Dugen, whose courtesy name was Bojian, was from Dingling, a place in Yingchuan. His father was named Duan, with the courtesy name Boyi. He was ambitious and principled from a young age, entering the Imperial Academy at the age of thirteen and was hailed as a "child prodigy." The relatives of high-ranking officials in the capital admired his reputation; some asked him to write letters, but Duan did not write a single one, instead hid them all in the wall. Later, when these high-ranking officials were implicated in a case and their guests were investigated, Duan opened the wall and took out the letters, which were all intact. However, he could not escape being implicated, but was highly respected by the people at the time. He rose to the position of Prefect of Bajun and had outstanding political achievements.
Dugen was honest and straightforward. In the first year of the Yongchu era, he was recommended as a candidate known for his filial piety and integrity and became an Assistant Minister. At that time, Empress Dowager Deng held power in the court through her relatives. Dugen believed that Emperor An was already an adult and should handle state affairs personally, so he and other officials submitted a joint memorial of protest. Empress Dowager Deng was furious, had Dugen and the others arrested, and ordered them to be placed in silk bags and beaten to death in the court. The executioners, aware of Dugen's reputation, were instructed to be gentle, and when they carried Dugen out of the city, he was still breathing. Empress Dowager Deng sent people to inspect, and Dugen pretended to be dead. After three days, his eyes were infested with maggots, allowing him to escape and hide in a tavern in the mountains of Yicheng. He hid for fifteen years, and the tavern owner, recognizing him as a virtuous man, treated him with utmost respect.
After the Deng family was executed, everyone spoke of the loyalty of Du Gen and others. The emperor thought Du Gen was dead, so he issued an edict to inform the world and trace his descendants. Du Gen was about to return to his hometown when he was summoned to the imperial carriage and appointed as an imperial censor. Initially, the official Cheng Yishi of Pingyuan County had also advised the Empress Dowager to return to power, for which he was punished. He was summoned along with Du Gen and promoted to the position of a court official, and both were held in high regard. Someone asked Du Gen, "In the past, when you encountered disasters, everyone knew of your righteous deeds, and many people knew you. Why do you still go to such lengths to protect yourself?" Du Gen replied, "Moving among the people doesn’t allow for complete anonymity. If discovered, it would bring disaster to my family, so I have to do this." During the reign of Emperor Shundi, Du Gen gradually rose in official rank to become the Prefect of Jiyin. After his retirement, he passed away at the age of seventy-eight.
Yishi, whose courtesy name was Xiuming, loved learning from a young age and had a deep understanding of Daoist ideology. During the reign of Emperor Han Andi in the Yanguang era, the eunuch Fan Feng and Wang Sheng, the wet nurse of the Empress Dowager, falsely accused the Crown Prince, resulting in his demotion to the Crown Prince of Jiyin. Yishi continuously defended the Crown Prince in memorials and exposed the crimes of Fan Feng and Wang Sheng. The emperor ignored his advice and instead, Fan Feng and others framed him with serious crimes, which resulted in his imprisonment and a death sentence. Later, the emperor issued a pardon, allowing him to return to his hometown. When the Prince of Jiyin ascended the throne as Emperor Shundi, the Minister of Works Zhang Hao valued him and recommended him as a court official. Feeling embarrassed about not having gained any significant accomplishments from his past efforts, Yishi impeached himself and requested to return home. Despite multiple summons from the court, he refused. The Chief of the Masters of Writing Yu Xu admired him and wanted him to participate in court affairs, so he recommended him in a memorial, which led to his appointment as a court official. Later, the Minister of Works Zuo Xiong and the Chief of the Masters of Writing Guo Qian recommended him as a Master of Writing. He was known for his integrity in court, earning the respect of all officials.
Luan Ba, courtesy name Shuyuan, was a native of Neihuang in Wei Commandery. He enjoyed studying Daoist teachings. During the reign of Emperor Shun of Han, he served as a eunuch in the palace and was later appointed as the Chief of the Yellow Gate, though he did not enjoy it. He was upright in character, studied classical works, and kept his distance from the other eunuchs. Later, when he felt his health had improved, he requested the emperor to let him retire. Instead, the emperor promoted him to Langzhong, and he was subsequently promoted four more times, eventually becoming the Governor of Guiyang. Guiyang Commandery was situated in a remote southern region, where the people were straightforward and unfamiliar with the legal system. He established marriage and funeral customs for the local community, set up schools, and encouraged people to learn and progress. He required even the lowest-ranking officials to study and read, undergo regular assessments, and be promoted based on their abilities. His handling of government affairs was marked by clarity and precision. He served as the Governor of Guiyang for seven years, and then retired due to health issues.
The Inspector of Jingzhou, Li Gu, praised Luan Ba's governance in a memorial to the court, leading to his appointment as a Gentleman of Discussion and concurrently serving as a Grand Master of Splendor. He was also appointed to conduct a tour of various provinces and counties along with Du Qiao, Zhou Ju, and eight others in the delegation.
