Li Xun, courtesy name Shuying, was a native of Linjing County in Anding Commandery. At a young age, he studied the "Han Poems" and often taught hundreds of students. The Prefect of Yingchuan, Li Hong, invited him to serve as a functionary, but before he could take up the position, he was summoned by the local government to serve as an official. When Li Hong passed away, Li Xun did not accept the local government's appointment but instead escorted the coffin of Li Hong back to his hometown. After the funeral, he stayed behind to tidy up the tomb and observe a three-year period of mourning.
Later, he was summoned to work in the household of Situ Huanyu. He was then appointed as an Imperial Censor and sent on a mission to Youzhou to promote the court's benevolence and pacify the northern tribes. Wherever he went, he drew and recorded the landscapes, agricultural fields, and communities, creating more than a hundred volumes of maps, all of which were submitted to the court. Emperor Suzong held him in high regard and appointed him as the Inspector of Yanzhou. He was known for his integrity, frugality, and leading by example, often sitting on a sheepskin mat and wearing plain clothes. He was later promoted to the position of Prefect of Zhangye, where he earned great respect and a stellar reputation. At that time, General Dou Xian stationed troops in Wuwei, and officials from all over the country sent gifts to win his favor, but Li Xun remained above reproach and was ultimately impeached and dismissed by Dou Xian.
He was later summoned by the court to serve as an Imperial Attendant and was appointed as the Deputy Commandant of the Western Territories. The Western Territories were rich and abundant in treasures, with many envoys from various nations, as well as officials and nomads, sending him valuable gifts such as slaves, fine horses, gold, silver, silk, and other precious items. However, he refused to accept a single one. The Northern Xiongnu frequently raided the regions of Cheshi and Yiwu in the Western Territories, making it difficult for envoys traveling west of the Long Mountain to pass. Li Xun offered rewards to recruit skilled individuals and eventually defeated the leader of the Xiongnu, displaying his head at the camp gate as a warning. From then on, the roads were clear, and his reputation and kindness spread throughout the land.
He was later promoted to Wuwei's Commandant. After committing a slight offense, he was dismissed from his position, so he walked back to his hometown, retreated to the mountains, constructed a small hut from grass, and he wove mats with his students by himself to make a living. Coincidentally, amid a rebellion by the Western Qiang, Li Xun was working in the fields and was captured by the Qiang. The Qiang had heard of his reputation and let him go. Li Xun then went to Luoyang to offer his apologies. At that time, it was a time of famine, and Minister of Works Zhang Min and Minister Lu Gong sent their sons to give him food, but he declined all of it. Later, he relocated to below Xian'an Pass, surviving by foraging for acorns. He lived to be ninety-six years old before passing away.
Chen Chan, with the courtesy name Jishan, was from Anhan in Ba County. He served as a county magistrate, was fair in his dealings, and was respected and feared for his firm hand in rewards and punishments. Later, he was recommended as a virtuous and incorruptible official, and the province appointed him as an official in the provincial office. At that time, the provincial governor was corrupt and took bribes. Chen Chan was called to investigate, and he brought nothing but funeral supplies. When he arrived at the governor's office, he endured severe torture, subjected to various brutal punishments, but he remained composed, answering questions without revealing anything, and in the end, the governor had no option but to let him go. The General of Chariots and Cavalry Deng Zhong, after hearing of his reputation, invited him to work by his side and recommended him as a talented individual.
At that time, there was a rebellion by the barbarians in the Hanzhong region, so the court sent Chen Chan to serve as the Commandant of Hanzhong. When the barbarians heard of his reputation, they surrendered without hesitation upon hearing of his arrival. He was subsequently promoted to Left Fengyi, and eventually rose to the position of Grand Councillor. In the first year of Yongning, the king of the Dian Kingdom in the southwest brought gifts of musical instruments and some "illusionists" who performed magic tricks, including spitting fire, dismembering and reassembling themselves, and even changing their heads to those of cows or horses. On New Year's Day of the following year, these illusionists performed in the imperial palace, leaving Emperor An of Han and his courtiers astonished.
