You Ya, courtesy name Bodu, nickname Huangtou, was from Guangping. He loved learning from a young age and was very talented. During the reign of Emperor Shizong, he gained fame alongside Gao Yun from Bohai and was summoned by the court to serve as a scholar in the Imperial Secretariat and chief inner attendant of the Eastern Palace, later promoted to the position of official historian. He was sent on a diplomatic mission to Liu Yilong and was granted the title of Assistant Minister of Cavalry, awarded the title of Marquis of Guangping, and further promoted to General of Establishing Might. He then gradually rose to the position of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, overseeing the imperial guards, with his title elevated to Marquis and further granted the title of General of Establishing Righteousness. He was also tasked with revising the laws alongside Hu Fanghui, a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat. Later, he was appointed as an Assistant Cavalry Attendant, General Pingnan, and Governor of Dongyongzhou, receiving the honorary title of Duke of Liang County. He was recognized for his integrity and effective governance during his tenure. Later, he was recalled by the court to serve as Secretary Supervisor, responsible for writing the national history. However, he lacked diligence and ultimately accomplished little. The court once issued an edict requesting him to write "The Rhapsody of Taihua Palace," but much of what he wrote was not preserved.
You Ya was known for being straightforward and stubborn, often self-aggrandizing and belittling others. Gao Yun admired You Ya's literary talent, but You Ya looked down on Gao Yun's abilities. Gao Yun, being gentle and magnanimous, did not hold a grudge against You Ya for this. When Gao Yun wanted to marry into the Xing family, You Ya advised him to marry a woman from his own family, but Gao Yun did not heed his advice. You Ya then remarked, "The Xing family is prominent, surpassing our Guangping You family; people may look down on Bodu, but I hold Huangtou in high regard." His self-promotion and disparagement of others were frequent. Gao Yun wrote "Ode to the Seeker," particularly praising You Ya, as noted in the "Biography of Gao Yun." Later, due to a conflict during a discussion, You Ya fell into enmity with the Confucian scholar Chen Qi, even affecting Chen Qi's family, and many criticized him at the time. In the second year of the Peace reign, You Ya passed away and was posthumously granted the title of Governor of Xiangzhou, with the posthumous title of Xuanhou.
His son Seng Nu inherited his title, and after Seng Nu's death, his son Shuang Feng inherited the title again. You Ya's younger brother You Heng had a son named Tan Hu. During the Taihe period, Tan Hu served as an official of the Central Secretariat and was later promoted to the position of Director of the Temple. After that, he went to Qiu Pool to comfort the troops, but was killed by bandits, and the court posthumously granted him the title of Governor of Sizhou.
Gao Lu, styled Yanshi, was from the Yuyang tribe. His great-great-great-grandfather Gao Yuan served as the General of the North in the Jin Dynasty, the governor of Shanggu, and the Marquis of Guanzhong, with his inscription still found in Jixian. His ancestor Gao Ya was notable in his youth and served as a regional assistant. His father, Gao Hong, styled Jiyuan, served as an official for the King of Chenliu. After Gao Lu's death, the court posthumously granted him the positions of General of Ning Shuo, governor of Youzhou, and the title of Zhengzi of Gu'an.
Orphaned at a young age and living in isolation, he was particularly studious, having read various classics and histories, and his literary talent was exceptional, enabling him to write with ease. His original name was Donkey, but later, the Minister of Works, Cui Hao, was astonished when he saw him and renamed him Lu, also giving him a courtesy name. In the ninth year of the Zhenjun era, the court summoned him to become a Doctor of the Central Secretariat. During the Peaceful era, he was further promoted to Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat. After Emperor Gaozong's death, Yi Hun seized power, causing widespread fear and anxiety among officials and the public. Empress Dowager Wen assumed control of state affairs, killed Yi Hun, and summoned Lu and the Minister of the Central Secretariat Gao Yun to the palace to participate in handling state matters, also granting him the title of Anlezi, which is a high rank. Later, he was further promoted to Southern General and sent to Xu Province alongside General Wei Yuan to stabilize the region. Lu arrived first at Pengcheng, gained command of the military, and Wei Yuan reported to the court, allowing Lu to also serve as governor of Eastern Xu Province and guard Tuan City alongside Zhang Dang. Afterward, he returned to the capital, and due to his contributions, he was promoted to Marquis and further granted the title of General Zhao Wu.
After Emperor Xianzu passed the throne to the crown prince, he moved to Chongguang Palace. Lu wrote a eulogy praising Emperor Xianzu's merits, stating in the article:
I have heard that a ruler who reforms laws and systems is a sage monarch of heaven; a ruler who indulges in filth and adheres to the status quo is a mediocre sovereign. Thus, the Five Emperors established distinct regulations and brought about prosperity, while the Three Kings had distinct rites and achieved governance; they enacted laws for all generations and set examples for countless kings, allowing later rulers to draw from their principles. I respectfully regard the Grand Emperor, whose virtues illuminate like the sun and moon, with great morality that penetrates deeply, and martial achievements that are widely known. When the frost's power blankets the south, the Huai and Xu rivers come together; when the axe of Qi cuts to the north, the Xianyun tribes are vanquished. In the west, he crushed the chieftains of the Three Dangers, and in the east, he summoned tribute from the Su Shen. The vast and distant lands are unified, with nine regions at peace. Thus, I leisurely and calmly contemplate the profound mysteries; I admire the unique breezes of Dinghu and the noble purity of Chongchao; I consult Xi Zai, whose brilliance shines among the many, and I aspire to the great position, passing on the legacy of the sages. The lofty examples of ancient times find their culmination in this dynasty; the rare events of the past are reflected in today. Long ago, Tang Yao abdicated in favor of Shun, establishing a precedent for great achievements; Tai Bo yielded to Ji, and Confucius praised his supreme virtue. When a position is passed down through the sages, rulers and subjects become one. I respectfully present a piece titled "Eulogy of Supreme Virtue," which reads:
Once upon a time, in the midst of chaos between heaven and earth, there emerged the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, who established laws and bestowed grace upon the world. They looked up to the celestial phenomena and observed the earth below, governing with virtue, leading to peace across the land. The Xia, Shang, Zhou, and Han dynasties each produced wise rulers, and even though ages have passed, their wisdom continues to shine. However, during the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, the world fell into chaos, rites collapsed, music was ruined, and society was in turmoil.
