Yu Fan, styled Zhongxiang, was a native of Yuyao, Zhejiang. At that time, the Governor Wang Lang appointed him as the chief clerk. When Sun Ce attacked Kuaiji, Yu Fan's father passed away. He went to the government office in mourning clothes, and Wang Lang wanted to see him. Yu Fan changed out of his mourning clothes and advised Wang Lang to take precautions against Sun Ce. Wang Lang did not listen to him, and ended up losing the battle and fled to the sea. Yu Fan followed Wang Lang's troops to protect him, and when they arrived at Houguan County in the east, the county magistrate shut the city gates and refused to let them in. Yu Fan persuaded him, and they were finally allowed in. Wang Lang said to Yu Fan, "You have an elderly mother to care for; you should go back." After returning home, Sun Ce appointed Yu Fan as the chief clerk and treated him as a close friend, even visiting Yu Fan's home in person.
Sun Ce enjoyed horseback riding and hunting. Yu Fan advised him, "The army you've assembled through various means, as well as the soldiers who have been inspired by you, are all loyal to you, even surpassing Liu Bang, the founder of the Han dynasty. But you often travel lightly and privately, which often causes hardships for the soldiers. A leader who doesn’t respect their own position will lack authority. Look, Bai Qi dressed as a commoner and was trapped by Yu Qie; Bai She was indulgent and was ultimately killed by Liu Bang. I hope you will pay more attention." Sun Ce said, "You are right. But sometimes I have things on my mind, sitting and worrying, always thinking of new strategies; that's why I do this."
Later, Yu Fan was appointed as the magistrate of Fuchun County. After Sun Ce's death, all the other magistrates wanted to go into mourning, but Yu Fan said, "I'm worried that the nearby villagers might take advantage of this situation. If we all leave the city, something unforeseen could happen." So he stayed in Fuchun County, wearing mourning clothes to mourn Sun Ce. Other counties followed his example, and all remained peaceful. Later, Yu Fan was recommended as a talented individual in the state, and the Han court summoned him to be an Imperial Censor. When Cao Cao became the Minister of Works, he also invited Yu Fan to take up a position, but he declined.
Yu Fan wrote a letter to the Minister of the Interior Affairs, Kong Rong, and showed him his annotations on the Book of Changes. Kong Rong replied, "I heard that you are proficient in music theory, and after seeing your explanation of the Book of Changes, I realized that talents are emerging in the southeast region, not just limited to Kuaiji's bamboo arrows. You can also observe celestial phenomena, predict changes in temperature, analyze fortunes and misfortunes, and connect with the divine. It can be said that you are a person who explores profound knowledge and has a comprehensive understanding!"
Zhang Hong, the Eastern Commandant of Kuaiji, also wrote a letter to Kong Rong, saying, "Although Yu Fan has been attacked by some people before, like a precious jade, after being polished and tempered, he shines even more brightly, and those attacks have no effect on him."
Sun Quan appointed Yu Fan as the Cavalry Commandant. However, Yu Fan often contradicted Sun Quan, spoke frankly and advised him, which displeased Sun Quan. Moreover, Yu Fan was somewhat unconventional and not very sociable, so he was often slandered and eventually demoted to Jing County in Danyang Prefecture. Later, when Lu Meng planned to attack Guan Yu, he pretended to be sick and returned to Jianye, knowing that Yu Fan had medical knowledge, so he asked Yu Fan to accompany him. Lu Meng actually wanted to use this opportunity to pardon Yu Fan.
Later, Lu Meng led his troops westward, and the Administrator of Nan County, Mi Fang, opened the city gates and surrendered. Before Lu Meng entered the city, he hosted a banquet on the beach to celebrate. Yu Fan counseled Lu Meng, stating, "The only one we can trust right now is General Mi Fang. The people in the city may not all be reliable. Why not hurry into the city and take control of the gates?" Lu Meng listened to Yu Fan's advice and immediately entered the city. There was an ambush set up in the city at that time, and fortunately, by following Yu Fan's plan, the threat was averted. After Guan Yu's defeat, Sun Quan had Yu Fan perform divination, and the hexagram indicated "Joy below, Danger above, with five changing lines." Yu Fan said, "In two days, Guan Yu will surely be executed." What he predicted came true. Sun Quan sighed, "Although you might not rival Fuxi, you can now be likened to Dongfang Shuo!"
General Yu Jin of the Wei Kingdom was captured by Guan Yu and imprisoned in the city. Sun Quan unexpectedly decided to release him and invited Yu Jin to meet. One day, Sun Quan rode out with Yu Jin side by side. Yu Fan shouted at Yu Jin in anger, "You traitor, how dare you ride alongside our lord like that!" Yu Fan even tried to whip Yu Jin, but Sun Quan quickly stopped him. Later, Sun Quan hosted a banquet for his ministers on a boat. Hearing the music, Yu Jin couldn't help but cry. Yu Fan said, "Are you pretending to cry for mercy?" Sun Quan was displeased by this.
