Yuan Huan, with the courtesy name Yaoqing, was from Chenjun Fule. His father, Yuan Pang, served as the Minister of Works during the Han Dynasty. At that time, many officials' children were arrogant and unreasonable, but Yuan Huan was known for his calm demeanor and strict adherence to etiquette. Later, he was appointed as a county official, and the corrupt officials all ran away when they heard the news. He was later summoned to work in the government office, did exceptionally well in the exams, and was promoted to the position of Shiyushi (Attendant Official). He was asked to become the magistrate of Qiao County, but he turned it down. When Liu Bei was the Governor of Yuzhou, he even recommended Yuan Huan as a talented individual.
Later, Yuan Huan escaped the turmoil of war and went to the Jianghuai region, where he was recruited by Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu frequently asked for his opinion, and even though Yuan Huan was blunt, Yuan Shu didn’t dare to ignore him. After some time, Lu Bu defeated Yuan Shu, but Yuan Huan ended up being captured by Lu Bu. Initially, Lu Bu had a good relationship with Liu Bei, but they eventually had a falling out. Lu Bu wanted Yuan Huan to write a letter cursing Liu Bei, but Yuan Huan flatly refused. Despite Lu Bu's repeated threats, Yuan Huan stood his ground. He said, "I've heard that only moral values can truly bring shame, but I have never heard that insulting others can bring shame. If Liu Bei is truly a nobleman, he would not care about General's words; if he is a villain, he would understand General's intentions, and the shame would be on him, not on Liu Bei. Besides, I may work for Liu Bei in the future, just as I am working for you today. It wouldn’t be right for me to insult you after I leave." Lu Bu felt a bit embarrassed and let it go.
After Lu Bu's death, Yuan Huan returned to Cao Cao's side. Yuan Huan said to Cao Cao, "War is a very dangerous thing and should not be used unless absolutely necessary. We should motivate the soldiers with morality, call upon them with benevolence, appease the people, and eliminate disasters. Only then can we live and die with them. It has been more than ten years since the chaos in the world began. The common people are eager for peace, more anxious than anything. Why hasn't the war stopped yet? Is it because of political problems? I heard that you are good at saving the world, so when the world is in chaos, you use justice to unify and suppress hypocrisy with honesty; the times are different, things change, and the methods of governing the country are also different, which requires careful consideration. The pros and cons of governance have varied throughout history. However, if you can care for the world and ultimately return to the right path, even if you use force to suppress rebellion, you must ultimately use virtue to consolidate; this is the timeless principle upheld by emperors throughout history! You are wise and exceptional, rising above worldly concerns. You have diligently studied the monarchs who gained the support of the people in ancient times, and you have taken heed of those who lost the people's hearts. The entire nation depends on you to prevent the calamity of war, but the people still do not understand what true justice is. Only you can educate them; then the world will be fortunate!" Cao Cao greatly agreed with his words and appointed him as the Commandant of Peinan. At that time, the government had just recruited people to cultivate and settle the fields, but the common people were not happy, and many ran away. Huan advised the Emperor, "The common people prefer a peaceful and stable life; they dislike being uprooted. Changing their minds all at once is challenging. We should proceed step by step, not force them. Let those who are willing to work do so, and do not force those who aren’t." The Emperor listened to his words, and the people were very happy. Later, Huan was promoted to the Governor of Liangzhou.
Huan often reminded officials in various counties: "Be sure to take care of the elderly and those living alone, and commend the filial sons and virtuous daughters. As the saying goes, 'In times of peace, etiquette is elaborate; in times of chaos, it is simplified,' it's all about finding balance. Although the situation is turbulent now, it's challenging to educate the people through etiquette, but we should still do our best." He placed great importance on education in his official role, always carefully considering before taking action, appearing gentle on the surface, but he could be decisive when it mattered. Later, he resigned from office due to illness, and the people greatly missed him. Subsequently, he was summoned to be a counselor, prime minister, and military advisor.
He received many rewards before and after, all of which he gave away, leaving nothing for himself. During tough times, he would borrow money from others to get by, never flaunting his integrity, but people admired his honesty. When the Wei Kingdom was newly established, he served as the Langzhongling, serving in the role of the Grand Secretary. Huan said to Emperor Taizu: "Now that the great chaos has settled, we should combine civil and military efforts for lasting stability. I believe we should widely collect books, promote the teachings of our sages, change the people's ideological concepts, and inspire goodness throughout the country, so even if the remote areas do not obey, we can use virtue to influence them." Taizu admired his opinion very much.
There were rumors at the time that Liu Bei had died, and the ministers congratulated one another; but Huan, having previously recommended officials to Liu Bei, refrained from congratulating anyone. He worked in the officialdom for several years before passing away. Taizu wept uncontrollably over this loss, bestowing two thousand hu of grain upon his family, and specifically ordered, "Use one thousand hu of grain from Taicang to reward the family of the Langzhongling," and "Use one thousand hu of grain from Yuandu (the area beneath the palace walls) to reward the family of the Yaoqing." Others were puzzled by his intentions. Later, Taizu explained, "Using grain from Taicang is in accordance with official regulations; using grain from Yuandu is due to personal friendship." The Emperor also heard that Huan had previously rejected Lu Bu, so he asked Huan's brother Min, "Is Huan brave or timid?" Min replied, "Huan appears gentle and meek on the surface, but in critical moments, facing danger, even the legendary warrior Ben Yu pales in comparison to him." Huan's son Kan followed in his father's footsteps, embodying honesty and integrity, and later became a county governor and a Shangshu.
At the beginning, Wang Huan, his brother Wang Ba, and Wang Gongke were all very capable and formidable. Wang Huan initially held the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture, like He Kui from the same county, who were both well-known at the time. Wang Ba's son, Wang Liang, and He Kui's son, He Zeng, were close friends of Wang Kan. Wang Liang was upright, knowledgeable, and had integrity, particularly disapproving of figures like He Yan and Deng Yang, even writing articles criticizing them. He later held high positions such as Henan Yin and Shangshu. Wang Ba's other brother Wang Hui was of noble character and possessed a scholarly demeanor. When chaos swept across the land, he fled to Jiaozhou and refused invitations from the court to take up official positions. Wang Hui's brother Wang Min was skilled in martial arts and excelled in hydraulic engineering, eventually becoming the official in charge of river embankments.
In short, the Wang brothers were all extraordinary, each with their own abilities and accomplishments. Some held high positions, some lived in seclusion, and some specialized in hydraulic engineering - truly a remarkable assembly of talents!