At this time, auspicious signs from heaven descended, indicating the emergence of an enlightened ruler. The founding emperor of the Wei Dynasty was born, surpassing his predecessors in achievements and virtues, reforming corrupt practices, and stabilizing the nation. His mother, the Empress Dowager, was highly respected and renowned for her teachings that benefited the people with her kindness and wisdom. Her teachings, like towering mountains and pure silk, illuminated society then and continued to guide future generations.
Our emperor inherited the exemplary qualities of his ancestors, diligently governing and bringing prosperity to the nation, similar to the Western Zhou and Han Dynasties. The skies were bright and clear, the court was united, and the nation flourished with the people living in peace and prosperity. Signs of auspiciousness were everywhere, such as abundant harvests, beautiful inscriptions on stones, appearances of divine birds, gushing springs, and flying yellow dragons. The nation was at peace, and the people thrived.
Soon, the war ended, and the nation was on the brink of unification. Mount Tai in the east was about to hoist the flag symbolizing victory. It was said by the ancients that a prosperous era only occurs once every thousand years, which had been rare in the past but was now within reach. The people basked in the splendor of the peaceful and prosperous era, wearing splendid clothes, singing and dancing with joy. Recording this era in words, praising the emperor's achievements, was akin to composing timeless songs that would echo through generations. The rulers of the Tang Dynasty also continued this excellent tradition, deserving praise for their governance.
Gao Yun was an exceptionally talented writer. He was highly valued by the emperor of that time, summoned multiple times to discuss national affairs. He was also commissioned to write the "Ode to the Deer Garden" and the "Northern Expedition Stele," which were greatly appreciated by the emperor. In the early years of Yongming, he was appointed as the Minister of the Central Secretariat and the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, overseeing confidential matters. The Empress Dowager held him in high regard, with many imperial edicts, proclamations, inscriptions, and commendatory writings attributed to him.
In the third year of Taihe, the emperor planned to send troops to attack Huai Bei. I wrote a memorial saying: I heard that the court intends to use force against Huai Bei. Even if we can win, it is worth thinking about. I am not very bright and not suited for military matters, let alone leading troops into battle. But because the emperor is enlightened and allows his subjects to speak frankly, I would like to raise a few concerns. I've heard that war is brutal and shouldn't be started lightly unless absolutely necessary. Right now, the world is at peace, and everything seems stable. Is it really the right time to go to war in such a prosperous era? This is the first concern. There are five cities in Huai Bei, each with varying levels of difficulty. But the situation in terms of offense and defense is unpredictable. Our forces might have to pay a huge price. After thinking it over, I don't see any benefits. This is the second concern. Even if we win, it won't really help the country. The campaign is expensive, and if we don’t leave troops there after taking it, it’ll all be for nothing. This is the third concern. If we lose, and the situation drags on with our troops stuck there, the costs will be huge. What would we do then? This is the fourth concern. I hope the emperor will think carefully about these four concerns and pull back the troops in time. But the empress dowager replied, "The army moves quickly and powerfully; what’s there to worry about?"
Later, I was promoted to the positions of Minister of State and Director of the Central Secretariat. The Prince of Huainan requested the restoration of his salary, and the Empress Dowager convened the ministers for discussion. I submitted a letter stating: Heaven created the common people to uphold their ruler. A wise ruler cannot govern alone and must rely on their ministers. The ruler treats ministers with respect, and in turn, ministers serve the ruler loyally. Therefore, there are strict hierarchies in official dress, transportation, and ranks; titles and salaries are tiered accordingly; those with high virtue and prestige hold higher positions, and those with greater responsibilities receive higher salaries. The salaries of lower-ranking officials are adequate for their livelihoods, while those of higher-ranking officials are enough to do good and accumulate virtue. The common people share the tax burden fairly to express their loyalty to the court; the monarch gathers talent to accomplish national affairs. The ruler distributes salaries and grants generous benefits; ministers receive salaries with gratitude. In this way, the temptation of corruption vanishes, and the commitment to loyalty and service strengthens; the common people are free from exploitation, and all officials observe propriety. This is a wise model for governing the country and the most effective strategy for ensuring national stability. Since the time of Yao and Shun, through the three dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou, although circumstances have varied, this principle has remained unchanged. Since the turmoil in the Central Plains, the world has been divided, the country has yet to unify, the population has decreased, the national treasury is empty, and the salary system has been abolished. This is a temporary measure, not a long-term solution.
Since the founding of the Wei Dynasty, the nation's fortunes have thrived, the world is peaceful, and there is a harmonious scene everywhere. The two wise emperors, with both civil and military accomplishments, and both virtue and talent, surpassing all previous emperors, have followed rituals and laws, diligently reviewed the statutes and regulations, emulated the wise rulers of the past, and inherited the great achievements of former sage kings in promoting benefits and eliminating harms; they established mutual oversight among neighborhoods, regularly disbursed salaries, ensured effective governance, a practice that has continued for a long time; the social atmosphere is positive, with no complaints, dishonest and petty individuals have disappeared, greed has completely vanished, and the common people live and work in peace and contentment. In light of these circumstances, what else needs changing in this system?
