Shen Tu Gang, known as Ju Qing, was from Maoling in Fufeng. His ancestor, Shen Tu Jia, seven generations ago, served as prime minister during the reign of Emperor Wen. Shen Tu Gang was upright and honest, with a resolute character, always admiring those like Sima Qian and Ji An who dared to speak their minds. Later, he became a minor official in the local administration.
During the reign of Emperor Ping, Wang Mang held a monopoly on power, and the court was rife with suspicion. Wang Mang deliberately separated the two families of the emperor's relatives, Feng and Wei, preventing them from participating in court affairs, which Shen Tu Gang vehemently opposed. Later, when the court sought to select virtuous and principled individuals, Shen Tu Gang seized the opportunity to submit a memorial, in which he said:
"I have heard that if an emperor acts wrongly, the deities will be angered, and corrupt officials will disrupt the order of the court, resulting in a disruption of the yin-yang balance. This serves as a warning from heaven to the emperor, in hopes that misguided rulers might awaken, and those ministers with evil intentions can restrain themselves. Currently, the court does not assess the merits and virtues of its officials, but rather relies on rumors, issuing decrees repeatedly, enforcing harsh laws, suppressing and attacking dissent, banning discussions on political issues, and severely punishing those who err, even to the extent of execution. This wounds the loyalty of faithful ministers, stifles the morale of principled individuals, and contradicts the original intent of rewarding good deeds and promoting counsel, blocking the channels for advice and blinding the monarch’s vision and hearing!"
I have heard that when King Cheng was young, the Duke of Zhou served as regent. Although he listened to advice from all sides and weighed the pros and cons, he prioritized talent over seniority or novelty. His actions were in accordance with the will of heaven, without error. Even so, at that time there was still dissatisfaction from Duke Shao, and rumors from four distant countries. The bond between ruler and subject, as well as between father and son, is the closest in the world. Now that His Majesty is young, just out of infancy, since taking the throne, close relatives have been isolated and excluded, and family bonds are unable to be nurtured. Moreover, the Han dynasty's system, although it requires the appointment of talented individuals, also relies on recognizing the importance of familial ties in order to ensure stability and peace for the country. Currently, the Feng and Wei families have not committed any crimes, yet they have been neglected for a long time, even being sent to remote areas, living in worse conditions than ordinary commoners. This is far from the behavior expected of a filial, loyal, and compassionate monarch. As subjects, we should uphold justice, regardless of status, and treat each other honestly. Therefore, whether wise or foolish, there will be grievances, and treacherous officials will exploit this to stir up trouble, leading to dire consequences. How can the current regent possibly compare to the ancient Duke of Zhou? Even the sagacious Duke of Zhou had his shortcomings, much less those actions that contradict the will of heaven and fail to resonate with the people's sentiments?!
Once upon a time, Zhou Gongdan dispatched Boqin to the state of Lu to serve as a vassal. He based his actions on benevolence and righteousness, not favoring his relatives, so he was able to offer sacrifices to the heavenly deities for over thirty generations. On the other hand, Huo Guang, while assisting the young emperor and promoting talents, appeared loyal and upright on the surface, but in reality formed factions, suppressed the relatives of the emperor, engaged in party politics, and consolidated his power, resulting in the annihilation of his family after his death. Now all the teachers hold positions akin to those of Yi Yin and Zhou Gong, bearing the heavy responsibility of safeguarding the country and its people. If they leverage this to educate the populace, how could their contributions not be significant? But if they do not consider the risks involved, how could disasters possibly be avoided? In the "Book of Documents," Confucius' ancestors lamented the cyclical nature of fortune and misfortune, and the "Tao Te Ching" warned to be wary of becoming arrogant. In conclusion, those who achieve greatness often meet unfortunate fates, and those who intimidate the monarch with power also struggle to preserve it.
Our country has just experienced war and turmoil, with countless tasks ahead for rebuilding, the national treasury empty, heavy taxes burdening the people, harsh officials exploiting the people, corrupt officials embezzling public funds, and the common people left destitute, epidemics rampant, and countless deaths and injuries. Thieves band together in their thousands, and rebel armies are scattered everywhere, declaring themselves emperors, attacking the capital, burning, killing, looting, and even spreading rumors that someone shot arrows into the palace, frightening the guards. Since the establishment of the Han Dynasty, such a situation has never been seen before! The nation teeters on the brink of collapse, and evil plots and schemes go unchecked. The emperor, ruling by divine mandate, holds the power over titles and punishments and must not use the emperor's salary to privately support relatives, nor should he pardon their crimes simply because they are family.
Your Majesty should continue to uphold your wise virtue, wake up in a timely manner, learn from the achievements of past emperors, follow the example set by Emperor Xiaowen, revise the appointments of officials ranked below the fifth, place your close relatives in appropriate positions, hurry and send envoys to bring Empress Dowager Zhongshan to court, set her up in another residence, and have her come to court regularly. Also, call in the Feng and Wei clans, give them some minor roles, have them act as your personal guards for added security, to prevent any potential dangers, safeguard the peace of the realm and your safety, keep harmony among your relatives, and ward off any external threats.
