Zhang Sheng, courtesy name Yan Zhen, was from Weishi, Chenliu, and was the grandson of Zhang Fang, the Marquis of Fuping. He loved studying from a young age and read many books, but had a somewhat unruly personality. If he met someone with similar interests, he would do his best to make friends, whether they were poor or of low status; but if the other party did not align with his ideals, even if they were high-ranking officials, he would not yield. He often sighed and said: "Life and death are predestined, and wealth and honor are determined by heaven. If someone understands me, even barbarians can be close; if we do not understand each other, what is the point of chasing fame and fortune?"
He served as a county disciplinary officer and was promoted to be the magistrate of Waihuang County because of his abilities. When he discovered an official accepting bribes, he directly sentenced him to death. Some criticized him, saying, "Zhang Sheng, you’ve only been magistrate for a short time; why are you so quick to assert your authority and ruthlessness?" Zhang Sheng replied, "Confucius briefly served as the prime minister of Lu, and killed the dwarf from Qi, resulting in a rift between the two states, allowing Lu to deter stronger states and reclaim its lost territory. A nobleman serves as an official not for himself, but to share the burdens of the people. How could one change their principles based on the length of time?" Later, he was dismissed from office due to political strife and was eventually executed at the age of forty-nine. He wrote sixty pieces including fu, elegies, praises, inscriptions, letters, etc.
Zhao Yi, courtesy name Yuan Shu, was from Xixian in Hanyang. He was a tall, sturdy man, standing nine feet, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, with a very imposing presence. However, he was arrogant due to his talent and was shunned by the locals, so he wrote a piece called "Jie Bin." Later, he repeatedly violated the law, almost being sentenced to death, but he managed to avoid punishment thanks to his friends’ help. Zhao Yi wrote a letter expressing his gratitude to his friends:
In the past, the physician passed away under a mulberry tree, and people praised him for his benevolence; the people of Qin Yue rescued the Prince of Guo, and people praised him for his miraculous deeds. If these two individuals had not encountered help from benevolence and miracles, they would have died long ago. However, coarse grains and dried meat can be found on the cart's yoke, and needles and stones can be found in one's hand. I am able to survive now, not only because of the coarse grains and dried meat on the cart's yoke and the needles and stones in my hand, but also because of the blessing from above, allowing me to escape death; this is truly something worth celebrating. I fear breaking the rules, so I hesitate to speak openly and instead wrote a piece titled "The Ode of the Poor Bird" in secret. The article goes as follows:
Once upon a time, there was a poor little bird shivering in the wilderness. Above it was an open bird-catching net, below it was a well-dug trap, in front of it was a fierce falcon, behind it was a pursuing hunter, to its right stood an archer with a drawn bow, and to its left was a slingshot shooter. Flying stones and arrows were hurtling toward it. It wanted to fly but could not, it wanted to call out but could not make a sound; it was afraid of hitting something when it looked up, and afraid of falling into a trap when it looked down. It was both afraid and anxious, sometimes feeling as if it were plunging into an icy abyss, and other times into a fiery pit.
Fortunately, it encountered a great sage who felt sympathy for this little bird, who once rescued it from the south and now helps it escape its predicament. Though this little bird may be foolish, it knows how to be grateful. It silently expresses its gratitude in its heart while also praying to the heavens. It hopes that the heavens will bless this wise man, granting him a long life, noble status, and prosperous descendants.
This little bird also wrote "A Satire on the World's Corruption" to express its grievances. The article states: During the time of the Five Emperors, the rituals were different, and during the time of the Three Kings, the music had its own characteristics. With the changing times, the laws of nature also change, and this is not a deliberate contradiction. Good policies cannot save the chaos in the world; rewards and punishments struggle to address the corruption of the times. The Spring and Autumn Period was the beginning of chaos, and it worsened during the Warring States Period. The Qin and Han dynasties did not improve upon this situation; in fact, they became even more brutal. The rulers do not care about the lives and deaths of the people, focusing only on their own pleasures.
From then until now, the world and human hearts have become complex and unpredictable. Flatterers are becoming more rampant, while honest and strong people are gradually disappearing. Those who flatter and fawn over the powerful travel in packs, while the honest ones stand alone. Those who depend on the powerful use their influence to curry favor with the influential. Those who defy common sense will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. Those who chase fame and fortune become richer. In this confusion, who can truly distinguish right from wrong? The wicked thrive, while the righteous retreat into hiding.
The root of chaos lies in the unwise nature of the rulers. Flatterers have blinded them, while cronies have seized their power. Those they favor will have their virtues endlessly exaggerated, while those they dislike will have their faults magnified. Even if one wants to be loyal to the country, making progress is tough, with obstacles at every turn. Even if one wants to speak frankly and advise the emperor, they'll be attacked by their peers. They only care about immediate pleasures, like sailing at sea without direction, or like a pile of firewood waiting to catch fire. Those who are promoted and favored often do so through flattery, and who can distinguish their real motives? Therefore, laws and regulations are often manipulated by the powerful, and benefits rarely reach ordinary folks. It's preferable to face hunger and cold in the times of Yao and Shun than to suffer humiliation in the present prosperous era. Following reason will not be in vain even in death, while going against reason, even if alive, will be meaningless.
