Zuo Xiong, styled Bo Hao, was a native of Nieyang in Nanyang. During the reign of Emperor An of Han, he was recommended for his filial piety and incorruptibility, and gradually rose to the position of Inspector of Jizhou. Jizhou had many powerful and influential families who often relied on connections to gain advantages, but Zuo Xiong always kept himself distant and did not associate with them. He impeached corrupt officials fearlessly.
At the beginning of the Yongjian era, the court summoned him to serve as a Court Gentleman. At that time, Emperor Shun had just taken the throne, and many ministers were neglectful, resulting in numerous shortcomings in court affairs. Zuo Xiong repeatedly submitted memorials advising the emperor; his words were heartfelt and sincere. The Minister of Works, Yu Xu, recognized Zuo Xiong's loyalty and integrity, and recommended him, stating: "I see that most officials in the court are silent, confusing flattery with talent and loyalty with foolishness. They even warn each other that 'even a flawless jade cannot be offered casually, while those who are servile will have good fortune.' However, I have observed that Court Gentleman Zuo Xiong has consistently submitted memorials regarding state affairs, even referencing Your Majesty's past challenges as a caution. He truly embodies the qualities of a loyal and upright minister, echoing the Duke of Zhou's support of King Cheng. He should be promoted to a key position to support the emperor, which will undoubtedly help rectify court affairs and support the emperor." Due to Yu Xu's recommendation, Zuo Xiong was appointed as a Minister of Works and was later promoted to Minister of Works. He submitted memorials regarding state affairs, stating:
I heard that in order for the people in remote areas to live and work in peace, there is nothing more important than appeasing the people. To appease the people, employing talented individuals is of utmost importance. To employ talented individuals, it is necessary to assess and select them. Therefore, Gao Tao told Yu that the most important thing is to understand how to recognize people. "When the people are settled, they will cherish you." This shows that as long as the people live and work in peace, they will support you. When the Marquis of Fen established his marquisate, he took the place of the monarch in fostering a close relationship with the people, and as a result, the people lived in harmony and the spirit of respect and courtesy thrived. The Book of Songs says: "The rain falls heavily on my public fields, and on my private fields as well."
Later on, King You and King Li were foolish and corrupt, neglecting their duties and favoring sycophants. Seven favored courtiers formed factions and engaged in private dealings, mixing the wise with the foolish, leading the country toward decline. The Book of Songs also says: "The four states have no government; they do not use their wise men." It also says: "Why do the people today fear like venomous snakes and wild beasts?" This means that the common people fear officials like they fear venomous snakes and fierce animals.
After the downfall of the Zhou Dynasty, the Qin state unified the six warring states. Qin Shi Huang killed Confucian scholars, burned books, abolished the system of enfeoffment, and implemented the system of prefectures and counties. Officials were appointed in the prefectures and counties, implementing strict measures to tackle issues, pacifying the people, and guiding them with kindness. During the reigns of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty, the country was peaceful; this was all thanks to their benevolent governance, kindness to the people, and careful selection of officials.
During the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han, despite his lowly origins, he was able to carefully examine the merits and demerits of officials, understand the issues in society at that time, and often personally summon regional inspectors and provincial governors to evaluate their words and actions, with clear distinctions between rewards and punishments. Emperor Xuan remarked with a sigh, "The reason the common people can live and work in peace without grievances is because the government is transparent and the officials are upright! Perhaps only those outstanding officials of the rank of two thousand stones can achieve this with me!" He believed that if officials were frequently replaced, the people could not work with peace of mind; if officials remained in office for a long time, the people could be positively influenced. For those officials with achievements, he encouraged them with imperial seals, promoted them, rewarded them with gold and silver, and some were even granted titles as marquises within the borders. When vacancies arose among the court officials and ministers, they were promoted in order of seniority. As a result, officials were able to diligently fulfill their duties, allowing the people to live and work in peace. It was during this period that the Han Dynasty's good officials reached their zenith, establishing the groundwork for the Han Dynasty's revival.
Since the Han Dynasty, it has been over three hundred years, and the social atmosphere has become increasingly bad, with an increasing number of deceitful and corrupt individuals. Local officials collude with each other, change their orders overnight, harbor their own agendas, and do not consider the long term at all. They see indiscriminate killing as a display of power, view cunning theft as capability, consider advocating for the people as a sign of weakness, and regard upholding the law as outdated. They kill people at the drop of a hat, all because of minor incidents; the disasters that cause a large number of deaths and injuries are all due to momentary impulses. They treat common people as enemies, preying on them like wolves. Supervisors cover up for each other, turn a blind eye to misconduct, ignore bad rumors, only look at superficial achievements during evaluations, and praise without merit. Some are even promoted despite committing crimes, while others seek fame and fortune through flattery. County officials do not conduct thorough investigations, rush to recommend promotions, and officials scramble for promotions, with promotions across ranks being common. Some officials commit crimes but go unpunished, as bribery makes everything disappear, as if they've been absolved. The distinction between officials and the common people has become blurred, and it's hard to tell the good from the bad. Therefore, cunning and devious people succeed, disrespect laws, promotions flow freely, and there are countless vacant positions. Local officials and minor officials, with lowly positions and scant salaries, rely on the people for their livelihoods. Honest officials barely make ends meet, while greedy officials line their pockets. Officials are frequently transferred, and the practice of gift-giving and bribery is rampant, burdening the common people. The bad social atmosphere and continuous disasters have their roots here. Today's officials are like ancient feudal lords, granted titles by the court and enjoying generous treatment, but they are no different from scoundrels, disobeying orders and shirking responsibilities, which is far from a proper way to uphold the rule of law and serve the public.
I believe that those county officials who have done practical things for the people should be promoted and awarded titles, and should not be transferred without cause, except in the event of their parents' death. Those who do not abide by the laws and do not obey imperial orders should face life imprisonment, and even in the case of a general amnesty, they should not receive clemency. If someone is impeached and refuses to admit guilt, they should be exiled to the border areas as a warning to others. Officials at the local level should be selected for their integrity and honesty to reduce their burdens, increase their salaries, and county officials may only recommend promotions after serving a full year. This way, the avenues for corruption and bribery are closed off, the prevalence of hypocrisy diminishes, the practice of giving gifts and bribes decreases, and the source of taxation is diminished. Honest officials can serve the people with peace of mind, and the common people can live in peace and happiness. By emulating the governance strategies of Emperor Wenxuan, the country can achieve long-term stability and peace.
Upon hearing his words, the emperor ordered officials to investigate whether these matters were true and how they were being implemented. Although Xiong's words clearly pointed out the key to governing the country, his advice ultimately fell on deaf ears due to the influence of the eunuchs. Since then, officials have been rotated one after another, and local officials have been replaced rapidly, with the old being sent away and the new being welcomed in, resulting in continuous upheaval. Sometimes the government offices are empty, with no one attending to public affairs, and each round of official selections results in chaos, with some even running away.