The flood is raging, and the levee must be reinforced; crooks are running rampant and the law is being ignored, so strict laws and regulations are necessary. Moreover, if the common people cannot eat their fill and stay warm, even a loving mother cannot protect her children; only when every household has enough to eat and wear can society be stable and harmonious, and etiquette and morality can naturally arise. However, not all honest people are rich, and not all rich people are good. Right now, if we pay salaries, honest officials can avoid corruption and bribery, and greedy officials can be influenced to do good deeds; if we just get rid of salaries like that, corrupt officials will become more brazen, while honest officials will find it difficult to protect themselves. The benefits and drawbacks are obvious; how can we just get rid of salaries like that? Are the discussions in Huainan not absurd?
The decree comes after the discussions.
The Emperor summoned the ministers below the royal family to the Imperial Hall and said, "Although there are many methods to govern a country, the ultimate goal is the same. I often listen to the wise advice of the Empress Dowager, but still feel confused. I know there’s a difference between loyal ministers and backstabbers, but have not been able to truly distinguish between them, always worried that loyal ministers will be wronged while treacherous ones gain power. I have been pondering this issue day and night, feeling like there’s a weight on my chest. Ministers of the court, we share in each other's fortunes and misfortunes; we must distinguish between loyalty and treachery clearly, in order for me to be at ease."
The Minister of Personnel, You Minggen, replied, "It is indeed difficult to distinguish between loyal ministers and treacherous ones. According to ancient customs, start them off in a trial position first, confirm their official position, then give them salaries. After three years, we can see how they do; this way loyalty and treachery can be distinguished." Lu said, "I believe that when Yuan Ang advised Lady Shen, that was loyalty; but when he framed Chao Cuo, that was treachery. People can see loyalty and treachery differently; for example, people consider Shi Xian to be a treacherous minister."
The emperor said, "If it weren't for the sages, the actions of loyal ministers and treacherous officials could sometimes be confused. When a loyal minister achieves greatness, he is recognized as loyal; when a treacherous official commits evil deeds, he is labeled as treacherous. Historians record based on the results of events. It appears that there remains a clear distinction between loyalty and treachery. I inquired about the situation before the event occurred, yet you responded regarding the aftermath."
Lu said, "Treacherous people use sweet words and clever language to do things; loyal ministers work for the country with sincerity. Just like jade and stone, they can be easily distinguished." The emperor said, "Although jade and stone are both stones, they have different names; loyalty and treachery have different names, but the underlying principles are the same. If you look at their similarities, you can understand the reasons for their differences; if you focus on their differences, you might overlook their commonalities. Between loyal ministers and treacherous officials, the statuses can change. The boundary between loyalty and treachery is not so easy to distinguish. Some individuals may seem treacherous at first glance but actually embody loyalty and righteousness; others may present themselves as loyal while concealing treacherous intentions. For example, Zi Qi of the State of Chu later showed great loyalty, but was not so at the beginning."
Lu said, "Zi Qi advised the King of Chu; although he initially stated it tactfully, he eventually spoke words of loyalty, which was precisely aimed at achieving the goal of advising, not treachery. If Zi Qi had not taken a tactful approach at the beginning, his loyalty would not have been shown later." The emperor was very impressed by Lu's response.
Later, Lu submitted a memorial that read:
I heard that there are five main aspects to governing a country: cultural education, military strength, legal system, defensive fortifications, and a clear system of rewards and punishments. Therefore, if the people in remote areas are disobedient, we must use effective cultural education to win them over; if they are arrogant and disorderly, we must use military force to deter them; if the people do not understand warfare, we must enact laws to govern them; if the enemy invades recklessly, we must construct defensive fortifications to repel them; if we secure victory in battle, we must clearly reward and punish to motivate them. Only in this way can the country be stable and victories in battles be achieved.
The Di people from the north are crude and uncivilized, almost beast-like. They excel in open-field combat, while their weakness is in attacking cities. If we capitalize on their weaknesses while undermining their strengths, then even if they have many people, they will not pose any real threat, and even if they invade, they will not be able to penetrate far into our lands. Furthermore, the Di people live scattered in the wild marshes, migrating with the water and pasture. During battles, they carry their belongings with them, and when they retreat, they take their livestock along. They don’t carry provisions, yet they still manage to eat and drink their fill. Therefore, in ancient times, people fought against the north merely to defend against their aggression and plunder. Throughout history, the ongoing border troubles are primarily due to the erratic movements of northern nomadic tribes. Currently, the six garrisons are fragmented, with numerous forces fighting each other, surrounding each other, and difficult to control.