But Chen Chan stood up and said loudly, "In the past, the states of Qi and Lu held a covenant in Jiagu, where Qi presented a performance featuring dwarfs. Confucius found it unbearable to watch and even said, 'Stop the music of Zheng and drive away the flatterers!' Such barbaric performances should not be presented in front of the emperor!" The Shangshu Chen Zhong accused Chen Chan, saying, "In ancient times, harmonious dances were performed in the palace, while the dances of the four barbarians took place at the palace gate. The Book of Songs records 'with Ya and Nan, Mei Ren Zhu Li.' Now the Dian Kingdom has traveled across the ocean to pay tribute from afar; this is not the frivolous music of Zheng and Wei, nor can it be compared to any flatterers. Chen Chan criticized the court's policies, requesting to be imprisoned!" The emperor ordered not to arrest him, but only transferred him to the position of a commander in Xuanfu City, and ordered, "Whoever dares not take up the position, his wife and children will also be implicated!" After Chen Chan left, many people in the court sympathized with him.
Coincidentally, at this time, the Northern Xiongnu launched an invasion of Liaodong, and the court quickly appointed Chen Chan as the governor of Liaodong. Upon hearing that Chen Chan had arrived, the Xiongnu feared his reputation and retreated hundreds of miles. Chen Chan did not send troops, but only sent people to appease them. The Chanyu of the Xiongnu followed the envoy back. Chen Chan employed Confucian teachings and rituals to educate and win them over. The Chanyu was ultimately persuaded and even presented him with many valuable gifts before departing. Later, Deng Zhong was killed, and Chen Chan was dismissed due to his association with Deng Zhong. He then became the chief historian under General Yan Xian of Chariots and Cavalry. After Emperor Shun ascended the throne, Chen Chan was promoted to the rank of Sima Xiaowei. The following year, he passed away in office. His son, Chen Cheng, also became famous and rose to the position of Governor of Hanzhong.
Chen Chan's great-grandson, Bao, was a robust and dignified individual embodying the spirit of Chan Buddhism. He served as a regional official and was well-regarded in the community.
Pang Shen, courtesy name Zhongda, was from Goushi, Henan. When he first started his official career, he didn't have much reputation. Later, Pang Fen, the Prefect of Henan, discovered him and thought he was outstanding, so he recommended him to be a Xiaolian, and then promoted him to be the Left Colonel. Later, because of a small mistake, he was sent to do hard labor.
In the first year of Yongchu, the Qiang tribe in Liangzhou rebelled, and the court sent General Cheqi Deng Zhong to suppress them. Pang Shen was also in the army at that time. His son, Pang Jun, wrote to the court, saying: "The refugees in the western provinces are restless, conscription is ongoing, there are frequent floods and droughts, and the land has been abandoned. In addition to the army's expedition, troops are sent to guard distant places, delaying farming activities, and all money has been requisitioned. Fields cannot be planted, crops cannot be harvested, the common people are impoverished, have no hope for the future, and can barely survive. I believe that instead of transporting food over long distances to fight the Qiang in such a distant place, it is better to concentrate our forces, preserve our strength, and wait until they are tired before attacking. General Deng Zhong should withdraw his troops first, leave behind the Wei General to supervise the relocation of the people of Liangzhou to the Sui region. Stop the corvee, allow them time to farm, reduce taxes, and increase their income, allowing men to farm and women to weave. Then, concentrate elite troops, surprise them when they are lax, and attack unexpectedly; only then can we take our revenge."
