Cao Zhang, the son of the King of Rencheng, Cao Cao, with the courtesy name Ziwu, was skilled in horseback riding and archery from a young age, with astonishing strength, capable of subduing wild beasts with his bare hands and fearing no danger. He frequently accompanied his father on military campaigns, harboring great ambitions. His father, Cao Cao, once criticized him: "You do not study the ways of the sages diligently, but instead prefer riding horses and wielding swords. This is merely personal bravery; what is there to be proud of in that?" He then required him to study poetry and literature. Cao Zhang remarked to those around him: "A great man should be like Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, leading ten thousand cavalry to gallop in the desert, conquer enemies, achieve military merit, be granted titles, and receive appointments; how can one become a scholar?"
Later, Cao Cao asked his sons about their ambitions and requested them to share their ideals. Cao Zhang said: "I like to be a general." Cao Cao asked: "What qualities are needed to be a general?" Cao Zhang replied: "To don sturdy armor and wield sharp weapons, fear no danger, lead soldiers from the front, reward when warranted, punish when needed, and keep promises." Cao Cao burst into hearty laughter at this. In the twenty-first year of Jian'an, Cao Zhang was appointed as the Marquis of Yanling.
In the twenty-third year, the Wuhuan tribes of Daijun rebelled, and the Emperor appointed Zhang Liao as the acting General of the Agile Cavalry while he held the position of General of the North Central Army. Before departing, the Emperor advised Zhang Liao: "Treat your family like kin at home, and your officials like subjects at work; everything must be conducted according to the law; remember this!"
Zhang Liao marched north to campaign, entering the territory of Zhuo commandery, when several thousand rebellious Hu cavalrymen suddenly launched an attack. At that time, the army had not fully assembled, with just a thousand infantry and a few hundred cavalry. Zhang Liao employed Tian Yu's strategy, holding key passes, forcing the enemy to retreat. Zhang Liao pursued relentlessly, personally charging into battle, taking down the Hu cavalrymen one by one. The battle lasted half a day, sustaining many arrow wounds, but he pressed on bravely, chasing the enemy all the way to Sanggan, two hundred li away from Dai commandery. The chief historian and other generals thought the troops were worn out from the long journey and were under orders from the court not to cross Dai commandery or pursue further, cautioning against disregarding orders and underestimating the enemy. Zhang Liao said, "In leading troops into battle, one should only consider where the advantage lies; who cares about the orders? The enemy has just fled; pursuing them will defeat them. Obeying orders to let the enemy escape is not the act of a good general!" He then mounted his horse and ordered the troops, "The last one to show up will be executed!" He traveled day and night, catching up to the enemy in just one day and night, fighting fiercely and scoring a big victory, with thousands of enemies killed or captured.
Zhang Liao rewarded his soldiers generously, and all the soldiers were very happy. Meanwhile, the Xianbei leader Kebineng observed the battle with his tens of thousands of cavalry. Seeing Zhang Liao fighting bravely and winning, he voluntarily surrendered. The northern region was fully pacified. At this time, Emperor Taizu was in Chang'an and summoned Zhang Liao to the palace. Zhang Liao set out from Dai commandery, passing through Ye city. The Crown Prince advised Zhang Liao, "You've just pulled off a big victory; now that you are going to see the Emperor in Chang'an, you shouldn't brag; act like you're still unworthy." When Zhang Liao arrived in Chang'an, he took the Crown Prince's advice, giving all the credit to the other generals. The Emperor Taizu was very pleased, grabbing Zhang Liao's beard and saying, "Yellow-beard, you really are something!"
It is said that after Cao Cao finished the war and returned to his hometown, he appointed Cao Zhang as the General of the Yue Cavalry and asked him to stay in Chang'an. However, when Cao Cao arrived in Luoyang, he suddenly became ill. He urgently sent a messenger to summon Cao Zhang, but before Cao Zhang could arrive, Cao Cao died.
Cao Pi ascended to the throne, and Cao Zhang and other feudal lords returned to their fiefdoms. At this point, the emperor issued an edict stating, "Our ancestors' tradition is to reward those who have served well and be close to their relatives; that's why I have appointed my uncles as kings to protect the royal family and defend against external enemies. Cao Zhang, you were previously dispatched to go north to fight, pacifying the northern border and achieving great success! Now I will grant you an additional five thousand households, adding to the previous, totaling ten thousand households!"
