Fu Zhan, courtesy name Huigong, was from Dongwu in Langya. His ninth ancestor was named Fu Sheng, courtesy name Zijian, who is well-known in history as Fusheng of Jinan. Fu Zhan's great-grandfather, Fu Ru, was appointed by the court during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty to come to Dongwu, where he later settled. His father, Fu Li, was a famous Confucian scholar at the time, who once taught the Book of Songs to Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, served as the Grand Tutor of Gaomi County, and also established his own school of thought.
Fu Zhan was filial and friendly, inheriting his father's teachings from a young age and teaching hundreds of students. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, he was appointed as a disciple of a doctorate due to his father's influence. He was later promoted five times, and during the reign of Wang Mang, he became an officer in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, tasked with investigating serious crimes. He was later promoted to a higher office.
After Emperor Gengshi established his rule, he appointed Fu Zhan as the Prefect of Pingyuan. At that time, the world was in chaos, with widespread disorder and danger for all, but Fu Zhan remained calm and continued teaching. He said to his wife, "If there's a poor harvest, the king has to cut back on his meals; if the common folks are starving, how can we eat our fill?" So, he and his family ate simple meals of coarse grains and wild vegetables, distributing his salary to the people in the village, with hundreds of families coming to him for help. At that time, his subordinate, the Menxia Director, was a strongman who tried to incite rebellion alongside Fu Zhan. Disapproving of his attempts to stir up trouble, Fu Zhan had him arrested and killed, hanging his head on the city wall as a warning to others. This earned him the trust of both officials and the people, and Pingyuan County became stable. The entire Pingyuan region was safeguarded by Fu Zhan.
After Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu ascended to the throne, he knew that Fu Zhan was a renowned Confucian scholar and senior official, and he wanted to promote him. He summoned him to the court and appointed him as a Minister, tasked with reforming the existing systems. At that time, the Grand Tutor Deng Yu was on a campaign in the west. Emperor Guangwu believed that Fu Zhan was talented and could serve as the Prime Minister, so he appointed him as the Minister of Justice, acting in place of the Grand Tutor. Whenever the emperor went to war, he left Fu Zhan in command of the rear guard, overseeing various departments. In the third year of Jianwu, Fu Zhan officially succeeded Deng Yu as the Grand Tutor and was titled the Marquis of Yangdu.
Legend has it that Peng Chong rebelled in Yuyang, and the emperor wanted to personally campaign against him. At this time, Zhan submitted a memorial recommending, "I have heard that when King Wen was assigned to pacify five states, he would first consult with princes of the same surname, then discuss with his ministers, and even use divination to determine his actions. Therefore, careful planning leads to success, auspicious divination leads to smooth progress, and victory in battle. The Book of Songs states, 'The Emperor said to King Wen, Inquire of your foes, Consult with your brothers, Take counsel with your hooks and lines, And advance upon your adversary, To conquer Chong and Yong.' Chong was a strong state, and King Wen first made the enemy retreat before attacking, showing respect for human life and waiting for the right moment to act, thus being able to ultimately gain control over two-thirds of the realm."
Your Majesty, after experiencing great chaos, you were appointed as emperor and revived the legacy of your ancestors. In your four years of reign, you have defeated the Tanxiang, reorganized the Five Schools of Soldiers, subdued the Copper Horse Army, defeated the Red Eyebrow Army, and executed Deng Feng and his group. This is not without merit! However, the capital is now empty, lacking in funds and supplies, and even nearby areas have not been completely pacified. It is necessary to first deal with border affairs. Furthermore, the area of Yuyang is adjacent to the Northern Di tribes, and the cunning Hu people there are in a desperate situation and will surely seek their help. The counties the army has passed through are all impoverished, with most of the peasants living in the cities. When they hear soldiers are coming, they will undoubtedly stash away their wheat. The army has to march over two thousand miles, and both soldiers and horses are exhausted, making it difficult to transport food and forage. Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Qingzhou, and Jizhou are central to the heartland, but bandits are rampant, and there's been no time to restore order! Yuyang to the east is a key border area, bordering foreign tribes and already struggling with low tax revenues. During times of peace, it relied on support from the inland counties. Now, it is even more desolate and impoverished. How can we prioritize it? Your Majesty, you have abandoned the easy and pursued the difficult, leading to confusion and fear among the people. This truly perplexes me as a subject!
I hope Your Majesty can take a lesson from King Wen's careful approach to military strategy and planning. I urge you to think carefully about the order of your campaigns, consult with the relevant officials, and heed their honest advice, using your wisdom to prioritize the safety of the Central Plains in your decisions. After reading the memorial, the emperor ultimately chose not to lead the expedition himself.
At this time, the bandit Xu Yiqing and others occupied Fuping with over ten thousand people. Despite several attempts by the court to subdue them, they remained undefeated. Their only response was, "We are willing to surrender to Minister Fugong." Knowing that Zhan was highly respected in Qingzhou and Xuzhou, the emperor sent him to Pingyuan. That very day, Xu Yiqing and his followers surrendered and were escorted to Luoyang.
Although Zhan found himself in a critical situation, he always prioritized cultural values and education, believing that rituals and music were fundamental to governance. Even in tumultuous times, he remained steadfast in this belief. That year, he proposed the implementation of the village wine ceremony and ultimately carried it out. In the winter of that year, the emperor led troops on an expedition, leaving Fu Zhan behind in the capital to look after the capital. During this time, when sacrificing at the ancestral temple, the two high-ranking officials from Henan and the Chief Commandant argued in the temple. Fu Zhan did not intervene and was subsequently dismissed by the emperor. Six years later, the emperor later appointed him as the Marquis of Buqi, granting him jurisdiction over three thousand six hundred households and sending him to his fiefdom to assume office.
Later, Nanyang's governor, Du Shi, wrote a letter to the emperor recommending Fu Zhan, stating: "I have heard that during the times of Yao and Shun, the peace and prosperity of the nation relied on capable ministers, and during the time of King Wen of Zhou, the peace of the realm depended on many talented individuals. Therefore, the Book of Songs states, 'many able ministers,' and the Book of Documents states, 'these are good people.' I have heard that the former Grand Tutor, Duke Yang of Hou, Fu Zhan, has diligently studied since his youth and has maintained an unblemished record. He is honest, loves learning, consistently does good, and serves as a role model for all. During his service in Henei, Chaoge, and Pingyuan, both officials and common people respected and emulated him. He has experienced many political upheavals, yet has never abandoned his post, always maintaining his integrity and calm demeanor, with a firm will. Your Majesty is well aware of his abilities, having previously appointed him as Prime Minister. Many wise men and common people admire his virtues. It is unfortunate that he was dismissed for a minor infraction and has not been reinstated for so long. Those with discernment feel regret, scholars feel heartache, and I share this unease. Fu Zhan possesses a dignified presence, a source of national pride; his wisdom and strategies are invaluable assets to the court. He set ambitious goals from a young age, and has not wavered in his old age. He is more than capable of assisting Your Majesty in governing the realm, and his reputation is more than sufficient to reach far and wide. In ancient times, selecting princes to serve as ministers and officials could make the people of the world admire the court. Talents like him should be appointed to assist, to enter and leave the court, and help Your Majesty make up for any shortcomings. I may be foolish for not fully recognizing the talents of a Prime Minister, but I have always been concerned about this matter, so I humbly and boldly offer my counsel to Your Majesty. I used to be an Imperial Censor and once wrote to Your Majesty, saying that Fu Zhan is honest, loves the people, is fair and just, his family for generations have been scholars, always honest and trustworthy, knowledgeable, of noble character, understanding of national affairs, and particularly suitable to assist Your Majesty and participate in court decisions. According to the old system, each of the Nine Provinces appoints five officials, and each county can appoint two, so he can be appointed as an official. My previous suggestion was rejected. But I have received deep grace from Your Majesty, and what I have said truly benefits the nation. Even if it costs me my life, I bear no resentment, so I once again risk overstepping my bounds in bringing this to Your Majesty's attention."
