Zhang Xun, Lu Sheng, Zhang Ying, Song Shijing, Lu Yong, Yan Qingyin, Ming Liang, Du Zuan, Pei Tuo, Dou Yuan, Yang Dun, and Su Shu, these officials have all served as local officials for many years, inheriting their positions from their families. They were able to govern well because they were strict in law enforcement, compassionate towards the people, soothing the people's sentiments, and adjusting customs. However, they were relatively low-key individuals, relatively unknown; although they handled government affairs promptly and effectively, they did not attract much attention. Therefore, officials who quickly rose in ranks were often those who were decisive and swift; while those who followed the rules and were relatively weak officials had difficulty gaining prominence. This was the case in the past.
Later officials rose and fell with the changing times. Many officials were corrupt, cunning, and used various means, so upright officials like those depicted by Pu Songling rarely appeared. In the early days of the Wei dynasty, just after unifying the Central Plains region and annexing a large amount of land, the people had just settled down, and officials in various regions were acting on orders. Many cases of corruption and bribery occurred in Fengzhou (now Ruzhou City, Henan Province). At that time, the political and social atmosphere was not very good; although many corrupt officials were executed, corruption and bribery remained fundamentally unchanged, like a fishing net that swallowed big fish, only occasionally catching a few small fish and shrimps.
Emperor Gaozu worked hard to govern, strengthened the rule of law, with clear rewards and punishments, and eliminated old problems, so many people followed the rules and laws at that time. Emperor Shizong adopted a relatively lenient governance policy, which led to a gradual decline in social morals during the Taihe period. During the reign of Emperor Suzong, the country was in chaos, and there were no effective measures to reform societal customs, nor any good political measures, a metaphor for "Floating Tiger Returning Pearl," heard of in various parts of the country. I just recorded the officials praised by the people at that time to commend these good officials.
Zhang Xun, styled Hongrang, was a native of Juyang in Shanggu. He followed his brother Zhang Yan back to the state and participated in the military activities of the Crown Prince (later known as Emperor Daowu of Northern Wei, Tuoba Gui). Zhang Xun said to Emperor Taizu Daowu, "Now that the Jin Dynasty's rule has collapsed, the forces of Liu Shi (referring to Liu Yao of Later Zhao and Shi Le) are in disarray, the Murong clan is dominant in Shandong, and Fu Yao (referring to Fu Jian of Former Qin and Yao Chang of Later Qin) occupies the Qin and Long regions, resulting in chaos across the land and displacing the people. Your Highness has established a base in the north and accumulated a reputation for wisdom, expanding southward; your grace has already covered the Yan and Zhao regions. Now, the people in the Central Plains are looking forward to your grace reaching them. This is the perfect time for you to establish great achievements!" Emperor Daowu valued him highly and treated him with great respect.
During the reign of Emperor Huanshi, Zhang Xun was appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, participating in the court's confidential planning and decision-making. Later, he followed General Xi Mu to campaign in the Jin and Chuan regions, where he was granted the title of General of the North and conferred the noble title of Pinggaozi. Afterward, he was appointed as the Governor of Guangping. Zhang Xun recruited scattered people, encouraging them to farm and raise silkworms, and thousands of households flocked to him. He was later promoted to Governor of Changshan. In Changshan, he founded schools and generously supported Confucian scholars, earning widespread praise from the people. At that time, the world had just experienced turmoil, and few could govern diligently; only Zhang Xun was honest in his official capacity, treating the people with kindness, deeply loved by the people, and his achievements were unmatched at that time. Emperor Daowu was greatly impressed upon hearing this.
After Emperor Taizong Mingyuan ascended to the throne, he gifted him three hundred bolts of silk and summoned him to serve as a Grand Minister. In the third year of the Shenrui era, Zhang Xun passed away at the age of sixty-nine. Zhang Xun was known for his integrity and frugality, with no desire for wealth, and when he died, there were no remaining assets in his household. Emperor Taizong Mingyuan felt regret for him, posthumously granting him the title of General of Conquest, Governor of Bingzhou, and Marquis of Pinggao, with the posthumous name Xuan.
His son, Zhang Chun, styled Daoshang, inherited his title and became the General of Zhenyuan and the Lord of Pinggao. However, he was later stripped of his title for misconduct. Zhang Chun's younger brother, Zhang Dai, styled Dingyan, served as the governor of Chenliu Commandery and Beiping Commandery. After his death, he was posthumously appointed General of Chongjun and Inspector of Yingzhou, with the posthumous title of Marquis Hui. Zhang Dai was known for his incorruptibility and carried on his father's legacy. Zhang Dai's son, Zhang Changnian, served as a Doctor of the Imperial Secretariat and was later appointed as General of Ningyuan and Prefect of Runan. During his time in office, there was a dispute between two brothers named Liu Chongzhi in Runan Commandery over a single cow, which escalated to the county court. After understanding the situation, Zhang Changnian sympathetically said, "You are fighting over a cow. If you had two cows, one for each of you, you wouldn't have to go to court." He then gifted the two brothers with a cow from his own household. From then on, the people of Runan Commandery began to treat each other with greater humility and consideration. In the early years of Taihe, Zhang Changnian passed away at home. His son, Zichen, styled Baogui, was remarkably devoted to his parents from an early age. He later served as a Cavalry Attendant, Supervisor of the Imperial Guard, and Colonel of the Crown Prince's Elite Cavalry before he passed away. Zilue, during the Wuding era, was appointed as the Left Minister of the Court.
