Li Yanzhi, courtesy name Jingzhen, nickname Molu, was a man from Di Dao from Longxi, and the younger cousin of Sikong Shao. He was well-known from a young age; everyone called him a wunderkind. His father, Sikong Chongya, held him in high regard and often said, "Our family’s future prosperity relies on this child!" He always supported him, treating him like his own son.
When he reached the age of twenty, he took the imperial examination to become a Xiucai, but did not pass. Later, he went on a trip to Beishan in Henei and considered a life of seclusion. At this time, Wang Xie of Pengcheng invited him to serve as a military officer and sincerely persuaded him to stay. Not long after, Li Biao recommended him to be a writer, allowing him to participate in compiling national history. He later became a Doctor at the National University, also served as a Langzhong in the Ministry of Rites, then as a Minister of the Palace Secretariat, a junior official in the Ministry of Agriculture, and a member of the Imperial Guard, while continuing to contribute to the compilation of national history. He was later promoted to the position of Taichang Qing.
During the early reign of Empress Xiaozhuang, Grand Marshal Yuan Tianmu marched north to quell Ge Rong's rebellion, and Li Yanzhi was appointed as the Imperial Censor and in charge of the Northern Army. After completing his mission, he was appointed as General of the Eastern Campaign, concurrently serving as Taichang. He was subsequently appointed as Guard General and Governor of Jingzhou. Not long after, he also took on the role of Left Supervisor of the Secretariat, Governor of the Three Jing and Two Ying, and was granted the title of Cavalier Attendant. Although Li Yanzhi always upheld the principles of Confucianism, he often told others, "Our ancestors were all military commanders," and boasted of having the boldness of a man from the west. After arriving in Jingzhou, he had a particular fondness for hunting to showcase his status.
Later, Er Zhu Zhao attacked Luoyang, and the governor of Nanyang, Zhao Xiuyan, falsely accused Li Yanzhi of wanting to defect to Xiao Yan because he was a relative of Zhuangdi. He also claimed that Li Yanzhi intended to attack the provincial capital, so he had him arrested. Zhao Xiuyan then took charge of the affairs of Jingzhou himself. The people in the city later killed Zhao Xiuyan and supported Li Yanzhi to continue serving as the governor of Jingzhou. When Emperor Xiaowu ascended the throne, Li Yanzhi was summoned by the court and held important positions such as Shizhong, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Left Minister of Rites, and Yitong Sansi. He passed away in the second year of Yongxi. After his death, the court posthumously awarded him the titles of Shizhong, General of the Flying Cavalry, Grand Minister of Works, and Governor of Yongzhou, and he was given the posthumous name Wen Jian.
Li Yanzhi was clever from a young age and was articulate; he had read classics, histories, and various other texts. Whenever the court encountered difficult issues, they frequently sought his counsel. He frequently said, "Cui Guang has extensive knowledge but lacks depth, while Liu Fang is deep but not broad; I am both deep and broad, and my knowledge surpasses those two." He was referring to Cui Guang and Liu Fang. Everyone acknowledged his broad knowledge, but no one said it was profound. At that time, people recognized him, but he often boasted about his own writing, and his maternal uncle, Chang Jing, would laugh at him and disagree. Whenever he took a break, he would always close the door to read and rarely interacted with others. He once told someone, "I like reading not for the sake of fame after death, but because I encounter different perspectives and new things, and my heart yearns to understand, so I tirelessly seek and explore, unable to stop myself. Is it for fame that I work so hard? This is my nature, not something I force myself to do." He served as a historian twice but left behind no works. Wang Yanming of Anfeng was knowledgeable and always sought Li Yanzhi to debate whenever he encountered questions, believing he was no match for him.
His two sons, Gang and Hui, accompanied the emperor into Guanzhong.
Zu Ying, whose courtesy name was Yuan Zhen, was from Qiu County, Fanyang. His great-grandfather, Zu Min, served as the governor of Pingyuan under Murong Chui. After the founding emperor conquered Zhongshan, he was granted the title of An Guzi and appointed as the Left Chancellor of the Ministry of Personnel. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of governor of Bingzhou. His grandfather, Zu Yi, courtesy name Yuan Da, was elevated to marquis for his contributions in helping the army pacify Pingyuan, eventually serving as the governor of Fengyi, and after his death, he was posthumously honored as the governor of Youzhou. His father, Zu Jizhen, was very learned and knowledgeable about many matters of previous dynasties, reaching the position of Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, and after his death, he was posthumously honored as General An Yuan and governor of Julu.