A guest from Qin wrote a poem that said, "The river water cannot wait, nor can a person's life be extended. Wild grass is blown down by the wind, and the rich and noble are called wise and able. Even a cough can turn into pearls. Look at Yi Yin in the north hall, resisting filth, leaning on the door." The meaning of this poem is that the unpredictability of life makes wealth and status the most important.
Upon hearing this poem, Lu Sheng wrote a song in response: "There are many benefits to being in a noble family; even a cough can turn into pearls. Wearing coarse clothes but carrying riches, orchids and grass become ordinary grass. Wise people understand this truth but are trapped among ignorant crowds. Let's stick to our own business and stop wasting our energy. Alas! How sad! That's just how fate is!" The meaning of Lu Sheng's song is that in such a world, it is better to stay content with oneself rather than waste effort.
During the first year of the Guanghe era, he was recommended to go to the capital to report on the taxes of the counties. When he arrived in the capital, Minister Yuan Feng was receiving reports on the taxes from various counties, where hundreds of tax officials knelt in the courtyard, all too afraid to look up. Only he remained standing, bowing respectfully. Yuan Feng saw him and found it strange, so he had his attendants ask, "You’re just a county tax official; why are you bowing to the Three Lords?" He replied, "In the past, Li Siqi bowed to King Han; now I bow to the Three Lords; what’s so strange about that?" Yuan Feng, upon hearing this, quickly returned the bow, came down to him, held his hand, invited him to the seat of honor, and then asked him about the affairs in the west. He was very pleased and told the people present, "This man is Zhao Yuanshu from Hanyang; there is no official in the court who can match him. I ask everyone to give up their seats for him." The people present were all amazed. After leaving Yuan Feng's residence, he went to visit the magistrate Yang Zhi in Henan, but he was not there. He believed that among the officials, only Yang Zhi was worthy of his trust, so he went to Yang Zhi's door every day. Although Yang Zhi reluctantly agreed to see him, he was still in bed, reluctant to get up. He walked straight into the hall, approached Yang Zhi and exclaimed, "I have long admired your integrity and honor; today we finally meet, it’s such a surprise; it must be fate!" With that, he burst into tears, startling Yang Zhi's servants, who rushed in. Yang Zhi realized he was no ordinary man, so he got up to speak with him, greatly impressed by him, saying, "You are truly a remarkable talent!"
The next morning, Yang Zhi sent a carriage to fetch him early in the morning. At that time, the other officials rode in magnificent carriages decorated with exquisite curtains, while he only used a simple cart and grass curtains, sleeping beside the cart. After Yang Zhi arrived, he invited him to sit beside the carriage, and everyone around was taken aback. Yang Zhi talked with him until evening and left very happily, holding his hand and saying, "A fine piece of jade needs to be carved to reveal its worth through tears and blood!" Yang Zhi then recommended him together with Yuan Feng. His reputation spread across the capital, and the gentry admired his demeanor.
I returned to the west, passing through Hongnong, to visit the Prefect Hou Huangfu Gui. The gatekeeper didn’t let me in right away, so I just walked in. The gatekeeper was scared and quickly reported the matter to Huangfu Gui. When Huangfu Gui heard it was me, he was taken aback and quickly sent someone to apologize, writing in the letter, "I was flustered for not seeing you; I’ve always admired your virtues and wanted to learn from you for a long time. I’ve heard you’re kind and compassionate towards someone like me, hoping to receive your teachings to dispel my inner unease. This morning, I sent a guard and two attendants to your house, not expecting you had already left. If I could have handed you the seal, I wouldn’t have had to wait until dawn! You are wise and perceptive; please ease my troubled heart. How could I possibly neglect you and let down the heavens’ expectations of me? It's all my fault; I can't shirk responsibility. If you could forgive me and mend our friendship, I would consider myself fortunate! I specially sent the letter with the chief scribe. I was so excited while writing this letter that I could barely catch my breath, and sweat was dripping down to my toes."