Zhang Fan, with the courtesy name Gongyi, was from Xiuwu, Henan. His grandfather, Zhang Xin, held the position of Minister of Works during the Han Dynasty, and his father, Zhang Yan, held the title of Grand Commandant. At that time, the prominent warlord Yuan Wei wanted to marry his daughter to him, but Zhang Fan politely declined. He had a calm personality, enjoyed a peaceful life, and cared little about fame and fortune, so he did not accept any of the official positions offered to him. His younger brother, Zhang Cheng, with the courtesy name Gongxian, was also well-known for his integrity and was appointed as an Assistant Imperial Clerk, eventually rising to the rank of Commandant of Yique.
When Dong Zhuo rebelled, Zhang Cheng wanted to unite everyone to fight against Dong Zhuo. His brother, Zhang Zhao, who was an Assistant Imperial Clerk at the time, returned from Chang'an and advised him, "Currently, if we want to kill Dong Zhuo, we are outnumbered and weak. Moreover, the soldiers we have gathered are untrained and poorly equipped, making it difficult to succeed. Although Dong Zhuo has a strong army, his actions are ruthless, and he is unlikely to last long. It is better to find a place to hide, bide our time, and plan for greater things." Zhang Cheng listened to his brother's advice, resigned from his position, and fled to Yangzhou with his brother Zhang Fan.
Yuan Shu invited them with great pomp, but Zhang Fan claimed he was unwell and did not go, and Yuan Shu did not force him. Later, Yuan Shu sent someone to invite Zhang Cheng for a meeting and asked him, "During the decline of the Zhou Dynasty, there were overlords like Duke Huan and Duke Wen; when the Qin Dynasty lost the people's hearts, the Han Dynasty took over. Now, with a large territory and many people, I want to follow Duke Huan of Qi and dominate the world like Liu Bang. What’s your take on that?" Zhang Cheng replied, "The key lies in virtue, not in strength. As long as we can unify the country with benevolence and morality, even common people can achieve greatness with relative ease. If we blindly imitate without considering the timing to rebel, we'll ultimately be forsaken by the people, and who will help you succeed?" Yuan Shu was clearly displeased with his answer.
At that time, Cao Cao was preparing to attack Jizhou, and Yuan Shu asked Zhang Cheng, "Now Cao Cao wants to use a few thousand battered soldiers to resist against a hundred thousand troops; this is simply underestimating his own strength! What do you think?" Zhang Cheng said, "Although the Han Dynasty is weak, the Mandate of Heaven has not changed. Now Cao Cao holds the emperor to command the princes. Even if his opponent has a million troops, he can still win!" Yuan Shu's face looked very bad, and Zhang Cheng left.
It is said that after Cao Cao conquered Jizhou, he sent someone to invite Fan Pang to take a position. Fan Pang stayed in Pengcheng due to illness and sent a subordinate to meet Cao Cao. Cao Cao admired him and directly appointed him as a grand councillor. Later, Fan Pang's son Fan Ling and the son of that subordinate, Zhang Jian, were captured by bandits in Shandong. Fan Pang personally went to the bandits to beg for their release. The bandits released Fan Ling. Fan Pang expressed his gratitude to the bandits and said, "You have shown great kindness in releasing my son. Although all parents love their children, I pity that Zhang Jian is still young. How about you keep my son and let Zhang Jian go instead?" The bandits were moved by his actions and released Zhang Jian as well.
Later, when Cao Cao returned from fighting in Jingzhou, Fan Pang finally had the opportunity to meet him in Chendi. Cao Cao appointed him as a deliberative officer and allowed him to participate in the military decision-making of the Prime Minister, demonstrating great respect for him. Whenever Cao Cao led troops into battle, he always left Fan Pang and Bing Yuan behind to guard the rear lines with the crown prince. Cao Cao even specifically told Cao Pi, "In the future, you must consult with these two men." Cao Pi treated Fan Pang and his son with great respect, as he would treat his own elders. Fan Pang was very benevolent, often helping the poor. He had no savings whatsoever, and the orphans and widows inside and outside the city all sought refuge with him. He never accepted gifts from others, and when he left, he returned them as they were. In the 17th year of the Jian'an era, Fan Pang passed away.
After the establishment of the Wei Kingdom, Zhang Jian was appointed as the Chancellor and Libationer, concurrently serving as the Prefect of Zhao County. He achieved notable achievements in the areas he governed. Later, when Cao Cao was preparing to go to war, he summoned Zhang Jian to serve as a military strategist. Upon arriving in Chang'an, Zhang Jian fell ill and passed away.
Liang Mao, with the courtesy name Bo Fang, was a native of Changyi in Shanyang. He had a love for learning from a young age, always basing his discussions on classical works to determine right from wrong. Cao Cao recruited him as Secretary of State, and he performed excellently in his exams, later being appointed as an Inspector. At that time, there were many bandits in the Taishan region, so Liang Mao was sent to serve as the Prefect of Taishan. In less than a month, more than a thousand families came to him for refuge.
Later, Liang Mao was reassigned as the Prefect of Lelang. Gongsun Du occupied Liaodong and held Liang Mao captive, stopping him from taking up his position. However, Liang Mao remained steadfast and refused to submit. Gongsun Du said to Liang Mao and other generals, "I heard that Cao Cao is away on a campaign, and Ye City is undefended. I want to lead thirty thousand infantry and ten thousand cavalry to directly attack Ye City. Who can resist?" The other generals agreed, but Gongsun Du looked at Liang Mao and asked, "What do you think?" Liang Mao replied, "The world is in chaos, the country is on the verge of destruction, yet you, General, are leading a hundred thousand troops and watching calmly from the sidelines. Is this the conduct of a loyal subject? Cao Cao, for the safety of the country and the suffering of the people, leads righteous troops to suppress the cruel bandits, with great achievements and noble character that are unmatched. The world has just been pacified, and the people have just settled down, so your crimes are not being pursued for now. But if you insist on leading troops westward, the consequences of your actions will soon become apparent. General, you should think long and hard before making a move!"
The other generals were taken aback by Liang Mao's words. After a long time, Gongsun Du said, "Liang Jun makes a good point." Later, Liang Mao was summoned and successively served as the governor of Wei County and the magistrate of Ganling, making a mark wherever he went. Cao Pi took on the role of General of the Guards and selected Liang Mao as his Chief Clerk, later promoting him to Left Army Advisor. When the Wei Kingdom was first established, Liang Mao was appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and later became the Commandant of the Palace Attendants. When Cao Pi was in the Eastern Palace, Liang Mao once again served as the Crown Prince's Tutor, and Cao Pi respected him greatly. Liang Mao eventually passed away while in office.
Guo Yuan, also known as Zini, was a native of Le'an Gaixian. He studied under Zheng Xuan as his teacher. Later, he and others such as Bing Yuan and Guan Ning fled to Liaodong to escape the chaos of war. After the chaos subsided, they returned to their hometown, and Cao Cao appointed him as the Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Construction. Guo Yuan always spoke frankly and seriously in court, without showing favoritism or engaging in corruption in private.