After the memorial was presented, Wang Mang ordered the Empress to issue a decree: "I just heard some ridiculous comments and nonsense that contradict righteousness. Send them all back home to farm!"
It is said that Wang Mang usurped the throne of the Han Dynasty. Mr. Gang fled to the Hexi region and later went to Bashu, where he spent over twenty years. Later, Wei Xiao seized control of Longyou and wanted to betray the Han Dynasty and join Gongsun Shu. Mr. Gang advised him, saying, "I have heard that people's allegiance is predetermined by heaven; people's betrayal is also determined by heaven. Think about it, the emperor of the Han Dynasty is exceptionally virtuous. When we rebelled against Wang Mang in the past, it was a divine punishment. You started with nothing, holding a small corner alone. You should sincerely support the court and work together with the court to align with the will of heaven, meet the expectations of the people, achieve merit for the nation, and attain long-term stability. The wise steer clear of suspicion. General, you hold great prestige, yet you are so far from the court; you must be cautious in every move you make! Now the court has repeatedly sent envoys, entrusted you with significant responsibilities, expressing trust and wanting to share hardships and blessings with you. Even ordinary folks have steadfast loyalty, let alone a general who leads all the people! What are you afraid of? What’s holding you back? Why hesitate for so long? If any unexpected event occurs, you will betray the loyalty and filial piety owed to those above you and the people below. Things that haven't happened yet are often just empty talk; when things really happen, it's too late to say anything. Thus, honest advice may be hard to hear, but it’s often for the best. I truly hope you’ll take an old man's words to heart." Wei Xiao did not listen to him and eventually betrayed the Han Dynasty, joining Gongsun Shu.
In the seventh year of the Jianwu era, the emperor issued a decree summoning Geng Shu back to the capital. Before Geng Shu returned, he wrote a letter to Liu Xiao, saying, "I've heard that those who only trust themselves tend to become isolated, and those who do not listen to advice are prone to ruin. Isolating oneself and silencing dissent are signs of a declining nation. Even the smartest person needs to be humble and listen to others' opinions to avoid mistakes and get things right. A wise person isn’t just someone who believes in their own ideas; they’re someone who considers the well-being of the people. Prosperity comes from aligning with public sentiment, while going against it leads to ruin—this is a timeless truth. General, you were originally just a commoner, but you gained the admiration of the elders in your village. Your plans for the country's affairs haven’t been thought through, and your military strategies have not been thoroughly considered. Now, the political situation in the east is stable, with the people living in peace and prosperity, while the western region is preparing for war, making everyone anxious and afraid, unable to speak the truth, murmuring among themselves and waiting. Where’s the spirit of an elite army? Danger could arise at any moment. When things reach a critical point, changes will occur, and in urgent situations, strategies are prone to errors; this is an unavoidable reality. Going against morality and public opinion has never saved a nation or a family. General, you have always been known for your loyalty and filial piety, which is why many scholars and officials come from afar to learn from you. If you want to gamble everything on luck now, is that really wise? Heaven favors those who heed public sentiment, and those who receive everyone's support are those who keep their promises. If you do not receive the blessings of heaven and the support of the people, bringing disaster upon the wicked, ruining your lifelong reputation, damaging the bond between ruler and subject, and straining familial ties, leaving loyal ministers disheartened, can you really afford to be careless?" Liu Xiao did not listen to him. After Geng Shu returned to the capital, he was appointed as an imperial censor and later promoted to Minister of Works.
Emperor Guangwu once wanted to go on a trip, but Geng Shu believed that Longxi and Shu had not been pacified yet, so it wasn’t the right time to be indulging in pleasures. He strongly advised against it, but Emperor Guangwu did not listen. Geng Shu boldly placed his head against the emperor's carriage wheel, and only then did Emperor Guangwu give up. "Head against the carriage wheel," that was really something!
At that time, many officials both in and out of the court were appointed by the emperor himself, along with strict laws and grueling work. Even the imperial secretaries and close attendants could be openly scolded, beaten, or even dragged around by the emperor, and the ministers dared not speak. Geng Shu, on the other hand, always spoke his mind and suggested to the emperor that the crown prince move into the Eastern Palace early, select talents to assist the crown prince, and help him grow. But the emperor simply did not listen. Because he ended up angering the emperor by repeatedly speaking his mind and giving advice, several years later, Geng Shu was reassigned as the magistrate of Pingyin County. He was later recalled to the court and appointed as Grand Master of the Palace, but soon resigned due to illness and passed away at his home.
Bao Yong, styled Junchang, was from Tunliu County in Shangdang Commandery. His father, Bao Xuan, served as the Colonel Director during Emperor Ai's reign and was later murdered by Wang Mang. Bao Yong was ambitious from a young age and studied the Classic of Documents with annotations by Ouyang Gao. He was extremely filial to his stepmother, and one time, when his wife scolded a dog in front of her, Bao Yong immediately decided to divorce his wife.
