Cui Guang, originally named Cui Xiaobo and styled Changren, was a name given to him by Emperor Gaozu. He was from Xuxian County in Dongqinghe. His grandfather, Cui Kuang, followed Murong De across the Yellow River and settled in Qingzhou. After the fall of the Murong clan, Cui Kuang served as the governor of Yueling under Liu Yilong. His father, Cui Lingyan, was a general of Longxiang under Liu Jun and the governor of Changguang, resisting the imperial army alongside Cui Daogu, the governor of Jizhou under Liu Yu.
When Murong Baiyao pacified the Three Qis, Cui Guang was seventeen and moved with his father. His family was poor, but he loved studying very much; he farmed during the day and read at night, supporting his parents by copying books for others. In the sixth year of Taihe, he was appointed as a Doctor of the Central Secretariat, later promoted to an Academician, drafting state documents alongside Secretary Li Biao. He then rose to the position of Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat and was held in high regard by Emperor Gaozu. The emperor often said, "Xiaobo's talents flow as powerfully as the Yellow River; he is truly the literary sage of our era!" Because he participated in the plans to relocate the capital, he was granted the title of Chaoyangzi and appointed as an Imperial Attendant, while retaining his roles as Deputy Minister of the Yellow Gate and Academician, and also serving as the Tutor to the Crown Prince. Soon after, he also took on the role of Imperial Attendant and was appointed as an envoy with special authority, sent to Shaanxi for inspections. Along the way, he composed thirty-eight poems inspired by the historical sites he visited. Upon his return, he continued to serve as an Imperial Attendant, and due to his outstanding strategies and achievements, his title was elevated to that of a Marquis.
Cui Guang has always been generous since childhood, without showing his emotions. When he was slandered, he always responded with kind words, and even when wronged, he never defended himself. In the early years of the Huangxing period, two people from the same county were enslaved. Later, they sought help from Cui Guang, who used his own money to redeem them. Emperor Gaozu heard about this and held him in high regard. Although he held a high-ranking position, he never focused on handling documents; he calmly participated in discussions, assisting the court with major matters. Emperor Gaozu often told his ministers, "Cui Guang is talented and broad-minded; if all goes well, he will surely become the Minister of Works in twenty years." This demonstrates Emperor Gaozu's high regard for him. He also fought alongside the emperor to defeat Chen Xianda. After Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, he officially appointed him as a court attendant.
At first, the author collaborated with Li Biao on drafting state documents. As the Taihe period was nearing its end, Li Biao resigned from his role as a writer and focused solely on historical matters, handing this task over to the author. Later, Li Biao was dismissed because of an error. At that time, Emperor Shizong was a bit confused, and Li Biao submitted a request to be allowed to revise the "Book of Wei," and the emperor approved it. So, Li Biao wrote the historical book in plain clothes at the Secretariat. Although the author was also serving as a historian at that time, he knew that Li Biao was determined to complete this work, so he requested to resign from his roles as court attendant and writer to give Li Biao the opportunity, but Emperor Shizong refused. Eventually, the author was promoted to Minister of Rites and also served as the Chief Official of Qizhou.
In the summer of the first year of the Zhengshi era, there was a historian in charge of documents named Shi Yuanxian, who presented a chicken with four legs and four wings. The emperor ordered the attendant Zhao Yong to inquire of the author what this omen meant. The author submitted a written response stating: I carefully reviewed the records found in the "Book of Han: Treatise on the Five Elements": In the first year of Emperor Xuan's Huanglong era, in the corridor of the Weiyang Palace, a hen transformed into a rooster, its feathers had changed, but it did not crow and had no spurs. In the early years of Emperor Yuan, in the home of the Chancellor's historian, a hen hatched eggs and gradually transformed into a rooster, growing a comb and spurs, and it could crow. In the Yongguang era, someone presented a rooster with long horns. Liu Xiang believed that the chicken was a small domestic animal, symbolizing the minor officials responsible for governance, representing the small officials in charge of state affairs. This means that minor officials would use the monarch's power to harm governance, just like Shi Xian did. By the first year of the Jingning era, Shi Xian was ultimately punished and executed, which perfectly fulfilled the earlier omen. In the first year of the Guanghe era under Emperor Ling, in the South Palace Temple, a hen was about to transform into a rooster; its entire body had changed like a rooster, but it had not yet grown a comb on its head. The emperor ordered the inquiry of the official Cai Yong, who replied: "If the form of the chicken is not proper, it will bring disaster. I privately speculate that the head of the chicken symbolizes the ruler. Now this chicken has changed all over, but its head has not changed, and the emperor is aware of this situation; this is a sign of something that is imminent, but has not yet fully materialized. If the emperor does not take this seriously and governance does not change, once the comb grows, the consequences will be even more severe." Afterward, Zhang Jiao raised an army to rebel, calling himself the "Yellow Turban Thief," leading to turmoil in all directions, with the people exhausted from forced labor and taxes, resulting in many rebellions. The emperor did not change the governance, ultimately leading to great chaos in the world. While the appearance of this chicken differs from that of the Han dynasty, its omen remains notably similar. Both Liu Xiang and Cai Yong were knowledgeable and talented individuals; they verified the truth of events based on their findings, and their interpretations are well-founded and warrant caution.
I said, those people are like birds, with many wings and talons, supporting each other. They are still young, their feathers are not fully grown, their power is weak, and they are easy to control. I have heard that the appearance of disasters is meant to show fortune and misfortune. A wise ruler sees these and becomes fearful, which in turn attracts blessings; however, a foolish ruler turns a blind eye and instead invites calamity. There are many such examples in the history of the Classic of Poetry, Classic of History, and Chronicles, as well as in the Qin and Han dynasties, which you should all know. Now, some people diminish their status yet still manage to participate in politics; they are probably similar to those powerful ministers from the past.
In the south, countless people have died in the chaos of war, with bones scattered everywhere. The living are filled with hatred, and the dead have become vengeful spirits. The army of Yiyang is stationed there, and summer has not yet returned; the people of the Jingman region are quite shrewd, causing delays for the soldiers in battle. The eastern region is transporting supplies, sending out more than returning; the common people are impoverished, and many have taken their own lives. In the north, frost has descended, and the women who tend to silkworms have ceased their work; everything is withering away, worse than ever before. This echoes the time when Jia Yi wept bitterly and Gu Yong offered his earnest counsel. The Minister of Justice wants to carry out the death penalty, but you have stopped him. You are the guardians of the people and should show them compassion! The country is at war, and using troops is as dangerous as handling fire; internal and external resentments are piling up, making it easy for unrest to occur. If you indulge in pleasure and ignore the major affairs of the world, do you not consider how challenging it was for Emperor Taizu to unify the realm and how hard the late emperor worked to manage it?
I hope you can keep your eyes wide open, stay alert to what's happening around you, treat those around you with kindness, and keep an eye on those who hold too much power. In the past, those like Deng Tong and Dong Xian were favored, but in the end, that favoritism ended up hurting them. You should also cut back on some luxurious pleasures; there can be fewer banquets, and make sure to pay your respects at the ancestral temple when the time comes. You should also show greater respect for your elders. Look into the situations all around, let the common people take a breather, issue more kind-hearted orders, and provide relief to the impoverished. Cut back on spending for building palaces and ponds, reduce indulgent pleasures, take care of state affairs during the day, and get some good rest at night. Listen to a wide range of opinions, promote capable individuals, and dismiss the treacherous. In this way, the common people will be able to live and work in peace, evil will disappear, and good fortune will descend.