This memorial has been submitted, just as the Deputy Censor Fan Zhun also recommended Pang Can in his memorial: I have heard that many small birds combined are no match for a single great eagle. Previously, Emperor Xiaowen followed Feng Tang's advice and pardoned Wei Shang's crimes, sending him to guard the borders, and the Xiongnu dared not invade the south. One person can turn the tide, and it all comes down to selecting the right talent! I believe the former Left Colonel of Henan, Pang Can, is brave and strategic, outstanding in both talent and martial arts, very much like Wei Shang. He made a minor mistake in the past and was sentenced to hard labor for a time. With the Qiang tribes now in rebellion and the army pushing westward, I believe that talents like Pang Can should play a role in the military. I hope that the Emperor can select talents like before, take Wei Shang's merits into account, pardon Pang Can's crimes, allow him to lead troops into battle, and he will surely deliver results that bolster national prestige.
Empress Dowager Deng accepted his suggestion, immediately promoted Pang Can, summoned him from the army, met with him, and assigned him to oversee the stationed troops in the Three Furlongs region, then recalled Deng Zhong.
It has been four years, the Qiang rebellion is becoming more severe, military expenses are increasing day by day, and there have been several years of poor harvests, with a massive food shortage of tens of thousands of bushels! I reported to Deng Zhong, stating:
In recent years, the Qiang people have rebelled, throwing the Longyou region into turmoil. Taxes and corvee labor have become increasingly burdensome every year, and the government owes the people a staggering amount of money! Now they want to impose further burdens on the people, mobilize food and textiles, and sell off assets to meet the government's needs. They have to deal with the Qiang people outside and cope with heavy taxes inside, truly caught between enemies on both sides! As a result, they have to transport food over long distances to supply Wudu and Xijun. The journey is fraught with difficulties. If they travel fast, they are prone to robbery; if they travel slowly, they will lose a lot of food. Food is lost in the wilderness, and livestock perish in the mountains and forests. The counties have no money, so they borrow from the people, who are nearly destitute. Who else can they borrow from? They claim they are saving Jincheng, but in reality, they are making the Sanfu region even more difficult. When the Sanfu region is in trouble, it will in turn become a disaster for the Jincheng region. I have suggested several times before to give up the Western Regions, but the officials in Xizhou mocked me. Now, we are pursuing those barren lands to care for those undeserving people, stationing troops in the desolate Yiwu wilderness, and only focusing on areas outside the Sanzu. If Liangzhou is really breached, the chaos will continue to this day. Expanding territory without peace is of no benefit to strengthening the country; having many fields but not cultivating them, how to solve famine? Therefore, those who govern the country should first focus on the domestic situation, not pursue foreign interests; they should first enrich the people, not covet vast lands. The Sanfu region has vast mountains and sparse population, so there are many places in the counties and townships where people can live. Now, those people who cannot survive in the border areas should be moved to live near the tombs in the Sanfu region and cultivate the abandoned fields. Those isolated cities and remote counties can be relocated according to the situation; areas with high transportation costs should be consolidated and relocated closer together; the burdens of corvee labor should be eased to give the people a break. This is the most effective solution.