At first, Bao Yong served as a county official. Wang Mang wanted to deal with the descendants of Bao Xuan because Bao Xuan did not align himself with him. Colonel Lu Ping tried to harm Bao Yong by guessing Wang Mang's intentions. The governor Gou Jian, however, admired Bao Yong and invited him to serve in his administration, often keeping him at the governor's residence. Bao Yong often advised Gou Jian, saying he wanted to restore the Han dynasty and eliminate Wang Mang and his band of usurpers. Gou Jian often warned Bao Yong, saying, "You need to be careful in what you do; do not speak carelessly, or disaster may befall you." Bao Yong was deeply moved. After Gou Jian's death, Bao Yong personally escorted the funeral back to Fufeng, but Lu Ping seized his brother Bao Sheng. The new governor Zhao Xing, upon hearing this, sighed and said, "I have received the land and people of the Han dynasty, but I can't serve the country faithfully, while Bao Xuan died for the Han dynasty. How can I harm his son again?" So he ordered the release of Bao Sheng and permitted Bao Yong to remain in his position. At that time, there was a man posing as an attendant staying at the post station, and Zhao Xing wanted to visit him. Bao Yong suspected that this was a scam and advised Zhao Xing not to go, but Zhao Xing did not listen and insisted on going. Bao Yong drew his sword to stop Zhao Xing's horse, stopping him. A few days later, Wang Mang's edict came down to arrest the man pretending to be an attendant, and Bao Yong gained fame from this incident. Later, someone recommended him to become a scholar, but he did not go. In the second year of Gengshi, Bao Yong was called to the court, and he quickly rose in ranks, becoming the Minister of State, acting as the Grand General, commanding troops under the emperor's authority, pacifying the regions of Hedong, Bingzhou, and Shuofang, appointing his own lieutenants and executing military law directly. When Bao Yong arrived in Hedong, he attacked the Qingdu army and achieved a great victory, and the Gengshi Emperor granted him the title of Marquis of Zhongyang. Although Bao Yong was a general, he still wore simple, worn clothes, which made him easily recognizable on the road.
The Chimei army revolted and killed Emperor Gengshi, which cut off all routes in the Sanfu region. Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu ascended the throne and sent the Imperial Advisor Chudabo with the emperor's seal to summon Liu Yong to the palace. Liu Yong suspected it was a trap and refused to comply, instead seizing Chudabo and sending a messenger to ride swiftly to Chang'an for intelligence. After verifying Emperor Gengshi's death, he arranged a funeral for him, released Chudabo and others, and promoted Chudabo to Grand General, granting him the seal of Marquis. Liu Yong ordered the army to withdraw, taking only a handful of trusted advisors, and traveled lightly to Henei.
Emperor Guangwu met with Liu Yong and asked, "Where is your army now?" Liu Yong rose from his seat, bowed deeply, and offered his apologies, saying, "I served Emperor Gengshi and failed to safeguard his realm; I am truly ashamed. Those soldiers followed me to riches, so I disbanded them all." Emperor Guangwu said, "You make a good point!" though he was not entirely pleased. At the time, Huai County had not yet been captured. Emperor Guangwu said to Liu Yong, "I have been attacking Huai County for three days, but the army cannot capture it. The people in the Guandong region are terrified of us. Why don't you take your former troops to the city to urge their surrender?" So, Emperor Guangwu appointed Liu Yong as the Adviser. Liu Yong went to Huai County and successfully convinced the Prefect of Henei to capitulate, and Huai County opened its gates in surrender. Emperor Guangwu was greatly pleased and rewarded Liu Yong with a residence in Luoyang's commercial district, but Liu Yong respectfully declined.
Later, one of Dong Xian's deputy generals stationed in Lu County oppressed the people, so Emperor Guangwu appointed Liu Yong as the governor of Lu County. After Liu Yong took office, he defeated Dong Xian's deputy general, achieving a decisive victory and capturing several thousand surrendering troops. Only a few leaders, including Peng Feng, Yu Xiu, and Pi Chang, each commanding over a thousand followers, declared themselves "generals" and refused to surrender. Not long after, the thorns and brambles in Confucius' shrine mysteriously vanished from the lecture hall to the inner gate. Liu Yong found it very strange and said to the magistrate and the county magistrate of Lu, "It is a critical moment now, but the gates have opened on their own. Could it be that Master Confucius wants me to pay my respects and help me kill these unjust individuals?" Liu Yong then gathered the people to hold a village archery ceremony, inviting Peng Feng and the others to watch, hoping to seize the opportunity to capture them. Peng Feng and the others also planned to ambush Liu Yong, so they hosted him with beef and wine while secretly concealing weapons. Liu Yong noticed their conspiracy and personally executed Peng Feng and the others, effectively dismantling their power. Emperor Guangwu praised Liu Yong's strategy, appointed him as Marquis of Guannei, and promoted him to Governor of Yangzhou. At that time, many bandits still roamed the southern region. Liu Yong, taking into account that the people had recently endured war and suffered significant casualties, implemented a lenient policy, punishing only the more aggressive bandits while pacifying the rest of the populace, who were now quite stable. Later, Liu Yong's mother passed away, so he resigned from his position to observe mourning at home and distributed all his property to orphans and widows.
