Xin Pi, courtesy name Zuozhi, was born in Yuzhou, Henan Province. His ancestors moved from Gansu Province to Henan during the Jianwu era of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Xin Pi followed his brother Xin Ping and aligned himself with Yuan Shao. When Cao Cao became the Minister of Works (Sikong), he wanted Xin Pi to work for him, but Xin Pi refused. Later, when Yuan Shang attacked Xin Ping's army in Pingyuan, Xin Ping sent Xin Pi to ask Cao Cao for help.
Cao Cao was preparing to attack Jingzhou, with his army encamped at Xiping. Xin Pi conveyed Xin Ping's intentions to Cao Cao, who was quite pleased. A few days later, Cao Cao decided to attack Jingzhou first and allow Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang to fight each other. One day, Cao Cao hosted a banquet, and Xin Pi noticed his expression, knowing that Cao Cao had changed his mind. He then informed Guo Jia of this development. Guo Jia told Cao Cao, who asked Xin Pi, "Is Yuan Tan reliable? Can Yuan Shang be counted on to be defeated?"
Xin Pi replied, "My Lord, you shouldn't worry about whether he is reliable or not, just look at the situation. The Yuan brothers have been at each other's throats; this is not something others can interfere with, but the world is about to be unified by you. Now Yuan Tan is asking for your help, which says it all. Yuan Tan clearly sees that Yuan Shang is finished, but he also can't do anything about him, which means Yuan Shang is done. The army is defeated in external battles, advisers are killed internally, brothers are fighting each other, the country is torn apart; battling year after year, soldiers' armor is crawling with lice, and on top of that, droughts, locusts, and famine are coming one after another. The country has no grain reserves, soldiers have no rations, heavenly disasters are falling, man-made calamities keep piling up; whether the common folks are wise or not, they all know the situation is over. This is heaven's way of bringing down Yuan Shang! As the 'Art of War' states, even with strong cities and a million soldiers, without food, they cannot hold. Now if you attack Ye City, if Yuan Shang doesn’t return to save the day, they won't be able to hold it; if he comes back to save it, Yuan Tan will take advantage of the situation to attack him. With your strength now, taking down an already weary enemy is as easy as a gust of wind blowing autumn leaves away. Heaven has handed Yuan Shang to you; if you choose not to attack Yuan Shang and instead go after Jingzhou, Jingzhou is rich and peaceful, and the country has not had conflicts with Jingzhou. The ancients used to say: 'Take advantage of the chaos, attack the doomed country.' Now Yuan Shao's two sons are ignoring the big picture, fighting each other; this spells disaster. The common people have nothing to eat, soldiers have no food; if they don't have food today, they might not know if they can survive tomorrow. If you don’t calm them down now and wait, by then, they might realize they’re doomed and try to reform, and you will miss the key moment to use force. Now take advantage of their plea for help; go appease them, this is the biggest advantage. Furthermore, there's no bigger rebellion than the one in Hebei; once Hebei is brought under control, your army will grow strong, and the entire realm will shake."
Cao Cao said, "Good!" and agreed to help Yuan Tan suppress the rebellion, with his troops stationed in Liyang. The following year, they attacked Ye City and captured it. Cao Cao then recommended Xin Pi for the position of Advisor in his memorial.
Some years later, Emperor Taizu sent General Cao Hong to pacify the Xianbian region, and also had Wang Pi and Cao Xiu participate in military operations. Emperor Taizu ordered, saying, "Emperor Gaozu was greedy and lustful, but he was fortunate to have Zhang Liang and Chen Ping to make up for his shortcomings. Now, Wang Pi and Wenlie, the responsibilities you carry are significant!" After the military operations, Wang Pi was appointed as Chief Historian to the Prime Minister.
After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, Wang Pi was promoted to be a Court Attendant and was granted the title of Marquis Within the Passes. At that time, the court was discussing whether to revise the calendar. Wang Pi believed that the Wei Dynasty should follow the system of Shun and Yu, to conform to the will of heaven and pacify the people. Although Emperor Tang and King Wu of Zhou changed the calendar after unifying the world through war, there was no need to follow their example. Confucius once said to "follow the ways of Xia," and the "Zuo Zhuan" states, "the Xia calendar conforms to reason," so why deliberately oppose it? Emperor Wen thought Wang Pi's argument made sense and adopted his suggestion.
