Sima Xiangru, from Chengdu, also known as Changqing. He loved reading when he was young and also learned swordsmanship, so his parents gave him the nickname "puppy." After he finished his studies, Sima admired Lin Xiangru, so he changed his name to Sima Xiangru. He became a palace guard with his family's money, serving as a low-level military officer to Emperor Jing of Han, but this wasn't what he truly wanted to do.
Coincidentally, Emperor Jing of Han did not appreciate formal prose and poetry, and at that time, Prince Xiao of Liang came to the capital with a group of skilled persuaders, such as Zou Yang from the State of Qi, Mei Cheng from Huaiyin, Zhuang Ji from the State of Wu, and others. Sima hit it off with them, and then used the excuse of illness to resign from his official position and went to Liang to pursue his literary interests. Prince Xiao of Liang had him stay with other scholars, and he lived with these scholars and knights for several years, during which he wrote the famous "Zixu Fu."
After Prince Xiao of Liang died, Sima returned to his hometown, where his family was utterly impoverished. He used to have a good relationship with the magistrate of Linqiong County, Wang Ji. When Wang Ji heard that he had returned, he said, "Changqing, you've been an official for so long without making a name for yourself; do come and visit." So Sima went and stayed at the county's post station. Magistrate Wang Ji of Linqiong County was very polite to him, visiting every day. At first, Sima would see him, but later he pretended to be ill and sent his servants to decline Wang Ji's visits, which only served to increase Wang Ji's deference.
In Linqiong County, there are many wealthy people. The Zhuo Wangsun family alone has eight hundred servants, while the Cheng and Zheng families also have several hundred servants. The two families decided: "The county magistrate has a distinguished guest visiting, we should go pay our respects." So they went together to visit the county magistrate. When the county magistrate arrived at Zhuo Wangsun's house, there were a hundred guests or more. At noon, they went to visit Sima Xiangru, who pretended to be ill and said he couldn't see guests. The county magistrate, too nervous to eat, personally went to greet Sima Xiangru. With no other choice, Sima Xiangru had to go, and once seated, he immediately commanded attention. As they were happily drinking, the county magistrate brought out a zither and said, "I heard Mr. Changqing likes zither music, so I would like to perform for you." Though Sima Xiangru tried to refuse, the magistrate insisted on playing.
At that time, Zhuo Wangsun's daughter Zhuo Wenjun had just become a widow. She loved music, so Sima Xiangru intentionally forged a connection with the county magistrate to get closer to her through playing the zither. When Sima Xiangru was in Linqiong, he traveled in a carriage or on horseback, cutting a dashing figure. While drinking and playing the zither at Zhuo Wangsun's house, Wenjun secretly watched him through a crack in the door and fell in love with him, but was afraid things wouldn't work out. After the banquet, Sima Xiangru sent many gifts to Wenjun's maid to woo her. That night, Wenjun ran off with Sima Xiangru, who took her back to Chengdu. Upon returning home, they found the house empty with only four walls remaining. Zhuo Wangsun was furious, saying, "That ungrateful girl! I can't kill her, but I'll cut her off!" Despite advice from others, Zhuo Wangsun refused to listen.
Wen Jun stayed in Chengdu for a long time and was very unhappy. She said, "Chang Qing, let's go back to Lin Qiong, borrow some money from your brothers, and we can scrape by. Why suffer like this?" So Xiang Ru took Wen Jun back to Lin Qiong, sold the carriage and horses, bought a small tavern to sell wine, and let Wen Jun tend the bar. Xiang Ru himself wore simple clothes and worked with ordinary workers, washing dishes on the street. When Zhuo Wangsun heard about this, he felt ashamed and became a recluse. Xiang Ru's brothers went to persuade Zhuo Wangsun again, "You have sons and daughters, and you are not short of money. Now Wen Jun has run off with Sima Chang Qing. Although Chang Qing is poor now, he is talented and worth relying on. You still let him be a bartender, which is too insulting!" Zhuo Wangsun had no choice but to give Wen Jun a hundred servants, a million coins, and other valuables. Finally, Wen Jun and Xiang Ru returned to Chengdu. They bought land and houses and lived like kings.
It is said that after a long time, a Sichuanese named Yang Deyi became the royal dog walker in the palace and often served the emperor. One day, when the emperor read Sima Xiang Ru's "Zi Xu Fu," he liked it very much and exclaimed, "What a pity I did not live in the same era as him!" Yang Deyi said, "Your Majesty, this article was written by my fellow villager Sima Xiang Ru himself." The emperor was greatly surprised and immediately summoned Sima Xiang Ru to find out what was going on. Sima Xiang Ru replied, "Yes, I wrote it. However, this article only talks about some princes' affairs and is not considered anything special. Please allow me to write another fu about hunting for Your Majesty, and I will present it to you when it's done." The emperor agreed and instructed the clerk to prepare writing materials for him.
Sima Xiangru explained that in the "Zixu Fu" (a type of classical Chinese prose poem), "Zixu" is a fictional character, "Mr. Nobody" is also a non-existent person, and "Wushi Gong" was a completely made-up title. These three fictional characters served as a thinly veiled critique of the emperor and princes' extravagant hunts, culminating in a message advocating frugality. He presented the completed *fu* to the emperor, who was very pleased after reading it. Here's the gist of the *fu*: Chu sent its envoy, Zixu, to Qi. The King of Qi mobilized all the soldiers in the country, prepared a large number of chariots and cavalry, and accompanied the envoy on a hunting trip. After the hunt, Zixu visited the fictional Mr. Nobody, with Wushi Gong also present. They settled down, and Mr. Nobody asked Zixu, "Did you have fun hunting today?" Zixu replied, "Yes, it was." "Were there many prey?" "Not many." "Then why are you still happy?" "I am happy because the King of Qi wants to show off with his numerous chariots and cavalry, while I can refute him with the vast swamps of Yunmeng in the Chu Kingdom." "Can you elaborate?" Zixu said, "Sure. The King of Qi rode on thousands of chariots, leading tens of thousands of cavalry, hunting by the sea. Soldiers swarmed the marshes, while fishing nets snagged the hills and forests, chasing wild rabbits and deer, shooting elk and qilins. They reached the salt flats, their chariot wheels stained crimson with blood. They hit many prey, and King Qi, puffed up with pride, boasted. Then he said to me, 'Does the Chu Kingdom also have vast plains and marshes for hunting, to enjoy the same pleasure? How does the hunting of the Chu King compare to mine?' I got off the chariot and replied, 'As a humble servant of Chu, I have had the honor of serving in the palace for over ten years, sometimes accompanying the emperor on outings, visiting the palace gardens, seeing some scenery, but have not been able to see all the views, so how can I talk about the vast lakes and marshes outside!' King Qi said, 'Nevertheless, tell me what you've seen and heard.'"