No text provided for translation.
In the summer of the thirteenth year of his reign, the emperor summoned him back to the capital and ordered the Minister of Personnel to choose a suitable date for him to take office. However, before he could take office, he suffered from heatstroke and died during a court banquet. The emperor bestowed precious burial goods on him, personally held a memorial ceremony for him, and sent envoys to return him to his hometown for burial, as well as building his tomb.
Fu Zhan had two sons: Long and Xi. The Fu family's ancestors inherited the title but eventually passed away, and their son Fu Guang inherited the title. After Fu Guang's death, his son Fu Chen inherited the title. Fu Chen was especially studious, humble, respectful, benevolent, and friendly. His granddaughter even became a noblewoman in the court of Emperor Shun, serving in the court with the title of Special Attendant of the Imperial Court. After Fu Chen's death, his son Fu Wuji inherited the title and also inherited the family's knowledge. Well-versed and knowledgeable, he served as an Attendant of the Imperial Court and Commandant of the Cavalry during the reign of Emperor Shun. In the first year of Yonghe, the emperor decreed that Fu Wuji and the Imperial Clerk Huang Jing edit the "Five Classics," various schools of thought, and books on various arts in the Imperial Library. During the Yuanjia period, Emperor Huan decreed that Fu Wuji, Huang Jing, Cui Shi, and others compile the "Records of the Han." Fu Wuji also collected and compiled historical and contemporary texts, simplified them, and wrote a concise summary, naming it "Fu Hou Zhu." After Fu Wuji's death, his son Fu Zhi inherited the title and rose to the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture. After Fu Zhi's death, his son Fu Wan inherited the title and married Princess Yang'an Chang as his wife, who later became Empress Xiaoxian. Cao Cao killed Empress Xiaoxian and exterminated the Fu family, resulting in the revocation of the Fu family's title.
Since the time of Fu Sheng, the Fu family has passed down the study of classics for generations, living a quiet and modest life without engaging in disputes. Therefore, the people in the Dongzhou region called the Fu family "Fu Budou."
Fu Long, whose courtesy name was Bowen, was known for his noble character from a young age and served as a county governor. In the second year of Jianwu, he went to pay a visit to Emperor Guangwu at Huai Palace, and Emperor Guangwu received him warmly.
It is said that at that time, the Zhang brothers each commanded a strong army and occupied the territory of Qi. The court appointed Long as the Grand Minister, entrusting him with the Emperor's edict to subdue those counties in Qingzhou and Xuzhou. Long issued a notice saying: "Some time ago, the treacherous Wang Mang assassinated the Emperor and usurped the throne. The imperial family took up arms, quelled the rebellion, and executed Wang Mang, so everyone elected the Holy Duke as Emperor to oversee the ancestral rites. However, he surrounded himself with treacherous officials and executed loyal subjects, causing three kings to rebel, bandits to run rampant, defying the will of Heaven, and was ultimately defeated by the Red Eyebrow Army. Fortunately, Heaven blessed the Han Dynasty, and the wise Emperor was born. Your Majesty is valiant and mighty, winning against the odds. Therefore, the million-strong forces of Xunyang and Yiyang were routed at Kunyang, Wang Lang led the entire Zhao army, which disintegrated in Handan, and Da Rong and Gao Hu fled in terror at the sight of the Han army's banner; the Iron Shin Army and the Five Schools Army were completely annihilated. Prince Liang Liu Yong, leveraging his imperial lineage, was granted the title of marquis, but dissatisfied, he ultimately brought about his own downfall, lost his title and position, and committed the grave crime of rebellion. Now, General Huya with a hundred thousand troops has seized Suiyang, Liu Yong has fled, and his entire family has been exterminated. You’ve heard about all this, right? If you don’t surrender right away, you’ll regret it later!" The bandits in Qingzhou and Xuzhou were terrified upon seeing this notice and immediately surrendered along with their leader, Right Division Commander Lang, and six other captains. Zhang Bu also dispatched envoys with Long to the capital to submit a memorial and even presented dried fish.
That winter, I was appointed as the Grand Master of the Imperial Secretariat, and then tasked with a mission to Buzhi. I traveled east with the newly appointed Governor of Qingzhou and the Prefect. The Emperor also ordered me to appoint officials below the county level on the spot. I pacified the rebels, and many people surrendered as a result. The Emperor was very pleased, praised my merits, and even compared me to Li Sheng of the Han Dynasty! Then the Emperor appointed Buzhi as the Governor of Donglai, and Liu Yong sent envoys to confer the title of Prince of Qi on Buzhi. Buzhi coveted the throne, hesitated in his heart, and couldn't make up his mind. I laid out the pros and cons for him, saying, "The Emperor Gaozu made an agreement with the people of the world that only the Liu clan can be called kings. At most, you would be a marquis with a hundred thousand households." Buzhi wanted me to stay and manage the two provinces together, but I declined and requested to return to the court to report. Consequently, Buzhi detained me and accepted Liu Yong's reward. I quickly had someone secretly write a letter to the Emperor, saying, "I was sent on a mission and, due to my improper actions, was captured by the traitor Buzhi. Although I am in a difficult situation, I am still loyal to my duties and not afraid. Furthermore, officials and the people all know that Buzhi is planning a rebellion, and no one supports him. I hope Your Majesty can send troops to suppress him promptly, without concern for my safety. My greatest hope is to return to the capital alive, to accept the court's punishment, which is my greatest wish; if I were to die at the hands of the rebels, my parents, brothers, and sisters will be implicated. I hope Your Majesty, the Empress, and the Crown Prince will enjoy everlasting prosperity, and live as long as heaven and earth!" After receiving my memorial, the Emperor summoned my father, Zhan, with tears streaming down his face, showed him the memorial, and said, "Long, he truly has the integrity of Su Wu! It's just a pity that he didn't persist and instead requested to return to the court!" Eventually, Buzhi did kill me, and people at that time mourned my fate.
Five years later, Zhang Bu was subdued. The emperor personally led the expedition to Beihai, ordered my younger brother Xian to collect my remains, provided a coffin and funeral supplies, sent a senior official to oversee my funeral arrangements, and ordered the construction of a tomb for me in Langye. He also appointed my son Yuan as a court physician.