At the age of eight, Zu Ying could recite the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents; by the age of twelve, he became a student in the Imperial Secretariat. He had a particular love for learning and reading, studying day and night. His parents feared he would exhaust himself and tried to stop him, but he was undeterred. He often secretly kept a fire hidden in the ashes, sent the servants away, and after his parents fell asleep, he would light a fire to read, blocking the windows with clothes and blankets to prevent any light from escaping and being noticed. Because of this, he gained a very good reputation, and both people inside and outside the family called him "the Virtuous Boy." He was especially skilled in writing, and Gao Yun, the head of the Imperial Secretariat, often sighed, saying, "This child's talent and character are not something ordinary scholars can compare to; he will surely achieve great things in the future."
Dr. Zhang Tianlong was lecturing on the Book of Documents and chose him to teach the students of the entire school. The students all came to listen, and in order to attend the lecture, everyone stayed up late reading, becoming extremely tired, unaware of the dawn. The urgency to start the class grew, and Dr. Zhang, in a moment of haste, mistakenly took the "Book of Rites" of his roommate Li Xiaoyi from Zhao County to the podium. Dr. Zhang was known for his meticulousness and did not dare to switch books midway, so he placed the "Book of Rites" in front of him and, with determination, delivered his lecture on three chapters of the Book of Documents without skipping a single word.
After the class, Li Xiaoyi was taken aback and ran to tell Dr. Zhang about it, shocking everyone in the school. Later, this news reached Emperor Gaozu, and the emperor summoned Zhang to the palace, asking him to recite passages from the Five Classics and explain their profound meanings. The emperor was thoroughly impressed by his talent. After Dr. Zhang came out, Emperor Gaozu smiled at Lu Chang and said, "Previously, the Gonggong clan was banished to such a remote part of northern Youzhou; how did such a talent suddenly appear?" Lu Chang replied, "This must be a genius born for this era by heaven!" Due to this performance, Dr. Zhang was appointed as a Doctor of the Taixue and was also called to serve as a legal officer and military advisor to Wang Xie of Pengcheng. Emperor Gaozu specifically mentioned to Wang Xie, "Xiao Ze used Wang Yuanchang as his legal officer, and now I am using Zu Ying for you; are these two of the same caliber?" He then ordered Zu Ying to be responsible for Wang Xie's documentation work.
Zu Ying was celebrated alongside Chen Junyuan, both being the most outstanding talents of the time. People even came up with a catchy rhyme: "In the capital, Yuan and Zu shine; in Luozhong, Zu and Yuan dance." Later, Zu Ying received several promotions and became a Minister of the Three Dukes. Once, Minister Wang Su recited the poem "Sad Pingcheng" in the office:
"Sad Pingcheng, driving horses into the clouds. The Yin Mountains are always covered in snow, and the wild pines never cease to sway in the wind."
Wang Xie of Pengcheng thought the poem was beautifully written and wanted Wang Su to recite it again. However, he misspoke and said, "The style and rhythm of your recitation are excellent; can you recite another poem, 'Sad Pengcheng'?" Wang Su smiled and replied, "How did 'Sad Pingcheng' turn into 'Sad Pengcheng'?" Wang Xie felt slightly embarrassed. Zu Ying was also present and said, "You haven’t come across the poem 'Sad Pengcheng' yet!" Wang Su said, "Then recite it." Zu Ying promptly recited:
"Sad Pengcheng, with Chu songs rising on all sides. Corpses pile up at the stone bridge pavilion, blood flows in the Sui waters."
Wang Su greatly appreciated your help, and Pengcheng Wang Xie was also very happy. After Wang Su left, he said to Zu Ying, "You are truly a remarkable person! If it weren't for you today, I would have really been put in a difficult position by Wang Su!"
I was appointed as the Chief Historian of the Eastern Prefecture of Jizhou not long after, but for accepting bribes, I was directly dismissed. Later, Court Official Cui Guang recommended me to become a Doctor of the National University, and I was also appointed as the Left Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Li Chong became the commander of the Northern Expedition and appointed me as a chief officer. As a result, I was dismissed again for misappropriating military funds. Not long after, I became a Cavalry Officer.
During the Xiaochang era, an ancient jade seal was unearthed at the Wang family estate in Guangping, and the emperor ordered me and the Left Palace Attendant Li Yan to authenticate which dynasty it belonged to. I said, "This is a tribute from the king of Khotan during the Taikang era of the Jin dynasty." Then I used ink to obscure the characters, and sure enough, it matched my statement. People at the time praised me for my extensive knowledge and talent. Later, my official position rose higher, and I became the Ritual Official of the National University, while also serving as the Left Palace Attendant, the Chief Justice of Youzhou, and supervising daily affairs, as well as deliberating on matters. After Yuan Hao invaded Luoyang, he appointed me as the Minister of the Palace. When Emperor Zhuang returned to the palace, I was dismissed by Er Zhu Rong for having drafted an edict to impeach him. Later, I was made the Secretary of the Supervisory Office, while still retaining my position as Chief Justice. Because I participated in discussions on laws and calendars, I was also granted the title of Marquis of Rongcheng. Later, due to committing an offense, I was imprisoned in the Court of Judicial Affairs. The former Emperor Wei promoted me to General of the Chariots and Cavalry.