Deng Zhi and the court ministers considered my suggestion due to the empty treasury, but faced opposition from many, so the matter fell through. Later, I was appointed as the Prefect of Hanyang. There was a man named Ren Tang in Hanyang, who was known for his integrity and had withdrawn from public life to teach. When I arrived, I went to visit him, but he ignored my visit, instead placing a large leek and a basin of water at the door while holding his grandson. The chief clerk remarked that he was being too arrogant. After much contemplation, I finally grasped his intention and said, "Ren Tang is trying to enlighten me. The water symbolizes my need for integrity; the large leek signifies the need to confront powerful families; and holding the child at the door urges me to open it to help orphans and widows!" After saying that, I sighed and left. During my tenure, I successfully restrained the powerful and assisted the weak, earning the people's affection through benevolent governance. In 219 AD, Pang Can was appointed as the Protector of the Qiang, and the Qiang people held him in high regard and trust. The following year, several leaders of the Shangdang Qiang surrendered to the court with their people, which allowed Pang Can to return to the capital, Chang'an, where he was tasked with overseeing traffic in the Hexi Corridor. At that time, a leader of the Xianbei Qiang declared himself king in Beidi, and the court ordered Pang Can to lead seven thousand surrendered Qiang and Hu people from the Huangzhong area to join forces with the General of the West, Sima Jun, to suppress the rebellion in Beidi. However, Pang Can was defeated by the Qiang people on the way. Because he did not arrive at the agreed location on time and falsely claimed to be ill, he led his troops back to camp. Consequently, the court arrested him on charges of deceiving the emperor and imprisoned him. At that time, the Imperial Secretary Ma Rong petitioned the emperor on Pang Can's behalf, stating:
"I have heard that the Western Rong rebels, burning, killing, and looting everywhere, bringing disaster to five provinces. Your Majesty, in order to aid the disaster-stricken people, has expended a significant portion of the national treasury to support the army. In the past, during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou, the Xianyun invaded Haojing, and during the reign of Emperor Xiao Wen of Han, the Xiongnu also invaded Shangjun. However, King Xuan ultimately accomplished a remarkable revival, and Emperor Wen was thus honored as Taizong. This was not only because the two emperors were wise and intelligent, but also because they had brave and skilled generals like Nan Zhong and Zhou Yafu supporting them, so their achievements could be recorded in history. I believe that the former Protector of the Qiang, Pang Can, was proficient in both civil and military matters, intelligent and resourceful, possessing not only the qualities of courage and determination but also the ability to plan ahead. There is also General Liang Qin, who had labored diligently and earned significant accolades after being stationed in the Western Regions for many years. After returning to the court, he achieved military successes multiple times in the Sui, Tang, and Song regions. He also subdued the Chanyu during battles on the northern border. Now they are both imprisoned, which is indeed unfortunate. In the past, Xun Linfu was defeated in the Battle of Yi, but the Duke of Jin still entrusted him with an important position; Meng Mingshi was defeated in the Battle of Xiao, but Duke Mu of Qin did not remove him from his position. As a result, Duke Jing of Jin pacified the Chi Di, and Duke Mu of Qin became dominant in the Western Rong. Your Majesty should follow the example of these two wise leaders, pardon Pang Can and Liang Qin, and allow them to continue serving the court. This would greatly benefit the consolidation of the border defense and enhance the sanctity of the court." After Ma Rong submitted his memorial, the Emperor pardoned Pang Can and others of their crimes.
Pang Can was later appointed as the Governor of Liaodong. In the first year of Yongjian, he was promoted to General of the Liaodong Region. Four years later, he was transferred back to the court to serve as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies. The Minister of Works, Yu Xu, recommended Pang Can for his talent as a chancellor, so he was appointed as the Grand Commandant and put in charge of the Ministry of Works. Among the Three High Officials at that time, Pang Can was known for his loyalty and integrity, but he was often maligned and slandered by those around him because the individuals he promoted did not align with the Emperor's preferences. The Inspectorate seized this opportunity to investigate him based on hearsay. Just as the examination for talented and filial candidates was about to take place, Pang Can, because of the accusations leveled against him, claimed illness and did not attend the examination. The Chief Clerk, Duan Gong from Guanghan, took this opportunity to submit a memorial, saying: "I have heard from common folks, farmers, and weavers, all saying: 'Grand Commandant Pang Can, who has been loyal and honest, is only suffering because of his integrity. He is trapped between the local officials and the corrupt officials, finding himself in a position of being slandered. I hope that while he is still alive, Your Majesty can protect him and keep him safe. But now, due to slander and false accusations, a loyal and upright minister is being harmed. This is the highest sin in heaven and the biggest lesson for a ruler. In the past, when Bai Qi was sentenced to death, the feudal lords still respected each other and celebrated with wine; when Wu Zixu returned to his homeland, the people of Lu rejoiced to escape their predicament. A nation thrives with wise leaders, and a ruler finds stability with loyal ministers. Today, everyone is grateful that Your Majesty has such loyal and virtuous ministers, and we hope that Your Majesty will continue to use him to stabilize the state." After the memorial was presented, the Emperor immediately sent a eunuch to check on Pang Can's condition, and the royal physician sent lamb and wine as well.