After Ba returned from Xuzhou, he was transferred to be the Prefect of Yuzhang. Yuzhang had many mountains and numerous ghost stories. The common people often risked everything to seek the help of gods and ghosts. Ba had some knowledge of Taoism and could control ghosts and spirits. He dismantled all the chaotic sacrificial sites and dealt with the fraudulent shamans. As a result, the incidents of supernatural happenings naturally decreased. The common people were initially frightened, but they soon felt reassured. He was later promoted to be the Magistrate of Pei County. He excelled in every position he held and was eventually summoned by the court to be a Minister. When the Emperor passed away and the construction of the mausoleum was needed, those in charge wanted to remove the graves of commoners surrounding the tomb. Ba vehemently opposed it. Empress Dowager Liang, who was ruling at that time, issued a decree questioning Ba, saying, "The Emperor has been gone for several days, and the selection of the mausoleum site emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. The mausoleum area is only twenty acres, and you claim that those responsible for the construction want to destroy the graves of the commoners. This is simply not true! This matter was never sanctioned by me, yet you persistently slander and repeatedly petition. This is utterly disruptive, and I cannot tolerate it any longer!" Ba was imprisoned and after confessing his guilt, he was exiled back home. Over twenty years later, Emperor Ling ascended the throne, and the Grand General Dou Wu and the Grand Tutor Chen Fan assisted in the court. They summoned him back to serve as a Consultant. Later, Dou Wu and Chen Fan were killed, and Ba, being associated with them, was demoted to be the Prefect of Yongchang. Feeling remorseful for his involvement, he feigned illness to avoid taking up the position. He also petitioned fervently for the exoneration of Chen Fan and Dou Wu. The Emperor was furious and issued a decree to reprimand him severely, handing him over to the court for trial. In the end, Ba committed suicide. His son, Liu He, became the Prefect of Yunzhong.
Liu Tao, courtesy name Ziqi, also referred to as Liu Wei, was from Yingyin, Yingchuan, and a descendant of the King of Zhenbei. Liu Tao was a simple person who did not care for complicated rituals. He sought friends who shared his values. Even if their interests differed, he wouldn't change his views based on others' wealth or status; as long as they shared common interests, even if the other person was poor and humble, he would not alter his attitude. His cousin Liu Kai, renowned for his noble character, held Liu Tao in high regard.
During this period, the Grand General Liang Ji held great power, Emperor Huan of Han had no sons, and there were consecutive years of famine and various disasters. Liu Tao was studying at the Imperial Academy and wrote a memorial to the throne stating:
"I've heard that without heaven and earth, humans cannot survive, and without humans, heaven and earth would lack spirituality. Therefore, without the people, the emperor cannot thrive, and without the emperor, the people will be restless. The relationship between heaven and the emperor, and between the emperor and the people, is like that of head and feet, mutually reliant and operating together.
Your Majesty, you are held in high esteem, blessed by heaven, inheriting the legacy left by your ancestors, following the unchanging laws, ignoring court disturbances and flattery. Natural disasters and human calamities do not affect you, and famine does not harm your body, so the false rumors and divine wrath do not concern you.
Consider how the founding emperor began as a commoner, overthrowing the tyrannical rule of the Qin Dynasty, reclaiming the ancestral land of the Zhou Dynasty, uniting the people, comforting the injured, and ultimately establishing a great empire. His contributions were immense, and his governance was exemplary, with blessings that have reached you. However, Your Majesty, you have not upheld the glorious achievements of your ancestors, but instead neglected the hard work of the founding emperor, recklessly handing power to others, allowing them to harm, exploit, and oppress the people, resulting in heavenly omens that warn you."
Your Majesty, you do not understand these things. Instead, you let brutal individuals occupy important positions, as if allowing tigers and leopards to roam freely among the deer, and letting jackals and wolves nurse in the gardens where they prey in spring. How does this align with the intentions of Great Yu and Hou Ji, who sought the welfare of the people, governed the country, and collected taxes? Nowadays, officials everywhere collude with each other; corrupt and greedy officials are devouring the realm like wild boars and venomous snakes. Those unscrupulous merchants are the very souls of the poor who have died unjustly, and the impoverished and starving have become wandering souls. High-ranking officials who commit crimes evade justice, while wealthy families commit rebellious crimes. The dead are buried miserably in the wilderness, while the living worry at the intersection of court and commoners. I, your humble servant, have long been filled with worry and sorrow for these reasons.
Moreover, as the Qin Dynasty was on the brink of collapse, those who were upright and courageous were all silenced, while flatterers were rewarded. Valuable advice was stifled by the loyal ministers' tongues, and the fate of the nation was seized by treacherous officials. Qin Ershi indulged in hedonism and handed over power to Zhao Gao. He remained oblivious to the fact that power had slipped from his grasp, and he turned a blind eye to the approaching danger. The principles remain unchanged through the ages, and the fate of success and failure is also the same. I hope Your Majesty can draw lessons from the downfall of the formidable Qin Dynasty and the turmoil of the reigns of Emperor Ai and Emperor Ping of the Han Dynasty, and discern clearly the gains and losses, as well as the blessings and misfortunes.
