jiliang, you will become a frivolous person in the world, just like if you can't draw a tiger, you end up drawing a dog instead. Up to now, Jiliang's behavior has not been very good; the county magistrate glares at him with disdain, and people from the counties and prefectures come to lodge complaints. This often leaves me feeling disheartened, so I really don't want my descendants to follow in his footsteps."
Du Jiliang, also known as Bao, was a native of Jingzhao and served as the Commander of the Yuezhi at the time. Bao's enemy wrote a letter accusing him of "frivolous conduct that disturbed the populace and misled the people." General Fubo wrote a letter to his nephew warning him about Bao, while Liang Song and Dou Gu took advantage of this letter to associate with him, intending to encourage his frivolity and hypocrisy, and corrupt the world. After the memorial was submitted, the emperor summoned and questioned Liang Song and Dou Gu, showing them both the accusation letter and my warning letter. Liang Song and Dou Gu kowtowed in deep remorse, thus escaping punishment. The emperor ordered the dismissal of Bao's official position. Long Bogao, also known as Shu, was a native of Jingzhao and served as the Prefect of Shandu, later promoted to the position of Lingling Prefect.
Initially, Yan Yuan led troops in Jiaozhi, often eating coix seeds to keep his body light, reduce desires, and resist miasma. Coix seeds were plentiful in the south, and Yan Yuan wanted to bring some back for planting. When the army withdrew, he brought a cart of coix seeds. At that time, people regarded this as a rare treasure from the south, and officials and nobles were envious. Yan Yuan was favored by the emperor at that time, so no one dared to say anything. After his death, he was falsely accused in a memorial, claiming that the things he brought back were pearls, rhinoceros horns, and other treasures. Ma Wu, Hou Yu, and others also submitted memorials about this, angering the emperor even more. Yan Yuan's wife and children were too scared to transport his body back to his hometown for burial, so they hurriedly buried him on a small plot of land west of the city. Relatives and friends were too afraid to pay their respects.
Yan Yuan's wife and relatives of the Yan family tied themselves with grass ropes and went to the palace gate to plead guilty. It was only then that the emperor showed them the memorial, and they understood the nature of their offense. They then submitted six petitions filled with heartfelt and sorrowful pleas, finally being allowed to bury him properly. Furthermore, Zhu Bo, the former magistrate of Yunyang County and a fellow villager of Yan Yuan, also submitted a memorial to the emperor.
I heard that a wise king will not forget the contributions of others, will see the strengths of others, and will not demand perfection from everyone. Therefore, Emperor Gaozu pardoned Kuai Tong and gave Tian Heng a nobleman's burial. The ministers fully accepted this without any doubt. Generals leading troops often face attacks from internal factions, where minor mistakes are noted but great achievements are overlooked, which the state should handle with care. Thus, Zhang Han feared accountability and fled to Chu, while the generals of Yan held onto Liaocheng without surrendering. Are they really willing to accept defeat? All because of the tragedy caused by deceitful talk and false appearances!
I have heard the story of General Fubo, the Marquis Xinxi Hou, Ma Yuan. He was born in the western region, admired the emperor's virtues, and experienced countless hardships and dangers. Facing the risk of death, isolated and unsupported in the court, without a single helper by his side, he charged into the abyss, diving headfirst into danger. How could he even think about personal gains or losses? Did he ever imagine he would become an envoy for seven counties and earn the title of marquis?
Eight years later, the court launched a western expedition against Wei Xiao, and the country's major affairs were in disarray. The various military forces had yet to fully assemble, but Ma Yuan proposed a strategy for advancing, ultimately breaching the western defenses. When Wu Han attacked Longxi and the road was cut off, only the garrison at Didaocheng held firm; the soldiers and civilians inside the city were starving and in dire suffering, their lives hanging by a thread. Ma Yuan received orders to head to the western front to pacify the border people. He recruited heroes, enlightened them with reason, and enticed them with benefits, persuading the Qiang and Rong tribes. His strategies flowed like spring water, and his momentum rolled like a wheel, ultimately lifting the siege of Didaocheng and saving the city from imminent collapse. The army advanced intact, using enemy supplies, and Longxi and Jizhou were soon pacified. Meanwhile, Ma Yuan alone remained in the empty city, achieving victories in every campaign and triumphing in every advance. He once fought fiercely with the enemy in the Xianling area, deep in the valleys, fighting bravely, even getting shot in the leg by an arrow.