In ancient times, the Zhou Dynasty commanded Nan Zhong to build a city in Shuofang; King Zhao Ling and Emperor Qin Shi Huang built the Great Wall; Emperor Han Wu also followed the practices of previous dynasties. "Zhou commanded Nan Zhong to build a city in Shuofang; Zhao Ling and Qin Shi built the Great Wall; Han's Xiaowu followed their predecessors." These four generations of monarchs were all talented emperors; they did the same thing not due to a lack of wisdom, strategy, or military strength, but because this was an important measure to defend against the nomadic tribes in the north; this is the reason why. The Book of Changes says, "The dangers posed by heaven are insurmountable." The dangerous mountains, rivers, and hills are where the princes set up strategic places to defend their countries; isn't this the Great Wall? "The Book of Changes calls Heaven's danger insurmountable; the dangerous mountains, rivers, and hills, the kings set up defenses to protect their countries; is this not the Great Wall?" Now we should learn from our predecessors and build the Great Wall north of the Six Garrisons to defend against the northern tribes. "Now it is appropriate to rely on the past and build the Great Wall north of the Six Garrisons to resist the northern tribes." While there may be temporary hardships, the long-term benefits are invaluable; once completed, it will benefit future generations. "Although there is temporary labor, there is eternal benefit; if it is completed, it will benefit generations." Establish gates at key passes, and build some small cities nearby. "Open gates at key points; build small cities on the side." Use the terrain to ambush the enemy and set up more crossbows. "Use the terrain to repel the enemy; set up more crossbows." If the Di and Rong tribes attack, we will have cities to defend ourselves, and our armies can hold them off. "When the Di come, there are cities to defend; their troops can resist." Since they do not attack cities, they will gain nothing from raiding in the wild; when the grass and fodder run out, they will flee, and ultimately, they will face consequences. "Since they do not attack cities, they will gain nothing from raiding in the wild; when the grass runs out, they will flee, and they will face consequences in the end."
First, we need to recruit 60,000 elite soldiers, with 40,000 selected from nearby states and counties for their valor, and then allocate 20,000 from the capital. We will establish the General's Office for the Northern Campaign within the compound. We must carefully select loyal, brave, and ambitious individuals to strengthen the army. The General's Office will have officials at various levels, and the army will be divided into three divisions, each with 20,000 soldiers, specializing in archery, halberds and shields, and cavalry. We need to build a training ground, conducting drills every ten days, learning the formation methods of Zhuge Liang's Eight Formation Diagram, and how to defend against enemies on the plains. They should become proficient in weaponry, flag signals, and other military skills, ensuring the weapons are of high quality and capable of resisting foreign enemies. We must ensure that each commander has a fixed army, soldiers have fixed commanders, and there is mutual trust between superiors and subordinates, maintaining consistent actions day and night.
In July, we will allocate 60,000 troops from the six ministries, with everyone responsible for preparing their necessary military supplies. We will order the northern warehouses to produce grain nearby, transporting everything to Beizhen. In August, we will begin the northern expedition, with the leaders of each division leading their troops to meet with the forces from the six towns, advancing to Qinan to display our army's might in the northern desert. If the enemy comes to resist, we will engage them in a decisive battle; if the enemy does not come, we will divide our forces to garrison various locations and build the Great Wall. The six towns span no more than a thousand miles; if one person can construct three steps of the wall in a month, then 300 people can build three miles, 3,000 people can build thirty miles, and 30,000 people can build three hundred miles. Thus, even considering the varying strengths of different sections, 100,000 people can complete the construction task in a month. A month is also sufficient for transporting grain. As long as everyone recognizes the importance of lasting peace, they will not begrudge the effort.
There are five benefits to building the Great Wall: First, it can relieve the hardships of patrol duty; second, the northern region can be used for grazing without the threat of enemy raids; third, we can observe the enemy from the wall and wait for them to tire; fourth, it can reduce concerns about border defense, eliminating the need to be always prepared for battle; fifth, the supplies transported year-round will be plentiful.
In addition, the principles of employing people emphasize the importance of trusting the generals, treating them with etiquette, and forgiving their mistakes with compassion and understanding. As for matters outside the military camp, decisions should be made decisively as long as they are beneficial to military affairs; minor mistakes can be forgiven, but they should be expected to achieve significant accomplishments; their military needs should be met, and sufficient material supplies should be provided. There must be mutual understanding between the ruler and the subjects, just as the body directs its limbs, so that the soldiers can be loyal and brave and ultimately achieve victory. Therefore, loyal ministers will give their all, and generals in battle will do their utmost; even if they suffer three defeats, they can still gain more glory; even if they disobey orders three times, they can gain more favor.
An imperial edict was issued: "I have reviewed your memorial and understand your strategy for securing the borders and dealing with the bandits. I intend to discuss with you in detail in person."
The emperor convened the ministers to discuss the plan to attack the Rouran tribe. The emperor said: "The Rouran have raided the borders twice. Recently, a defector reported that the Chieh-le generals have rebelled, and the Rouran king personally led the army to pursue them to the Western Desert. Should we strike while they are weak, or should we hold back and keep the peace?"
The Left Deputy Mu Liang replied: "Since ancient times, military matters have always been a top priority for both nations and families. The Rouran descendants carry on their ancestors' cruelty, repeatedly disturbing the border, committing many evils, showing no remorse and even turning against each other. I believe we should launch an attack; even if we can't wipe them out in one fell swoop, we can still suppress their arrogance." The Minister of Revenue Lü said: "During the Han Dynasty, the country was unified, allowing them to relentlessly pursue and defeat the northern tribes. Now there are still uprisings in the south, so launching a deep invasion into enemy territory is unwise."
The emperor said, "The previous dynasty repeatedly raised troops for conquest because there were still enemies who had not submitted. I have inherited the legacy of a peaceful and prosperous era, so why should we resort to military force? Weapons are tools of violence, and a wise ruler will not use them unless absolutely necessary. Let's hold off on this matter for now." The emperor then said, "Now, should we send an envoy to the Rouran to inquire about the situation?" The ministers all agreed that a letter should be written, so the emperor instructed Lu to write the letter.
At that time, the Rouran nation was in mourning, but the letter did not mention the mourning. The emperor said, "As the chief scribe tasked with drafting official documents, your edicts should not avoid mentioning the mourning of the other party. If you knew about this and did not include it, you would be clearly at fault; if you were negligent, you should apologize for your dereliction of duty." Lu replied, "The Rouran king in the past valued marriage alliances, but his son did not follow his father's wishes and repeatedly violated the borders. I don't think we need to send condolences."