I replied, "Yep, yep." I heard that there are seven large lakes in the State of Chu, but I have only seen one of them and have not seen the others yet. The one I saw was actually very small, named Yunmeng. Yunmeng, with a circumference of nine hundred li, has a mountain inside. The mountain winds and twists, towering and steep; the peaks are uneven, blocking out the sun and moon; the mountain ranges are complex, piercing the clouds; and the low-lying areas connect to rivers. The soil blazed with reds, blues, ochres, and whites, flecked with realgar, white aconite, tin ore, jade, gold, and silver, with various colors shining and sparkling like dragon scales. The stones there include red jade, rose stones, beautiful jade, and countless other precious stones that dazzle the eye. To the east of the mountain, there grow many plants, such as orchids, iris, fragrant grasses, and a plethora of other flora. To the south of the mountain, there are vast plains and lakes, with undulating terrain resembling a series of steps and platforms, bordered by a great river, with Wushan looming at the end. In the drier areas, lush Lycoris, lychee, and other plants thrive, while in the low-lying, damp regions, a rich variety of plants such as lotus roots, reeds, and taro flourish. To the west of the mountain, there are gushing springs and clear ponds, with water flowing continuously, a riot of lotus and water lilies adorning the surface, and beneath, massive stones and pure white sand lie hidden. In the lake, one can find divine turtles, dragons, tortoises, terrapins, and other fascinating creatures. To the north of the mountain, dense forests abound, home to a rich assortment of trees such as Phoebe, Nanmu, and fragrant magnolias, while the air is filled with the scents of pear, chestnut, and citrus trees. Among the branches reside red apes, peacocks, and other exotic birds, while beneath the canopy roam fierce beasts like the white tiger, black panther, and wild rhinoceros. It was a place of breathtaking beauty and unimaginable abundance.
Next, I'll describe the scenery of Yunmengze.
This Yunmengze is teeming with life and breathtaking views; it is simply a fairyland on earth! What I have seen is only a small part of it, and it is already so magnificent. The other six large lakes must be even more breathtaking! I really can't imagine that the State of Chu actually has such rich natural resources.
Wow, King Chu is really making a grand spectacle! He sent warriors like Zhu Zhu to deal with that fierce monster. As for King Chu himself, he is quite impressive too: he arrived in a magnificent carriage, its banners shimmering with jewels, its weaponry gleaming—a Ganjiang sword, a carved bow, and a quiver of deadly arrows. There are also excellent charioteers and co-drivers, fully prepared. Before the carriage even stopped, the warriors rushed up to fight the monster. The scene was truly chaotic, with dust flying and the sound of hooves thundering. The warriors' arrows never missed; one arrow pierced the heart of the beast, and it fell instantly, leaving bloodstains on the ground. Only then did King Chu slowly stop, enjoying this wonderful scene, feeling the bravery of the warriors and the fear of the creature, experiencing the unpredictable changes of all things in the world.
Next, the scene changes, and a woman named Manji from the State of Zheng appears, dressed so exquisitely! Her silk robes shimmer with pearls and jewels; she looks like a vision! Her flowing garments sway gently as she walks through the valleys, so beautiful that one cannot look away. Her every gesture is graceful, perfectly complementing the stunning landscape.
In the end, King Chu and Manji played together in the garden, what a scene! They were shooting birds, hunting, boating, and singing—having the time of their lives! Golden drums boomed, music soared, the water shimmered, birds flitted about—the garden buzzed with laughter and joy, a real party atmosphere! Oh, those Chu folks, banging gongs and lighting signal fires, carts and cavalry all lined up—a mighty impressive show! Meanwhile, King Chu, all high and mighty on the Yangyuntai, just chilled out waiting for his health tonic before getting down to business. No way he's as cool as you, Your Majesty! You're always out riding and hunting, never leaving your chariot, always sharpening your swords—living the life! Honestly, Qi's got nothing on Chu! King Chu just stared, dumbfounded.
Mr. Wuyou said, "You're going too far with your words! You traveled a long way to Qi for a visit, and the Qi king deployed a significant portion of his army, prepared a large number of vehicles and cavalry to give you a grand hunt. How did this turn into boasting? You asked me if there’s anything in Chu worth bragging about, wanting to understand Chu's culture and ways, so listen to my opinion. But instead of praising the benevolence of the Chu king, you extolled the vastness of the Yunmeng Marsh and talked about the extravagance and debauchery of the Chu king. I think that’s a bit much. If you really believe what you said, then that’s not a point in Chu’s favor at all. Speaking out discredits Chu; remaining silent damages your reputation. Discrediting Chu hurts personal relationships, leaving you with nothing to gain. By doing this, you’ll only insult Qi and offend Chu. Furthermore, Qi borders the sea to the east and Langya Mountain to the south. You can hunt in the Fufu, sail the Bohai, explore Mengzhu Marsh, and share borders with the Sushen, with Tanggu as the boundary. In autumn, you can hunt in Qingqiu and wander overseas. Qi has seven or eight large marshes like the Yunmeng Marsh, an area the Qi king doesn’t even care about. Not to mention the unique scenery, rare birds and beasts, and countless varieties of fish—too many for even the legendary Yu the Great to name, or for the legendary Qi to count. But even a prince like the Qi king doesn’t dare boast about the pleasure of hunting and the vastness of his hunting grounds; now that you’re a guest in Qi, that’s why the Qi king didn’t respond to you. So why are you surprised he didn’t say anything?"
I said, the old man burst out laughing after hearing this, saying, "Chu State lost this time, and Qi State may not necessarily win. Those lords are not paying tribute for money, but to show their loyalty; setting boundaries is not to defend against enemies, but to restrain the lords' misdeeds. Now Qi State ranks first among the eastern lords, yet they were secretly in cahoots with the people of Sushen, grabbing land illegally, crossing the borders, and farming across the sea, which was utterly absurd. Furthermore, the feud between Duke Huan and King Zhuang does not focus on setting things straight between ruler and ruled, or keeping the lords in line, but only on who could throw the most lavish hunting parties, who had the most extravagant hunts, wanting to one-up each other with their extravagance and debauchery. This kind of behavior would only ruin their reputations and hurt their own interests. Moreover, what is there worth mentioning about the petty squabbles between Qi and Chu? You have not seen something truly spectacular yet; have you not heard of the emperor's vast Shanglin Park?" He scoffed at the mention of "Shanglin Park," implying that the tricks of Duke Huan and King Zhuang in competing for supremacy were hardly worth discussing. He suggested both explicitly and implicitly that a truly powerful monarch should have a broad vision, rather than being obsessed with small-time gains and cheap thrills. He referred to the emperor's Shanglin Park, which embodies a far grander scale, a far loftier ideal, contrasting the pettiness and shortsightedness of Qi and Chu. Speaking of this great river, to the left is Cangwu Mountain, to the right is the land of the Western Extremity, with Danshui to its south and Ziyuan to its north. It originates between the Ba River and the Chan River, flows through the Jing River and the Wei River, passing through Fengzhou and Haodi, a great serpent coiling and uncoiling through the land.