In the second year of the Huangchu era, Cao Zhang was appointed as a duke. Three years later, he was made the King of Rencheng. In the fourth year, when Cao Zhang went to the capital to pay respects to the emperor, he fell ill and passed away at his residence. He was posthumously granted the title "Prince of Wei." During his funeral, the emperor gave him a grand funeral, sending a ceremonial procession with dragon flags and a hundred Tiger Guards to escort him, similar to the treatment of the Prince of Dongping in the Han Dynasty.
Cao Zhang's son, Cao Kai, succeeded him and was later relocated to Zhongmou. In the fifth year of Huangchu, he was renamed to the County of Rencheng. By the sixth year of Taihe, he was once again renamed to the State of Rencheng, governing five counties with a total of two thousand five hundred households.
In the third year of Qinglong, Cao Kai was stripped of two thousand households of his fiefdom for secretly dispatching individuals to the imperial workshop to manufacture prohibited items. In the seventh year of Zhengshi, he was moved to Jinan, governing three thousand households. During the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan reigns, his fiefdom was gradually expanded, totaling an additional four thousand four hundred households.
Cao Zhi, the Prince of Si, styled Zijian, could recite hundreds of thousands of poems, essays, and articles when he was just over ten years old, and he was especially skilled in writing. His father Cao Cao once read his articles and asked him, "Did you have someone else write this for you?" Cao Zhi replied, kneeling down, "What I say is my writing. I can write good articles as soon as I pick up a pen. If you don't believe me, you can put me to the test right here. Why would I need someone else to write for me?" At that time, the newly constructed Bronze Jue Platform in Ye City was completed, and Cao Cao took all his sons to the platform, asking each of them to write an essay. Cao Zhi took up his pen and wrote brilliantly, surprising Cao Cao greatly.
Cao Zhi had a laid-back demeanor, not concerned with formalities or customs, and he did not pursue luxury in his clothing, headwear, or transportation. Every time Cao Cao asked him difficult questions, he could answer them right away, so Cao Cao especially liked him. In the 16th year of Jian'an, he was granted the title of Marquis of Pingyuan; in the 19th year of Jian'an, he was renamed the Marquis of Linzi. When Cao Cao launched his campaign against Sun Quan, he left Cao Zhi to guard Ye City, specifically telling him, "When I was the county magistrate of Dunqiu at the age of twenty-three, I have no regrets about my actions back then. Now that you are also twenty-three, you should also put in the effort, right?" Because of his outstanding talent and the support of Ding Yi, Ding Yi, Yang Xiu, and others, Cao Cao wavered about Cao Zhi multiple times and almost declared him as the Crown Prince. However, Cao Zhi had a rather rebellious nature, not restraining himself much, and he often indulged in alcohol. Cao Pi employed various tactics to hide his true feelings, even having palace maids and eunuchs to speak for him, before finally confirming the position of the heir. In the 22nd year of Jian'an, Cao Zhi's fiefdom increased by five thousand households, totaling ten thousand households.
Once, Cao Zhi took a carriage and went out through Sima Gate without permission. Cao Cao was furious and had the gatekeeper killed. Since then, Cao Cao strengthened his control over the vassals, and Cao Zhi's favor waned day by day. Cao Cao was worried about a future political upheaval, so he found an excuse to kill Yang Xiu, who was very talented and also Yuan Shao's nephew. Cao Zhi became even more uneasy. In the 24th year of Jian'an, Cao Ren was besieged by Guan Yu, and Cao Cao appointed Cao Zhi as the General of Southern Midland, acting as the General for Subduing the Rebels, wanting to send him to rescue Cao Ren and even sent someone to convey the order. However, Cao Zhi got drunk and was unable to accept the order, so Cao Cao regretted it and canceled the appointment.
After Cao Pi became emperor, he killed Ding Yi and Ding Yi's son. Cao Zhi and other vassals were each assigned to their respective fiefdoms. In the second year of Huangchu, the regent Guan Jun, in order to please Cao Pi, said that Cao Zhi got drunk, behaved outrageously, and even threatened the envoy. The authorities requested punishment for Cao Zhi, but because Cao Pi's empress dowager liked Cao Zhi, Cao Pi only reduced his title to Marquis of Anxiang. In the same year, he was reappointed as the Marquis of Juancheng. Three years later, Cao Zhi was appointed as the King of Juancheng, with a fiefdom of 2,500 households.