Hou Ba, styled Junfang, was a native of Mi County, Henan. His uncle, Hou Yuan, served in the palace and was known for his eloquence. He managed Secretariat affairs under the Prime Minister during the reign of Emperor Yuan of Han, holding the title of Grand Attendant. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of Han, Hou Ba was appointed as the Prince's Attendant. Hou Ba was serious and dignified, having amassed a fortune of over a thousand pieces of gold, but he never engaged in trade for profit. He had a great passion for learning and studied the "Gu Liang Chunqiu" under Fang Yuan, the Governor of Jiujiang, and often explained it to Fang Yuan.
During the early days of Wang Mang's usurpation of power in the Han Dynasty, the official Chen Chong recommended Hou Ba for his noble character, and he was appointed as the magistrate of Su County. Su County was vast and sparsely populated, close to rivers and lakes, with many fugitive criminals who often formed gangs to commit robberies. Upon his arrival, Hou Ba immediately dealt with these bullies and ruffians, captured bandits, and quickly brought order to the county. He was later promoted to an official position in charge of investigating crimes, and he dealt fearlessly with corrupt officials who abused their power. He was then promoted to the position of Governor of Huaiping Commandery, where he achieved notable success and gained a strong reputation. After Wang Mang's failure, Hou Ba remained resolute in his position, ensuring the safety of the entire commandery.
In the first year of the Gengshi era, the court sent people to summon Hou Ba. People of all ages were crying and shouting, blocking the envoy’s path. Some even lay down in the road to stop him. Everyone said, "We beg Mr. Hou to stay for another year!" The people even instructed the nurses not to let the children cry, because if Mr. Hou left, their lives would be thrown into chaos. The envoy was worried that if Hou Ba left, Huai Ping County would definitely be in chaos, so he did not dare to hand him the imperial decree, but instead reported the situation back to the court in detail. Just as the Gengshi regime failed and the roads were blocked, this matter was delayed.
In the fourth year of Jianwu, Emperor Guangwu summoned Hou Ba, met him in Shou Chun, and appointed him as the Minister of State. At that time, there were no formal laws or regulations, and the court lacked senior officials. Hou Ba was familiar with historical allusions and collected and organized ancient books and documents; he presented effective political systems and laws from the previous dynasty to Emperor Guangwu for adoption. Every spring, the decrees of amnesty and laws for the four seasons were proposed by Hou Ba. The following year, Hou Ba succeeded Fu Zhan as the Grand Minister and was granted the title of marquis within the Passes. During his time as Grand Minister, he was known for his fairness and integrity, never engaging in corruption.
In the thirteenth year, Hou Ba passed away peacefully. Emperor Guangwu was deeply saddened and personally paid his respects. Emperor Guangwu issued a decree stating, "Hou Ba was honest and upright, serving as an official for nine years. According to the old system of the Han Dynasty, after the Prime Minister passed away, he should be posthumously granted the title of marquis. Because we were at war and the meritorious officials had not yet been rewarded, and Hou Ba was a loyal minister, he did not want to violate the ritual order due to the order of rewards, but unexpectedly he had passed away. Alas, how sad it is!" Therefore, Emperor Guangwu posthumously granted Hou Ba the title of Marquis of Ze Xiang Ai, with a fief of 2,600 households. His son Hou Yu inherited his marquisate. The officials and people of Huai Ping County constructed a shrine in his honor and held seasonal worship ceremonies for him. Later, Han Xin, the governor of Pei County, succeeded Hou Ba as Grand Minister.
Xinzi Weng, a native of Nanyang, was granted the title of Fuyang Marquis for his achievements in war. He was known for his honesty and directness, often speaking his mind without reservation, which often rubbed the emperor the wrong way. During one court session, he heard the emperor reading letters between Wei Xiao and Gongsun Shu and remarked, "Even the rulers of fallen states had talent, like King Jie of Xia and King Zhou of Shang!" This angered the emperor, who felt he was deliberately provoking him. Xinzi Weng then predicted a famine for the year, pointing to the sky and ground in a severe manner. As a result, he was dismissed from his position and sent back to his hometown to tend to the land. The emperor, still angry, dispatched messengers to reprimand him. Bao Yong, the Chief of Justice, tried to intercede on his behalf but was unsuccessful. In the end, Xinzi Weng and his son Xinyin committed suicide. Xinzi Weng, who had a good reputation during his lifetime, was wrongly accused, leading many to speak out on his behalf. The emperor eventually granted him posthumous honors and arranged for his funeral.
Later, Qiancheng native Ouyang She and Qinghe native Dai She successively served as Grand Ministers, but both ended up imprisoned and died as a result of their misdeeds. Afterward, ministers became hesitant to take on the role of Prime Minister. Following them, Cai Mao from Henan, Yukuang from Jingzhao, and Feng Qin from Weijun all obtained positions as the Three Excellencies. Yukuang, whose courtesy name was Wenbo, was talented and intelligent, serving as the Administrator of Chenliu and later holding the position of Grand Minister before passing four years later.
Yuhou was later granted the title of Ling Marquis, and during the Yongping era, he also held the position of Grand Minister. After his death, his son Jian succeeded him in the title. Chang, Jian's son, succeeded him after his death.
Song Hong, courtesy name Zhongzi, was from Chang'an in Jingzhao. His father, Song Shang, held the position of Minister of Works during Emperor Cheng's reign. After Emperor Ai ascended the throne, Song Hong was punished for not siding with Dong Xian and frequently opposing him. Song Hong was known for his mild temperament from a young age. He served as an attendant during the reigns of Emperor Ai and Emperor Ping, and as Grand Master of Works during Wang Mang's time. When the Red Eyebrows Army invaded Chang'an, they summoned Song Hong. With no way to escape, he jumped into the river at Wei Bridge to take his own life. His family rescued him, and he pretended to be dead to avoid punishment.
Upon Emperor Guangwu's ascension, Song Hong was called to serve as Grand Master of the Palace. In the second year of Jianwu, he replaced Wang Liang as Grand Minister of Works and was granted the title of Marquis of Xunyi. He shared his salary with his nine relatives, had no savings and was renowned for his integrity. He was later given the title of Marquis of Xuanping.
The Emperor once asked Hong to suggest talented individuals, and he recommended Xing Tan from Pei, praising his talents and reputation, which were nearly on par with Yang Xiong and Liu Xiang. The Emperor summoned Tan, appointing him as a Gentleman-in-Waiting and an official. During banquets, the Emperor took pleasure in Tan's elaborate music performances. Hong regretted his recommendation of Tan when he found out. After Tan left the palace, Hong called him in and reprimanded him for disrupting the traditional music with trivial tunes. He demanded that Tan amend his ways or face legal repercussions. Tan apologized repeatedly, and Hong eventually let him go.
Later, at a gathering of court officials, the emperor asked Xingtang to perform on the qin again. When Xingtang saw Hong, he played less smoothly than usual. The emperor found it strange and asked him what was wrong. Hong stood up, took off his hat, and apologized to the emperor, saying, "I recommended Xingtang in the hope that he would guide Your Majesty with loyalty and righteousness, but now the court is indulging in decadent music, which is my fault!" The emperor's face softened. He then apologized to Hong and asked him to put his hat back on, never allowing Xingtang to serve as an advisor again. Hong also recommended more than thirty virtuous individuals, including Feng Yi and Huan Liang, among others, many of whom later became high-ranking officials.