In the eleventh year of Jianwu, Bao Yong was summoned to serve as the Colonel of the Imperial Guard. The Emperor's uncle, Prince Zhao Liu Liang, was of high status and powerful influence. However, Bao Yong impeached him for his disrespectful conduct, which sent shockwaves through the court, and no one dared to act recklessly. Later, Bao Yong recommended Bao Hui, a man from Fufeng, for the position of assistant official. Bao Hui was also upright and outspoken, unafraid to stand up to the powerful. The Emperor often said, "Those nobles better behave and avoid these two officials surnamed Bao." This shows just how much Bao Yong and Bao Hui were feared.
When Bao Yong was on a mission to Baling, passing by the tomb of Emperor Gengshi, he ordered the convoy to enter a field path. The officials traveling with him advised against it. Bao Yong said, "I once served under Emperor Gengshi, how can I pass by his tomb without paying my respects? Even if I am to be punished for this, as the Colonel of the Imperial Guard, I will not shirk my duty!" He then got off the carriage to pay respects, weeping bitterly before he left. Upon reaching Fufeng, he also sacrificed an ox at the tomb of Gou Jian. When the Emperor heard of this, he was somewhat displeased and asked his ministers, "How is Bao Yong's actions following orders?" The Grand Master Zhang Zhan replied, "Benevolence is the foundation of behavior, loyalty is the standard of righteousness. To not forget the old master with a heart of benevolence, and not forget the new sovereign with a heart of loyalty, is a very noble act!" The Emperor, upon hearing this, calmed down.
Later, the Grand Tutor Han Xin committed a crime, and Bao Yong pleaded for leniency for him, but was unsuccessful. This angered the Emperor, and Bao Yong was demoted to the position of Xiang of Donghai. Due to not handling land measurement matters objectively, Bao Yong was summoned by the court again, and many county officials were imprisoned. When Bao Yong arrived in Chenggao, the Emperor issued a decree naming him the Governor of Yanzhou, ordering him to take up his post immediately on his way to Yanzhou. Bao Yong served as the Governor of Yanzhou for three years before he passed away from illness, leaving behind his son Bao Yu.
The comments in the book said: Bao Yong was loyal to his old master, so he could also be loyal to his new master; he didn't care about his lowly status and favoritism, so he could gain greater trust. However, if the speaker is honest but the emperor does not heed their words, even the best advice is unlikely to be taken; sticking to honesty and offending the powerful is also difficult to understand. If one can abandon personal interests, follow the right path, and adhere to principles, then one can embody the demeanor of a true gentleman.
Bao Yu, styled Wenquan, inherited his father's scholarship from an early age and had been a guest lecturer in the Dongping area. In the early years of Jianwu, a group of bandits appeared in the Taihang Mountains area. Governor Dai She learned that Bao Yu, the son of Bao Yong, was highly talented and strategic, so he personally visited and requested Bao Yu to serve as the county magistrate of Gaodu County. Bao Yu agreed, and then led the troops to attack the bandits, killing their leader, clearing the way, and thus gaining great fame. Later, Bao Yu also served as the county magistrate of Biyang, governing with benevolence, and the region was peaceful.
The post of Inspector of Jingzhou sounds quite powerful, and he was promoted several levels, and by the first year of Zhongyuan, he became the Colonel Director of Retainers. The emperor even sent someone to ask him to write a notice to the surrendered Hu people. The emperor also sent a eunuch to inquire if there was anything he found unclear. He said, "I heard that names were not included on official documents in the past, and the Minister of Works’ documents also never included names, so why does the document issued by the Colonel Director include my name?" The emperor said, "I just want everyone to know that the son of a loyal minister has become the Colonel Director!" Throughout his tenure, he was diligent, responsible, and fair, fully embodying his father's admirable qualities. However, in the fifth year of Yongping, he was dismissed because he was slow to extinguish a fire.
Later he was appointed as the Prefect of Runan. There were many ponds in Runan, which needed repairs every year, costing tens of millions of coins. He thought about it and decided to build a sturdy stone canal so that the water would be sufficient for the irrigation of many fields. As a result, the common people became prosperous. In the seventeenth year of Yongping, he took over as the Minister of Public Works, and the Emperor rewarded him with money, goods, tents, and other supplies, and even appointed his son as an official. In the first year of the Jianchu era, there was a severe drought and food prices soared. The Emperor summoned him and asked for his advice. He said, "I have heard that a sage ruler can achieve results in three years. Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, and not all policies have been fully implemented yet, so we cannot expect immediate results. However, when I was an official in Runan, I handled many cases and imprisoned over a thousand people, some of whom may have been wrongly accused. The former Emperor once said that in major cases, more than half of the accused are innocent. Those who were exiled lost their families and livelihoods, and had no one to worship them. If one person suffers endlessly, the Emperor's decrees are undermined. Therefore, all exiled individuals should be pardoned, released from captivity, and allowed to reunite with their families to live with honor, in order to achieve peace in the country." The Emperor accepted his advice. Four years later, he succeeded Mou Rong as the Grand Commandant, and passed away six years later, living to the age of over seventy. His son, De, was also ambitious and respected, and became the Prefect of Nanyang. During his tenure, Nanyang enjoyed favorable weather while other regions faced calamities. The people loved and respected him, affectionately calling him "Father of the People." The county school in Nanyang had long fallen into disrepair, but he rebuilt it, provided sacrificial items, held grand ceremonies, and invited local scholars, which touched the hearts of the people. He served as the Prefect of Nanyang for nine years before being summoned as the Minister of Agriculture, and ultimately passed away in office.