Emperor Wen wanted to move 100,000 families from Jizhou to Henan. At that time, there was a locust plague and the people were going hungry. Many officials thought this was impossible, but Emperor Wen persisted. Wang Pi and other ministers requested an audience, and Emperor Wen knew they wanted to advise against it, so he met with them looking stern. The ministers were afraid to speak. Wang Pi then asked, "Your Majesty, what's your plan for relocating the people?" Emperor Wen asked, "Do you think I shouldn't relocate them?" Wang Pi replied, "Indeed, I think it should not be done." Emperor Wen said, "I don't want to talk about this with you." Wang Pi said, "Since Your Majesty does not consider me unworthy and has kept me by your side to participate in discussions on state affairs, how can you not let me weigh in on this? I'm not saying this for my own benefit, but for the country's long-term future. How can you be angry?" Emperor Wen didn't answer and got up to head back to the palace; Wang Pi followed him and even grabbed his sleeve. Emperor Wen shrugged him off and ignored him, and only came out after a while, saying, "Zhuo Zhi, why are you so worked up?" Wang Pi said, "If we relocate now, we'll not only lose the people's support, but we also won't be able to feed them." Emperor Wen ultimately decided to relocate only half of the population. Once, Wang Pi accompanied Emperor Wen on a hunting trip to shoot pheasants. Emperor Wen said, "Shooting pheasants is a lot of fun!" Wang Pi said, "Your Majesty may find it fun, but for everyone else, it's really tough." Emperor Wen fell silent and didn’t go hunting much after that.
Cao Zhen led troops to Jiangling to fight Zhu Ran, and Xin Pi followed as a military advisor. Upon returning, the emperor appointed him as the Marquis of Guangpingting. The emperor planned to launch a major attack on Wu, but Xin Pi advised, "The common people of Wu and Chu live in difficult terrain and are hard to deal with. They are usually submissive, but once they have the opportunity, they rebel. This has been a persistent problem. Your Majesty rules the entire country now, but how long can those who resist hold out? In the past, when Yu Tu declared himself emperor and Zhao Tu established himself as king, they either surrendered or were annihilated within a few years. Why? Because defying the rule of the court cannot last long, and those who possess great virtue are respected by all. Now that the world has just been pacified and the land is vast with few people, it is crucial to plan carefully before going to war. Even then, there will be fear, let alone going to war without proper planning. I believe this is not beneficial. The late emperor led troops to the Yangtze River several times but ended up withdrawing each time. Now, without increasing the army, going to battle as usual is too risky. The best course of action now is to take a page from Fan Li's book and pacify the people, from Guan Zhong to entrust government affairs to talented individuals, from Zhuge Liang to cultivate the land, and from Confucius to govern with benevolence and win over distant lands. Within ten years, the middle-aged will still be in their prime, children will be able to fight, the common people will understand reason, and the soldiers will be eager to achieve success. Then, we can go to war without needing to fight." The emperor asked, "So, according to you, should we leave captives for future generations?" Xin Pi replied, "King Wen of Zhou left what King Zhou of Shang left behind for King Wu of Zhou. It's just a matter of seizing the opportunity. If the timing isn't right, can we really force the issue?" In the end, the emperor still went to war against the state of Wu, but ultimately withdrew his troops when they reached the Yangtze River.
After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, Xin Pi was appointed Marquis of Yingxiang, with a fief consisting of three hundred households. At that time, Liu Fang, the Director of the Palace Secretariat, and Sun Zi, the Prefect, were highly trusted by the Emperor and held significant power in court matters. All the court officials flattered them, but Xin Pi did not associate with them. Xin Pi's son Xin Chang advised him, saying, "Now that Liu Fang and Sun Zi are in power and everyone is flattering them, you should lower your guard a bit and get along with them; otherwise, someone will definitely speak ill of you." Xin Pi replied sternly, "Although the Emperor is not particularly wise, he is not foolish either. I have my own principles in how I conduct myself. Even if I do not get along with Liu Fang and Sun Zi, at most, I will not be able to become a high-ranking official. What’s there to be afraid of? What kind of man would sacrifice his integrity for a government position?" The Palace Attendant Bi Gui submitted a memorial stating, "Although the Minister of Works Wang Si is diligent, his loyalty and strategy are not as good as Xin Pi's. Xin Pi should replace Wang Si." The Emperor asked for Liu Fang and Sun Zi's opinions, and they replied, "Your Majesty chose Wang Si for his practical effectiveness, not because of his reputation. Xin Pi is indeed upright, but he has a strong and stubborn personality. Your Majesty should think this over carefully." Therefore, the Emperor declined Bi Gui's suggestion and appointed Xin Pi as the Commander of the Guards.