I replied in a letter, saying, "Your knowledge is profound; you are a model teacher. Many high-ranking officials admire you, and there have been many people who have wanted to learn from you for years. I deliberately took a detour to visit you, eager to receive your guidance. I bathed and changed early in the morning, waiting at your door before dawn, truly hoping that you could see me and dispel my worries. You hold a lofty position, while I am a humble individual. I am truly grateful that you would condescend to meet with me. You can elucidate the classics, expound on sage teachings, comment on current affairs, and address social issues. I never expected you to neglect me, forsaking your virtue of gentle guidance and instead behaving like a decadent ruler. I always seize opportunities and act, rather than procrastinating. That day, I left early to spare you any inconvenience. Some ancient people traveled far and wide without finding a patron who appreciated them, while others sought talent but could not find it. They attributed it to fate, not to others. I only blame myself now; how could I possibly complain about you? As a high-ranking official, have you suffered any loss due to someone as ordinary as me? Yet you dared to write to me, eager to meet me, which truly shames me. How could someone of my humble stature dare to be arrogant? I can accept criticism and acknowledge apologies, but if I remain stubborn, then you will truly understand my nature. However, I am currently suffering from joint pain and knee problems. Please allow me to visit you another day to convey my gratitude. I will forever cherish your kindness and find solace in it." And then I left without looking back. The prefectures and counties all competed to give me gifts and appointments, inviting me to take up official positions more than ten times, all of which I refused. In the end, I returned to my hometown. Initially, Yuan Feng invited a fortune teller to read my fortune, saying that I "would not be able to hold a position higher than a county official." This prediction indeed came true. I composed sixteen pieces, including prose, poetry, eulogies, essays, and miscellaneous writings.
Liu Liang, also known as Man Shan and Cen, was from Dongping Ningyang. He was a descendant of the Liang Dynasty royal family, but he grew up in poverty and relied on selling books in the market to make a living. He was disgusted by many people colluding for profit and deceiving one another in society at that time, so he wrote an article called "On Breaking Up Groups." Those who read this article at the time said, "When Confucius wrote the 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' those treacherous officials were afraid. Now that this article has come out, those worldly people will surely feel uneasy, right?" Unfortunately, this article has unfortunately been lost.
He also wrote an article called "Discussion on Harmony and Uniformity." In the article, he states: There are things that seem contrary yet lead to the right path, there are things that follow yet lose righteousness, there are things done out of love but cause harm, and there are things that seem evil but are considered beautiful. What is the reason for this? It stems from wisdom and deceit. Therefore, when a nobleman deals with things, one should avoid bias and extremes, judging instead by righteousness.
Harmony arises from differences, uniformity comes from similarities, so what can be deemed harmonious is the ability to assist, and what is considered the same is the lack of distinction between good and bad. The "Spring and Autumn Annals" states, "Harmony is like a soup; sour and bitter ingredients are added to balance the taste. A nobleman eats it to calm his heart. Uniformity is like water; if water is added to water, who can drink it? Who can listen to the harmony of the qin and se? Therefore, a nobleman's conduct is comprehensive but not comparable, harmonious but not uniform; correcting mistakes is right, correcting evil is loyalty. The classics say, 'Will follow its beauty, correct its evil, then those in positions of power and those below can coexist harmoniously.'"
In summary, Liu Liang, having grown up in poverty, criticized those who would do anything for money through his lost articles on "harmony" and "uniformity," emphasizing the importance of wise decision-making and moral judgment. A nobleman should approach life like making soup: inclusive yet discerning, willing to point out mistakes and correct evil, only then can there be unity and harmony.
King Gong of Chu fell ill and summoned his ministers, saying, "I am not competent and lack ability. I inherited the throne at a young age but failed to carry on the legacy of my predecessor. I’ve completely messed up the Chu army; it’s all my fault! If the spirits of the ancestral temple can bless me to live until my last breath, after my death, I ask you to enshrine me and make me a powerful deity!" The ministers all agreed. After King Gong's death, Zinang said, "That’s not right! As ministers, we should support the king in doing what’s right, not what’s wrong. Chu is so powerful, yet the king was able to govern it well, pacify the south, and educate the central plains. His achievements are great! Given his great achievements and his ability to recognize his mistakes, how can we say he wasn’t respectful?" The ministers all agreed with Zinang's view. This is an example of ultimately gaining a good reputation by considering reputation.
Later, King Ling became arrogant, indulgent, tyrannical, and cruel. Prime Minister Shen Hai followed King Ling's wishes and buried him at Qianxi, even burying two women with him. This is an example of following the monarch’s wishes at the expense of morality. In the Battle of Yanling, the states of Jin and Chu fought, and Yanggu presented fine wine, causing Zifan to die in battle. This shows how caring can ultimately lead to harm. Zang Wuzhong said, "Mengsun dislikes me, like bitter medicine; Jisun loves me, like sweet flag. Although sweet flag is sweet, it is poisonous; although bitter medicine is bitter, it can save lives." This illustrates that someone disliking you can actually be a good thing. Confucius said, "Being wise is truly difficult! There’s a reason someone as wise as Zang Wuzhong couldn’t stay in the state of Lu. He was not obedient, nor did he tolerate others." Confucius praised Zang Wuzhong for his understanding of morality but criticized him for not adhering to it.
Knowing the principle but going against it is hypocrisy; not knowing the principle and making mistakes is ignorance. Ignorance and hypocrisy are equally harmful. The key issue lies not only in a lack of wisdom, but also in having wisdom yet going against it. Therefore, it is said: "Even if one possesses the wisdom to attain it, benevolence alone cannot preserve it; once obtained, it will eventually be lost." The "Book of Xia" says: "Always think about this matter, be tolerant in all things." This is loyalty and wisdom!