Later, he marched to Jiaozhi, where miasma filled the air, bidding farewell to his wife without a hint of regret. He ultimately killed the rebel leader Zheng Ce and pacified the entire province of Jiaozhi. He went on several more southern expeditions, capturing Linxiang. Although making progress in battle, he passed away at a young age; even as his soldiers succumbed to illness, Ma Yuan remained resolute. In warfare, some earn their accolades over time, while others falter by underestimating the enemy. Venturing deep into enemy territory isn't always advantageous, and holding your position isn't necessarily a disadvantage. Who would willingly remain stationed in a desolate and remote area without yearning to return home?
Ma Yuan served the court for twenty-two years, traveling from the northern deserts to the southern shores, risking his life for the country. However, he ultimately lost his reputation, title, and family fortune due to false accusations from three people. Despite the public being unaware of any wrongdoing, his family suffered immensely, even unable to bury him in the ancestral tomb. It is truly tragic that even loyal and honest individuals like Ma Yuan can fall victim to slander. I hope Your Majesty will heed the words of upright scholars and ensure that deserving ministers are not wronged, even in death. The "Spring and Autumn Annals" states that achievements can offset faults, and ancient wise kings would honor those who served well. I urge Your Majesty to carefully consider the merits and faults of your officials, forgive where warranted, and hold accountable where necessary, to fulfill the expectations of the people.
I'm sixty years old this year, and I've always been working honestly in the fields, thinking about Lu Bu's loyalty in mourning for Peng Yue. I risked it all to express my sorrow and anger, feeling extremely nervous, trembling even while standing at the palace gate. After submitting my memorial and receiving a reply, I returned to the fields.
Zhu Bo, whose courtesy name was Shuyang, could recite the 'Book of Songs' and the 'Book of Documents' by the age of twelve. He often served his brother Zhu Yuan. Zhu Bo wore a square-necked robe, walked steadily, and spoke elegantly. Although Zhu Yuan was somewhat educated, he felt inferior in Zhu Bo's presence. Zhu Yuan's older brother noticed his feelings and poured him a drink to comfort him, saying, "Zhu Bo, that kid, is talented but not very bright. His skills are pretty limited. He might even have to learn from you someday, so don't be afraid of him!" Before turning twenty, Zhu Bo was recommended to serve as the magistrate of Weicheng County. Later, Zhu Yuan became a general and was enfeoffed as a marquis, but Zhu Bo never rose above the position of county magistrate. Even though Zhu Yuan later held a very high official position, he was always polite to Zhu Bo, even a bit humble, and this made Zhu Bo respect him even more. Later on, Zhu Yuan was framed, but Zhu Bo stayed loyal to him. After Emperor Suzong took the throne, he posthumously awarded Zhu Bo's son two thousand bushels of grain.
At first, my brother's niece's husband, Wang Pan, the son of Wang Mang's cousin, Ping Ahou Ren, lived in his hometown with his substantial family wealth after Wang Mang's failure. Although he was principled and generous, he was well-known in the Jianghuai region. Later, he went to the capital and made friends with high-ranking officials like Wei Wei Yin Xing, Grand Secretary Zhu Fu, and Prince Qi Liu Zhang. At that time, I said to my nephew Cao Xun, "The Wang family is already a declining family. Wang Pan should keep a low profile and live a quiet life. Instead, he went to the capital to mingle with those big shots, acting superior and offending people left and right. At this rate, he will get into trouble sooner or later!" Sure enough, over a year later, Wang Pan was executed in prison in Luoyang because of his involvement with the Minister of Justice Su Ye and Ding Hong. Even more concerning is that Wang Pan's son Wang Su often frequents the imperial palace and the mansions of the nobles. I said to Sima Lv Zhong, "During the Jianwu period, they claimed the world was starting anew. From now on, the country ought to be at peace. But what worries me is that many royal children in the court are now grown up, but the court hasn't put preventive measures in place. If they mingle with too many people, it could easily lead to a major incident! You officials need to be careful!"