I heard that only virtuous people can calm crises, and only wise people can save chaos. Therefore, King Wu Ding was able to eliminate the disaster of the Ding and Zhi thanks to Fu Shuo's assistance; King Xuan of Zhou was able to save the chaotic situation caused by King Yi and King Li with the help of Shen Bo and Zhong Fu. Personally, I think that the former Jizhou governor Zhumu from Nanyang, as well as the former Wuhuan colonel and my fellow townsman Li Ying, are all upright, honest, noble, and extraordinary people. Zhumu used to be in Jizhou, conscientiously enforcing laws, fairly handling government affairs, cracking down on evil forces, and governing Jizhou with clarity. Li Ying, as a local official, led by example, holding his subordinates to high standards; after taking charge of the army, his reputation spread far and wide in the northern border. These two individuals are truly wise and loyal ministers of the time of renewal, talents that are the backbone of the country! They should be summoned back to the court to assist the royal family, shining like the Big Dipper, safeguarding the realm like a national treasure. I risked speaking frankly in court, like ice in the sun, I will eventually melt away. I was initially worried about the tragic scene of the world, but now the world worries about my foolishness. The memorial was not accepted. At this time, someone submitted a memorial saying that because the currency was light and thin, the people were impoverished, so large coins should be cast. This proposal was forwarded to the Four Departments, officials, and the eloquent scholars of the Imperial Academy. Tao Shangyi said: A wise king follows the mandate of heaven, governs all things, lives with the people; if he builds achievements, the people will support him; if he raises an army to fight, the soldiers will be high-spirited. Therefore, Lingtai has such wise ministers, and the army has such brave warriors like Fu Zao, who can adapt to the times and align with the people's will. I carefully studied the imperial decree on coinage, as well as the discussions on weight, widely soliciting opinions, ensuring no poor voices were overlooked, so even those who subsist on simple meals were consulted.
I always feel that the biggest problem now is not a lack of money, but that the people are starving. When it comes to living, the first priority is food, and only then does money matter. Therefore, the wise rulers of ancient times guided agriculture by observing celestial changes, teaching the people to cultivate on time, ensuring that men tended to the fields and women kept weaving. This harmony between rulers and subjects allows for effective governance and education. It can be seen that food is the foundation of a country, the most vital resource for the people's survival!
In recent years, locusts have eaten up the crops, taxes have emptied the pockets of the common people, and everyone worries every day about not being able to eat; who cares about money at a time like this? Even if sand is turned into gold now, stones into jade, the common people still have no water to drink and no food to eat. Even with the wisdom of sages like the Yellow Emperor or Fuxi, and the beautiful culture of Yao and Shun, they still cannot preserve their own country! While people can survive for years without money, they cannot go a single day without food; thus, food is the top priority!
Those ministers do not understand the basics of agricultural production, but they constantly discuss the merits of minting coins; some even want to deceive the country and profit from it. Once the national interests are divided up, everyone will rush to grab their share, and troubles of minting coins will arise. Even if ten thousand people mint coins, and one person comes to steal, the money supply will not be enough; not to mention now when one person mints coins but thousands of people come to steal? Even if the sun and moon were used as fuel, and all things as copper materials, allowing those who are not hungry and do not work to mint coins still cannot satisfy the endless greed!
In order for the people to be prosperous and wealthy, with their money and resources abundant, the key is to prohibit harsh levies and miscellaneous taxes, so that the people will not be exhausted and can all have enough to eat. Your Majesty, with your wisdom and compassion for the people's concerns and the hardships of the world, your desire to mint money and unify the currency to help the people is like throwing fish into boiling water or birds into raging flames. Water and trees are the natural habitats of fish and birds, and if they are burned, they will surely be charred. I hope Your Majesty will ease the restrictions on minting money, stop discussing the issue, listen more to the people's voices, inquire about their worries, pay attention to changes in the heavens, and look at the trends of mountains and rivers. The people's sentiments and the country's affairs will then be clear, with no more doubts.
In the past, when I read the Book of Songs, I often found myself sighing deeply when I came across poems about wild geese toiling in the fields and the hardships and sorrows of the people, feeling a deep sadness in my heart. Recently, hearing the cries of the conscripted laborers, they are even more tragic than those depicted in the poems. Therefore, I have been pondering repeatedly, wondering if the women's laments about the troubles in the state of Lu also come from this? Reflecting on how time flies like a white horse slipping through a crack, I feel anxious and restless, struggling to fall asleep.
I am deeply worried that the land is vast yet uncultivated, and the people are going hungry. Those treacherous and corrupt individuals are fighting for power and profit, controlling the country's power, preying on the world like eagles, greedily exploiting the very flesh and bones of the people, never satisfied. I am truly afraid that the poor laborers and craftsmen will erupt during their work, pick up tools, wave their arms, shout from high places, and call on the aggrieved people to respond, sparking uprisings everywhere, causing the mighty Han Dynasty to crumble, like fish caught in a net. What use is even a small copper coin? This danger is akin to trying to tie down a massive cauldron with a thin rope, extremely dangerous, which is why the poets sympathize with the people and shed tears of sorrow. I am like the madman of Dong Ye, ignorant and unaware, and am oblivious to the greater good. Now that I have touched on these matters, I know that I will surely be in trouble and become the butt of everyone's jokes.