Therefore, when a gentleman deals with others, before taking action, he should consider whether it is in line with righteousness, not be misled by interests, not be burdened by the debts of righteousness, and in handling situations, always adhere to righteousness as a criterion. If one goes against righteousness, even brothers will not be spared; if one follows righteousness, even enemies should be taken into account. So, Jie Hu accepted Qi Xi's recommendation, but two uncles were killed because of Zhou Gong, Bo Di succeeded because he went against the imperial decree, Fu Xia failed because he obeyed a tyrant, Guan Zhong was promoted because of his hatred, and Shen Hou was demoted because of favoritism: all these events are evaluated through the lens of righteousness. Therefore, it is said: "Regardless of obedience or defiance, righteousness should be the guiding principle; whether hating or loving, righteousness should be valued." The "Book of Rites" says: "To truly love someone, you must recognize their faults; to truly hate someone, you must acknowledge their virtues." This is examining righteousness!
During the reign of Emperor Huan, there was a man named Sun Zhen who, for his filial piety, was recommended and appointed as the magistrate of Beixin County. Upon taking office, he addressed the people of the county, saying, "In the past, Wen Weng served as an official in Shu; his virtuous governance left a lasting impact on Bashu and Hanzhong. Geng Sangchu served as an official in Chu; his integrity transformed the local culture. Although I am just a small county magistrate, I also carry the responsibility for the state and its people. If I merely handle official duties and paperwork, wouldn't that betray my aspirations?" Therefore, he actively established schools, enrolled hundreds of students, and personally advised them to study every morning and evening. He himself never stopped studying, personally corrected exam papers, and the top-performing students in the exams were all his pupils. Under his leadership, Confucian culture thrived, and even the people of Beixin County praised his teachings.
Later, Sun Zhen was specially summoned to the capital by the emperor and appointed as an official. He rose through the ranks and eventually was appointed as the magistrate of Yewang County, but sadly passed away before taking office due to illness.
Another man, Bian Rang, courtesy name Wenli, was from Junyi and was renowned for his literary talent. He was exceptionally articulate and showed remarkable writing skills from a young age, having written a piece titled "Zhanghua Fu." Although this piece included many ornate phrases, it concluded on a positive note, akin to Sima Xiangru's satirical essays. The fu states:
King Chu Ling explored the Yunmeng Marsh and rested on the Jingtai platform. In front was the Huai River, the rolling waves of Dongting Lake on the left, the entrance of Pengli Lake on the right, and the mountain peaks of Wushan to the south. He spent the entire day admiring the view. Then he said to the historian beside him, "This is truly a magnificent experience; it can make people forget about aging and death!" So, he built the Zhanghua Terrace, constructed the Qianxi Palace, employed all the craftsmanship of wood, stone, and earth, and gathered rare treasures from across the land. The entire nation contributed to the construction, taking several years to finish. They hosted all-night banquets featuring new songs composed by Beili. Wu Ju observed this and foresaw that the Chen and Cai countries would soon rebel. So he crafted this poem to mock King Chu Ling:
Of noble lineage, inheriting the blessings of the Gao Yang ancestors, establishing powerful vassal states in South Chu, with prestige equal to the two dukes (King Wen and King Wu of Zhou). Surpassing the Peng State of the Shang Dynasty, exceeding the two Guo States of the Zhou Dynasty. Achieving the merit of assisting the emperor, spreading the name of benevolence and righteousness far and wide. The warm grace of spring is bestowed upon the world; the martial might quickly quells the rebellion, the land of Huaxia is stable, and the barbarians from all directions submit. Managing state affairs by day and resting in the palace by night. Holding all-night banquets, experiencing unmatched joy. Collecting rare treasures from all over the world, enjoying all the pleasures of the world.
Wow, this guy’s got a stunning girl with him, eating, drinking, and partying all the way, that's what I call fun! First hit up a meat-heavy spot, then went to a place with lots of wine—wow, delicacies, fine wines, everything you could ask for! By the clear pool water, they rowed a boat, with a gentle breeze, it was so refreshing. Climbing up to a high tower to gaze into the distance, hoping to leave all their worries behind.
Then, he called for Mi Fei and Xiang E, as well as many singing and dancing girls; the lineup was truly impressive! They sang passionate Chu songs and danced beautiful dances; the scene was simply breathtaking, like "gold and stone harmonizing together"! The girls were dressed in gorgeous clothes, dancing gracefully, light and agile, like swans flying and like dragons soaring in the clouds—truly beautiful!
As the night deepened, the music changed its rhythm, the sound of the qin and se filling the air, fingers dancing, sometimes gentle and melodious, sometimes passionate and unrestrained. The music was sometimes soft like a weeping willow and sometimes soaring like a phoenix, with unpredictable changes that were indescribably wonderful. The dance also followed the music's changes, with no fixed routines, only moving with the rhythm—sometimes gentle, sometimes urgent, long sleeves fluttering, a clear wind blowing, leaving the audience spellbound, as if celestial beings had come down to earth!
