Yang Zhong, whose courtesy name was Zishan, was a native of Chengdu, Sichuan. He became a minor official in the county at the age of thirteen. The governor saw his talent and sent him to the capital to study the "Spring and Autumn." During the reign of Emperor Ming of the Han dynasty, he was summoned to the Lan Tai by the court and appointed as a scholar-official.
In the first year of Jianchu, a severe drought led to soaring food prices. Yang Zhong believed that the incidents in Guangling, Chu, Huaiyang, Jinan, and other places resulted in tens of thousands of people being exiled and sent to serve in remote areas, leading to widespread discontent among the populace. So he submitted a memorial: I have heard that "those who do good and their descendants are treated kindly, while the sins of evil people only affect themselves." This is a principle upheld by emperors throughout history and is an unchanging truth. The rule of the Qin Dynasty was cruel and violent, going against the mandate of heaven. If one person commits a crime, it implicates his entire family for three generations. After Emperor Gaozu of Han pacified the world, he only established three laws. Emperor Wen of Han was extremely kind, abolishing the practice of punishing nine family members. The people felt relieved and happy, as if they had come back to life, and his benevolence reached all living beings. His merit will be passed down through the ages. Your Majesty is wise and benevolent, and your grace extends to the four seas. Despite years of drought and continuous disasters, Your Majesty remains diligent and frugal, with a broad understanding of the people, surpassing even the golden ages of past emperors. I carefully studied the "Spring and Autumn Annals" and found that disasters such as floods and droughts are caused by the rulers' tyranny and impatience, failing to benefit the people. Since the Yongping period, there have been continuous large-scale arrests, with officials relentlessly pursuing and implicating one another, resulting in many wrongful convictions and the exile of their families. In addition to the northern expeditions against the Xiongnu and the western expeditions against the Thirty-Six Kingdoms, years of service and transportation have exhausted the people and depleted the resources. Furthermore, there are troops stationed in Yiwu, Loulan, Cheshi, Wujie, and other places, making the people long for their homeland and fostering resentment at the borders. As the ancient saying goes: "Peaceful living and prosperity can bring peace to the people." Even when the people of the Yin and Shang dynasties moved to Luoyang, there were still widespread grievances, not to mention leaving the fertile land of the Central Plains for barren and desolate places. Moreover, the southern regions are hot and humid, leading to rampant diseases. The people are suffering so deeply that it could stir heaven and earth, altering the balance of yin and yang. I urge Your Majesty to earnestly consider rescuing the people from their dire plight.
The memorial was submitted, and the Emperor graciously approved it. Grand Commandant Diwu Lun also agreed with the final decision. However, Minister Mou Rong, Minister Bao Yu, and the Court Gentleman Ban Gu opposed Diwu Lun's opinion. They believed that this policy had been implemented for a long time, and filial sons do not alter the principles established by their fathers, set by the previous emperor and should not be easily changed. Finally, they submitted a memorial stating, "Emperor Qin Shi Huang built the Great Wall, which exhausted the people and resources. Emperor Hu Hai did not change this practice, ultimately leading to the downfall of the country. Therefore, Emperor Xiaoyuan gave up Zhuya County, and Emperor Guangwu relinquished the Western Regions; they did not alter their ancestral heritage for trivial reasons. Duke Wen of Lu demolished the Quan Tai; 'Spring and Autumn Annals' commented on this: 'Destroying what ancestors built is worse than not building at all,' as the demolition of the Quan Tai was detrimental to the people. Duke Xiang established a military structure of three armies; Duke Zhao canceled them, and gentlemen praised him for restoring the old system, believing that not canceling would harm the people. The battles in Yiwu and the garrison in Loulan have remained in place for an extended period; this does not align with the will of heaven." The Emperor followed their advice, consented to allow the migrants to return, and fully withdrew all border garrisons.
Ban Gu also said: "Emperor Xuan once extensively summoned Confucian scholars to discuss and determine the final version of the 'Five Classics' at the Shiqu Pavilion. Now that the world is peaceful and there are few wars, scholars can focus on completing their studies. However, those scholars who only focus on individual chapters and verses are destroying the overall meaning of the classics. We should follow the precedent of the Shiqu Pavilion and use the results of this discussion as a model for future generations." The emperor then ordered Confucian scholars to discuss and verify the similarities and differences in the classics at the Baihu Pavilion. Coincidentally, Ban Gu was imprisoned due to his involvement in a political affair. Doctor Zhao Bo, Scholar Ban Gu, Jia Kui, and others, because Ban Gu was well-versed in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' knowledgeable, and broad-minded, submitted a petition to the emperor to release him. Ban Gu also submitted a self-defense letter and was released the same day, which allowed him to attend the meeting at Baihu Pavilion. Later, he was tasked with editing 'Records of the Grand Historian,' reducing it to over ten thousand characters. At that time, Ma Liao, the Chief of Guards, was cautious and honest, disciplined himself, but was lenient with his children. Ban Gu had a good relationship with Ma Liao and wrote to advise him: I have heard that during the times of Yao and Shun, common people could rise to positions of lords and ministers, whereas during the times of Jie and Zhou, they faced execution. Why is this? Because Yao and Shun built embankments for them, while Jie and Zhou exhibited extravagance and debauchery! The Book of Songs says: 'The pure white silk takes on color from where it is dyed.' The character of superior and inferior people is difficult to change; it is those of average ability who require proper education.