Four years later, I was assigned to Yongqiu as a king. That year, I went to the capital to meet the emperor. I submitted a memorial stating: "Since I was punished and sent back to my fiefdom, I have been in great pain, reflecting on my sins day and night, wishing to cut off my own flesh. I deeply understand that heaven's grace cannot be taken for granted, and the emperor's favor cannot be relied upon lightly. I read the poem 'Xiang Shu' in the Book of Songs, thinking of the meaning of 'those without propriety die quickly', feeling that I deserve to die a thousand deaths, filled with shame and unable to face it. If I commit suicide to atone for my sins, it would go against the teachings of the ancients to 'change for the better in the evening'; if I continue to live cowardly, I will only invite ridicule from future generations."
Alas, Your Majesty, your virtue is as vast as heaven and earth, your grace exceeds that of parents, bestowing blessings upon the world like the gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain. Therefore, it is said that even thorns can receive Qingyun's grace; all seven sons are treated fairly, just as a dove shows kindness; forgiving wrongs and rewarding the deserving is what a wise ruler does; showing compassion to the foolish and love to the talented is the grace of a kind father. It is because of these reasons that I, a foolish servant, feel lost under your grace, unsure of what to do. "Not rejecting thorns, this is the grace of Qingyun; raising all seven sons equally, this is the kindness of a dove; pardoning faults and rewarding merits, this is the action of a wise ruler; showing compassion to the foolish and love to the talented, this is the grace of a kind father." These four sentences are a true reflection of my inner thoughts.
When the Emperor issued his decree, we, the ministers, stopped attending court, feeling desperate, thinking that at our age, we could no longer hope to hold official positions. Unexpectedly, His Majesty summoned me again. When I arrived in the capital, I was filled with excitement. Although I was assigned to the remote West Pavilion and had not yet been able to attend court, I eagerly anticipated meeting the Emperor. I wrote two poems to express my feelings, one of which reads: "......(poem original text here)......"
The first poem expresses my deep gratitude for the Emperor's kindness and my regret for past mistakes. In my youth, I was arrogant and broke the law, almost losing my life. His Majesty, in his kindness, did not punish me, but only demoted me to Yanzhou. After my demotion, I felt ashamed and unworthy to serve His Majesty. Now that His Majesty has summoned me again, I am truly grateful and will not let my guard down. I swear to serve His Majesty, even if it means facing great challenges, I will not hesitate.
The second poem describes the scene of my hurried journey to the capital. After receiving the imperial edict, I immediately set off, traveling day and night, making my way to the capital without a moment's pause. Along the way, dusty and weary, it was quite arduous, but my heart brimmed with reverence and anticipation for the emperor. I hoped to see the emperor soon, to express my loyalty to him. However, when I arrived in the capital, as the imperial edict had not yet been issued, I could not enter the palace to pay my respects. I was filled with anxiety, feeling as unsettled as if I were drunk.
I constantly thought of the emperor, hoping to see him soon, to express my loyalty and gratitude. I was always thinking of the emperor, anxious and restless, feeling as uncomfortable as if I were drunk.
The emperor appreciated his memorial and issued a special decree to encourage him.
Six years later, while passing through Yongqiu after returning from the eastern expedition, the emperor visited Zhi's palace and added five hundred additional rooms to his palace. In the first year of the Taihe era, he was transferred to the Junyi fiefdom. Two years later, he returned to Yongqiu. Zhi was always depressed, feeling unrecognized for his talent, holding a sharp tool with no opportunity to wield it. So he wrote to the emperor, requesting an opportunity, and said:
I heard that scholars should be filial to their parents at home and serve the monarch outside; the most important thing in serving parents is to bring glory to the family; the most important thing in serving the monarch is to promote the country's prosperity and security. Therefore, a loving father does not indulge a worthless son, and a benevolent ruler will not favor a useless subject. Monarchs who appoint officials based on merit are successful rulers; subjects who accept titles based on ability are responsible subjects. Therefore, monarchs should not make empty appointments, and subjects should not accept titles without merit; making empty appointments is a mistake, and accepting titles without merit is akin to being a leech, as mentioned in the Book of Songs. In the past, the people of Guo did not refuse the heavy responsibility of governing two countries because of their noble character; Zhou Dan and Zhao Yi did not refuse the fiefdoms of Yan and Lu because of their great achievements. I have enjoyed the court's favor for three generations now. I am fortunate to bask in the emperor's favor during Your Majesty's peaceful and prosperous reign, absorbing wisdom along the way. However, I now hold an important position in the East Palace, enjoying high status, a life of luxury, and wealth and glory, all due to my high rank and generous salary. As I reflect on those in ancient times who were granted titles and salaries, I am different from them. They served the country diligently and assisted the monarch, benefiting the people with their merits. I have neither commendable virtues nor recorded achievements. If I do not benefit the court throughout the year, I will be mocked by future generations as a "parasite" (referring to those who gain without effort in the Book of Songs). Therefore, I feel ashamed to don a noble hat and embarrassed in my splendid official robes.