Later, Queen Guo passed away. Some people submitted a petition to the emperor, claiming that Wang Su and his descendants were from a family that had faced past punishments. They were associating with others in society, and if anything were to happen, it could lead to rebellions akin to those led by Guan Gao and Ren Zhang. The emperor was furious and ordered the arrest of the guests of these noble Wang family members across the country. These people implicated one another, and ultimately, over a thousand people were executed! Lv Zhong was also involved, and before he died, he sighed, "General Ma is truly extraordinary!" During the Yongping era, my daughter was appointed empress. Emperor Xianzong had portraits of renowned ministers and generals from the Jianwu era displayed on the Cloud Terrace, but my portrait was conspicuously absent. Upon seeing these portraits, Prince Dongping, Liu Cang, remarked, "Why isn't there a portrait of General Fubo?" The emperor smiled and remained silent. It wasn't until the seventeenth year of Yongping that my wife passed away, and only then did I finally restore her tomb and build a shrine for her. In the third year of Jianchu, Emperor Suzong posthumously conferred upon me the title of Zhongcheng Marquis. I had four sons: Liao, Fang, Guang, and Keqing. Keqing exhibited exceptional intelligence from a young age. By the age of six, he was able to engage in conversation with adults and entertain guests effortlessly. Once, a criminal on the run sought refuge in our home, and Keqing secretly hid him, keeping it hidden from everyone else. While he may have seemed somewhat slow on the surface, he was actually very sharp-witted. I held him in high regard and believed he had the potential to become an exceptional leader, so I named him "Keqing." Following my death, Keqing also died young.
Ma Yuan, who is well-known throughout the Sanfu region, has accomplished great things under the rule of two emperors. He is loyal, resourceful, and is eager to contribute to the country; this presents a rare and excellent opportunity. However, despite his skill in warning others to avoid disaster, he himself fell victim to the schemes of treacherous individuals. Is it inevitable that one faces such challenges when achieving fame and success? If one can put aside selfish desires, then planning will be wise; if one can act without considering personal gain, then judgment of right and wrong will be resolute. If one reflects on oneself by observing the outside world, one can understand others and see clearly into one's own heart.
Liao Jingping, who became a Langguan in his youth thanks to his father's connections, was appointed as the Left Commander of the Imperial Guards and the General of the Tiger Warriors after Empress Mingde was crowned as empress. Following the passing of Emperor Xianzong, he was entrusted with managing the palace as per the imperial decree, and later succeeded Zhao Xi as the Commandant of the Guards, gaining great respect from Emperor Suzong.
At that time, the Empress Dowager was known for her frugality and simple lifestyle. Liao Jingping was concerned that this good situation would not last, so he advised the Empress Dowager to continue upholding virtuous governance, stating:
"When I, as an official, reviewed the previous decrees, I found that the common people were suffering because of the extravagance and waste of the upper class. Therefore, Emperor Yuan abolished the luxurious clothing of officials, Emperor Cheng washed his own clothes, and Emperor Ai abolished the music bureau. However, the trend of extravagance has persisted, eventually leading to the decline of the country, because the people heed their words but disregard their actions! To change the political climate, we must address the root causes. As the 'Book of Documents' states: 'The King of Wu likes swordsmen, and many people are injured; the King of Chu likes slender-waisted women, and many people starve in the palace.' In Chang'an, there's a saying: 'If high hair buns are popular in the city, they are one foot higher outside the city; if wide eyebrows are in vogue in the city, only half of the eyebrows are left outside the city; if large sleeves are in vogue in the city, people outside use entire rolls of fabric.' Although these words seem like jokes, they also reflect the reality. The systems established in the past were not followed for long; even when officials ignore the laws, it's because the capital sets the example. Your Majesty, you wear thick silk, abandon luxurious decorations, and live a simple life, all from your wise and benevolent heart. This truly aligns with heavenly will and the people's hearts, the greatest blessing. Since Your Majesty has already achieved this, you must continue to strive, emulate the virtues of Emperor Taizong, and learn from the lessons of Emperor Cheng and Emperor Ai who did not end well. The Book of Changes says: 'If one fails to uphold their virtues for long, they will invite shame.' If this matter can be persisted in, then all people in the world will praise your virtues, your reputation will resound throughout the world, heaven will also be moved, your achievements will be eternally remembered, not to mention practicing benevolent governance and enforcing the laws! I hope you can keep this memorial by your side, like a blind person reciting scriptures at night, reading it frequently."