The "Spring and Autumn Annals" records that those princes and younger brothers who were killed were all due to the monarch's incompetence in failing to properly educate them. According to the "Book of Rites," rulers' children should begin learning arithmetic and writing at eight to sharpen their intellect; at fifteen, they should invite the Grand Tutor to teach them classic works and cultivate their aspirations. After the founding of the Han Dynasty, many feudal lords neglected education and frequently broke taboos, leading to the downfall of many and leaving no good reputation. Your current position is prestigious, and the entire nation looks up to you. How can you not be cautious and take it as a warning!
Your young Huangmen Lang is brimming with youthful energy, lacking the humility and respect expected of one's elders, and instead associating with frivolous and cunning people who neglect their duties. You have allowed them to run wild, and considering the consequences, it's truly disheartening! You really should take it as a warning and be cautious!
Liao ignored the advice. His son Yu was later punished for writing slanderous articles in the county, and Liao was dismissed and sent back to his hometown.
His brother Feng was working as an official in the county, and the magistrate Lian Fan was under investigation by the prefecture. He sent Feng to plead on his behalf, but Feng was banished to the northern region as a result. Later, when the emperor made an eastern tour, Feng saw a yellow dragon appear and wrote an article praising his ancestors' achievements in fifteen chapters, which he submitted to the emperor. The emperor issued a decree granting him a pardon and allowing him to return to his home county. He also authored twelve chapters of the "Spring and Autumn Annals" and revised and compiled a total of 150,000 characters. During the twelfth year of Yongyuan, he was summoned as a Langzhong, but later passed away due to illness.
Li Fa, styled Baidu, was from Nanzheng, Hanzhong. He was well-versed in many books and had a straightforward and upright character. In the ninth year of Emperor He of Han's Yongyuan era, he took the imperial examination and was admitted based on his honest insights in the policy essays. He later became a scholar and was promoted to Palace Attendant and Grand Master of Ceremonies. Over a year later, he submitted a memorial to the emperor, criticizing the court for its excessively complicated and harsh political affairs, straying from the effective practices of the Yongping and Jianchu periods; the eunuchs had too much power, and the empress's family wielded considerable influence. He also criticized the historians for recording inaccurately, making it difficult for future generations to assess the merits and faults. For offending the emperor with his outspokenness, he was demoted to a commoner and returned to his hometown, where he lived in isolation. His former Confucian scholar friends often visited him, asking why he had angered the emperor, but Li Fa never explained. After repeated inquiries, Li Fa said, "As a vulgar person like me, how could I serve the emperor? I fear making errors, so I speak my mind. As Mencius said, 'A benevolent person is like an archer, who must first correct himself before shooting. If he misses, he should not blame those who are better than him, but should instead reflect on himself.'" He stayed at home for eight years and was later summoned to serve as a councilor and a Grand Master of Remonstrance, still insisting on speaking out boldly and unrestrainedly. He was later appointed as the Prefect of Runan, where he achieved remarkable results. In his later years, he returned to his hometown and passed away at home.
Zhai Pu, styled Zichao, was a native of Luoxian in Guanghan. His family for four generations were all knowledgeable in the Book of Songs. Zhai Pu enjoyed reading the Dao De Jing and was particularly skilled in divination, astronomy, and calendrical calculations. Due to seeking revenge for his uncle, he was originally supposed to be exiled to Jinan, but he escaped to Chang'an, where he initially worked as a fortune-teller before becoming a shepherd in Liangzhou. He was later pardoned and returned home. He served as an official in the county, was summoned to serve as a councilor, and was later promoted to Palace Attendant.
At that time, there was a vacancy in the Ministry of Personnel, and the court ordered officials ranked at 600 stones or higher to take the exam, which included politics, astronomy, and Taoist practices. Those with outstanding results could fill the vacancy. Zhai Pu believed he was highly capable, but he was jealous of the former Grand Astrologer Sun Yi and worried that Sun Yi would be appointed first, so he went to visit Sun Yi. After they sat down, Zhai Pu didn't say anything, only wept. Sun Yi was puzzled and asked him the reason. Zhai Pu said, "It is said in the books that during the Han Dynasty, there was a talented man named Sun Deng who was killed by eunuchs because of his outstanding intelligence. When I look at your appearance, it seems like you will encounter such misfortune. I have received the emperor's favor, so I feel sad for your fate!" Sun Yi became quite alarmed upon hearing this, so he pretended to be ill and abstained from the exam. As a result, Zhai Pu ranked first in the exam and was appointed as the Minister of Personnel.
At that time, Emperor An of Han had just taken over the throne and remembered the kindness of his grandmother, Lady Song, so he bestowed rewards upon all of Lady Song's relatives. At the same time, the Empress's uncle Geng Bao and the Empress's brother Yan Xian, relying on their power, exhibited arrogance. Zhai Pu wrote a letter of remonstrance:
I’ve heard that Duke Wei feigned madness and Shu Sun Tong betrayed the Qin State to join the Han Dynasty. They did not mean to distance themselves from their rulers, but because the situation at that time did not allow it. How could I, who have received such grace from Your Majesty, dare to follow the crowd blindly and become conceited? I sincerely urge Your Majesty to consider this. You have inherited the mandate of heaven, experienced revitalization, and should establish an era of peace and prosperity, but have yet to discover a means to govern effectively. The events of antiquity are difficult to grasp, therefore, I cite recent events as examples for clarification.