This girl, with her light and graceful movements and delicate beauty, was sometimes like floating clouds and sometimes like surging waves, ever-changing and making people marvel! Even a beauty like Liu Hui would be compelled to praise her! After a lively moment, dawn was approaching; the music gradually became low, but still lingered, echoing in the clouds. Even the birds in pairs followed the rhythm to jump, while the lone female bird chirped along— the music's infectious energy was truly remarkable!
Finally, the music ended, and everyone left with great joy. This guy strolled alongside a girl as gentle as Xi Shi, chatting all the way; it felt like a gentle breeze caressing the grass, gentle and beautiful—truly enviable! This guy and the girl, immersed in happiness, forgot about time and age—truly a pair of star-crossed lovers!
Ah, that night, as the sky brightened and the banquet came to an end, the instruments had been put away. I felt an emptiness in my heart, as if I had just woken from a drunken stupor, as I sighed while holding a sword. I began to contemplate what kind of talents were needed to govern a country and also understood the hardships of the common people farming the land. Thinking of how Lv Shang assisted the Zhou dynasty and Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan of Qi, I reflected on how they both achieved great accomplishments. I had always dreamed of making a name for myself; how could I allow myself to indulge in fleeting pleasures? So, I stopped the singing and dancing and left the magnificent tower. I remembered the humble position held by Yu the Great and also admired the simple life of Emperor Shun. I aimed to discover talent among the overlooked and select excellent individuals from remote places. As long as the monarch is wise and capable of recognizing talent, officials can fulfill their duties effectively. State affairs will be orderly, and all endeavors will prosper and thrive. The vassals will be drawn to benevolence and righteousness, coming to pay their respects unbidden. I want to inherit the great achievements of the Gao Yang clan and carry forward the foundation laid by King Cheng Tang and King Zhou of the Zhou dynasty. Although a country can thrive with just one person, like Duke Huan of Qi, how can I possibly compare to him? I will nurture talent with a heart full of benevolence and lead them with wise actions. I will sincerely worship the gods and spirits and serve the emperor with the utmost respect. I will spread good teachings among the people so that the country will always be peaceful.
General He Jin heard that I was very talented and wanted to recruit me to work for him. But he was afraid I wouldn't come, so he called me over under the pretext of a military operation. When I arrived, he first had me serve as a minor official before finally meeting me in a grand manner. I was good at archery and also good at speaking. At that time, He Jin's mansion was filled with guests, all admiring my talents. Officials such as Kong Rong and Wang Lang visited me, wanting to get to know me.
The courtier Cai Yong held me in high regard and believed I deserved a higher position, so he recommended me to He Jin, saying:
It is said that this estate has just opened its doors, recruiting talents widely. Those veteran officials are all looking to profit. Although the court is full of talents, but compared to Bian Rang, they fall short! Personally, I think this Chenliu native Bian Rang is a genius, extremely intelligent and strategic. He lost his parents at a young age, but he is self-taught and has excelled in his studies! He grasps the essence of the classics and understands their principles immediately. No teacher can outsmart him, and no text can stump him. He is clear-minded, eloquent, and never speaks against etiquette. When confronted with difficult questions, he quickly analyzes and makes sound judgments. He can integrate various classic works, and others cannot refute him. If it were in the times of Tang, Yao, and Shun, he would surely be on par with Yi Yin and Gao Tao; if he met Confucius, he would be akin to Yan Hui and Ran Yong. He is definitely not an ordinary person! Therefore, his official position should be promoted. If he is promoted alongside those mediocre individuals, his talents and wisdom will go to waste! As the ancients said, "A tripod meant for cooking beef should not be used for chicken." This means that great talents should not be underutilized! I worry privately that such a treasure is undervalued, enduring constant trials like a tripod! I hope you, General, will reconsider and give him a chance to showcase his talents and contribute to the country! Even if you think he’s too young, wasn’t Yan Hui young yet virtuous? Isn’t Ziqi young and promising? As long as someone has ability, that principle holds true throughout history!
Bian Rang, with his exceptional talent, rose through the ranks and ultimately became the Prefect of Jiujiang, yet he did not find this fulfilling. During the Chuping period, the court was in chaos, and Bian Rang resigned and returned home. He was proud and refused to submit to Cao Cao, often speaking disrespectfully of him. During the Jian'an period, someone from his hometown brought accusations against him before Cao Cao, who subsequently had him arrested and executed. Many of his works have been lost to history.
Li Yan, styled Wensheng, was from Fanyang and a descendant of Li Shiqi. He was highly articulate, knowledgeable in music theory, and spoke with great fluency, which earned him widespread admiration. During the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, he was summoned multiple times to serve as an official in the provinces and counties, but he refused, demonstrating remarkable ambition. He also wrote two poems:
"The great road is smooth and long, the narrow path is cramped and urgent. Those who aspire do not settle for mediocrity, nor are they bound by immediate difficulties. I will spread my wings and soar a thousand miles, surpassing all—who could possibly catch up to me?"