In the early days of Emperor Zhuang's later reign, Erzhu Zhao attacked Luoyang, and the soldiers set fire to the music bureau, leaving behind no bells, stones, or musical instruments. The Emperor then tasked me, along with the Chief Librarian Long Sun Zhi and the Attendant Yuan Fu, with restoring the classical metal and stone music, which took a full three years to complete, as recorded in the "Music Annals." After that, I was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry. When Emperor Chu came to power, I oversaw the sacrificial rituals at the Ministry of Rites and was granted the title of Viscount of Wen'an. In the early years of Tianping, the court planned to relocate the capital to Ye City, and Qi Xian Wu Wang summoned me to discuss this matter. In recognition of my contributions, I was promoted to Secretary of the Three Excellencies, and my title was elevated to Count. Later, upon my death, I was posthumously honored with the titles of Left Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, Duke of the State, and Governor of Jizhou.
I was recognized for my literary talent and often told others, "When writing, one must have their own ideas and form a unique style. How can one always plagiarize others?" This was, in fact, a satire aimed at those who indulge in plagiarism. My writings were indeed talented, but my writing quality was inconsistent, with both strengths and weaknesses, and compared to Yuan Hong and Chang Qu, I was somewhat lacking. I had a bold and chivalrous character, marked by a strong sense of integrity. I always did my best to assist those impoverished scholars who sought my help, and many people praised me for this. My collected works have been preserved through the ages. My son Ting, styled Xiaozheng, inherited my title.
Chang Jing, known by his style name Yongchang, hailed from Henan. His father, Wen Tong, served as the Prefect of Tianshui. Chang Jing displayed remarkable intelligence from a young age, beginning his studies with the Analects and the Book of Songs, memorizing everything in one go. As he matured, he exhibited significant talent and a passion for writing. The Minister of Justice, Gong Sun Liang, recommended him as a legal scholar, and the founding Emperor himself took note of his name and subsequently appointed him. He then took on roles as a Recorder of the Palace and a Scholar in the Ministry of Rites. In the early years of the Zhengshi period, the Emperor issued an edict directing the Secretariat and the officials of the Ministry of the Palace to review and discuss laws and regulations in the Golden Yong City, and ordered Chang Jing to participate in the discussions.
General Gao Xian has died; he was the uncle of Emperor Shizong. His brother Gao Zhao, the Right Chancellor, privately asked Chang Jing, Xing Luan, Gao Cong, and Xu Ge to each write an inscription and then submit them together to the Emperor. Emperor Shizong gave these inscriptions to Cui Guang, the palace attendant, for review. Cui Guang believed Chang Jing's inscription was the best and reported, "Although Chang Jing's reputation and status are lower than the others, his writing surpasses theirs." Thus, Chang Jing's inscription was engraved on the stone.
Gao Zhao married Princess Pingyang, but shortly thereafter, the princess passed away. Gao Zhao wanted the princess's household steward to observe mourning customs for subjects, so he had the scholars discuss the matter to see how it could be implemented. The Minister of Personnel further sought the opinion of Chang Jing, who believed that a woman could not be a sovereign and that the household steward should not have the rites of a subject. He argued, "The essence of mourning and burial rites lies in expressing emotions based on actual circumstances; the significance and urgency of rites depend on the intensity of emotions. Although these principles relate to the rise and fall of a nation and have undergone a long history, the principles underlying the establishment of rites and the distinctions of rank are fundamentally similar. Therefore, subjects serve the sovereign to express respect and reverence; serving the mother or wife of the sovereign is to follow rites and norms. However, lords and ministers serve the sovereign because they possess land and subjects; those who do not observe mourning rites do so because they do not hold hereditary titles. Now that the princess is married, although she has gained a title, the matter is unrelated to the city where the sovereign resides, and the reasoning is different from that of lords with fiefs. Why is this so? When lords establish a nation, they set up subjects and officials, and while alive, they must fulfill their duty of service; when dead, they must observe burial rites. However, the princess's household steward is unique, and below him, all are appointed by the princess, lacking both the ceremonial service and the rites of subjects. The reason the princess established a household steward was to oversee the affairs of the princess's household, preventing external matters from interfering with internal governance, ensuring smooth operations, thus relying on the household steward. Therefore, the household steward is merely responsible for liaising between internal and external affairs and managing the princess's residence, unrelated to the principles of sovereign and subjects, or nominal distinctions. From this, we deduce that the household steward cannot be considered a genuine subject, and the princess cannot be regarded as a genuine sovereign; this is quite clear. Moreover, there is no historical record in ancient rites of women serving as sovereigns while men serve as subjects, nor is there any precedent in previous dynasties. However, the Four Gates scholars Pei Dao Guang, Sun Rong Yi, and others believe that the princess is a sovereign and the household steward is a subject, and they should observe mourning rites for subjects, which is completely unreasonable. Zhang Xu Jing, Wu Nan Ji, and others also do not consider the distinction between sovereign and subjects, nor do they explore the rationale for mourning; their opinions are similar, desiring to replicate the mourning rites of the princess's mother. From both a nominal and practical standpoint, this assertion is unreasonable. I believe that the princess's title does not confer the real power of a sovereign like the ancient lords; the position of the household steward is not that of a true subject. If we were to conduct the rites according to the mother's mourning, then the expression of emotions would not be realized; if we were to conduct it according to the mourning of a small nation's sovereign, then the rites of mourning would lack basis. According to the classics and rites, there are no written regulations on this matter; I believe that mourning should not be observed.