The emperor is undertaking a major renovation of the palace, while the common people are worn out. Yang Fu submitted a memorial saying, "I've heard that Zhuge Liang focuses on military training and management, and Sun Quan has sent troops to Liaodong. Thinking carefully about their intentions, it seems they aim to keep each other in check. Being vigilant in times of peace is a wise ancient policy. But now the palace is being built so grandly, combined with years of poor harvests, as the Book of Songs puts it: 'The common people toil hard; when will they be able to enjoy a bit of stability? Only when blessings are spread throughout the country can the four corners be stabilized.' Your Majesty, you must think for the sake of the country and the people!"
The emperor replied, "The northern minority tribes have not been eliminated yet, and the palace is being renovated. This is indeed a perfect time for straightforward advice! When the emperor builds the capital, it should be done in a way that the people can bear, to avoid adding to the burdens of future generations, as Xiao He formulated for the Han Dynasty. You are now a senior minister of Wei, and you should also understand this principle." The emperor also wanted to build an observatory on Beimang Mountain, so that he could see Mengjin. Yang Fu advised once more, stating, "The natural world has its highs and lows, but now you're trying to go against nature; and it will also consume a lot of manpower and resources, which the common people simply can't bear. Moreover, if the nine rivers overflow, causing widespread flooding, and if the hills are all leveled, what will we have to defend against the floods?" The emperor then stopped.
In the second year of Qinglong, Zhuge Liang led his army to attack Weinan. Before this, the Grand General Sima Xuanwang had repeatedly requested to battle with Zhuge Liang, but Ming Di never agreed. That year, the emperor realized he could no longer hold it back, so he appointed Yang Fu as the Grand General's military advisor with full command; all the troops obeyed Yang Fu's control, and no one dared to disobey. After Zhuge Liang's death, Yang Fu went back to his role as Guard Commander. After Yang Fu's death, he was posthumously honored as the Marquis of Su. His son, Yang Chang, inherited his title and later served as the Prefect of Henan during the Xianxi period.
Yang Fu, courtesy name Yishan, was a native of Ji County, Tianshui. When he served as a state functionary, he was ordered to accompany the governor Wei Duan to Xuchang and later appointed as the Prefect of Anding. Upon his return, the generals in the Guanzhong region inquired about the outcome of the conflict between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. Yang Fu said, "Yuan Shao is generous but indecisive, good at planning but lacks determination; indecisiveness undermines his credibility, and his lack of decisiveness causes him to miss opportunities. He may be powerful now, but he will ultimately not achieve great things. Cao Cao is talented and decisive, with unified laws, elite troops, and a knack for utilizing those who are overlooked. Those he employs are dedicated, and he is bound to achieve great things!" Yang Fu was not fond of the role of Prefect and chose to resign. Later, Wei Duan was summoned to be the Grand Commandant, and his son Wei Kang succeeded him as the governor, inviting Yang Fu to serve as his assistant. Yang Fu was commended for his filial piety, called to serve in the Prime Minister's Office, and the state requested him to stay and serve as a military advisor. Ma Chao suffered defeat in Weinan, fled, and took refuge among the Qiang tribe. Cao Cao pursued him to Anding, only to have Su Bo rebel in Hejian, prompting Cao Cao to plan a return to the east. At this juncture, Yang Fu approached Cao Cao and said, "Ma Chao has the strategic acumen of Lord Xinling and the valor of Xiang Yu. Both the Qiang and Hu tribes rally behind him, and the people of the Western regions are afraid of him. If the army retreats without proper precautions, we risk losing the counties in Longyou." Cao Cao concurred, but the army's withdrawal was rushed, and adequate preparations were not made.