Cao Cao wanted to expand agricultural lands, so he put Guo Yuan in charge of the matter. Guo Yuan repeatedly proposed improvements, carefully inspected the land situation, resettled the people, planned the population and number of officials, and established a clear assessment system. Within five years, the granaries were overflowing with grain, the people worked diligently, and the region thrived. When Cao Cao campaigned in Guanzhong, he appointed Guo Yuan as the Chief Clerk of Jufu, in charge of rear affairs. After the rebellion of Tian Yin and Su Bo in Hejian was quelled, there were still many remnants. Guo Yuan believed that they were not the primary offenders and requested that they not be executed. Cao Cao heeded his advice, saving the lives of over a thousand people.
In the past, battle reports often exaggerated the results tenfold. But when Guo Yuan reported the figures honestly regarding the number of enemy heads captured in the Hejian battle, Cao Cao asked him the reason. Guo Yuan replied, "Exaggerating battle results in external expeditions is to show military achievements and to appease the people. But Hejian is within our territory, and the rebellion of Tian Yin and others is a disgrace. Even if we have won, I still feel a sense of shame." Cao Cao was very pleased and promoted him to the governor of Wei County.
At that time, someone wrote an anonymous letter defaming him, which infuriated Cao Cao, who was determined to uncover the writer's identity. Guo Yuan requested that the letter be kept confidential. The letter contained many quotes from "The Rhapsody on the Two Capitals," so Guo Yuan instructed his subordinates, saying, "Wei County is quite large and close to the capital, yet there are very few scholars. Select some promising young individuals and find a way for them to study under a master." The subordinates selected three people, and before they left, Guo Yuan specifically summoned them and instructed them, saying, "Your knowledge is insufficient; 'The Rhapsody on the Two Capitals' is a profound work that few truly appreciate, and there are not many who are proficient in it. You can go find someone who can understand it to learn from." He also secretly pointed them in the direction of their investigation. Ten days later, they found someone who could understand "The Rhapsody on the Two Capitals" and began their studies. Then, the officials asked them to write a similar letter. Upon comparison, they discovered that the handwriting perfectly matched that of the anonymous letter. Consequently, they arrested the author of the letter and uncovered the truth. Guo Yuan was subsequently promoted to Grand Minister.
During his tenure as a minister, Guo Yuan lived a frugal life, wearing coarse clothes, eating simple meals, and giving his salary to relatives and friends. He lived by the principles of diligence and frugality, ultimately passing away with an image of integrity.
Tian Chou, styled Zitai, was from Wuzhong, Hebei. He loved reading and was skilled in swordsmanship. In the first year of Chuping, the world was in chaos, and Dong Zhuo moved the emperor to Chang'an. Liu Yu, the Governor of Youzhou, sighed and remarked, "The treacherous ministers are causing chaos, the court is restless, and the hearts of the people are uneasy. There are few people with steadfast beliefs. As a member of the imperial family and an old minister, I cannot lower myself to their level. Now I want to go to the court to serve, but I cannot find anyone who will not disgrace the mission!" After some discussion, everyone agreed, "Although Tian Chou is young, everyone says he is excellent." Tian Chou was only twenty-two at the time. Liu Yu formally invited Tian Chou to meet, was pleased, and appointed him as an attendant, providing him with a carriage and horses.
When he was about to set off, Tian Chou said, "The roads are blocked now, with bandits and robbers lurking everywhere. If I go in official attire, I will stand out too much. I want to travel incognito, as long as I can get there safely." Liu Yu agreed. Tian Chou went home, selected some servants and twenty young and strong cavalrymen who were willing to follow him. Liu Yu personally escorted them outside the city. After they left, Tian Chou changed the route, left through the West Gate, along the North Mountain, straight to Shuofang, taking small roads, and finally reached Chang'an, where he reported to the court. The court issued an edict appointing him as a cavalry commander. Tian Chou felt that the emperor was in a perilous situation and should not accept such an honor, so he firmly declined. The court appreciated his integrity, and all three offices summoned him, but he did not accept any of them.
After reporting back, Tian Chou hurried home. Before he reached Youzhou, he heard that Liu Yu had been killed by Gongsun Zan. Upon his arrival, Tian Chou went to pay his respects at Liu Yu's grave, explained the events, and returned home in tears. Upon hearing this, Gongsun Zan was furious and ordered the capture of Tian Chou, demanding, "Why did you weep at Liu Yu's grave instead of submitting the memorial to me?" Tian Chou replied, "The Han dynasty is declining, and people's hearts are different. Only Lord Liu has always been loyal and upright. The contents of my memorial might not be to your liking, which is why I chose not to submit it. Moreover, you are fighting for your own interests, have already killed an innocent monarch, and harmed loyal ministers. If you continue like this, the people in the Yan and Zhao regions will all commit suicide by throwing themselves into the sea. Who would follow you then?" Gongsun Zan, impressed by his integrity, chose not to kill him, but instead detained him in the camp, prohibiting his friends from contacting him.
Some advised Gongsun Zan, saying, "Tian Chou is a man of integrity. If you do not respect him and instead imprison him, you may lose the people's support." Only then did Gongsun Zan release Tian Chou.
It is said that Zhang Chou, who had returned from the north, brought with him hundreds of his fellow tribesmen and followers. After clearing the area, he made an oath, saying, "The king's enemies have not been avenged, how can I continue to live in this world!" So they ran into the mountains of Xu Wushan, found a defensible and open location to settle down, and Zhang Chou personally cultivated the fields to support his parents. People flocked to him, and in a few years, more than five thousand households gathered.
Zhang Chou said to these elders and fellow villagers, "Everyone, you don't mind that I'm not exactly the most capable leader, and have come from afar to seek refuge with me, which is good. But with so many of us now, scattered in various villages, it is definitely not stable in the long run. Why don't we elect a respected leader to lead us all, how does that sound?" Everyone said, "Good!" So everyone unanimously elected Zhang Chou as their leader.
Zhang Chou continued, "We are not here to live in peace and comfort, but to plan for great things and seek revenge! I'm worried that before we reach our goal, some might end up fighting over small things, looking for short-term satisfaction without thinking long-term. I have some simple ideas that I want to implement with everyone, what do you think?" Everyone said, "It's okay!" So Zhang Chou set up some rules to keep everyone in check, like banning killing, robbery, and fighting. Violators would be punished, and serious offenders might even be executed, with over twenty rules in total. He also established marriage customs, set up schools, taught cultural lessons, brought everyone together, and everyone was very satisfied. The social atmosphere became very good, and there was no need to pick up things on the road anymore.
The northern tribes respected his authority, and the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes sent envoys to pay tribute. Zhang Chou accepted them all and urged them to stop being bandits. Yuan Shao sent envoys to persuade him to surrender multiple times, even sending him a general's seal, hoping to settle him down, but Zhang Chou turned them down. After Yuan Shao's death, his son Yuan Shang came to invite him, but Zhang Chou still said no.