Once, Hong attended a palace banquet where the emperor sat in front of a newly crafted screen depicting many beautiful women. The emperor looked at the paintings several times. Hong solemnly said, "I have never seen anyone who loves virtue as much as they love beauty!" The emperor immediately had the screen removed. He smiled at Hong with a smile and said, "Will you heed words of justice?" Hong replied, "Your Majesty, I am truly pleased that you continue to enhance your moral character."
At that time, the emperor's sister, Princess Huyang, had just become a widow. The emperor and his sister discussed court officials together, secretly observing Hong's reaction. The princess said, "Lord Song is dignified in appearance, possessing both virtue and talent, unrivaled among the court officials." The emperor said, "I was just considering promoting him." Later, Hong was summoned, and the emperor had the princess sit behind the screen. He then said to Hong with a serious tone, "As the saying goes, noble people are easy to make friends with, and wealthy people are easy to marry; such are the ways of the world!" Hong replied, "I have heard that one should not forget friends made in hard times or abandon a loyal wife." The emperor turned to the princess and said, "This matter has been poorly handled."
Hong served for five years because there was no evidence in the assessment of the local governor, leading to the revocation of his title and his return home. He died a few years later without any sons. Hong's brother, Song, was renowned for his strength of character and filial piety, eventually rising to the position of Governor of Henan. Song's son, You, held the position of Grand Commandant during the Yuanhe period, but was dismissed for his association with Dou Xian and took his own life after returning to his hometown. You had two sons: Han and Deng. Deng's achievements are recorded in "Biographies of Confucian Scholars."
Song Han was especially well-known for his mastery of Confucian classics. He later became a prominent official, rising through the ranks several times and eventually becoming the Governor of Xihe. In the first year of Yongjian, he was appointed as the Minister of Dongping and General of Douliao due to his integrity and prestige, earning a good reputation. He was later promoted to Grand Protector, but, due to illness, he resigned and was later appointed as Grand Master of Palace Service before his passing. The Emperor wrote a eulogy for him, commending his integrity, honesty, and accomplishments in securing peace along the borders.
The eulogy also mentioned that the court was deeply saddened by his early death and quoted a line from the Book of Songs praising his military achievements. All officials were ordered to attend his funeral, along with a reward of 100,000 coins and the provision of the finest silk and lambs at the ceremony to pay tribute to him.
Song Han's son, Song Ze, courtesy name Yuanju, served as the magistrate of Yanling County and was also well-known. He was very good at judging people and once recommended Wei Zhu from the same county and Fa Zhen from Fufeng, both of whom later proved to be excellent choices. When Song Ze was ten years old, he was playing with a crossbow with a servant, but the bowstring of the servant broke and the arrow went astray, accidentally injuring Song Ze, who died instantly. The servant, terrified, knelt down and begged for execution, but Song Ze's father forgave him. Xun Shuang from Yingchuan, after hearing about this incident, greatly admired Song Ze's father, as did the people at that time.
The text comments: After the revival of the Eastern Han Dynasty, there were many officials serving as high-ranking ministers and court officials, but those who earned a good reputation for their abilities and virtues likely first set lofty goals before managing the smaller details. Therefore, even in times of urgency, Duke Hui maintained decorum, and when Jun Fang entered court as an official, his first proposal was a broad policy. Outstanding individuals do not focus solely on trivial matters; those with lofty aspirations also achieve deeper accomplishments. This is likely what those with ambition and integrity pursue deep within their hearts! If a gentleman can achieve this, he will succeed, and even if he fails, he will earn respect. Song Hong turned down the bustling scenes and refrained from the pleasures of revelry; doesn't he embody the noble virtues described in the poem "Guang Ju"?
Cai Mao, courtesy name Zili, was from Huai County in Henei. During the reigns of Emperor Ai and Emperor Ping of the Han Dynasty, he was well-known for his expertise in Confucianism. He was summoned to serve as a scholar-official, and while answering questions in court, he effectively explained various unusual phenomena, which led to his promotion to court gentleman and later to Palace Attendant. Later, when Wang Mang usurped power, Cai Mao resigned his official position, citing illness, and declined to serve under Wang Mang.
During the chaos in the world, Maosu had a good relationship with Dou Rong and took refuge with him. Dou Rong wanted to appoint him as the Prefect of Zhangye, but he firmly declined; every time Dou Rong sent him things, he only accepted what was necessary for his household, without asking for more. Later, he went on a military expedition with Dou Rong, was appointed as a Yilang, and later promoted to the Prefect of Guanghan, and achieved notable success. At that time, the guests of the Yin family frequently broke the law in Guanghan County, and Maosu investigated and handled each case one by one, without ever showing favoritism.
Just when Dong Xuan accused Princess Huyang in Luoyang, the emperor was initially furious, arrested Dong Xuan but later pardoned him. Maosu admired Dong Xuan's integrity and wanted the court to hold the imperial relatives accountable, so he wrote: "I've heard that to promote education, we must first elevate good people; for the country to be stable and the people to live in peace, there's nothing more crucial than punishing wrongdoers. Your Majesty's virtue is thriving, and you have once again received the mandate from heaven. Since your ascension to the throne, the world has been peaceful. It is certainly important to rise early and stay up late, and even when resting, one cannot completely relax. However, recently, some imperial relatives and members of the harem, relying on favoritism and power, have repeatedly violated the law, facing no consequences for murder and no accountability for harming others. I fear that the rule of law will be disregarded, and the means of punishment will be neglected."
Not long ago, a servant of Princess Huyang committed murder in the Western Market, but the princess rode in the same carriage with him, going in and out of the palace. The crimes had been piling up for days, and the wronged souls were left without justice. The magistrate of Luoyang, Dong Xuan, was upright and selfless, disregarding the princess's power, and accused this villain. Without first investigating clearly, the emperor wanted to whip him. When Dong Xuan spoke out, the people in the capital all listened intently; when he was pardoned, everyone was watching closely. Now, the powerful relatives are acting arrogantly and without restraint, and the nobles are also unscrupulous. The authorities should be directed to investigate these heinous crimes, allowing the law-abiding officials to continue serving the court, to satisfy the desire of the people near and far to punish criminals." Emperor Guangwu accepted his suggestion.
In the twentieth year of Jianwu, Maosu succeeded Dai She as the Minister of Works, and during his term, he was known for his honesty and frugality, and never let his guard down. In the twenty-third year of Jianwu, he died in office at the age of seventy-two. The court bestowed upon him a coffin made of Dongyuan cypress wood, and he was buried with full honors.
When Maosu had just arrived in Guanghan, he dreamed of sitting in a grand hall, with three ears of wheat growing on the roof. Maosu jumped up to pick them, but dropped the middle one. He asked the registrar Guo He what it meant, and Guo He happily said, "The grand hall symbolizes the palace. The wheat growing on the roof is the highest reward for a court official. Picking the middle ear represents a position in the central ministry. Losing a little bit of the character '禾' turns it into '秩,' and although it seems like a loss, it is really a symbol of receiving salary and a government position. There are vacancies in important positions in the court, so you should go take one of those positions!" In less than a month, Maosu was summoned by the court, and he called Guo He to serve as his aide.