Ma Chao led the Qiang tribal leaders to attack the counties of Longyou. Those counties all surrendered to him, except for Jicheng (present-day Gangu County, Gansu). Ma Chao gathered all available troops in Longyou, and Zhang Lu sent the general Yang Ang to help, totaling over ten thousand people, to attack Jicheng. Yang Fu selected over a thousand elite soldiers from among the officials, gentry, and his own kin in the state, and had his brother Yang Yue build a crescent moon-shaped encampment on the city wall to fight against Ma Chao. From the first month of the lunar calendar to the eighth month, the reinforcements never arrived. The state sent the deputy Yan Wen to secretly seek help along the river, but he was killed by Ma Chao. This terrified the governor and the magistrate, who began considering surrendering to Ma Chao. With tears in his eyes, Yang Fu implored them, "For the sake of justice, our family encourages each other and vows to defend Jicheng to the death. Our determination is even firmer than that of Tian Dan defending the city alone! Now, to fail at the last moment and gain an unjust reputation, I would rather die than surrender this place!" With that, he burst into tears. The governor and the magistrate had no option but to send someone to negotiate with Ma Chao and opened the city gates to welcome him. Upon entering the city, Ma Chao captured Yang Yue and ordered Yang Ang to execute the governor and the magistrate.
I’m Old Zhang. I’ve always wanted to take care of Ma Chao, but I never found the right opportunity. Later, I had to return home for my wife’s funeral and took some time off. My elder brother Jiang Xu was stationed in Licheng at the time. I grew up in Jiang Xu’s house since I was a child. When I saw Jiang Xu and his mother, I recounted what had happened in Jizhou, and as I spoke, I became overcome with sadness. Jiang Xu asked me, “What’s going on with you?” I said, “I failed to defend the city; the lord died, and I’m still here. How can I face the world and live on! Ma Chao betrayed his father, then the lord, and cruelly killed the county officials. This is not just my responsibility; the entire province’s gentry has been humiliated! The lord held military power but did not want to punish the traitors, just like the assassination of the king recorded by Zhao Dun! Even though Ma Chao is formidable, he’s disloyal and has committed so many crimes that he can be easily dealt with.” Jiang Xu’s mother wholeheartedly agreed after hearing this and let Jiang Xu listen to me. After we talked it over, we plotted with the villagers—Jiang Yin, Zhao Ang, Yin Feng, Yao Qiong, Kong Xin, as well as the people of Wudu—Li Jun and Wang Ling, to go after Ma Chao together. I sent my younger brother Zhang Mo to reach out to Xiahou Yuan in Jizhou and unite with Liang Kuan from Anding County, Zhao Qu from Nan'an County, Pang Gong, and others. Once we made our plans, in September of the seventeenth year, Jiang Xu and I raised troops in Licheng. When Ma Chao caught wind that we were mobilizing, he personally led his troops out. Zhao Qu, Liang Kuan, and the others lifted the siege on Xiahou Yuan, closed the gates of Jizhou, and went to attack Ma Chao’s family. Ma Chao pulled a surprise attack on Licheng and captured Jiang Xu’s mother. Jiang Xu’s mother yelled at Ma Chao, saying, “You unfilial son, the evil thief who killed the lord, how can heaven and earth tolerate you for long? Why don’t you hurry up and die? Do you still have the face to come out and see people?” Furious, Ma Chao killed Jiang Xu’s mother. I fought Ma Chao, took five arrows, and lost seven of my clan brothers. Ma Chao eventually fled to Zhang Lu’s camp.
After pacifying Longyou, Emperor Taizu commended our merits in defeating Ma Chao, ennobling eleven lords and granting me the title of Marquis of Guannei. I declined, saying, "When my lord was alive, I failed to fulfill my duty of protection. Even after his death, I did not die with honor. I should have been punished, perhaps even executed. Ma Chao is still alive; I should not accept a title." Taizu said, "You, along with those capable individuals, have accomplished great deeds. People in the west regard this as a tale of heroism. Zigong declined rewards, and Confucius said he stopped at the pinnacle of goodness! So just accept this reward with a clear conscience! Jiang Xu's mother wisely advised him to raise troops early; she was truly wise. Even Yang Chang's wife cannot compare to her! Truly virtuous, virtuous! A good history book will surely record this, not bury your merits."