"Wisdom and foolishness are not the same; a person's nature can be either pure or tainted. Wealth and status may be predetermined, while poverty and lowliness do not have a predetermined fate. Whether one faces smooth sailing or obstacles often depends on oneself, and the ambitious do not rely on fortune-telling. Look at Chen Ping, who was a minor official in Aocang, and Han Xin, who fished by the river; both ultimately became prime ministers of the realm, reaping a salary of ten thousand measures, their virtues enduring for millennia, their fame rising like Mount Tai."
Lingzhi mushrooms grow on riverbanks, yet are swayed by floodwaters. Orchids bloom late, only to be withered by severe frost. Alas, these two beautiful herbs do not thrive at the foot of Mount Tai. The beauty of prose and the depth of substance are cherished by Taoists, and will be recognized when the right time comes. However, individuals like Lord Zhou Bo and Guan Ying, when in power, are considered flashy and insubstantial. Talented individuals, unrecognized, have no choice but to seek opportunities elsewhere. Bearing talents as precious as jade, yet unable to encounter anyone who recognizes their worth. I sincerely hope for someone like Confucius to illuminate the path for the world.
Yan Hou, overwhelmed by grief from his mother's passing, fell seriously ill. His wife, frightened during childbirth, also passed away. Her family held him responsible for her death and had him thrown into prison. Too ill to defend himself, he died in prison at the age of twenty-eight in the sixth year of Jiaping. Minister Lu Zhi penned a eulogy to commemorate his noble character.
Hou Jin, courtesy name Ziyu, was from Dunhuang. He was poor and orphaned in his youth, living with relatives. He was diligent in his studies, often doing odd jobs to make a living, and would come back at night to light a fire and read. He always conducted himself with dignity, living alone in a room as if he were hosting a distinguished guest. The local authorities and the imperial court tried to summon him multiple times, but he refused to comply, claiming illness. He wrote "Rectifying the World" to critique the social issues of his time and then retreated to the mountains to devote himself to writing. Because he was not known by the world, he wrote "Difficulties in Receiving Guests" to express his feelings. He also wrote a history after the rise of Emperor Guangwu based on the "Book of Han," composing thirty chapters titled "Biography of Emperor De," which gained recognition. He had several other miscellaneous essays, most of which have been lost. People in Hexi admired his talent, yet they dared not speak his name, referring to him as Lord Hou.
Gao Biao, courtesy name Yifang, was from Wuxi. His circumstances improved somewhat when he became a scholar and went to the Imperial Academy to study. He was talented but not very eloquent in conversation. Once, he wanted to visit Ma Rong to seek his wisdom on some profound matters, but Ma Rong fell ill and could not meet him. So Gao Biao wrote a letter to Ma Rong, saying, "I have admired you for a long time, so I did not go through others before visiting you, hoping to see you and talk about my thoughts. I did not anticipate your illness and inability to meet. In the past, Zhou Gongdan, his father, King Wen, and his brother, King Wu, were all enfeoffed as vassals nine times, assisting the Xia dynasty. Even so, they often personally comforted the people, which is why the Zhou dynasty thrived and the people rallied around them. Given your illness and your decision not to receive visitors, that is entirely understandable." Ma Rong felt ashamed after reading the letter and quickly sent his thanks, but Gao Biao had already left and did not turn back.
Later, he was recommended as a devoted and upright official by the county, and he ranked first in the imperial examination. He was appointed as a junior official and worked at the Dongguan. He often submitted poems, praises, and some unique articles, and he often offered critiques on various issues. Emperor Ling of Han highly appreciated him. At that time, Diwu Yong, the chief inspector, was appointed as the inspector of Youzhou. The officials hosted a farewell banquet at Changle Pavilion for him. The yilang Kuiyi and others wrote poems there, but Gao Biao alone wrote an admonition, which read: "When civil and military officials falter, it's the talented ministers who will emerge. Rectify our imperial system, and put an end to this irreverence. Ancient gentlemen were willing to forget their own lives for the state. They showed their determination and resoluteness. Lü Shang at seventy led the three armies with his spirit. Poets sang praises of him, likening him to eagles and falcons. Heaven has Taiyi, with five generals and three gates; Earth has its nine variations, with hills, ridges, and rivers; People have their strategies, with six wonders and five intervals. In these three matters, consult before planning. Don’t boast about your abilities; instead, focus on finding the talented. The bravery of Huaiyin and the nobility of Guangye. Duke Zhou was a great saint, and Shi Que was a loyal minister. They used their power to win affection and their righteousness to sever familial ties. Do not say that the times are difficult, if you don’t improve yourself. Do not say that there are no capable people, if you do not know your true self. Forget wealth and forsake honors, and you will find lasting blessings. Stray from the right path, and you’ll find yourself with nothing to lean on. Uphold the noble principles of your ancestors, and you will earn lasting respect. Remember these teachings and discipline yourself throughout your life." Kuiyi and others highly praised his article, feeling that there was nothing better than that.