The emperor said, "Respecting their father will make the sons happy; respecting their ruler will make the subjects happy. How can you say there is no need for condolences?" Lu then admitted his mistake, removed his hat and bowed in apology. The emperor told Lu, "The Rouran envoy Muti is cautious and courteous, with the proper etiquette of an envoy, but his companions often humiliate him because of his honesty and simplicity. I'm worried he might be falsely accused when he gets back home. When Liu Zhun sent Yin Lingdan as an envoy before, Yin Lingdan always restrained his subordinates from acting improperly, but he was still falsely accused and sentenced to death upon his return. When writing the letter now, it should be emphasized that Muti is loyal to the Rouran, so that the Rouran king knows."
On the winter solstice that year, Emperor Taizu and Empress Wenming hosted a banquet for the courtiers. Emperor Taizu personally danced in front of the Empress, and the ministers followed suit. After dancing, Emperor Taizu sang a song, and then led all the ministers in bowing to the Empress to wish her well and a long life.
At this moment, a minister named Lu Jin stood up and said, "I have heard that if officials are filial to their parents, then the family will be harmonious and all affairs will prosper; if feudal lords are filial to their parents, their reputation will spread throughout the country; and if the emperor is filial to his parents, his grace will benefit the world. Now, Your Majesty, you are naturally wise and so filial, personally raising a toast and celebrating the birthday; Heaven will surely recognize your filial devotion. We, your ministers, are extremely pleased and have come to wish you eternal longevity!" Emperor Taizu was very happy to hear this and granted each minister thirty bolts of cloth.
The emperor convened a meeting in the Huangxin Hall to discuss state affairs, saying, "There are various complex government matters, and many issues have not yet been resolved. If any ministers have suggestions, please feel free to share them."
Lu Huan replied, "I have carefully considered the eighteen decrees issued by the Empress Dowager and have also studied the policies currently being implemented by the court. These measures have already covered various government affairs while also taking into account different matters. A sage like Confucius took three years to achieve results; Zichan, a notable statesman, took a long time to govern the State of Zheng effectively. Now, the new policies of Your Majesty are being implemented, and the political atmosphere is changing rapidly. As long as we remain committed, the country will naturally be well governed. The principles will become clear, and there is no need to worry about unfinished matters. Moreover, governance should be consistent, allowing the common people to comply even if they don’t fully understand the reasoning behind it. After the issuance of policies, if they do not align with the thoughts of the common people, they should be modified according to the people's views. I hope to accomplish these tasks and ensure that education reaches the hearts of the people. I have thought about this repeatedly; the reasoning is clear, and I am not clear about other matters. As long as the current laws are reasonable, clear, well-executed, and effective over time, we can overcome wrongdoing, and peace will soon be within reach."
The emperor asked, "Criminal law is a vital tool of governance. What do we mean by law? What do we mean by punishment? In practice, which should come first and which should follow?"
Lu Wan replied, "I have heard that establishing rules and regulating affairs for everyone to follow is called law; violating these regulations and facing penalties is called punishment. Therefore, the law must be enforced first, and punishment must follow. Punishment encompasses everything from whipping to the death penalty. Punishment refers to things that have already been completed, and once completed, they cannot be changed."
The emperor asked again, "In the Analects, it says: When Ran Zi returned from court, Confucius asked him, 'How was today?' Ran Zi replied, 'There were state affairs.' Confucius said, 'Then tell me about them. If there are state affairs, even if I wasn't directly involved, I still want to know. What is politics? What is a matter?'"
Lu Wan replied, "I have heard that politics refers to matters carried out by the ruler in accordance with the law, governing the country and managing the people; these are called politics. When ministers carry out orders, this is referred to as a matter. Therefore, when the world is peaceful and the atmosphere is unified, the political directives come from the Son of Heaven; when the royal way declines, the political commands come from the feudal lords; when the ruler is incompetent, the political directives come from the ministers. The Book of Songs states: 'When the royal way declines and education fails, the country will have different political orders, and families will have different customs.' Politics is what is executed from above; matters are what is executed from below."
The emperor said, "If the ruler's command is the political order, then when Zixia served as the magistrate of Jufu and inquired about state affairs, he was merely acting on orders; how can that be called politics?"
Shangshu You Minggen said, "Zixia governed the people, so it can be considered politics." The emperor nodded in agreement with his point.
In the autumn of the fourteenth year, Lu Wan submitted a memorial stating: The emperor received a decree in the Guiwei year, and because there was little rain in spring and summer, he feared a famine was imminent and felt deep compassion for the suffering of the people. He sincerely reflected on himself like Dayu and King Tang, and took responsibility like Yao and Shun. Fearing the drought, the emperor asked his ministers, ordering everyone to submit memorials outlining the benefits and drawbacks. The emperor's kindness reached the common people, and his deep compassion was remembered by future generations.
The subjects believe that Your Majesty is naturally wise, inheriting the throne as brilliantly as the heavens, illuminating the entire universe. The Empress Dowager assists in state affairs with her wisdom and talent, her wisdom and talent align with the principles of heaven, earth, and humanity, making her both profound and gentle, her virtues spreading across the world. The seven luminaries in the sky shine brightly, while the nine achievements on earth are orderly. The greater the ruler's virtue, the more profound the humility shines. Restoring the sacrificial rituals is to better honor the ancestors; organizing the ritual vessels and garments is to better promote rites and music. Increasing the positions of Confucian officials emphasizes the importance of civil governance; streamlining the ranks of warriors highlights military achievements.