The world is now unified and peaceful, but there are still the defiant Shu kingdom in the west and the rebellious Wu kingdom in the east, border soldiers still in their armor, and strategists who lie awake at night. All of this is because the country has not been completely unified, to achieve peace throughout the realm! Therefore, when the Xia Dynasty destroyed the Youhu clan, the Xia Dynasty's accomplishments were notable; when the Zhou Dynasty destroyed the Shang Dynasty and the Yan Kingdom, the virtues of the Zhou Dynasty spread far and wide.
Your Majesty, you are wise and martial; you must carry on the legacy of King Wen and King Wu, inherit the glory of King Cheng and King Kang's prosperous era, select talents, and use loyal generals like Fang Shu and Zhao Hu to guard the four corners and defend the country; this is essential. However, those soaring birds have yet to fall to our arrows, and the fish in the deep water have not yet been caught; perhaps we have yet to exhaust our strategies!
General Geng Yan did not wait for the order of Emperor Guangwu; he quickly defeated Zhang Bu, declaring he could not leave the enemy for the emperor. Thus, Che You took his own life beside the clattering wheels of the chariot, and Yongmen committed suicide on the border of Qi. Do these two men truly despise life and embrace death? In truth, they were enraged by those who disrespected the monarch and oppressed the king! The monarch's favorite, wanting to eliminate disaster and benefit the country; subjects who serve the monarch must be prepared to sacrifice themselves to quell the rebellion and repay the monarch with their achievements.
Previously, Jia Yi, at a young age, requested to govern the border, seeking to seize the Xiongnu Chanyu by the throat; Zhong Jun, at a young age, went to visit Nanyue, wanting to bind the King of Nanyue with a long rope and escort him to the capital. Are these two men merely trying to impress the monarch for their own fame? Perhaps their ambitions are bottled up, longing to showcase their talents before a wise ruler!
Once, Emperor Wu of Han wanted to build a residence for Huo Qubing, but Huo Qubing declined, saying, "The Xiongnu have not been defeated yet; I can’t settle down!" This spirit of putting the country before family and sacrificing oneself for the nation embodies the ambition of a loyal minister! I’m currently serving in a distant land, and my position is decent, but I can’t sleep at night, I have no appetite, and I can’t stop thinking about how the Shu and Wu states are still unconquered.
I heard that the old generals under the late emperor have all passed away. Although there is no lack of talented individuals now, those old generals and soldiers are still familiar with warfare. Even though I know my abilities are limited, I still want to serve my country, hoping to contribute and repay the emperor’s kindness. If the emperor could give a special order, let me be like a sharp blade; even if I were to become a small team leader under the general in the west, or manage a small boat under the grand marshal in the east, I would bravely press on, charge forward, and lead my men into battle. Even if I can’t capture the enemy commander like the legendary generals of old, I can at least capture some enemy leaders, eliminate some enemies, achieve a small victory, eliminate my lifelong regret, have my name go down in history, and my deeds recorded in the court's archives. Even if I were to die on the battlefield, in Shu or Wu, it would be a worthy death.
If my talents were to be wasted and I lived a life of obscurity, just eating, drinking, and having fun, being useless to my country in life and making no difference in death, enjoying high rank and fat pay like a pampered pet, and achieving nothing in my old age—that’s not what I want. I heard that the eastern army has been a bit careless and suffered some losses; the moment I heard the news, I couldn’t eat or even bother to tidy up. I unsheathed my sword and gazed east, already planning to head to Wu and Kuaiji.
I used to follow the Emperor Xianwu, traveling south to Chì'àn, east to the sea, west to Yumen Pass, and north to the border. I have personally witnessed the strategies of marching and fighting, which are truly remarkable! As for warfare, it is impossible to predict in advance. The key is to respond to changing circumstances. I have always wanted to make achievements and contributions in a prosperous era, to contribute to my country. Whenever I read historical books and see those loyal and righteous officials who sacrificed their lives for the great cause of the country, I can't help but feel deeply moved, sighing in contemplation. I have heard that a wise ruler does not dismiss someone just because they have made mistakes. The states of Qin and Lu succeeded by reusing failed generals; the states of Chu and Zhao survived difficult times by pardoning a thief. Alas, I have always been worried that the late Emperor died prematurely, and the King of Wei also passed away. What kind of person am I, able to serve the court for a long time? I am always afraid that I will die before I have the chance to serve the country, while my grave is still fresh, my reputation disappearing along with me. I have heard that a horse that runs a thousand miles neighs, and a discerning horseman will recognize its talent; a Lu dog mourns, and someone from Han will know its abilities. Therefore, I emulate those talented individuals from Qi and Chu, hoping to be recognized; also like a clever rabbit, wanting to test my own abilities. However, I feel I lack both talent and knowledge, fearing that I will not encounter a discerning horseman or someone from Han who will appreciate my abilities, so I often sigh alone.