After Sun Quan became the King of Wu, at the conclusion of a banquet, Sun Quan personally stood up to toast, while Yu Fan pretended to be drunk and lay sprawled on the ground without getting up to toast. After Sun Quan left, Yu Fan sat up. Sun Quan was furious and unsheathed his sword to strike him. Everyone present went pale with fear. Only Liu Ji, a minister, stepped forward, holding Sun Quan and persuading him, "Your Majesty, killing a loyal minister after just a few rounds of drinks at the banquet, even if Yu Fan is guilty, how will the people know? Moreover, Your Majesty is known for gathering talents and should not abandon him all at once; is it appropriate?" Sun Quan said, "Cao Cao even killed Kong Rong, what's the big deal if I kill Yu Fan?" Liu Ji said, "Cao Cao has a reputation for easily killing scholars, and everyone criticizes him. Your Majesty has always prided yourself on benevolence and righteousness, wanting to be as great as Yao and Shun, how can you even think to compare yourself to Cao Cao?" Yu Fan was spared thanks to Liu Ji's intervention. Sun Quan then ordered that in the future, anyone who talks about killing after drinking should never actually go through with it.
Once, Pang Tong traveled by boat and encountered Mi Fang. Mi Fang's boat was crowded, and they wanted Pang Tong to make way. Mi Fang's guide shouted, "Make way for the general's boat!" Pang Tong shouted back loudly, "If one loses loyalty and integrity, how can one serve the lord? Is it appropriate to call oneself a general just because one has seized two cities?" Mi Fang quickly closed the cabin door and kept quiet, avoiding Pang Tong. Later, when Pang Tong traveled by carriage and passed by Mi Fang's camp gate, the soldiers guarding the gate closed it, preventing the carriage from passing. Pang Tong angrily said, "The gate is closed when it should be open, and open when it should be closed; is this reasonable?" Mi Fang, upon hearing this, looked ashamed.
Pang Tong was straightforward and often spoke his mind due to drinking. Once, Sun Quan and Zhang Zhao were discussing immortals, and Pang Tong pointed at Zhang Zhao and said, "Those are all dead people talking about immortals; where are the immortals in this world, anyway?" Sun Quan was annoyed several times by this and eventually transferred Pang Tong to Jiaozhou. Despite being demoted and exiled, Pang Tong continued teaching and had hundreds of students. He also provided annotations for "Laozi," "Analects," and "Guoyu," and these works have been passed down.
At the beginning, Ding Lan from Shanyin and Xu Ling from Taimo were minor officials in the county government, while others were just unknown. Pang Tong befriended them upon meeting them, and these people later became famous figures.
Pang Tong spent over ten years in the South and died at the age of seventy. His body was transported back to his hometown for burial, and his wife was also able to return to her hometown.
Pang Tong had eleven sons, the most famous of whom was his fourth son, Pang Si. In the early Yong'an period, he was chosen as a selection officer, later promoted to Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, then appointed as a military envoy, and died from illness while campaigning against Fu Yan. Pang Si's brother, Pang Zhong, was Prefect of Yidu; Pang Song served as the Commandant of the Yue Cavalry, later promoted to Court Commandant, and successively served as the Prefects of Xiangdong and Hejian; Pang Bing served as the Court Commandant's Secretary and was Prefect of Jiyin.
Lu Ji, his courtesy name Gongji, was from Wu County in Wu Commandery. His father, Lu Kang, served as the Administrator of Lujiang at the end of the Han Dynasty. When Lu Ji was six years old, he met Yuan Shu in Jiujiang. Yuan Shu gave him a few oranges, and Lu Ji left with all three. As he was leaving, one of the oranges fell, and Yuan Shu said, "Lu Lang, why are you still holding oranges when you’re a guest?" Lu Ji knelt down and replied, "I want to take them back to my mother." Yuan Shu was very surprised.
When Sun Ce was in charge of Wu Commandery, prominent figures like Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, and Qin Song gathered to discuss the unrest in the world and the need for military action to restore peace. Despite being young, Lu Ji sat with them and spoke up, "In the past, Guan Zhong helped Duke Huan of Qi unite the states without resorting to force. Confucius said, 'If people from afar do not submit, you should attract them with virtue.' Now everyone is only thinking about fighting, neglecting moral cultivation. They only want to use force to solve problems. Although I am young, I am truly anxious about this!" Zhang Zhao and the others were very surprised.
Lu Ji was tall and imposing, knowledgeable in astronomy, calendrical systems, and mathematics. Renowned scholars like Yu Fan and talented individuals like Pang Tong, who were older than him, had good relationships with Lu Ji. After Sun Quan came to power, Lu Ji was appointed as a court official because of his integrity, earning the respect and admiration of many. Later, he was sent to Yulin as the Administrator and promoted to Deputy General with two thousand soldiers under his command. However, Lu Ji had always struggled with leg issues and preferred a scholarly life, and did not aspire to be an official commanding troops. Even in the military, he continued to write. He produced celestial maps, annotated the Book of Changes and metaphysics, and these works have been preserved through the ages.