In the third year of Yongjian, both the capital and the Hanyang region were struck by earthquakes, as the ground split open and underground water surged forth. In the fourth year, Sizhou and Jizhou were flooded. Xiong interpreted these disasters as signs of the people's disobedience to the will of heaven. He wrote to the emperor, stating, "Preparations should be made in secret to prevent any unforeseen circumstances." Not long after, rebellions broke out in Qingzhou, Jizhou, and Yangzhou, leading to chaos throughout the country for several years. Later, the court ordered a general amnesty, and although the bandits temporarily quieted down, the authorities were unprepared, and the remnants of the marauders re-emerged a few months later. Xiong and his colleague Guo Qian wrote to the emperor, stating, "Bandits have wreaked havoc for years, resulting in countless deaths and injuries. When one person commits a crime, their entire family bears the consequences. While the bandits are still relatively weak, they should be given a chance to repent. Those who turn in their accomplices should receive a pardon, and those who kill the bandits should be heavily rewarded." The memorial was submitted, yet the emperor disregarded it. Xiong then wrote again, saying, "The value of scholarship must be recognized, and the Imperial Academy should be restored." This time, the emperor consented. In the first year of Yangjia, the Imperial Academy was rebuilt, and the emperor decreed that qualified scholars could be appointed as disciples of the academy, with ten students recruited for each of the two disciplines. In addition, a total of one hundred thirty-eight scholars aged sixty and above were appointed as officials in the capital and various vassal states.
Xiong also said to the emperor: "The filial and virtuous officials recommended by the counties are outstanding talents of ancient times. After being selected, they serve as local officials, promote education and cultivate good customs. If they just stay at home, their talents will not be utilized. Confucius said, 'At forty, I had no doubts,' and the Book of Rites also states, 'At forty, one can hold office.' Therefore, from now on, filial and virtuous officials under the age of forty cannot be directly recommended, but must first come to the court for examination. Scholars will be tested on their family ethics, while officials will be tested on their memorials, allowing them to be examined at the palace gate to verify their true talents and knowledge, in order to improve the overall standards. Those who violate the laws will be punished accordingly. If there are indeed truly exceptional talents, they may naturally be exempt from age restrictions." The emperor agreed and ordered the implementation in various counties.
The following year, Xu Shu, a filial and virtuous official recommended by Guangling County, was not yet of the appropriate age for recommendation, so the court officials suspected him and questioned him. Xu Shu replied: "The decree says 'People like Yan Hui and Ziqi can be exempt from age restrictions,' so our county recommended me." The official had no way to refute him. Xiong then asked him, "Yan Hui could understand ten points from hearing one; how many points can you understand from hearing one?" Xu Shu could not answer, so he was sent back. As a result, Hu Guang, the governor of Jiyin, and over ten others were dismissed for improper recommendations, while Chen Fan of Runan, Li Ying of Yingchuan, and Chen Qiu of Xiapai were appointed as langzhong. From then on, local officials were afraid to recommend people casually. Until the Yongxi era, talent selection was relatively fair and upright, resulting in the selection of numerous outstanding talents.
Xiong also memorialized to summon renowned Confucian scholars from across the country to serve as scholars and to have the sons of officials serve as students. Those with ambition and integrity would see an increase in their salaries. For example, Xie Lian of Runan and Zhao Jian of Henan, who, at only twelve years old, were already well-versed in the classics, Xiong requested the emperor to appoint them as junior attendants. Consequently, many young scholars carrying books flocked to the capital in search of education.
At the beginning, the emperor was deposed and became the King of Jiyin. His wet nurse Song E and others, including Sun Cheng, discussed plans to restore the emperor. Later, because Song E had participated in this matter, the emperor granted her the title of Lady Shanyang and bestowed upon her a fief of five thousand households. He also appointed the son of General Liang Shang as Marquis of Xiangyi.
Xiong wrote a letter to the emperor, saying: "The allocation of land and the granting of titles are very important aspects of the national system. Emperor Gaozu once set rules that only the Liu clan could be called kings, and only those who had merit could be appointed marquises. Emperor Xiao'an once appointed Jiang Jing, Wang Sheng, and others as marquises, and strange events, such as earthquakes, occurred. In the second year of Yongjian, a solar eclipse occurred due to the rewards given to those involved in the conspiracy. The fortune tellers blamed these disasters on the rewards and titles. Now, there is famine in Qingzhou, bandits are rampant, and the common people are suffering from hunger and cold, all begging the court for relief. Your Majesty works day and night, always thinking of helping the people. We must adhere to the ancient system, remain calm, and take no action, waiting for the will of heaven to eliminate these disasters. It is really inappropriate to undermine the country's important traditions for the sake of minor favors."
The emperor did not listen to him. Xiong advised him again:
I have heard that no monarch truly dislikes honesty and integrity, yet they often favor flattery. However, throughout history, disasters have often arisen when honest and upright people have offended others, while flatterers were favored. This is because it is hard to accept honest advice, while flattery is easy to believe. Punishment and guilt are what people detest most; honor and favor are what they desire most. Therefore, there are fewer loyal people now, but many more flatterers. As a result, the monarch often hears good words and rarely hears criticism, leading to confusion and ultimately the downfall of the country.
I saw the edict and considered the past merits and favors of my mother, wanting to give her a special title. However, after checking the historical records, there is no precedent for granting a title and land to a wet nurse. During the reign of the previous emperor, my mother, Wang Sheng, was granted the title of Lord of Wild Kings. Wang Sheng was scorned by the people for his involvement in slander and the chaos of deposing emperors, and he was condemned even after his death. Although Jie and Zhou were emperors, even common servants felt ashamed to be compared to them because they lacked moral principles. On the other hand, ordinary commoners Bo Yi and Shu Qi were vied for by nobles and lords who wished to associate with them because of their virtue. Now my mother lives a frugal life, leading by example, and both court officials and commoners follow suit. If she were given the same title as Wang Sheng, it would probably go against her intentions and not fulfill her wishes.
I believe that the concerns of ordinary people have remained consistent throughout history. The people deeply remember the lesson of Wang Sheng's downfall, and the fate of the common people is more fragile than a stack of eggs, always fearing a repeat of such events. Their anxiety has never left them; their fearful words have never ceased. Therefore, I respectfully request Your Majesty to follow the previous suggestion and allocate one million annually to my mother, allowing her to enjoy family life at home without drawing public scrutiny. The rewards for Liang Ji are not pressing and should be discussed after the disaster has passed to determine what is appropriate.
Later, there were strange occurrences such as earthquakes and the landslide of Mount Goushi. Xiong once again submitted a memorial advising, "When the late emperor granted a title to the King of Yewang, there was an earthquake in Hanyang. Now, the King of Shanyang has been granted a title, and there is another earthquake in the capital. Those in power are secretly undermining the state, resulting in serious disasters. I've mentioned before that granting titles is very important. The emperor can bestow wealth on individuals, but should not grant official positions. The title of Ah Mu should be rescinded to calm these disasters. Now Ji has already declined, and the King of Shanyang should also adhere to his own duties." Xiong's advice was very sincere, and Lady E was also afraid and declined, but the emperor still reluctantly granted the title. Later, Ah Mu lost his title for some reason.
At that time, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Liu Ju, who was criticized for work-related matters, was summoned to the Ministry of Appointments, where he was hurried along and even physically assaulted. The official Xiong, likely referring to Huan Rong, then memorialized the emperor, saying, "The status of the Nine Ministers is second only to the Three Excellencies, ranking above the Grand Ministers. They should have the custom of wearing jade when traveling and a dignified appearance when acting. Emperor Xiaoming was the first to implement such corporal punishment, which is not the ancient practice at all!" After hearing this, the emperor changed this practice, and since then, the Nine Ministers have never been beaten again. Since Xiong took office as the Imperial Secretary, he rectified many corrupt practices, and every memorial he submitted was regarded as a model for the court to learn from. Later, he was promoted to the position of Inspector General.