Lu Sheng was a person from Jiyin Chengshi. His father's name was Shouxing, an official of the Kubu Department under Juqu Muqian. Lu Sheng later served as the governor of Jinan twice, with outstanding political achievements, earning him widespread praise. Emperor Xianzu admired his talent and specifically allowed him to participate in the autumn horse archery competition, rewarding him with a fine horse and a set of blue official robes in recognition of his integrity. He served as the governor of Jinan for ten years. At that time, the Sanqi region had recently surrendered to the court, and many people were living carelessly, spending their days gambling and playing cards, which led to a neglect of agricultural production. Lu Sheng implemented relevant policies and measures that were well received by the populace. Later, he successively served as Long Historian of Zhengdong and Annan under Wang Cheng of Xuzhou and Hou Yuan of Guangling, as well as the Prefect of Huaiyang and the Town General of Tancheng. He passed away at seventy-four during the Zhengshi period. He was posthumously honored as Dragon Cavalry General and Inspector of Yanzhou.
Zhang Ying, of unknown origin, became the governor of Lu County during the Yanxing period. Zhang Ying was recognized for his honesty, integrity, and outstanding political achievements, which earned him a stellar reputation. He and his wife earned a living by chopping and selling firewood. Emperor Gaozu greatly appreciated his talent and promoted him to the position of Prefect of Jingzhao. He served with integrity and was well-loved by both officials and the common people.
Song Shijing was from Guangping and was the third brother of Fan, the Henan Intendant. He worked hard from a young age and was renowned for his filial piety to his parents. He and his brother Song Daoyu immersed themselves in various texts, particularly excelling in Confucian classics. Their older cousin, Song Bian, held them in high esteem. Song Shijing participated in the imperial examination and ranked first in the policy examination, which led to his appointment as an assistant instructor at the National University. He was subsequently promoted to General Legal Officer under Prince Xie of Pengcheng. Prince Xie valued his talent and regarded him highly. Emperor Gaozu also recognized him and promoted him further to General Legal Officer under the Minister of Works.
Song Shijing is very good at handling government affairs, formulating laws and regulations, adjudicating difficult cases, and making swift and accurate judgments. Later, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Rites. Prince Xie of Pengcheng often praised him: "Song Shijing has the makings of a great Minister of Works!" Minister Gao Zhao often assigned him to handle difficult matters. Song Shijing was not only talented but also hardworking. He was in charge of several departments and made significant contributions to governance. He was recommended by Minister Yuan Huai several times to serve as a Lang of the Secretariat, inspecting over ten states and counties, making fair promotions, demotions, and decisions on rewards and punishments. He was also responsible for relocating the headquarters of seven towns, establishing additional garrisons and guard posts to defend against northern invaders. Yuan Huai highly valued him and recommended him to Emperor Shizong upon returning to court: "Song Shijing is both civil and military, a rare talent in today's world. He is honest and upright, even more rare. If Your Majesty entrusts him with important matters, he will be just as capable as Li Chong." Emperor Shizong said: "I have also heard of him." Minister Wang Jia, Minister Gao Zhao, and Prince Ying of Personnel recommended Song Shijing to be appointed as a National Professor, and shortly after, they recommended him to be the Deputy Minister of Works. Unfortunately, Wang Xian and Song Shijing had a falling out, and Wang Xian badmouthed him to Emperor Shizong, so this matter ultimately went nowhere.
Later, Song Shijing was promoted as General Fubo and served as the Prefect of Xingyang. The Zheng family in Xingyang held significant power and was notoriously difficult to govern. The brother of the Governor of Jizhou, Zheng Shang, Zheng Yuanqing, had previously served as the magistrate of Yuanling and had been involved in embezzlement and bribery, causing immense suffering for the common people. Upon his arrival, Song Shijing summoned Zheng Yuanqing and said, "We are relatives and can help each other. I will not pursue the matters that occurred before I arrived, but from today onwards, if you dare to embezzle again, I will not let you off!" Zheng Yuanqing pretended to be unfazed, but Song Shijing still punished him in accordance with the law. Zheng Yuanqing, frightened, lost his position and fled. Consequently, other officials became fearful of Song Shijing's authority and began to adhere to regulations. Song Shijing worked in the hall every day without rest. County officials, grassroots cadres, and ordinary citizens could see him at any time of day. Visitors were free to speak their minds, and Song Shijing was always friendly, often avoiding others to speak with them privately. He was well aware of both major and minor issues in the community, exposing corruption and capturing criminals, as if he were a deity. There was once a minor official who, while on leave, stole someone else's chicken and pork; there was another official who accepted someone else's hat and also stole two chickens. Song Shijing shouted, "You dare to steal chicken and pork from Jia and Yi's household and take Ding's hat!" The two officials were so frightened they quickly bowed and confessed. Thus, everyone felt fear, and no one dared to violate the law anymore. Later, due to matters involving his brother Song Daoyu, Song Shijing was dismissed from office.
Song Shijing had a knack for getting along with others, which resulted in a close relationship with Daoyu. After Daoyu's death, he wept deeply, and his sorrowful appearance touched the hearts of passersby; he became so haggard that those who saw him could not help but feel sympathy. More than a year later, when his mother passed away, he couldn't bear the grief and passed away as well. Song Shijing once intended to write the "Book of Jin," but he never finished it.