The emperor ultimately did not mint new coins. Later, Tao Qian was recognized as a virtuous and honorable man and appointed as the magistrate of Shunyang County. This county was rife with cunning and deceitful individuals. After Tao Qian took office, he openly recruited those who were strong, courageous, and willing to risk their lives for a chance at survival, whether they were fugitives or villains, as long as they met the conditions. So, outlaws like Piao Qing and swordsmen, including Yan and more than ten others, all came to apply. Tao Qian chastised them for their past misdeeds, demanded that they behave well in the future, and let them each recruit their own trusted young people, eventually recruiting hundreds of individuals, all ready for battle. Tao Qian then re-investigated those cunning cases and solved them with remarkable skill. Later, he was dismissed due to illness, and the people longed for him, singing songs in his honor: "The county is not happy, missing our Lord Liu. When will he return to bring us comfort?"
Tao Qian was proficient in the "Book of Documents" and the "Spring and Autumn Annals," and he wrote annotations for them. He reviewed three versions of the "Book of Documents" and ancient texts, corrected over seven hundred textual errors, and named it the "Chinese Book of Documents." Soon after, he was appointed as an Imperial Secretary. Emperor Ling had long heard of his reputation and summoned him multiple times. At that time, Zhang Jue from Julu falsely claimed to be acting on the will of heaven, misleading the people. Tao Qian, along with the chariot-bearing official Le Song and the Palace Attendant Yuan Gong, jointly submitted a memorial to expose Zhang Jue's crimes, stating: "The Emperor considers the eyes and ears of all the common people as his own, so there is nothing in the world that he does not know. Zhang Jue's followers are now too numerous to count. Previously, the Minister of Works Yang Ci issued an edict sternly ordering all provinces to protect the refugees, but Yang Ci himself was removed from office, and this matter was neglected. Although the court issued a pardon, Zhang Jue and his followers did not disband. Rumors are circulating widely that Zhang Jue and his followers have secretly infiltrated the capital to gather information on court affairs, each harboring their own ambitions and secretly coordinating. Provinces are hesitant to take responsibility and reluctant to report this issue, merely whispering among themselves. A clear edict should be issued, with rewards for capturing Zhang Jue and his followers, offering land as a reward. Anyone who dares to conceal information will face the same consequences as Zhang Jue and his followers."
The emperor, however, did not understand at all. Instead, he issued a decree for Tao Qian to arrange the guidelines of the "Spring and Autumn Annals." The following year, Zhang Jiao rebelled, and the entire country descended into chaos. It was only then that the emperor remembered Tao Qian's suggestion, appointed him as the Marquis of Zhonglingxiang, promoted him three times, and appointed him as the Minister of Works. Since those promoted by the emperor became ministers, Tao Qian's official position was now on par with theirs, and he felt it was difficult to work with them. He requested to be transferred to a less demanding role, which resulted in his appointment as an Imperial Attendant. Due to repeatedly speaking out and offending the powerful officials, he was demoted to the position of Intendant of Jingzhao. Upon taking office, he was required to find millions of coins to repair the palace. Tao Qian, who was already impoverished, refused to use money to buy his position, so he feigned illness to avoid attending court. The emperor valued Tao Qian's talents and chose to overlook his shortcomings, appointing him as a Grand Adviser. At that time, the state of the world was growing increasingly dire, with bandits lurking everywhere. Tao Qian feared that the country might collapse as a result, and once more penned a letter to voice his concerns.
I heard that when things get to a certain degree of urgency, it's hard to speak properly; my heart feels extremely uncomfortable, and my voice uncontrollably trembles. I have seen with my own eyes that the country first experienced the Yellow Turban Rebellion led by Zhang Jiao, and later encountered the rebellion led by Bian Zhang. Every time I hear about urgent military situations, I feel anxious and tremble all over. Now the rebels of the Western Qiang have set up their own leaders in secret. Most of these people are old officials from the time of Duan Qiang, familiar with military formations, knowledgeable about terrain, and full of tricks. I have been worried that they will rashly attack Hedong and Fengyi, cut off the Western Army's rear, then advance east to Hangu Pass, occupy the strategic high ground, and overlook from above. Now they have indeed attacked Hedong, and I'm afraid they will soon charge towards the capital like wild boars. If this happens, the southern road will be cut off, the troops stationed in Cheqi will be isolated, the people in Guandong will be terrified, the whole country will be in turmoil, and even if they cry out for help, no one will respond. Even with strategies like Tian Dan and Chen Ping, there will be no options left. I have previously urgently reported through the post station, suggesting to immediately stop the tax collection in various counties in the hope of temporarily stabilizing the situation and handing this matter over to the responsible officials, but until now, nobody has taken it seriously. Now the people from the three counties have all fled, some heading south to Wuguan, some moving north to Hugu, like melting ice and scattered grass, terrified of being left behind. Now there are only about 130,000 people left, military officers, soldiers, and civilians relying on each other in despair. The civilians only want to escape, but have no means of resistance. The rebel army of the Western Qiang is getting closer and closer, just a stone's throw from the camp, and the enemy cavalry has already spread out near various tombs. General Zhang Wen is naturally brave and wise, but the officials keep pressuring him daily; the army has no backup support, and the consequences would be dire if they were defeated. I know that my repeated advice may have become annoying, but I feel compelled to say it, because only when the country is peaceful can I enjoy a prosperous era; when the country is in danger, I will be the first to suffer. I reiterate the most urgent matter at present and sincerely ask you to consider my suggestion.