He Qiaoqing was from Luoyang. His grandfather He Jianbo and father He Youjun were both principled individuals who refused to serve as officials under Wang Mang. He Qiaoqing himself was knowledgeable in law, and as he rose through the ranks, he became the Minister of Personnel during the Jianwu period, serving for six years. He was familiar with the rules of the court and achieved many significant accomplishments. Later, he was appointed as the Inspector of Jingzhou, and the emperor personally received him, rewarding him with gifts and extending his favor to him. After he took office in Jingzhou, his achievements were remarkable, and the people rallied behind him, even composing songs in his praise: "Your virtue is both benevolent and wise, Guo Qiaoqing; you have brought peace to the court and the people!" Emperor Han Mingdi went on a tour to Nanyang and specifically went to see him, generously giving him the ceremonial robes of a high-ranking official, embroidered with exquisite patterns, complete with a crown and tassels. The emperor also ordered him to remove the curtains that blocked the view during inspections so that the common people could see his official attire, as a recognition of his achievements. Wherever he went, officials and people pointed at him to show respect, and everyone admired him. In the fourth year of Yongping, he was summoned to be the Intendant of Henan, known for his integrity. He served in this position for three years before passing away, and the emperor expressed special regret, granting him a carriage and four hundred thousand coins.
Feng Weibo, hailing from Fanyang in Weijun, had a great-grandfather named Feng Yang who served as the Governor of Hongnong during the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han. The Feng family had eight brothers, all of whom became officials at the rank of two thousand stones, particularly honored in the regions of Zhao and Wei, and were collectively known as the "Ten Thousand Stone Lords." Each of the Feng brothers was tall and strong, except for Feng Weibo's grandfather Feng Yan, who was under seven feet tall and constantly felt inferior because of this, fearing that his sons and grandsons would inherit his short stature. Therefore, he arranged for his son Feng Kang to take a tall wife. The son born to Feng Kang, Feng Weibo, stood at eight feet three inches tall and displayed exceptional intelligence at the age of eight.
He initially served as an official under Governor Yaoqi, demonstrating outstanding performance. Yaoqi greatly appreciated him. Yaoqi often accompanied Emperor Guangwu in battles, entrusting administrative affairs to Feng Weibo. Later, Feng Weibo and others from the same county rebelled in support of Emperor Guangwu, but their plan failed and they were betrayed by local elites such as Jiao Lian. Feng Weibo then sought refuge with Yaoqi, bringing along his elderly mother, brothers, and relatives. Yaoqi welcomed them as trusted allies and even recommended Feng Weibo to Emperor Guangwu. Initially, Emperor Guangwu did not give him much responsibility, but later appointed him as an official in the Ministry of Personnel. He was in charge of planning and procuring military provisions, working diligently and with great commitment, quickly earning Emperor Guangwu's appreciation. Every time Emperor Guangwu summoned him, he would say to those around him, "This is a good official!" Therefore, Emperor Guangwu put him in charge of managing the memorials submitted by the vassals. Feng Weibo meticulously evaluated contributions, territorial distances, and land fertility, ranking them accurately without any errors, gaining universal respect. From then on, without Feng Weibo's input, Emperor Guangwu would not make decisions regarding the enfeoffment system. Emperor Guangwu valued him even more, entrusting him with the overall management of both significant and routine matters in the Secretariat.
Situ Hou Ba recommended the former Liang prefect Yan Yang for an official position. Yan Yang was often the subject of controversy, and the emperor had always had some reservations about him. After Hou Ba's recommendation, the emperor grew suspicious of foul play and became furious, even writing a letter to Hou Ba in which he stated: "How can Chongshan and Youdu compare? With a wave of the Yellow Decree, you’ll have nowhere to hide. Do you want to test the law's might on yourself? Or do you want to sacrifice yourself for righteousness?" He then sent a person named Qin with an imperial decree to the Situ's residence. After Qin returned, he explained Hou Ba's true intentions and the whole situation to the emperor. The emperor's anger subsided a bit, and he promoted Qin to Shangshu Pushe. Qin served in the position of Shangshu Pushe for fifteen years, and due to his hard work, he was granted the title of Marquis Within the Pass. Later, he was promoted to Shangshu Ling, Grand Minister of Finance, and three years later, he was promoted to Situ.
Earlier, several high-ranking ministers in the court had been dismissed for making mistakes. The emperor valued Qin greatly and hoped that he would see things through to the end. So, during a banquet, he earnestly advised him, saying, "Zhu Fu is disloyal to the emperor, arrogant and disrespectful to his colleagues, and in the end, he ended up being slandered. Life and death are unpredictable; it's really a pity! Even if ministers face exile or execution, and are later posthumously honored, it cannot compensate for the loss of life! Loyal ministers and devoted sons should learn from past stories and heed their warnings. As long as you serve the country faithfully and dedicate yourself to the monarch, then glory and wealth will accompany you throughout your life, and your achievements will be remembered for generations to come. Shouldn't you strive for that?" After listening to this, Qin became even more respectful and diligent, working wholeheartedly, and he earned a stellar reputation.
Qin's mother is eighty years old. Every time Qin goes to see the emperor, the emperor orders that his mother does not have to kneel and bow, and even has the guards assist her up the hall. Then, pointing to Qin's mother, he says to the princes and grandsons, "Qin's success and my affection for him are all thanks to his mother!" It can be seen how much respect the emperor has for Qin's mother.
In the first year of the Zhongyuan era, Qin passed away. The emperor was very sad and sent people to offer sacrifices, and even bestowed him with the secret treasures from the East Garden, with the rewards being especially generous.
Qin had seven sons. The eldest son, Qinzongsi, became the Commander of Zhangye; the second son, Qinshun, married Princess Pingyang and eventually became the Grand Herald. In the eighth year of the Jianchu era, Qinshun's son, Qinfen, inherited the title of Marquis of Pingyang, but later passed away without a son. In the seventh year of Yongyuan, the emperor issued an edict for Qinfen's older brother, Qinqin, the Right Guard of the Imperial Feather Forest, to inherit the title of Marquis of Pingyang and to offer sacrifices to Princess Pingyang. Qin's younger brother, Qinyou, achieved the rank of Yellow Gate Attendant and married Princess Ping'an. After Qinjin passed away, his son Qinmao inherited the title. Qinmao served as the Palace Attendant during the Yanguang period, and after his death, his son Qinliu inherited the title.
Zhao Xi, styled Boyang, was from Wancheng, Nanyang. He was known for his integrity from a young age. When his brother was killed and left no son, Zhao Xi, at the age of fifteen, was determined to avenge his brother. So he gathered a group of men, befriended outlaws, and later went to seek revenge on the enemy. However, all the enemies were sick and unable to move. Zhao Xi thought it was not righteous to take revenge on them while they were sick, so he gave up on revenge and left. As he left, he told the enemies, "If you recover, stay away from trouble!" The enemies all lay in bed, pounding their chests and stamping their feet. Later, when they recovered, they voluntarily tied themselves up and went to see Zhao Xi, but Zhao Xi refused to see them and ultimately took his revenge on them.