In the past, the Wuhuan people frequently rebelled and killed numerous officials. Some sought to punish them, but lacked the necessary strength. In the twelfth year of the Jian'an era, Cao Cao marched north to attack the Wuhuan. Before reaching their destination, he sent a messenger to summon Guo Jia. He also sent Tian Yu to inform him. Guo Jia quickly ordered his subordinates to pack their things and prepare to leave. His subordinates were confused and asked, "In the past, Yuan Shao valued you so much and sent people five times to invite you, but you did not agree. Now, when Cao Cao sends someone, you appear to be in a rush. Why is that?" Guo Jia smiled and said, "You wouldn’t understand." So, he followed the messenger to Cao Cao's camp, where he was appointed as the Minister of Revenue and was called by Cao Cao to discuss military matters. The next day, Cao Cao declared, "Tian Zitai isn't fit for an official position." He then recommended Guo Jia as a capable candidate, appointed him as the Left Commander, but Guo Jia declined the position and chose to follow the army to Wuzhong.
At that time, it was midsummer and the rainy season, the terrain by the sea was low-lying, and the roads were a muddy mess, which made it nearly impossible for the army to advance. Cao Cao was quite worried and turned to Guo Jia for advice. Guo Jia said, "This road floods every summer and autumn, and vehicles and horses can't pass when the water is shallow, and ships can't enter when it's deep. This road has been tough to navigate for ages. In the past, the capital of Beiping County was located in Pinggang, passing through Lulong and reaching Liucheng. Since the Jianwu period, this road has been destroyed and cut off for nearly two hundred years, but there’s still a small path. Now the Wuhuan people believe that our main force will attack from Wuzhong, unable to advance or retreat, so they will likely let their guard down. If we quietly withdraw our troops, cross Baitan Mountain from Lulongkou, and take their rear path as a shortcut, we can take down Tadun without a fight!" Cao Cao replied, "Great!" So he ordered the withdrawal of troops and put up large wooden signs by the road and water's edge, writing: "It is midsummer now, the road is impassable, we will attack again in autumn and winter." The Wuhuan scouts saw this and believed the Cao army had retreated.
Cao Cao had Guo Jia lead the way over Xuwu Mountain, through Lulong and Pinggang, and up to Bailangdui, which was just over 200 miles from Liucheng. It was only then that the Wuhuan realized this. The Wuhuan Chanyu personally led the troops to meet in battle. Cao Cao engaged them in battle and achieved a great victory, pursuing the fleeing enemy all the way to Liucheng. The army returned triumphantly to the border, rewarded their merits, and appointed Guo Jia as a marquis with a fief of five hundred households. Guo Jia felt he had just wanted to avoid the chaos of war, had no ambitions for glory, yet ended up benefiting, which wasn't what he intended. So, he politely declined. Cao Cao understood and agreed to his request without pushing him.
In Liaodong, after killing Yuan Shang, Cao Cao ordered: "Among the three armies, whoever dares to cry for him will be executed!" Tian Chou had previously been recruited by Yuan Shang, but he still went to mourn for Yuan Shang. Cao Cao did not question this. Tian Chou settled his family and more than three hundred relatives in Ye City. Cao Cao rewarded Tian Chou with chariots, horses, food, and cloth, which Tian Chou distributed among his relatives and old friends.
After returning from the expedition in Jingzhou, Cao Cao remembered Tian Chou's great contributions and regretted having believed Tian Chou's earlier refusal, saying, "This fulfills one person's ambition but undermines the law of the land!" So he restored Tian Chou's previous title. Tian Chou wrote a letter affirming his loyalty and pledging to die if necessary. Cao Cao did not listen and wanted to appoint him as an official, but Tian Chou repeatedly refused. Some accused Tian Chou of arrogance, defying common sense, and fixating on minor details, suggesting that he should be dismissed from office. Cao Cao took this matter very seriously and hesitated for quite some time.
Therefore, he let the Crown Prince and ministers discuss it extensively. The Crown Prince believed that Tian Chou was akin to Ziwen resigning from office and Shen Xu rejecting rewards, so his title should not be taken away, and his integrity should be recognized. The Prefect Xun Yu and the Colonel of the Army Zhong Yao also believed that Tian Chou's wishes should be respected. Cao Cao even considered elevating him to the rank of marquis. Tian Chou had a good relationship with Xiahou Dun. Cao Cao said to Xiahou Dun, "You should go and persuade him with both reason and emotion; tell him your thoughts, but do not tell him my intentions." Xiahou Dun stayed with Tian Chou for a night as instructed by Cao Cao. Tian Chou understood Cao Cao's intentions and chose not to say anything further. Before leaving, Xiahou Dun patted Tian Chou's back and said, "Lord Tian, the lord has good intentions towards you; how can you overlook them!"
Tian Chou replied, "You are being too kind with your words! I, Tian Chou, am an untrustworthy person on the run who has survived by grace. It's already a stroke of luck. How can I exchange the defense of Lulong Pass for rewards and titles? Even if the country treats me well in private, can I really live with myself? General, you understand me, and yet you still advise me this way. If it really can't be done, I would rather die in front of you!" Before he finished, tears started streaming down his face. Xiahou Dun told Cao Cao everything Tian Chou had said. Cao Cao sighed deeply, knowing he could not force Tian Chou, so he appointed Tian Chou as an advisor. Tian Chou passed away at the age of forty-six, and his son had also died early. After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, he greatly respected Tian Chou's character and integrity, granting the title of Marquis to Tian Chou's great-grandson and allowing him to inherit the title.
Wang Xiu, known by his courtesy name Shuzhi, was from Yingling, Shandong. He lost his mother at the age of seven. His mother passed away on the day of the local festival, and the next year, when the neighbors celebrated the festival, Wang Xiu remembered his mother and felt particularly sad. When the neighbors heard about this, they canceled the festival activities.
At the age of twenty, he went to study in Nanyang and stayed at Zhang Feng's house. The entire Zhang family fell ill, and no one went to visit them. Wang Xiu took the initiative to take care of them until they got better before leaving. During the Chuping period, the Governor of Beihai, Kong Rong, called him in as his registrar, and later sent him to be the county magistrate of Gaomi. There was a powerful Sun family in Gaomi, who often broke the law because of their wealth and influence. Once, there was a robbery, and the thieves hid in the Sun family's house. The officials couldn't catch them. Wang Xiu surrounded the Sun family with soldiers and locals, but the Sun family resisted, and the soldiers and locals were afraid to approach. Wang Xiu shouted to everyone, "Anyone who doesn't attack will be just as guilty as the thieves!" The Sun family, scared out of their wits, finally handed over the thieves. From that point on, those wealthy families learned to behave themselves.