In the past, the influence of the Dou and Deng families reverberated throughout the nation. They held important positions, wore magnificent official robes, accumulated large amounts of gold and silver treasures, and even dared to interfere in court affairs and change the national system. Isn't it true that their excessive power and high prestige led to such calamities? When they fell from power, their heads rolled, and they couldn't even hope to be a mere orphan! This shows that if a noble position isn't attained gradually, it will inevitably lead to tyranny; if titles are not obtained through legitimate means, disasters will soon follow. Now the favoritism shown towards the emperor's relatives has reached unprecedented heights. Although Your Majesty is kind and benevolent to all and close to your extended family, the rewards are flowing outside the government, and political power has shifted into private hands. There are countless lessons from the past; won't there come a day of collapse? Yet the courtiers dare not speak up; instead, they flatter and rely on one another. I fear that once power is in the hands of the relatives, it will be hard to reclaim it. Once the power of the relatives becomes strong, it will be difficult to control. Therefore, Confucius said: "Throw pearls into the mud, who can avoid getting dirty?" Laozi also said: "The state's sharp tools should not be shown to others." This serves as the utmost warning regarding safety and peril, as well as a profound reflection on the state and its citizens.
Frugality embodies virtue. In politics, it is essential to prioritize thrift. That is why Emperor Wen would rather leave a hundred gold coins on the terrace and keep the decorated curtains in a coarse cloth pocket. Some criticized him for his frugality, to which he replied, "I manage the people's wealth; how can I use it carelessly?" In the end, the food in the granaries rotted and became inedible, while the coins decayed and became unusable. Since the new policies have been implemented, the rewards and expenses have become countless. The wealth collected from the people is hoarded by those who have not contributed, the national treasury is depleted, the people are suffering, and in times of crisis, taxes on the populace will rise, leading to resentment and rebellion, which will inevitably bring chaos.
When King Cheng was in power, the Duke of Zhou assisted him from the front, the Duke of Shao assisted him from behind, the Duke of Bi assisted him on the left, and Shi Yi assisted him on the right; these four wise ministers assisted him together. King Cheng could see honest faces and hear honest words every day. On the first day of his reign, the world was clear and bright, indicating that his laws had been established early on. Your Majesty, although you have the noble position of King Cheng, you do not have as many wise ministers to assist you. Even if you want to establish a prosperous age and achieve peace, it may be hard to accomplish! Since last year, various disasters have been frequent; earthquakes and landslides have occurred, and the terrain has changed. If you can take a hard look at yourself, you can turn danger into safety; if you ignore the warnings from the heavens, disasters will only become more severe. I hope Your Majesty will take a personal interest in the people's suffering, think carefully, make an effort to find loyal and honest ministers, eradicate flatterers and sycophants, cut back on the extravagance in the court, value the dignity of the emperor, restrain personal desires, and stop private banquets. Keep the histories of past emperors' rises and falls close at hand, always remember how those rulers who lost their thrones failed, learn from the successes of prosperous kings, so that disasters can be averted and a bountiful harvest year can be welcomed. After the memorial was submitted, the emperor rejected it, and his relatives and favored courtiers were both afraid of and repulsed by him.
In the third year of Yongguang, he was appointed as the Administrator of Jiuquan. More than a thousand rebellious Qiang cavalrymen advanced from Dunhuang to assault the county borders. He immediately led his troops to meet the enemy in battle, killing more than nine hundred enemies and nearly annihilating the Qiang army, which greatly enhanced his reputation. After that, he was promoted to Governor of Jingzhao. When Emperor Shun ascended the throne, he was appointed as the Grand Master of Ceremonies, and later promoted to the Director of Works. He streamlined expenditures, saving four to five million coins annually. He frequently submitted memorials regarding natural disasters, offering numerous sound recommendations. As a result, the nobles falsely accused him of colluding with Gao Tangzhi, the Minister of Works, and of mutual cover-ups. He was sentenced to death, but his sentence was eventually commuted, allowing him to return home. Later, someone falsely accused him of conspiring with Zhang Kai and others from Henan to rebel, which led to his arrest and imprisonment in the Tingwei prison. Thanks to the defense by Du Zhen and others in their memorials, the truth was finally revealed. In the end, he died at home. He authored twelve works, including "Aid to the Gods" and "Interpreting Fate." Initially, when he served as the Director of Works, he submitted a memorial to the emperor, stating, "Emperor Xiaowen was the first to establish the position of Confucian scholars, Emperor Wu gathered all the books in the world, Emperor Xiaoxuan discussed the 'Six Classics' in the Stone Quay Pavilion, so the culture of learning flourished, with the student population exceeding ten thousand. Emperor Guangwu pacified the world, saw the decline of Confucian studies, and built residences for Confucian scholars and inner and outer lecture halls, with students filling the streets, attracting talents from all over the country. During Emperor Ming's reign, the Beiyong was constructed, and some wanted to demolish the Confucian Academy. The Grand Commandant, Zhao Xi, believed that both the Confucian Academy and Beiyong should be preserved, so they have been preserved until today. However, in recent times, the Confucian Academy has fallen into disrepair and has become a grazing ground. It should be renovated to attract future students." The emperor agreed to his proposal. After he stepped down, the Confucian Academy was rebuilt. He also expanded the facilities, and the students erected a stele in his honor at the Confucian Academy.
Ying Feng, courtesy name Shi Shu, was a native of Nandon in Runan. His great-grandfather was named Ying Shun, courtesy name Hua Zhong, who held the positions of Intendant of Henan and Grand Architect during the reign of Emperor He of Han, renowned for his fairness, integrity, and wisdom in governance. He had ten sons, all of whom were talented. His second son was Ying Die, who served as the Administrator of Jiangxia; Ying Die's son was Ying Chen, who served as the Administrator of Wuling; and Ying Chen's son was Ying Feng.