Lu Ji had a premonition that he was about to die, so he wrote a farewell article: "Lu Ji, a scholar from Wu County during the Han Dynasty, had diligently studied poetry and literature since childhood and later studied rituals and the Book of Changes. He was ordered to go on a southern expedition, but was plagued by illness, putting his life in jeopardy. Alas, what a tragedy!" He also wrote, "From now on, sixty years later, the same carriage and the same script, but unfortunately I will never see it again." Lu Ji passed away at the age of thirty-two. His eldest son Lu Hong became the Commandant for the Southern Region of Kuaiji, and his second son Lu Rui became the Chief Water Officer.
Zhang Wen, known by his courtesy name Hui Shu, was from Wu County. His father, Zhang Yun, was known for his generosity and emphasis on talent, and earned a great reputation. He served as the Eastern Court Secretary for Sun Quan and later passed away. Zhang Wen was principled from a young age and had a dignified appearance. Upon hearing of this, Sun Quan asked his ministers, "Who can compare to Zhang Wen now?" Liu Ji, the Chief Financial Officer, replied, "He can be compared to Quan Cong." The Minister of Sacrifices, Gu Yong, said, "Liu Ji does not really understand Zhang Wen. No one today can match Zhang Wen." Sun Quan said, "So, Zhang Yun's death was not in vain!" So Sun Quan summoned Zhang Wen, and his literary talent and quick wit were remarkable. Everyone present was fascinated, and Sun Quan changed his attitude towards him and began to show him greater respect. After Zhang Wen left, Zhang Zhao held his hand and said, "I have high hopes for you; you must excel." Later, Zhang Wen was appointed as a court official, then as a secretary in the selection department, and eventually promoted to the Prince's Grand Tutor, who earned Sun Quan's deep trust.
At that time, Zhang Wen was thirty-two years old and was appointed as Deputy General Fu Yi to go on a mission to Shu. Sun Quan said to Zhang Wen, "You should not go to such a faraway place. Zhuge Liang might not grasp the implications of my secret dealings with Cao Wei, so that's why he sent you. If the mountains and valleys are pacified, I plan to make a significant move with Cao Cao. Once a mission is accepted, one cannot refuse it." Zhang Wen replied, "When I go on a mission to Shu, I have no brilliant strategies to offer or special mission to fulfill. I doubt I can earn your appreciation like Zhang Zhao or achieve great deeds like Zichan. However, Zhuge Liang is wise and will surely understand the purpose of our visit and appreciate the court's favor. I believe Zhuge Liang will not hesitate to accept our suggestions." Zhang Wen arrived in Shu and wrote a letter to the Emperor of Shu saying, "In the past, the Emperor revived the Yin and Shang dynasties through his generosity and benevolence; King Cheng, despite his young age, brought peace to the world with the good governance of the Zhou dynasty, and their achievements have been passed down through the ages. Your Majesty, you are wise and martial, on par with the great rulers of old, appointing talented people to assist in the court's affairs. Your civil and military achievements shine brightly, and the people admire your grace and favor. The Kingdom of Wu boasts strong soldiers and skilled generals, governing the Jiangdong region, hoping to unify the country with Shu Han. We should work together sincerely, like the unending flow of the Yellow River. However, with military actions frequent nowadays, manpower and resources are in short supply, so we swallow our pride and send me to convey our goodwill. Your Majesty, who values propriety and justice, will surely not refuse our request. I have come from afar, received your favor many times, and I feel both honored and humbled. I come bearing a letter from Sun Quan." Shu Han held Zhang Wen's talent in high regard. Shortly after returning to his country, Zhang Wen was sent to oversee the army for an expedition, but the situation was still ongoing.
The influential minister secretly praised Zhang Wen's governance of Shu territory but also worried that his reputation was too great, with the people idolizing him. He feared that eventually, Zhang Wen would not be of use to him, so he plotted against him. Just then, the Ji Yan incident broke out, and the influential minister took this opportunity to attack. Ji Yan, also from Wu County, was recommended by Zhang Wen and appointed as an officer in charge of selections, later rising to the position of a high official. Ji Yan had a strong personality and liked to express his opinions. Seeing the incompetence of the officials in the selection office at that time, many of whom were unqualified, he sought to evaluate them and differentiate the capable from the incompetent. He impeached the officials and scrutinized the officers from the three departments, most of whom were demoted, some by multiple ranks, with less than one-tenth remaining. Those greedy and despicable officials with low moral character were all arranged by him to serve in the military camps. As a result, resentment grew among the populace, and the slander directed at Zhang Wen intensified.
Some said that Ji Yan and the selection officer Xu Biao were corrupt and unjust, making decisions swayed by personal biases, disregarding fairness. As a result, Ji Yan and Xu Biao both committed suicide. Zhang Wen shared a close friendship with Ji Yan and Xu Biao, exchanging letters frequently, and was also implicated and faced charges. The influential minister imprisoned Zhang Wen and ordered, "When I summoned Zhang Wen, I welcomed him with an open mind. After he arrived, I appointed him to a high position, surpassing that of my veteran ministers. I never anticipated he would turn out to be treacherous and arrogant. Previously, Ji Yan's father and brothers had allied with rebels, and without any scruples, I promoted and used him, hoping to assess Ji Yan's character. Observing his every move, his true character was revealed. And Zhang Wen had formed a close bond with him, manipulating Ji Yan's promotions and demotions behind the scenes. The two conspired, mutually protecting one another. If it weren't for Zhang Wen's accomplices, he wouldn't have defended him.