Later, someone recommended Wang Xiu to be the Filial and Incorrupt Official, but he declined, suggesting that Bing Yuan would be more suitable. Kong Rong disagreed. At that time, the world was in chaos, so the matter was left unresolved. Not long after, there was a rebellion in the county. Wang Xiu heard that Kong Rong was in danger and rushed to save him overnight. As the rebels began their uprising, Kong Rong said to those around him, "The only one who would risk his life to save me is Wang Xiu!" Before he could finish speaking, Wang Xiu arrived. Kong Rong then appointed him as his chief aide. At that time, there were many bandits in Jiaodong, so Kong Rong sent Wang Xiu to be the county magistrate there. There was a local bully named Gongsalu Zong in Jiaodong, who had fortified his home with a moat and refused to comply with orders. Wang Xiu took just a handful of cavalrymen and stormed into his home, killing the Lu brothers. Gongsalu's family was paralyzed with fear. Wang Xiu calmed the others, and from that point on, banditry significantly declined. Whenever Kong Rong was in peril, even after Wang Xiu had retired, he would always come to his aid.
When Yuan Tan was an official in Qingzhou, he appointed Wang Xiu as his advisor. At that time, a deputy named Liu Xian frequently slandered Wang Xiu. Later, Liu Xian committed a capital crime, and Wang Xiu defended him, which led to Liu Xian being spared from execution. This incident only heightened everyone’s admiration for Wang Xiu. Later, Yuan Shao sent Wang Xiu to be the magistrate of Jimo County, and then he returned to Yuan Tan's side as a deputy. Following Yuan Shao's death, tensions arose between Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang. Yuan Shang attacked Yuan Tan, and Yuan Tan's army was defeated. Wang Xiu then rallied officials and civilians to come to Yuan Tan's aid. Yuan Tan joyfully said, "To save my army, I owe it all to Deputy Wang!"
After Yuan Tan was defeated, Liu Xun raised an army in Luoyin, and many cities responded to him. Yuan Tan sighed and said, "Now the people of the whole province have turned against me. Am I not good enough?" Wang Xiu said, "Although the Governor of Donglai, Guan Tong, is by the sea, he won't turn against you. He will definitely come to join you." More than ten days later, Guan Tong did indeed leave his wife and children to join Yuan Tan. His wife and children were killed by the enemy, and Yuan Tan later made Guan Tong the Prefect of Le'an. Yuan Tan wanted to attack Yuan Shang, but Wang Xiu advised him, saying, "Fighting among brothers is a sure way to ruin!" Yuan Tan was not very happy, but he understood that Wang Xiu was being sincere. Later, he asked Wang Xiu, "What should I do?" Wang Xiu said, "Brothers are like a person's left and right hands. If a person wants to fight but cuts off his right hand and says 'I will definitely win,' is that possible? If you abandon your brothers and do not get close to them, who else will want to be close to you? There are definitely schemers trying to stir up trouble for their own benefit. You should ignore them and not listen to their nonsense. If you deal with a few traitorous officials and make up with your brothers, you'll be able to stand strong against everyone and rule the land." Yuan Tan did not listen to him, and ended up fighting with Yuan Shang, seeking help from Cao Cao.
After Cao Cao defeated Yuan Shao, Yuan Tan rebelled once more. Cao Cao marched his forces to confront Yuan Tan's army in Nanpi. At that time, Wang Xiu was transporting food and supplies in Le'an. Upon hearing that Yuan Tan was in peril, he took his soldiers and dozens of men to aid in the rescue. Upon arriving in Gaomi, he learned of Yuan Tan's death. Wang Xiu dismounted and wept inconsolably, exclaiming, "My lord is gone; where else can I go?" He then approached Cao Cao to request permission to retrieve Yuan Tan's body. Cao Cao, curious to gauge Wang Xiu's resolve, chose to remain silent. Wang Xiu said again, "I owe a great debt of gratitude to the Yuan family. If I can collect Yuan Tan's body and then die myself, I will have no regrets." Cao Cao admired his loyalty and consented. He appointed Wang Xiu as the officer in charge of military supplies and sent him back to Le'an. After Yuan Tan's defeat, many cities surrendered, but Guan Tong in Le'an refused to comply with orders. Cao Cao ordered Wang Xiu to bring back Guan Tong's head. Wang Xiu regarded Guan Tong as a loyal minister of a fallen kingdom, so he freed him and allowed him to meet Cao Cao. Cao Cao was pleased and granted him a pardon.
During the Yuan family's rule, the government was relatively permissive, and officials accumulated a lot of wealth. After Cao Cao captured Ye City, he confiscated the homes of Shen Pei and others, seizing tens of thousands of pieces of silver. After capturing Nanpi, he searched Wang Xiu's home, where he found less than ten bushels of grain but hundreds of volumes of books. Cao Cao sighed, "Scholars truly live up to their reputation." He then appointed him as a clerk to the Minister of Works, then as the Director of the Central Treasury, and later promoted him to Wei County Governor. He was recognized for his integrity and upright governance, holding the strong accountable, supporting the weak, and administering justice fairly, earning praise from the people. After the establishment of the Wei kingdom, he served as the Chief Minister of Agriculture. When Cao Cao proposed corporal punishment, Wang Xiu felt the timing wasn't right, and Cao Cao accepted his advice. Later, Wang Xiu was transferred to serve as the Prefect of Feng Shang. When Yan Cai rebelled and attacked the Yemen Gate with dozens of followers, Wang Xiu heard the news and hurried to the palace gate on foot, not even waiting for a carriage. Cao Cao saw him from the Bronze Jue Terrace and said, "The person who has come must be Uncle Wang Xiu!" Prime Minister Zhong Yao told Wang Xiu, "During previous incidents in the capital, the Nine Ministers all took refuge in their mansions." Wang Xiu replied, "How can they hide from disasters while enjoying the court's salary? Hiding in their mansions is an outdated practice, not the proper response in times of danger." Shortly after, Wang Xiu fell ill and passed away. His son, Wang Zhong, rose to become the Prefect of Donglai and served as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance. Wang Xiu had known Gao Rou since he was young and recognized Wang Ji's talent at a young age. Both went on to achieve great success, and Wang Xiu was widely praised for his ability to recognize talent.