In general, the chaos in the world is primarily due to the eunuchs. In order to cover up their own crimes, the eunuchs falsely accused Tao Qian, saying: "After the exposure of Zhang Jiao's incident in the past, the court issued an edict showing both grace and power, and since then, everyone has repented and turned over a new leaf. Now the world is peaceful, but Tao Qian deliberately sabotages the emperor's policies, specifically alleging that demons and monsters are causing trouble. None of the states reported this; how could Tao Qian have known? Suspecting that Tao Qian was in collusion with the rebels." So Tao Qian was arrested, imprisoned in the prison at the Yellow Gate North Temple, and tortured severely every day. Knowing he was doomed, Tao Qian said to the messenger: "The court once honored me as a subject, but now I suffer such false accusations. I regret not being able to be remembered in history like Yi Yin and Lv Shang, but instead being killed like these three righteous men." After speaking, he died of suffocation, which caused widespread sorrow among the people.
Tao Yuanming wrote many books, amounting to tens of thousands of words! He also wrote works like "Discussion on the Seven Luminaries," "Rectifying Laozi," "Against Han Fei," and "In Defense of Meng Ke," along with various memorials, articles, reports, and debate drafts submitted to the emperor, totaling over one hundred pieces.
At that time, Situ Chen Dan was sentenced to death alongside Tao Yuanming on unfounded charges. Chen Dan, renowned for his loyalty and integrity, had previously held several important official positions. In the fifth year of Guanghe, the court ordered the nobles and ministers to report governors and officials of the 2,000-stone rank based on rumors that they were harming the people. However, the Grand Commandant Xu You and Minister of Works Zhang Ji, who flattered the eunuchs in the palace and accepted bribes, turned a blind eye to the corruption among the eunuchs' relatives and cronies. Instead, they deliberately sought out honest and accomplished officials from remote counties, falsely accusing twenty-six officials. Numerous officials petitioned at the palace gates, and Chen Dan and the courtier Cao Cao jointly wrote to the emperor, saying, "The reports made by those nobles and ministers are simply to suppress dissidents; this is simply 'releasing the jackals and imprisoning the phoenixes'!" Their words were heartfelt, and after hearing them, the emperor criticized Xu You and Zhang Ji, and the falsely accused officials were promoted to courtiers. The eunuchs were unhappy and falsely accused Chen Dan, resulting in his imprisonment and eventual death.
Li Yun, styled Xingzu, hailed from Ganling. He was very studious and was well-versed in Yin and Yang as well as the Five Elements. He successfully passed the imperial examination and later became the magistrate of Baima County.
In the second year of Yanxi during the reign of Emperor Huan, the court executed the Grand General Liang Ji. Consequently, eunuchs like Dan Chao, who participated in the execution of Liang Ji, were all enfeoffed as marquises, gaining considerable power and influence over the appointment and dismissal of officials. Furthermore, they even made a common court lady, Lady Bo of the Yeting, the empress. Within a few months, four members of the empress's family were bestowed with countless rewards. At that time, earthquakes and various disasters continued to occur. Li Yun, a man of upright character and strong resolve, feared that the country was in grave danger and felt a deep sense of unease. He openly composed a letter and submitted it to the Three Offices, in which he wrote:
I heard that the queen is the mother of the realm; her virtue should be as nurturing as the earth, able to protect the world. If the queen is chosen correctly, the realm will be peaceful and prosperous; if the queen is chosen incorrectly, the realm will descend into chaos. In recent years, we have witnessed a series of natural disasters; this serves as a grave warning from the heavens! Since the founding of the Han Dynasty by the first emperor, it has been 364 years; the rise and fall of a dynasty typically follows this pattern. According to the cycle of fate, a worthy minister bearing the surname Chen, Xiang, Yu, Tian, or Xu should now emerge to assist the court. These individuals must not be entrusted with significant military positions. The selection of talent and appointment of officials is of utmost importance and must be approached with utmost seriousness. Rewards for merit must be grounded in truth. Although Liang Ji was notorious for his arrogance and tyranny, and has now been executed, all his retainers have been killed too. Those ministers who gave advice, however, were granted titles of thousands of households. Wouldn't the first emperor find this troubling if he were to learn of it? Might the generals who have earned military honors feel disheartened and disloyal as a result? Confucius stated, "The emperor embodies truth." Currently, official positions are in disarray, rife with flatterers and sycophants; corruption and bribery have become prevalent, and state affairs are deteriorating with each passing day. Even trivial matters require the scrutiny of the Imperial Censorate. Is this not the consequence of the emperor's disregard for state affairs?