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The court took his advice.
Mr. Jing had been in the court for many years without promotion, feeling rather disheartened. He saw that the four great talents from Shu, Sima Xiangru, Wang Bao, Yan Junping, and Yang Ziyun, all had outstanding talents but were not given their due recognition. He wrote four poems to express his feelings for them, which can be seen as speaking up for them.
First, regarding Sima Xiangru, he wrote: "Sima has exceptional talent, with a unique spirit, unafraid to stand apart. As elegant as springtime smoke, as bright as the autumn moon. Although he is good at benevolence, he often feigns illness while serving in the Han. Integrity isn’t my pursuit; wealth and poverty are all left to fate." This means that Sima Xiangru, with his outstanding talent and unique character, is like the light smoke rising in spring and the bright moonlight in autumn, which is stunning. Although he served as an official in Liang, he often feigned illness and did not attend court in Han.
Next is Wang Ziyuan, Mr. Jing described him as: "Wang Ziyuan is quite refined, with a spirit that soars. Like a rare gem, a white swan that stands out from the crowd. If the talent does not fit the world, one's path is shaped by their own choices. In vain, he offers his talents, only to produce empty works." This poem describes Wang Ziyuan as a talented and extraordinary person, like a shining pearl and a white swan standing out. Unfortunately, his talent is not appreciated by the world, and he bears the hardships of fate himself. It’s a pity that he possesses such great talent yet can only produce empty works.
Then there is Yan Junping. Mr. Jing wrote: "Mr. Yan's demeanor is calm, his aspirations are as clear as frost and snow. He conveys deep insights through nuanced language, and his explanations are wonderfully insightful. His talent surpasses that of Luo Zhong, but his position is not as high as that of Li Qiang. He is of noble character, honest and upright, surpassing even gold and jade." The meaning of this poem is that Mr. Yan is calm and composed, with lofty ideals, as pure as the frost and snow of winter. He is knowledgeable and talented, able to explain principles in an accessible manner, and his talent far exceeds that of Luo Zhong, although his status is not as high as Li Qiang. He possesses noble morals, integrity, and righteousness, far surpassing gold and jade.
Finally, there is Yang Ziyun, and Mr. Jing's poem is written as follows: "The Shu River guides the clear flow, Yangzi savors the remaining tranquility. With brilliance that surpasses later scholars, he cultivates deep thoughts rooted in antiquity. He has long been overlooked by the world, and his profound discussions are free from material pursuits. On the path, he declines the favors of power, choosing to drink alone and leisurely." This poem states that just as the waters of the Shu River flow endlessly, Yang Ziyun has inherited the excellent traditions of his predecessors and is one of the few talents of later generations. He is knowledgeable and talented, yet unappreciated by the world, indifferent to fame and fortune, not pursuing power or status, but preferring to drink alone and enjoy leisure.
Mr. Jing worked in the Privy Council for over ten years and gained recognition and promotion from officials such as Chamberlain Cui Guang, Lu Chang, You Zhao, and Yuan Hui. He rose step by step, serving successively as General of Archery and Secretary of State. Upon the completion of the Crown Prince's palace, he also took on the role of Crown Prince's Cavalry Commander while retaining his other positions. That year, he was tasked with drafting the edict for the Ministry of Rites, writing a total of forty volumes. Later, when Minister Yuan Chang was appointed as General of Anxi and Governor of Yongzhou, he recommended Mr. Jing as his Sima, but due to Mr. Jing's insufficient official rank, he was instead appointed as a Registrar and General of Xiangwei, concurrently serving as the Prefect of Chang'an. During his time as an official in Chang'an, he achieved notable political accomplishments and was deeply loved by both the common people and officials.