After Emperor Gengshi ascended to the throne, the powerful Li family in Wuyin County occupied the city and refused to yield. Emperor Gengshi sent General Zhu Tian, Li Bao, to persuade them to surrender, but the Li family still refused, saying, "We have heard of an orphan from Wuan County named Zhao Xi, known for his honesty and integrity. We are willing to surrender to him." So Emperor Gengshi summoned Zhao Xi. Zhao Xi was not yet twenty years old at the time, and when he was summoned, Emperor Gengshi smiled and said, "Can a young calf bear heavy burdens and go far?" He then appointed him as an official and sent him to Wuyin as a deputy general. The Li family indeed surrendered. Zhao Xi then entered Yingchuan, attacked the remaining cities that had not surrendered, patrolled the Runan area, and finally returned to Wuan County. Emperor Gengshi was thrilled and said to Zhao Xi, "Your reputation is like that of a prized steed; keep striving for greatness."
At this time, Wang Mang sent Wang Xun and Wang Yi to lead troops out of the pass. Emperor Gengshi promoted Zhao Xi to the position of Deputy General of the Five Armies, instructing him to assist other generals in resisting Wang Xun and Wang Yi at Kunyang. Emperor Guangwu defeated Wang Xun and Wang Yi, and Zhao Xi was also injured. In recognition of his hard work and contributions, he was appointed as Zhonglang General upon his return to the court and was conferred the title of Marquis of Valiant Achievements. After Emperor Gengshi's defeat, Zhao Xi was surrounded by soldiers of the Red Eyebrow Army. In a critical situation, he scaled the wall to escape, taking along dozens of people, including his good friend Han Zhongbo, along with the elderly, the weak, women, and children, crossing mountains and forests all the way to Wuguan. Han Zhongbo's wife was beautiful, and he feared she would be assaulted. He even considered abandoning his wife on the road. Zhao Xi reprimanded him, disagreeing with this action. He then coated Han Zhongbo's wife's face with mud, placed her on a deer cart, and pushed the cart himself. Whenever they faced bandits trying to rob them, Zhao Xi claimed that his wife was ill, thus managing to avoid disaster. Upon reaching Danshui, they encountered relatives of Emperor Gengshi, who were in rags, barefoot, hungry, and exhausted, unable to go on. Zhao Xi, deeply saddened for them, gave them all the silk and food he had with him, escorting them back to their village.
Once upon a time, Deng Feng rebelled in Nanyang, and Zhao Xi was on good terms with Deng Feng. He wrote several letters advising him not to rebel, but someone meddled and claimed Zhao Xi was in cahoots with Deng Feng, which raised the emperor's suspicions. After Deng Feng's failure, the emperor came across Zhao Xi's letters to Deng Feng and exclaimed, "Zhao Xi is truly a loyal and honorable man!" He immediately summoned Zhao Xi, rewarded him with horses and saddles, then let him ride in style to the palace. At that time, the Jiangnan region was not completely pacified and the roads were not open, so the court appointed him as the Marquis of Jianyang to oversee local matters. Zhao Xi declined to lead troops and made his way to Jianyang alone. The local officials and people did not want him to enter the city, but Zhao Xi reasoned with them and demonstrated the court's authority. As a result, the city leaders surrendered right away, and the other strongholds quickly followed. The Governor of Jingzhou reported that Zhao Xi was quite capable of handling tough situations, so the emperor promoted him to Marquis of Pinglin. He defeated a group of bandits, pacified the surrendering people, and restored peace to the area. Later, Zhao Xi was appointed as the Huai Prefect. There was a powerful family in the area named Li Zichun, who had previously been the Langye Prefect and had oppressed the people with his power, causing a lot of trouble. When he arrived, Zhao Xi found out that Li Zichun's two grandsons had committed a murder that was still under wraps, so he quickly launched an investigation and arrested Li Zichun, whose grandsons ended up taking their own lives. There were many people in the capital pleading for mercy for Li Zichun, but Zhao Xi stood firm and never agreed. At that time, Prince Zhao Liang was gravely ill and nearing death. The emperor went to see him personally and asked if he had any final wishes. Prince Zhao said, "I used to have a good relationship with Li Zichun. Now that he has committed a crime and Huai Prefect Zhao Xi wants to kill him, I hope you can spare him." The emperor replied, "Officials must uphold the law; justice can't be overlooked. Do you have any other wishes?" Prince Zhao did not say anything else. After Prince Zhao passed away, the emperor, remembering their past bond, pardoned Li Zichun.
That year, Zhao Xi was promoted to Prefect of Pingyuan. At that time, the Pingyuan area was plagued by bandits. Zhao Xi and officials from several surrounding counties worked together to capture the bandits, killed their leader, and thousands of their followers were implicated. Zhao Xi reported to the emperor, saying, "Instead of allowing these villains to continue their evil deeds, it is better to relocate them near the capital." The emperor agreed, and so these people were all moved to Yingchuan and Chenliu. In this way, Zhao Xi promoted upright individuals and fought against corruption. Later, Qingzhou was hit by a locust plague, and the locusts perished upon reaching the Pingyuan area, resulting in several years of good harvests, and the people praised him for it.
In the twenty-sixth year, the emperor hosted a banquet for the imperial family, and everyone had a great time. The ladies remarked, "Zhao Xi is upright and compassionate. During the attack on Chang'an by the Red Eyebrow Army, many people were saved by Zhao Xi." The emperor was very pleased with this. Later, the emperor summoned Zhao Xi to the capital to serve as Grand Commandant, and when he met with him, he said, "You not only receive the praise of heroes; even women remember your kindness!" The emperor also generously rewarded him with gifts.
In the year 27 BC, Huo Guang was appointed Grand Commandant and granted the title of Marquis of Guanneihou, truly basking in honor! At that time, the Southern Xiongnu chieftain came to pay tribute and pledge allegiance, and the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes also came to pay their respects to the emperor. The emperor tasked Huo Guang with managing border affairs, hoping he could develop sustainable border strategies. Huo Guang reorganized the various counties on the border, resulting in stability in Youzhou and Bingzhou.
After a few years, in the year 30 BC, Huo Guang suggested to the emperor holding the Fengshan sacrifice and restoring the Three Yong rites. In the first year of Zhongyuan, Huo Guang accompanied the emperor to Mount Tai for the Fengshan sacrifice. Later, after the emperor passed away, Huo Guang was tasked with overseeing the funeral arrangements. At that time, the feudal lords from various regions gathered in the capital, and since Wang Mang seized power, the previous ceremonial system had been abandoned. The crown prince and the King of Donghai even sat together at the same table, showing a complete disregard for etiquette! Huo Guang immediately frowned, stood at the steps of the hall with his sword drawn, and escorted each of the feudal lords down to show their respective ranks. At that time, the officials from the feudal states had the same status as the court officials when they entered the palace. Huo Guang submitted a memorial suggesting the appointment of special officials to manage them, arranging them in different residences, and allowing the feudal lords to meet the emperor only in the morning and evening. Huo Guang reestablished the ceremonial protocols, strengthened the palace guards, and both inside and outside the palace suddenly became orderly.