Next, let's talk about Xiong's recommendation of Zhou Ju as the Minister of Personnel. Zhou Ju performed excellently after taking office, and everyone praised him. Later, when Xiong became the Colonel of the Capital, he recommended the former Inspector of Jizhou, Feng Zhi, to take up a military command. However, Feng Zhi had been punished for corruption in the past, and some people seized this opportunity to criticize Xiong. Xiong responded with a smile, "I once served under Feng Zhi's father, and I have a good relationship with Feng Zhi. Now Xuan Guang (Zhou Ju's courtesy name) is using this incident to accuse me. Isn't that just as straightforward as Han Jue?" This incident earned him admiration from people everywhere. The following year, Xiong was dismissed from office for violating the law. He was later reappointed as the Minister of Personnel and passed away in the third year of the Yonghe era.
Zhou Ju, courtesy name Xuan Guang, was from Ruyang in Ru'nan, the son of the Prefect of Chenliu, Fang. His father's accomplishments are documented in "Rulin Zhuan." Though Zhou Ju wasn't particularly handsome, he was knowledgeable and talented, held in high regard by Confucian scholars. Therefore, a popular saying in the capital went, "Zhou Xuan Guang is said to have mastered the Five Classics."
In the fourth year of Yanguang, Zhou Ju was summoned to serve at the residence of the Minister of State, Li He. At that time, the eunuch Sun Cheng and others had just supported Emperor Shun and executed the members of the Yan family. Counselor Chen Shan argued that there was no bond between Empress Yan and the Emperor, and suggested relocating her to a different palace to strip her of her right to attend court. Many ministers supported Chen Shan's view. However, Zhou Ju advised Li He: "In the past, Duke Zhuang of Zheng's mother attempted to kill Yan Gong, and Yan Gong swore vengeance from the underworld; Qin Shihuang harbored resentment toward his mother's behavior and did not meet her for many years. After heeding the advice of Ying Kao Shu and Mao Jiao, he restored his mother-son relationship. Both the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' and historical records praised this act. Now that the Yan family has just been exterminated, the Empress Dowager is confined to a side palace. If she falls ill from sadness and sorrow, what if something unforeseen occurs? How will the Emperor explain to the world? If Chen Shan's suggestion is adopted, future generations will hold you accountable! You should secretly report to the court, request to attend to the Empress Dowager, encourage the ministers to visit her as they did before, in accordance with divine will and to meet the people's expectations." Li He then presented Zhou Ju's proposal in a memorial. In the first month of the second year, the Emperor visited the Empress Dowager at the Eastern Palace, allowing her to live in peace.
Zhu Jiang took over as the Changle Minor Official from He, while Yang Ju was still a junior official. Sun Cheng and the others were competing for credit in the court, and actually tossed their memorials right in front of the emperor, angering him. The emperor ordered them all to be sent to the hinterlands and urged the Luoyang magistrate to hurry up and send them into exile. Yang Ju said to Zhu Jiang, "Back when the court was in Xizhong, if it weren't for Sun Cheng and the others, how could we have held our ground? Even how could their achievements compare to theirs! Now they have forgotten their contributions and are only fixating on their minor mistakes, like a plant that withers before it blooms; the emperor will earn a reputation for eliminating his loyal subjects. They have not left yet, we should quickly submit a memorial to plead for them." Zhu Jiang said, "The emperor is currently angry, the two chief secretaries have already reported this matter. If I submit a memorial alone to plead, I’ll surely face repercussions." Yang Ju said, "You’re over eighty years old, with a high position and great power, serving as an important minister of the court. Now is the time for you to show your loyalty and serve the country, but you’re just looking out for yourself and chasing comfort. What else are you hoping to gain? Even if you keep your official position, you’ll just be seen as a sycophant; even if you are punished for your advice, it’ll still earn you a reputation for loyalty! If you do not heed my words, then I will take my leave." After hearing this, Zhu Jiang went ahead and submitted a memorial to plead for Sun Cheng and the others, and the emperor actually took his advice to heart.
Later, Yang Ju was recognized as a promising talent and became the magistrate of Pingqiu County. He wrote a memorial stating the gains and losses of the current court, with heartfelt and straightforward words. Chief Secretaries Guo Qian, Ying He, and others were all struck by it when they read it, and they collectively praised Yang Ju for his loyalty and integrity, hoping the emperor would keep his memorial by the throne as a reminder and example.
Yang Ju gradually rose through the ranks and became the Governor of Bingzhou. In Taiyuan County, there was an old custom of not using fire because Jie Zitui died by self-immolation. Therefore, during the month of Jie Zitui's death anniversary, people thought that the spirits did not like fire. As a result, the common people celebrated the Cold Food Festival (Hanshi Festival) every winter, refraining from making fires to cook. Many people, especially the elderly and children, could not bear this hardship and succumbed to the cold every year. Upon taking office, Yang Ju wrote a memorial in the Jie Zitui Temple, arguing that the prohibition of fire during harsh winters endangered the lives of the people and was not the intention of the wise. He used this to educate the ignorant common people and encourage them to resume normal eating habits. Gradually, this superstition faded away, and customs were changed.
He was reassigned as the Governor of Jizhou. In the third year of Yang Jia, the Colonel Director of Retainers, Zuo Xiong, recommended him, and he was summoned to serve as a court official. He and the Supervisor Huang Qiong worked together to assist the emperor, gaining high prestige in the court, and everyone respected them. That year, there was a severe drought in Henan and the Sanyuan region, causing poor harvests and hardships for the people. The emperor personally sat in the east wing of Deyang Hall, praying for rain and ordered officials from the Colonel Directorate and Henan to offer sacrifices to the river god, renowned mountains, and lakes, praying for rainfall.
The emperor believed that he was knowledgeable and specifically issued a decree to ask him a question. The imperial edict read: "My virtue is insufficient, yet I have inherited the throne of three dynasties, constantly worrying about how to govern the country effectively. In recent years, there have been frequent droughts, crops have withered, and the people cannot eat their fill. Officials are not fulfilling their duties, and imperial favors are not widespread. Various department officials are holding positions that do not belong to them. Who should be demoted? How can the current situation be changed? How should we measure the results? Please answer in detail without hiding anything."
He replied:
I heard that the "Book of Changes" says: "Heaven is exalted and the earth is humble, and the universe is established through their interaction." When heaven and earth merge, all things are created, and among all things, humanity holds the highest status. Therefore, the sage uses the ruler to educate them, uses culture to perfect them, aligns with the rhythms of the four seasons, adapts to the harmony of yin and yang, and ensures that marriages occur in harmony with the seasons. He uses benevolence to embrace them, uses morality to guide them, uses calamities to serve as warnings, and uses auspicious signs to educate them. This is the fundamental way in which the ancient sage kings governed the world and nurtured the people.
If yin and yang are out of balance, it will cause the flow of heavenly and earthly energies to be obstructed; if the flow of heavenly and earthly energies is obstructed, it will result in a decline in population; a decline in population can lead to erratic weather patterns; erratic weather patterns will lead to disasters such as floods and droughts. Your Majesty is now in a position similar to that of Yao and Shun, but you have not implemented their political methods. Instead, you have abandoned the governance methods of Emperor Wen and Emperor Guangwu and have followed the extravagant lifestyle of the fallen Qin Dynasty. There are many resentful women in the palace, and many men outside cannot find wives. Now the royal family has no heir, and the position of the crown prince is still vacant, which disrupts the harmony of yin and yang and undermines proper human relationships.