Eight tributaries converged to form this mighty river, each with its own character. It flowed out from under the city gate of Jiaoqiu, passed through the riverbanks of Zhouzhu, crossed the valleys of Guilin, and meandered through the vast wilderness. The muddy water surged down along the low-lying areas, rushing towards the narrow river mouth.
It crashed against huge rocks, stirred up sandbars, and the water surged violently, roaring and crashing, its sound deafening at times, a gentle murmur at others. The current surged and slowed, swirled and splashed. Waves surged, water splashed, and mist swirled around the churning current. At times, the current was viscous as glue, while at others, sharp as a knife, tearing at the banks. The water rolled and surged, impacting the riverbanks, roaring and rushing, finally flowing into the deep valley. The flow was sometimes calm and sometimes turbulent, emitting a rumbling roar, the water rolling and boiling, waves leaping, rushing swiftly, and ultimately quieting to a stillness as it flowed slowly towards the distance.
Then, the river became calm and gentle, flowing slowly, winding like a ribbon towards the east, entering the great lake and overflowing into ponds and marshes. Here, water dragons, red chi, and a teeming variety of fish—from catfish to carp—raised their fins, shook their scales, and flapped their tails while lurking in deep water caves. The fish made a noisy sound, and various creatures gathered here, as the riverbed glittered with pearls and precious stones, a kaleidoscope of color.
Various waterfowl, including swans, egrets, geese, and others, floated together on the water, their plumage a dazzling display as they frolicked in the lush water grass, pecking at aquatic plants and water chestnuts.
So, let me tell you about these mountains, one after another, towering into the clouds, majestic and awe-inspiring! In the deep mountains and ancient forests, huge trees scraped the sky, and jagged rocks created a rugged terrain. The mountains undulate endlessly, with the southern peaks huge and imposing, while the valleys crisscross with gullies, filled with bizarre rock formations of various heights and shapes, creating a myriad of landscapes. Plains, hills, islands—this land boasts every kind of terrain, and the vegetation on the mountains is lush and bursting with life, a riot of color—greens, reds, and every shade in between. Vines entwine, wild grasses flourish, orchids bloom, and various fragrant herbs scent the air, with bright flowers dotting the scene, creating a vibrant tableau. In short, this was a breathtakingly beautiful land, stretching as far as the eye could see.
Then, I wandered around, looking east and west. The scenery was breathtaking, endless as far as the eye could see. The sun rose from the marshes in the east and set in the ponds in the west. Down south, even winter was lush and vibrant, with waves rolling in the water and all sorts of wild beasts appearing, such as water buffalo, tapirs, yaks, elk, and many other strange creatures whose names I couldn't recall. Up north, however, summer felt like winter, the land frozen, with rivers covered in ice, and the animals were different from those in the south, including qilins, horses of various breeds, donkeys, and mules.
So, this royal estate is dotted throughout the valleys, with tall corridors, winding pavilions, grand roofs, and fancy decorations everywhere. Broad imperial roads connect various palaces, while long corridors wind around them, and you could easily get lost wandering around. Some buildings nestled against the mountains are tiered and towering, while others are carved into the mountains; looking up, you'd feel like you could touch the sky; looking down, you'd see nothing. Inside the palace, blue mythical beast statues are in the east wing, chariots are parked in the west palace, and exotic birds and animals were everywhere in the southern garden, while lively horses played between the palaces. Clear springs flowed from the palace and through the courtyards. The stones around the palace varied in size and shape, some resembling huge mountains, others steep and rugged, some smooth as mirrors, showcasing a variety of precious stones and treasures, including precious Hetian jade!
Looking at the palace orchard, it was abundant with summer fruits like oranges, loquats, persimmons, and grapes, alongside all sorts of exotic flowers and fruits, all displayed in the harem and northern garden. The hills and plains outside the palace were shaded with lush trees and blooming flowers, creating a picturesque scene. Trees of all kinds, some huge and towering, others with branches all tangled up, and some with long branches that dipped down, dropped petals that danced in the wind, making a sound like wind chimes. The ponds around the palace were filled with various aquatic plants, surrounding the harem, scattered throughout the valleys, winding and twisting, seemingly endless; you'd never want to leave the place.
So, in the mountains and forests, monkeys, birds, insects, and various animals all live there. Some howl mournfully, some dance gracefully, some climb branches, and some leap on treetops. The place was teeming with them, creating a truly lively scene.
Then, these animals, hundreds and hundreds of them, play and frolic everywhere, filling the palaces, pavilions, kitchens, and harems, as all the officials stand ready.
Next, in the autumn and winter seasons, the emperor goes out hunting. He rode a patterned elephant, drawn by six jade dragons, with fluttering banners in front and cloud-like flags behind, a leather carriage leading the way and a lively entourage following. Sun Shu is in charge of driving, and Wei Gong accompanies him. The bodyguard detail sets out from all directions. The sound of horns rings out, and the hunters release the chase, treating rivers like ditches and Mount Tai like a ship's oar. The thunder of hooves and wheels shook the earth, the whole sky seeming to vibrate with the noise, as the hunt stretched across mountains and rivers, a vast, chaotic tapestry of movement.
The emperor was wearing a leopard-skin cloak, with wild goat skin on his feet, a hat made of eagle feathers, clothes made of white tiger skin embroidered with traditional Chinese designs, and riding a wild horse. He crossed steep mountains, waded through dangerous rapids and deep waters, fearlessly brave. He hunted all kinds of wild animals, his arrows found their mark, bringing the animals down. During the hunting process, the emperor carefully observed the actions of his subordinates, assessing his generals' performance. Then, he accelerated, quickly leaving, tracking agile birds, stepping on cunning wild animals, pursuing white deer and sly rabbits, as fast as lightning, stalking strange wild animals, shuttling between heaven and earth. He bent his bow, arrows raining down, shooting down flying birds, choosing fat prey, every arrow hitting the vital points, his skills superb, prey falling one after another.
Speaking of this caravan, it moved like a shot out of a cannon, a blur, a whirlwind of motion! The whole thing was a whirlwind – faster than a fairy tale, more agile than any bird!