Those who are cowardly in the face of danger, but secretly follow the beat of the music, perhaps understand both the appreciation of music and the principles behind it. In the past, Mao Sui, who was merely a subordinate of the Zhao Kingdom, could use the metaphor of "a chisel in the bag" to show his talent to the monarch. Surely, among the talented people of the Wei Kingdom, there must be loyal subjects willing to sacrifice for their country? Self-aggrandizement is a disgraceful act for a scholar; actively seeking an official position is a great taboo of the Daoists. However, I dare to express my thoughts to Your Majesty because I share the joys and sorrows of the country. I hope to contribute to my country like a speck of dust, helping to build its foundations; like a firefly, adding brightness and color to the country, so I dare to take the risk of criticism and offer my loyalty.
Three years later, I was reassigned to Dong'e. Five years later, I wrote a memorial to request to visit relatives and express my thoughts:
I have heard that heaven is deemed high because it encompasses all; the earth is regarded as broad because it carries everything; the sun and moon are called bright because they shine on everything; the rivers and seas are regarded as vast because they embrace all. So Confucius said, "Great indeed was Yao as a sovereign! Only Heaven is great, and only Yao resembles it." Yao's virtue is indeed broad and profound, influencing all things.
Yao's teaching begins with those closest to him and gradually reaches those far away. The Book of Documents states, "With bright and strict virtue, be close to the nine relatives; when the nine relatives are harmonious, the people will be at peace." King Wen of Zhou also inherited and promoted this kind of education, as stated in the Book of Songs, "Punish even the few wives and brothers to maintain order in the family and state." Thus, the country enjoys stability and peace, literary culture flourishes, and poets sing praises.
Duke Zhou, in order to deal with the rebellion of Guan Shu and Cai Shu, broadly rewarded members of the royal family to consolidate the royal family. The "Book of Documents" states that "the ancestral covenant of Zhou states that those of different surnames shall follow." This illustrates that family ties are unbreakable, and the principles of respecting elders and cherishing relatives are very important. No one has ever been able to uphold loyalty and abandon the monarch, or preach benevolence and abandon family members.
Your Majesty possesses a bright and honest virtue like Tang Yao, and a cautious and benevolent character like King Wen of Zhou. Your grace reaches the harem, and your favor extends to all nine generations. Ministers and officials take turns on duty, and the court is orderly. Even in private, subjects can voice their concerns to you; the bonds of family affection remain strong, and the sentiments of celebration and mourning can be expressed. This is truly understanding and bestowing kindness upon the people!
However, due to various reasons, I am estranged from my family and relatives, unable to fulfill my filial duties during this prosperous era. This weighs heavily on my heart. I dare not hope to restore past friendships with relatives and friends, mend relationships, and restore ethical order. Marriages within the family cannot take place, brothers have turned against each other, news of joy and sorrow cannot be shared, and the customs of celebration and mourning are abandoned. The absence of family affection and loyalty is even worse than how I relate to strangers; the barriers between us are more severe than those between foreigners.
I am now bound by various rules, never having the chance to meet Your Majesty, only able to silently pray, hoping that heaven understands my intentions. But, this is all fate; what can I do? I can only follow the example of the princes, always carrying a heart of worry and unease. I hope Your Majesty will allow the princes to greet one another, and during festivals, to enhance family ties and strengthen brotherly friendship. The families of concubines should also receive regular favors from Your Majesty, so that the royal family and officials can feel Your Majesty's grace. If this can be achieved, the virtues admired by ancient sages and celebrated in poetry can once again flourish in this prosperous era.