It's not just you, Your Majesty; those treacherous eunuchs also flaunt their power, oppress good families, forcibly take women, and even cause some women to remain unmarried until old age, all of which defy the divine mandate. After King Wu destroyed the Shang Dynasty, he released the concubines of King Zhou of Shang; King Cheng Tang encountered disasters and reflected on himself using six methods; Duke Xi of Lu encountered a drought and blamed himself and prayed for rain; they all genuinely transformed calamities into blessings. Since the drought began, several years have passed, but there is no sign of repentance from Your Majesty, merely exposing yourself to the harshness of the elements, which is not beneficial. You also have various states and counties pray to the gods for rain, but such efforts have proven fruitless.
In the past, there was a severe drought in the State of Qi. Duke Jing of Qi wanted to sacrifice to the River God, but Yan Zi advised against it, saying, "It won't work. The River God sees water as its fortress and turtles as its subjects. If the water dries up and the fish die, how can it possibly make it rain? It can't even solve its own problems, so how can we ask it to make it rain?" All Your Majesty's actions only focus on superficial appearances, without investigating the essence of the matter; it's like trying to catch fish in a tree while going the wrong way. You should sincerely reform politics, promote the right way, reject evil, release the women in the harem who have not been favored, address injustices and wrongful cases across the realm, and eliminate the extravagance of the royal kitchen. Officials below the fifth rank who do not fulfill their duties, the responsibility rests with the Minister of Works. If they are incompetent, they should be immediately dismissed. I have been promoted from a local official to the position of Grand Adviser, with limited knowledge and insufficient wisdom, I hesitate to say more. The Book of Changes says, "When the positive energy stirs the heavens, clarity will soon follow." I hope Your Majesty will seriously consider my suggestions.
The Emperor summoned the Grand Secretary Cheng Yishi and the Supervisor Huang Qiong, inquiring about the successes and failures of governance in the realm. Cheng Yishi and the others replied that officials should be carefully selected, corrupt individuals should be removed, flatterers and nefarious individuals should be distanced, and they should emulate the frugality of Emperor Wen and respect the teachings of Emperor Xiaoming, so that Heaven will surely send timely rain.
The Emperor asked, "Who among the officials are corrupt, flatterers, and evil?" Only Cheng Yishi replied, "I have been promoted from a local official and have just started to participate in confidential matters, so I do not yet know all the officials well. However, among the high-ranking officials, those who often speak directly and offer advice are loyal individuals; those who flatter and seek personal gain are the evil flatterers. Minister of Works Liu Qi has held his position for six years, yet I have not heard of any sound advice from him. That is my perspective." Later, because of this incident, Minister of Works Liu Qi was dismissed, and Cheng Yishi was promoted to Colonel of the Imperial Guard.
In the first year of Yonghe, disasters occurred frequently, causing concern among the officials. The Emperor summoned the court officials, the two thousand stone officials, and the Grand Secretary to the Xianqin Palace, inquiring, "Many people say that in the past, Duke of Zhou assisted the emperor in governing, and after his death, King Cheng wanted to bury him with ducal honors, which is why frequent disasters occurred. Later, using the emperor's etiquette for burial, signs of improvement emerged. Although the Marquis of Beixiang is an emperor, he used royal honors for his burial, which is already excessive. He should be given no additional titles and included in the ancestral temple's list of honored ancestors." Many ministers believed that they should follow the Emperor's decree, except for Cheng Yishi, who replied, "Duke of Zhou had signs of receiving a mandate from heaven and established a great era of peace, so heaven sent disasters to manifest his saintly virtues. The Marquis of Beixiang is not a legitimate heir, installed by treacherous officials, not even in power for a year, without a reign title change; heaven did not protect him, and his grand destiny was abruptly ended. The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' notes that Wang Zimeng was not referred to as 'dead,' and Lu Ziye was not recorded as 'buried.' Now, the Marquis of Beixiang has no merits, yet using royal honors for his burial is already excessive; no additional titles should be conferred. The appearance of disasters is not caused by this." At this time, more than seventy ministers, including Huang Shang and Huan Yan, agreed, and the Emperor accepted their opinions. Huang Shang, also known as Bohe, was from Nanjun. He held prominent official positions at a young age and was renowned for his political accomplishments.
Zhou Ju initially served as the governor of Shu County, but was later dismissed due to misconduct. General Liang Shang recommended him to be a subordinate official and held him in high regard. On the day of the Shangsi Festival in the third month of the sixth year, Liang Shang hosted a banquet by the Luo River to entertain guests, but Zhou Ju did not attend because he was unwell. Liang Shang and his relatives and friends had a great time drinking at the banquet. As the banquet was coming to an end, someone started singing the song "Xie Lu," prompting everyone present to weep. At that time, the Grand Steward Zhang Zhong was present and later told Zhou Ju about the incident. Zhou Ju sighed and said, "This is truly a case of misplaced sorrow and joy; it’s not the appropriate response. I fear it may bring disaster!" As it turned out, Liang Shang passed away that autumn. When Liang Shang was seriously ill, the emperor personally visited him and asked if he had any last words. Liang Shang said, "When one is nearing death, they speak only good words. My subordinate official Zhou Ju is a man of integrity, loyalty, and uprightness, and can be entrusted with important tasks." Therefore, the emperor appointed Zhou Ju as a Grand Adviser.
During that time, there were several strange occurrences, and the emperor remembered what Liang Shang had said before his death. He summoned Zhou Ju to the Hall of Manifest Harmony to ask about the causes of these calamities. Zhou Ju replied, "Your Majesty, when you first ascended the throne, you followed the regulations of the previous dynasty, governed diligently, and stabilized the hearts of the people near and far. However, in recent years, the situation has changed. The court has favored too many unscrupulous individuals, whose ranks do not reflect their character. By observing celestial signs and comparing the present situation with that of antiquity, it is indeed worrisome. The Book of Documents states: 'If excess is not restrained, chaos will ensue.' If there is no restraint on excess, orders will not be carried out, and society will lose its integrity. If positive energy is not balanced, it will lead to disturbances at the top and exhaustion at the bottom. The provinces and counties must be firmly instructed to investigate and punish the wrongdoers among the powerful families." Later, the Jianghuai region saw the emergence of bandits led by Zhou Sheng and Xu Feng, exactly as Zhou Ju had foreseen.
At that time, the court ordered the appointment of eight envoys to travel across the land to investigate local customs and the sentiments of the people. Those selected were all prestigious individuals. Zhou Ju was appointed as a Palace Attendant, along with Du Qiao, another Palace Attendant; Zhou Xu, the Chief Minister of Works; Feng Xian, the former governor of Qingzhou; Lu Ban, the Minister; Zhang Gang, the Attendant Censor; Guo Zun, the governor of Yanzhou; and Liu Ban, the Chief Historian of the Grand Commandant. They were tasked with inspecting different regions. If they discovered governors or officials with clear misconduct, they would promptly escort them back to the capital; if the officials were of lower rank, they would be arrested on the spot. If they identified individuals who were honest, loyal, and dedicated to the welfare of the people, they would report their accomplishments to the court. Thus, the eight envoys took office simultaneously, and they became known throughout the realm as the "Eight Jun." During his inspections, Zhou Ju took action against corrupt officials, recommended capable and principled individuals, and the court held him in high regard. Later, he was promoted to the position of Prefect of Henei and was subsequently summoned to serve as Grand Herald.