But even the swiftest chariot needs a respite. The exhausted caravan had no choice but to turn their wheels homeward. "Their journey's end, their ink run dry, they turn their wheels homeward. Their grand display in Xiangyang, their descent upon Beihong, their straight path, their secret return." Look, they have been through so many places, bumping along the way, crossing mountains and hills! "Their journey took them through Jueshiguan, over the peaks of Fengluan, past Que, where they saw the cold dew, descending Tangli, resting in Yichun, rushing west to Xuanqu, washing the cow's head, climbing Longtai, covering the slender willow," the vistas were breathtaking in their grandeur! They also saw the officials working hard and the people enjoying a bountiful harvest, but the places trampled by the caravan were desolate, with countless casualties. "Where their chariots crushed the earth, where their mounts trampled the land, where the people were ground underfoot, exhausted to their limits, terrified and prostrate, those who escaped the blade lay scattered, filling the valleys, their bodies leveling the marshes." The scale of the devastation was truly horrifying.
Finally, this exhausting journey has come to an end. Everyone relaxed and began to celebrate! "So the celebrations commenced, with wine placed on the altar of the supreme god Haotian, music resonating throughout the palace; the bell of a thousand stones was struck, and the giant stone was erected; the flag of Cuihua was raised, and the drum of Lingtuo was set up." Imagine how spectacular the scene was! They rang the enormous bell, hoisted tall flags, played a variety of musical instruments, and performed different dances and songs in succession. "They performed the ancient dances of the Tao Tang, sang the songs of Ge Tian, a thousand voices rising to ten thousand in a chorus that shook the mountains and stirred the valleys." The atmosphere was truly a cacophony of sound that seemed to shake the very earth! Musicians from all corners contributed to a vibrant medley of melodies, a true feast for the senses. "From the lilting tunes of the south to the powerful rhythms of the north, the music of Bayu, Song, and Cai echoed, while the sounds from Jing, Wu, Zheng, and Wei filled the air, alongside the melodies of Shao and Wu, and the enchanting harmonies of Yin and Yan." In short, it was a spectacular show, a vibrant spectacle that left everyone spellbound and wanting more!
As for the beauties like Qingqin and Mifei, each one was ethereal and stunning, dressed in exquisite attire that accentuated their elegance. Their graceful movements and alluring presence captivated all who beheld them. Their unique garments were fragrant and unforgettable; their teeth were white and bright, and when they smiled, they were truly enchanting. With long, gracefully arched brows and gentle, inviting gazes, they left a lingering impression that was simply irresistible.
At that time, everyone was drinking happily, but the emperor suddenly spaced out, as if he had thought of something bad. He sighed and said, "Whoa, this is crazy extravagant! I was taking a break from the paperwork to unwind with a hunt. I'm worried that future generations will learn the wrong lessons, get caught up in pleasure, and not be able to pull themselves out of it. This isn't good for the country's future!" So, the emperor stopped drinking and hunting and told the guys in charge, "Get all the farmable land farmed to feed everyone; fix the collapsed city walls and fill in the ditches so people in the mountains and swamps can travel easily; repair the ponds and stop restricting people's use; clear out the palaces and scenic buildings and stop building new ones; open the granaries to help the poor and assist them with their living difficulties, and take care of the elderly and orphans; show some kindness, reduce penalties, reform the system, change the clothing styles, update the calendar, and let's create a new era together with the people."
Then, the emperor picked an auspicious day, fasted, bathed, put on his court clothes, rode in the imperial carriage, displayed beautiful flags, rang the jade carillons, toured the Garden of Six Arts, practiced the way of kindness and righteousness, hunted in the Spring and Autumn Forest, shot and killed lynxes and deer, captured cranes, spent days in ceremonies, played music, and observed ancient rituals. He cultivated his body and mind in the Garden of Rites and Music, wandered in the academy, explained the Tao of the Book of Changes, released strange beasts, ascended the Ming Hall, sat in the Qing Temple, listened to the ministers reporting on state affairs, and handled national matters. The people benefited from this, responded to the emperor's call, turned their lives around, and the social atmosphere changed. The penalties were not enforced, virtues surpassed those of legendary rulers, and achievements exceeded those of the Five Emperors. So, the hunting trip wasn't so bad after all.
If you ask me, gallivanting about all day, knackered as hell, wearing out his horses and men, and bleeding the treasury dry, without gaining any benefits, just obsessed with hunting, couldn't care less about the common folk, and completely forgetting national affairs—such a person would never be a person of benevolence and righteousness. From this perspective, the matters between the states of Qi and Chu are truly regrettable! Their kingdom was barely a thousand miles across, yet nine hundred of those miles were dedicated to royal hunting grounds! As a result, the land cannot be cultivated, and the common people have nothing to eat. Relying on those minor lords, they live like emperors, and I am truly worried that the common people will suffer!
When the two young masters heard these words, their faces went as white as sheets; they hurriedly got up to give their seats and said, "We're a bit thick, and didn't realize we were being so blunt. After listening to your teachings today, we understand."
After the article was written, the emperor promoted him to a court official. The emperor thought the article wildly exaggerated Shanglin Park, claiming there were many mountains, waters, and various plants and animals. In fact, it was pure fantasy, a ridiculously extravagant exaggeration of Chu's Yunmeng Marsh. It was not reasonable, so the unimportant parts were deleted, and the main point of the article was corrected.
Sima Xiangru served as a court official for several years, when Tang Meng was sent to Yelang and Xiwu. He took a thousand soldiers from Bashu and conscripted over ten thousand more from the surrounding counties. He used them to enforce martial law, executing local leaders. The people of Bashu were terrified. When the emperor heard about this, he sent Sima Xiangru to rebuke Tang Meng and also told the people of Bashu that it was not his intention. The proclamation read:
I told the Governor of Sichuan: Those darn barbarians are causing problems. We haven't dealt with them, and over time, they keep invading our borders, exhausting our soldiers. Once the Emperor took the throne, he was determined to pacify the people of the world and first govern the country well. Only then did he send troops to the north to attack the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu's leader got scared and quickly sued for peace, obediently handing over tribute. The Kangju of the Western Regions and other countries also sent envoys to pay tribute, bowing down and swearing allegiance. The Emperor then sent troops to the east, but the Minyue were fighting each other, causing chaos. The southern Yue surrendered, and their princes came to pay their respects. Southern barbarian chiefs and western Baiman leaders regularly pay tribute and dare not be negligent, all vying to be our subjects. However, the journey's too long and the terrain too rough for them to manage on their own. Those who do not obey have already been pacified, but those who obey have not yet been rewarded. So I sent an officer to check on them, recruited 500 men from Sichuan, along with gifts, to protect the envoys, and had no intention of fighting. Now I hear that you are organizing your own army, conducting military operations, frightening the people, and arbitrarily transporting food. That's not what the Emperor wanted at all! Some of those conscripted men deserted, others were killed. That's not how subjects behave!