According to accounts, Liu Fang from Taichang and Mr. Jing, along with others, were drafting court decrees together, and before they could be promulgated and implemented, they first needed to organize the ceremonial notes, much of which was created from scratch. Before it was completed, Liu Fang passed away, and Mr. Jing took over and finished the work. Later, after Emperor Shizong passed away, Mr. Jing was summoned back to the capital to continue revising the ceremonial notes. The court appointed him to the position of Assistant Minister and conferred upon him the title of General Ningyuan, while concurrently serving as a Sheren. He was subsequently appointed as a Captain of Infantry, still retaining his position as Sheren. The emperor also ordered him to write about the court ceremonies that took place following the Taihe era, resulting in over fifty volumes. At that time, Empress Ling issued an edict, following the example of Empresses Yin Lihua and Deng Sui of the Han dynasty, to personally participate in sacrifices and perform rituals alongside the emperor. Mr. Jing made a strong case and ultimately finalized the version of the ceremonial notes, which the court adopted. During the early years of the Zhengguang era, he was appointed as General Longxiang and a Senior Official, still serving concurrently as Sheren.
At that time, Emperor Suzong held a lecture ceremony at the Guozijian, with Minister Cui Guang serving as the main speaker. The emperor also ordered Mr. Jing and Dong Shao, Zhang Che, Feng Yuanxing, Wang Yanye, Zheng Boyou, and others to be responsible for recording and explaining the content. After the lecture, a sacrificial ceremony was held, and the emperor ordered all officials to write sacrificial poems, and Mr. Jing's poem was deemed the best.
In September of the same year, the leader of the Rouran, Anagui, came to pay respects, and the court was uncertain about how to arrange his rank. King Gaoyang Yong came to consult Mr. Jing, who said, "In the previous Xian Ning era, when the Chanyu of the Southern Xiongnu came to pay respects, the Jin dynasty placed him below the princes and special ministers. Today, with Anagui coming to pay respects, his rank should be placed between the foreign kings and the Yitong Sansi." King Gaoyang adopted his advice. Whenever the court encountered uncertainties about regulations and systems, they often sought Mr. Jing's counsel and executed according to his opinions.
Earlier, after pacifying the State of Qi, the Grand Minister of Ceremonies Gao Cong was transferred to Beijing. The Chief Minister Gao Yun arranged for him to marry and also provided him with housing and assets. Later, Gao Cong erected a monument for Gao Yun, always saying, "This inscription is sufficient to repay his kindness." The Inspector of Yuzhou, Chang Chuo, felt that this was not sufficient to express Gao Cong's gratitude. Mr. Jing, who greatly admired Gao Yun's talent, first composed a "Praise of His Virtue." The Minister of Works, Cui Guang, heard about this and pondered over the praise for a long time, finally saying, "Gao Guanglu always boasts about his own writings, believing he has fully repaid Gao Yun's kindness. Now, seeing the 'Praise' written by Chang Chuo, the Gao family cannot claim this praise for themselves." The Chamberlain Cui Guang and Prince Anfeng Yanming were ordered to discuss the dress code, and the emperor also commanded Mr. Jing to take part in the revisions. Soon after, Mr. Jing was promoted to General of Champion.
After Anagui returned home, he was held up at the border for quite some time and continued to live in poverty. The court sent the Left Minister Yuan Fu to comfort him and provide relief, but Anagui took Yuan Fu to Rouxuan and then escaped to the northern wilderness. The court then sent the Minister of Works Li Chong and the Inspector General Yuan Zuan to pursue him, but they were unable to catch him. Ultimately, the court dispatched Jing to the frontier, passing through the Tanshan Mountains and reaching the Han Sea, and after delivering the imperial edict to the Chille people, he returned.