Zi'ang, whose courtesy name was Shuya, was a dutiful and honorable man. Initially, his father suffered from illness for several years, and Zi'ang stayed by his bedside taking care of him, never leaving his side. After his father passed away, he mourned for three years, during which he became emaciated, before finally seeing to the funeral arrangements. Once the mourning period ended, he quietly resided near his father's grave, no longer engaging with the outside world. Although the court recommended him for an official post and others urged him to take up roles in government, he turned down all offers and ultimately passed away in his home.
Zhi Yun, whose courtesy name was Junzhang, was a man from Xiping in Runan. He lost his mother at the age of twelve and observed mourning even more strictly than the customary rites. As he grew up, he was proficient in the "Book of Han Poetry" and "The Spring and Autumn Annals of the Yan Family," and also understood astronomy and calendar calculations. During Wang Mang's reign, as banditry surged, Zhi Yun gazed at the celestial phenomena and lamented to his friends, "Now the Town Star, Year Star, and Mars are appearing in the Han Dynasty's Yi Xiu and Zhen Xiu regions, appearing and disappearing alternately. This signifies that the Han Dynasty is destined to regain the mandate of heaven, and blessings will descend upon the virtuous. If anyone can act in accordance with the will of heaven, they will surely achieve great success." At that time, there was a Left Division Doctor named Lu Bing, who liked to associate with talented individuals. Zhi Yun said to him, "Now that the heavens have revealed celestial phenomena, wise men will prosper and fools will perish. In the past, Yi Yin assisted King Tang starting from selling vegetables, eventually achieving great success and preserving himself. I boldly seek to follow Yi Yin, align with the will of heaven, and transform the present circumstances. Sir, if you can heed my unpleasant advice and let me fulfill the great virtue of heaven, I will be grateful." Lu Bing found him intriguing and appointed him to a minor official position. However, Zhi Yun declined, stating, "In the past, King Wen discovered Lu Shang by the Wei River, King Gaozong met Fu Shuo on a mountain cliff, Duke Huan obtained Guan Zhong while hunting, which allowed them to achieve great feats and realize their grand ambitions. I have never heard of a teacher, chancellor, or elder needing to accept lowly official positions! Those who do not understand celestial observations cannot plan great things together with them. If you don’t assign significant tasks to a steed that can travel a thousand miles, it will simply lower its head and walk away." Thus, he ultimately declined the appointment. Upon his arrival in Chang'an, he penned a letter to Wang Mang:
I heard that Heaven and Earth hold human beings dear and cherish all things, which is why they operate the yin and yang, move the sun and moon, contain vital energy, embrace all things, discern and nurture various categories, demonstrate laws, record history, and pre-determine everything. The Han Dynasty lasted a long time, and Confucius established the system of rites and music, not allowing ignorance to deceive, avoiding harm to the people, and disturbing the situation. Wise people achieve virtues in accordance with the will of Heaven, while foolish people go against the will of Heaven and bring calamity upon themselves. The fate of the nation and its people is ordained by Heaven and cannot be taken by force. The warning from Heaven is meant to make you understand, accept my advice, change the current situation, and transform calamity into fortune. The Liu family enjoys eternal ruling power granted by Heaven; Your Majesty, by adhering to the natural cycles of rise and fall, taking from Heaven and returning to Heaven, you demonstrate an understanding of destiny. If you do not plan ahead, you risk ending up usurping the throne. Moreover, the two sage emperors Yao and Shun did not flaunt their status as the Son of Heaven, which is why they were able to abdicate the throne. Your Majesty, why do you seek power that does not rightfully belong to you and bring trouble upon yourself? Heaven is your strict father, and I am your filial son. A father's teachings must not be disregarded, and a son's advice cannot be rejected. I hope Your Majesty will seriously consider my words.
Wang Mang became very angry and immediately threw me into prison, accusing me of committing a heinous crime of treason. Because I advised based on the classics and prophecies, he was unable to kill me immediately, so he sent courtiers to threaten me, pressuring me to declare that I was insane, my thoughts were muddled, and my words were incoherent, so that no one would believe what I said. At that time, I shot him a fierce glare and shouted, "Everything I have stated is in accordance with the will of the heavens and sages, not something a madman could fabricate!" I spent the entire winter in prison and was only released during the amnesty. Afterward, I escaped to Cangwu with Zheng Jingnan, a fellow countyman.