After the emperor ascended the throne, he was determined to pacify the world. He first got the country in order before marching north to attack the Xiongnu. As a result, the Xiongnu Chanyu got the jitters and scrambled for peace, happily coughing up the tribute. The Kangju of the Western Regions and other countries also sent envoys to pay tribute, kowtowing and swearing fealty. The emperor then sent troops eastward, leading to mutual killings between Min and Yue, causing chaos. Panyu in the south also fell in line, with princes showing up to pay their respects. The leaders of the southern barbarians and the chiefs of the Bo people in the west also regularly paid tribute, not daring to be negligent, all vying to be our subjects. However, due to the long, hard trek, they were unable to come themselves. Therefore, a low-ranking officer was sent to check on them, bringing gifts and protecting the envoys, with no intention of going to war. But you went and raised your own army! You launched military actions, scaring the pants off everyone. And you commandeered food supplies without permission! That's not what the Emperor had in mind! Those who were conscripted, some ran away, some were killed. That's not how loyal subjects behave! This is seriously worrying!
Hear about those border lads? As soon as they hear the war drums and see the smoke signals, they grab their bows and arrows, shoulder their weapons, and rush off, sweating bullets, scared stiff of lagging behind. Charging into the thick of it, dodging arrows and blades, they advance without hesitation, burning with a thirst for revenge. It wasn't a death wish; they weren't pampered city folk like those in Ba and Shu, loyal to a different king altogether! They were sharp as tacks, always putting the country first, giving it their all. That’s why they were rewarded handsomely, becoming nobles with grand houses and a legacy their kids would inherit. Their names went down in history, their achievements were legendary. Those brave lads wouldn't complain, even if it meant giving their lives.
Now, sent to deliver tribute to the southern savages, they either get killed by the enemy or get caught after fleeing, dying pointless deaths, only to be called "Utterly Foolish" after they were gone, disgracing their families and becoming a laughingstock. This difference is too great! It wasn't their fault entirely. Their dads and brothers didn't teach 'em right, and their sisters and brothers didn't guide them better. They lacked any sense of decency, and society was rotten. So, when they got their heads chopped off, well, they had it coming.
Sire, you are worried that the messengers and officials are not getting things done right, and you feel sorry for the simple folk. So, you have sent people to explain the conscription to the people, detailing the consequences of disloyalty and the punishment it carries, while blaming the three elders and filial sons for not fulfilling their educational responsibilities. It is currently the busy farming season, and the people are already hard at work. You have personally inspected the nearby counties, fearing that those in remote mountainous areas have not heard the news. Therefore, as soon as this order goes out, all counties must quickly convey it so that everyone knows your intentions. It's crucial this gets done quickly!
Sima Xiang returned to report. Tang Meng had already established a preliminary route to Yelang, thus opening the way to the southwestern barbarians. He gathered many thousands of soldiers from Bashu and Guanhan, spending two full years on the road, but it remained unfinished, with heavy casualties and enormous costs. The people of Shu and some Han officials thought the whole thing was a waste of resources.
At that time, the leaders of Qiong and Zhuo heard that they could trade with the southern barbarians and receive many rewards, so they were keen to become Han subjects and all requested officials to negotiate with them, as they had done with the southern barbarians. Your Majesty asked Sima Xiang what to do, and he said, "Qiong, Zhuo, Ran, and Mang are near Shu, and the roads are good. The Qin had counties there, but the Han abolished them. Re-establishing counties there would be far better than dealing with the southern barbarians." Your Majesty thought that Sima Xiang's suggestion made sense, so he promoted him to mid-level general and sent him and his troops.
He also assigned three deputy envoys, Wang Ranyu, Hu Chongguo, and Lu Yueren, to ride in a carriage pulled by four horses, carrying gifts prepared by officials from Ba and Shu to present to the Western Yi leaders. Upon arriving in Shu, officials from the prefect down came out to greet them outside the city, with the county magistrate leading the way with his guards carrying bows and arrows, and the people of Shu felt it was a great honor. Therefore, local dignitaries such as Zhuo Wangsun and Linqiong rushed to Sima Xiangru's residence to offer oxen and wine to congratulate him. Zhuo Wangsun was filled with emotion and regretted not marrying his daughter to Sima Xiangru in the first place, so he generously gave his daughter a dowry as generous as her brother's. Sima Xiangru quickly pacified the Western Yi tribes, and leaders from Qiong, Keng, Ran, Mang, Siyu, and other areas requested to become subjects of the Han Dynasty. He built fortifications, expanded the territory of Yizhou, reaching the Mo and Ruo rivers to the west and Zangke to the south, blazing the Lingguan trail, building bridges over the Sun River, and clearing the way to Qiongdu. He reported to the emperor, who was very pleased.
When Sima Xiangru was sent on a mission, many elderly people in Shu said that subduing the southwestern Yi tribes would be pointless, and the court ministers thought the same. Sima Xiangru wanted to advise the emperor, but since the matter was already done, he dared not speak up again. So he wrote an article, adopting the persona of elderly Shu people to pose rhetorical questions, in order to influence the emperor and also to explain the situation of the mission to the people, letting them know the emperor's intentions. The article stated:
"Seventy-eight years have passed since the founding of the Han Dynasty, with the emperor's grace and benevolence spreading far and wide. The country enjoyed great prestige, its blessings reaching even the remotest corners of the empire. Therefore, the emperor ordered me to march westward, and wherever I went, all submitted. Having conquered Ran and Keng, pacified Zhuo and Qiong, and subdued Siyu, I returned in triumph to report to the Emperor upon my arrival in Shu."
Wow, there are twenty-seven respected elders who have arrived, each standing there dead serious. After they finished speaking, they started again, saying, "We have heard that the emperor's treatment of those barbarians is simply to keep them in line, but don't cut them off. It has been three years since the abolition of military service in the prefectures of Shu, Jianwei, and Guanghan, and the opening of the road to Yelang, but things are still not finished. The soldiers are exhausted, folks are at their breaking point, and now they have to go to war with the barbarians in the west. That puts you in a tough spot. We're really worried about you. Furthermore, the areas of Qiong, Zuo, and Xibei have been in contact with our Central Plains region for many years; it's hard to remember. You don't need morality to conquer someone who's already righteous, and you don't need force to conquer someone who's already powerful; maybe this cannot be conquered at all! Now, in order to please the barbarians, the common people's land is being given away. We can't even use the foundation that we rely on to survive. We country folk are simple folks and don't understand these highfalutin ideas."