The emperor was very pleased after reading the memorial. A few days later, Ru Hao and others were executed for their crimes, which boosted Li Guang's status even more, and he was conferred the title of General of the Protectorate Army.
In August, Guang Biao reported: "On the 28th, something appeared to the west of the Taiji Palace, and the emperor wanted me to check it out. I observed its shape, which looks like what Zhuangzi called 'steam fungi.' Zhuangzi also said, 'The morning mushroom does not last through the new moon,' and Yongmen Zhou said, 'Sharpen the axe to cut the morning mushroom.' This suggests it’s formed from condensed steam, lacking roots and stems, with a soft and fragile texture, quickly wilting and decaying, and it won't last more than ten days or so, so there’s no need for an axe to chop it down. This kind of fungus usually grows in damp, dirty spots in the wilderness and rarely appears in tall palaces. However, now, our palace is grand and beautiful, the walls are built very solidly, with no dirt or decay, yet this kind of fungus has suddenly popped up here, and it’s thriving, and that’s definitely strange!"
"In the past, when wild grass grew in the royal court and wild birds flew into the temple, the ancients believed this was an omen of the nation's decline. However, those who cultivate virtue out of fear of disaster ultimately achieve good outcomes; just as strange occurrences happen before a family's prosperity and strange creatures appear before a nation's flourishing. Thus, the mulberry trees and millet protect the courtyard, and as a result, Tai Wu's reign prospered; the pheasants gathered around the cauldron, and therefore, Wu Ding's reign brought peace to the world. Now, just like magpies nesting in temples and owls hooting in palaces, this fungus has surprisingly sprouted right in the middle of the guest seating area. According to previous records, this can indeed serve as a warning!"
"Moreover, the war in the southeast has not yet subsided; conflict rages on, the fields in the outskirts have suffered from a prolonged drought, the people are exhausted, and resources are scarce; the situation is more severe than ever before. As subjects raised by the Son of Heaven, we should be even more compassionate towards the sufferings of the people. I hope Your Majesty can emulate the two emperors of the Yin and Shang dynasties, understand the meaning of change, remain humble and cautious, and wholeheartedly cultivate the path of enlightenment. Cut back on nighttime feasts and moderate the morning court meals, maintain a strong and healthy body, and uphold a pure character; in this way, the state of Wei can remain prosperous forever, and Your Majesty's life may endure as long as the mountains."
In the autumn of the fourth year, I was promoted to Chancellor and also granted the title of General of the Eastern Command. In the autumn of the first year of Yongping, there were plans to execute Yuan Yu's concubine, Lady Li, and no official in the court dared to speak up. The emperor asked me to draft the edict, but after much hesitation, I hesitated to put pen to paper. Instead, I submitted a report saying, "I have heard that there are plans to execute Yuan Yu's concubine, Lady Li, in a particularly cruel manner. She has spread false words and incited rebellion, and she certainly deserves to die. However, there are rumors circulating that Lady Li is currently pregnant, and according to custom, the execution should be delayed until after she gives birth. Moreover, I have consulted past texts and considered recent events, and killing a pregnant woman and performing a cesarean to retrieve the child afterward is a brutal punishment. Only tyrants like Xia Jie and Shang Zhou would resort to such acts. The actions of a monarch should be recorded in history, and must be upright and aboveboard; if their actions are cruel and violate the law, how will they justify it to future generations? Your Majesty, you are getting older, and there is no heir yet; the princes are still young. What if something were to go wrong? I may be lacking in wisdom, but I feel that what needs to be said must be said. I humbly request Your Majesty to delay Lady Li's execution until after she has given birth." The emperor heeded my advice.
In the spring of the first year of the Yan Chang era, I was promoted to the position of Director of the Central Secretariat, while still retaining my duties as a Court Attendant. The following year, the emperor visited the Eastern Palace and summoned me along with Zhen Chen from the Huangmen and Prince Yuan of Guangyang, among others, and granted us seats. The emperor said to me, "You are a minister of my Western Platform, and now you will be the tutor of the crown prince." I stood up to express my gratitude and firmly declined, but the emperor would not agree. He immediately summoned Su Zong (the later Tang Emperor Zong) to come out, accompanied by more than ten others. The emperor informed Su Zong that I would be his tutor and instructed Su Zong to pay me the respects of a student. I again expressed my gratitude and declined, saying I should not accept the crown prince's bow, but the emperor still would not agree, so Su Zong had no choice but to face southward and bow to me again. The Grand Councilor Wang Xian also requested that the crown prince follow the proper etiquette for paying respects to a teacher, and thus the palace officials all bowed to me. I stood facing northward, not daring to return the bow, and after bowing in gratitude toward the west, I withdrew. After that, the emperor rewarded me with one hundred bolts of embroidered silk, and Zhen Chen, Prince Yuan of Guangyang, and others also received rewards. Soon after, I was appointed as the Crown Prince's Junior Tutor. In the third year, I was promoted to Right Minister of Ceremonies, while still retaining my positions as Court Attendant and Director of the Central Secretariat.
That said, in January of the year 757, Emperor Shizong died. At that time, Li Guang, along with the Court Attendant and General-in-Chief Yu Zhong, welcomed Su Zong from the Eastern Palace to the royal palace and was tasked with calming both the court and the populace. Li Guang played a significant role in this matter.
Two days after the emperor's death, Prince Guangping, Li Guang, arrived at the palace in poor health. Because he was a brother of the emperor, he went straight to the side hall located to the west of the Tai Chi Hall. He wept uncontrollably in the palace and summoned officials such as the Shizhong, Huangmen, Lingjun, and the Imperial Guards, expressing his desire to go to the hall to mourn and to see the new emperor. Everyone present was taken aback, and no one dared to utter a word. Only Li Guang, leaning on his cane, stood up and recalled how General Zhao Xi had once blocked the steps with his sword during the death of Emperor Guangwu of Han to prevent the princes from intruding. He sternly advised Prince Guangping against it. Everyone present praised him for doing the right thing and said he was reasonable and principled. Hearing this, Prince Guangping ceased his tears and remarked, "The Shizhong referenced an ancient example to counsel me, and I am persuaded!" He then departed and sent several people to express his gratitude to Li Guang.
Earlier, in 757 AD, Li Guang was reassigned from his role as a compiler to be replaced by Huangmen Lang Sun Huiwei. Sun Huiwei served for five years but accomplished little. By March, the Minister of Personnel, King Cheng of Rencheng, submitted a petition stating that Li Guang should return to his position as a compiler, and the emperor ordered Li Guang's reinstatement. In April, Li Guang was promoted to Special Advisor. In May, in recognition of his contributions to welcoming Emperor Suzong, he was bestowed the title of Duke of Baoping and given a fief of two thousand households. In July, he took office as the Grand Scholar of the National Academy. In August, the emperor permitted Li Guang to enter and exit Yunlong Gate in a sedan chair. Soon after, he was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry and awarded the title of Yitong Sansi. After Empress Ling took power, Li Guang repeatedly submitted petitions to resign from office. At that time, Yu Zhong wielded considerable power, and Li Guang depended on him. After Yu Zhong fell from power and was demoted, Li Guang submitted his official seal, official robes, and fief, submitting more than ten petitions, but Empress Ling refused. Subsequently, relevant departments suggested reclaiming the fiefs of both Yu Zhong and Li Guang.