Zhang Wen previously served as the inspector of three counties; he suppressed officials and leftover soldiers. At that time, I was worried about potential upheaval, so I wanted him back as soon as possible, so I granted him a halberd and bestowed upon him power. After he arrived in Yuzhang, he requested to attack the old enemy in a memorial. I believed him and specially gave him five thousand tent soldiers and soldiers for trouble relief. Later, upon hearing that Cao Pi was personally leading troops to Huaisi, I urgently ordered Zhang Wen to quickly send troops, but Zhang Wen had all the generals stationed in the deep mountains, ignoring the order. Fortunately, Cao Pi himself withdrew his troops; otherwise, the consequences would have been dire. Yin Li, originally a diviner, was asked by Zhang Wen to lead troops into the Shu region, and he even promoted and defended him. After Yin Li returned, he should have gone back to his original position, but Zhang Wen appointed him as a clerk in the Ministry of Rites. All these appointments were orchestrated by Zhang Wen himself. Zhang Wen also told Jia Yuan that he should recommend you as an imperial censor; to Jiang Kang, he said that you should replace Jia Yuan. He merely wanted to flaunt the Jia family's favors and build his own power. His treacherous nature knows no limits. I can’t take it anymore; I can’t let him keep causing chaos in the court, so I’m demoting him back to his hometown to be a minor official! Ah, Wen Qiao, being spared is a stroke of luck!
General Luo Tong spoke gently to Sun Quan, saying, "Your Highness, you are naturally wise and exceptionally intelligent. You have recruited talented individuals from across the land and employed many outstanding individuals in the court. Zhang Wen has also benefited from your kindness, but he has let you down due to his own mistakes. It’s truly heartbreaking to consider! However, I have been closely observing the court and know Zhang Wen's situation well, which is why I am reporting this to you. Zhang Wen means no harm and hasn't done anything wrong. He is just young and not mature enough in handling matters, but he has won your favor, demonstrated remarkable talent, and frequently shared his opinions. As a result, those who seek advancement envy his position, those chasing fame and fortune envy his abilities, those who are quiet criticize his statements, and those with flaws fear his comments. These are matters that subordinates should discern carefully, and the court should investigate thoroughly."
"In the past, Jia Yi was a loyal minister, and Emperor Wen of Han was a wise ruler. However, because of a remark made by the Marquis of Jiang and Guan Ying, Jia Yi was demoted. Why did this happen? It's because those who envied him were too powerful, and those who slandered him were too cunning. As a result, he was misunderstood by the world, and later generations viewed him unfavorably. That’s why Confucius said, 'It’s hard to serve a ruler, but being a subject isn’t easy either.' Although Zhang Wen may not be the most resourceful or brave person, he has an elegant character, outstanding morals, excellent writing, clear arguments, and remarkable talent. Few can match him. So, while it’s a shame about his talents being overlooked, his faults are certainly forgivable. If you can generously overlook his mistakes and embrace his talents to strengthen your achievements, it would bring glory to the court and blessings to the people. The state treats talented individuals, even those with controversies, just like ordinary citizens. That’s how Zhang Wen was initially recognized by Zhu Zhi, then recommended by others, and eventually appointed by you, which is how I came to know him. The bond between a ruler and their subjects is paramount, while friendships are less significant. The state does not shun those with talent, which is why Zhang Wen has no qualms about associating with controversial figures. People in the court favor him, and he also maintains close relationships with others privately."