The envoy said, "Whoa there, what are you talking about? If it were as you said, the people of Shu would not change their way of dressing, and the people of Ba would not change their customs. I'm not entirely comfortable with that viewpoint. However, this matter is indeed significant, and it's not something you guys can understand. I'm crunched for time this visit, and I can't explain the detailed situation. I will just give a brief overview to you all. You always need some real go-getters to get big things done; and big things gotta happen before you can have big achievements. Big things are just not something average folks can pull off. So, when something big is just starting out, people are gonna be scared; but once it’s done, everybody's gonna be happy."
Back in the day, there was this massive flood, water everywhere, folks were running for their lives, total chaos. The Xia emperor was stressed, so he got to work on that flood, digging out rivers, clearing out the muck, and redirecting all that water to the East Sea. Peace at last! It wasn't just for the people, though. The emperor was so worried, he worked himself ragged, skin and bones, even lost his hair! That's why he's still remembered today, a total legend!
Now, a really smart ruler, they don't just mess around with small stuff; they’re not stuck in the past, following old rules and what everyone else says just to get a pat on the back. They've got big plans, they listen to everyone, they do amazing things, and leave a legacy for ages. So they find the best people, they're open-minded, always thinking, and care about everyone.
Like the old saying goes, "Everything under the sun belongs to the king, everyone's his subject!" So, everywhere, everyone benefits from a good king. If not, that king should be ashamed of himself!
Back in my day, all those in positions of power received the king's favor, without exception. However, in the remote regions inhabited by people in the outlying areas, where roads were few and far between and travel was difficult, the court's teachings had not yet reached them, and their customs were still very backward. In the border areas of the country, things were often lawless, while abroad, it was a world of constant upheaval, with rulers overthrown and kingdoms in turmoil, fathers and sons, brothers killing each other, leaving countless widows and orphans to suffer, crying and wailing, harboring resentment, saying, "I heard that the empire has a benevolent and virtuous monarch, whose grace is widely spread throughout the world, and all things can each find their place, so why have they forgotten about us?" They all yearned for the grace of the empire, just like drought-stricken areas long for rain. It broke my heart to think about it; how could a wise and enlightened monarch remain indifferent? Therefore, the monarch sent troops north to attack the powerful Xiongnu and sent envoys south to advise the strong Yue country. Influenced by the emperor's word from all directions, many countries came to pay tribute one after another, hoping to receive enfeoffment. Thus, the monarch expanded the empire into regions like Guanzhong, Henei, Ruoshui, Zangke, Lingling Mountain, Liangshan, Sunyuan, and more. He led by example, showing everyone what true virtue looked like. He wanted to bestow grace widely, traveled extensively, opened up the remote areas, and let even the darkest places bathe in the light, thus bringing an end to the wars within the country and the conquests in the border areas. With the people's loyalty secured, internal and external peace prevailed, and the people lived prosperous lives. Isn't this good? Saving the people from danger, inheriting the merits of the ancestors, changing the declining world, continuing the unfinished business of the Zhou dynasty—this is the most urgent task of the emperor. Although the people are laboring, that's just the way things were.
So, they say governing a country always starts with worries and labor, but eventually leads to peace and happiness. This is the duty of the emperor! The emperor is planning to hold a grand ceremony at Mount Tai, expand Liang Fu's palace, play a ceremonial bell, perform music, and ascend the five-level high steps, while the courtiers ascend the three-level high steps to celebrate. But before the festivities even began, Sima Xiangru was already soaring like a wren in the vast sky, while those who are catching birds were still searching in the swamp! Oh, dear!
Therefore, the ministers were all at a loss, sighing and lamenting, saying in unison, "Wow, the Han Dynasty really knew how to do things right! That's what we common folk want to hear! Even though things are a bit slow with the people, please allow us to set an example!" But Sima Xiangru just played it cool and dodged the issue.
Later, someone reported that Sima Xiangru had taken bribes, and he was dismissed from his post. He was back in the job a year later.
Sima Xiangru spoke a little stutteringly, but he was good at writing and had a chronic thirst problem. He married into a wealthy family. Since he took office, he kept out of politics, often feigning illness, and never chased after glory or wealth. He often accompanied the emperor to Changyang to hunt; the emperor was really into hunting bears and boars then. So he wrote to the Emperor, saying:
I've heard that even similar things have different strengths, so we call someone strong like Wuhuo, fast like Qingji, and brave like Ben and Yu. I foolishly believe that this applies to humans and fierce beasts alike. Now, Your Majesty enjoys hunting fierce beasts in the dangerous mountains. If you encounter a formidable beast, panic and confusion may set in, leading to a predicament where the chariots and horses cannot return in time, and people cannot display their intelligence. Even with abilities like Wuhuo and Fengmeng, they would be useless, and even dead wood could stop you. In this way, the Hu and Yue will jump at the chance, and the Qiang and Yi will be right behind them. Isn't this very dangerous? Even if everything goes perfectly, it's still not something an emperor should be doing!
Furthermore, accidents can happen even on flat roads, let alone in grasslands full of thorns and among hills and graves. While there may be joy in hunting fierce beasts, without preparing for unexpected events, the consequences could be dangerous! Trading your safety for a little thrill is foolish, and I privately believe that Your Majesty should not act in this way!
You see, smart people see trouble coming, and wise ones avoid it before it happens. Calamities often lurk in the details and occur where people are negligent. Therefore, it is said: "Don't tempt fate, even if you're rich." Though this saying is simple, it can be used to illustrate a profound truth. I hope Your Majesty will take my words seriously and consider them carefully.
The Emperor agreed. Afterwards, I went to Yichun Palace and gave the Emperor a poem, expressing my sorrow over the Second Emperor's mistakes. The content of the poem is as follows:
I climbed the long slope to Dengbei, and entered the grand Zeng Palace. Facing the winding river in Zhi Zhou, I gazed at the uneven Nan Mountain. Deep within the mountains, the valley stretched before me. The waters rushed onward, forever flowing into the vast expanse of Ping Gao. I observed the thickets of trees, viewing the dense bamboo forest. Riding eastward over earthen hills, I headed north to uncover rocky rapids. My demeanor grew more reserved, reflecting on the two past reigns. My carelessness cost me the state. Blind trust in lies brought ruin to our ancestral temple. Alas! My neglected tomb, my restless, unfed soul. Lost and adrift, my spirit fades into the distance. My spirit soared, lost to the boundless heavens. Alas!