During the reign of Empress Dowager Liang, it was decreed that, due to the young Shang Emperor's untimely death, his position in the ancestral temple should be below that of Emperor Shun. Minister of Ceremonies Ma Fang submitted a memorial asking to carry out the Empress Dowager's decree. However, Councillor Lu Bo argued that the order should adhere to the proper hierarchy, placing the Shang Emperor before Emperor Shun. This matter was then ordered to be discussed by the court officials. Everyone discussed, noting, "In the 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' it is recorded that Duke Min of the state of Lu had no sons, so his paternal half-brother, Duke Xi, succeeded him, and later Duke Min's son, Duke Wen, placed Duke Xi before Duke Min. Confucius criticized this incident, noting, 'During ancestral sacrifices, Duke Xi's position was placed before Duke Min.' The 'Spring and Autumn Annals Commentary' explains, 'This goes against the order of sacrifices.' It wasn't until the time of Duke Ding that this mistake was corrected, with the books recording 'worshipping the former Duke,' which established a precedent that would be followed for generations. Now, the Shang Emperor is positioned in front; by seniority, he is regarded as the father, and Emperor Shun is behind; according to kinship, he is the son. The father-son order must remain intact, and the proper hierarchy cannot be disrupted. Lu Bo's opinion is correct." After hearing this, the Empress Dowager ordered that Lu Bo's suggestion be adopted.
Lu Bo was later promoted to Guanglu Xun, and when his mother passed away, he resigned from his position and returned home to mourn. After the mourning period, he was appointed as Guanglu Daifu. Lu Bo passed away in the third year of Jianhe. The court felt that he was a person of integrity and honesty, and was considering appointing him as prime minister. Unfortunately, he passed away early, which everyone deeply regretted. As a result, the court ordered Guanglu Xun and the governor of Runan to pay their respects, and issued a decree saying: "In the past dynasties, talents were highly valued, like seeking the sweet dew, and even erecting monuments for virtuous people to honor their ancestors. Writing elegies like those of Gongshu Wenzi and sacrificial texts like those of Wengui were all to commend loyalty and righteousness, inspire moral values, and set examples for future generations. Guanglu Daifu Zhou Ju, his virtues are comparable to those of ancient Yi Wu and Yi Yin, his loyalty surpassed that of Sui Hou and Guan Zhong. He once served as a local official, and after returning to the court, he repeatedly offered advice, made remarkable achievements in the capital, and was known for his integrity and prudence. I remembered his merits and appointed him as one of the Nine Ministers. I had intended for him to lead the officials and assist me with state affairs, but his premature death prevented the realization of my grand plans. The court mourns his death deeply. Doesn't the Book of Songs say: 'Because of your diligence and bravery, heaven bestows blessings upon you?' Officials below Guanglu Daifu were ordered to offer condolences on the day of mourning. Additionally, a sum of one hundred thousand coins was awarded to honor his integrity and honesty." Lu Bo's son was called Lu Xie.
Ju Sheng, style name Xie, liked to study metaphysics and mysterious things when he was young. When his father served as a Langguan, he voluntarily resigned from his position and returned home. His father's former subordinate, a man from Henan named Shao Kui, was appointed as a county magistrate and visited him humbly, showing him great respect. However, Ju Sheng felt that this was merely repaying old favors and was ashamed to accept, so he shut himself off from visitors and isolated himself from the outside world. Later, the governor recommended him as a filial and incorrupt official, but he declined, citing illness. At that time, Liang Ji wielded great power, and few dared to refuse his summons, but Ju Sheng was summoned three times and never yielded. Later, when the court summoned talented and virtuous individuals, he did not respond. The court then used an official carriage to summon him, prepared a grand ceremony, but he still firmly declined, claiming to be ill. He withdrew from society, immersing himself in the philosophy of Laozi's teachings on tranquility and non-action, isolated from the world, with his courtyard left to grow wild with thorns for over a decade. It wasn't until the second year of Yanxi that he finally opened his doors, received guests, and enjoyed feasts and leisure activities. In the autumn, Liang Ji was executed, and at the end of the year, Ju Sheng passed away at the age of fifty. Cai Yong believed that he had a deep understanding of the will of heaven. From Ju Sheng's great-grandfather Yang to his grandson Xun, the family name had been renowned for six generations.
Huang Qiong, style name Shiying, was from Anlu, Jiangxia, and the son of Huang Xiang, the governor of Wei Commandery. (The deeds of Huang Xiang are recorded in "Wenyuan Zhuan.") Initially, Huang Qiong became a junior official in the Crown Prince's residence thanks to his father's connections, but he resigned, citing illness. After his father's death, he completed the mourning period, and all five ministries of the court summoned him, but he did not respond for several years afterward.
During the Yongjian period, many officials recommended Huang Qiong, so he, along with He Chun from Kuaiji and Yang Hou from Guanghan, was summoned by the government. When Huang Qiong arrived in Lunshi, he claimed to be ill and refused to proceed. The authorities accused him of disrespect, and the court ordered the local authorities to send him back with due respect, so he had no option but to depart. Before this, the court had summoned several recluses, many of whom failed to meet expectations. Li Gu admired Huang Qiong and wrote to him, saying:
Hey, I heard you have crossed the Yiluo River. Have things become clear? Are you ready to accept the king's appointment? There's a saying: "Without Boyi or Liuxia Hui, there’s always room for improvement." This is precisely what sages value in their conduct! If you truly want to retreat to the mountains and emulate Chaofu and Xuyou, that's perfectly fine; but if you want to assist the court and govern the people, now is the time. Since the beginning of time, effective policies have been scarce, and the world has been chaotic. We must wait for a wise ruler like Yao or Shun, but for ambitious individuals, that opportunity may never come. There's a saying: "Tall peaks are prone to crumbling, and white things are easily soiled." The song "Yang Chun" is seldom appreciated; its fame is too great, and it is difficult to meet people's expectations. Take the recent case of Lord Lu Yang, just summoned; the court prepared an altar and banquet for him, treating him as if he were a deity. Although there was nothing special about him, his words and actions were impeccable. Yet, slanderous rumors abound, and his reputation has suffered greatly, all because people's expectations were too high and his fame too great. The scholars who were recently summoned, such as Hu Yuan'an, Xue Mengchang, Zhu Zhongzhao, Gu Jihong, and others, had their achievements overlooked, so people claim these recluses are merely seeking fame and recognition. I hope you will demonstrate your grand ambitions, make everyone admire you, and dispel these rumors and gossip.
After Qiong arrived, he was immediately appointed as a Councilor and soon promoted to Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. At first, Qiong followed his father in the Taige, immersing himself in the experience and becoming familiar with the operation of the court. Later, he held official positions and was well-versed in court affairs. In debates at court, no one could outshine him. At that time, there was a series of unusual events, so Qiong wrote to Emperor Shun saying, "Lately, there have been disordered hexagrams, unseasonable weather, unusual celestial phenomena, and the sun and moon have dimmed. From the celestial signs, these may not be mere false omens. Your Majesty should open the stone vaults, consult the 'He Tu' and 'Luo Shu', and order the historiographers to meticulously document the disasters from the time of Yongjian to the early Han Dynasty, as well as from Yongjian to the present day, to determine which dynasties experienced more or fewer disasters. Your Majesty should also have trusted ministers and Confucian scholars deliberate on political matters, regularly consult with high-ranking officials, and assess their merits and faults. Those lacking in merit and virtue should be dismissed. I previously submitted a memorial regarding the disasters and recommended Guanglu Daifu Fan Ying, Taizhong Daifu Xue Bao, He Chun from Kuaiji, and Yang Hou from Guanghan, but my recommendations went unheeded. I have heard that Huang Cuo from Bashu and Ren Tang from Hanyang, both elderly, aspire to the ideals of the Seven Sages. They should be summoned to assist the court and advance moral education." Consequently, the Emperor issued an edict summoning Huang Cuo and others to come with official carriages.