The current situation in the court is dire; disasters are frequent, and these are all warnings from above! The Han Dynasty has existed for three hundred and sixty-four years. According to historical precedent, new wise ministers should appear to assist the court; these individuals are surnamed Chen, Xiang, Yu, Tian, and Xu. However, they must not be allowed to wield military power or hold important positions such as Grand Commandant or Grand Tutor, as this concerns the nation's safety and requires utmost caution. Rewards and punishments must be fair and impartial. Although Liang Ji has been executed, his family and followers have also been implicated, while those who have made contributions have received high rewards; wouldn't this make the Emperor uneasy? Might the brave generals feel disheartened by this? Confucius said, "The emperor is the pivot," meaning that the emperor must be trustworthy. The court is in disarray; villains are in power, corruption is rampant, political affairs are deteriorating day by day, and even minor matters have to go through the Censorate. Is this how an emperor should act?
After the Emperor read the memorials, he was furious and immediately ordered the appropriate authorities to arrest Li Yun. He issued an edict for the Minister of Works to escort Li Yun, armed, to the Huangmen North Temple Prison, and for the Palace Attendants Guan Ba and the Imperial Censor together with the Chief Justice to interrogate him. At that time, the Hongnong County Officer Du Zhong, sympathizing with Li Yun for his truthful words that landed him in trouble, submitted a memorial expressing his willingness to die alongside Li Yun. The Emperor's anger intensified and he handed Du Zhong over to the Chief Justice for trial as well. The Grand Herald Chen Fan pleaded for Li Yun's mercy, saying, "Although Li Yun's words were disrespectful and went against the Emperor's wishes, his intentions were for the good of the country. In the past, the Emperor Gaozu was able to tolerate the frank advice of Zhou Chang, and Emperor Cheng forgave Zhu Yun for offending the Emperor. If Li Yun is killed today, people might say the Emperor is cruel and heartless. Therefore, I risk offending the Emperor to boldly plead for mercy." The Minister of Ceremonies Yang Bing, the Mayor of Luoyang Mu Mao, and the Imperial Physician Shangguan Zi also jointly petitioned for mercy for Li Yun.
The emperor was very angry, and the relevant department reported that Chen Fan and others were disrespectful. The emperor ordered a harsh reprimand for Chen Fan and Yang Bing, dismissing them and sending them home; Mu Mao and Shangguan Zi were demoted by two levels. At that time, the emperor was in the Zhaolong Pool, and Guan Ba reported to the emperor about Li Yun and others. Guan Ba intentionally said, "Li Yun is just a dull country scholar, Du Zhong is just a small county official; they acted on a moment of impulsiveness, and there is no need to execute them." The emperor asked Guan Ba, "Is there anything wrong with me wanting to punish them? As a court official, why would you intercede for them?" After some thought, the emperor accepted Guan Ba's report, and Li Yun and Du Zhong both met their end in prison. Later, when the Inspector of Jizhou, Jia Cong, was on his inspection tour, he passed by Li Yun's grave and even erected a stone stele to commemorate him.
The article comments: In ancient etiquette, there were five ways to advise the emperor, and indirect admonition is one of them. If one can skillfully use metaphors to express their thoughts through writing, this can not only save the advisor from punishment but also serve as a caution to the listener. The key is to express the meaning clearly and to adhere to reason. Why deliberately attack the emperor sharply to show off one's reputation? Li Yun came from humble origins, did not know how to protect himself, openly petitioned the emperor, and even criticized the three officials. In the end, he was killed without regret. Isn't this akin to the behavior of an ancient madman? If the emperor does not believe in advice, he will consider it slander against himself. Therefore, the ancients believed that advising the emperor was very difficult.
Liu Yu, styled Jijie, was from Guangling. His great-grandfather was the Prince of Jing of Guangling. His father Liu Bian was the Prefect of Qinghe. Liu Yu loved studying the classics from a young age, especially excelling in divination, astronomy, and calendrical calculations. He was repeatedly invited by various provinces and counties to take up official positions, but he always declined.
In the eighth year of Yanxi, the Grand Commandant Yang Bing recommended talented and upright individuals, and Liu Yu went to the capital and wrote a memorial stating his opinions, saying:
As for me, I always thought my hometown of Dongjun was a remote and impoverished place, never expecting to have the luck of being connected to the wealthy Liu family and being reappointed by the Emperor, even if it's just as a lowly soldier. In the beginning, General Yang Bing saw me secretly studying the classics and promoted me beyond the usual standards, surely hoping that this honest man could make some contribution. Unfortunately, General Yang's loyal advice was not heeded, and he passed away at a young age. Among the common people, I hear the complaints about arrogant officials and oppressive policies; the complaints just keep coming, and it truly pains my heart—I've cried all my tears. Now that I have been summoned by the Emperor to answer your questions and speak my mind, there's no way I could just brush this off! I sincerely hope Your Majesty can take some time to think about the past and present events, think about why the common people are sighing, and why disasters are befalling us.