"Those who are accustomed to doing evil, if they escape to the mountains, will become bandits; if recruited into the army, they will become elite soldiers. Zhang Wen wanted to recruit those who do evil, eliminate the threat of bandits, and increase the number of elite soldiers. However, his methods were flawed, and his results fell short of expectations. However, when compared to Xu Yan, he was not lacking in troop transport speed, troop strength, or overall efficiency, which is why he was able to arrive at the alerted location during the autumn and winter. He does not forget your kindness and has been diligently working. After Zhang Wen arrived in Shu, he was warmly welcomed. Although I did not associate with him privately, it is understandable. Private association means meeting without the king's command, not for official business. Following your orders can strengthen the bond between ruler and subject while also allowing for the expression of one's thoughts, which is a subject's duty. Confucius met with envoys from neighboring countries with proper etiquette; the Ji Sun clan invited the vassals of Xia with etiquette for banquets and discussions. The ancients believed that to truly understand a ruler, one should observe whom he delegates tasks to, and by seeing the excellence of his subordinates, one can know the ruler's wisdom. Zhang Wen's warm reception can earn admiration from others, showing that our court is full of talent, the right people were chosen, and other countries can see the excellence of our country, promoting the ruler's commands. Just like Zhao Wenzi of Jin formed an alliance with Song and praised Sui Hui and Qu Jian; Sun Yu of Chu going to Jin and praising Zhao Yang of the Left Historian. They all praised the excellence of their own subjects, and history books also praised the country for this without criticizing them for diplomacy. Wang Jing is not concerned with current affairs in the court and is not actively engaging externally. Zhang Wen criticized him directly without bias, so he and Wang Jing have a deep feud, which is evidence of his loyalty and duty. Wang Jing's military strength is strong and his abilities outstanding, surpassing Jia Yuan and Jiang Kang. Zhang Wen cannot flatter Wang Jing out of personal interest, so how could he betray his country to appease Jia Yuan and Jiang Kang? Moreover, Jia Yuan is not diligent in his duties, and his abilities are poor, with Zhang Wen criticizing him severely multiple times. If he genuinely intended to betray the country, he wouldn't need to curry favor with Jia Yuan. Based on the facts, none of these claims hold water; inquiries reveal no evidence. I believe that even if the ruler has saintly wisdom, managing so many people, observing the situation from the palace, understanding everyone's thoughts, and handling various political affairs is not easy, so one should listen to others' opinions to improve one's wisdom. Currently, both those who are friendly with Zhang Wen and those who are not speak with great skill, express themselves fully, and all claim to be working for the country. It is difficult to distinguish who is for the country and who is for themselves. Yet, with Your Highness's keen insight, if you carefully analyze arguments, what doubts cannot be uncovered, and what misunderstandings cannot be clarified? I am neither related to Zhang Wen nor do I have any particular fondness for him. Ancient scholars would set aside personal grievances to elevate the ruler's wisdom. I do not wish to fall short in this regard, which is why I present my thoughts to you today—not on behalf of Zhang Wen, but for the good of the court." Sun Quan ultimately did not adopt his suggestion.
Six years passed, and Wen Bing passed away. His two younger brothers, Zhi and Bai, were also talented, but like Wen, they did not achieve much.
Luo Tong, courtesy name Gong Xu, was born in Kuaiji Wushang. His father, Luo Jun, served as the Chancellor of Chen and was later murdered by Yuan Shu. Luo Tong's mother remarried and became Hua Xin's concubine. At the age of eight, Luo Tong went back to his family's home in Kuaiji with relatives. When his mother sent him off and bid farewell as he boarded the carriage, Luo Tong never looked back at his weeping mother. The coachman called out, "Madam is still here!" Luo Tong replied, "I don't want to increase my mother's longing, that's why I chose not to look back." He showed great filial piety towards his stepmother. During a famine, many people in the village and travelers from afar were going hungry, so Luo Tong cut back on his own meals to share with them. His kind-hearted sister, a widowed and childless woman, was heartbroken by Luo Tong's actions and asked him several times why. Luo Tong replied, "If even scholars and officials can't eat their fill, how can I justify enjoying a meal alone?" His sister said, "That's true! Why didn't you tell me sooner? You've been suffering so much!" She then gave him her hidden food reserves, told their mother, who was equally impressed by him, and instructed Luo Tong to distribute the food. From that point on, Luo Tong's reputation grew far and wide.
Sun Quan appointed him as a general while also serving as the Governor of Kuaiji. When Luo Tong was twenty years old, he was appointed as a trial magistrate of Wucheng County, overseeing more than ten thousand households. Everyone praised his effective governance. Sun Quan highly appreciated him, summoned him to his side to serve as a clerk, appointed him as the Commandant of Cavalry, and even married his own cousin to him. Luo Tong wholeheartedly tried his best to do his job well; whenever he heard or saw anything, he found it hard to sleep at night and hurried to handle it. He often advised Sun Quan to respect talents, recruit talents widely, and strive to improve shortcomings. Every time Sun Quan hosted banquets for guests, Luo Tong could personally greet each person, understand their preferences, communicate with them sincerely, and observe their aspirations, earning everyone's gratitude and appreciation. Sun Quan valued his advice highly. Later, Luo Tong was appointed as the General of Jianzhong, commanding three thousand archers. After Ling Tong's death, he assumed command of Ling Tong's forces.
It is said that at that time, there were frequent demands for corvee labor, coupled with the spread of an epidemic, leading to significant suffering among the common people. Tong wrote to the emperor, saying, "I've learned that for a country to be strong and prosperous, it must have vast territory; to achieve nobility and distinction, it must hold the power of life and death; to be glorious and illustrious, it must demonstrate benevolence, righteousness, and morality; to have prosperous descendants, it must ensure national peace and stability. However, wealth is created by the people, national power is supported by the people, prestige is upheld by the people's support, blessings are multiplied by the people, ethics are practiced by the people, and justice is maintained by the people's obedience. Only when all these aspects are in place can one align with the will of heaven, obtain the imperial throne, safeguard the family, and govern the country well. The Book of Documents states: 'Without a ruler, the people cannot enjoy peace and happiness; without the people, the ruler cannot govern the world.' Therefore, it's clear that the people depend on the ruler for stability, and the ruler relies on the people for prosperity. This is an eternal truth."