The Emperor loved the story in my *Zixu Fu*, and seeing how much he liked stories about immortals, I said, "Your Majesty, the Shanglin Garden could use some sprucing up. I started a piece for you a while back, but never finished it. I'd like to complete it and present it to you."
There was a great man in the world, living in the heartland. He had this huge estate, miles and miles, but still felt cramped. He was bummed out by how small the world felt, so he packed a bag and hit the road.
He hung up the crimson streamer high, floating in the air like clouds. He raised a tall flagpole, decorated with vibrant banners. It took ten days to set up the camp, with a comet as its centerpiece. He pointed at the bridge with an air of arrogant grace, light and airy, flaunting his presence. He held a long spear as a flag, with rainbows swirling around him. A crimson haze hung in the air, the scenery was hazy and dazzling, with strong winds and rolling clouds.
His chariot, like a sinuous dragon, advanced with a red chi dragon and a green qiu dragon, their bodies winding and graceful. The chariot surged and dipped, with an arrogant and bold posture, sometimes bending, sometimes stretching. The chariot team was grand and majestic, the wheels rolling over the ground, a cloud of dust billowed behind it, moving forward gracefully and calmly. The chariot team galloped like a gust of wind, as fast as lightning, and in the blink of an eye, the clouds and mist dispersed.
He broke free from the lesser yang energies, arrived in the greater yin realm, seeking true immortals. He wound his way left and right along the winding mountain roads, crossing rushing waterfalls, heading east. He chose all the spiritual beasts to drive his chariot and summoned numerous spirits to guard around him. He had the Five Emperors clear the way for him, then visited Taiyi, and finally reached Lingyang. To the left was Xuanming, to the right was Hanlei, ahead was Luli, and behind was Yu Huang. He summoned Boqiao and Xianmen, and sent Qibo to Shangfang. Zhurong was in a panic, stopping the chariot, only to continue when the fresh mist cleared. His chariot team consisted of a vast army of chariots, canopied by clouds, with beautiful flags fluttering in the wind. He had Jumang lead the army, preparing to embark on a leisurely southern expedition.
I followed the high mountains and deep valleys, searching for the footsteps of Tang Yao, and then came to Jiuyi Mountain, following in the footsteps of Yu Shun. Along the way, the mountain roads were rugged and complex, a tangled mess that made me feel restless. The mountains rose and fell dramatically, the scenery unpredictable, the trees dense, covering the sky like a boundless, emerald sea. I trekked through the thunderous valleys and crossed the steep peaks of Guigu. I traveled in all directions, admired the landscape, crossed nine rivers and five great rivers. I followed Yanhuo Mountain, drifting on the Weak Water, wading through the floating water grass, and walking through the flowing sandy land. I reveled in the floodwaters, having Nuwa beat her drum and Fengyi dance. Sometimes, when the heavens and the earth were chaotic, I summoned the wind god, Pingyi, to slay Fengbo and punished the rain god. I looked west to Kunlun Mountain, its grandeur magnificent, and then went straight to Sanwei Mountain. I opened the Heavenly Gate, entered the palace of the emperor, and returned with the jade girl. I rode the Langfeng, flying leisurely, soaring up, and then slowly descending. I circled above the Yinshan, following a winding path, and finally saw Xi Wangmu, her face etched with age, her hair as white as snow. I secured my place and found a haven; fortunately, a three-legged crow served me. If I could live forever like this, even after countless ages, I would still feel extremely happy.
I drove back, the road was long and difficult, and finally arrived in the remote capital. I breathed in the fresh air, basked in the first rays of dawn, and sampled some lingzhi and qionghua. My flight was erratic, sometimes low, sometimes high, like a wild goose soaring freely into the sky. I passed through a lightning-split sky and crossed the torrential rain on Fenglong Mountain. Racing along the road, I slowly descended, breaking free from the fog and flying into the distance. I was once trapped in a narrow valley, then flew out from the northern border. I left the army stationed at Xuanque, surpassed the vanguard, and arrived at the cold mountain gate. I looked down and saw no ground, looked up and saw no sky. My eyes couldn't see clearly due to dizziness, and my ears couldn't hear clearly due to confusion. I rose on the ethereal, surpassing all my friends, existing alone.
Simaxiangru played the "Daren Fu," and the emperor was very pleased, his spirit soaring as if he had the ambition to rise above the clouds, freely roaming between heaven and earth.
After Simaxiangru recovered from his illness, he returned to his hometown of Maoling to retire. When the emperor heard that Simaxiangru was seriously ill, he said, "Simaxiangru is really sick; we need to send someone to quickly retrieve his writings, or we won't be able to find them later!" So he sent a man named Suo Zhong to Maoling. When Suo Zhong arrived at Simaxiangru's house, he found that he had already passed away, and there were no books at home. Suo Zhong asked Simaxiangru's wife, who replied, "My husband, Changqing, never kept any books. He occasionally wrote something, but others took them away, so our home has always been empty. When Changqing was alive, he only wrote one scroll, which he showed to the emperor when someone came asking for a book. Other than that, there are no other books." Simaxiangru's wife also handed over some letters he wrote about the Fengshan sacrifice to Suo Zhong.
Suo Zhong presented these letters to the emperor, who was very surprised after reading them. The letters detailed:
From the dawn of time, from the boundless heavens, came humankind, with a history of distinguished rulers, until the Qin dynasty. Some followed the path of the warrior, others heeded the winds of change. Countless others faded into obscurity. Were the virtuous always successful? Did the defiant always fail?
After reading the letter left by Sima Xiangru, the Emperor admired his talent even more. Although Sima Xiangru did not leave behind a large number of works, these scattered writings alone are enough to demonstrate his extraordinary knowledge and profound understanding of history. This shows that Sima Xiangru's talent was not just empty praise. Even after his passing, the Emperor kept coming back to his work, which in itself is a recognition of his achievements.
Before the Yellow Emperor, in the mists of time, it was so distant that the specifics are unknown. What we can see now are only records like the "Five Classics" and the "Three Histories," which only provide fragments of information. The *Classic of Documents* says, "A wise ruler, virtuous ministers." Using this as a standard, there was no monarch better than Tang Yao, and no minister more capable than Hou Ji.
Hou Ji began his career during the time of Tang Yao, while Liu Gong rose to prominence in the Western Rong region. King Wen of Zhou reformed the system, leading to the prosperity of the Zhou dynasty. It continued until the time of King Cheng of Zhou, after which it began to decline. For over a thousand years, there was little activity. So, a good beginning and a good end, right? Actually, the key lies in their ability to learn from the lessons of their predecessors and leave a good example for future generations. Their methods of governance were easy to follow, their blessings were widespread, their national strength naturally grew, their laws were clear and easy to enforce, their traditions were orderly and easy to inherit. Therefore, the foundation of the Zhou dynasty prospered from its infancy until the time of the two kings (King Cheng and King Mu). Studying the Zhou, its rise and fall were remarkably unremarkable.