Ying Feng was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. Since childhood, he could remember everything he experienced. He was a fast learner, able to read five books simultaneously without any problem. He once served as the Recorder in the county, traveling to forty-two counties in his jurisdiction and overseeing the cases of thousands of prisoners. When he returned, the Administrator asked him about the cases, and Ying Feng could recite each prisoner's name, crime, and the severity of their offenses without missing a detail, leaving everyone in awe of his remarkable abilities. He also wrote the "Postscript to the Book of Han," chronicling numerous events. Later, the Grand General Liang Ji recommended him as a promising talent.
At that time, the tribal leader Zhan Shan and his followers in the Wuling region rebelled with over four thousand people, capturing the county magistrate and holding control for several years. The court summoned officials to deliberate, and all four ministries believed that Ying Feng had the talent to lead the troops. In the first year of Yongxing, he was appointed as the Administrator of Wuling. Upon his arrival, he pacified the people, and Zhan Shan and others surrendered one after another. He then established schools, promoted talented individuals, achieved remarkable administrative achievements, and transformed the local customs. However, he was later removed from his position due to official matters.
During the Yanxi era, the Wuling tribes once again harassed Jingzhou. General Feng Gun of Chariots and Cavalry knew of Ying Feng's prestige and respect among the tribes, so he requested the court to permit him to join the campaign. Ying Feng was appointed as an Attendant Cavalry Commandant. He carefully devised strategies and ultimately defeated the enemy. Feng Gun credited all the achievements to Ying Feng and recommended him to be the Colonel Director of Retainers. During his tenure, Ying Feng corrected corrupt and illegal behavior, earning a reputation for his strictness even when dealing with powerful figures.
When Empress Deng fell out of favor and Lady Tian gained favor, Emperor Huan of Han wanted to make Lady Tian his empress. Ying Feng believed that Lady Tian's lowly background was not suitable for empress, so he wrote a memorial advising, "I have heard that in the Zhou Dynasty, taking a Di woman as queen led to King Xiang being exiled to the state of Zheng; in the Han Dynasty, making Fei Yan empress led to the end of Emperor Cheng's line. The role of the empress is crucial, as it affects the rise and fall of the country. We should think about what is said in 'Guo Ju,' and avoid those taboos." The Emperor listened to his advice and ultimately made Dou Shi the empress. "I have heard that in the Zhou Dynasty, a Di woman was taken, and King Xiang was exiled to Zheng; in the Han Dynasty, Fei Yan was made empress, and the descendants of Emperor Cheng were cut off. The importance of the empress is tied to the rise and fall of the state. We should consider what 'Guo Ju' seeks, and stay away from the taboos of the Five Prohibitions."
Later, during the Party's Purge, Ying Feng became sick with grief and resigned from his position to return home. He lamented his own plight, as well as that of Qu Yuan, incorporating his experiences into it, and wrote thirty pieces of "Gan Sao," totaling over thirty thousand words. Despite many recommendations, he eventually passed away due to illness, leaving behind his son Ying Shao.
Ying Shao, styled Zhongyuan, had been diligent in his studies since childhood and had extensive knowledge. During the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, he was recommended as a filial and incorrupt official and was appointed as a junior official by the General of Chariots and Cavalry, He Miao.
In the year 142 AD, in the area of Hanyang, the rebels Bian Zhang and Han Sui colluded with the Qiang and Hu tribes to wreak havoc and launched a large-scale invasion of the Sanguo region. The court sent General of Chariots and Cavalry Dou Wu (later known as Fu Song, which was his courtesy name) to lead troops to suppress them. Dou Wu requested the court to allocate three thousand soldiers from the Wuhuan tribe.
In the Northern Army, General Zou Jing voiced a differing opinion, saying, "We should recruit Xianbei troops instead." This suggestion was put forward for discussion among four departments of the court. Han Zhuo, an official in the Grand General’s office, analyzed, "The Wuhuan troops are already outnumbered, and they have been longstanding enemies of the Xianbei. If the Wuhuan go to battle, the Xianbei will surely raid their homeland. Upon hearing this news, the Wuhuan will definitely abandon the army and go back to defend their homes, which won't just be useless for the war, but will also undermine the army's morale. Zou Jing has spent years working in the border regions and knows the Xianbei’s cunning all too well. If he’s allowed to recruit five thousand Xianbei light cavalry, he could definitely take down the enemy."