In the end, the titles of the lords go back to ancient systems found in the classics, which are related to the rise and fall of the country. Nowadays, the crooked eunuchs in the palace each have their own fiefdoms, all vying to have their sons inherit their titles; some even resorting to buying children to inherit their estates. How does this fit with the founding traditions of succession?
In ancient times, the emperor had nine wives, with a clear hierarchy among them, and the heir was determined based on the records of the "He Tu," with each of the nine wives having specific roles. But what about now? Those favored concubines, dressed in extravagant attire, crowded the harem, all focused on luxury, wasting the palace's food, draining the country's resources, and easily falling ill. This not only wastes the country's resources but also costs lives! Moreover, the operation of the universe follows the principles of yin and yang; if this balance is disrupted, it can lead to droughts and floods. The "Book of Songs" states: "If five days pass and no rain comes, six days will be ill-fated," and accumulated grievances will boil over, as Confucius has recorded. Furthermore, these palace maids have been confined in the palace since childhood, often dying young. Those eunuchs and court officials also take in concubines, with grievances rising to a boiling point, leading to disasters. The common people say that officials are randomly abducting women, claiming them as their own before releasing them, leaving everyone in fear. Everyone knows deep down that this rumor isn't baseless. Figures like Zou Yan and the common people of Qi have all felt fear due to strange occurrences; especially now, with so many people voicing their complaints, can we still afford to be indifferent?
When the Qin Dynasty was building the Afang Palace, the common people endured immense suffering, and countless lives were lost. Now there are more and more palaces, each one more exquisite than the last, as mountains were excavated and stones quarried, work being done regardless of the season, forcing the common people into relentless labor and employing harsh punishments to keep them in line. Even those who had committed no crimes were still taken to work, and their land was also seized. The officials of various states and counties only cared about completing their tasks, and for them, corruption and bribery were as commonplace as the daily grind. The common people were filled with bitterness and oppression, so they joined the uprising, and the government sent troops to suppress them, killing indiscriminately. Poor common people even sold their lives for bounties, brothers and fathers killed each other, and wives and children were left helpless, watching their families torn apart. The people were forced to this point and then brutally suppressed; it’s truly heartbreaking!
As for Your Majesty, you are the emperor, possessing supreme power, but you frequently disguise yourself to visit the homes of close attendants and eunuchs, filling the streets with fragrance. This is far too indulgent, allowing everything to slide. Now the three court officials are all well-educated scholars, but they only care about themselves; no one dares to speak up to Your Majesty, not because they lack intelligence, but because they fear for their lives! Your Majesty should set up advisory officials, listen to a wide range of opinions, read more history books, learn from the governance of ancient sage rulers like Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, and others, avoid wicked individuals, and root out those who promote corrupt ideas. Only then can the country be peaceful and the people be safe! I’m genuinely concerned; I know I’ve said a lot, and you might not want to hear it, but I fear making you angry, and I am extremely anxious.
Later, the emperor specifically summoned me and asked me about the reasons for the disasters in the country, instructing me to answer based on historical records and omens. Those in power wanted me to be vague and then go do other things. But I still answered seriously, speaking more than 8,000 words, hitting the nail on the head with every sentence, yet the emperor ultimately did not adopt my suggestions. Later, the emperor appointed me as a court official.
After the emperor's death, General Dou Wu wanted to eliminate the eunuchs, so he appointed me as a palace official and also appointed Courtier Yin Xun as the Prefect of the Masters of Writing to discuss countermeasures together. As a result, Dou Wu failed, and both Yin Xun and I were killed. These events are detailed in "The Biography of Dou Wu."
Yin Xun, style name Boyuan, was from Henan. His grandfather served as Grand Commandant, and his grandfather's grandson served as Minister of Works. Yin was a person of upright character. When he was young, every time he read stories of loyal and righteous officials, he would be so moved that he would put down the book and let out a deep sigh. He felt that his way of life and conduct did not align with the prevailing customs, so he never accepted appointments from the state or local government.
During the reign of Emperor Huan, because of Yin's good reputation, the court summoned him. He was promoted all the way to Prefect of the Masters of Writing. During the Yanxi era, he participated in the execution of General Liang Ji. The emperor summoned Yin and tasked him with assigning military positions. Yin's strategies were highly effective, so he was appointed as the Marquis of Yiyang Township. Pu She Huo, Prefect Zhang Jing, Ouyang Can, Li Wei, Yu Fang, and Zhou Yong were also appointed as Viscounts. Yin later rose to the position of Nine Ministers, but resigned due to illness. He was later appointed as a palace official. Eight years later, the Chief Eunuch Ju Yuan, Left Minister (the character for "忄官" is uncertain, so it has been left as is), and others committed crimes and were dismissed from office; their titles were also revoked, and Yin's title was consequently lowered.