The formidable enemy has yet to be defeated, the country remains unstable, the army faces endless battles, and the borders require constant defense. Taxation and conscription have long been a reality, along with deaths from epidemics; counties lie desolate, and fields are left fallow. I've heard that towns across the land are increasingly depopulated, primarily the elderly, sick, and disabled, with hardly any young people. Hearing this pains me deeply, as if my heart were ablaze. Though the common folk may lack wisdom, they possess a profound attachment to their homeland. Those who went on expeditions and joined the army before could not eat well or keep warm when they were alive, and their bodies were left unburied when they died. Therefore, they are particularly attached to their hometowns, fearful of being far from home, and they equate leaving home with death. With each conscription, the physically weak, burdened by heavy responsibilities at home, are the first to be conscripted. Those with any resources will exhaust their wealth to bribe officials, no matter the cost. The reckless flee to perilous places, joining forces with nefarious individuals to commit wrongdoing. The populace is drained, sighing and lamenting, their faces etched with worry and despair. Their worry and despair hinder their ability to engage in productive work; the inability to produce leads to poverty. Poverty drives them to a loss of will to live, thus, when hunger strikes, they may entertain malevolent thoughts, resulting in increased rebellions.
I have heard that even the poor struggle to maintain their homes, and most cannot afford to raise their children; the impoverished soldiers stationed in the fields often abandon their children. Heaven grants life, yet parents take it away. This may offend the natural order of heaven and earth, affecting the balance of yin and yang. Moreover, Your Highness, you are establishing a foundation and building a country, a task without end. Powerful neighboring nations and enemies cannot be defeated quickly, and border defense cannot be completed in a few months. A declining population and lack of prosperity for future generations is not a sustainable strategy and will not lead to lasting success. A country needs its people just as a boat needs water. When it is docked, it is safe; when it is adrift, it is perilous. The people may be naïve, but they cannot be deceived; they may be weak, but they cannot be subdued. Therefore, it is crucial to share in the people's struggles and fortunes, as the fortune of the country depends on them. Currently, local officials are primarily concerned with completing tasks and short-term gains, rarely governing with compassion, which fails to reflect Your Highness's benevolence and commitment to the people. The relationship between officials and the people, along with the social climate, is deteriorating daily and cannot persist. Illnesses must be addressed promptly, and calamities must be averted swiftly. I hope Your Highness will take the time to thoughtfully consider restoring the desolate lands, caring for the remaining populace, strengthening the nation, and honoring our ancestors, while living in harmony with heaven and earth. This is my greatest wish; even if it costs me my life, I would die without regret! The Emperor was deeply moved by the subject's words and took them to heart.
When Lu Xun defeated the Shu army, I followed him to Yidu and later was promoted to General. In the first year of the Huangwu era, Cao Ren attacked Ruxu and sent Chang Diao to launch a surprise attack on Zhongzhou. Yan Gui and I defeated them together, and then I was granted the title of Marquis of Xinyangting, later becoming the Commander of Ruxu. I often gave advice to Sun Quan, writing dozens of memorials with many good ideas, but too many to list. In particular, I repeatedly suggested cracking down harshly on the local tyrants who seized land as their own, to prevent them from undermining social morals and causing the people to lose faith and virtue. At that time, Sun Quan initially disagreed with me, but after careful consideration, he eventually accepted my suggestions. In the year I turned thirty-six, the seventh year of the Huangwu era, I passed away.
Lu Mao, styled Zizhang, was the younger brother of Prime Minister Lu Xun. He loved learning from a young age and was loyal. People like Chen Rong from Chen, Puyang Yi from Chenliu, Jiang Zuan from Pei, and Yuan Di from Guangling—who were all poor but ambitious—would visit Lu Mao. Lu Mao always shared his food with them and lived alongside them. Even Xu Yuan from the same county, who originally lived in Kuaiji and did not know Lu Mao, entrusted him to care for his orphaned wife and child before he died. Lu Mao built a tomb for them and took in their child. Lu Mao's father, Lu Ji, passed away early, leaving behind two sons and a daughter who were still very young. Lu Mao took them in and raised them until they were adults before letting them leave. Local officials repeatedly summoned him for official positions, but he always declined.
At that time, the Minister of Personnel, Yan, especially liked to judge others, interfering in all three departments, deliberately exaggerating others' shortcomings to showcase his own capabilities. Lu Mao wrote him a letter, stating, "Sages praise virtuous individuals, show compassion for the foolish, forget others' mistakes, remember others' merits, and use this to educate the populace. Now that we have just established the country and are on the path to unity, it resembles Han Gaozu Liu Bang, who did not focus on others' flaws and widely employed talents. If you insist on clearly distinguishing between good and bad people, like those in the Ruyi region, while this might boost social morale, it could prove challenging to implement. It would be wise to emulate Confucius's principle of universal love and draw inspiration from Guo Tai's spirit of extensive public assistance, which would greatly benefit the nation." Yan ignored his advice and ultimately caused a disaster.