Shao, while rebutting Han Zhuo's opinion, stated: "The Xianbei people live in the northern steppes, leading a nomadic lifestyle, with no fixed leader or residence, inherently greedy and violent, lacking trustworthiness and morality, so they often invade the border and live in constant unrest. They only temporarily obey management during the time of mutual exchange, solely for the sake of obtaining precious goods from China, not out of any real fear or gratitude towards the court. As long as they get enough benefits, they will quickly turn on us. Therefore, the court has consistently taken precautions against them, not allowing them to easily enter the interior. During the previous Xiongnu rebellion, General Du Liao Ma Xu and Wuhuan Officer Wang Yuan recruited more than five thousand Xianbei cavalry, and Wuwei Prefect Zhao Chong also used Xianbei soldiers to suppress the rebellious Qiang people. The number of enemies they captured was minimal, while the Xianbei soldiers wreaked havoc everywhere, disregarding laws and order. If military orders are strictly upheld, they will rebel in anger; if control is relaxed slightly, they will plunder the populace and raid merchant caravans, eat others' cattle and sheep, and even seize the army's horses and troops. They receive numerous rewards yet refuse to depart, and they want to exchange the captured items for iron goods. When the border generals object, they threaten to burn cloth. The border generals fear their rebellion, so they can only apologize and dare not refuse their demands. Now that the formidable enemy has yet to be defeated and the Qiang people have become a huge threat again, if Xianbei soldiers are recruited again, the consequences could be dire if anything goes wrong! I believe it would be wiser to recruit the Qiang and Hu people from Longxi, who are well-behaved and have not rebelled. They are brave and good at fighting. As long as they receive sufficient rewards, Prefect Li Can is composed and strategic, and he can certainly inspire them to fight valiantly. We should implement a strategy to gradually weaken the enemy, without rushing into things."
Han Zhuofu and Shao Lao constantly competed with each other, resulting in a heated rivalry. Later, the emperor ordered all officials to attend a meeting in the court, and everyone supported Shao's opinion.
Three years later, Shao passed the higher-level examination and within six years became the Governor of Mount Tai. In the second year of Chuping, the three hundred thousand-strong Yellow Turban Army invaded Mount Tai Commandery. Shao led civil and military officials to combat the bandits, killing thousands of enemies and capturing tens of thousands of prisoners, primarily elderly, weak, sick, or disabled individuals, and seizing two thousand supply vehicles. The bandits were all driven away, and the commandery was finally stabilized. In the first year of Xingping, the former Grand Commandant Cao Song and his son Cao De traveled from Langya Commandery to Mount Tai, and Shao sent troops to meet them. However, before they arrived, the Governor of Xu Province, Tao Qian, who had a longstanding grudge against Cao Cao, sent light cavalry to ambush Cao Song and his son right within Mount Tai Commandery, killing them. Fearing retaliation from Cao Cao, he fled Mount Tai Commandery and sought refuge with the Governor of Ji Province, Yuan Shao.
In the beginning, during the reign of Emperor An of the Han Dynasty, Yin Ci from Hejian and Shi Yu from Yingchuan were sentenced to death for their crimes. Yin Ci's brother and Shi Yu's mother went to the government to plead for mercy, hoping to save their lives, but ultimately exhausted themselves to the point of death. The Minister of Works, Chen Zhong, believed there were inconsistencies in the case and suggested a lighter punishment, recommending clemency for Yin Ci and Shi Yu. Later, Shao then emerged to challenge Chen Zhong, insisting on upholding the law and asserting that certain criminals deserved the death penalty. He said at the time:
"The Book of History" states: "Heaven establishes rituals with five ranks and five principles; Heaven punishes offenders with five types of punishment and five methods of enforcement." Sun Qing also said: "The fundamental purpose of establishing laws is to prevent violent and immoral acts and to punish those who violate the law. Titles, positions, rewards, and punishments should correspond to one another based on the actual circumstances." If one's virtue does not match their position, ability does not match their official position, rewards do not match their merits, and punishments do not match their crimes, it leads to the greatest misfortune. A life for a life, injury for injury; this is a system that has been followed by emperors throughout history, clearly outlined in legal texts. After Emperor Liu Bang crossed the border, although he simplified some laws, he did not dare to ease the rule of a life for a life. Generally, in times of peace and prosperity, punishments are strict, while in chaotic times, they tend to be lenient. As "The Book of History" states, "Punishments can vary in severity," and this is the reason why.
This time, Yuguang, thanks to the emperor's wisdom, set aside personal grievances and stopped the army from attacking, thus avoiding a scene of carnage. Originally, the court initially intended to forgive him, but in the end, he was imprisoned. It was unexpected that Chu and Jun were simply too foolish and impulsive, and ended up seeking their own death. Once upon a time, Zhao Hu died for the sake of his son, and Confucius said, "Even if you die in a ditch, no one will know." Zhao's father was not a heartless man, so he was able to end his own life. Ban Gu also said, "I don't know if Zhao's mother pointed to the coffin to save the family." As the saying goes, "People who die out of sentimentality are not truly loyal and brave; they just don't think too much." You see, punishment and imprisonment, like the wrath of heaven, can bring about slaughter; while warmth, love, and grace, like the endless life of heaven, can bring prosperity. Therefore, the wrongful execution of Chu and Jun, but letting Ciyu, who should have been executed, live, isn’t this as ridiculous as grass withering in spring and trees blooming in autumn? Chen Zhong does not understand the fundamental principles of establishing laws, only trusting in momentary mercy, and broadly citing the Eight Discourses to find excuses to let Ciyu live. Those relatives, friends, talented individuals, meritorious individuals, hardworking individuals, and those favored by the emperor, how can they be accused of the same crime as Ciyu? If all cases are handled based on emotions, and judgments are made based on personal wishes, then this is merely self-preservation, not sacrificing oneself for others! Corrupting the law, disrupting political affairs, there's no turning back now. Shao Fan penned thirty rebuttals on the subject, all conveying the same message. He also revised and improved the laws, compiled the "Han Code," and presented it to the court in the first year of Jian'an. He said:
National affairs, the most important aspect is the recording of history. The role of historical records is to discern complexities, clarify right and wrong, determine standards of reward and punishment, ensure fairness, and allow future generations to draw lessons from it forever. Therefore, after the ailing and retired Dong Zhongshu from Jiaoxi, the court sent the magistrate Zhang Tang to his humble residence multiple times to seek advice on political matters. Dong Zhongshu then wrote 232 cases in "Spring and Autumn Judgments," all meticulously explained using classical texts. The traitor Dong Zhuo destroyed the royal family and burned all the classics, leaving nothing behind—a level of cruelty unseen since the founding of the dynasty. Now, the emperor is touring the east, inspecting Xudu, overcoming various difficulties; it truly marks a new era! My family has been blessed with imperial favor, wealth, and honor for generations; I do not wish to boast, but simply want to make a modest contribution. Thus, I compiled "Laws and Regulations," "Old Stories of the Book of Documents," "Magistrate's Orders," "Proportions of Decisions," "Minister's Duties," "Decrees of the Five Offices," and "Spring and Autumn Judgments," totaling 250 articles, eliminating redundancies and streamlining them. I have also compiled and categorized 30 rebuttals, classified by category, totaling 82 cases. Among them, 25 articles are included in the "Book of Han" and 4 in the "Annals of Han," which I have carefully edited and refined to preserve their original form. In addition, 26 articles extensively collect the achievements of remarkable figures throughout history, shining brightly; their virtues and principles are worth learning. The remaining 27 articles are my own creations. I cannot claim that these align perfectly with the thoughts of the sages; I feel quite anxious, merely striving to do my best. Like the people of Zheng selling dried rats as treasures to the people of Zhou, there was a fool in the Song state who even treated the stones in a swallow's nest as treasures, sewing ten layers of cloth around them. People who see such things will cover their mouths and laugh secretly; are we, as those who deal with words, not just like them? The "Zuo Zhuan" says that even nobles like Ji Jiang do not discard old grass and straw; this is for times of need! Therefore, I humbly present my modest work, placing it alongside those wise individuals. While my work may not be sufficient to shape the national framework or foster social harmony, it might serve as a reference for Your Majesty to enhance your enlightened understanding. These were all accomplished during my spare moments while managing government affairs; I kindly ask you to take a look, Your Majesty.
The Emperor Xian admired these works very much. The following year, the emperor appointed me as the military counselor of Yuan Shao's army. At that time, the court had just moved to Xuchang, and the previous regulations had been lost, leaving only a few records behind. Feeling nostalgic, I collected and organized what I had heard, and wrote the "Tales of Han Official Etiquette." Many of the court's systems and officials' regulations were compiled by me.
Initially, when my father served as the Chief of Justice, various officials and counties under his command submitted portraits and praises of their predecessors. My father connected the names of these people and compiled a book called "Biographies of Distinguished Individuals." He also wrote a book called "Records of the Middle Han" based on the events of that time. In addition, he wrote "Customs and Traditions" to categorize and explain various terms, as well as some controversial issues in society at that time. Although his writing style was somewhat unrefined, later generations admired his vast knowledge. He wrote a total of 136 articles. He also annotated the "Book of Han," and these works were widely circulated at that time. Later, he passed away in Ye City.
His students Jiang and Ju were famous for their outstanding literary talent.
In the early stages of the dynasty's resurgence, there was a widow named Ying Yu who gave birth to four sons. One day, she saw a divine light shining on the ancestral temple, which led her to discover gold. Since then, her sons all became officials or pursued studies, each with notable achievements. By the seventh generation of Jiang, the family was very prominent.
Huo Yu, styled Shuzhi, was from Ye County, Wei Commandery. He became a scholar at a young age and was proficient in Confucian studies. Someone falsely accused Huo Yu's uncle, Song Guang, of forging documents and reported him to the Grand General Liang Shang. Song Guang was then imprisoned in the Luoyang prison, subjected to severe torture, and physically and mentally exhausted. When he was just fifteen, Huo Yu submitted a memorial to Liang Shang, stating:
General, your kindness knows no bounds for showing mercy to my uncle Song Guang, who has been wrongfully accused. Even though a formal order has yet to be issued, it already demonstrates your keen insight and wisdom. Your voice of benevolence and righteousness has echoed through heaven and earth. I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. Having read the "Spring and Autumn Annals," I understand that its principles judge guilt based on reason and context. Even the act of regicide can be pardoned if there are justifiable circumstances. This is the principle Confucius taught to rulers, and the Han Dynasty should also follow the practices of their predecessors. Ancient texts say, "People's hearts are as varied as their faces." This likely refers to the diversity in body shapes, appearances, and even facial features like noses, eyes, and hair. People's personalities vary, showing strengths and weaknesses, impatience and calmness, arrogance and respect, among other traits. The same applies to the pursuit of gain and the avoidance of harm, the fear of death, and the desire for survival. As relatives, Song Guang and I should stand by each other. Claiming his innocence may not sway others, but I ask you to consider this matter from the perspective of human relationships and social customs.
Speaking of this person, his ancestors were all well-respected, with a good family background and a smooth career path. He rose to become a county official, eagerly awaiting the court's summons to a higher position. He was upright and had no blemishes. But someone seemed to find faults with him, trying to frame him. What's going on here? Even if there are doubts, they should be thoroughly investigated. How can one risk their life just to solve a small problem? It's like using poison to cure hunger—before it even reaches the stomach, you're already poisoned. Can this be done? There was a filial daughter-in-law in the East Sea who was wronged, and as a result, even the heavens couldn't bear it and brought drought. In Guan's case, the situation is understandable. He held a vacant official position in the court for several years but never got vindicated. He could only sigh at the gate of the Forbidden City, cry beneath the two watchtowers, leading to social unrest and even greater harm. Therefore, all these cases should be pardoned without further investigation. Those with clear charges can receive the emperor's pardon, especially someone like Guan, who was wronged and denied justice. This is nothing short of an abuse of power, unjustly targeting innocent people! Fairness and justice should be like this! I hope General Ming, you are highly respected and influential in the court; your words and actions affect the world, and even your gestures can change the world. If you can seriously investigate this matter, distinguish right from wrong, it will be a great thing for you, bringing peace to the world and benefiting the people! As for Shang Gao, he is very talented, and his petition for Guan's exoneration earned him significant acclaim.