Bing Yuan, courtesy name Genju, was from Zhuxu in Beihai. When he was young, he and Guan Ning were both famous for their high moral character, and he did not accept the summons from the local government. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, Bing Yuan fled to the coast with his family and settled on Yuzhou Mountain. At that time, Kong Rong was the magistrate of Beihai and recommended Bing Yuan for his talent. However, Bing Yuan believed the Yellow Turban Army was becoming increasingly powerful, so he went to Liaodong. He and Liu Zheng, from the same county, were both known for their bravery and cunning. The governor of Liaodong, Gongsun Du, was quite intimidated by them and wanted to kill them. He even captured their families, but only Liu Zheng managed to get away. Gongsun Du told the counties, "Anyone who hides Liu Zheng will be guilty of the same crime!" Liu Zheng found himself in a dire situation, so he went to Bing Yuan, who hid him for over a month. At that time, Donglai's Taishi Ci happened to be returning home, so Bing Yuan entrusted Liu Zheng's safety to him. Later, Bing Yuan told Gongsun Du, "General, you wanted to kill Liu Zheng because you saw him as an enemy. Now that Liu Zheng has left, you no longer have an enemy, right?" Gongsun Du replied, "Yes." Bing Yuan continued, "You were afraid of Liu Zheng because he was clever. Now that he has escaped, his talent will be used elsewhere. Why still arrest his family? It's better to let them go and avoid any hard feelings." Gongsun Du then released Liu Zheng's family. Bing Yuan also helped Liu Zheng's family, allowing them to return to their hometown. During his time in Liaodong, hundreds of households returned to his original residence within a year, and there was a constant stream of people coming to learn, with the sounds of teaching ringing out continuously.
Later, Bing Yuan returned to his hometown and was appointed as the Minister of Works by Cao Cao. Bing Yuan's daughter died young, and at the same time, Cao Cao's son Cang Shu also died. Cao Cao wanted them to be buried together, but Bing Yuan declined, saying, "It is not in accordance with proper rituals to be buried together. The reason I have earned your favor and been valued by you is because I adhere to the rules and regulations without changing. If I were to follow your command, I would be seen as vulgar; how could you still value me?" Cao Cao then reconsidered and appointed him as the Chancellor. Cui Yan was appointed as the East Bureau Director and recommended in a memorial, "Minister Bing Yuan and the Court Gentleman Zhang Fan are both people of high moral character, loyal and upright in their aspirations. Their integrity can inspire the people, and their steadfastness can accomplish great things. They are national treasures, like dragon's claws and phoenix's wings. Promoting and valuing them will keep unkind people at bay." Bing Yuan later replaced Liang Mao as the Chief Historian of the Five Officials, living a reclusive life and rarely leaving home except for official duties. When Cao Cao joined the campaign against Sun Wu, Bing Yuan accompanied the army and eventually passed away.
Afterwards, Zhang Tai of Dahonglu and Pang Di of Fufeng, renowned for their integrity and virtue, became famous; Zhang Ge of Dongjun in Yongning, known for his simplicity and humility, also became well-known.
Guan Ning, style name You'an, was from Zhuxu, Beihai. When he was sixteen, his father passed away. His relatives and friends sympathized with his plight and offered him money, which he declined, stating that the money should go towards his father's funeral. He was tall, about eight feet, and quite handsome. He was good friends with Huaxin from Pingyuan and Bing Yuan from the same county, and they studied together in another region, all highly respecting Chen Zhonggong.
In a time of great chaos, reports suggested that Gongsun Du was practicing benevolent governance overseas, so Guan Ning, along with Bing Yuan and Wang Lie of Pingyuan and others, traveled to Liaodong. Gongsun Du had specifically cleared his official residence to await their arrival. Upon their arrival, they paid their respects to Gongsun Du before settling in the valley. At that time, many refugees lived to the south of the county, while Guan Ning lived to the north, signifying that he remained true to his aspirations. Gradually, people came to seek refuge with him. When Cao Cao became the Minister of Works, he sought to recruit Guan Ning, but Gongsun Du's son, Gongsun Kang, vehemently opposed this and prevented Guan Ning from coming.
Wang Lie, known by his style Yanfang, was more renowned at the time than both Bing Yuan and Guan Ning. He resigned from the position of Gongsun Du's Chief Historian to engage in business, believing that engaging in business would tarnish his reputation. Cao Cao appointed him as a clerk in the Prime Minister's Office to call him to service, but before he could assume the position, he passed away overseas.
Shao An's hometown was peaceful and quiet, and the guests had all left, leaving him alone in peace, as if he intended to live there for the rest of his life. In the year 221 AD, the court ordered ministers to recommend individuals of high moral character, and the Minister of Works, Hua Xin, recommended Shao An. After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, he summoned Shao An, who then returned to his hometown by boat with his family. Gongsun Gong even accompanied them to the outskirts, bestowing many gifts upon them. When Shao An returned to his hometown, he accepted the gifts given by Du, Kang, and Gong along the way, but tucked them away. After crossing the sea, he returned all of these gifts. The court appointed him as Grand Master of the Palace, but he resolutely declined.
After Emperor Ming ascended to the throne, Grand Commandant Hua Xin took the initiative to resign and recommended Shao An as his successor. Then the court issued an imperial decree, saying, "Grand Master Guan Ning, you are devoted to virtue and skilled in the Six Arts, honest and upright, comparable to the ancient sages. Your integrity and purity serve as a model for our times. In the past, when the world was not peaceful, you secluded yourself by the sea. After the Wei dynasty was established, you returned with your family, which truly embodies the saying 'the dragon soars to the heavens,' reflecting the sages' approach to life. Since the Huangchu era, I have summoned you several times, but you have always declined and never come. Are the court's affairs truly incompatible with your pursuits? Do you truly wish to live peacefully in the mountains forever? Even the wise Ji Gong, despite his age, did not abandon his practice, even when he could no longer hear the birds singing. The wise Duke Mu of Qin still sought counsel from the elderly. Besides, my own virtues are lacking; how can I not want to hear your teachings? You are now appointed as Minister of Rites. The relationship between ruler and subject is grounded in the principles of propriety and cannot be abandoned. I hope you will take office as soon as possible and fulfill my wishes!" He also ordered the Inspector of Qingzhou, saying, "Guan Ning upholds righteousness and chastity, living in seclusion by the sea. I have sent people to invite him many times, but he never comes, staying in his hometown, showing great nobility. Although he maintains the integrity of a hermit, he has defied the court's orders, making me wait for him; what does this mean? He just wants to live quietly; he should hold firm to his beliefs. Haven't the ancients changed their minds to contribute to the people? As time passes, what do you really want? Confucius said: 'If it weren't for these people, who would I associate with?' Immediately send someone to escort him to court with the proper respect, provide him with carriages, horses, attendants, bedding, and food along the way, and inform the court before setting out."