His son, Ji Ru, was a child born posthumously. When he grew up, he was invited by the governor Cui Kai to serve as a magistrate, and later became a scholar at the Imperial Academy and a general of Mingwei. He once visited Qiao County and Song County, where he wrote an article mourning Ji Kang. His writing was both structured and eloquent. One night, while he was sleeping, his house collapsed, and he was tragically crushed. He was only twenty-five years old, and people at the time mourned his untimely death.
Lu Yong hailed from Yangping Qingyuan. During the reign of Emperor Shizong, he was appointed as the governor of Eastern Weijun in Qizhou due to his many achievements, and he was known for his effective governance. The Empress Dowager Ling issued a decree saying, "Lu Yong governs the region with integrity and diligence, and is good at comforting the people. A few years prior, a famine struck, leaving the county filled with starving people on the brink of death. Lu Yong, however, selflessly provided grain from his own stores to aid the impoverished, which enabled them to survive. Even the best officials of antiquity pale in comparison to him! He deserves recognition and rewards to inspire others. Give him a horse, a set of clothing and bedding. Let the people of Xuanzhou Town know about this." Due to his exceptional governance, Lu Yong gradually rose through the ranks and eventually rose to the position of governor of Southern Qingzhou, where he passed away.
Yan Qingyin, his origins are unknown. He served as the governor of Fucheng in Dongqin Prefecture. During his five years in office, he was honest and diligent, changing the local customs for the better. For several consecutive years of famine, Yan Qingyin donated a thousand shi (a traditional unit of measurement for grain) from his own family each year to relieve the poor, which allowed the common people to survive. More than a thousand of his subjects, including Yang Baolong, wrote to praise his achievements. The relevant authorities reported: "Since Yan Qingyin took office as the governor of this county, his good governance has become widely known, and he has also donated his own grain to relieve the famine. This truly reflects a benevolent heart that cares for the people as one cares for their own children! If he is not rewarded fairly, it will be impossible to encourage those corrupt officials. Moreover, Lu Yong, the governor of Dongwei County in Qizhou, has similar achievements and methods of aiding disaster victims, yet he has received lavish rewards of clothing and horses from the imperial decree. Logically, he should receive similar rewards." In the end, Empress Ling did not grant him any rewards.
Ming Liang, whose courtesy name was Wend, is from Pingyuan. He is upright, honest, and very talented. He rose from a position in the Ministry of Rites to the position of an honorary palace attendant. During the Yan Chang years, Emperor Shizong personally assessed officials in the court and appointed Ming Liang as the General of Courage and Valor.
Ming Liang stepped forward and said, "I was originally an honorary palace attendant, a position of some prestige. Now you appoint me as the General of Courage and Valor, a title that sounds rather rough around the edges. Moreover, civil officials and military generals are inherently different; could I possibly have a different position?" Emperor Shizong replied, "Rewards are now based on merit, regardless of being noble or rough. Why must you insist on discussing nobility and roughness?"
Ming Liang said, "Your Majesty, there is naturally a distinction between nobility and roughness. Since I am your subject, I feel compelled to speak this way." Emperor Shizong said, "Scholars from all walks of life are gentlemen. Although the titles of civil officials and military generals differ, they all assist in governing the country. Why do you feel the need to set yourself apart, emphasizing nobility and roughness? I cannot agree to your request; we will stick with the original appointment."
Ming Liang said, "The Jiangnan region has not yet completely submitted; the system ought to be unified. You are about to send me to conquer the Wuhui area. The official position is of no importance to Your Majesty, while my life is my most valued possession. Since you are about to take away my most valued possession, why must you be stingy with the official position that you do not value?" Emperor Shizong smiled and said, "You wish to pacify Jiangnan for me and completely defeat Xiao Yan; this requires brave and martial men. The official position I am granting you is precisely to align with your thoughts. You refuse bravery and thus contradict yourself." Ming Liang said, "I wish to follow your wise guidance, planning strategically from behind the scenes to secure victory from afar. What need is there for the title of bravery to achieve success?" Emperor Shizong said, "Strategy and bravery are originally complementary. If one is brave but lacks strategy, that bravery cannot be effective; if one has strategy but lacks bravery, that strategy is also difficult to implement. Both must be present to achieve victory; why do you say that only strategy is needed and not bravery?" Ming Liang said, "Then please appoint me as General Pingyuan." Emperor Shizong said, "Strategizing and wielding military force are necessary to pacify distant lands; you only need military force to achieve pacification, why must you insist on the title of 'Pingyuan'?" Ming Liang then expressed his gratitude and withdrew. Later, Ming Liang was appointed as the Governor of Yangping. He was honest and upright, cared for the people, implemented many policies for their benefit, achieved outstanding results, and gained a far-reaching reputation. The court held his achievements in high regard. Afterwards, he was transferred to the post of Governor of Jiyun, where he continued to achieve outstanding results, and his reputation spread far and wide. People and officials from both counties still hold fond memories of him. He passed away in the early years of the Xiaochang era, and the court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Left General and Inspector of Nanjing.