Jing strolled along the road, pausing intermittently, admiring the mountains and rivers, overcome with emotions as he reminisced about the past. Thus, he drew inspiration from Liu Kun's "Fu Feng Ge" and wrote twelve poems. Later, he was promoted by the court to General of the Suppression of Rebels. In the early years of the Xiaochang era, he also took on the role of Assistant Minister of the Yellow Gate. Soon after, he was appointed as the Left General and Minor Minister in the Grand Palace, while also acting as a Gentleman-in-Waiting. He firmly declined the position of Minor Minister and instead took on the role of Regular Attendant, while still retaining the general's position. The Xuzhou Inspector, Yuan Faseng, rebelled and defected to Xiao Yan, who sent his Prince of Yuzhang, Xiao Zong, to occupy Pengcheng. At that time, Prince Anfeng Yanming was the Grand Commander and Chief of Staff, leading a large army to campaign against them alongside generals like Linhuai Wang Yu. Later, Xiao Zong surrendered, and Xuzhou was recaptured. The court then appointed Jing as the Minister of State, instructing him to quickly deliver the emperor's orders to the Chief of Staff and Grand Commander, to assist them in managing affairs as needed. While passing through Luorui, Jing composed an inscription. At that time, Minister of State Xiao Baojin, Commander Cui Yanbo, Prince of Beihai Hao, and General Yuan Hengzhi were all leading their troops into battle. The court ordered Jing to go to the army to deliver the imperial edict and comfort the soldiers. Upon his return, the court reinstated him as the Inspector of Xuzhou, maintaining his original position as a general.
Du Luozhou rebelled in Yanzhou, and the court appointed Jing Jian, the Minister, to serve as the acting commander of the military, along with the Governor of Youzhou and General Pingbei Yuan Tan to confront him. Jing reported that he hoped to concentrate the residents of Youzhou's counties into the ancient city, since the mountain roads had many spots that could be used by bandits. He requested the court to allow the conscription of laborers and to establish defenses based on the circumstances to block the enemy. He also mentioned that not all of the recently conscripted soldiers were strong; those currently serving as county heads were mainly from affluent families with many sons and grandsons, and he requested permission to conscript them into military service. Emperor Suzong approved his request. Jing was promoted to General of Pingbei. The court also issued a special order for Yuan Tan to occupy the military pass of Gunduguan to the west and the Lulong Pass to the north, to hold these two strategic positions and cut off the bandits' access. An edict was issued directing Jing to construct defensive fortifications in the perilous mountain regions. Jing dispatched the deputy registrar of the prefecture, Pei Zhicheng, to gather troops from the county heads of Fanyang to defend Baishan, while Governor Yuan Tan held the Juyong Pass.
Not long after, the soldiers from the three garrisons of Shili, Rongcheng, and Huyan in Anzhou rebelled and joined forces with Du Luozhou, amassing more than twenty thousand men, and set off from Songtan heading towards Du Luozhou. Yuan Tan ordered his subordinate Cui Zhongzhe and others to defend Junduguan and await their arrival. Cui Zhongzhe was killed in battle, and Du Luozhou launched an attack from outside the garrison. Yuan Tan faced enemies from both sides and suffered a great defeat, resulting in his army dispersing by night. The court issued an edict appointing Li Jun, a general under Jing, as the commander to replace Yuan Tan in guarding Juyong Pass, demoting Jing to the position of General of the Rear and relieving him of his governorship, while also appointing him as the acting governor of four provinces, including You, An, and Xuan. The rebel army moved south, raiding Jicheng. Jing ordered General Liang Zhongli to lead the soldiers to intercept them, defeating the rebels and capturing the commander of the Yuyi Town forces, Sun Nianheng. Li Jun's forces were attacked by the rebel army, and the troops to the north of Jicheng were defeated, resulting in the deaths of all the soldiers. The inhabitants of the city resisted together, and the rebel army was deterred from approaching. Du Luozhou then captured Shanggu. Jing was awarded the titles of General of Pacifying the North and Grand Master of the Palace, while his role as acting governor remained the same.
Du Luozhou sent his commander Wang Caohen, Ma Chijin, and others to lead troops to the south of Jicheng to plunder grain, but they were met with continuous heavy rain, which left the rebel army exhausted. Jing, along with commanders Yu Rong and Governor Wang Yannian, set an ambush in Suguo to intercept the rebel forces. Consequently, they inflicted a heavy defeat on the rebel army, killing Wang Caohen. Du Luozhou led his troops south once again to attack Fanyang, and Jing, along with Wang Yannian and Yu Rong, defeated him again. They sent other generals to Hu Yan Spring in the west of the province to deal another heavy blow to them, resulting in the capture, death, or drowning of many rebel soldiers. Later, Du Luozhou advanced south to lay siege to Fanyang, and the inhabitants of the city rebelled and subsequently surrendered, handing over both Governor Wang Yannian and Jing to Du Luozhou. Du Luozhou was soon eliminated by Ge Rong, and Jing then submitted to Ge Rong. Following Ge Rong's defeat, Jing was able to return to the imperial court.