Later, Gao Biao was reassigned as the magistrate of Waihuang County. The emperor instructed his colleagues to see him off to his new position, held a farewell at the east gate of the city for him, and commissioned Dongguan to create his portrait to inspire learners. After taking office, Gao Biao performed excellently and recommended several individuals from the county, such as Shentu Pan. Later, he passed away from illness while in office, and many of his writings have been lost. His son, Gao Dai, also gained recognition.
Zhang Chao, styled Zibing, hailed from Mao County in Hejian, Hebei, and was a descendant of Zhang Liang, the Marquis of Liu. He was very talented in literature. During the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, he followed General Zhu Jun to campaign against the Yellow Turban Army and served as a subordinate military officer. He wrote a total of nineteen works, including fu, poems of praise, inscriptions, letters of recommendation, proclamations, memorials, and satirical verses. Zhang Chao was especially adept at cursive script, and his works were highly regarded by his contemporaries.
Mi Heng, styled Zhengping, was from Ban County, Pingyuan, Shandong. He was known for his strong and arrogant personality, had a penchant for being unconventional, and disregarded trivialities. During the Xingping era, he went to Jingzhou to avoid the chaos of war. In the early Jian'an period, he arrived in Xuchang. When he first arrived in Yingchuan, he was eager to pen a satirical piece on current affairs, but later found himself at a loss for words and eventually destroyed everything he had written. At that time, Xuchang was newly established, and many talented scholars from all over had gathered there. When someone asked why he didn't align himself with Chen Lin and Sima Lang, Mi Heng replied, "How could I possibly associate with those butchers, peddlers, and lowly servants!" When asked about Xun Yu and Zhao Yan, Mi Heng said, "Xun Yu would only have me assist at his home during a funeral, and Zhao Yan would only have me help in the kitchen with greeting guests." He only had good relationships with Kong Rong from Lu and Yang Xiu from Hongnong. He often said, "Kong Wenju (Kong Rong) is like an elder brother, and Yang Dezhu (Yang Xiu) is like a younger brother, while the rest are merely mediocre and hardly worth mentioning." Kong Rong held his talent in high regard.
Mi Heng was only in his early twenties, while Kong Rong was already in his forties, yet they formed a friendship. Kong Rong even penned a letter specifically recommending Mi Heng.
I heard that the floods are currently causing disasters, and Your Majesty is deeply concerned and wishes to govern the country well, seeking talented individuals everywhere. After Emperor Xiaowudi inherited the throne, he wanted to carry forward the ancestral legacy, soliciting opinions widely, and many talented individuals came. Your Majesty is wise and revered, inheriting the ancestral legacy, facing difficulties now, yet still diligent and humble. It is truly a stroke of good fortune, with extraordinary talents emerging one after another.
Personally, I think Niheng from Pingyuan, 24 years old this year, courtesy name Zhengping, of noble character and outstanding talent, is truly a diamond in the rough. He quickly grasped the essence of poetry and prose right from the start. What his eyes see, he can recite immediately; what his ears hear, he will never forget. His nature is in harmony with the Dao, thinking through problems as if guided by a divine spirit. Compared to Hongyang's deep foresight and Anshi's stability and wisdom, Niheng is truly exceptional. He is loyal and upright, with noble aspirations, like frost and snow in winter. He is delighted by good things and detests bad things. He is as upright as Renzuo and as steadfast as Shiyu, truly unmatched by anyone. No matter how fierce a predator may be, it can't compare to an eagle. If Niheng were to serve in the court, he would surely achieve great things. His eloquence is outstanding, with fluent debating skills, capable of answering doubts, resolving conflicts, and handling adversaries with ease.
In the past, Jia Yi requested to go to the border to try out, wanting to use tactics to subdue the Xiongnu; Chun Jun wanted to use a long rope to restrain the formidable Vietnamese. They had great ambitions when they were young, and they have been praised by later generations. Recently, Lu Cui and Yan Xiang were promoted to Tai Lang due to their exceptional abilities, and Ni Heng should be like them. If he is allowed to soar like a dragon and spread his wings in the court, making a name for himself in the Ziwei Palace, shining brightly, he can showcase the court's wealth of talent and contribute to the prosperity of the four gates. Just as there is surely beautiful music in the heavens and precious treasures within the imperial palace, individuals like Ni Heng are truly exceptional. Pieces like "Ji Chu" and "Yang A" are the stuff of musicians' dreams; swift hares and spirited steeds are what great generals yearn for. As humble courtiers, we respectfully bring this to Your Majesty's attention.