In February of the year 758 AD, Grand Preceptor Gao Yang, Wang Yong, and others recommended Li Guang to lecture Emperor Suzong. It is said that Li Guang had previously been favored by Empress Dowager Ling, and the details can be found in "Biography of Yu Zhong." In April, Li Guang was granted the title of Duke of Ping'en County, with a fief of one thousand households. His original title of Count Chaoyang was transferred to his second son, Li Xu. In the same month, the Emperor also rewarded him with a carriage drawn by sheep.
You, the Empress Dowager, often personally practice archery in the backyard. I presented you with an excellent ancient text about women as a subtle piece of advice. I wrote: "Confucius said: 'A scholar should establish his aspirations in the Way, cultivate his character, rely on benevolence, and engage his mind in the arts.' By 'arts,' he refers to ritual, music, calligraphy, mathematics, archery, and charioteering. Ritual, music, calligraphy, and mathematics are things that both men and women should learn. As for archery and charioteering, those are pursuits for men, and women need not concern themselves with them."
In ancient times, virtuous empresses and talented concubines all took it upon themselves to educate the populace, influence the imperial family, and focus on moral cultivation, adhering to benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and law. For example, Empresses Ma and Deng of the Han Dynasty, whose virtues were even greater than those of their forebears; Yang Xianrong and Cai Wenji, who were also virtuous and wise. Your Majesty, you are wise and kind, and since taking office, the world has been peaceful. You honor your parents and worship the gods, and your benevolence extends throughout the world. In your leisure time, you relax in the backyard, gaze at Gusheshan, and watch the majestic birds. When you shoot arrows, every arrow hits the bullseye; your majesty is held in great esteem, and everyone reveres you. Both civil and military officials, as well as your attendants, all hold you in high regard. But Your Majesty, if you do not participate in state affairs, how can I feel at ease? If you do not pay attention to national affairs, how can you see the prosperity and beauty of the country? Your humility makes me feel ashamed. I feel that your practice of archery is not productive labor and serves no practical purpose; how can this be seen as assisting the ruler in governing the country?
I’m really happy to share this collection of ancient writings by women with you. The book is inside; I hope you can find some time to look it over. Maybe it’ll inspire you. I hope you can take it easy, enjoy some peace, look after your health, and work on your well-being.
The weather is cool in autumn, but Empress Dowager Ling often visits the homes of the nobles. It’s reported: "The Book of Rites states: If a lord only visits a minister’s home to check on the sick or to offer condolences, it’s seen as joking between ruler and subject." The text doesn’t say the empress can casually visit ministers’ homes, which suggests she shouldn’t. If her parents are alive, she can visit them sometimes; if they’re gone, a minister should invite her. This rule is even stricter for scholars; a married daughter isn’t supposed to visit her brother. Women from Wei who want to go back home have to follow the rules of propriety, as seen in the poems "Zai Chi" and "Zhu Gan." Empress Shangguan of the Han was set to be deposed, but her grandfather Huo Guang was a chancellor then. Empress Shangguan continued to receive court officials in the war tent to emphasize the difference between men and women, which was a big deal for state ceremonies. Lady Bo served her mother even if it meant enduring a fire; Lady Fan waited for orders and willingly jumped into a flood. These stories are written down in history books to serve as warnings for future generations.
Recently, Your Majesty, your carriage has been making frequent trips to the residences of Lord Fengyi and Prince Rencheng. Although it is already autumn, the weather is still hot, and your carriage is constantly on the move. You must be quite fatigued. Sumptuous dishes and fine wines have been served, showcasing a variety of delicacies. Every time you partake, it is never just one cup, and the dishes you have sampled exceed a hundred varieties. From morning till evening, you have been continuously receiving guests. This is neither a seasonal leisure activity nor typical care. While your carriage may be cool and your seat comfortable, you are surrounded by thousands of attendants. They accompany you on your travels, wearing armor, enduring the sun and rain, sweating profusely, often hungry and thirsty, unable to eat their fill, and having to rent horses and borrow carts, paying various expenses. While the ancients claim you are very happy, we, your subjects, find ourselves working very hard. Perhaps this is the reason. Your Majesty, your radiant light shines upon the land like the moon. Your virtues are noble; you have given birth to an emperor and have prospered the country of Wei. Your virtues surpass those of Lady Wen, and your kindness exceeds that of Empress Hexi. Your affection is genuine, not feigned; your love is sincere, not for show. You have graced the city with your presence, your radiance shining upon the capital, and the people celebrate joyfully. The gray-haired elders rejoice in witnessing this prosperous era; young scholars are fortunate to live in a peaceful and prosperous time. What was once difficult to achieve for millennia is now effortlessly accomplished, all thanks to your extraordinary wisdom and humility. Since Emperor Yuan of Wei, no one has been as virtuous as you. Your daily affairs should be calm and composed, free from worries and evasions. However, as the royal family continues to grow and the number of esteemed officials and nobles increases, the requests for your gracious approval are also on the rise, becoming commonplace.
You should refer to the experiences of previous emperors and set an example for future generations. The world is for everyone, and the countless common people are your responsibility. You should dedicate yourself to the worship of heaven and earth, only deal with important state matters, keep a tranquil mind, and limit leisure outings. Let virtue be your guide and joy your motivation; emulate the benevolent and wise rulers and learn the art of governance. Then, the common people will enjoy peace and prosperity, thriving in harmony. I am grateful for your grace, and I will do my best to convey what I know. I am filled with trepidation and dare not be negligent; I can only humbly express my opinions, which might be seen as disrespectful. I ask for your forgiveness.
In the summer of the first year of the Divine Turtle, it was reported on the light display: "The Book of Songs says: 'The sweet osmanthus tree is lush, do not cut or fell it; it is where Shao Bo was nurtured.' It also says: 'Even if there are no elders, there are still rules and regulations.' The Commentary on the Book of Songs explains: 'To miss this person while cherishing his trees, how could one disregard his principles while using them?' Therefore, the Book of Documents begins by examining ancient matters, and the essence of the Book of Changes is the interplay of mountain and fire. By observing astronomy, one understands the changes in the times; by studying culture, one can enlighten the world. Mencius insists on his views, and Kuang Zhang also elaborates on his insights. An Shi stores the classics in Fen Nan, while Bo Shan holds the scrolls in He Dong. The solitary writings of Emperor Yuan Shi are placed before the emperor of the Han dynasty; Mencius's few words are displayed in the tent of the King of Wei. The earlier sages valued the classics and cherished the words engraved on bamboo slips to such an extent! Moreover, those sacred texts of the sages, carved into metal and stone, are the principles for governing the nation, the examples for building families, the paradigms of the world, the standards for human behavior, the maxims of thousands of years, and the achievements of emperors throughout the ages. How can they be allowed to fall into neglect and ruin, overgrown with thorns and weeds, left unattended? How can they be allowed to become a nesting ground for rats and wild rabbits, letting children climb and play on them? This truly breaks one's heart, making them want to pound their chest and stomp their feet!