I carefully consider myself, and I truly lack any remarkable talents, much like a useless awl or knife. But when I see the people promoted and valued by Your Majesty, even if I am regarded as an outsider, given my abilities, I am certainly no less capable than the ministers in court! If I could resign from my distant post, put on a military officer's cap, remove my court robe's sash, change into a green official robe, even if I were to become a son-in-law or a minor official, have an official position, establish a home in the capital, serve in the palace, have the chance to serve alongside Your Majesty, answer Your Majesty's questions, and serve by Your Majesty's side, this is genuinely my deepest wish, a dream I've cherished for so long! I often envision the scene at the Lu Ming banquet, where the emperor and his ministers revel together, quietly reflecting on the profound brotherly love expressed in "Chang Di," recalling the loyalty of my woodcutting friends, and thinking of the deep longing for parents in "Liao E." Every time there is a holiday gathering, I always find myself alone, surrounded only by servants and family, unable to share my ideals with anyone, and have no opportunity to show my ambitions. Every time I hear music and see wine glasses, I feel a deep discomfort and can't help but sigh. I feel that even if I am as loyal as a dog or horse, I might not be able to touch anyone's heart; even if people are sincere, they may not be able to move the heavens. Those who proclaim "the city walls are crumbling" and "the frost is falling," I believed at first, but now I see it was all just empty words. Just like sunflowers that turn toward the sun, even though the sun will not change its trajectory because of them, their devotion to the sun is genuine. I compare myself to a sunflower, and Your Majesty is akin to the sun in the heavens, bestowing grace upon all things, shining on the earth; Your grace is the true wellspring.
I heard that Wen Zi once said, "Do not anticipate blessings, nor anticipate disasters." The situation in the court is not good now; everyone is worried about the country, but I am speaking alone. In fact, I do not want talented individuals to go unrecognized in the enlightened era. If talented individuals are neglected, they will surely be filled with resentment in their hearts, so there is the resentment expressed in "Tian Zhi" and the sighs of abandonment found in "Gu Feng." Yi Yin felt ashamed that his monarch was not as enlightened as Yao and Shun. Mencius said, "Not serving the monarch as Shun served Yao is not showing respect to the monarch." I may be dull and lacking in talent, of course not comparable to Yu Shun and Yi Yin, but I hope Your Majesty can bring forth a glorious era like that of King Cheng of Zhou, demonstrating your integrity and virtue. This is my most sincere wish; I have held this thought close to my heart, like a crane stretching its neck in eager anticipation. I speak boldly again, hoping Your Majesty can graciously listen. The imperial decree has been issued; this matter of education, prosperity, and decline all has its reasons; it is not that everything is good at the beginning and bad later. Look, when loyalty and kindness reach their extreme, even plants and trees are moved; poems such as "Xing Wei" will emerge; if blessings diminish, even relatives are not close, satirical works such as "Jiao Gong" will surface. Now the bonds among the princes have grown weak, and the concubines in the harem are also distant and cold. While I cannot personally mediate between them, you have cited ancient metaphors; what more can be said that your loyalty does not resonate with me? In short, there is order between superiors and subordinates, distinctions between closeness and distance, respect for the wise and humble, and order between elders and juniors. This is the discipline of the country. There is no edict that forbids communication among the princes; it's simply that you have overstepped, and subordinate officials fear repercussions, which has resulted in this situation. I have instructed the relevant departments to address the issues you have raised. Zhi further submitted a memorial outlining the principles of talent selection, stating:
I heard that when the energies of heaven and earth are in harmony, all things can grow; when rulers and subjects are virtuous, the country can be governed well. Not every ruler from the era of the Five Emperors was wise, nor was every ruler at the end of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties foolish. The key lies in whether one chooses to employ talent or not, whether one knows how to do so or not. Although everyone claims to appoint the capable and virtuous, in reality, truly capable individuals have not been chosen. People inevitably form cliques and promote their own. The Analects says: "In a clan, there are those who are virtuous; in a family, those who are capable." Those with literary virtues can strengthen the nation and usher in peace and prosperity, like Ji, Qi, Kui, and Long; those with martial virtues can subdue rebels and deter threats, like Nan Zhong and Fang Shu. In the past, Yi Yin was a servant, with a humble status; Jiang Taigong fished in a slaughterhouse, living in dire poverty. However, they were valued by Tang, Wu, and King Wen because of their shared morality and aspirations, not through personal recommendations or connections. The Book of Documents states, "An exceptional ruler will surely employ exceptional ministers; employing exceptional ministers will surely achieve exceptional accomplishments." The founding rulers of the Yin and Zhou dynasties serve as prime examples. Those with short-sightedness and rigid adherence to conventions have no right to boast before Your Majesty. Therefore, when there is imbalance in yin and yang, when the sun and moon lose their light, when there are vacant official positions and chaotic government affairs, this falls under the responsibility of the Three Departments; when there is unrest at the borders, rebellions in various regions, heavy losses in the military, and continuous warfare, this reflects the dereliction of duty by the border generals. How can one expect imperial favor without fulfilling their duties? Therefore, the greater the responsibility, the heavier the weight; the higher the position, the greater the responsibility. The Book of Documents states, "there should be no idle officials," the Book of Songs says, "one should think of one's worries," which captures the essence of this principle.