What are we to do about three years of severe drought? Minister Qiong wrote to the emperor, saying: "When Duke Xi of Lu encountered a drought in the past, he took six actions to reflect on his own leadership. He personally practiced thrift, banned concubines from entering the palace, dismissed 13 treacherous individuals, executed 9 corrupt officials, and moved to live in the outskirts. As a result, the heavens brought heavy rain. Now we should also reflect on political affairs, see where we have done poorly, and focus on practical frugality in order to gain the support of the people. Excessive spending in the palace should be cut. The emperor needs to clearly instruct the courtiers to follow the law, and there should be clear rewards and punishments for violations. The emperor should frequently meet with ministers, listen to the opinions of Confucian scholars, and allow them to discuss the principles of governance and maintaining peace, pointing out what is done right or wrong. Furthermore, the prisons are overcrowded, and many inmates are dying, which disrupts the harmony of heaven and earth and may lead to drought. If we can address our shortcomings and embrace good suggestions, we can avert disaster and welcome good fortune." After Qiong's memorial was submitted, the emperor summoned him and ordered the eunuchs to pass Qiong's memorial to the appropriate departments for action.
After the emperor ascended the throne, he has not held the ritual of personally farming the fields. Qiong believed this was an important national ceremony that should not be neglected. He then submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying, "Since ancient times, wise emperors and virtuous kings have all honored the gods and conducted solemn sacrifices to bring blessings. Therefore, they personally participated in the temple sacrifices and farmed the fields to set an example and encourage the populace to engage in agriculture. In the past, when King Xuan of Zhou failed to cultivate enough land, Duke Wen of Guo harshly criticized him, and as a result, King Xuan of Zhou faced an invasion by the Jiang Rong tribe, ultimately damaging his reputation. I believe Your Majesty is following in the footsteps of the great ancients, humbly aligning with the will of heaven, practicing the heavenly way, appeasing the spirits, and working tirelessly for the people. Although the Book of Songs praises King Cheng Tang for managing myriad affairs without slackening, and the Book of Documents praises King Wen for managing myriad affairs without even eating, these do not compare to Your Majesty's diligent governance. Now that the temple sacrifices have just ended, the fasting period for praying for a good harvest is nearing. I am concerned about Your Majesty's fatigue and wish to avoid overworking you, so I suggest canceling the ritual of personally farming the fields. I understand that the ancient regulations specify fixed dates for farming, the Minister of Works must be on alert in advance, and the Minister of Public Works must build the altar. Five days before the start of the ritual, a gentle breeze will blow, and then the emperor will fast and make offerings in the fasting palace, using ritual wine for the offerings, and then take the plow to farm the land. This is an essential ritual! Since the year of Guisi, the strong northwest winds have brought no rain, and the weather is still very cold. Spring is here, and we should go to the eastern suburbs to personally farm the fields, starting with the ritual of the first farming. Your Majesty should personally participate in order to invoke the energies of heaven and earth and bring timely rain. The Book of Changes says, 'A noble man should strive for self-improvement without ceasing,' this is the principle." After Qiong's memorial was presented, the emperor agreed to his suggestion.
After a period of time, he was promoted to the position of Minister of the Interior. The candidates previously recommended by Zuo Xiong were primarily civil officials with a Confucian background. There were some gaps in the talent selection criteria. Therefore, he submitted a proposal to add candidates who were both filial and capable of handling government affairs as evaluation criteria, and this matter was eventually adopted. Zuo Xiong also suggested conducting an examination for officials in the public office first, and then retesting them at the Duanmen Gate. Later, Minister Zhang Sheng suggested canceling this retest. He submitted another proposal, saying, "The retest is meant to distinguish between the talented and the mediocre, to discern the true from the false, and should not be canceled." The Emperor ultimately agreed with his suggestion. Later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Wei County, gradually rising to the position of Grand Minister. During the peaceful years, he was selected to serve as an attendant lecturer in the palace.
In the first year of Yuanjia, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Works. Emperor Huan wanted to recognize the achievements of General Liang Ji and convened officials of rank above two thousand stones in the court to discuss how to reward him. Special Advisor Hu Guang, Grand Minister Yang Pu, Commandant Zuo Wei Zhu Tian, and Senior Attendant Bian Shao, among others, all believed that Liang Ji's achievements and virtues warranted comparison to those of Duke Zhou, and he should be granted mountains, rivers, land, and vassals. Only he suggested, "In the past, Liang Ji was rewarded with three thousand households of fiefdom for welcoming the Emperor, and his son was also granted rewards. Duke Zhou assisted King Cheng, established rituals and music, and brought peace to the world, which is why he expanded the territory on a large scale and opened up seven hundred miles of land. The fiefs of the vassals are now based on the number of households, not on the number of miles. Xiao He saw through Liu Bang's talents, Huo Guang pacified the crisis, and restored the Han dynasty; they all increased the number of households and fiefs to demonstrate their achievements. Liang Ji can be compared to Deng Yu, who was granted four counties; the level of rewards should align with that of Huo Guang, ensuring that rewards correspond to achievements, and titles will not exceed merits." The court adopted his proposal. Liang Ji was very angry. When an earthquake occurred, he was dismissed and subsequently appointed as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies.
In the year 142 AD, I was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel, and later transferred to the position of Grand Commandant. Liang Ji had approached me several times before, wanting me to help him with certain matters, but I refused. Although some people were promoted due to their relationship with Liang Ji, I did not give them any special treatment. In the year 148 AD, I was dismissed from my position due to an eclipse. Later, I was appointed as the Grand Minister of Agriculture. The following year, Liang Ji was killed, and the Grand Commandant Hu Guang, Minister of Personnel Han Yan, and Minister of Personnel Sun Lang were all dismissed for being too close to Liang Ji. I was then appointed as the Grand Commandant once again.
Because I consistently upheld the integrity of a teacher and did not curry favor with the Liang family, the Emperor granted me the title of Marquis of Kangxiang, with a fief of one thousand households. Due to my ill health, I declined several times, but the Emperor only agreed after seeing my firm attitude. After Liang Ji's death, I held important positions and accused several corrupt officials in different provinces and counties, some of whom were even to be exiled after death. The whole country began to look up to me for this. Not long after, five powerful families began to wield influence, and feeling powerless to change this situation, I pretended to be ill and stopped attending court. In the year 151 AD, I was dismissed from my position due to rampant banditry. That same year, I was appointed as Minister of Personnel. In the autumn, I was dismissed again due to an earthquake.