I humbly request Your Majesty, the Emperor, to show filial piety and respect, to take time to rest and recuperate each day. You are naturally wise and attentive to beginners, as Confucianism is currently flourishing. The Empress Dowager is wise and compassionate, governing the world, upholding morality, valuing education, and focusing on the prestigious Hanlin Academy. You are about to ascend the Cloud Platform to inquire about rituals and the Lin Pavilion to recruit talent. It is indeed necessary to open the gates wide, clear the Confucius Temple, and relocate it closer to the city gate and the palace, so that even if the old schools become ruins, the students will never forget. Doesn't this suggest that establishing the country and ensuring peace for the people should prioritize education, stabilizing the capital and serving as a model for the four corners? Tracing back the creation of the stone classics, it began in the era of Yan and Huang, followed by the "Dian Lun" of the Cao Wei period; the initial production began over three hundred years ago, spanning almost twenty dynasties now. Although there have been repeated wars in the past, the stone classics have not suffered major damage. It is said that previous governors in the provinces built many temples, and when the local people used them, any excavation would likely yield the earth and ashes from the foundations. After the capital was relocated, it could still be repaired, but due to busy military and state affairs, it has never been inspected. Both the government and private individuals, openly and secretly, have gradually dismantled the stone classics. Year after year, with sowing and harvesting, weeds have grown rampant, and sometimes fires have occurred, resulting in fewer stone classics and more missing inscriptions. I hold a position as an educational official, responsible for the study of classics and interpretations, yet I am unable to repair the damaged stone classics and restore their original appearance, which makes me feel ashamed. I now request the dispatch of a national scholar who is qualified for this task, specifically tasked with inspection, prohibiting livestock from trampling the fields, measuring the extent of damage to the inscriptions, estimating the manpower and resources needed for repairs, and carrying out the restoration in order." The Emperor issued a decree saying: "This is the foundation of scholars, an immortal model, setting an example for future generations, and the basis of law; you may proceed according to your memorial." Guangbiao then ordered National Scholar Li Yu and assistants Han Shengu, Liu Xie, and others to collate the stone classics, calculating the materials needed and the number of characters for the damaged sections, and preparing for repairs. Later, after the Empress Dowager was deposed, this matter was put on hold.
In the eighth month of the second year of her reign, the Empress Dowager went to Yongning Temple and even personally climbed the towering pagoda. Guang Biao advised, saying: "I see you personally ascending the towering pagoda, standing underneath it with reverence, observing the construction of the pagoda. This is indeed a good deed that accumulates virtue. However, your esteemed body should not climb to such heights; the common people are deeply concerned, and I believe this is unwise. The 'Book of Rites' states: 'A son should not ascend high places or approach deep abysses.' The ancients have said: plans that go awry in the court will lead to the fall of the great in the fields. The 'Book of Han' records that Emperor Wu of Han wanted to drive westward and descend a steep slope, but Yuan Ang held the reins to stop him, saying: 'I have heard that the son of a wealthy family does not approach the eaves, and the son of a family with a fortune of a hundred gold pieces does not lean against the beams. If the vehicle breaks down and the horses are startled, what would happen to you and the pagoda?' It is also recorded that after Emperor Wu of Han returned from worshiping at the temple, he wanted to ride on a boat, but Xue Guangde removed his hat and bowed, saying: 'You should take the bridge; if Your Majesty does not heed my words, I will dye the wheels red with blood.' Le Zheng Zichun, a disciple of Zeng Shen and well-known for his filial piety, was very cautious; the foundation of his family’s main hall was only one foot high, and he still worried about hurting his feet. The pagoda at Yongning Temple is stacked layer upon layer, with narrow walkways. With your frail body climbing to such great heights, if you were to fall, it would be too late for regrets! The 'Book of Rites' states: before worshiping at the ancestral temple, one must fast for seven days and then purify for three days before entering to worship, in order to communicate with the deities. Although the statue has not yet been completed, this is already a place where deities reside. Sculpting and painting are currently underway, decorated magnificently, and the common people are in great awe, with more and more spectators, each with different thoughts. Even if you remain pure, can you ensure that all your attendants and palace maids are equally reverent? You cannot go up alone; there must be someone following to serve you. If someone is careless, it's not just a matter of indulgence. A few days ago, there was a strong wind, and dust flew about, making daytime as dark as night, truly frightening. The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' records that the four states of Song, Wei, Chen, and Zheng faced calamities on the same day; Bo Ji served her mother, leading to the calamity of burning. In the past, during the reign of Huangxing, a seven-story pagoda in Qingzhou, renowned for its grandeur, was burned down by a great fire at night. Even wise individuals like Zi Shen and Bi Zao could not foresee the signs of these calamities. Disasters strike unexpectedly, without warning. The ways of fate are deep and inscrutable; the ancients have long warned us. Graves bring sadness, and temples evoke reverence; crying at graves and entering temples can cause one to tremble with fear. When visiting graves, one does not climb the mounds, let alone ascend. The 'Spring and Autumn Commentary' records: 'The ruler inspected the first day of the month, then ascended the observation platform.' Below the observation platform, there are no deities of heaven and earth ancestors, so it is permissible to ascend. In the 'Inner Canon,' the pagoda is tall and splendid, with countless rooms, only recording the offerings of incense and flowers, without mentioning the principle of ascending. It only speaks of the three treasures steps, which connect heaven and earth, allowing both to see each other, transcending the mundane, incomparable. Respectfully kneeling, all are on the lower level. Gazing far and wide, surveying the mountains and rivers, one finds joy and smiles in the scenery seen. You can't maintain reverence at every level or caution with every step; this will only cause the citizens of the capital to gather in public and private. What goes up must come down; this is an inevitable cycle that will continue; how can we prevent future generations from competing to climb? The key lies in sincere inner feelings; external respect is secondary. Valuing results while neglecting the fundamentals, being complacent while disregarding restlessness, respecting oneself, and correcting one’s behavior—how can you frequently ascend high places and often climb tier upon tier? Now that the pagoda has just been built, you should also advise yourself; the foundation has been laid, and the decorations are gradually being perfected. The magnificent pagoda on Zijin Mountain is your palace. I hope you can ease your burdens and generously share your grace, establish systems, and set regulations to prevent noise and filth, ensuring this place remains peaceful for all time. Those below strive to maintain solemnity, while those above display reverence."
Can you send me the Simplified Chinese text you want translated? I'd be happy to help!
"Be careful not to step on it! This place has been around for millions of years, blending various teachings and illuminating profound truths. Isn't that incredible?"
In September, the Empress Dowager wanted to visit Mount Songgao for a leisure trip. The Emperor quickly submitted a memorial advising her, saying: "I heard that you are planning to visit Mount Songgao, staying there for several days. This trip will last nearly ten days; although it is said to be an act of understanding the people's sentiments, it is indeed a good deed. Although it is the farming off-season now, the grains harvested by hardworking farmers are as precious as pearls and gems to poor families, and they dare not waste a single grain. However, with your procession of tens of thousands of people coming and going and carriages and horses running wildly, even with strict control, it will still damage a lot of crops. The common people, young and old, will surely feel distressed. At the end of this dry autumn, thick dust covers the ground, and when the wind blows, yellow dust fills the sky, and everywhere is covered in yellow sand. The road to Mount Songgao is steep and narrow; your safety should be the top priority! Walking in the mountains for more than ten days, enduring wind and sun, will your body be able to handle it? The tablets of your ancestors probably wouldn't approve of such actions; the common people will surely be very afraid. Moreover, it is the season of insect breeding now, with small insects everywhere in the fields. When your carriages and horses pass by, won't they trample a lot of them to death? You have always been compassionate and caring for living beings; this matter may provoke unfavorable comments, making people feel that you are enjoying yourself but bringing disaster to the people. Those running errands with you are exhausted; those pulling the carriages also spend money to rent them, which is truly costly and laborious. Those cooking, along with the soldiers, have torn clothes, with no proper bedding to keep warm at night or cool during the day, and they have to endure the scolding of the supervisors, crying and sobbing, which is truly heartbreaking. Nowadays, there are droughts and floods, poor crop yields, and everyone is very poor. If you go out during such a time, how can the people not complain? I hope you can emulate Yu Shun, be modest and cautious, and interfere less in others' affairs; or learn from the thoughts of Laozi and the Book of Changes, stay quietly in the palace, and stop going out. Stop burdening the people and wasting resources; travel according to the rules and delegate responsibilities to the relevant departments. Just listen to reports. This way, both the people and the deities will be pleased, and the entire country will rejoice." However, the Empress Dowager did not listen to him.