Considering that litigation cases have not yet been resolved, the Emperor formulated criminal laws to address them; concerned that the people suffer due to treachery, he established a system for neighbors to supervise one another; understanding the hardships of officials at all levels, he adjusted their salaries and provided generous treatment; recognizing the difficulty of balancing work and rest, he redistributed land for better equity. The Emperor selects loyal and filial individuals, shows compassion for the poor and the lonely, accepts honest counsel, and punishes treacherous and petty people, using his words and actions to educate the populace, thereby changing the national ethos. Although he has not yet fully eliminated war and killing, realizing the ideal of effortless governance, it is enough to bring comfort to heaven and ancestors.
It is said that heaven is fair; it observes everything in the human world, and fortune and misfortune are brought upon by oneself. Therefore, if the Emperor's virtue is good, the nation will prosper; if the Emperor's virtue is poor, social order will collapse. When auspicious signs appear, enjoying five blessings, the nation will be peaceful; when disasters occur, facing six punishments, the nation will suffer. This is all authentically recorded in the "Hong Fan" and serves as proof of divine manifestations. Of course, there are times when one may encounter misfortunes, such as unfavorable years, bad luck, and things not going smoothly; such situations can occur. Figures like Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang all faced natural disasters, and the Zhou and Han dynasties faced their own share of floods and droughts, but they governed diligently and loved the people, ultimately resolving the issues.
Now our situation is much better than before; the difficulties we face are also much fewer. Your Majesty, you are reflecting on your shortcomings so seriously, which is better than that of previous emperors. Look, the stars' movements bring rain, and this can be predicted; the signs of impending disasters are also quite clear. Although there is a bit less rain in the capital region, the crops in various places outside the pass are still growing quite well. If we treat people with respect and prioritize harmony, even if we have a bad harvest one year, it won't cause too much loss. Preparing for the future is a good policy from ancient times; considering dangers in times of peace is common sense in governing the country.
I feel that since the northern town was just moved, the people haven't settled down yet, missing their hometown and loved ones, which makes them feel uneasy. If a war were to break out, it would be very difficult for them to resist the enemy. We should ease their travel restrictions to help them feel more comfortable; open the granaries in Yunchongma City to help them, and they would be grateful to the court and willing to contribute to the border. As for the people in the capital region, if they are particularly hungry, we could take out the grain from Lingqiu's lower warehouse to relieve them, which would comfort the needy and help them live better.
Send excess taxes from Youzhou, Dingzhou, Anzhou, and Bingzhou to places that need grain; open the passes, ease restrictions, cut taxes, lower prices, and reduce their costs; smooth the roads to allow them free passage, so that when there's a good harvest, they can eat well, and when times are tough, they can support each other. This way, we can prevent tough years, and the people won't have to suffer.
I heard that when the common people are struggling, they are more likely to resort to petty theft; when women are hungry, even maternal instincts can wane. In such bad times, the common people are more likely to commit crimes, so we should reduce their labor duties and strengthen control over illegal activities. It would be best to warn local officials well before any incidents occur. Also, if someone is wrongly imprisoned, it damages the emperor's moral integrity. There may still be cases of injustice in the capital's prisons! It would be best to gather all the prisoners in the Court of Judicial Review, allow those in charge of cases to conduct thorough investigations, quickly release those with minor offenses, and report the serious ones. We should suspend all non-urgent projects, and unneeded livestock should be let go. These are standard practices for managing disasters and famines, and are also to reassure the common people. Just as Confucius said in the Analects: "Do not be concerned about poverty, but about insecurity." As long as the common people feel secure, even in times of disaster and famine, there won't be major issues. That's just my humble opinion.
The emperor said, "I understand, let the relevant departments follow this method!"
Later, the emperor also involved Lv in revising the court music, supervise the crafting of metal and stone musical instruments, and train the army of the Prince of Guangling. The emperor appointed him as General of the South and Inspector of Xiangzhou. Because Lv worked hard on revising laws, the emperor rewarded him with a thousand bolts of cloth, a thousand hu of grain, three cows, and three horses. Lv also offered advice on attacking the state of Wu, which the emperor agreed to. Later, when the emperor planned to relocate the capital to Luoyang, Lv advised against the move, citing at least ten drawbacks. If a move was unavoidable, he recommended relocating to Ye City. The emperor was not entirely pleased with his suggestion.
When Xiao Luan was the Inspector of Yongzhou, Cao Hu occupied Xiangyang and sought to surrender. The emperor ordered Liu Chang, Xue Zhenfu, and others to march south from four directions to attack, and he personally went to Xuangu to oversee the campaign. Lu Jian submitted a memorial saying, "Luoyang has just been established, and Cao Hu has not sent anyone as a hostage to show sincerity; he definitely is not truly surrendering, and we should not act rashly." The emperor did not listen to him. As it turned out, Cao Hu was indeed insincere, and the generals all returned with defeats.
The emperor attacked Zhongli City but failed to capture it and planned to rebuild the old city in Huainan to station troops and pacify the newly surrendered populace. The emperor also issued a decree to Lu Jian, detailing the situation. Lu Jian submitted a memorial saying, "The southern lands are in constant turmoil, with usurping rulers changing one after another. Your Majesty has ordered the generals to lead troops personally, striking fear in the Jiangzuo region, and those people have surrendered upon hearing the news. We have already captured several cities, demonstrating benevolence and virtue, and the common people have flocked to us, bringing their elderly and young. Our benevolence has indeed spread throughout the borders, and we have balanced grace with authority. However, this is not a large-scale military operation, and the duration of the war has not been long; originally, we were to welcome the surrendering enemy, but the number of troops we have deployed is quite small. Military strategy states that if your forces are ten times that of the enemy, you can encircle them; if your forces are twice that of the enemy, you can attack them. Currently, we have very few troops, and the front line is stretched too thin, making it difficult to respond effectively."