At the beginning, Zhuge Liang was in Yangping, just in time for the uprising led by Xiqi, the Inspector of Xiangzhou and Prince Zhongshan. At that time, the Inspector of Bingzhou, Prince of Chengyang, also sent envoys to meet with Zhuge Liang, conspiring with Xiqi to discuss strategies. Xiqi was defeated, and Zhuge Liang cleverly explained the purpose of the envoys, thus Prince of Chengyang was spared from any repercussions. Two years later, the court recognized his previous achievements, posthumously promoting him to General Who Pacifies the East and Inspector of Jizhou, and appointed his son Zhuge Xiyuan as an official in the court. Zhuge Liang's cousin, Zhuge Yuan, held a position in the Household Department. Du Zuan, styled Rongsun, was a native of Jiumen in Changshan. He lived in poverty from a young age and was remarkably self-sufficient. When the county magistrate Qiluo passed away with no relatives to arrange his funeral, Du Zuan used his own money to bury him. In recognition of his kindness, the county erected a monument at his doorstep, and when his father passed away, he likewise performed the funeral rites. He was recommended as a model of filial piety and integrity and appointed as a scholar-official in Yuzhou.
This general, initially known as "General Shaochu of the Accumulated Crossbows," led his troops to the banks of the Huai River to welcome the surrender of Yang Xiang and others. Later, he established Chuzhen and recruited five hundred households from the mountainous region, including Li Tianbao. He then followed the army to campaign against Xinye, where he was promoted to Cavalry Captain. He later accompanied the emperor to Shou Chun, where he was ordered to offer comfort to the soldiers along the Huai River. Governor of Yuzhou, Tian Yizong, rallied the people to pledge allegiance to the court, and the emperor sent him to Guangling to reassure the newly surrendered populace and distribute grain. After the conquest of Xinye and Nanyang, he was granted the title of Lord of Jingxing and rewarded with five hundred pieces of silk. He quickly distributed these rewards to his relatives and friends, which earned him praise from contemporaries. He also went to Zheyang and Wuyin counties to oversee the cultivation of public lands to support military funding. He was later appointed as the Governor of Wudu in Southern Qinzhou. During the Zhengshi period, he was promoted to the Prefect of Hanyang and gained a reputation for his integrity and uprightness. He also accompanied the commander Yang Chun and others to the Southern Qinzhou army to quell the rebellion of the Ni clan. Upon his return, he was appointed as the General of Huben and concurrently served as the Prefect of Taicang. After his mother's death, he resigned from his official position. After some time, he was appointed as the General of Fubo and returned to his role as the Prefect of Taicang. He was then promoted to General of Ningyuan and Commander of Yinling Garrison. During the Yanchang era, when the capital faced shortages, the court tasked him with overseeing the capital's granaries and providing relief to the populace. In the early years of the Suzong reign, he was appointed as the General of Conquering Barbarians and the Interior Inspector of Qinghe.
He was frugal and was particularly compassionate towards the elderly poor, even personally inquiring about the hardships of the common people and was moved to tears by their suffering. He actively promoted agricultural production, personally inspected it, rewarding the hardworking with wealth and punishing the indolent. He comforted the families of the deceased and visited the sick, earning the deep affection of the people. Later, he was appointed Inspector of Dong Yizhou in his role as a general. However, he lacked experience and strategy in military operations at the border, and when the local Qun clan staged a rebellion, he was recalled to court due to his failure to pacify the populace. He was later reassigned as Deputy Minister of the Imperial Treasury and subsequently served as the Governor of Pingyang, General of the Rear, and Grand Master of the Palace. During the Zhengguang era, in Qinghe County, three hundred people, led by Fang Tong, praised his accomplishments and requested him to return to Qinghe County. The court approved his request. During the Xiaochang era, when Ge Rong besieged Qinghe, he surrendered the entire county to him. Ge Rong sent him to Xindu to pacify the people, but the commander, Li Jin, intended to kill him. However, the Inspector Yuan Fu interceded on his behalf, allowing him to evade danger. Afterward, he advised Ge Rong to flood the city with water, and Ge Rong appointed him as the Governor of Changshan. Shortly after he took office, Ge Rong was eliminated. Xue Tan, the Inspector of Dingzhou, recognizing his age and merits, assigned him the defense of Boling and Julu Counties, but he resigned from this position due to illness. Soon after, he passed away peacefully at home.
This person, when he was in office, enjoyed performing small acts of kindness, subsisting on vegetarian meals and wearing worn-out clothing. Despite being frequently slandered, he was honest and never accepted bribes. The common people held him in great fondness and praised him as a good official. During the Yongxi era, the court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of General of Pingbei and Inspector of Yanzhou; in the fourth year of the Tianping era, he was again posthumously conferred the titles of General of Ben and Inspector of Dingzhou.
Pei Tuo, courtesy name Yuanhua, was from Wenxi in Hedong. His ancestors fled to Liangzhou during the turmoil of the Jin Dynasty. Later, after Fu Jian pacified Hexi, they returned to their hometown and settled in Jiexian. His father, Pei Jing, had served as a sub-prefect in Huizhou.
Pei Tuo was tall and strong, clearly a person of promise. In his youth, he studied the "Spring and Autumn Annals of the Du Family," "Mao's Poems," and the "I Ching," achieving a high level of proficiency in all. He passed the examination for xiucai and was appointed as a doctor in the Zhongshu, later promoted to military advisor for the Minister of War, and then served as the military advisor to Wang Cheng of Yangzhou. Afterward, he entered the court as a deputy director in the Ministry of Revenue, serving as the acting governor of Hedong Prefecture, where he performed exceptionally well. Upon returning to court, he was appointed as a director in the Ministry of Personnel and the prefectural magistrate of Hedong. Emperor Shizong personally called him to court and appointed him as a special attendant while retaining his position as magistrate. He was later promoted to the position of director of the Administrative Office of Shizhou. Due to some rumors, he was impeached by the censors, but soon after, he was pardoned and had his charges dropped. He was then promoted to General of the Expeditionary Forces and a middle-ranking official.