Nevertheless, the Zhou Dynasty continued to grow step by step, like climbing Liangfushan and ascending Mount Tai, becoming renowned and highly respected. The national fortune of the Han Dynasty flourished, like a river overflowing its banks, continuously spreading and expanding, with influence extending in all directions, dispersing like clouds and mist, reaching the heavens above and the earth below. Everyone felt the benefits of the Han Dynasty's rule; signs of prosperity were abundant, its military power was unmatched, and prosperity spread from the capital to the far reaches of the empire. Evils in society were eradicated, order replaced chaos.
Then, rare mythical qilin and other animals gathered within the territory of the Han Dynasty; rice yields were exceptionally high, with six stalks per plant; sacrificial livestock were fat and strong; treasures and tortoiseshells left by the Zhou Dynasty were collected at Qishan; beautiful kingfishers and immortals riding dragons appeared in the marshes. Even the gods seemed to favor the Han Dynasty. Miracles and wonders abounded. Truly admirable! Even with so many auspicious signs, the Emperor of the Han Dynasty still felt it was not enough and dared not hold the Fengshan ceremony. During the Zhou Dynasty, fish leaped and fell on Hangshan and were sacrificed with fire, which was just a small auspicious sign, but the Emperor of the Han Dynasty wanted to ascend Mount Tai to hold the Fengshan ceremony; was that not going too far? Shouldn't they have shown more humility?
Grand Marshal stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, you have shown benevolence to your people, and our righteous wars continue. The vassal states are all happily paying tribute, and the barbarian tribes are respectfully offering gifts. Your merits are comparable to those of the ancient sage kings, your achievements are unparalleled, and your accomplishments spread throughout the world. Auspicious omens abound, the time is ripe, and we should hold the Fengshan ceremony. This is not a novel idea. Altars should be built on Mount Tai and Mount Liangfu, and you should personally preside over the sacrifices to demonstrate your glory. Heaven will bestow blessings and protect you in completing your great undertaking, but you modestly declined. By refusing this sacrifice, you've broken with tradition and worried your ministers. Some say that when auspicious signs are sent from Heaven, the precious omens should not be declined; if declined, there will be no record of this on Mount Tai or Mount Liangfu. In this way, everyone will gain glory at the same time, contribute to the country, and then fade into obscurity. Who in the future will praise you as a great monarch like the seventy-two ancient kings? Virtue attracts auspicious omens, and these omens demand sacrifice – it’s not excessive. Therefore, the ancient sage kings never gave up; they all worshiped the earth deities, honored the heavenly gods, and carved their achievements on the sacred mountains to demonstrate their supreme status, promote their virtues, issue commands, and accept Heaven's blessings, thus bestowing blessings upon the people. This is a momentous occasion, a king's greatest achievement, and we must not miss this opportunity. I hope Your Majesty can fulfill it. Then, we can consider the suggestions of the ministers, allowing the radiance of this matter to shine on the sun and moon, making it more splendid while also regulating its rituals, revising its documents, and recording it in history books. This will set a precedent for future generations, ensuring your name and deeds are remembered forever. The reason why the ancient sage kings have always maintained their illustrious reputation, continually praised by later generations, is because they did this. Your Majesty should consider this carefully."
"
After the emperor listened, his expression immediately softened, and he said, "Very well, let us proceed!" The emperor then began to seriously consider the matter, thoroughly investigating the details of the Fengshan ceremony and gaining a deep understanding of the vastness of Daze and its richness. Then he composed a poem:
The sky covers me, the clouds are abundant.
Gentle rains and sweet dews bless the fertile land.
Nourishment seeps through; why not give birth?
Good grains with six ears—how can I not harvest?
Not only the rain, but also the moistening;
Not only wet, but also overflowing.
All things are thriving, yearning and longing.
Famous mountains in prominent places, waiting for your arrival.
Oh lord, oh lord, do not hesitate!
All kinds of animals are living happily in His Majesty's gardens. Look at those animals of striking contrast, how beautiful they are! They live in harmony with each other; a truly noble sight! I have only heard about them before, but today I finally saw them with my own eyes. Their movements are mysterious, a sign of auspiciousness—truly a gift from heaven! Just like in the time of Emperor Shun, Yu Shun prospered because of this.
Furthermore, those pure white qilins are playing in the spiritual field. In the tenth month, the king held a sacrifice outside the city. The king rode in a chariot to the sacrifice, praying for the blessings of heaven. An event unseen in three generations!
And then, the golden yellow dragon, symbolizing flourishing virtues and soaring into the sky; its colorful body, dazzling brilliance, shining brightly. The auspicious yang energy filled the land, inspiring hope in the people. It is recorded in ancient books that the emperor appointed by heaven rides on such a golden dragon.
These auspicious omens speak for themselves, heralding the holding of the Fengshan ceremony.
Careful observation of these phenomena reveals that there has been a connection between heaven and man, with heaven and earth echoing each other. A wise king is always hardworking and careful. Therefore, it is said, "In times of prosperity, one must think of decline; in times of ease, one must think of danger." Even though King Tang and King Wu held the highest positions, they never forgot to be respectful and cautious; Emperor Shun, even in his high position, constantly reflected on his own mistakes. That's what they call "looking before you leap."
Five years after Sima Xiangru's death, the emperor eventually started worshipping the god of the earth. Eight years later, the emperor conducted the ritual worship of Mount Song and performed the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai. When they arrived at Liangfu Mountain, a palpable sense of solemnity hung in the air.
Of Sima Xiangru's other works, like *Letter to the Marquis of Pingling*, *Debating with the Five Young Lords*, and *Essay on Plants and Trees*, I have omitted them in favor of his more famous pieces praised by officials.
Sima Qian said: The Spring and Autumn Annals explain nuanced points; the Book of Changes uses clear truths to explain subtle meanings; the Book of Odes praises kings, nobles, ministers, and their benevolence towards the people, while the Lesser Odes satirize minor faults that affect the upper class. Despite their differing styles, both aimed to promote morality. Although Sima Xiangru's works contain a lot of flowery language, their fundamental purpose is to advise frugality—so what's the difference between that and poetry's warnings? Yang Xiong believed that Sima Xiangru's prose was impressive but ultimately flawed; it could advise on various customs, but it's like starting with popular tunes before getting to the classics—a bit unbalanced, wouldn't you say? So I've picked out the bits that make my point and used them here.