Later, Pang Can's wife passed away due to illness, and Pang Can even threw his own children into the well and killed them. Pang Can had always had a bad relationship with magistrate Zhu Liang of Luoyang. After Zhu Liang heard about this matter, he led officials and soldiers into the residence of the Minister of Works to investigate, then submitted a memorial to accuse Pang Can of his crimes. Ultimately, due to the extraordinary circumstances, Pang Can was dismissed from his position. The relevant authorities believed that Zhu Liang had insulted the Chancellor without first reporting to the court, so they imprisoned him. Zhu Liang was greatly respected by the people, and officials and commoners from Luoyang gathered outside the palace gates to request to take Zhu Liang's punishment in his stead. Every day, thousands of people gathered, and the emperor eventually pardoned Zhu Liang.
In the fourth year of the Yangjia era, Pang Can was reappointed as the Minister of Works. In the first year of Yonghe, he retired at home due to long-term illness and passed away.
Chen Gui, styled Shuzhen, was a Xuan clan person from Shangdang. His family had served as border generals for generations, and he was skilled in horseback archery from a young age, earning a great reputation in the northern regions.
Chen Gui had lofty ambitions from a young age. During the Yongjian period, he was recommended as a filial and incorruptible official and served as the Prefect of Wuyuan. In the fifth year of Yonghe, he was appointed as the Colonel of the Northern Xiongnu. At that time, the Left Division of the Southern Xiongnu rebelled, and Chen Gui believed that the Chanyu could not control his subordinates. He feigned obedience while secretly plotting rebellion, urging the Chanyu to commit suicide. As a result, he was punished and imprisoned, losing his office. He was later reappointed as the Intendant of Jingzhao. At that time, many powerful families oppressed the common people in the Sannin region. After Chen Gui took office, he handled all unjust cases with an iron fist, and the local populace was very pleased.
The Qiang and Hu tribes rebelled on the border, killing local officials and plundering the people. Emperor Huan of Han believed that Chen Gui was well-versed in the customs of the border regions, so he appointed him as the General for Pacifying the Xiongnu. Before departing, Chen Gui submitted a memorial stating:
I, Gui Meng, generation after generation have received the grace of the emperor, galloping on the border battlefield. Although I have fulfilled the duties of a loyal subject, killing enemies in the land of the barbarians, my soul cannot return, and I can only offer sacrifices to a fox spirit, still unable to repay even a fraction of that grace. I am dull and mediocre, like a blunt lead knife, yet I receive undue favor and lavish treatment, always worried about not being able to repay the emperor's grace in life and death. I have heard that when the Three Enclosures and Twenty-Eight Mansions are not in alignment, wise men will be promoted to be ministers; if the barbarians are not obedient, soldiers will be promoted to be generals. Although I have neither literary talent nor military strategy, I hold an important position, ashamed before the wise emperor above, afraid of disappointing the court below; even if I die, I cannot make up for my mistakes.
Now on the border of the Western Province, the land is barren and desolate, people make a living by hunting on horseback, men lack the income from farming, and women lack the income from weaving. Guarding the frontier, lives are at the mercy of the sword; in case of emergency, they must strike quickly, with no thought for what lies behind. In recent years, the Xiongnu have repeatedly invaded the border areas, killing officials and looting the people. The soldiers' bones are buried in the desert, and the heads of the slain are displayed on saddles. In some places, every household is shuttered and reduced to ashes; orphans and widows weep in the empty city, there is no green grass in the fields, the houses stand empty, and though the people are alive, they feel like withered trees. Last year, Bingzhou experienced floods and pestilence, crops failed, and taxes could not be collected. The elderly are worried about not living to the next year, and the young are afraid of poverty. Your Majesty regards the people as your own children, and the people treat Your Majesty as their father; how can they not toil day and night to show their gratitude!