The emperor's memorial is truly a masterpiece, every word is like a pearl, every sentence is heartfelt! The empress dowager's trip appears to be a gesture to understand the people's sentiments, but in reality it burdens the populace and squanders resources, and may even lead to public grievances. The emperor offered advice on the people's hardships, travel dangers, and environmental concerns, demonstrating his deep concern. Unfortunately, the empress dowager did not ultimately adopt his suggestions.
In the winter of 742 AD, the emperor granted me the official title of Guanglu Daifu, and also gave me a cane and clothes. In the following spring, Emperor Suzong personally presided over the sacrifice ceremony at the National University, where I was responsible for holding the scriptures, sitting to the south, accompanied by other officials. Minister Wang Jipin, who concurrently held the position of Intendant of Henan Province, submitted a memorial expressing his wish to relinquish his official position in my favor. In April during the summer, the emperor appointed me as Minister of Works, Palace Attendant, and Libationer of the National University, while my title as Compiler remained unchanged. I declined the offer in my memorials for several years, consistently refusing to accept.
In August, a bald eagle was caught in the palace, and the emperor had someone bring it to me. I submitted a memorial saying, "Your Majesty, you have shown me this large bird that was caught fourteen days ago. This is exactly what is mentioned in the Classic of Poetry, 'there is a bunting on the beam,' meaning that the greedy and ferocious bird, the bald eagle, grows in the wilderness and should not appear in the palace. During the Huangchu era of Emperor Wen of Wei, a pelican fell into the Lingzhi Pond. Emperor Wen decreed that this was a sign the court favored the unscrupulous and alienated gentlemen, and should seek talents widely. At that time, General Hua Xin resigned from his post due to this and gave his position to Guan Ning. I heard that when wild animals enter residences, it was considered an ominous sign by the ancients, so Zhang Ye disliked any birds, and Jia Yi avoided the bunting bird. The pelican only stayed temporarily before flying away, and the emperors of the past took this as a warning. Moreover, this bird has now flown into the palace, been caught by someone, and is being kept, yet it shows no fear. Based on past experience, this is indeed very unusual. Furthermore, this gluttonous bird surely requires fish for sustenance; even if it eats some beans, wheat, rice, and millet, the cost of feeding it for a meal would amount to several pounds. Now with the drought in spring and summer, food prices are rising, and poor families often cannot afford to eat. Your Majesty, you are the parents of the people; you should treat the people as tenderly as you would your own wounds. How can you neglect the people to raise such a repulsive bird? The ruler of the State of Wei liked to raise cranes, and the ruler of the State of Cao liked to raise geese, and both states perished, which is truly disheartening! Your Majesty, you are well-versed in the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals and personally read historical books. How can you speak well while doing bad things? I earnestly hope you can take a lesson from the ancestors of the Yin and Shang dynasties, emulate Emperor Wen of Wei, cultivate virtue, recruit talents, eliminate disasters, and gather auspicious signs. Release this useless bird into the rivers and lakes, and spend more time reading, listening to music, and nurturing your mind and body!" After reading the memorial, Emperor Su Zong was very pleased and immediately ordered the bird to be released into the pond.
The Emperor summoned Zhang Jiuling and Prince Li Yanming to discuss the formulation of a dress code. In June of the third year, the Emperor had Zhang Jiuling taken in a sedan chair to the East-West Pavilion. In September, the Emperor promoted Zhang Jiuling to Grand Preceptor, but Zhang Jiuling resolutely declined. As Zhang Jiuling grew older, had more responsibilities, and his health deteriorated, he continued to soldier on, often reading and writing at home, even when gravely ill; he refused to rest at home.
In October of the fourth year, Emperor Suzong paid him a personal visit during his illness and ordered that no one else be allowed to visit. Palace officials came one after another, and the Emperor also ordered all music and entertainment activities to be stopped. The Emperor appointed Zhang Jiuling's eldest son Zhang Li as the Inspector of Qizhou. In November, Zhang Jiuling fell gravely ill and addressed his sons and nephews: "Listen closely to my words. Zengzi once said: 'When a person is about to die, their words are all good.' Now, hold my hand, support my legs; from now on, I know I can depart in peace. I have received great favor from the late Emperor, achieved such a high position, but my legacy is not yet fulfilled, and I will leave regrets after death. You have also gained status because of my efforts; you must work hard! Honor the country even in death! The span of life is determined by fate; what more is there to say? Quickly take me home!" Although he spoke with great effort, his mind was clear. After returning home, he passed away at seventy-three years old.
Emperor Suzong heard the news and wept bitterly. One after another, people in the palace came to report the death. The Emperor bestowed upon him the treasured artifacts of Dongyuan Wenming, a set of court clothes, a garment, 600,000 pieces of silver, 1,000 pieces of cloth, 400 pounds of candles, and appointed the Grand Preceptor to supervise the funeral. The Emperor personally came to the spirit's altar, touching his body and crying in pain. On the way back to the palace, the Emperor continued to weep, ate less than usual, and always reminisced about Zhang Jiuling when speaking. Whenever he walked to the place where Zhang Jiuling usually recited, the Emperor always looked mournful and could not hold back his tears. In the fifth year of the Zhengyue era, the Emperor posthumously appointed Zhang Jiuling as the Grand Preceptor, concurrently holding the positions of Minister of Works, General of the Cavalry, Supervisor of the Palace with Equal Ceremonial, Governor of Jizhou, while retaining his position as Palace Attendant. The Emperor also ordered an increase in the drum music and ceremonial guards, and arranged the funeral according to the specifications of the Grand Preceptor and Prince Guangyang (Li Yi), with the posthumous title of Duke Wenxuan. Emperor Suzong held a funeral for Zhang Jiuling outside the Jianchun Gate, and the mournful scene touched everyone deeply, filling the literati with a sense of honor. At the beginning, during the Taihe era, Zhang Jiuling composed a five-character poem inspired by the five tones of the musical scale and presented it to Li Biao, who in turn wrote twelve poems in response. Zhang Jiuling then wrote 103 poems about the counties to thank Li Biao, with one poem for each county, which were compiled into 103 volumes.
Guang Kuan is a person who is generous and charitable, never goes against anyone, and remains calm in any situation. He has always admired people like Hu Guang and Huang Qiong, which is why those who are headstrong and forceful do not think highly of him. In the beginning, he assisted Prince Zhong, Li Heng, who would later become Emperor Su, and was very trusted by him. Whenever there was a matter that needed a decision, Guang Kuan would do his utmost to assist. Yuan Zai also respected Guang Kuan. Later, after Guo Zuo and Pei Zhi were killed, and King Qinghe, Li Yi, also suffered misfortune, Guang Kuan simply went with the flow and did not step forward to rescue them, which drew criticism from the public. Since he became a high official, he rarely put in a good word for others. At one point, he pleaded on behalf of his son-in-law, Liu Jinghui from Pengcheng, saying that Jinghui was the commander of the Wulong Garrison at Jingzhou. His daughter went to the border with her husband and often worried about being attacked by bandits, so he requested that he be appointed as the Governor of Xuzhou and return to the capital for a while. Emperor Su agreed. People at the time likened him to Zhang Yu.