At the beginning of the Yong'an era, the emperor reappointed him to his original official position and also added the title of Attendant of the Yellow Gate, while letting him act as the Chief of Writings. However, he firmly declined the offer. After two years, he was appointed as the General of the Imperial Army and the Chief Huangmen. Prior to this, he participated in the revision of the "Zhengguang Renzi Calendar," for which the emperor granted him the title of Count of Gaoyang. Later, when Yuan Hao invaded, the emperor (Zhuangdi) had to flee north. He, along with the Shizhong, Grand Marshal, and Prince Anyang Yanming, gathered the royal relatives and ministers in the palace to stabilize the situation in the capital. After Yuan Hao captured Luoyang, he remained in his original position. Upon the emperor's return to the palace, he resigned as Attendant of the Yellow Gate.
At the beginning of the Putai era, he was once again appointed as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Right Grand Master, and Secretary Supervisor. Because he was diligent in issuing edicts, the emperor granted him the title of Count of Puyang. Later, according to custom, this title was posthumously conferred upon his descendants. In the second year of Yongxi, he served in the position of supervising discussions. From youth to old age, he dedicated himself to serving the court, being honest and frugal, never seeking personal gain, and was content with merely making ends meet. He had a particular fondness for reading classics and historical texts, and whenever he came across new books, he would find ways to seek them out, even going to great lengths to buy them, regardless of the price, insisting on acquiring them.
His friend Diao Zheng often advised him, saying, "You are so honest and upright, and you do not run a family business. Although your frugality is commendable, what will you rely on for a living in the future? I worry you might end up like Zhi Taichang, ultimately starving to death in a valley!" Thus, taking his financial difficulties into account, he and General Wei Yang Shen, along with Diao Shuang, Sima Yanyong, Li Xie, Bi Zuyan, and Bi Yixian, each donated a thousand wen to buy him a horse.
At the beginning of the Tianping period, the court moved the capital to Ye City, and he only brought a horse to follow the emperor. At that time, the court ordered that the relocation be completed within three days, and 400,000 families fled in a hurry. The court also confiscated officials' horses, and those ranked below Minister and Deputy Minister could only ride donkeys unless they were accompanying the emperor. King Xian of Qi was aware of his family's poverty, so he allocated him four carts and a few oxen, so his family could reach Ye City without trouble. Later, he was appointed as the Minister of Ceremonies and continued to hold his original position as a general. In the sixth year of Wuding, because of his old age and ill health, he resigned from his official position. The emperor issued a decree that said: "Leaning on a cane and riding in a comfortable carriage shows respect for the elderly and honors the wise, a tradition that dates back to ancient times. Mr. Jing is knowledgeable and well-versed in literature and history, having served in the three capitals over five dynasties. He has been loyal in his duties and law-abiding, and after he had exhausted his salary, his family was left destitute. He deserves special care to honor this elder. We will grant him the salary of a Right Grand Minister, so he can enjoy his later years in peace." Eight years later, he passed away.
Jing Shan was consistent in how he dealt with others, and those who knew him admired his foresight. He was never seen to be proud or stingy. He enjoyed drinking, was indifferent to fame and riches, and felt fulfilled and at ease with himself, never currying favor with the powerful. He was straightforward, respectful, and cautious. Every time he read, when he saw dangerous situations like those caused by Wei Xian's superficial judgments, he would draw on ancient examples to caution himself, comparing situations to illustrations, expressing his admiration and narrating, saying:
In "Zhou Ya," it is said: "When you feel the sky is high, you dare not stand tall; when you feel the earth is thick, you dare not act recklessly." A reclusive court minister used this to warn scholars, and so he awakened and fearfully said: "When moral integrity is lost, society will topple; when one seeks profit, one will become frivolous. Therefore, one must adhere to the virtues of harmony and humility, engrave them in the annals of history, nip minor issues in the bud, and be cautious in solitude, documenting it like a work of art. Although the words of 'Zhou Ya' are obscure, the message is clear. When gazing up at the high sky, one should listen with humility and caution; when looking down at the thick earth, one must be as steady as a mountain and as calm as a pond. Who can carry its weight without bias or fear? Who can trample it without falling or being trapped? Hence, good and evil leave their marks, and all things have their unique differences. If one is proud and arrogant, it will not last long, and people will keep their distance. Alas! Even if the earth is so heavy, one must be diligent. Who truly understands the mirage of fame and fortune? One may wish to grasp it but cannot, may wish to hear it clearly but cannot. Therefore, one must be vigilant about obvious matters and even more so about subtle ones. The desire for fine wine is the beginning of disaster, and ostentation is the foundation of calamity. Being obsessed with salaries and benefits will lead to disputes in words and actions. Some are endlessly greedy, while others are content but still want more. Thus, the higher the position, the more dangerous the situation; when one's conduct is upright, evil will only grow more deceptive. Where is the idea that reaching the top doesn't come without risks, or that evil flourishes while integrity does not decline? Therefore, regret is heavier than the earth, and disaster looms larger than the sky. When calamity has not yet arrived, who is willing to bow down? When disaster has not yet descended, who is willing to be cautious? People often think to fix things only after they break down, and when the vehicle overturns, they think of changing the route. By the time change is needed, it’s already too late, like a clever rabbit losing its warren; by the time regret sets in, it is like touching a reverse scale, easily inviting disaster.