Your Majesty, you are naturally wise, inheriting the throne. Everyone hopes to hear the song of peace and prosperity, to see the scene of military restraint and cultural development. However, in recent years, there have been continuous disasters of floods and droughts, and the people are struggling to eat and stay warm. The army is called up year after year, with defeats in the east and losses of generals in the west. Even clam shells float in the Huai and Si rivers, and the forests are filled with the sounds of mice. It is truly a sight of unbearable misery! Whenever I think of this, I lose my appetite and cannot drink; my heart is extremely uncomfortable.
When Emperor Wen of Han just ascended the throne, he suspected that there might be changes in the court. Song Chang advised him, "You have loyal relatives such as Zhu Xu and Dong Mou in the country, and strong vassals like Qi, Chu, Huainan, and Langye outside the country. These are all steadfast supports; you don't need to worry." Your Majesty should be as visionary as King Wen of Zhou was, broad-minded, like King Cheng of Zhou having ministers like Duke of Zhou and Duke of Bi to assist, and like Duke Wen of Song having a solid foundation like a rock. Just like a thousand-mile horse trapped in Wuban Mountain, although it is very difficult, once recognized by a discerning judge, Sun Shuao can drive it, and it can run a thousand miles effortlessly. A discerning judge is good at driving a thousand-mile horse, and a wise ruler is good at managing his subjects; a discerning judge can make a thousand-mile horse gallop a thousand miles, and a wise ruler can make the country peaceful and prosperous; this illustrates the clear benefits of employing talented individuals! If all the court officials are virtuous, and all political affairs are handled properly, and the generals can win battles, how wonderful that would be! Your Majesty can enjoy peace in the capital; why go through the trouble of mobilizing troops and personally going to the border at such risk?
I heard that a sheep in tiger's clothing is happy to see grass but afraid of jackals, forgetting that it is actually just a sheep, not a tiger. The generals currently appointed by the court are incompetent, just like a sheep in tiger's clothing. As the saying goes, "Those who worry about it often lack the know-how, while those who know how to do it rarely get the chance." Previously, Yue Yi fled to the state of Zhao, still preoccupied with thoughts of the state of Yan; Lian Po was in the state of Chu, still thinking about serving the state of Zhao. Having grown up amidst the chaos of war, I have spent my life in the military and have been taught by the Martial Emperor on numerous occasions, possessing a deep understanding of the principles of warfare. One doesn't have to lead the troops in person like Sun Tzu or Wu Qi; victory can also be secured through careful planning from behind the scenes. I have longed for the chance to meet the emperor in private, enter the court, and share my thoughts with him. Even if it's just for a brief moment of conversation, I want to speak my mind so that I can die without regrets!
Ah, I received an urgent official document from the Ministry of Rites, ordering me to come to the capital at once. I heard that the emperor's procession is all ready, about to set out for war, with Your Majesty personally leading the charge, which brings both worry and exhaustion. I am filled with anxiety and restlessness, longing to ride out and charge into battle at once, to learn the clever strategies of Zhuge Liang, emulate the military talents of Sun Wu and Wu Qi, and serve you like the ancient advisors did, being loyal to Your Majesty and sacrificing for the country, even if it means only a modest contribution. However, the emperor feels too distant to me, and my heartfelt thoughts cannot reach him; I can only gaze at the sky and sigh, feeling a deep discomfort! Qu Yuan once said: "The country has fine horses but does not know how to ride them; why bother searching elsewhere?" In the past, while Guan Shu and Cai Shu were executed, Zhou Gong and Shao Gong managed to assist the king; Shu Yu was punished, but Shu Xiang was able to save the country. I believe I can shoulder the responsibility for the rebellion of the Three Supervisors; I believe I can find advisors like Zhou Gong and Shao Gong. Among the imperial and noble families, among the feudal lords, there must be someone among them who can take on this responsibility. Ancient texts say, "Without the close ties of Zhou Gong, one cannot achieve what he did." Your Majesty, if you could just pay a bit of attention to this.