He served as the governor of Zhao County, successfully managing the region through a mix of kindness and firmness, yielding impressive results. The troublesome officials and wrongdoers were all brought under control by him. He used his salary to assist the poor. He was later promoted to General of the Front and Inspector of Dongjingzhou, earning great respect from the local people, who came out to bid him farewell when he left, and even today, people still remember him with fondness. Shortly after, he was later promoted to General of Pacification.
At that time, the tribal leaders Tian Panshi, Tian Jingzong, and others, leading over ten thousand households, relied on their numbers and the difficult terrain to defy the court's orders. Previous governors had repeatedly attempted to subdue them, but none succeeded in making them surrender. After Pei Tuo took office, he went to appease them alone, reasoning with them and appealing to their emotions, explaining the stakes involved. Upon hearing of Pei Tuo's good reputation, Tian Jingzong and others submitted to the court as one. As a result, the entire prefecture became stable, and bandits vanished, with over a thousand households joining him, as the surrounding people expressed immense gratitude. Later, he was promoted to General of the Pacifying Army and subsequently to General of the Central Army. He served in the prefecture for several years but requested to return home due to illness. He died in the second year of Yong'an. Before his death, he left a will prohibiting requests for posthumous honors from the court and refusing any offerings of property for his memorial. His sons all complied with his wishes.
This Tuo was particularly straightforward and disliked associating with common people; his true friends were prominent figures of his time. He was honest and upright, never sought wealth; his house measured only thirty paces square, and he owned little land. He did not use an umbrella in summer and did not wear a fur coat in winter; he was remarkably frugal! He had six sons.
One of his sons was named Rangzhi, courtesy name Shili. During the Wuding period, he became a Deputy Minister of the Secretariat. Rangzhi's younger brother was named Zouzhi, courtesy name Shizheng, who displayed exceptional talent from a young age and served as a military aide to the Minister of Works. During the Tianping period, he traveled to the Guansi region.
Dou Yuan, courtesy name Shizhen, was a native of Liaoyang in western Liaoning. He stated that his ancestral home was Fufeng Pingling. His great-grandfather was Chong, who was the great-grandson of Dou Wu, a general of the Han Dynasty. Chong served as the governor of western Liaoning, which is why their family had lived there ever since. His great-grandfather Kan served as the governor of Yuyang; his grandfather Biao served as the governor of Feng Wentong in Chengzhou; and his father Jiong passed the xiucai examination but sadly died young. During the era of Putai, Dou Yuan submitted a memorial requesting the court to posthumously confer an official title upon his father. The emperor then posthumously granted his father the title of General of Conquering Enemies and Inspector of Pingzhou.
At the age of seventeen, Dou Yuan began to carry his books and study under a teacher. After ten years of traveling and studying, he became an Imperial Censor. He was later promoted to Feng Chaoping and concurrently appointed as a Doctor of Taichang. Subsequently, he caught the attention of General Er Zhu Rong from Taiyuan, who appointed him to a government position. Er Zhu Rong greatly valued him, retaining him as the Left Chancellor in the Northern Road Grand Council. Due to his military achievements, he was granted the title of Yangluo Baron and appointed as an Outside Scribe to the Imperial Court. Because he worked under Er Zhu Rong, he was also granted the title of Xin Chang Baron. After Er Zhu Rong's eastward campaign against Ge Rong, after the war concluded, he was conferred the title of Duke of Rongcheng, with a fief comprising five hundred households. He was later promoted to General of Conquering Enemies and Outside Scribe to the Imperial Court, while still serving as Left Chancellor. Dou Yuan requested that the title of Duke of Rongcheng be transferred to his elder brother Shu Zhen, which the emperor approved, and the title of Xin Chang Baron was subsequently transferred to his brother, who subsequently rose to the position of Governor of Taishan.
Er Zhu Shilong and his faction supported Wang Yuanye of Changguang in becoming emperor, and then they marched south to Luoyang. When they were near the eastern city gate of Luoyang, Er Zhu Shilong sent Wang Yuan to petition for the deposition of Yuanye. Wang Yuan, with a horsewhip in hand, entered the imperial palace alone and presented his petition, stating, "Both the common people and heaven wish for Wang Guangling (referring to Yuanye) to ascend the throne, and hope you will follow the example of Yao and Shun by abdicating the throne." Yuanye then abdicated the throne. Thus, Wang Yuan was appointed as General of the Southern Campaign and Grand Minister of Ceremony. His memorial was exceptionally well-crafted, and the former deposed emperor valued him highly.
During the reign of Emperor Xiaowu of Qi, Wang Yuan became the Minister of Justice. Once, during a sacrificial ceremony and a lecture, Wang Yuan, along with Cavalry Attendant Wen Zisheng, Palace Attendant Wei Jijing, and Cavalry Attendant Li Yexing, was tasked with extracting and explaining key passages from the scriptures. During the Tianping era, he was appointed as General of the Eastern Town and Grand Minister of Ceremony. Soon after, he was promoted to the Governor of Guangzong, known for his integrity. The people of Guangzong were known for their strong-willed nature, and many previous governors had faced lawsuits due to complaints, but Wang Yuan maintained a spotless record throughout.