The Empress Dowager wholeheartedly agreed and sought his advice on important matters in the court.
Liao Xingzi is especially honest and cautious, not at all interested in power or fame, single-mindedly assisting the emperor and not caring about others' opinions of him. According to established protocols, the government proposed to confer the title of Marquis on Liao, but Liao repeatedly declined the offer. In the fourth year of Jianchu, he finally accepted the title of "Marquis Shunyang" before retiring. Every time the court rewarded him with something, he declined, claiming he didn't feel worthy of accepting, and the people in the capital praised him for his humility.
His son Liao Yu served as an infantry colonel. After the Empress Dowager passed away, the Ma family fell out of favor. Liao Xing was relatively generous and mild but did not discipline his son well; as a result, Liao Yu wrote letters complaining about the court and criticizing it. In addition, Liao Fang and Liao Guang, the two brothers, lived extravagantly and enjoyed forming factions. In the eighth year of Jianchu, the government requested that Liao Yu be removed from his position and sent Liao's father and son to their fief. Liao Yu followed Liao Xing back to their hometown and died shortly after. Later, the court summoned Liao Xing back to the capital city. In the fourth year of Yongyuan, Liao Xing passed away. Because Liao Xing was the uncle of the previous emperor, he received an honorable burial, with envoys dispatched to offer their condolences, and the Empress Dowager also attended his funeral, finally posthumously conferring him the title of "Marquis An."
His grandson Liao Zun inherited the title and was renamed Marquis Chengxiang. After Liao Zun passed away without having a son, the title was lost. In the third year of Yuanchu, Empress Dowager Deng issued a decree to confer the title of Yingyang Marquis upon Liao Xing's grandson, Liao Du.
Liao Fang, whose courtesy name was Jiangping, and his brother Liao Guang were appointed as attendants of the Yellow Gate in the twelfth year of Yongping. After Emperor Suzong ascended the throne, Liao Fang was appointed General of the Household and later promoted to Gate Colonel.
In the 26th year of the Western Jin Dynasty, the Qiang tribes in Jincheng and Longxi rebelled. The court appointed Du Fang as General of Chariots and Cavalry to quell the rebellion and also appointed Geng Gong, the Colonel of Changshui, as his deputy, leading thirty thousand troops into combat. These thirty thousand troops consisted of soldiers from five Northern Army Colonels and elite archers gathered from various counties.
The army arrived in Jixian, and as a result, the Qiang tribal leader Buqiao had already surrounded the southern prefect in Lintao. Du Fang wanted to mount a rescue, but the road to Lintao was too difficult to traverse, and the main army's vehicles and horses could not pass. So Du Fang sent two generals with several hundred cavalry, divided into two groups, to camp more than ten miles outside Lintao. They also set up many flags, deliberately creating an imposing display of strength, and announced to the outside world that the army would attack tomorrow. Qiang scouts saw this and hurried back to report that the Han army was strong and could not be defeated. The next morning, the Han army charged up with drums and gongs, terrifying the Qiang, who scattered in panic. The Han army pursued and achieved a complete victory, killing more than 4,000 enemy soldiers and successfully lifting the siege of Lintao. Du Fang implemented a conciliatory policy, and the Shangdang Qiang tribe ultimately surrendered, leaving only Buqiao and his more than 20,000 people hiding in the Wangqu Valley southwest of Lintao.
In December, the Qiang tribe defeated the Sima and the Longxi Prefect Geng Gong again, at the location of Heluo Valley, resulting in the deaths of several hundred soldiers. In the spring of the following year, Du Fang sent Sima Xia Jun with five thousand men to take the main road straight to Huanglong. At the same time, he secretly sent Sima Mapeng with five thousand men to take a small road straight to the heart of the Qiang army. He also ordered the military historian Li Diao to lead four thousand men to flank from the west. The three forces launched a coordinated assault, once more overcoming the Qiang, killing and capturing more than a thousand people, and seizing more than a hundred thousand cattle and sheep. The Qiang people retreated in defeat, and Xia Jun pursued, only to be defeated by the Qiang people. It was only then that Du Fang personally led the army to a decisive battle with the Qiang people in Suoxi, defeating them again. Buqiao and his people had no way out and surrendered with more than ten thousand people. The court issued a decree summoning Du Fang back to the capital, appointing him as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and retaining his post as the City Gate Commander.