In the first year of Yongping, Huo Guang was appointed as the Marquis of Jie Xiang. In the spring of the third year, due to unclear facts in investigating the Prime Minister of Zhongshan, Xue Xiu, Huo Guang was dismissed. In the winter of that year, he replaced Dou Rong as the Commandant of Guards. Eight years later, Huo Guang replaced Yu Yan as the acting Grand Commandant, handling political affairs in the Grand Commandant's office, which was indistinguishable from the official Grand Commandant. Later, when Huo Guang's mother passed away, he requested to resign in order to return home for mourning, but the emperor did not allow it and even sent envoys to comfort him, rewarding him with many gifts, demonstrating significant favor. Huo Guang oversaw the palace guard and served as the Prime Minister outside, known for his integrity and diligence in his role. After the emperor's death, he handled the funeral arrangements twice, ensuring that the ceremonies were conducted meticulously. After Emperor Suzong ascended the throne, Huo Guang was promoted to Grand Tutor (太傅) and also handled the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. A total of seven of his sons were promoted to court officials! His eldest son, Huo Dai, even held the position of Yellow Gate Attendant.
In the fifth year of the Jianchu era, Huo Guang fell ill, and the emperor personally visited him. After Huo Guang passed away, the emperor sent a carriage to pay his respects. Huo Guang lived to the age of eighty-four and was posthumously granted the title "Zhenghou." Huo Guang's eldest son Huo Dai inherited his title and achieved the rank of Chief Cavalry Officer. During the Yongyuan period, Huo Dai, as a deputy general, followed General Liu Shang to suppress the Qiang tribe. Due to his involvement in the campaign, he was imprisoned and later passed away due to illness. The emperor took pity on him and rewarded him with numerous valuable items, money, and textiles, and posthumously promoted him to Chief Cavalry Officer and granted him the title of Marquis of Jie Xiang. Huo Guang's grandson Huo Zhi inherited the title and achieved the rank of Infantry Colonel. After Huo Zhi's death, his son Huo Shu inherited the title, but unfortunately, Huo Shu had no sons, resulting in the title becoming extinct.
Mou Rong, styled Ziyu, was from Anqiu, Shandong. He was intellectually gifted from a young age, earning a living by teaching "The Grand History of Xiahou." He attracted hundreds of students and gained considerable fame in the region. Later, he became the magistrate of Feng County, where, remarkably, there were no lawsuits for three consecutive years, the best record in the province.
Minister of Works Fan Qian recommended Mou Rong for his loyalty, integrity, noble character, and meticulous attention to detail, suggesting he serve in the court. In the fifth year of Yongping, Mou Rong succeeded Bao Yu as the Chief Commandant of Justice, rectifying numerous errors, which earned him the respect of court officials. Eight years later, he succeeded Bao Xian as the Grand Herald, and eleven years later, he succeeded Gai Yang as the Grand Minister of Agriculture.
At that time, Emperor Ming of Han was busy with state affairs, often summoning ministers for discussions and handling cases. Mou Rong was knowledgeable and skilled in debate, earning the admiration of the court officials. The emperor praised him multiple times, believing he had the talent of a prime minister. The following year, he succeeded Fu Gong as the Minister of Works, acting with caution, which earned him the respect of the ministers. When Emperor Zhang of Han ascended the throne, he appointed Mou Rong, a distinguished minister from the previous dynasty, to replace Zhao Xi as the Grand Commandant, enabling him to take part in managing the affairs of the imperial secretariat.
In the fourth year of Jianchu, Mou Rong passed away, and the emperor personally attended his funeral. At that time, Mou Rong's eldest son, Mou Lin, returned to his hometown. The emperor saw that his other sons were still young, so he ordered the officials of the Grand Commandant's office to teach them etiquette and manners, and gave them many rewards, showing him great favor. The emperor also granted them a burial site at Xianjie Tomb and appointed Mou Lin as a Palace Gentleman.
Wei Biao, courtesy name Mengda, was from Pingling, Fufeng, Shaanxi. His father, Wei Xian, was a loyal minister of Emperor Gaozu of Han, and his grandfather, Wei Shang, served as Prime Minister during the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han.
Wei Biao was known for his filial piety; after his parents passed away, he grieved deeply, observing a three-year mourning period during which he neither left the house nor returned to his room. After the mourning period, he became emaciated, and it took him several years to fully recover. He was highly educated and knowledgeable, earning a reputation as a great master of Confucianism. During the reign of Emperor Guangwu of Han, he was recommended as a filial and upright official and became a Palace Gentleman. Later, due to illness, he resigned and returned home to teach. He lived a simple and contented life, not seeking fame or wealth, and was highly respected by scholars in the Guanzhong region.
Emperor Ming of Han heard of Wei Biao's reputation, and in the sixth year of Yongping, summoned him to court, appointing him as an official and granting him carriages, horses, and clothing. He was later promoted three times and became the Prefect of Wei Commandery. After Emperor Zhang of Han ascended the throne, he resigned due to illness. The court later summoned him to serve as the Left General of the Household and the Commandant of Changle, where he repeatedly advised the emperor on governance strategies, advocating for kindness and benevolence. He later requested retirement and was appointed as the Commandant of Chariots, receiving a generous salary and numerous rewards from the emperor, who also took care of his relatives.
In the year 78 AD, the emperor went on a western inspection tour and brought Biao, the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, along. The emperor summoned Biao multiple times, asking him about the past events in the Sanfu region (near Chang'an) and the customs and traditions of that place. Biao took the opportunity to suggest, "Now that we are on a western tour to the old capital Chang'an, we should record the achievements of the founding emperor and Emperor Zhongzong's era, honor their contributions, and also include their descendants in the historical records." The emperor accepted his suggestion.
Upon arriving in Chang'an, the emperor ordered the Jingzhao magistrate and the Youfufeng magistrate to search for the descendants of Xiao He and Huo Guang. They found that Huo Guang had no descendants, only Xiao He’s great-grandson, Xiao Xiong. The emperor then appointed him as the Marquis of Zeng. Cao Zhan, a descendant of Cao Can, had already been appointed as the Marquis of Pingyang in the second year of Jianchu, so he was not considered for this honor. The emperor also generously rewarded Biao, giving him a lot of money, precious items, and delicious food, permitting him to return to Pingling to honor his ancestors. After returning, Biao was appointed as the Grand Minister of Works.
At that time, many people petitioned that most of the recommended talents from various places were not truly talented, so local officials became increasingly negligent, and government affairs became more and more neglected; the responsibility lay with the local governments. The emperor issued a decree for the officials and ministers to convene and discuss this matter. Biao submitted his opinion in writing, saying: "I have carefully studied Your Majesty's decree; you care so much about the suffering of the people, and you attach great importance to talent selection, wholeheartedly wanting to select true talents. The country should prioritize selecting talents, and filial piety to parents is the foremost virtue of a talented person. Confucius said: 'By serving parents with filial piety, this loyalty can extend to the ruler.' Therefore, loyal ministers must be sought among filial sons. It is difficult for a person's talent and character to be both excellent, so although Meng Gongchuo is more capable than the veteran officials of Zhao and Wei, he is not suitable to be the county magistrate of Teng and Xue. Those who are loyal and filial have kind and generous hearts; those officials who have been hardened by experience tend to have colder hearts. The longevity of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties can be attributed to their emphasis on training officials. Talent selection should prioritize abilities and character over mere background and status. However, the key is in selecting capable second-rank officials; if the second-rank officials are capable and virtuous, the talents they recommend will naturally be outstanding." The emperor greatly appreciated his opinion and adopted his suggestion.