In the third year of Jianwu, I arrived in Lujiang again, just in time to meet General Fu Jun, who was on an expedition to Yangzhou. Fu Jun had heard of my reputation early on, so he respectfully invited me to serve as his chief of staff, responsible for military and political affairs. I vowed to the soldiers: "Do not exploit the vulnerable, force those in difficult situations, mutilate limbs, desecrate corpses, or assault women." However, Fu Jun's army still plundered and desecrated the people. I advised Fu Jun: "In the past, King Wen could not bear to see bones exposed, and King Wu did not exchange the world for one life, so they could fulfill the will of heaven and easily defeat the Shang Dynasty. General, why not learn from King Wen, but violate the taboos of heaven and earth, killing many people, inflicting harm on the innocent, even mistreating bones, and offending the gods? If you do not seek forgiveness from heaven and change your ways, you will not be able to save your life. I hope that you will personally lead the soldiers, bury the dead, mourn for those who have been harmed, to demonstrate that this was not your intention." Fu Jun listened to my advice, and the people were overjoyed. Everywhere Fu Jun went, he was able to achieve victories effortlessly.
Seven years ago, Jun returned to the capital, and the emperor even mentioned him by name. Yun felt it was beneath him to rise through military merit, so he resigned and returned to his hometown. The county magistrate politely offered him a position as his advisor. Yun had a friend named Dong Zizhang, whose father had been murdered by villagers in the past. Later, as Zizhang lay dying, he looked at Yun, tears streaming down his face and unable to utter a word. Yun said, "I know your sorrow isn't for your own fate, but because you hate that your enemies have not been avenged. While you were alive, I hesitated to act out of concern; now that you are gone, I can take action without fear." Zizhang could only gaze at him in silence. Yun immediately got up, found the enemy, killed him, and brought the severed head to Zizhang. Zizhang, consumed by rage, died upon seeing it. Yun then went to the county magistrate's office to confess. The county magistrate hesitated and refused. Yun said, "Seeking revenge for a friend is the selfishness of an official; upholding the law without bias is the righteousness of a gentleman. It is not a subject's duty to live for your sake." After speaking, he ran out and surrendered himself to prison. The county magistrate chased him barefoot but couldn't catch up, so he ran into the prison himself, drew a knife, and pointed it at himself, saying to Yun, "If you do not agree to let me release you, I will use death to show my intentions!" Yun finally agreed to come out, but later fell ill as a result of this ordeal.
This story is about Yun, who the emperor still remembered seven years after his return to Beijing. However, he felt that gaining promotion through warfare was not honorable, so he returned home. The county magistrate held him in high regard and wanted him to be his aide. He had a friend named Dong Zizhang, whose father was killed by someone in the past. Zizhang was gravely ill and near death, prompting Yun to visit him. Zizhang wept bitterly, and Yun understood that Zizhang was not afraid of dying, but of failing to avenge his father. As long as Zizhang was alive, he feared he would implicate Yun; once Zizhang died, Yun could finally avenge his friend. Zizhang could only watch helplessly. Yun immediately went and killed the enemy, then brought back the enemy's head to show Zizhang, who died right then and there. Yun then surrendered, and the county magistrate hesitated. Yun said, "It’s unacceptable for you to let me live simply because of your influence!" He then went to prison on his own. The county magistrate, in a panic, chased after him barefoot but couldn't catch up. He rushed into the prison, brandished a knife at himself, and declared, "If you don’t come out, I’ll kill myself right here!" Yun then came out, but later he fell ill.
After some time, the prefect Ouyang She invited me to serve as a clerk. There was an old rule in Runan that a grand banquet had to be held in October, and counties within a hundred miles had to send cattle and wine to the prefect's house to attend the banquet. When the banquet concluded, Ouyang She announced, "Yao Yan, the western postal supervisor, is inherently loyal, honest, upright, and fair, capable of managing affairs without resorting to harsh methods. Now, I and the scholars will discuss Yao Yan's merits and report them to the court. The prefect holds his accomplishments in high esteem and uses cattle and wine to express his respect." After the registrar read this order, the household officer guided Yao Yan to receive his rewards.
I sat below, feeling sad in my heart, and stood up to speak: "Sizheng raised his wine glass to thank heaven, but Yao Yan is a greedy and evil person, putting on a front while hiding a different agenda, forming factions, deceiving the emperor, and harming the people. Wherever he goes, chaos ensues and complaints arise. Governor, you are turning his wrongdoings into good deeds, and honest officials are following you in lying. This reflects neither the majesty of a monarch nor the loyalty of a subject. I must thank you once more, but I must refuse this cup of wine." Ouyang She’s face suddenly flushed red, not knowing what to say. Zheng Jing, an official, stood up and said, "The monarch is wise, the subjects are honest, and the criticisms of the magistrate are very fair. This is a blessing for you, Governor! You should not accept this cup of wine!" Ouyang She felt slightly better in his heart and said, "Indeed, it is my fault. I accept this cup of wine." Only then did I set down the wine glass, apologized, and said, "In the past, when Yu Shun assisted Emperor Yao, Yao listed four faults of Shun, but Shun could accept them calmly. Those slanderous words were not accepted, and those unreasonable appointments were not executed. That's how he became a trusted minister to Emperor Yao, who even sang praises for him. I am following the example of Confucius, making those wolves in power aware of their actions, being slandered and exposed; their sins are serious. Please arrest both me and Yao Yan, to demonstrate your clear standards of reward and punishment." Ouyang She said, "This further highlights my mistake." Thus, the banquet concluded abruptly. I returned to the mansion, pretended to be ill at home, and Yao Yan also resigned voluntarily. Seeing Xu She's attitude, Zheng Jing and Yun Hou decided to leave together. They said, "You have advised Yan Cen many times, but he did not accept. Now, although Yan Cen has left, he will definitely come back. Being honest and upright is the way to govern according to the sages of the three generations. But when our paths diverge, we can’t collaborate. I really can't bear to see you in danger of being harmed by Yan Cen. Let’s get out of here together!"