Later, he was transferred to be the Governor of Zhongshan and was additionally granted the title of General of the Eastern Expedition. His reputation was excellent, and he was deeply loved by the people. When King Xianwu of Qi conducted an inspection of the provinces, he admonished the local officials and specifically praised Wang Yuan's achievements to encourage them. Wang Yuan was subsequently appointed as the envoy with command authority, General of the Main Army, and Inspector of Pingzhou. His achievements in Pingzhou were as outstanding as when he served as governor in the county. He also served as the Right Chief Clerk in the Prime Minister's Office under King Xianwu of Qi. However, Wang Yuan lacked the capability to manage military affairs and make significant decisions, rendering this position somewhat ill-suited for him. Later, he also took charge of affairs in Jinzhou.
After returning to the capital, Wang Yuan submitted a memorial to the emperor:
During my time serving in Pingzhou, I was honored and granted the "New System of Linzhi." I announced it to the people in my jurisdiction as per the imperial decree, and they were all very happy, as though they had received three imperial edicts. I understand that strict laws were upheld during the reign of Emperor Shun, and a clear political environment was the hallmark of the Zhou Dynasty. Therefore, only by assisting a wise monarch can a country prosper or decline. This is evident from the influence of the ruler's teachings. I earnestly ask Your Majesty to rule wisely, accept the will of heaven, establish a solid foundation, create a peaceful and prosperous era, make the country harmonious and stable, eradicate corrupt governance, and let the legacy of our forebears be passed down for eternity. At that time, with a peaceful and prosperous era approaching, all the people will rejoice.
I thoroughly examined the legal provisions and saw that Article 66 stated: if a mother kills a father, the son is forbidden from reporting it, and anyone who reports it will face execution. I pondered this repeatedly but could not make sense of it. Why? The law stipulates that descendants are forbidden from reporting the crimes of their parents or grandparents, or they will be put to death. Emperor Xuan of Han also said: "If a son conceals the crimes of his parents, or a grandson conceals the crimes of his grandparents, no investigation will be made. This is because the crimes committed by parents or grandparents, whether minor like stealing a sheep or major like murder, are concealed by their children out of love, and the law does not explicitly address this." This reasoning is sound and valid. However, this does not imply that a son cannot report a mother for killing a father. If the father kills the mother, it is the husband killing the wife, and the mother's status is lower than the father's, so it is understandable if the son does not report it. But if the mother kills the father and the son is not allowed to report it, I find this truly perplexing.
In the past, King Kang of Chu wanted to kill Chancellor Zi Nan. Zi Nan's son, Qi Ji, was the king's guard, and he reported it. Qi Ji said, "To disclose the king's orders is a serious crime; I cannot do that." Consequently, King Kang executed Zi Nan. His colleagues asked him, "What are you going to do?" Qi Ji replied, "It's as if I participated in the murder of my own father; where can I possibly go?" The colleagues asked again, "What will you do?" Qi Ji said, "I cannot bear the hatred of my father's murder." In despair, he took his own life. The text notes: "Qi Ji believed that not reporting his father was equivalent to participating in his father's murder, and he regarded the king as an enemy. These views do not conform to the rituals and laws, and 'The Spring and Autumn Annals' criticized this. This falls under the category of handling external affairs, using justice to sever familial ties. It is understandable that a son would not report his father knowing the king killed him." However, the mother and father are in the same family; familial affection cannot be concealed, and justice cannot sever it. Knowing that the mother intends to kill the father should lead to a report; if the mother has already killed the father, a report should be made to the authorities. Now that the mother has killed the father, and the son does not report it, it shows that he knows his mother but not his father, showing less wisdom than a barbarian and less loyalty than a wild animal! The mother and father are a perfect match, a gift from heaven. Now that the mother has killed her own heaven and the son's heaven, both heavens are destroyed; how can anyone stay silent? The mother's crime warrants the death penalty; the moment she took action, the bond between mother and son was irrevocably severed. Yet the son does not report it because of the so-called "maternal way," which leaves me utterly perplexed.
The current social atmosphere is pure and wholesome, just as beautiful and harmonious as spring and summer. Even if there were past incidents like the "Xiao Jing," referring to historical examples of changing laws based on personal feelings or favoritism, that is all in the past. Moreover, everyone is receiving a good education now and can distinguish right from wrong and good from evil; there is no need for such regulations anymore. Those who are stubborn and unchanging, even if they do not correct themselves, that is their own concern and does not need to be codified into law. If such a situation really arises, guilt can be assessed based on the circumstances; why should we preemptively enact such provisions to restrict everyone?
What I worry about is that hundreds of years from now, people will interpret this legal text in various ways, even leading to some absurd claims, like suggesting that mothers hold greater value than fathers. In my view, such statements are completely untenable. If the social atmosphere is pure and wholesome, then such laws can certainly be implemented, but the roles of the ruler and the father are equally significant; the father is the root of the child, and killing a father is a serious offense. There should be a provision stating that if a father commits treason, his son has the right to report him. A father is unique, and the deep affection and bond are clear.
I personally believe that only a truly wise monarch is capable of making such decisions, and only wise ministers can support such decisions, which significantly impact the nation's stability and the people's peace. A simple-minded person like me struggles to fully grasp it. I humbly present these modest suggestions out of gratitude for the emperor's immense grace. If Your Majesty can adopt my suggestions, I kindly request that you forward them to the appropriate departments for consideration.