Tang Yao abdicated in favor of Yu Shun so that the people could meet a wise monarch instead of a cruel ruler. Therefore, Duke Danfu led the people to migrate, and the population increased fivefold; King Wen of Zhou implemented benevolent governance, and all under heaven rallied to him. There's no need for golden chariots and jade carriages to show favor to the people! Emperor Xiaowen of Han abolished corporal punishment because of a woman's words, showing his benevolence and earning a reputation as a wise ruler of the Han Dynasty. Your Majesty has inherited the prosperous rule, continued the legacy of Emperor Guangwu, and presided over court affairs, yet has yet to achieve any notable political successes. Moreover, local officials are incompetent, some even being eunuchs, fearing to go against imperial orders and only concerned with immediate benefits. The people's cries and tears have led to disasters; the Xiongnu are fierce and brutal, taking advantage of the situation. This has led to an empty treasury, falling prey to wolves, with the nation's achievements in vain, all due to the disloyalty of generals and the prevalence of corruption.
Zhu Liang, the former Governor of Liangzhou, took strong measures to rectify governance upon his arrival, dismissing half of the prefects and county magistrates, and soon achieved remarkable results. He deserves a generous reward to encourage other meritorious officials, promote him to higher positions, and eradicate corruption. It is also necessary to reappoint the Protector Generals for the Xiongnu, Wuhuan, and Qiang, choosing officials skilled in both civil and military affairs, issuing orders to exempt this year's taxes for Bingzhou and Liangzhou, granting amnesty to criminals, and completely reforming. In this way, good officials will understand the benefits of serving the public, while bad officials will realize the dangers of corruption. The Xiongnu's cavalry will no longer threaten the Great Wall, and there will be no danger of defense along the border.
The emperor finally understood, so he reappointed the governors of Youzhou and Bingzhou, along with lower-ranking officials, and carried out a major reshuffle. Then he issued an edict saying, "Waive taxes for one year on Bingzhou and Liangzhou under General Chen's authority, and reward officials and the people." When Chen Gui took office, the state and county officials were so terrified they barely moved, and the Xianbei were too scared to approach the border. The savings reached over a hundred million each year.
General Liang Ji had a grudge against Chen Gui and falsely accused him of tarnishing the country's reputation, claiming he failed to instill fear in the barbarians. So Chen Gui was summoned back by the court, and he simply requested to retire and go home. Later, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as a minister. Liang Ji became more and more arrogant, so Chen Gui submitted a memorial accusing Liang Ji of crimes and requesting the emperor to execute him. But the emperor ignored him. Chen Gui realized he was doomed to be killed by Liang Ji, and he died after seven days without food. The Xianbei and the people of Bingzhou and Liangzhou mourned for him and held mourning ceremonies at his grave.
Qiao Xuan, styled Gongzu, was from Suiyang in Liangguo. His ancestor Qiao Ren, seven generations back, once studied with Dai De from the same county and authored forty-nine essays of the "Liji Zhangju," which became known as the "Qiao Jun Study." Qiao Xuan's great-grandfather served as the Grand Herald during the reign of Emperor Cheng. His grandfather served as Prefect of Guangling, while his father was Prefect of Donglai.
When Qiao Xuan was young, he served as a county magistrate. At that time, the entourage of Zhou Jing, the governor of Yuzhou, came to Liangguo. Qiao Xuan went to visit Zhou Jing and knelt before him, presenting the crimes of Chen Xiangyang and requesting Zhou Jing to allow him to go to Yuzhou to conduct a thorough investigation. Zhou Jing admired Qiao Xuan's courage and determination, so he approved his request and sent him to Yuzhou. After arriving in Yuzhou, Qiao Xuan immediately arrested the associates of Chen Xiangyang and conducted a detailed investigation into their crimes. Chen Xiangyang had long been under the protection of General Liang Ji, who promptly dispatched a letter to secure Chen Xiangyang's release. After receiving the imperial edict, Zhou Jing recalled Qiao Xuan, but Qiao Xuan disregarded the edict and continued his investigation. In the end, Chen Xiangyang was brought before the court for trial, and Qiao Xuan became famous for this.