Shao'an wrote a memorial, saying, "I am a small farmer living by the sea, making a living by farming, never held any official position, yet I have received such great favor from the court. Your Majesty has inherited the great achievements of the late emperor, your virtues are comparable to those of the Three Sovereigns, and your teachings have spread throughout the world. I have enjoyed the court's kindness for so long, yet I have never been able to repay your kindness. My health is poor; I am seriously ill, I have disobeyed the court's orders and live in fear every day, not knowing what to do. Last November, I received a summons from the court; this August, I received an imperial decree and was granted carriages, clothes, and bedding, escorted with the highest etiquette to enter the capital. The court's grace is too much; I am filled with fear and anxiety, feeling lost. I want to explain my situation to Your Majesty, to express my loyalty, but the decree is strict, forbidding me from saying much, so I have been holding it in until now. I thought that there was a limit to the grace of heaven, but I did not expect the court's kindness to keep increasing. In February this year, I received another decree from the court, once again granted carriages, clothes, and sent to the capital with an escort and county magistrate, along with a special edict appointing me as a distinguished official. Your Majesty is humble and cautious, citing examples from the Zhou and Qin dynasties, emphasizing humility and prioritizing the people. The day I received the edict, I was utterly terrified and didn't know what to do. Upon careful reflection, I have no accomplishments like Yuan Qi, yet I enjoy the honor of riding in a carriage; I have no merits like Dou Rong, yet I receive rewards from the court. My abilities are limited, yet I bear heavy responsibilities; I am old and weak, yet I am given a high position among the Nine Ministers. I fear I might face disaster like Zhu Bo. Furthermore, my illness is getting worse; I am unable to travel to my post. I yearn to serve at court, yet I can only linger outside the palace gates. Therefore, I am writing this memorial to explain my situation, earnestly requesting Your Majesty's mercy, to allow me to stay at home, not to let me die on the way."
From the Huangchu period to the Qinglong period, the court had been sending people to summon him, and every August they also sent him cattle and wine. The court also asked the governor of Qingzhou, Cheng Xi, "Is Guan Ning sticking to his principles, or is he really seriously ill?" Cheng Xi replied, "Guan Ning's relative Guan Gong is an official in the state, and he is neighbors with Guan Ning. I often send people to inquire about his situation. Guan Gong said, 'Guan Ning usually wears a black hat, cloth clothes, and pants; he dresses more warmly when it's cold and less so when it's hot. He comes and goes and can walk with a cane on his own without assistance. Every time there is a sacrifice, he goes by himself, puts on his best clothes, and wears a cotton hat. The single garment he wore in Liaodong is still around. During sacrifices, he personally prepares the offerings, kneels and performs the rites. Guan Ning's mother passed away when he was young, and he doesn't remember what his mother looked like. During sacrifices, he particularly offers wine and then cries. His home is about seventy to eighty paces from the water's edge. In the summer, he goes to the water to wash his hands and feet and to admire the garden.' I believe the reason Guan Ning declined before is that he is elderly and his strength is waning, so he prefers to stay at home, remaining humble. Guan Ning wants to uphold his principles, not out of arrogance."
In the year 241 AD, Grand Herald Tao Qiu, Commander of Yongning Wei Meng Guan, Attendant Sun Yong, and Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat Wang Ji submitted a memorial to the emperor recommending Guan Ning.
We heard that dragons and phoenixes only appear at the right time, and wise people will also act at the right moment. Just like the phoenix and the qilin singing in Qishan, heralding the prosperity of the Zhou Dynasty; just like the four esteemed scholars of the Han Dynasty who assisted the emperor, ensuring peace and prosperity for the nation. We discovered Mr. Guan Ning, a high-ranking official, who embodies the harmony of heaven and earth, embodies nine virtues of purity and nobility, has a noble character, is honest, indifferent to fame and fortune, and aligned with Daoist philosophy; he loves the teachings of Huang-Lao, delves deeply into the six arts, explores their essence, synthesizes ancient and contemporary knowledge, and grasps the essence of morality. During the Zhongping period, the Yellow Turban Uprising erupted, plunging the country into chaos. Thus, Mr. Guan Ning sought refuge from the turmoil, traversed the sea on a raft, and lived in seclusion in Liaodong for over thirty years. The hexagram "Qian Zhi Gou" aptly reflected his circumstances of concealing his brilliance, dedicating himself to self-cultivation, and maintaining a low profile; he subtly influenced local customs, contributing to an uplift in the social climate.
In 223 AD, Wei Wen Emperor Cao Pi wanted to select outstanding talents, so the Minister of Works, Hua Xin, recommended Ning Yingxuan. The court sent a carriage to pick him up, and Ning Yingxuan came running all the way, like a bird soaring high. Along the way, he encountered difficulties and later fell gravely ill, so he was appointed as a Grand Master of the Court. Wei Ming Emperor Cao Rui appreciated his character and promoted him to the rank of Palace Attendant. However, Ning Yingxuan later fell gravely ill and was unable to advance. Now that he has recovered from his old illness, he is eighty years old, with aspirations that remain undiminished. He lives in a simple thatched hut, in a secluded alley, making a living selling rice. He eats just a little each day, but he still recites poetry and finds joy in it. In difficult times, he has a clear understanding of the situation, and during disasters, he surely overcomes challenges. He has faced dangers without compromising his integrity, and his noble character shines like gold and jade, becoming increasingly evident over time. Reflecting on his life, it is likely a blessing from above. He should help the Wei Kingdom achieve stability and prosperity. Now there is a vacancy for an official position in Yanzhou, and all the courtiers hope he will take the position.
In the past, Emperor Gaozong carved stone statues in search of talents, and King Wen of Zhou used divination to seek virtuous assistants. Moreover, Ning Yingxuan was recommended by the court before, with an outstanding reputation and character. However, he has long been overlooked and not utilized in a timely manner, which goes against the teachings of the sages and the practice of honoring the will of our predecessors! After Your Majesty ascended the throne and inherited the great legacy of the Wei Kingdom, your virtuous deeds grow daily, surpassing those of King Cheng of Zhou. Whenever you issue an imperial edict, you consult your advisors and ministers for their opinions. If you can follow your ancestors' example in recruiting talents, warmly welcome outstanding individuals, and promote education broadly, then the prosperous times can rival those of the past.
Ning Yingxuan should be chosen for his noble character and unpretentiousness, emulating the paths of ancient sages. His virtues are outstanding and unparalleled, unmatched by anyone in the world. Looking back at history, those talented individuals summoned by the court, like Shengong, Meicheng, Zhoudang, and Fanying, when examining their backgrounds and conduct, none of them have the noble character and self-restraint like Ning Yingxuan. It is indeed appropriate to send gifts, formally invite him, and grant him a cane, allowing him to come to the court, express his views, discuss the ways of governing the country, restore the heavenly order, harmonize imperial authority, ensure the well-being of the people, and maintain social order, which will surely bring great benefits and better educate the world. Even if Ning Yingxuan insists on seclusion, like Boyi and Shuqi, adhering to the principles on Jishan, following the footsteps of Xu You in seclusion at Hongya, and imitating the example of Confucius, this would also reflect the tradition of honoring talented individuals from the Yao and Shun era, ensuring his legacy endures through the ages. Although their ways of life are different, their ultimate goal is to prosper the country and educate the people; their aspirations are the same.