I've heard that you intend to station troops in Huainan to win over the newly surrendered populace. Emperor Taizu led hundreds of thousands of infantry and cavalry south to Guabu with an overwhelming show of force back then. All the counties surrendered, but the small city of Xuyi was not captured after a long siege. When the army returned to the capital, not a single soldier remained in any county, and no land was cultivated. It's not that there weren't any people, but because the large strongholds were not captured, the small ones couldn't be defended. To stop the water from flowing, you have to block the source first; to cut down trees, you must first pull out the roots. Without blocking the source or pulling out the roots, even if you keep cutting branches and blocking the water flow, the problem cannot be completely solved. Shouyang, Xuyi, and Huaiyin are the foundation of Huainan. None of these three cities have been captured, and leaving troops in other counties like this just won't work!
Now we are approaching the enemy's major city, across the treacherous Huai River. Having only a small number of troops isn't enough for self-defense, and stationing many troops makes it tough to supply food and supplies. You also want to build a canal for convenient transportation, which would have to go through Siku; if you go up from the Huai River, you must pass through Jiaocheng. Huaiyin is an important city, where a large number of boats are usually stored. The enemy could use these supplies to obstruct our progress. If the marshal heads back to the capital, the soldiers’ morale will surely plummet, and with heavy summer rains, rescue will be very difficult. Even if the soldiers are brave, they will not succeed. To the east of Huaiyin is Shanyang, to the south is the Jiangzuo area, close to the supply areas of Jiangdu and Haixi, with Xuyi and Shouyang to the west. It's human nature to want to live in peace and happiness. If troops must be left behind, they're likely to get captured by the enemy once the army pulls out. Why? Because the newly established garrison is isolated in enemy territory, using exhausted troops to face the enemy, and using new soldiers to fight against old soldiers. There’s no way they can protect themselves.
Before the Battle of Pengcheng, although the city had been captured and the garrison was stable, there were still many forces that wanted to rebel. Jiaocheng is a small town located in the northern part of the Huai River, only eighteen miles from Huaiyang. The Battle of Wugu dragged on for a long time but ultimately ended in failure. The current situation is more complicated than before. It is now midsummer with heavy rainfall, and the two sides have already clashed, making it difficult to show mercy. The surrendered people and officials from various places can also be moved to the north of the Huai River. If that is not possible, quickly lead the army to the Huai River and then swiftly withdraw back to the capital. Emulate the practices of Emperor Taiwu and build a palace in the Yiluo area. Accumulate strength, wait for the enemy to make mistakes, extend kindness to win over the distant people, bring stability and harmony to the Central Plains region, and spread education to far-off lands. The cities in Huainan will naturally submit; victory in Tianan is imminent.
The emperor returned to the palace in Shiji, and the minister Lu came to pay his respects. The emperor said to Lu, "In fact, I didn't want to send troops at first, but the army had already gathered, and I was worried about missing the opportunity like King You of Zhou and not being able to stop. On the day of departure, I originally only wanted to go to Xuanhu to assess the situation, but the opportunity was rare, so I ended up pushing all the way to Huainan. However, those generals, each guarding their own territories, did not achieve much, all because they acted too late!"
Lu replied, "People are always loyal to their superiors, and not to those they do not serve, just like dogs bark only at their masters. Furthermore, the ancient strategy of warfare was to attack when the enemy's forces were twice that of one's own, and to encircle them when they were ten times greater. Your Majesty, since you are leading the army yourself, you ought to achieve a great victory. The lack of significant gains is due to having too few troops! Moreover, relocating the capital is a major affair for the realm. The capital has only just been built, and various matters are still being prepared. I have heard that the Book of Songs says, 'Bestow blessings upon China, and bring peace to the four directions.' I hope Your Majesty can settle in the Yiluo region and govern Jinglu leisurely and comfortably, spreading your benevolence across the realm and stabilizing the Central Plains. That way, those who wish to submit will naturally come to you willingly and sincerely."
The Emperor said, "I also hope to settle down in the Yiluo region; in fact, I really want to do so, but I just haven't achieved it yet!" Lu said, "Sima Xiangru regretted not participating in the Fengshan ceremony before his death. Although the Jianghuai region has not yet been fully pacified and small bands of bandits have not been eliminated, the Central Plains region has basically been stabilized. How can we afford to miss such a grand ceremony in this enlightened age? Qi Huan Gong sought dominance over the feudal lords and still wanted to hold the Fengshan ceremony. How much more so for you, the emperor who holds the prestige of ten thousand chariots?" The Emperor said, "Qi Huan Gong was able to dominate because he had Guan Zhong's assistance. The Jiangzhou and Yangzhou regions are not yet fully unified; how can it be as you say?" Lu responded, "The renowned ministers of the Han Dynasty did not consider the Jiangnan region to be part of the Central Plains. Moreover, the territories of the Three Dynasties were not that large." The Emperor said, "South of the Huai River, there is only Yangzhou, and Jingzhou and Hengyang only belong to Jingzhou; isn't that still close to the Central Plains?"