He began his career as a local official and was later recommended for his exemplary filial piety, gradually advancing to the position of Prefect of Jincheng. He was intelligent and kind-hearted, winning over the local ethnic minorities with his kindness and integrity. After his mother’s death, he returned home to observe the mourning period. Once the mourning period was complete, he was summoned by the court and successively promoted to the position of Minister of the North Sea, then appointed as the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat. At that time, the Grand General Liang Ji wielded immense power, and no one dared to oppose him, from officials to common officers. The scholar Shang Gao and Prefect Yin Xun repeatedly lodged accusations against Liang Ji, even presenting his crimes to the Emperor. Following Liang Ji's execution, Emperor Huan of Han valued Shang Gao's loyalty and appointed him as the Marquis of Yedu. Shang Gao persistently declined, but the Emperor did not allow it. Later, he served as the Intendant of Henan, then promoted to Colonel of the Imperial Guard, and later served as the Minister of Works and Court of Judicial Review, before ultimately passing away in office.
His son Shang Jun served as the Prefect of Anding.
Now, let me tell you about a man named Yuan Yan, with the style name Ji Ping, from Waihuang, Chenliu. He lived a simple life, loved learning, was well-versed in the classics, and could teach others. He was honest and kind-hearted, not speaking much.
There was a man from Longxi named Niu Shu, who served as the Prefect of Waihuang County. He had an eye for talent and courteously invited Yuan Yan to serve as a court clerk, and also invited Fan Dan as the Assistant Clerk and Puyang Qian as the Chief Scribe. These men often gathered to chat and exchange ideas. Later, there was a clerk named Zhao in the county who became the village steward. He governed with integrity and effectiveness, and the locals only recognized the village steward, completely overlooking the county officials! Yuan Yan worked in the county for two years, and when the prefecture sought to recruit him, he declined.
Later, during the reign of Emperor Huan of Han, the court called for scholars, and Grand Commandant Yang Bing and others recommended Yuan Yan as a man of virtue and integrity, leading to his promotion as an Imperial Attendant.
Once, the emperor was wandering in the imperial garden and casually asked Yuan Yan, "You can be a good emperor or a bad one, Your Majesty." Yuan Yan replied, "Chancellor Chen Fan can govern well and ensure a clear court, while eunuchs like the Chief Eunuch and the Palace Attendant cause chaos in the court, so I know Your Majesty can rule with virtue or with tyranny." The emperor said, "In the past, Zhu Yun dared to speak out in court, and now you, my attendant, dare to speak out against my wrongdoings in front of me. I have truly seen what loyalty looks like!" The emperor happily appointed Yuan Yan as General of the Imperial Guard, and then promoted him to Chief Water Officer, later to Prefect of Wei Commandery, and finally summoned him as Grand Herald. The emperor thought Yuan Yan was a knowledgeable Confucian scholar and often invited him to special banquets. One day, the Imperial Astronomer reported that a comet had passed directly over Your Majesty's throne. The emperor secretly told Yuan Yan about this. Yuan Yan seized the opportunity to submit a memorial, which stated:
I have heard that the emperor admires governing by inaction, so the heavens treat him as a son, placing him above the ministers and allowing his prestige to spread throughout the world. If his words and actions are in accordance with etiquette, then the movements of the stars will be regular; if his thoughts are misguided, then there will be deviations in the movement of the sun and shadows. Your Majesty, because Deng Wan served the late emperor in the past, you granted him the title of Marquis, showing him more favor than the officials and ministers, and your grace extends even to the royal family. Recently, Your Majesty has been summoning him frequently, playing chess together, acting frivolously and disrespectfully, undermining your dignity. I have heard that those around the emperor should assist in governing the country and cultivating virtue. Therefore, Duke of Zhou once advised King Cheng: "Be careful of your friends; be careful of your friends," meaning to be cautious in choosing companions. In the past, Duke Min of Song played chess with powerful ministers and even had women standing by; these disrespectful behaviors ultimately led to great disasters. Emperor Wu of Han had a close relationship with favored courtiers Li Yannian and Han Yan, sharing meals and accommodations, with no restraint on their desires, which led to their indulgence and committing many unjust acts. In the end, Li Yannian was killed and Han Yan was implicated. If one loves someone, they will not see their faults; if one dislikes someone, they will not see their strengths, which often leads to things spiraling out of control, leading to public discontent. Therefore, when a ruler rewards others, it must be based on their merits; when bestowing titles and rewards, their virtues must be considered. Being around good people, one can hear good teachings every day; being around bad people breeds evil thoughts. Confucius said, "There are three benefits of good friends and three harms of bad friends." Treacherous ministers deceive the monarch, and traitorous officials endanger the monarch; even if what they say is false, it pleases the monarch's ears; even if what they do is wrong, it pleases the monarch's eyes, making it hard for the monarch to distance himself from them. Confucius said, "Serving women and petty people is the hardest; being close to them breeds disrespect, while keeping distance breeds resentment." This is sage advice! In the past, Emperor Guangwu and Yan Guang slept in the same bed, and there were strange signs from heaven, with strange omens appearing that night. Even with Emperor Guangwu's saintly virtues and Yan Guang's noble character, the relationship between ruler and subject was remarkably harmonious, yet such strange signs occurred. What about those you are currently close to, who are lowly individuals that you elevate to positions of honor? I urge Your Majesty to avoid flatterers, accept those who dare to speak frankly and offer advice, weaken the power of close advisors, and eliminate the flaws of eunuchs. May the spirit of goodness flourish, to help alleviate droughts.