I first succeeded in the imperial examination and was appointed as the Left Assistant of Luoyang. At that time, Liang Buyi was the Intendant of Henan. I needed to report to the provincial office for official duties, but I feared he might humiliate me, so I resigned and went home. Later, I was promoted and became the Minister of Qi, but I ran afoul of the law and was sentenced to exile. After serving my sentence, the court called me back, and I was promoted twice more, becoming the Prefect of Shanggu and then the Prefect of Hanyang. At that time, the county magistrate of Shanggui, Huang Fuzhen, was guilty of misconduct. I arrested him, interrogated him, and subjected him to severe beatings, and he died in the Jishi marketplace, shocking the entire region.
In the county, there was a man named Jiang Qi, who was honest and reclusive, and his reputation spread throughout the entire region of Xizhou. I summoned him to serve as an official, but he refused, citing illness as his reason. I became angry and ordered the postal supervisor Yin Yi to bring him in, even threatening, "If Jiang Qi doesn’t come, I’ll marry off his mother!" Yin Yi tried to persuade me with all his might but was unsuccessful. He then tried to reason with Jiang Qi, but Jiang Qi firmly stayed in bed and refused to get up. The local scholars also came to persuade me, and only then did I give up. Many criticized my actions at the time. Later, I resigned from my position due to illness, and the court summoned me via public carriage to serve as the Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works, and later appointed me as the Grand Craftsman.
When Emperor Huan was nearing death, the Xianbei, Southern Xiongnu, and Goguryeo’s Crown Prince Bogu revolted, causing chaos and plundering everywhere. The court recommended me from all quarters to take on the role of General Who Pacifies Liaodong, and gave me the golden axe (symbolizing military authority). When I arrived at the border, I first reorganized the army, rested and recharged, and then commanded the soldiers to defend against and strike the barbarians and Bogu, defeating them and sending them fleeing in all directions. I held this position for three years, and at last, the border was stabilized.
When Emperor Ling just ascended to the throne, the court summoned me back to the capital, appointing me as the Governor of Henan. Later, I was promoted to the position of Minister of the Interior and Grand Herald. In the third year of Jianning, I was promoted to Minister of Construction, and later transferred to Minister of War Affairs. I had a prior dispute with Chen Qiu, the Prefect of Nanyang. However, after becoming Minister of War Affairs, I recommended him to be appointed as a Judge. Feeling that the country was in a period of weakness and that I was inadequate, I claimed to be ill and wrote a letter taking the blame for various disasters, requesting to resign. As a result, I was relieved of my duties. Over a year later, I was appointed as Grand Secretary. At that time, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Gai Sheng, had a close relationship with the Emperor, having previously served as Prefect of Nanyang, where he embezzled vast sums of money. I lodged a formal impeachment against him, seeking his removal from office and confiscation of his assets. The Emperor rejected my request and instead promoted Gai Sheng to Palace Attendant. I resigned under the pretense of illness and was appointed as Grand Master of Ceremonies. In the first year of Guanghe, I was promoted to Grand Commandant. A few months later, I resigned again due to illness and was appointed as Grand Master of Ceremonies, taking time to recuperate at home.