My uncle, who was at the height of his power at that time, had little contact with the Nine Officials (nine senior officials of the court). He himself rose through the ranks, from a Yueqi Cavalry Captain to the Chief of the Imperial Guards. Four years later, he was granted the title of Marquis of Yingyang, and my brother Guang was also granted the title of Marquis, each with a fief of six thousand households. Later, when Emperor Xianzong fell ill, my uncle went to help take care of him and also quelled the rebellion in the Western Qiang region, earning an additional fief of 1,350 households. He submitted several petitions for retirement, and the Emperor granted him permission to return home to retire. After the Empress Dowager passed away, the following year, my uncle was appointed as Minister of Rites, while my brother Guang became the Commandant of the Guards. My uncle often presented his ideas to the Emperor, most of which were accepted. In the winter of that year, the practice of welcoming the New Year with music in December was implemented, an idea proposed by my uncle.
My nephew Ju, who was a minor official from a young age, was promoted to the position of Gentleman of the Yellow Gate of Honor in the sixth year of his reign because he was to hold his coming-of-age ceremony. Emperor Suzong personally attended his ceremony at the palace, which was an extraordinary honor! The following year, my uncle fell ill again and requested retirement. The Emperor granted him the estates of the late Prince of Zhongshan and allowed him to retire.
My uncle and brother were influential, with over a thousand servants and retainers, immense wealth, and fertile land in the capital. They constructed a grand mansion and connected pavilions, spanning the entire street. There were constant festivities, music, and dancing, comparable to the grandeur of temple ceremonies. Guests came from all over the country to flatter them, with hundreds of clients, including notable figures like Prefect Du Du of Jingzhao, dining at their house every day. Many provincial officials were their former disciples or subordinates. During holidays, they offered aid to the local community, winning the gratitude of the local villagers.
However, my maternal uncle also raised many horses and collected taxes from the Qiang and Xiongnu tribes. The emperor was quite displeased by this, criticizing him multiple times and issuing strict orders to restrict him. As a result, their power gradually weakened, and fewer people tried to flatter them. Eight years later, because my brother's son Yu committed a crime and was reported by others, they were accused of being excessively extravagant and undermining the court's authority. Consequently, they were both dismissed and sent back to their fiefdoms. Before leaving, the emperor decreed, "My uncle's family has all been banished back to their fiefdoms. In the future, when sacrificing at the ancestral tombs, there will be no one to help. I feel very sad! Let us pardon Xu Housiqian Tianlu, and the government should not investigate further, to comfort my longing." This reflects the sentiment expressed in "Wei Yang."
Guang was known for his caution. When his mother passed away, he was extremely sad, and the emperor developed a particular fondness for him and reappointed him as a special contributor. His son Zikang served as an Attendant of the Yellow Gate. In the second year of Yongyuan, Guang was appointed as the Grand Herald, and Zikang was appointed as an Attendant. After Dou Xian was executed, Guang was dismissed due to his close ties with Dou Xian and returned to his fiefdom. Later, Dou Xian's servants falsely accused Guang and Dou Xian of treason; therefore, Guang took his own life, and his family was sent back to their original hometown. Zikang was likewise executed in his hometown, and Fang and Liao Zizun were both exiled to Danyang as a result. Fang was appointed as the Marquis of Zhaixiang, with an annual tax cap of three million yuan, lacking any jurisdiction over the populace. Later, due to the humid conditions in the Jiangnan region, Fang requested to return to his hometown in a memorial, which the emperor granted. Ten years later, Fang passed away.
His son Ju inherited the title and later became the Chief Water Officer. In the seventh year of Yongchu, Empress Dowager Deng issued a decree for all descendants of the Ma family to return to the capital and participate in the quarterly court meetings, restoring the title of Guang's son and appointing him as the Marquis of Hexiang.