Recently, the Han Dynasty has set up a large number of vassal kings. Wealthy vassal kings own dozens of cities, while even the poor vassal kings can at least enjoy the privilege of ancestral sacrifices. This system is less refined compared to the establishment of vassal states during the Zhou Dynasty, which had a clear hierarchical system. Just like Fu Su advising Qin Shi Huang and Chunyu Yue opposing Zhou Qingchen, they all know how to seize the opportunity. Those who command the attention of the world are the ones who hold power, so their strategies can sway the monarch, while their authority can intimidate the subjects. Those who hold great power do not necessarily have to be relatives; wherever power resides, even distant relatives are regarded; wherever power is absent, even close relatives will be despised. Consider the state of Qi, which was seized by the Tian family rather than the Lv family; the states of Zhao and Wei in Jin were not of the Ji surname. Your Majesty, please think carefully! It is often the case that ministers of different surnames who monopolize power bring disaster; those who hope for national stability, noble family status, share glory, and bear hardships are often royal ministers. But now, the royal family is being alienated while those of different surnames are being favored. I truly cannot comprehend!
I have heard that Mencius once said: "When a nobleman is in poverty and distress, he cultivates himself; when he is rich and famous, he benefits the world." Now that I have experienced various difficulties and dangers with Your Majesty, "treading on ice and fire, climbing mountains and crossing streams, enduring cold, heat, dryness, and humidity, sharing highs and lows," how could I leave Your Majesty? I feel deeply aggrieved, which is why I am submitting this petition. If there are any inappropriate parts in the petition, I beg you to retain it in the archives and refrain from hastily destroying it. After I die, perhaps someone will come to understand my intentions. If even the slightest part of my petition resonates with your noble intentions, please bring it out for discussion in the court, allowing those learned scholars to address any unreasonable aspects of my petition. In this way, I will be content.
The emperor wrote an elegant essay in response to this matter. That winter, the emperor ordered the princes to come to court in the first month of the next year. In the second month, the emperor conferred the title of Chen Wang and granted a fief of 3,500 households to Zhi, using the four counties of Chen State. Zhi had long desired to meet the emperor in private to discuss current affairs and hope for a promotion, but ultimately did not succeed. After returning to his country, he felt lost and completely hopeless. The laws at the time imposed very strict restrictions on vassal states; his subordinates were incompetent, and his army consisted of only a few elderly and disabled soldiers, with a maximum of two hundred men. Additionally, due to Zhi's past mistakes, his privileges were reduced by half. Over the span of eleven years, he relocated his capital three times, always worried and unhappy, eventually succumbing to illness caused by his depression and dying at the age of forty-one. He left instructions for a modest burial. He left behind his young son Zhi, hoping he would succeed him to preserve Chen State. In his early years, Zhi climbed Fish Mountain and looked towards Dong'e, already dreaming of spending his old age there, so he built his tomb early. His son Zhi inherited the throne and was granted the title of King of Jibei. During the Jingchu era, the emperor proclaimed: "Although Chen Si Wang had made mistakes in the past, he later restrained himself and made up for his mistakes, and from a young age until his death, he was always diligent in his studies, which is indeed commendable!" Therefore, the emperor ordered the withdrawal of all accusations against Zhi during the Huangchu era, and all memorials from officials below the ministerial rank accusing Chen Wang Zhi were deleted. The articles, poems, inscriptions, and miscellaneous writings written by Zhi during his lifetime were gathered and preserved both within and outside the palace. Zhi later increased his fief, bringing the total to nine hundred and ninety households.
King Xiao Huai Xiong died young. In the second year of Huangchu, he was posthumously honored as Duke Huai of the Xiao family. In the third year of Taihe, he was posthumously honored as King. In the second year of Qinglong, his son, King Ai Bing, inherited the throne, with a fief that included 2,500 households. Six years later, King Ai Bing died without a male heir, and as a result, the Chen kingdom was dissolved.
Some have remarked: Prince Rencheng (Cao Zhang) had exceptional martial skills, extraordinary bravery, and the bearing of a true general. Prince Chen Si (Cao Zhi) had magnificent literary talent and abundant creativity, enough to be remembered for generations, but he lacked a sense of humility and foresight, which ultimately led to a rift between the brothers. The "Records of the Grand Historian" stated: "The Chu kingdom failed because of this, but the Qi kingdom did not win because of this," doesn't that sum it up?
This comment suggests that Cao Zhang was a martial arts powerhouse and a gifted general. Cao Zhi, on the other hand, was exceptionally skilled in literature, with works that could be passed down to future generations, truly remarkable! However, he had some character flaws—he lacked humility and foresight, leading to a falling out with his brother. Reflecting on the saying from the "Records of the Grand Historian," "Though Chu had three households, it could not conquer Qin; was it not due to the support of the Way and the absence of support without it?" The situation between these two brothers is quite similar—one lost, and the other didn't fully win.