In the year 233 AD, Sun Quan summoned Zhuge Jin to serve as a counselor and the chief secretary. At that time, Sun Quan was very angry due to Gongsun Yuan's erratic and deceitful behavior, and he wanted to personally lead the troops to confront him. Zhuge Jin wrote a letter of remonstrance, saying: "I've heard that a wise ruler manages remote regions by employing a policy of vassalage, not seeking long-term control; hence in ancient times, those remote regions were called 'wild clothing', meaning that the situation in those places is complex and difficult to control. Gongsun Yuan, who is just a minor figure in the eastern barbarian region, hiding out in a secluded coastal area, although he wears human clothes, he's no better than a beast. The reason the state is generous in giving him rewards from a distance is not to commend his character, but to use this method to induce and deceive him, like comparing him to a horse's ear. Gongsun Yuan's arrogance and cunning, relying on his remote location to defy imperial orders, is the typical behavior of barbarians, so why should we be surprised? In the past, Han dynasty emperors also spent a lot of effort to deal with affairs in remote regions, sending messengers with large amounts of wealth to try to control the Western Regions. Although sometimes they obtained their compliance, countless messengers were killed, and their wealth plundered. Your Majesty, if you can't contain your anger and want to cross the sea to set foot on his land, the courtiers naively suggest this, which I find quite inappropriate. Why? Because the northern enemies border our territory, and if there's a gap in our defenses, they will take advantage of it. We're crossing the sea to appease Gongsun Yuan to solve the urgent situation at hand and eliminate hidden dangers in the heartland. But now we are abandoning the fundamental to chase after trivialities, giving up stability nearby to attack distant enemies, altering our strategy in anger, which is exactly what those cunning enemies hope to see, and this isn't the best strategy for Wu. Furthermore, from a military strategy standpoint, warfare must balance work and rest, and between gains and losses, many problems are often found. It's a long journey from Wu to Gongsun Yuan's territory, and when the army reaches the coast, the forces will split into three groups: one for attacking, one for guarding the ships, and one for transporting supplies. Even with many people, it'll be hard to deploy them all; in addition, soldiers will have to haul heavy loads on foot, penetrate enemy territory, the enemy has plenty of cavalry, and they could be attacked at any moment. If Gongsun Yuan schemes and colludes with the northern enemies, when we mobilize our troops, they'll strike from both within and without. If he is truly isolated and helpless, he'll be scared and run, and perhaps he can be easily eliminated. But if divine retribution doesn't come for his actions, and the mountain enemies take advantage of the situation, it could be hard to guarantee complete success."
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Sun Quan did not adopt Zhuge Jin's suggestion.
Mao wrote to Sun Quan, saying: "Warfare was originally meant to pacify rebellions and deter outsiders. However, all those heroes are gone, and the world is now peaceful. Such matters should be discussed carefully in court. When there is internal turmoil in the country and chaos in the world, we should first solidify our foundation, saving manpower and resources, replenishing our strength, and waiting for the enemy to reveal weaknesses before taking action. At this time, we shouldn't chase distant gains while our troops are worn out. When the rebel Wei Tuo from Nanyue declared himself emperor, the world was peaceful and the people were prosperous. The army and resources were abundant, and Emperor Wen of Han felt that it was not easy to launch an expedition, so he simply abandoned the idea. Now that the enemy has not been eliminated and the border is still not peaceful, even in the event of major upheavals like Chi You and Gui Fang, they should be treated differently and not attacked first. I hope Your Majesty can manage the situation, refrain from sending troops for now, plan carefully in secret, and make plans for the future so that the world can be at peace." Sun Quan read Mao's letter and thought he made a lot of sense, but still did not adopt his suggestion.
Initially, Mao and his fellow townsman Wen Min both served as officials in the court. Everyone thought Wen Min had a brighter future than Mao, but Mao believed otherwise, and the result was just as he predicted.
In the second year of Chi Wu, Mao passed away. His son Xi also loved studying, was upright, and became the Minister of Selections during Sun Hao's reign.
My name is Wu Can, with the courtesy name Kong Xiu, from Wucheng in Wu County. When Sun He was the county magistrate, I held a minor official position, and he thought highly of me. Later, when Sun He became a general and could choose his own subordinates, he recommended me to serve as the Deputy of Qu'a. I was later promoted to Chief of Staff, and my political achievements were quite impressive. Although I hailed from humble beginnings, I was as famous as my fellow townspeople Lu Xun and Bu Jing. After Sun Quan became General of Chariots and Cavalry, he summoned me to serve as his chief clerk, then sent me to Shan Yin to be a county magistrate. Upon my return, I became a Captain in the Army Staff.
In the year 222 AD, I, along with Lv Fan and He Qi, took a boat to Dongkou to resist Cao Xiu of the Wei Kingdom. We encountered a strong wind, causing the ropes of many boats to snap. The boats were blown to the shore, captured by the Wei army, and some boats capsized and sank. On the boats that were relatively intact, the people who fell into the water were clinging to the sides of the boat and calling for help. Other soldiers were afraid the boat would capsize and used spears to push them aside, refusing to let them up. Only Huang Yuan and I let the people on the boat pull them up. People around us said the boat was too heavy and would definitely sink. I said, "If the boat goes down, let's go down together! How can we see people in distress and not help?" Huang Yuan and I saved more than a hundred people.