Yun Hou replied, "Mencius once said that one should do their best to encourage the monarch to fulfill their duties of loyalty and righteousness, and also consider what the monarch cannot achieve, to prevent them from making serious errors. I have already advised Yan Cen to the best of my ability. If I continue to obstruct the monarch in court, even though it is out of righteousness, if I lose my life because of it, then it will be my fault. Yan Cen has just left, and I will leave as well, which is not appropriate." So Zheng Jingsu secluded himself alone in the Yiyang Mountain for several months. As expected, Xu She recalled Yan Cen. Only then did Yun Hou leave, to live in seclusion with Zheng Jingsu, enjoying fishing for several days.
Yun Hou still desired to be involved in politics. After some time, he sighed deeply and said to Zheng Jingsu, "Heaven nurtures outstanding talents to benefit the people. We cannot lower ourselves to the level of beasts. Do you plan to emulate Yi Yin and Lv Shang, assisting a wise ruler with me? Or do you intend to follow the example of Chao Fu and Xu You, retiring to the countryside, emulating Yao and Shun?"
Zheng Jingsu replied, "I am content with my life. When I followed Chonghua (Emperor Shun) in the Southern Wilderness, I thought I could assist him, serving the country steadfastly like a pine tree. Now, fortunately, I have managed to survive, able to fulfill filial piety, study ethics, and even if I do not participate in politics, my actions still embody the principles of governance. This is also a form of governance. I am already old; how can I follow you? You should strive to cultivate your mind and body, not overwork yourself and harm your health." Yun Hou then bid farewell and left. Zheng Jingsu, styled Duci, was noble and high-minded. Emperor Guangwu summoned him multiple times, but was unsuccessful.
Mr. Yun worked as a teacher in Jiangxia and was later recommended as a filial and incorrupt official, serving as the gatekeeper of the East City Gate. Once, when the emperor returned to the palace after hunting, Mr. Yun refused to open the city gate at night. The emperor sent an attendant to speak with him at the gate. Mr. Yun said, "It's too dark to see the road clearly," and thus refused to open the gate. The emperor had to enter the palace through the East Central Gate instead.
The next day, Mr. Yun submitted a memorial to counsel the emperor: "In the past, King Wen never dared to waste time hunting, always concerned about the people. But Your Majesty, you venture deep into the mountains to hunt day and night, neglecting state affairs and ancestral rites? The Book of Songs says, 'Riding a tiger across the river, with no regrets when facing death'; this is quite dangerous, and I cannot help but feel concerned." After reading the memorial, the emperor rewarded him with a hundred bolts of cloth, but demoted him from the East Gate sentry to a minor official. Later, the emperor asked Mr. Yun to teach the prince the "Han poems" and serve as a tutor in the palace.
When Empress Guo was deposed, Mr. Yun said to the emperor: "I have heard that even a father cannot control the relationship between husband and wife; how can I manage you? I do not wish to say more on this matter. But I hope Your Majesty can carefully consider the consequences of this matter; do not let the people gossip about state affairs!" The emperor said, "Mr. Yun understands my predicament and knows I will not forsake heavenly principles for personal reasons." After Empress Guo was deposed, the prince felt uneasy, so Mr. Yun advised him: "You have been in a position of suspicion for a long time, violating filial piety above, and facing danger below. In the past, Emperor Gaozong was a wise ruler, Jifu was a loyal minister, but even so, if a small problem arises, a filial son can be exiled. The Spring and Autumn Annals say, 'The mother values the son'; you should seize this opportunity to apologize to the emperor and your fellow princes, then abdicate and devote yourself to serving your mother well. Only then can you embody the teachings of the sage and not violate filial piety." The prince heeded his advice, and the emperor ultimately consented.
Mr. Yun was later promoted to the position of Prefect of Changsha. Previously, there was a filial son in Changsha named Gu Chu. When his father passed away and had not yet been laid to rest, a neighbor's house caught on fire. Gu Chu lay on his father's coffin, using his own body to block the fire and extinguished the flames. Mr. Yun greatly admired his filial piety and recommended him as an exemplary son. Later, Mr. Yun was demoted to Mangchang due to certain circumstances, and then resigned from office to return home, living in seclusion to teach and write eight works. He eventually passed away from illness, leaving behind a son.