Yan Shi, whose courtesy name was Weiqing. His father, Yu, served as the Governor of Yangzhou during the Wang Mang era. Yan Shi became an orphan at a young age, but he enjoyed fencing and practiced archery. Later, he became a student of Bai Yuan and studied diligently under Yang Taibo from Pingyuan, focusing on the classics and historical texts. He was well-versed in the "Spring and Autumn Annals of the Left" and read extensively from various schools of thought, which helped him forge friendships with many talented individuals and earn the respect of high-ranking officials in the capital. When he served as County Inspector, Bai Yuan often consulted with him and entrusted him with family matters. His younger brother, Dun, styled Ruqing, was also well-known. After Bai Yuan's passing, Yan Shi and his brother returned to Anling and lived in Juxia, where the local people praised their virtuous deeds, calling them the "Two Lords of Juxia."
After Empress Mingde ascended the throne, Yan Shi secluded himself at home, fearing criticism, and then moved to the northern region, severing ties with the outside world. In the fifteenth year of Yongping, the Empress commanded him to relocate to Luoyang. Emperor Xianzong summoned him, admiring his elegant demeanor, and issued a decree for him to remain at Renshou Tower with the Imperial Secretariat scholars Du Fu, Ban Gu, and others to edit the "Records of the Han Dynasty." He frequently discussed state affairs with relatives of the royal family like Liu Fu and was favored by the Emperor. He was later appointed as Chief Historian, commanding five battalions of the Northern Army and three thousand Imperial Bodyguards at Xihemeiji, defending against the Southern Xiongnu, and having the authority to appoint officials. When provincial officials came to pay their respects, it was like paying respects to a general. The Emperor ordered Yan Shi to offer a sacrifice to Chi You at the military arsenal and personally inspected his troops from the A Ge pavilion, which evoked great envy among the people.
After the Emperor ascended the throne, he promoted me to Deputy Imperial Historian and also appointed my son to a minor official role, encouraging him to study diligently at the academy. That winter, a solar eclipse occurred, and I promptly submitted a memorial to the Emperor, which stated as follows:
I've heard that the sun represents the strongest yang energy, and a solar eclipse is a sign of yin energy invading. The "Book of Documents" says: "Do not neglect the officials; the tasks entrusted by heaven to humanity must be carried out by people." This means that those in power are meant to act in accordance with heavenly will, managing the country. Therefore, officials' performance must be evaluated, with promotions or demotions based on their results, in order to clearly reward or punish. If officials aren't held accountable for their lack of merit, yin energy will prevail over yang energy. I've noticed that many governors and prefects in charge of provinces and counties aren't fully dedicated to serving the nation. Those in charge of oversight are often biased and corrupt, taking bribes. Take, for instance, the governors Zhu Pu of Yizhou, Ni Shuo of Yangzhou, and Yin Ye of Liangzhou; every time they evaluate officials, someone mysteriously ends up dead, and the elections are unfair, yet none of them have been punished. Consequently, subordinate officials run rampant. Previously, candidates put forward by provinces and counties had to be vetted by central officials to test their abilities to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Now we should strengthen inspections and restore the previous system. In the past, the Prime Minister and the Censor personally handled government affairs. Only Bing Ji, because of his old age, was more leisurely and did not investigate officials' faults much, leading to a court culture of bad habits, mutual cover-ups, and a focus on reputation. Some people do not understand their responsibilities and just get promoted and transferred, which defeats the original purpose of establishing official positions and providing salaries! Departments must be held accountable for their responsibilities, and candidates recommended by provinces and counties must be true talents. If the recommended person is not competent, they should be dealt with according to the law. As the old saying goes: "The highest virtue is to govern the people with leniency, followed by firmness." Only by doing so can the country be effectively governed, leading to the alleviation of natural disasters.