Guang Kuan initially declined the position of Grand Minister of Ceremonies, giving it to Song Bian; when he became the Minister of Construction, he gave it to Li Yue, the Prince of Runan; when he became the Minister of Rites, he gave it to Liu Fang; when he became the Minister of Education, he gave it to Yuan Wei, Mu Shao, and Zhen Chen; when he became the Grand Scholar, he gave it to Li Yi, the Prince of Qinghe, and Li Cheng, the Prince of Rencheng; when he became the General of the Chariots and Cavalry and the Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, he gave it to Li Ji, the Prince of Jiangyang, and also to Hu Guozhen, the father of Empress Dowager Ling. His actions were highly regarded at the time, but people speculated that he was merely performing for show. He was a devout Buddhist, frequently engaging in worship and reciting scriptures, becoming more devout as he grew older, always cheerful and never getting angry. Once, while reading scriptures in the daytime, a pigeon landed on his lap, then nestled into his arms, and climbed onto his shoulder before flying away after a while. Many monks and laymen wrote poems praising him. He often lectured on the Vimalakirti Sutra and the Ten Grounds Sutra at the invitation of high-ranking officials, drawing crowds often numbering in the hundreds. He wrote commentaries on these two sutras, totaling over thirty volumes. Those well-versed in the subject regarded his explanations as somewhat superficial, attributing it to his esteemed status and the attention he received while lecturing. He authored hundreds of poems, essays, inscriptions, eulogies, elegies, praises, memorials, reports, and other literary works, totaling over fifty volumes, in addition to a separate collection. Guang Kuan had eleven sons, who were named: Li, Xu, Min, Quan, Jie, Ke, Qing, Qu, Jiao, and Mian.
Li, whose courtesy name is Yande, is this kid whose abilities, knowledge, and character resemble those of his father, totally inheriting the family legacy. He passed the scholar's exam and later served as a military aide to the King of Pengcheng, and also served as a secretary. His father, because of his accomplishments, set him up with a literary official position, but he flat-out refused it. Later, he held positions as an assistant minister, cavalry attendant, chief recorder of the Grand Commandant, and a scattered cavalry attendant, but he stepped down because his stepmother passed away. During the reign of the Divine Turtle, he was appointed as a mid-level official in the Ministry of Works. In the second year of the Zhengguang era, he got promoted to deputy minister of the Secretariat. At that time, General Yuan Cha was the commander of the army and appointed him as the chief historian. He and his cousin Hong were both well-known figures back then. In October of the fourth year of the Zhengguang era, his father got really sick, and the court promoted him to general of the expedition and governor of Qizhou. During his father's illness, he served at his bedside without changing his clothes. After his father's death, Emperor Suzong visited him several times to offer condolences. In the spring of the fifth year of the Zhengguang era, his father was buried in their hometown, and the emperor sent Chief Scribe Zhang Wenbo to pay his respects. In December of the first year of the Xiaochang era, the court appointed him as chief historian of the Grand Commandant and made him the chief official of Qizhou, inheriting his father's title. In the early years of the Jianyi era, he was murdered in Heyin at the age of forty-eight. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the titles of Palace Attendant, General of the Guards, and Governor of Qingzhou.
His son Yi inherited his title. During the Wuding era, he became the Grand Commandant. Later, after the Qi dynasty surrendered, his title got downgraded as per the rules.
Yi's brother Sun worked as the chief scribe in the Department of State Affairs.
Li's other son Xu, during the Wuding era, climbed the ranks to become General of the Expedition, Governor of Anzhou, and Duke of Chaoyang. After the Qi dynasty surrendered, his title also took a hit.
Li's other son, Mian, styled Yanru, also inherited his father's excellent qualities. He served as the Secretary of State for Works, the Deputy Minister of the Imperial Guard Corps, General of Ningyuan, and Governor of Qinghe, while also holding the position of Town Commander of Panyang. He was later killed by the rebel Cui Jing'an. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the titles of General of the Expeditionary Forces and Governor of Qizhou. His son Quan served as a military advisor to the Grand Minister.
Li's other son, Jie, served as a secretary during the Wuding period. Li's younger brother, Jingyou, held the position of Inspector of Local Affairs. He was somewhat corrupt and accepted bribes, and was investigated by the censors, resulting in his escape with the guards. He was later appointed Governor of Liang County, but did not assume the position due to his mother's death. Jingyou was deeply devout in Buddhism and Daoism, reciting scriptures day and night. After the mourning period, he adopted a vegetarian diet for the rest of his life. He treated others with respect and generosity, and was known for his integrity and self-discipline. Beginning in the Jingming era, several years of poor harvests occurred, and many people were starving and begging, and he did his utmost to assist them, providing sufficient food. He also constructed an inn south of Suran Mountain, along the main road, offering free food to passing travelers. He passed away in the second month of the third year of Yanchang, at the age of fifty-nine years.
His son Hong, styled Yanluan, loved reading from a young age and was very familiar with classical texts. In the twentieth year of Taihe, he was appointed as a Left Attendant for the Kingdom of Pengcheng. In the third year of Jingming, he was promoted to the position of Junior Official, concurrently serving as a Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and was assigned to compile the "Chronicles of Daily Life." He later advanced to the role of Court Official, concurrently serving in the Ministry of Ancestral Worship, and then transferred to the Ministry of War. The Emperor once issued an edict summoning the Grand Tutor, Wang Xie of Pengcheng, along with thirty other officials, scholars, and talented individuals from various fields to discuss and formulate laws to be submitted to the Ministry of Rites; Zihong and Guang were among them, and they were praised by the people at the time.
In the early years of Yongping, there was a man named Bai Zaosheng in the city of Yuzhou, who killed the governor Sima Yue and rebelled by occupying Xuanhu City. The court ordered General Zhen Nan Xing Luan to go and suppress him, and appointed Zihong as the Chief Historical Secretary for the Southern Expedition. Later, he was transferred to the San Gong Langzhong (Minister of the Three Dukes) and appointed as the General of Light Chariots. He was later promoted to the position of Cavalry Attendant, concurrently serving as a Langzhong.
In the second year of Yanchang, the court was about to conduct a major evaluation of the officials. Zihong believed that the current evaluation system was inadequate, and thus submitted a suggestion: "I believe that the Emperor selects officials to seek talent and ability, allowing everyone to fully utilize their talents, with clear rewards and punishments, promoting good and suppressing evil. Therefore, those with achievements, talents, and positions commensurate with their abilities often experience frequent and rapid promotions. How can we be constrained by certain ranks and positions, and prevent capable officials from advancing? Since the Han Dynasty, until the Taihe period, as long as the court needed someone to hold a certain position, that person would be competent, often quickly advancing to high positions within a few years; or serving in multiple positions, demonstrating excellence and being promoted. Looking through history, one can see such examples, as most ministers in the court have followed this path. This has garnered praise from numerous scholars, and the nation has thus earned a reputation for its talented individuals. I have observed the evaluation system since the Jingming period, where evaluations are conducted every three years, with only one rank promotion per evaluation. With tens of thousands of people inside and outside the court, regardless of their abilities, all can be promoted, with or without talent. Even those like Huang Gong with political achievements, Wang Zheng with Confucian knowledge, Ban Gu and Sima Qian with historical talent, Zhang Heng and Cai Yong with literary talent, even if they make only slight progress, they will be caught up by others, and the selection department will treat them all the same, without distinction. This has led to discord and should be addressed. Although the imperial decree has been issued, there should still be room for adjustments." Emperor Shizong did not accept his suggestion.