The edict was issued to the Ministry of Personnel, and Lord Yi, the Grand Minister of State, stated: "A person's body, hair, and skin are all given by their parents. Parents raise us and have made tremendous sacrifices. The gratitude children owe their parents is like branches on the same tree; it can never be fully repaid in a lifetime. That's just human nature. Now, suddenly wanting to debate the worth of parents is something I truly find hard to accept, and throughout history, there has been no basis for such a discussion. If a mother kills the father and the son turns her in, leading to her execution, it is equivalent to the son killing the father. There’s no country without mothers; I can’t imagine what this son thinks he’s doing! The "Spring and Autumn Annals" records that in the first year of Duke Zhuang's reign, it doesn’t mention his ascension due to Wen Jiang’s escape. Fu Qian's commentary states: 'Wen Jiang had an affair with Duke Xiang of Qi and participated in the murder of Duke Zhuang but was not punished. The father killed the mother, and the son ran away; that’s a pain he can’t easily talk about. Once the mourning period was over, the son remembered his mother, who was killed when he was young, so the "Spring and Autumn Annals" records: in March, the lady yielded to Qi.' Since there’s a record of that hidden pain of missing one’s mother, it shows that there’s no justification for hatred and denunciation.
Sages establish laws to prohibit promiscuity and violence, to clarify good and evil, allowing people to know and avoid them. If we discuss punishment in the face of events, it will lead to many wrongful convictions. The worst crime is killing your father and harming your ruler; these are all written in the law, and no emperor throughout the ages has changed them. What’s wrong with this system? Why should it be thrown out? Since it doesn’t break the law, it won’t cause any harm, and it’s been in place for many years, so I don’t think it should be changed." Then, (the advisor) Yuan rebutted:
The official said, "The bond between you and your parents is a blood bond. Even if you spend your whole life repaying them, you can never fully repay them. That's just human nature. Now, to talk about closeness and distance, to distinguish between high and low, noble and humble, I just can't accept it. Moreover, I have searched through ancient texts and found no basis." Wang Yuan replied, "The I Ching says: 'Heaven is above, Earth is below, the hierarchy of heaven and earth has long been set.' It also says: 'Heaven represents the father, so it is called father; Earth represents the mother, so it is called mother.' The I Ching says Heaven is the father, Earth is the mother. The Book of Rites states: 'When the father dies, one should wear mourning for three years; when the mother dies, one should wear mourning for one year.' The hierarchy of parents is clearly written in the classics, so where's this 'lack of historical evidence' you speak of?"
The official said, "If the mother kills the father, and the son goes to report her, resulting in her execution, isn't that equivalent to the son killing the father? Where in the world is there a place without mothers? I don't know what this son thinks he's doing!" Wang Yuan consulted the laws and hadn't come across any cases where a mother kills the father and the son must conceal her crime. Since not reporting her makes him just as guilty as if he killed his father, where in the world is there a place without fathers? Is this son really going to get away with it?
First, the official said, "According to the records in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' in the first year of Duke Zhuang of Lu, there is no mention of his ascension to the throne due to Wen Jiang's flight. Fu Qian's commentary states: 'Wen Jiang had an affair with Duke Xiang of Qi and participated in the murder of Duke Zhuang of Lu but did not return. With her father murdered and her mother fled, this is a hidden pain that is difficult to speak of. When the grief lessened, he began to miss his mother, so the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' merely recorded, "In March, the lady yielded to Qi."' Since there is a subtle statement recorded about Wen Jiang's flight, it indicates that there was no reason to report out of hatred." Then, an official named Yuan carefully analyzed the meaning of the commentary. He said: "'Hidden pain and deeply concealed pain' refers to the fact that Duke Zhuang of Lu's father was killed by the state of Qi, and his mother had an affair with Duke Xiang of Qi. Therefore, he concealed the pain of his father's murder and the fact of his mother's flight, which is why there is no record of his ascension to the throne; it is not to hide his mother's involvement in his father's murder. Thus, the later text uses the word 'yield' to describe Wen Jiang's actions, severing the relationship, suggesting that Wen Jiang's guilt is less clear than that of participating in patricide. The 'Gongyang Commentary' also states: 'When the ruler is killed, the son does not mention ascending the throne; this is to conceal.' When the sorrow diminished and the father's grief eased, he began to miss his mother, so the text merely recorded, 'the lady yielded to Qi.' Even though it subtly notes Wen Jiang's flight, it still serves as a record of her guilt. The 'Gongyang Commentary' states: 'Not referring to the Jiang family is to sever all ties with her; this is a matter of propriety.' The commentary explains: 'The lady bears the guilt of participating in the murder of Duke Huan, and severing all ties with her is necessary to uphold the righteousness between father and son.' This praises Duke Zhuang for prioritizing great righteousness by severing ties with his guilty mother, thus it is said to be in accordance with propriety. By prioritizing great righteousness and severing ties with the guilty, it aligns with the principles of propriety, indicating there is a reason to report out of hatred." However, during the time recorded in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' regarding Duke Huan and Duke Zhuang, the state of Qi was a powerful vassal state, and Wen Jiang had an affair with them, leading to the murder of Duke Zhuang of Lu by the state of Qi. Wen Jiang informed Duke Xiang of Qi about this, and Duke Xiang sent his son Peng Sheng to kill Duke Zhuang of Lu. At that time, the state of Lu was weak and feared the state of Qi. The emperor's power was waning, and there was no wise hegemon, so the state of Lu dared not seek revenge against Qi or publicly accuse Qi; they could only tell Qi, "We do not know whom to blame; this reflects poorly on the vassal states. Please allow us to eliminate Prince Peng Sheng." Qi later killed Prince Peng Sheng. Although this official's judgment referenced classical texts, it was primarily based on reasoning and did not fully address the uncertainties.