After I finished writing the memorial and presented it to the emperor, he accepted my suggestions and dismissed Zhu Pu and his associates from their positions. In the year 76 AD, Yan Guang was promoted to the position of Wuan Zhonglang General and secured positions for his three sons as palace officials. He often recommended talented individuals to the emperor, advocated for the wronged, and many of his suggestions were accepted. Later, he also served as the commander of Changle Wei. The following year, he was appointed as the Prefect of Chenliu. Upon taking office, he directly told the emperor: "The former Marquis Dou Gu of Xianqin misled the late emperor into deploying troops to the Western Regions, stationed troops in Yiwu and Lutun, which harmed the people and wasted resources without any benefit. Moreover, after Dou Xun's execution, his family should not be allowed to reside near the capital." At that time, Dou Xun's daughter was the empress, the Dou family was in favor, and some individuals secretly informed Dou Xian's brothers of Yan Guang's words, which offended the powerful. After Yan Guang took office in Chenliu, he was clear about rewards and punishments, exposed the wicked, governed in an orderly manner, and the county was peaceful. At this time, a rumor suddenly spread in the capital that bandits were coming from the east, causing the people to flee in panic, and the various counties were on high alert, each reporting the situation. Yan Guang found out that this was a rumor and did not take any defensive measures. The court issued an edict inquiring about the situation and sent messengers on fast horses to urge him, but Yan Guang maintained that there were no bandits, which was later confirmed. He served as the Prefect of Chenliu for four years, and thanks to mutual recommendations from Zongzheng Liu Yi, Shao Fu Ding Hong, and others, he was summoned to be the Grand Master of the Palace Attendants; ten days later, he was promoted to be the Grand Supervisor of Works. Seven years later, he was dismissed from office due to various incidents. Afterwards, because of resentment from the Dou family, he never held another official position. After the emperor's death, when Empress Dowager Dou took power, Yan Guang retired to his home, dedicating himself to educating his descendants. He passed away in the tenth year of Yongyuan at the age of eighty-two.
His younger brother Yan Dun rose to the rank of General of the Tiger Ben. Yan Guang had seven sons, with only Yan Xu and Yan Rong being particularly well-known. Yan Xu, styled Jize, could understand the Analects at the age of seven, mastered the Book of Documents by the age of thirteen, studied the Book of Songs at sixteen, read extensively various books, and was also proficient in the Nine Chapters on Mathematics. During the reign of Emperor Shun of Han, he served as the Protector-General of the Qiang, later promoted to General Who Spreads Across Liaodong, and he earned a good reputation wherever he went. The deeds of Yan Rong are recorded in another biography.
Yan Leng, styled Bowei, was the grandson of Yan Yuan. He became an orphan at a young age and lived with his cousin Yan Yi, forming a bond as close as real brothers. After Yan Yi passed away without a son, Yan Leng mourned for him for three years.
During the Jianchu era, he first served as a minor official in the county, known as the county clerk, and later was recommended for his filial piety. When the Ma clan was deposed, Emperor Suzong valued his moral integrity and loyalty, so he was summoned to serve as a courtier.
In the first year of Zhanghe, he was promoted again and became the Prefect of Guangling. At that time, food was expensive, and the common people were starving. He submitted a memorial to the court, abolishing the position of salt officials, which helped reduce costs for the common people. He also provided relief for the poor, reduced taxes, repaired and restored water conservancy facilities, and irrigated over 20,000 hectares of farmland. Local officials and citizens even erected a stele to commemorate this achievement.
In the second year of Yongyuan, he was transferred to serve as the Prefect of Hanyang, where he was renowned for his strict governance. Later, the Grand General Dou Xian stationed troops in Wuwei, and he sent substantial military funds to Dou Xian. However, due to his misappropriation of taxes from the people, Dou Xian was executed, and he was also implicated and punished. After a few years, many powerful bandits appeared in the Jianghuai region, so he was sent by the court to serve as the Prefect of Danyang. He led troops to combat these bandits, captured them all, and eliminated them.
He was later promoted to the Prefect of Kuaiji, where his governance was also very successful. He was then transferred to serve as the Prefect of Henan. During the Yongchu era, he was accused of misconduct and ultimately died at home.
Praise: Fubo, an illustrious figure, originates from Jizhou and Longzhou. Peace reigns in the south, while the west burns with fury. As the years pass, our spirits remain strong and brave. Illustrious virtue shines, ushering in prosperity for the family. Liao is devoid of three pursuits; be wary of arrogance.