Once upon a time, Hong, when he was three years old, resigned from his official position due to the death of his father. Strangely, nectar fell from the tree at his doorstep! Not long after, in November, Emperor Shizong summoned him back to the court to resume his official duties. Four years later, an even more miraculous event occurred when nectar fell from the tree in his residence in Jingzhao Prefecture! The emperor was pleased and promoted him, granting him the title of General of the Central Army, while he retained his other positions. Later, he was promoted to Zhong San Dafu and became the teacher of Prince Gaoyang, while also continuing to hold the position of Langzhong. That year, he also became the Grand Historian. By the first year of the Zhengguang era, the emperor further conferred upon him the title of Former General. He was also responsible for compiling the "Chronicles" of Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Shizong.
He participated in writing the history of the Wei state, but at that time, only the table of contents was completed, and the content had not yet been thoroughly proofread, resulting in many omissions. He often said that the history of Wei could not be completed by just our generation; we should first record the events of the time and leave it for future generations to perfect. Before he died, he also recommended himself to Emperor Suzong. In the first month of the lunar calendar, the emperor ordered him to continue compiling the national history. During the Xiaochang era, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Yellow Gate, and soon after, he was promoted to the position of Sanqi Changshi and Chief Justice of Qizhou. Unfortunately, he did not hold the historian position for long before he passed away. After his death, the court posthumously awarded him the titles of General of the East, Minister of Revenue, and Governor of Qingzhou.
When Hong was young, he was determined to become an author. He saw that the history prior to the Jin and Wei dynasties was fragmented, which greatly dissatisfied him. He noticed that Liu Yuan, Shi Le, Murong Jun, Fu Jian, Murong Chui, Yao Chang, Murong De, Helian Bobo, Zhang Gui, Li Xiong, Lu Guang, Qifu Guoren, Tufa Wugu, Li Hao, Juqu Mengxun, Feng Ba, and others each claimed kingship or emperorship over their respective territories, each having their own history books, but not a unified version. So, he resolved to write a book titled "The Annals of the Sixteen Kingdoms" and ultimately produced a hundred volumes. He referred to previous historical sources and, based on his own understanding, made revisions and annotations to them. Because Hong served as an official in the Jiangnan region (Eastern Jin) for two generations, he refrained from writing histories of the Jin, Liu Song, Xiao Qi, and other dynasties. He was also concerned about potential criticism, so he hesitated to publish the book.
Emperor Shizong heard that he was writing a book, so he sent the Minister of Dispersed Cavalry, Zhao Yong, to convey an edict, saying: "I heard that the historical book you are compiling is well-structured. Feel free to submit any completed sections at your convenience, and I will read them in between handling state affairs." Because some of the content in the book pertained to the early days of the nation's founding, and some of the language might not adhere to proper etiquette, he remained hesitant to submit it. Later, Hong was tasked with recording the Emperor's daily activities, and he even took the liberty of recording his own contributions in the "Record of Daily Activities"…
I heard that when an emperor comes to power, even if he has the Mandate of Heaven and favorable prophecies, he must first engage in warfare and eliminate opposition to gain the people's support and create a prosperous era. Look at the chaotic Warring States period; it took more than a decade of fighting for Emperor Gaozu of Han to eliminate the feudal lords and establish the Han Dynasty, which lasted for four hundred years. Then, through the peaceful reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, along with the military might of Emperor Wu, cultural unity was achieved in the border regions of Liangzhou and Shuofang, and the southern regions of Xiang and Yue also came under central control. Seeing the prosperity of the Han Dynasty, Sima Qian, Ban Gu, and others felt that earlier historical records were too brief, so they collected and compiled earlier historical records into the "Records of the Grand Historian" to document events and highlight the changes of the times.
During the time of Emperor Hui of the Jin Dynasty, the country was in decline, and all ethnic groups rebelled; three emperors were controlled by traitorous officials, and two emperors met untimely ends; all five capital cities were abandoned and in ruins, becoming wastelands. The states of Zhao and Yan were like coiled serpents in their territories, Liaodong and the distant seas turned into wild territories, each country was war-torn and impoverished, fighting each other, with no ruler in the Central Plains for over eighty years. The Jin Dynasty was isolated and weak, the people were displaced and had nowhere to settle. As for the Wei Dynasty, it was like a dragon lurking in Youzhou, inheriting the legacy of the Gongsun Liu family for generations, implementing enlightened governance at home, resisting other separatist forces externally. Talented individuals from Jizhou flocked to the Wei Dynasty, just like the people of Binzhou and Qizhou submitted to King Tai in the past, praising the submission to King Wen of Zhou; this is quite comparable. Our founding Emperor Daowu, with his heroic presence, followed the trend of history, gained widespread support, and established the Wei Dynasty. Emperor Taizong continued to build upon the foundation and achieve greatness. Emperor Shizu was talented and strategic, exhibiting both majesty and military might, developing agriculture, and focusing on military matters, removing all barriers. After more than forty years, the world was finally unified. Those with tattoos and distinctive earlobes, those tribal leaders wearing exotic garments and braided hairstyles, all came to pay their respects and follow commands. The people felt the blessings of a peaceful and prosperous era, singing songs of peace and finally living a peaceful and prosperous life, as happy as in the time of Yao and Shun.
After the Yongning era of the Jin Dynasty, although various regions fought against each other under their own banners, only sixteen clans ultimately established states, leaving behind their surnames and becoming the lords of the Warring States. The processes of rise and fall of these states, as well as the strategies and losses in warfare, offer valuable lessons and warnings for future generations. However, earlier historical records are incomplete, disorganized in structure, and filled with errors and omissions, lacking proper detail and consistency; therefore, they should be meticulously proofread and compiled into a comprehensive history.
Your Majesty, you are a wise ruler, responding to heaven and the times; your reign radiates like the sun and moon, and your virtues are as boundless as heaven and earth. You have achieved unprecedented feats, established new systems, and benefited the people. Your Majesty has inherited the throne with wisdom and martial prowess, in accordance with heaven's mandate. Your moral integrity is exemplary, your wisdom profound, and you are proficient in various fields of study, widely reading books, far surpassing the Shiquge and Baihuguan of the Han Dynasty. You promote new rituals and abolish old customs, transforming the cultural atmosphere; your virtuous influence has affected all aspects of life, even harmonizing the natural climate. Moreover, as a humble minister such as myself, enjoying your benevolence, emulating your righteous path, how can I not strive to improve my shortcomings and strengthen my resolve? I know my abilities are not comparable to those of renowned ministers, but my aspiration to write "Records of the Nation" and "Historical Examination" can still be realized to some extent.
Starting from the early years of the Jingming era, I have been collecting the old histories of various countries. At that time, I had just moved to the capital, and these historical materials were scattered in different places. I traveled far and wide, spending several years to gather them all. Moreover, my family was poor, and my salary was quite small, so I could only rely on myself to complete this work. Due to insufficient funds, I often found myself short on paper, and it wasn't until the first year of the Zhengshi era that I barely managed to gather everything. I used my spare time to write this book. I compiled events from various periods into volumes, unified the format of the historical texts, cut out unnecessary words, and supplemented any deficiencies. For events with discrepancies in the records, I carefully checked against the calendars and old records to correct the errors, aiming for accuracy and reliability. After a thorough revision, the book contains a total of one hundred chapters, similar in length to the "Spring and Autumn Annals." By the end of the third year, the first draft of the entire book was completed, totaling ninety-five volumes.