When the carriage arrived in Ye City, the emperor made several visits to the local government office. The emperor issued a decree saying, "Old Lu has made great contributions to the establishment of the ritual and music system in the palace; when serving in the local government, he is known for his integrity and fairness. Since the cessation of military campaigns, all affairs have progressed smoothly. He is truly a talented pillar of the country, capable of seeing things through from start to finish! I have always remembered his contributions and have a great appreciation for him. He is rewarded with 500 pieces of silk, 1,000 shi of grain, a horse, and a set of clothes to commend his hard work!"
Old Lu wanted to prove his abilities to the governor. The emperor said, "Old Lu, at your age, you should be enjoying your retirement, but you still want to strive for more. This ambition is commendable, but it comes off as a bit presumptuous. So, you will be reassigned as General of the North. Given your age, you will be appointed as the Inspector of Youzhou, to both pacify the people and enforce the law strictly." Old Lu felt that all the states had abolished the position of officials and only set up military officials in the prefecture, which made management a bit tricky, so he submitted a proposal to restore the old system. The emperor was a little unhappy.
Over a year later, Old Lu submitted a request for retirement, but the emperor politely refused him. Later, the emperor summoned him to become the Minister of Rites. Old Lu repeatedly submitted requests to resign, but the emperor did not agree. Later, when the emperor marched south to Hanyang, Old Lu advised the emperor to return to the capital, but the emperor did not listen. After the end of the battle in Hanyang, the emperor rewarded Old Lu with an imperial edict, and Old Lu submitted another memorial to express his thanks.
After Emperor Shizong ascended to the throne, Lao Lu repeatedly submitted requests for retirement. The emperor said, "Mr. Lu, you are highly respected and wise, enjoying a great reputation both inside and outside the court; you are a pillar of the court. Since you are getting older and wish to retire, I will allow you to resign from your position as Grand Secretary and grant you a grand retirement ceremony, as well as promote you to honor your contributions. I will appoint you as Minister of Rites, with a golden seal and purple ribbon!" The emperor sent Xingtai, the Assistant Cavalry Guard and Minister of Personnel, to Lao Lu's home to confer the official title. When Lao Lu resigned, the emperor welcomed him in the Eastern Hall, hosted a banquet, and inquired about some national affairs.
Because Lao Lu was a Confucian minister from the previous dynasty and was now returning home in retirement, Emperor Shizong shed tears for this reason. The emperor also issued a decree stating, "Mr. Lu, you have served through six dynasties with outstanding achievements. Now that you are retiring at an appropriate age, I feel a deep sense of reluctance. In accordance with the generous traditions of the Han dynasty, I will grant you a comfortable carriage, a few walking sticks, horses for your sedan, silk, clothing, cloth, and everything will be provided with the utmost care." All the officials came to see him off, just as the ministers did for the two scholars of the Shu dynasty back in the day. Lao Lu climbed Mount Beiming, gazing at the imperial palace; he expressed his deep attachment to the court. In October of the third year of Jingming, Lao Lu passed away peacefully at home. Emperor Shizong sent envoys to express condolences and granted four hundred pieces of burial cloth. In March of the fourth year of Jingming, he was posthumously granted the title of General Who Defends the North and Governor of Youzhou, with the posthumous title of Wenhou.
Gao Lu was particularly skilled at writing, having composed over a hundred military memorials, national edicts, inscriptions, eulogies, and epitaphs, totaling thirty volumes. His writing was excellent, on par with the famous writers Yang Xiong and Ban Gu of the Han Dynasty. People of his time greatly admired him, referring to them as the "Two Gaos." Gao Lu was known to be strong-willed and unafraid to speak his mind. In private conversations, his voice was barely audible, but in court, facing many people, he was eloquent and hard to refute. Emperor Gaozu held him in high regard and treated him exceptionally well. However, Gao Lu had flaws such as greed, narrow-mindedness, pride, and arrogance. In his early days working in the imperial secretariat, he enjoyed insulting scholars and students, insisting on money and gifts in exchange for favors. As he aged and served as the governor of two provinces, he became known for his integrity, frugality, and caution, earning a reputation as a "good official." He had three sons. His eldest son, Yuanchang, inherited his title and served as the Prefect of Liaoxi and Boling counties. His second son, Qin, who was styled Xishu, was also well-educated. During the rebellion led by Mo Zhe Niansheng, Qin accompanied the marshal in the western campaign against the rebellion. However, he was captured by the enemy after a defeat and was appointed a Yellow Gate Attendant by Mo Zhe Niansheng. He ultimately died in Qinzhou. His third son, Muzong, inherited his family's title and served as the Chief Libationer of Dingzhou during the Xinghe era. Gao Lu's other two sons, Shitou and Xiaoshi, died young.
Yuan Chang's younger brother Ding Yin achieved the rank of General of the Central Garrison and Governor of Yuyang. After his death, he was posthumously given the title of General of the Expeditionary Forces and Inspector of Anzhou. His son Hong Jing was famous in his youth but sadly died young. Another son of Ding Yin, Xuan Jing, became the Chief of Staff during the Wuding era. Ding Yin's younger brother Yong Cheng reached the position of Assistant Minister and was quite talented in literature, but his reckless and unruly nature ultimately led to his death by a servant's hand. Gao Lu's younger brother Yue also diligently pursued his studies and was equally talented, but unfortunately passed away early as well.
Historical records state: Gao Lu's talent and knowledge were comparable to Yang Xiong and Ban Gu! However, his family ultimately declined, and his descendants dwindled, likely due to his interpersonal shortcomings, which ultimately led to the decline of his lineage. Gao Lu articulated his thoughts clearly, and his writings were rich and ornate; he was truly a remarkable figure! This is why he was favored by several generations of emperors and held in high regard by Emperor Gaozu. When he resigned and retired, the court held a grand farewell for him, a truly grand occasion!