The matter was thus put on hold. He was removed from his position as the Grand Minister of Rituals and later promoted to General of the Imperial Guard. The nobility looked down on him because he came from a humble background. However, when dealing with cases, he adhered to the law, acted fairly and justly, and never engaged in favoritism or corruption, which offended many people. Although he held a prominent official position, he remained just as poor, yet his integrity and uprightness earned him the respect of many. Later, he served as the Chief Justice of the province, concurrently holding the position of Minister of Imperial Stables, and ultimately passed away while in office. After his death, he was posthumously granted the titles of General of the Imperial Guard, Minister of Imperial Stables, and Governor of Jizhou, and was posthumously honored with the title "Ming."
Yang Dun, courtesy name Yuanli, was a native of Juping, located at Mount Tai, and the son of Yang Zhi, the governor of Liangzhou. He was known for his fairness and incorruptibility, with knowledge spanning many books and historical materials. Due to his father's merits, he was appointed as an official in the imperial court and later assigned to the local government as a deputy magistrate. He resolutely refused to sign or seal any documents pertaining to wrongdoing. Later, he served as the Left Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and the Chief Military Officer in Xuzhou. During the Yong'an period, the court promoted him to the position of Chief Justice, but he declined the offer. He was then appointed as the magistrate of Luoyang. Subsequently, he was promoted to General of the Southern Town and Grand Minister of Golden Purple, then transferred to the position of Deputy Minister of the Imperial Treasury, and later promoted to General of the Guard and Governor of Guangping. He was very capable in governance, and corrupt officials were too scared to act recklessly around him; he maintained his integrity and did not infringe on even the smallest matters. He lived a frugal life; one year during a famine, when his family was still awaiting grain, he sent someone to dig lotus roots from a pond for food. When he encountered people suffering, his family would pawn their garments to exchange for rice to help them. However, despite his integrity as an official, he also commanded great respect. The court rewarded him with one thousand measures of grain and one hundred bolts of silk for his uprightness. He passed away during the Xinghe period at the age of fifty-two. The people came to mourn and weep, all deeply saddened. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Commander of Military Affairs for both Xuzhou and Yanzhou, Grand General of the Guard, Minister of Personnel, and Governor of Yanzhou, and granted him the posthumous title of "Zhen," which means "upright."
During the early years of the Wuding period, King Qi Xianwu believed that Yang Dun, the Guangping Prefect, and Su Shu, the former Zhongshan Prefect, had both been diligent and frugal during their terms in office. He felt that they should be posthumously recognized to inspire people throughout the realm, so he memorialized the court to request commendations for them. The imperial edict stated: "In ancient times, 'five garments inspired songs' and 'two roads led to songs of praise' were all because of benevolence and virtue spreading far and wide, and education reaching one and all. Therefore, Yang Dun of Guangping and the late Su Shu of Zhongshan were both of high moral character, upright and incorruptible in their official duties. Their exemplary governance was well-known throughout the realm, and their clear reputation was well known among the people. They were highly valued by the court and were about to be promoted to higher positions, but unfortunately passed away successively, leading to widespread mourning among both the court and the common people. Now, in recognition of their integrity, following established customs, they shall each be rewarded with one hundred rolls of silk and five hundred measures of grain. Orders shall be sent to all counties and states to make known this matter to all."
His son Yang Yin served as a military officer in the later years of the Wuding period.
Su Shu, styled Zhonghe, was a native of Wuyi. He was known for his integrity and prudence and had studied numerous classics and histories. His elder brother, Su Shouxing, had been punished by eunuchs for misconduct. Later, Su Shouxing became the Prefect of Hejian and was ennobled as the Marquis of Jinyang. Before his death, Su Shouxing wrongly claimed Su Shu as his son. During the Xiping period, Su Shu inherited his brother's title and was appointed as an officer in the Ministry of Works. Shortly after, he was promoted to Doctor of the Imperial Academy, General of Liwei, and Attendant Cavalry Officer, and later appointed as Commandant of the Imperial Carriages, while also serving as a Palace Assistant Imperial Secretary.
Once, Su Shu was ordered to go to Jizhou, and he arrived just in time to back Gao Ganyong and the governor Yuan Yi, who were declaring independence in the city. Gao Ganyong appointed Su Shu as the governor of Wuyi County. Not long after, Erzhu Rong was leading troops towards them, so Su Shu fled back to the capital. He was later appointed as Left General, Grand Master of Palace, acting magistrate of Heyin County, and later assigned as the Intendant of Leling County. Su Shu was very good at pacifying the people in Leling County and was greatly beloved by the people. He served as county governor for two years before resigning due to illness, a request that was approved by the court. At that time, many people, officials, and even ordinary citizens requested Su Shu to stay, which reflected his excellent reputation.
Later, Su Shu became the prefect of Xingyang, where he performed excellently. He was then promoted to General of the Central Army and Ministerial Attendant. In the second year of Xinghe, he was appointed as the prefect of Zhongshan. Three years later, he passed away in office. Su Shu was known for his integrity and care for the people. He served as prefect of three counties and was fondly remembered by the populace. In the early years of Wuding, the court posthumously honored him with the titles of Grand General of the Guard, Minister of the Capital, and Governor of Yingzhou, and conferred upon him the posthumous title "Yi." King Qixianwu greatly admired his noble character, and like Yang Dun, he received generous rewards.
His son, Su Ziqie, inherited his title. During the Wuding era, Su Ziqie served as an official at the temple of King Qixianwu.
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