The emperor finished reading the memorial document. So he feigned illness and requested retirement to return to his hometown. When Emperor Ling summoned him again, he still refused to go, and ultimately succumbed to his illness. Zi Ji, known as the White Horse Commandant, was also a famous virtuous man.
Xu Qiu, styled Mengyu, was from Haixi, Yangzhou, Jiangsu. His father, Xu Shu, had served as General of Liaodong and was very famous on the border. Xu Qiu was knowledgeable and talented from a young age and was summoned by the court to serve in public office, later passing the exams and rising in rank. Before long, he was promoted to the Inspector of Jingzhou.
At that time, Dong Taihou's nephew, Zhang Zhong, served as the Prefect of Nanyang, abusing his power and embezzling vast sums of money. Upon Xu Qiu's arrival, Dong Taihou entrusted Zhang Zhong to him via a court official. Xu Qiu replied, "As an official of the court, I cannot comply with your command." Dong Taihou was furious and immediately recalled Zhang Zhong to the capital, appointing him as Colonel-Director of Retainers as a means to intimidate Xu Qiu. After arriving in Jingzhou, Xu Qiu accused Zhang Zhong of embezzling one billion and sent evidence to the Ministry of Agriculture and Finance, publicly exposing his crimes. He also accused the Prefects of five other commanderies and some officials of the subordinate counties of embezzlement, all of whom were investigated and punished for their crimes, solidifying his reputation. In the first year of Zhongping, he and the General of the Household Gentlemen Zhu Jun defeated the Yellow Turban rebels in Wancheng. Zhang Zhong nursed a grudge and, together with some eunuchs, conspired to falsely accuse Xu Qiu. Xu Qiu was therefore ordered arrested by the court. However, due to his merit in suppressing the rebellion, he was ultimately spared punishment and returned to his hometown.
Later, he was summoned by the court again and served successively as the Prefect of Runan and the Prefect of Donghai, where he managed to govern the local areas effectively wherever he served. After Emperor Xian moved the capital to Xuchang, the court appointed Xu Qiu as the Minister of Justice and dispatched him to the capital. On the way, he was kidnapped by Yuan Shu, who intended to make him a high official. Xu Qiu sighed and said, "What kind of people are Gong Sheng and Bao Xuan, after all? They would rather die than compromise their integrity!" Yuan Shu did not dare to force him. Later, Yuan Shu was defeated and died, and Xu Qiu obtained the stolen imperial seal. Upon returning to Xuchang, he submitted the imperial seal to the court and also returned the seals of the two counties of Runan and Donghai that Yuan Shu had entrusted to him. Minister Zhao Wen remarked to Xu Qiu, "You have experienced such great danger, yet you managed to preserve these items?" Xu Qiu replied, "In ancient times, Su Wu was trapped by the Xiongnu and did not abandon his seven-foot-long staff, let alone these small seals." Later, Xu Qiu was appointed as the Grand Minister and was ordered to pay respects to Cao Cao as the Prime Minister. Cao Cao humbly declined, and Xu Qiu dared not accept. Ultimately, Xu Qiu passed away in office. The article notes that Sun Yi faced resentment due to his exceptional talents and ultimately fell victim to plots and schemes; Zhai Pu rose in ranks through cunning and deceitful means but ultimately died for speaking out. Is there an inherent difference in people's character and intelligence, leading to vastly differing paths to success and fate? The Ying family has produced talented individuals for seven generations, with Ying Feng and Ying Shao's achievements being the most prominent. The writings they produced documented various unusual occurrences, and even what appeared to be trivial gossip held value. Xu Qiu and others understood how to navigate their positions effectively; they could make reasoned arguments without alienating the powerful, which is an essential quality in handling official business.
Yang Zhong and Li Fa are well-known figures in the Huayang region! "It is said: Yang Zhong and Li Fa are renowned in Huayang." These two, one extremely intelligent and the other with remarkable literary talent, make everyone else seem utterly inferior. "Those two outshine everyone else, making the rest look incompetent."
Next, let's talk about Zhai Pu and Huo Yu. Zhai Pu seems respectable on the outside, but he's actually quite devious, manipulating the emperor with cunning tricks; as for Huo Yu, he even dares to ask his mother-in-law for favors! "Zhai Pu deceives the virtuous, Huo Yu seeks his uncle." One is hypocritical and sly, while the other will do anything for his own gain; they are utterly contemptible!
Lastly, let's discuss Yan Neng and Qiu. Yan Neng is bold enough to openly call out the emperor's mistakes; as for Qiu, he has the guts to stand up to the empress! "Yan Neng accuses the emperor, Qiu also disobeys the empress." These two, one willing to speak truth to power and the other unafraid to challenge authority, even if their methods aren't always proper, their bravery is still commendable!