Shou Zibohao was known for his good writing skills, was honest, capable, and was recommended as a filial and upright official. He gradually rose through the ranks and became Inspector of Jizhou. At that time, Jizhou's jurisdiction included many fiefdoms of princes and nobles. The guests of these royal and noble families were arrogant and unruly, showing no regard for manners. Shou Zibohao carefully investigated these cases with no leniency. He sent officials to reside in the princes' fiefdoms for supervision and even set up inspection stations outside the royal palace. Whenever he discovered any violations, he would immediately send a fast horse to report to the court to accuse the princes and their officials. As a result, the princes of the vassal states became fearful, and they all complied with the rules. Shou Zibohao served as Inspector of Jizhou for three years, governing the region with order and peace.
Then he was promoted three times, and finally became the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. Whenever there were matters of indecision in the court, he was often called to meet the emperor alone. Emperor Suzong greatly admired his talent and strategy, so he promoted him to the position of Jingzhao Prefect. The area under the jurisdiction of Jingzhao Prefect had many local tyrants, where local tyrants ran rampant. However, the people in the surrounding areas had already heard of Shou Boxiao's political achievements in Jizhou, and they were all too scared to act recklessly, keeping to themselves, and no one dared to break the law. Although Shou Boxiao was very strict, he was genuine with his subordinates, and everyone was willing to go through fire and water for him, and no one dared to deceive him. Later, he was dismissed from office due to official matters. Afterwards, he was summoned by the court again and became the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.
At that time, General Dou Xian relied on his royal status and power, acting with impunity. Once, Dou Xian sent a student to deliver a letter to the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Zhi Shou, seeking his assistance, but Zhi Shou directly delivered the letter to the imperial prison. Prior to this, Zhi Shou had repeatedly accused Dou Xian of his extravagance and debauchery, even warning the court with examples of Wang Mang. At that time, Dou Xian was at war with the Xiongnu, and all regions had to provide military funds for him. Dou Xian and his brothers, Dou Du and Dou Jing, built luxurious houses, indulging in excess and flouting the law, bringing immense suffering to the populace. Seeing the empty state treasury and the ongoing war, Zhi Shou directly criticized Dou Xian and his brothers at the court meeting, with a booming voice, unwavering resolve, and harsh words.
Upon hearing this, Duo Xian flew into a rage and wrongfully accused Zhi Shou of embezzling state lands and defaming the court, which resulted in his arrest and a death sentence. At this time, the Imperial Censor He Chang submitted a defense for Zhi Shou, stating: "I have heard that enlightened rulers always welcome diverse opinions and humbly accept counsel, establish a system that encourages candid discourse, and allow common people to discuss politics on the streets, even tolerating ministers with differing opinions, to gauge public sentiment, enhance governance, and prevent losing the people's trust. Now I see that Minister Zhi Shou was arrested because his views on strategies against the Xiongnu differed from those of Duo Xian during a court session, and for requesting to purchase state lands in a memorial, he was charged with grave disrespect. I believe that Zhi Shou is a close attendant of the emperor, whose duty is to correct the king. If he harbors thoughts but fails to express them, then he deserves to be executed. Now that Zhi Shou dares to take risks and speak openly for the peace of the state, how can this be deemed selfish? Furthermore, it is natural for differing opinions to arise in court discussions; even during the reigns of Yao and Shun, in the era of the Three Sovereigns, it was all because of frank speech that they flourished, never considering frankness as slander. As for the request to purchase state lands, this is merely a minor error that can be addressed with leniency. If Zhi Shou is put to death, people everywhere will believe that the court is executing loyal subjects, destroying social harmony, and going against the will of heaven. Therefore, I risk my life to speak out, not for Zhi Shou himself, but for the sake of the nation. Loyal ministers fulfill their duties and accept death as their fate. Though I do not know Zhi Shou personally, I believe he would willingly sacrifice himself for the nation. I implore Your Majesty not to execute him on the charge of slander, to prevent disheartening loyal subjects, stifling free speech, and leaving a legacy of eternal infamy. I, He Chang, acknowledge my fault in being meddlesome and verbose, and I should be punished for my transgressions. I should have perished before Zhi Shou, and I cannot evade blame even if I were to die a thousand deaths!" After He Chang's memorial was presented, Zhi Shou's death sentence was commuted to exile in Hapu. Before his departure, Zhi Shou took his own life, and his family was permitted to return to their homeland.
It is said that Bao Yong, he was quite hesitant when he was young, but later he turned his life around. He ultimately achieved both fame and fortune and even left behind a good reputation after death. This is similar to Shen Tu Jia's strategies and Zhi Yun's memorials to the throne, demonstrating that people of integrity, even when they are principled, cannot be easily deceived.
Praise: Bao Yong reflected, and eventually corrected himself. His aspirations were noble, and he ultimately received recognition. Shen Tu's strategies, Zhi Yun's memorials. Though he was straightforward, he was not naïve.