Wei Biao inherited the legacy of two generations of officials in his family, but at that time, most officials were primarily known for their harshness, and the selection of officials did not consider talent. One summer, the weather was particularly cold; Wei Biao wrote a memorial to the emperor, saying, "I have heard that the fundamental principle of governing a country is to follow the changes of Yin and Yang. However, since the beginning of summer, the weather should be hot, but it is very cold. This is probably because the punishments are too severe, and the various counties are not operating according to the seasonal changes. The farmers are busy with planting, but the harsh officials are taking away their time; taxes are collected as required, but greedy officials embezzle their money. This is a serious problem! If you want the people to work hard, you should first eliminate their worries. The most important department in the realm is the Ministry of Personnel. How can the selection of officials be careless? But now many people are promoted from lower ranks; although they are familiar with grammar and good at handling things, they are merely clever but lack true talent. We should select those who have served as county officials with a good reputation, even if they are a bit slow in handling things and occasionally have shortcomings, but they are fair-minded and meticulous. We should learn the efficiency of a frugal person and the spirit of building achievements in silence like Jiang Hou! In the past, there were large-scale wrongful convictions in the Chu state, so the position of Remonstrance Official was established to assist lower-ranking officials, but most of these individuals are petty and engage in unscrupulous activities for personal gain. Now we should streamline the organization and dismiss these Remonstrance Officials. As for the Censorate, it should be filled with upright individuals, as they can speak out boldly and provide benefits to the court. However, often those who pass exams are appointed to this position. Inspectors are frequently dispatched to oversee counties and should also be carefully selected and evaluated on their performance. Officials who have held the position of 2,000 stone for a long time and are deeply loved by the people should be promoted and rewarded heavily, and they should not be easily transferred. I hope Your Majesty will give serious thought to my suggestions." The emperor adopted his suggestions.
In the spring of the second year of Yuanhe, the emperor went on a hunting expedition in the east and appointed Wei Biao as the Minister of State to accompany him. Upon their return, Wei Biao fell ill and requested retirement. The emperor sent eunuchs and imperial physicians to visit him and provided him with food. Wei Biao reported that he was seriously ill. In the summer of the second year of Zhanghe, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Wei Biao is a descendant of generals, diligent and upright in character, and has served in various official positions for many years. Now that he is seriously ill and has repeatedly requested retirement, you are of advanced age and cannot take on any more burdens. The heavy duties may harm your health. Now I grant you the seal of the Grand Minister. I will send the Crown Prince's Attendant to your residence to present you with a reward of two hundred thousand coins." In the first year of Yongyuan, Wei Biao passed away. The emperor issued a decree to the Minister saying: "The late Grand Minister Wei Biao served without fault during his tenure. I had intended to promote him, but he unexpectedly passed away. Bestow upon him two hundred thousand coins, one hundred bolts of cloth, and three thousand bushels of grain." Wei Biao lived a simple life, was generous, giving all his salary to his relatives, leaving no money at home. He also wrote twelve articles titled "Master Wei Qingzi." His elder brother was Wei Yi, styled Jijie. Their ancestors were remarkable, with their great-grandfather Wei Xuancheng serving as prime minister during the reign of Emperor Yuan. Initially, Wei Biao moved to Fufeng, so Wei Yi remained in Duling, Jingzhao.
Wei Shun, Wei Biao's older brother, whose courtesy name was Shuwen, served as the magistrate of Pingyu County and was well-respected. Another brother, Wei Bao, whose courtesy name was Jiming, was summoned several times by the court for official duties, but he always declined for various reasons. Later, Minister Liu Kai also summoned him, saying, "You always easily decline, so your official position has never improved. Now, at the end of the year, the court is selecting imperial censors. I plan to recommend you. Will you stay tonight?" Wei Bao said, "I am old and lacking in energy. Although I am very grateful for your kindness, I truly cannot accept. Besides, my health has not been good recently; I really can't stay. If you want to recommend me, I truly cannot accept." After he finished speaking, he stood up without shoes. Liu Kai chased after him, but he walked away without looking back. Later, when Emperor An went on an inspection tour of the provinces, he was summoned to serve as a councilor.
Wei Yi, when he was young, was already well-known alongside his two brothers and initially served as an official in the prefectures. Later, Grand Tutor Huan Yan recognized his talent, recommended him for official positions, and he successively served as the magistrate of Guangdu County, Ganling County, and Chen County. His political achievements were outstanding, with no issues in his office and prisons that were completely empty. He also repeatedly petitioned Emperor Shun to evaluate officials' merits and demerits based on ancient regulations, promote or demote them, and recruit prestigious scholars to improve these systems. He criticized the court officials at that time and criticized the Dou family. However, his suggestions went unheeded, and he faced prolonged suppression without any promotions. Later, after his brother Wei Shun passed away, he resigned from his position. The court summoned him several times to serve in the public office, but he did not agree. The people of Guangdu County even erected a temple in his honor. After his death, officials and people from Ganling, Chen, and Guangdu counties all mourned for him as if they had lost their parents.
Baozi, styled Xiuming, was famous for his profound knowledge when he was young, but he declined the summons from the prefectures.
General Liang Ji sought to recruit him for an official position, but he declined. In the second year of the Yanxi era, Emperor Huan of Han sent a special carriage and summoned him with grand ceremonies. Upon arriving at Baling, he pretended to be ill and returned home, then fled to Yunyang Mountain to gather herbs and was never seen again. The relevant authorities brought accusations against him and impeached him, but the emperor granted him a special pardon. The emperor issued another edict, requesting the Jingzhao Prefect to persuade him to accept office with great ceremony, but Baozi remained unwilling.
After Emperor Ling of Han ascended the throne, the Palace Attendant Cao Jie recognized that following the deaths of Chen Fan and the Dou clan, there was widespread discontent across the land. He aimed to stabilize public sentiment by recommending Baozi for a significant position to the emperor, appointing him as the Governor of Donghai Commandery. The emperor's edict was pressing, leaving Baozi no choice but to shave his head and assume his duties in Donghai Commandery. He was exceedingly strict in his official duties, which led to many offenses. Later, his wife became arrogant and unruly, tarnishing his reputation. Ultimately, he resigned from his position and returned home, only to be murdered by malicious individuals. The hermits lamented his fate.
Praise: "Zhan and Ba are diligent, preserving peace in two realms. The people of Huai admire him, and the bandits of Xu surrender. His integrity is profound, and his benevolence is never forgotten. His governance leaves a lasting legacy, though his brilliance and principles have faded. Duke Mou's simplicity left a lasting impression on the emperor, and he departed this life in glory."