Kong Rong held Ni Heng in high regard and often praised him in front of Cao Cao. Cao Cao wanted to meet Ni Heng, but Ni Heng had always held Cao Cao in contempt, claiming to suffer from a peculiar ailment and refusing to meet him. He frequently spoke disparagingly of Cao Cao. Cao Cao felt a surge of anger, but because Ni Heng was talented, he was reluctant to resort to killing him. It was said that Ni Heng was good at drumming, so he was summoned to serve as the drummer, using the occasion to test his drumming skills while entertaining guests. The other drummers performed poorly, so Cao Cao ordered them to take off their original clothes and wear coarse short tunics. When Ni Heng's turn came, he played "Fisherman's Song" as he walked and drummed. He walked in front of Cao Cao with an air of distinction, and his drumming was passionate and moving, igniting the passion of the audience. When Ni Heng stopped in front of Cao Cao, one of the officials reprimanded him: "Why did the drummer dare to approach without changing his clothes?" Ni Heng replied, "Okay." He first removed his outer garment, then stripped off the rest, stood bare, slowly donning the coarse short tunic, and continued playing, his expression unwavering. Cao Cao smiled and said, "I intended to humiliate Ni Heng, but instead, it was I who ended up embarrassed."
Kong Rong returned and rebuked Ni Heng, saying, "Zhengping, your style name, is what you did really appropriate?" Then he shared Cao Cao's true intentions with Ni Heng. Ni Heng agreed to meet with Cao Cao. Kong Rong went to see Cao Cao again, saying that Ni Heng had fallen ill and now wanted to personally apologize to him. Cao Cao was very pleased and ordered the gatekeeper to immediately inform him of any guests, and he waited a long time. Ni Heng, dressed in a rough short shirt and a simple headscarf, holding a three-foot long wooden stick, sat at the entrance of Cao Cao's camp, shouting curses and banging the stick on the ground. Officials said, "There is a madman outside the camp gate, sitting there, speaking rudely and impolitely, asking for him to be arrested and punished." Cao Cao was furious and said to Kong Rong, "This little brat Ni Heng, killing him would be as easy as swatting a fly. But he's already got a reputation, and people near and far will say I cannot tolerate others. Now send him to Liu Biao, what do you think?" So he sent someone to ride a horse to take him to Liu Biao. As he departed, a crowd gathered to see him off, first holding a banquet in the south of the city, then warning each other, "Ni Heng is arrogant and rude. When he gets to Liu Biao's, everyone must treat him coldly and ignore him." When Ni Heng arrived at Liu Biao's, everyone acted like they didn't see him, and Ni Heng sat there crying loudly. When they asked him why, Ni Heng replied, "The one sitting is like a grave, and the one lying down is like a corpse. How can you not feel sorrow between the grave and the corpse?"
Liu Biao and the officials of Jingzhou initially admired his talent and reputation, and treated him with great respect. When it came to writing articles and discussing matters, Liu Biao found it hard to make decisions without Yi Yin's input. Once, Liu Biao and several literati were drafting a memorial together, and everyone was brainstorming. At that moment, Yi Yin arrived, and before Liu Biao could finish explaining, Yi Yin tore up the draft and threw it on the ground. Liu Biao was stunned and very surprised. Yi Yin immediately requested writing materials and quickly composed a beautifully crafted piece. Liu Biao was very happy and held him in even higher regard.
Later, Yi Yin began to disrespect Liu Biao, which left Liu Biao feeling humiliated and unable to tolerate it any longer. Knowing that Huang Zu, the Prefect of Jiangxia, was known for his fiery temper, he sent Yi Yin over there. Unexpectedly, Huang Zu actually took a liking to Yi Yin. Yi Yin helped Huang Zu write official documents, and he got the length and tone just right. Huang Zu grasped Yi Yin's hand and said, "Scholar, what you have written is exactly what I had in mind!"
Huang Zu's eldest son, Huang She, the Prefect of Zhangling, held a particular admiration for Yi Yin. Once they went out together and read a stele inscription by Cai Yong. Huang She loved the elegance of the inscription’s wording that he regretted not having copied it. Yi Yin said, "Although I only read it once, I can still recall it. There are just two missing characters in the middle of the inscription, I am not quite sure what they are." Then Yi Yin wrote them out, took it upon himself to have the inscription copied, came back to proofread, and it matched Yi Yin's writing perfectly. Everyone was utterly impressed. Once, during a banquet hosted by Huang She, a guest presented a parrot as a gift. Huang She raised his wine cup to Yi Yin and said, "I hope you can compose a poem to entertain our guests." Yi Yin picked up a pen and wrote a stunning poem in one sitting.
Later, Huang Zu held a banquet for his guests on the Mengchong ship, and Yi Yin spoke rather bluntly. Huang Zu felt humiliated and reprimanded him. Yi Yin grew even bolder, glaring at Huang Zu and retorting, "What's your problem, old man?" Furious, Huang Zu commanded five hundred soldiers to come out and beat him with clubs. Yi Yin began hurling insults, further infuriating Huang Zu, so he ordered Yi Yin's execution. Huang Zu's chief scribe, who had always harbored a dislike for Yi Yin, wasted no time in acting. Huang She rushed over barefoot to rescue him, but it was too late. Later, Huang Zu regretted his decision and arranged for a grand funeral. Yi Yin passed away at just twenty-six, and many of his works have been lost.
Praise: When emotions run high, words become invaluable. Expressing genuine feelings, unembellished and straightforward. Different circumstances share a common essence, yet express themselves uniquely. Words hold beauty, always mindful to avoid excess.