A true gentleman is not like that. When he feels at ease, he thinks about reading and studying; when he sees others in difficulty, he thinks about helping them. He understands that a lady's virtue is as noble and unreachable as the stars in the sky, while the status of high officials and nobility is as dangerous as an unfathomable abyss. Even if offered many advantages, he will not compete for them; even if his official position is lowered, his heart remains steadfast. He always insists on doing good deeds and remains vigilant before failure occurs. Even when things go smoothly, he is cautious to prevent any accidents; even when the road is clear, he is always mindful of potential obstacles. He sees aligning with the will of heaven as the secret to longevity and regards optimism and openness as the greatest blessings; he restrains his talents and follows the trends of the times; he feigns ignorance while navigating the world. He is humble and cautious, treading carefully. Even if decisions made during the day are settled, he still contemplates how to improve at night; although he speaks clearly, he carefully contemplates in his heart to see if it is appropriate. As a result, he remains unaffected by others' influence or temptation, dispelling the slander of petty people; he holds neither a reputation for disgrace nor for praise, nor does he lose the trust of heaven. His character is as unyielding as gold and stone, and his reputation will endure with heaven and earth. The noise and competition of the outside world cannot disturb his peace; he navigates life freely and moves forward on his own.
Because of this, he can reside peacefully in luxurious houses and splendid gates; he can enjoy fine clothes and delicacies. Like Liu Xiang, who was dismissed three times without showing anger, he would not be angry; like Ziwen, who was promoted three times without showing joy, he would not be pleased.
Ah, those foolish people, seeing that those in high status can wield power, think they can gain glory through their high position; seeing the righteous path can cultivate their character, think they can wholeheartedly follow the righteous path to gain fame. In reality, only by letting go of fame can one truly establish a reputation; why feel the need to boast about following the righteous path? Only by first considering danger can stability be secured; why rely on the righteous path for self-preservation? Therefore, a true gentleman understands that relying solely on the righteous path won't lead to lasting reputation, so they abandon fame and embrace the righteous path; they recognize that focusing solely on the righteous path cannot help them retain power, so they forsake power and uphold the righteous path. Why? Because even with high status, arrogance is inevitable; even if one pursues fame through the righteous path, regret is unavoidable. Thus, when fame becomes too extravagant and ostentatious, it actually leads to emptiness and decline; as one's achievements grow, their status diminishes. In this way, one's intelligence can become clouded, and indulgence will naturally arise. Feelings and morality become estranged, and actions align with power. At that time, one will try to maintain power with their thoughts, seeking comfort through power. Therefore, the desire for gain will tempt people's feelings, and calamities will ensue. When desires for benefits intertwine, light and darkness will transform into one another; when disasters and hardships come one after another, wisdom and strategies will have no place to be applied. Such people, even if they hold titles and occupy high positions, how can they ever find peace? Even if dressed in jade and serving in the palace, how can they gain glory? Thus, personal cultivation and the exploration of the path are still incomplete, while the pursuit of wrongdoing has already emerged; achievements have not yet been established, yet methods for correcting errors have already appeared. Fortune and blessings face setbacks due to unfavorable circumstances; disasters and hardships follow one after another due to turbulent times. Loyal and upright individuals, even when they reflect on their hearts in broad daylight, and those who are honest and upright, even in the depths of darkness, their integrity will be as unyielding as bone.
Therefore, the fate of foolishness and wisdom, the destiny of ups and downs, and the foundation of success and failure all hinge on humility and obedience! Oh, let this be a lesson! Let this serve as a reminder!
Chang Jing wrote hundreds of articles that have been passed down through the ages. He also edited and polished the "博物志" by Zhang Hua from the Jin Dynasty, and authored dozens of pieces for "The Confucian Grove" and "The Biographies of Exemplary Women." His eldest son, Chang Chang, was knowledgeable and talented from a young age, but sadly passed away at a young age. Chang Chang's younger brother, Chang Biao, served as a military officer in the Ministry of Works during the Yong'an period. The historian remarked: Chang Yan was studious and knowledgeable, a pillar of the state; Chang Zuying was talented and skilled in application, a rare talent of the time; Chang Jing excelled in writing and was well-known in his time. His surviving manuscripts are truly impressive!