Once upon a time, Xuan Shaozi, the son of Qiao Xuan, was playing by himself at the door when he was ten years old. He encountered three thugs armed with clubs who kidnapped him and took him upstairs. They forced Qiao Xuan to hand over his belongings. Qiao Xuan resolutely refused. After a while, Chief Officer Yang Qiu, along with the Intendant of Henan and the Magistrate of Luoyang, encircled Qiao Xuan's home. They hesitated to act, worried that if they attacked, they might harm Qiao Xuan's son. Qiao Xuan glared and shouted, "These criminals are simply lawless! How can I, Qiao Xuan, let these criminals run amok for the sake of my son's life!" He immediately ordered the soldiers to attack. As a result, the soldiers charged in, and Qiao Xuan's son tragically lost his life. Afterwards, Qiao Xuan personally went to the court to express his apologies and requested the court to order nationwide execution: in cases of kidnapping, the kidnappers should be executed on the spot, and ransom is not allowed to be used to redeem hostages, to put an end to such crimes. The court approved his request and issued the corresponding edict. Since the reign of Emperor An, laws and regulations became increasingly lenient, and incidents of kidnapping became commonplace in the capital. Even the nobility were not spared from misfortune. It was only after this that such heinous acts were completely eradicated.
Qiao Xuan passed away in the sixth year of the Guanghe era, at the age of seventy-five. Qiao Xuan was upright and straightforward, with a quick temper and somewhat lacking in sophistication. However, he was humble and frugal, being kind to others. He had no high-ranking officials among his descendants or relatives. When he passed away, he had no property in his house, not even a place to conduct his funeral. People praised his integrity during his time.
In his early years, when Cao Cao was still unknown, almost no one knew him. Once, he visited Qiao Xuan, who, upon seeing him, looked at him differently and said, "In the chaos that is to come, the one who can bring peace to the people might just be you!" Cao Cao always cherished Qiao Xuan's kindness. Later, whenever he passed by Qiao Xuan's grave, he would mourn him and personally wrote a eulogy as follows: "The late Grand Commandant Qiao, noble and virtuous, with broad love and tolerance. The country remembers your teachings; the scholars ponder your advice. Your spirit lingers on in our hearts; oh, how we miss you!"
In Cao Cao's eulogy, he also wrote: "When I was young, you accepted me without judging my lack of talent. The glory and wealth I have today are all thanks to your guidance and help, just as Confucius praised Yan Hui and Li Sheng admired Jia Fu. A true friend would go to great lengths for another, and I will never forget your kindness. I remember you once said, 'After I die, if you pass by my grave, there is no need to prepare wine and meat for offerings. Just have your carriage pass by three steps away, and if your stomach hurts, don't blame me.' Although you said it in jest at the time, how could you say such things without a deep bond of friendship? Now, reminiscing about the past, my heart is filled with sorrow. I have been ordered to march east and stationed near your hometown, looking north towards your grave; my heart is filled with longing. I’ve come here specifically to pay my respects to you. Please accept my offering!" Qiao Xuan's son, Qiao Yu, eventually became the magistrate of Rencheng.
Speaking of Ren Tang and Jiang Qi, these two individuals have a reputation for integrity that is known far and wide. They live in simple thatched cottages and have three times declined high official positions and generous salaries, much like the recluses of Hanyang, living a life apart from worldly concerns. Pang Can places great importance on talent, earning the support of the common people for his achievements; though respected, Qiao Xuan adopts a heavy-handed approach that has alienated the populace. This is not to say that they lack ability, but the issue lies in their methods. If methods can be disregarded, wouldn't tyrants become even more powerful? As the saying goes: "An army can be led away, but a man's will cannot be taken." Zilu once remarked, "It's better to lose a fortune than to lose the trust of scholars." Historically, Duan Ganmu preferred to hide behind walls rather than submit to Duke Wen's commands; Xie Liu also closed his doors to guests and rejected Duke Mu's invitation. As you can see, those in power sometimes need to yield, while those with less power should stand firm in their beliefs. In conclusion, Li Sou diligently and willingly embraced poverty, rejecting others' gifts. He secluded himself in the mountains to assist the ruler, remaining steadfast until death. The hero of Kucha rose through the ranks from an ordinary soldier. Mr. Qiao, with great insight, was an outstanding hero of his time.
"Li Sou diligently abstained, willingly refusing gifts.
He secluded himself for the ruler, unwavering until death.
The hero of Kucha, rising from among the common soldiers.
Mr. Qiao, with foresight, a hero of his time."
That's what they truly represent!