However, I couldn’t find Chang Qu’s historical texts about Li Xiong and his son’s reign in Shu, despite searching everywhere; I was unable to finish the book and had to set it aside temporarily, and it has been seven years since then. The materials for this book were mainly collected in Jiangnan, and I fear there are none from the Central Plains, which I can't finish by myself. I have also collected some materials regarding those who raised armies to declare themselves emperors, but without Chang Qu's book, my records would be quite incomplete. I've long wanted to bring this to Your Majesty's attention, asking if you could send someone to gather materials from the border regions, but because of my lowly status, I hesitate to make such a request.
My name is Zhao Yong. I used to be a Palace Attendant, a Junior Minister of Rites, and a Senior Official in Jingzhou. The Emperor suddenly decreed that I present something. I never expected the Emperor would know about the writings left by my father, Zhao Hong. Upon receiving the imperial edict, I felt a mix of joy and fear. Now I have submitted the organized materials. I've also written an extra scroll of prefaces and a timeline scroll, hoping to fully showcase the dynasty's prosperity and reflect my modest efforts in organizing this work. I just want to follow the noble tradition of the ancients by writing and sharing my thoughts, but my writing is rough and unpolished, and I know it lacks value, so I feel quite embarrassed presenting it to the Emperor.
My father, Zhao Hong, had lofty ambitions, but he did not dare to publish his writings since the Zhengguang era. Later, because his brother Zhao Guang held a position in the court and knew that people at the time could not understand his writings, they were secretly circulated and read. Also, due to Zhao Guang's influence, those in power did not take action. My father's writings were extensive but also contained many errors. For example, in the second year of Taizu Tianxing, Yao Xing changed his reign title, but my father recorded it as occurring in the first year; in the second year of Taizong Yongxing, Murong Chao was captured at Guanggu, but my father recorded it as occurring in the first year; in the second year of Taichang, Yao Hong was defeated in Chang'an, but my father recorded it as occurring in the first year. There are many such errors that have not been thoroughly verified.
My father Zhao Hong passed away, and my younger brother Zhao Ziyuan served as a secretary. Later, during the Yong'an era, he submitted a memorial saying: "My father, the late Senior Attendant, Yellow Gate Attendant, former general, and Qizhou Grand Supervisor Zhao Hong, inherited the good family traditions, studied diligently, was well-versed in ancient studies, well-read, and had a high level of historical scholarship and great reputation. When he was young, he wanted to write and make his voice heard. During the Zhengshi era, he utilized his free time to write historical books for countries such as Zhao, Yan, Qin, Xia, Liang, and Shu, and wrote prefaces and comments for them. Before his death, he had completed most of the content, except for Li Xiong's "Shu Book," which he had yet to locate, so one country was missing, and the book was never completed. In the third year of Zhengguang, he finally found it, but he passed away immediately after organizing it. The book has 120 volumes, recording the history of the Sixteen Kingdoms in great detail, providing the most comprehensive account of recent history, titled "Spring and Autumn." He neither submitted it during his lifetime nor publicly distributed it. Now I have compiled a copy and presented it to the emperor. If there are any deficiencies in the book, please do not blame the emperor, and I humbly request that it be stored in the secret chamber to enrich the royal collection." Later, Zhao Ziyuan rebelled, went into exile, and though he was later pardoned, he was killed by his uncle Zhao Kun.
Guang Cong's younger brother, Zhang Wen, whose courtesy name was Jinghan, also moved to the capital, Daidou, in his youth. He was intelligent and knowledgeable. During the Taihe period, he was appointed as a court official. Later transferred to Luoyang, he was appointed as a military advisor responsible for the construction of Hualin Garden. He also served as an attendant cavalier in the Imperial Secretariat and as the envoy to Dangchang. Upon returning to the court, he was appointed to various positions, including assistant official, local magistrate, and clerk in the Ministry of Works. During the Zhengshi period, when the court undertook a major weapons production initiative, he was appointed as the commander overseeing weapon production across various provinces, the governor of Taiyuan in Qizhou, and the chief historian of the military office in Yongzhou. He was renowned for his integrity and caution. He was later promoted to the rank of General of the Conquering Barbarians and a Senior Palace Attendant, and then ultimately reached the rank of Junior Household Officer. He also served as a consultant to the Prime Minister and the Prince of Gaoyang Yong. During the Yong'an period, due to his old age, he was appointed as the General Who Conquers the Barbarians and the Inspector of Pingzhou. After retiring to his hometown, he immersed himself in Buddhist texts, no longer engaging with worldly matters. He passed away at seventy-nine during the early Tianping years. After his death, he was posthumously appointed as the General Who Maintains Order, the General Who Conquers the East, and the Inspector of Qizhou, with the posthumous title of 'Zhen'.
His son, Zi Cimao, courtesy name De Lin, served as the General Who Conquers the Barbarians and the Chief Clerk of the Expeditionary Office in Xuzhou in the early years of Yongxi. Zi Xiang, the younger brother of Zhang Wen, was exceptionally talented. He was initially appointed as an imperial censor, an attendant cavalier in the Imperial Secretariat, and an assistant official. He embarked on several diplomatic missions to Goryeo and later rose to the rank of infantry captain, then transitioned to a position in the Ministry of Works, overseeing the left and right divisions. He was later appointed as chief historian of Xiangzhou, then returned to the court and was appointed as the magistrate of Heyin and Luoyang, renowned for his integrity and steadfastness. He was later promoted to the position of the Prefect of Dongju. When Yuan Hao's rebel army neared the county border, Xiang resolutely refused to surrender, resigned from his post as magistrate, and fled back to his hometown. After Empress Xiaozhuang's return to the palace, she bestowed upon him the title of Count Pingyuan and appointed him as the Prefect of Yingchuan. In May two years later, he was murdered by townspeople, including Wang Zao and Lan Bao. Following his death, he was posthumously honored as General of the Valiant Cavalry, Minister of Personnel, and Inspector of Qizhou.
His son Han inherited the noble title. After the Qi Dynasty abdicated, the title was downgraded in accordance with regulations. Guangtong's cousin Rongxian, who was styled Longzu, was well-versed in classical texts and history and was recruited by the provincial government to take up the position of chief scribe. His son Duo was very talented in literature and rose to the rank of Champion General and Grand Master of Zhongsan. Duo's younger brother Jin reached the rank of General of Ningyuan and Supervisor of the Feather Forest. Historical records describe Cui Guang as a person of high integrity and simplicity, possessing profound and extensive knowledge. Emperor Gaozu valued his abilities and believed he would accomplish great things in the future; wise rulers can always recognize talent. He served three emperors and also educated the young prince, remaining in the palace with little time spent outside, yet he attained the high position of Tai Fu (equivalent to Prime Minister), which was quite rare in his time. Despite this, he strived to maintain his noble character and was quite moderate in his actions, which led to inevitable criticism, similar to Hu Guang. He was knowledgeable and talented, well-versed in both ancient and modern matters, able to write essays and manage political affairs, making him a notably talented and ambitious individual. In short, Cui Guang was a person of good character and high scholarship, highly regarded by the emperor, and he rose steadily to the position of Prime Minister, which was not easy at that time. Nonetheless, he remained upright, acted cautiously, and avoided seeking the spotlight, leading to inevitable gossip, which is somewhat akin to Hu Guang's circumstances. Nevertheless, he truly possessed genuine talent and knowledge, could write essays, and manage political affairs, making him a talented individual.