In the year 154 AD, I fell seriously ill and wrote to the Emperor with advice:
I have heard that the heavens require firmness in their energy, and a ruler must strengthen his governance. This means that just as the heavens demand firmness, a ruler must govern with strength. Therefore, a king must maintain his lofty position and cannot be unsettled; in times of danger, he must exert himself and cannot lack support. In other words, a king must uphold his dignity from on high and not waver; when faced with danger, he must make efforts and not lack support. Without stability, there will be a downfall; without effort and support, there will be danger.
If stability cannot be maintained, failure is inevitable; effort without reliance will be dangerous. Therefore, when the sage rises to a high position, he prioritizes virtue and righteousness; when facing danger, he relies on the wise and virtuous. Thus, the wise ruler at a high position relies on morality and justice as the foundation, and in times of danger, he depends on trusted advisors like Ji and Qi. The higher the position, the more stable and secure it becomes; the more action, the more reliable. This is why ancient sages could rule effectively and protect their states for so long. Emperor Gaozu followed the will of heaven, gained the support of the people, rose to power with a sword in hand, eliminated Qin and Xiang, revolutionized governance and established new systems, and his achievements have been celebrated through generations. Liu Bang followed the will of heaven and the hearts of the people, rebelled and rose in arms, eliminated the opponents of the Qin Dynasty and the Chu-Han contention, established a new system, and his merits have been celebrated through generations. As for Emperor Ai and Emperor Ping of Han, the imperial way lost its foundation, governance became chaotic, resulting in the rise of corrupt officials and the unchecked power of relatives. They did not use benevolence and righteousness as the foundation, failed to rely on wise counsel, and ultimately led to the downfall and extinction of the Han dynasty.
They did not take benevolence and righteousness as the foundation, did not depend on capable individuals, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Han Dynasty. Heaven forsook the decadent, the people suffered greatly, but fortunately, Heaven once again showed favor, and Emperor Guangwu revitalized the Han Dynasty.
Emperor Guangwu was gifted with intelligence and exceptional martial skills, inherited the throne, revitalized the Han Dynasty, and established a foundation in the midst of adversity.
Emperor Guangwu was gifted with intelligence, extraordinary martial skills, inherited the throne in extremely difficult circumstances, and accomplished remarkable achievements in seemingly impossible situations.
He selected talents from among the foolish, accomplishing remarkable achievements in seemingly impossible situations. He championed propriety and righteousness during conflicts and promoted education in times of chaos.
He championed propriety and righteousness during conflicts and promoted education in times of chaos. Though he reached great heights without faltering, facing dangers without being defeated, he restored the grandeur of the empire, ushered in a new era of prosperity, and his reputation spread far and wide.
Therefore, despite being in a position of power, he was not overthrown; despite facing dangers, he was not defeated, ultimately reviving the Han Dynasty, bestowing blessings upon the world, and leaving a lasting legacy. As for the middle period, the peak began to wane.
During the mid-Han Dynasty, the era of prosperity gradually faded. Your Majesty began as a vassal king, then ascended to the throne, and everyone was watching you closely, hoping to see an era of peace and prosperity. However, since you took the throne, there have been no notable accomplishments. Liang Ji wielded power, eunuchs filled the court, titles and rewards were heaped upon him, and his influence permeated the court. All important positions were filled by his people, his home overflowed with treasures, wealthy enough to rival that of a kingdom, and his power was virtually limitless. Those who dare to speak out against him risk annihilation, while those who align with him will reap great rewards. Loyal ministers fear for their lives and keep silent, many fear calamity and choose to remain silent, depriving Your Majesty of sight and sound, turning you into a ruler who is both deaf and blind.
Loyal ministers are afraid of being killed and dare not speak; many people are afraid of disasters and dare not speak, rendering you deaf and blind. Therefore, General Li Gu and Du Qiao, loyal in their frankness and assisting in politics with virtue, placing the country above themselves, sacrificed their lives in service and were ultimately destroyed while discussing national affairs. Wise and foolish men are deeply grieved, and people throughout the country are fearful. Former White Horse Commander Li Yun accused the eunuchs of their crimes and suggested their execution, reflecting the will of the people to prevent further chaos. Former White Horse Commander Sun Wan died at the age of seventy-nine, and the court posthumously awarded him the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry, and he was posthumously honored with the title of Zhonghou.
Sun Wan, courtesy name Ziyuan. He lost his father when he was very young. He was bright and eloquent from a young age. His grandfather Sun Qiong was initially appointed as the Prefect of Wei County. In the first month of Jianhe Year, a solar eclipse occurred, but it was not seen in the capital. Sun Qiong reported this to the imperial court. The Empress Dowager issued a decree to inquire about the specific circumstances of the eclipse, but Sun Qiong could not come up with a suitable response at that moment. At this time, seven-year-old Sun Wan said from the side, "Why not answer that the remaining part of the eclipse looks like the rising moon?" Sun Qiong was greatly surprised and immediately used Sun Wan's words to answer the Empress Dowager's inquiry, feeling both amazed and fond of Sun Wan. Later, Sun Qiong was promoted to Minister of Works, and Sun Wan was appointed as a Gentleman Cadet due to his status as a grandson, but he declined the position, claiming illness, which brought him considerable fame in the capital. At that time, Minister Sheng Yun was unwell, and Sun Qiong sent Sun Wan to visit him. At that time, a barbarian rebellion broke out in Jiangxia, and the deputy governor sent a messenger to inform Sheng Yun of the situation. After reading the report, Sheng Yun smiled and remarked to Sun Wan, "Jiangxia is an important county, but there are many barbarians and not enough troops." Sun Wan replied with folded hands, "The responsibility for the barbarian invasion of the Central Plains falls on you, Minister!" After speaking, he left with a wave of his sleeve, and Sheng Yun greatly admired his insight.
Sun Wan later gradually rose to the position of General of the Palace Guards. At that time, Chen Fan served as the Minister of Rites and held Sun Wan in high regard, often discussing political matters with him. According to tradition, the Minister of Rites had to recommend three deputy ministers, selecting outstanding individuals with significant achievements and exceptional talents and virtues as exemplary candidates. At that time, most of the wealthy elite were recommended based on their connections, while those who were poor and virtuous were overlooked, leading to rumors circulated in the capital: "Those who seek recommendations but fail are truly at the mercy of the Minister of Rites!" Therefore, Sun Wan and Chen Fan joined forces to recommend capable individuals, such as Liu Chun from Pingyuan, Zhu Shan from Hedong, and Yin Can from Shu County, all of whom were recommended for their talent and virtue. Chen Fan and Sun Wan were thus envied and maligned by the wealthy elite, and the incident was reported to Chief Censor Wang Chang and Assistant Censor Diao Wei. Wang Chang and Diao Wei always respected Chen Fan and Sun Wan and did not investigate the matter, but the wealthy elite falsely accused them of forming cliques. Wang Chang was demoted to a lower rank, Chen Fan was dismissed from office, and Sun Wan and Diao Wei were all imprisoned.
Diao Wei, styled Zirong, was from Pengcheng. Later, Chen Fan was summoned back to his post, but someone accused Diao Wei, leading to Diao Wei being reinstated as a court official and later promoted to a high-ranking position. He was renowned in court for his integrity and steadfastness, later serving as the governor of Lu County and Donghai County. He was known for his strong character and foresight, earning praise wherever he went. He always strictly upheld the law, rarely allowing himself to relax even in front of his family.