Indeed, in order to invite him, I have specially prepared a comfortable carriage and exquisite gifts, as well as silk and a jade disc. He ultimately passed away peacefully at the age of eighty-four. His son, Miao, later became a langzhong and then a doctor. Initially, Ning's wife passed away, and everyone advised him to remarry, but he said, "I often read the words of Zengzi and Wang Jun, and I strongly agree with their views; how can I betray my own principles simply because of my circumstances?"
That's how it is, the old man passed away peacefully at the age of eighty-four, which can be considered a long life. His son later did well for himself, rising in ranks from a junior official to a doctorate holder. His wife had passed away many years ago, and people around him urged him to remarry, but he adamantly refused. He said he always admired the teachings of Confucius and Wang Jun, finding their words to be particularly wise. Now that he faced this situation, how could he betray his long-held beliefs?
There was a man named Zhang Yi in Julu, Hebei, whose courtesy name was Ziming, and another man named Hu Zhao in Yingchuan, whose courtesy name was Kongming. Both of them were ambitious and refusing to pursue official positions. Zhang Yi studied at the Imperial Academy in his youth, and his knowledge was very comprehensive. Later, he returned to his hometown. Yuan Shao invited him several times to become an official, but he refused each time and moved to Shangdang. Later, the Governor of Bingzhou, Gao Gan, recommended him to be the magistrate of Leping County, but he still declined and moved to Changshan, eventually settling in Ren County. Even after Cao Cao became the Prime Minister and invited him, he still did not go.
During the Taihe period, the court issued an edict to search for reclusive scholars to see if anyone could help resolve disasters, predict fortunes, and so on. Local officials repeatedly recommended Zhang Yi, and the court also sent people to invite him, but due to his advanced age and declining health, he was unable to go. The Magistrate of Guangping, Lu Yu, visited Zhang Yi with gifts just three days after taking office. Lu Yu told his subordinates, "Mr. Zhang does not serve the emperor above or flatter the feudal lords below. How can he be swayed by gifts?" So, he only sent his secretary with a letter and some wine and meat to show respect.
In the fourth year of the Qinglong period, the court issued an edict, which reads: "The Xuan River in Zhangye County has experienced a sudden rise in water level, with turbulent waves. A precious stone with a carved pattern resembling a divine turtle has emerged in the river, standing tall on the west bank. The stone is engraved with clear patterns and inscriptions, including images of qilin, phoenix, dragon, and horse, with the inscriptions predicting auspicious signs." The Imperial Historian Gao Tanglong reported: "This is an auspicious sign never seen by emperors in the past, a good omen for the Wei Kingdom and the Eastern Han Dynasty." This edict spread throughout the country. The county magistrate was instructed to inquire about Zhang Yi's opinion. Zhang Yi privately told the magistrate: "Divine beings foresee the future and do not concern themselves with the past. Omens indicate rise and fall. The Han Dynasty has long been gone, replaced by the Wei Kingdom. What is there left to investigate or foretell? This stone is a marvel of the present and a good omen for the future."
In the first year of the Zhengshi era, a bird called the Dai'er bird built a nest under the shade of a tree at Zhang Yi's doorstep. Zhang Yi told his students: "The Dai'er bird is a bird of the sun, yet it builds its nest in the shade. This is an ill omen!" He then picked up his qin and played, composing two poems. He passed away ten days afterward at the age of 105. That same year, the Governor of Guangping, Wang Su, took office and ordered his subordinates: "When I was in the capital, I heard of Zhang Ziming and came here to visit him, only to find out that he had passed away. It is truly a pity! This gentleman was knowledgeable, reclusive, and cultivated himself with Daoist thoughts. Like the old man Qu Yuan from Jiang County in the past, though in muddy waters, Zhao Meng respected him, and the feudal lords lived in harmony because of him. I regret that despite Zhang's diligence and thirst for knowledge in his later years, he did not receive recognition from the court. I have sent someone to comfort his family, wrote inscriptions at their doorstep, and provided special treatment to honor the past and inspire future generations."
Hu Zhao initially traveled to Jizhou to avoid the war, but he turned down Yuan Shao's summons and returned to his hometown. After Cao Cao became Chancellor, he extended polite invitations to Hu Zhao to take up an official post multiple times. Hu Zhao went, but upon arrival, he candidly admitted he was just a simple countryman, knew nothing about military affairs, and felt he was of no use, requesting to return. Cao Cao said, "Everyone has their own aspirations; choices differ. Stay true to your noble character; there's nothing wrong with that." So Hu Zhao moved to Luhun Mountain, farmed his own land, lived a fulfilling life, and found joy in reading. The villagers held him in high regard and cherished him.
In the twenty-third year of Jian'an, Zhang Gu, the magistrate of Luhun County, received orders to conscript laborers to Hanzhong. The locals resented this long-distance labor and felt quite uneasy. A man called Sun Lang spearheaded a rebellion, killed the county registrar, and chaos ensued in the county. Zhang Gu and about a dozen officials sought refuge with Hu Zhao, gathered the refugees, and helped stabilize the situation. Sun Lang and his followers later allied themselves with Guan Yu. Guan Yu gave them a seal and troops, and they turned to banditry once more. Upon reaching Changle Pavilion, located south of Luhun, they agreed, saying, "Master Hu is a virtuous man; we must not infringe upon his territory." Thanks to Hu Zhao, the people in that area felt safe and unafraid. Once peace was restored in the region, Hu Zhao then relocated to Yiyang.
During the Zhengshi period, Generals Zhao Yan, Huang Xiu, Guo Yi, Xun Yi, Zhong Yu, Yu Yi, He Zhen, and others took turns recommending Hu Zhao, saying, "He is pure and noble by nature, and his moral character has become even more noble as he has aged. He is calm and indifferent, with the same integrity as Bo Yi and Shu Qi. He should be summoned to serve as an official to uplift the social climate." In the second year of Jiaping, the court sent a carriage specifically to invite him, but he had passed away at the age of eighty-nine years. The court posthumously appointed his son Hu Zuan to the position of Langzhong. Hu Zhao was skilled in historical texts in his youth and was renowned alongside Zhong Yao, Handan Chun, Wei Ji, and Wei Dan. His letters were exemplary in calligraphy. The evaluations noted: Yuan Han, Bing Yuan, and Zhang Fan were honest and upright, with a proper sense of conduct, similar to Gong Yu, Gong Sheng, and Gong Kuang. Liang Mao and Guo Yuan were also similar. Zhang Cheng's reputation and conduct could match Zhang Fan's, making him a capable younger sibling. Tian Chou adhered to his integrity, Wang Xiu was loyal and upright, sufficient to rectify the social climate; Guan Ning was refined and resolute; Zhang Zhi and Hu Zhao lived in seclusion, who did not seek fame or fortune, so they are all worth recording.