After returning, I was promoted to be the Governor of Kuaiji and invited the recluse Xie Tan to be my assistant, but he couldn't come due to illness. I said to him, "The dragon shows its divine power by moving with grace; the phoenix reveals its value through its beautiful song. Why hide in the sky or deep water?" Later, I recruited soldiers and was appointed as the General of Zhaoyi, and together with Lv Dai, suppressed the rebellion of the Shan Yue. I then served as the Garrison Commander and the Minister of Finance, and finally rose to become the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. During the palace coup, I made a reasoned argument, clarified the distinction between legitimate and bastards, and wanted Prince Lu Ba to be stationed at Xiakou instead of letting Yang Zhu stay in the capital. I reported the situation to Lu Xun several times, who was in Wuchang at the time, and he continuously advised against it. Because of these events, I was wrongly accused by Lu Ba and Yang Zhu, imprisoned, and eventually killed.
Zhu Ju, also known by his courtesy name Ziju, was a native of Wu County in Wu Commandery. He was handsome, strong, and skilled in debate. At the beginning of the Huangwu era, he was appointed as a Langzhong among the Five Officials, and later promoted to an Imperial Censor. At that time, Ji Yan, the Minister of Appointments and Secretary, was corrupt, and Zhu Ju wanted to remove him. However, Zhu Ju believed that before the world was unified, merits should be used to outweigh faults, and those who should be retained should be retained, while those who should be eliminated should be eliminated, to serve as a warning. If Ji Yan was demoted all at once, there might be hidden dangers in the future. Ji Yan did not listen to his advice and eventually got into trouble.
Under Sun Quan's command, there was a general named Zhu Ju, who felt troubled seeing the other generals sighing. He remembered the two generals Lu Meng and Zhang Wen, who were both talented in civil and military affairs, and resolved to learn from them. Therefore, Sun Quan promoted him to Jianyi Xiaowei, leading troops stationed in Hushu. In the first year of Huanglong, Sun Quan moved the capital to Jianye and married his daughter to Zhu Ju, appointing him as the Left General and granting him the title of Yunyang Marquis. Zhu Ju was humble, treated others with kindness, and was generous; despite his high salary, he always felt it was insufficient. During the Jiahe era, the court started minting large coins valued at five hundred coins each. Later, Wang Sui, a soldier under Zhu Ju, was supposed to receive a reward of thirty thousand strings, but he ended up embezzling it. The supervisor Lu Yi harshly interrogated the relevant personnel, resulting in their execution. Zhu Ju felt they were innocent, so he arranged for them to be buried with honor. Lu Yi then accused Zhu Ju of sheltering his subordinates, claiming that was why he buried them honorably. Sun Quan repeatedly questioned Zhu Ju, who couldn't prove his innocence and had to wait for punishment on the grass. After a few months, the military officer Liu Zhu discovered the truth about Wang Sui's embezzlement, and Sun Quan came to realize that Zhu Ju had been wronged, exclaiming, "If Zhu Ju was wronged, what about the common people?" Therefore, Sun Quan severely punished Lu Yi and rewarded Liu Zhu with a million coins.
In the ninth year of the Chiwu era, Zhu Ju was promoted to the rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry. Later, due to power struggles in the palace involving the Crown Prince and his rivals, Zhu Ju firmly supported the Crown Prince, speaking with sincerity and determination, even at the cost of his life. As a result, he was demoted to Magistrate of Xindu County. Before he could take up his new position, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Sun Hong, falsely accused him. Taking advantage of Sun Quan's illness, Sun Hong petitioned for Zhu Ju’s execution. At that time, Zhu Ju was just fifty-seven. After Sun Liang ascended to the throne, Zhu Ju's two sons, Zhu Xiong and Zhu Sun, both became generals, but were later falsely accused by Princess Quan and both were killed. During the Yong'an period, the court posthumously acknowledged Zhu Ju's contributions, allowing Zhu Ju's grandson, Zhu Xuan, to inherit the title of Marquis of Yunyang and marry a princess. During the reign of Sun Hao, Zhu Xuan was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry.
Historical records assess: Yu Fan was straightforward and would inevitably suffer in troubled times, but Sun Quan could hardly tolerate him, which was hardly a magnanimous act. Lu Ji's attitude towards Yang Xuan was like Confucius' student Zuo Qiuming and Laozi's disciple Yan Zhou; such talent wasted guarding Nanyue! Although Zhang Wen was talented, he lacked foresight, ultimately leading to disaster. Luo Tong upheld justice, spoke candidly in counsel, but unfortunately, Sun Quan would not listen at that time. Lu Mao was loyal and upright, repeatedly advising, a true gentleman. Both Wu Can and Zhu Ju suffered tragic fates because of their integrity, dying unjustly—truly a heartbreaking outcome!