Wan had been neglected for almost twenty years. In the later years of the Guanghe period, Captain Yang Ci recommended him in a letter, saying that Wan had the ability to pacify chaos. As a result, Wan was summoned by the court to serve as a Yilang (议郎), later promoted to Governor of Qingzhou, then became an attendant. At the beginning of the Zhongping period, he was sent to serve as Right Fufeng (右扶风), then promoted to Grand Architect (将作大匠), Minister of Works, Grand Master (太仆), and finally appointed as Governor of Yuzhou. At that time, Yuzhou was filled with bandits and thieves, causing great suffering for the people. Wan led troops to fight them, defeating them and quickly earning a reputation. His accomplishments gained national recognition, and the court even granted him the title of Marquis of Guannei.
After Dong Zhuo came to power, he heard that Wan was a famous minister, so he summoned him to be the Minister of Rites, and later appointed him as the Grand Master of the Household, and also granted him the title of Marquis of Yangquan. Dong Zhuo planned to move the capital to Chang'an. Wan and the Minister of Rites Yang Biao advised against it, but Dong Zhuo did not listen. After Wan returned, he wrote an article refuting Dong Zhuo's decision, saying, "In the past, Duke of Zhou chose Luoyang as the capital to stabilize the world, Emperor Guangwu chose Dongjun as the capital to prosper the Han Dynasty; these were all signs from heaven, blessed by the gods. Now that the great undertaking has been achieved, how can we casually move the capital? This will disappoint the people everywhere!" At that time, everyone was afraid of Dong Zhuo's anger, fearing that Wan would surely face consequences, and advised him not to speak out anymore. Wan replied, "In the past, Duke of Bai of Chu rebelled, Qu Yuan risked his life to advise; Cui Zhu of Qi killed the ruler, Yan Ying was not afraid of his threats. Although I may not be talented, I really admire the integrity of the ancients." As a result, Wan was dismissed from his position for his failed advice. However, Dong Zhuo still respected his reputation and family background, and did not dare to kill him. Later, he and Yang Biao were appointed as Masters of Ceremonial Affairs. After the capital was moved to the Western Capital, he became the Chief Commandant of the Capital, and conspired with the Grand Master of the Household, Wang Yun, to assassinate Dong Zhuo. Unfortunately, Dong Zhuo's generals Li Jue and Guo Si captured Chang'an; Wan was captured and imprisoned, and he ultimately died in captivity. He was only fifty-two years old that year.
Speaking of which, in the past, the feudal lords had to present talented individuals to the emperor annually. Those who recommended talented individuals would receive rewards from the emperor, but if the recommended individual turned out to be incompetent, the rank of the person making the recommendation would be demoted. When selecting talents, candidates had to participate in academic debates first, and after the debates, they would be given official positions. They could only receive salaries once they held official positions. Therefore, ancient emperors were able to obtain outstanding talents, promote them to serve the country, govern the nation, and develop the country, thus ensuring lasting stability. In the early Han Dynasty, the court ordered the recommendation of virtuous talents, while various states and counties examined filial and talented individuals, which was another way of presenting talents.
After the revival of the Han Dynasty, additional standards for recommendations, including honesty, integrity, talent, outspokenness, independence, and high moral character, were added. With more ways to recommend talents, more people wanted to climb up the ladder, creating challenges in selection and leading to situations of deception and competition. Children of powerful and wealthy families often took shortcuts, and there was a constant stream of people seeking official positions. Later, Zuo Xiong was responsible for selecting talents, setting limits and examinations. While the methods weren't perfect, they were fairly appropriate for the circumstances at the time. However, individuals such as Huang Qiong, Hu Guang, Zhang Heng, and Cui Yuan stuck to the rules while attacking one another. Those who only looked at reputation would downplay their shortcomings, while those who only looked at actual results would exaggerate their achievements. Therefore, after Zuo Xiong became a high-ranking official, no one dared to casually recommend talents. In the following decade, the talent selection process yielded excellent results, which can be seen as proof of the actual results, don't you think?
Emperor Han Shundi ascended to the throne at a young age and managed state affairs personally. He was able to identify and employ talents, allowing scholars to fulfill their ambitions. People across the realm eagerly anticipated his reign. Therefore, he dispatched envoys with valuable gifts to summon Fan Ying from Nanyang. The emperor himself prepared an altar and banquet in his palace, and the Grand Secretary personally received Fan Ying. The emperor even sought Fan Ying's insights. The emperor was eager to promote talented individuals, even lowering his own status. As a result, the reclusive scholars cast aside their former rigid views on etiquette and propriety, all hoping to gain the emperor's recognition. Fan Ying indeed lived up to the public's expectations. Many outstanding talents came to assist him, including Li Gu and Zhou Ju, known for their foresight and wisdom, and Zuo Xiong and Huang Qiong, recognized for their reliability. Huan Yan and Yang Hou were esteemed for their expertise in Confucianism, while Cui Yuan and Ma Rong achieved renown through their literary works. Wu You, Su Zhang, Zhong Hao, and Luan Ba were exemplary officials in local administration, Pang Can and Yu Xu distinguished themselves as exceptional generals, Wang Gong and Zhang Hao earnestly recommended talented individuals, Zhang Gang and Du Qiao were known for their integrity and candor, Lang Yi was well-versed in the yin-yang calendar, and Zhang Heng was a master of mechanical engineering. At that time, the capital was brimming with talent.
If the court could adopt their wise counsel, allowing them to display their talents on the battlefield, speak freely in court, and fully utilize their abilities, then could the golden age of Emperor Wu and Emperor Xuan of Han be far off? As the Book of Songs says, "Nothing does not start, and very few can end well." This is truly lamentable! By the time of Emperor Huan of Han, many talented individuals rose to assist the court, such as Chen Fan and Yang Bing, both sagacious chancellors, Huangfu Song, Zhang Huan, and Duan Jing, all distinguished generals, Wang Chang and Li Ying, who made up for the shortcomings of the court, Zhu Mu and Liu Tao, who offered strategies to rectify the situation, Guo Youdao, who promoted talents, and Chen Zhonggong, who advanced education in the local areas. There were countless other knowledgeable, wise, and morally upright individuals as well. However, these talents were not well utilized; civil and military officials were marginalized, officials who spoke out with integrity were killed, and those who resigned from their positions faced calamities from political factionalism. Although the lessons of the past were there for all to see, the same mistakes of the past were still being repeated.
Therefore, even though it leaned, it did not collapse; though it suffered breaches, it did not fail. Isn't this something that can only be achieved by virtuous and enlightened individuals? Alas!
It is said that this article begins with praise: "A mighty counselor, akin to the ancient Eight Worthies." This means that the article is written in a majestic and magnificent manner, comparable to the famous remonstrators of ancient times, truly remarkable!
Next, the article states, "Rising step by step, gathering at the court, surpassing from the grassroots." This indicates that the author gradually ascended through the ranks, eventually gathering at the court, starting from the grassroots and rising to a high position.
Furthermore, the article goes on to say, "Ascending to the court to govern, alleviating disasters and confusion." This means that after ascending to the court, he participated in governing the country's affairs and solved many difficult problems, helping the nation avoid disasters and escape the darkness of chaos.
Finally, the article mentions two individuals: "Qiong displayed his talent early on, who repeatedly pointed out the flaws in the country. Wan also showed his talent early on, but there remains a gap between his position and his ambitions." In summary, the article begins by highly praising the protagonist, then narrates his journey from grassroots to national governance, culminating in his achievements. It also references two other talented figures, contrasting them with the protagonist to further highlight his exceptional qualities.