After Yu was killed, the eunuchs burned all the memorials submitted by Yu, claiming they were mere rumors. Xun's son Wan inherited his father's studies, skilled in astronomy and calendar calculations, able to predict disasters. He was recommended as virtuous individuals, but ultimately did not take office.
Xie Bi, styled Fuxuan, was from Wuyang in Dongjun. He was known for his integrity and was respected by the people in his hometown. In the second year of Jianning, the court issued a decree recommending talented individuals with moral integrity. Xie Bi, along with Chen Dun from Donghai and Gongsun Du from Xuantu, took the exam and all passed, and were appointed as langzhong.
At that time, a green snake was spotted in front of the palace, and a strong wind blew down trees. The emperor ordered officials below the rank of court ministers to express their opinions. Xie Bi submitted a memorial, saying:
It is said that auspicious signs manifest in virtuous monarchs, while the appearance of demons and monsters indicates the ruler's misrule. Disasters sent by heaven serve as a warning for the emperor to reflect on his shortcomings; if there are political problems, corrupt officials should be punished. Snakes are manifestations of yin energy; the scales on their bodies symbolize omens of warfare and chaos. The Hongfan Zhuan states: "When a country's fortune declines to its lowest point, disasters like snakes and dragons will appear." Currently, the planet Mars is lingering in the constellation of Kang, indicating that a close minister may be plotting rebellion, bringing calamity close to the emperor. Your Majesty, do you not realize? Who are the most trusted individuals around you, within your inner circle? You should act quickly to reprimand and dismiss them to avert the warning from heaven.
I have also heard that "when the hissing snake appears, it is a sign of auspiciousness for women." I hope that Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, can participate in court affairs and assist the Emperor in establishing a wise and just rule. The Book of Documents says: "Fathers, sons, and brothers should not be implicated in each other's crimes." Lady Dou was executed; this should not implicate the Empress Dowager! The Empress Dowager is imprisoned in the deep palace, full of worry and sorrow, pleading with the heavens. This is like being afflicted with an illness; how can Your Majesty face the people with any dignity? King Xiang of Zhou was disrespectful to his mother, which allowed the Rong and Di peoples to invade. Emperor Xiao and Empress Dowager Dou maintained their bond, and future generations praised it as a beautiful story. According to tradition and law, a stepmother holds the same status as a biological mother. Now you treat Emperor Huan as a father; how can you not treat the Empress Dowager as a mother? The Book of Supportive Spirits says: "When the Son of Heaven practices filial piety, the four corners of the world can live in peace." Now the border situation is growing more tense, and conflicts keep breaking out. If filial piety is not upheld, how can these issues be resolved? I hope Your Majesty can emulate Yu Shun, practice benevolent governance, and let the world flourish. Please also consider the ideas of filial piety towards mothers in the Odes of Kâi-fung.
I've heard that when conferring titles and rewards, they must be based on merit. Those who have contributed to the founding and inheritance of the family should not be overlooked. Currently, those meritorious ministers who have been serving outside for a long time have not received titles and rewards, while the Empress Mother, out of selfishness, enjoys generous rewards. The storms and hail are a result of this! Also, the former Grand Tutor, Chen Fan, who served Your Majesty with unwavering loyalty, worked day and night, but was framed by evil people and was killed. This method is excessively cruel and has terrified everyone; his students and old subordinates are either exiled or imprisoned. Chen Fan is dead; what sins do these people still need to atone for? Their families should be freed, and the restrictions on them should be lifted!
Court ministers, they are the backbone of the nation! Among the current four ministers, only Sikong Liu Chong can be considered upright. The others are corrupt and will bring ruin, surely leading to bad things happening. We should take advantage of this disaster to dismiss them all. Bring back former Sikong Wang Chang and Changle Shao Fu Li Ying to participate in political affairs. This might help avert the disasters, and the country can be peaceful and prosperous. I have limited knowledge of the country's laws and regulations, but the memorial says "do not hide anything"; how could I possibly keep my thoughts to myself? I ask Your Majesty to make a decision!
Those treacherous officials were infuriated by his words and demoted him to Guangling to serve as a magistrate. He resigned and returned home.
Cao Shao, the son of the Central Attendant Cao Jie, became the Governor of Dong Commandery. He harbored a deep resentment towards Yang Bi and arrested him on unrelated charges for interrogation. Eventually, Yang Bi died in prison, and many mourned his fate. In the second year of Chuping, the Colonel Director of Retainers Zhao Lian submitted a memorial stating that Yang Bi was loyal and requested revenge for him, which resulted in the arrest and execution of Cao Shao.
It is worth noting that Deng Yu was not wrongfully killed, and the tomb of Liang's Prince Xiao remained intact. Individuals like Luan Bu and Du Zhou felt aggrieved and voiced their discontent through satirical poetry. The Yellow Turban Rebellion was rampant, and Yang Ziqi demonstrated remarkable foresight. The strategies employed in Wuling were indeed commendable, and Yu shared the same aspirations. Yang Bi angered the eunuchs, violated the taboos of the time, and ultimately died for justice. While the outcome was the same, the circumstances differed significantly.