Cao Cao attacked Hanzhong and appointed Xiahou Mao as Inspector of Yizhou. Upon his return, he appointed him as Prefect of Jincheng, but before he could depart, he was reassigned as Prefect of Wudu. Wudu was close to Shu Han, so Xiahou Mao planned to govern the area peacefully, following the example of Gong Su. Just then, Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, and others to attack Xiabian, and the Di people, led by Leiding, responded to Liu Bei. Cao Cao sent General Cao Hong to resist Ma Chao and his forces, causing them to retreat.
Cao Hong hosted a banquet to celebrate, with female musicians in sheer clothing dancing and drumming, which made everyone laugh. Xiahou Mao voiced his strong disapproval of Cao Hong, saying, "Men and women should be separated. This is a major national etiquette. How can you allow women to perform so provocatively in public? Even the likes of Jie and Zhou did not behave so recklessly!" With that, he angrily left. Cao Hong quickly stopped the music and dance, asking Xiahou Mao to return and sit down, feeling a newfound respect for him.
Later, Liu Bei took control of Hanzhong and advanced towards Xiabian. Cao Cao considered Wudu to be remote and wanted to transfer Xiahou Mao, but he feared the locals would resist leaving their homes. Xiahou Mao enjoyed a high reputation locally. Previously, he had relocated the Di and other people, moving them to the Jingzhao, Fufeng, and Tianshui areas, which involved tens of thousands of households. When he settled in Xiaohuili, the locals followed him, carrying their belongings. As an official, he focused solely on the bigger picture, and his subordinates dared not oppress the locals. Emperor Wen of Wei asked the attendant Liu Ye and others, "What kind of person is the Prefect of Wudu?" Everyone said that Xiahou Mao had the ability to assist the monarch. Before he could be put to good use, Emperor Wen passed away. He served as Prefect of Wudu for over a decade before being summoned back to court and appointed as the City Gate Captain.
Xiahou Mao frequently saw Emperor Ming in embroidered hats and silk half-sleeves. Xiahou Mao asked Emperor Ming, "What ritual does this clothing adhere to?" Emperor Ming didn't respond. From then on, Emperor Ming stopped appearing before Xiahou Mao in clothes that didn't adhere to the ritual.
At that time, the chief architect had just begun constructing palaces and was recruiting beautiful women to fill the harem, and the emperor frequently went hunting.
This suggests that the newly appointed chief architect began building palaces, brought many beautiful women into the palace, and often went hunting in his spare time.
In autumn, a heavy rainstorm swept through with thunder and lightning, and many birds were killed by the lightning. Fu Shangshu said, "I have heard that when a wise ruler reigns, his subjects will be diligent and responsible, not daring to slack off. Emperors Yao and Shun were wise rulers who eagerly sought out talent, humbly accepting advice; Great Yu diligently managed the waters, focused on state affairs, yet was frugal in his palace; King Cheng Tang faced a drought and reflected on his actions, taking responsibility; King Wen of Zhou punished even his own wife in order to govern the country; Emperor Wen of Han was diligent and frugal, wearing coarse clothes himself: these are all examples that can guide future generations in planning for the long term. Your Majesty has inherited the great achievements of Emperor Wu in expanding the empire, as well as the virtuous foundation of Emperor Wen's peaceful reign. You should learn from the good governance of ancient sages and avoid the corrupt governance of later inept rulers. Good governance means diligence, frugality, and caring for the people; bad governance means indulgence and capriciousness. I hope Your Majesty will carefully study the reasons for the rise and fall of dynasties throughout history, and see the changes in the late years of the Han Dynasty, which should serve as a warning! If Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling had not abolished the laws of their ancestors or abandoned the diligence and frugality of the Wen and Jing reigns, even the founding Emperor would have been able to display his talents. How could Your Majesty then secure your position? Wu and Shu have not yet been pacified, and the army is still engaged in battles beyond our borders. I hope Your Majesty will think twice before acting, be cautious in your decisions, learn from history, and heed its warnings. The other day, there was heavy rain and abnormal thunder and lightning; even the birds were struck dead by lightning. Heaven and Earth regard the emperor as their own child, so if there are political mistakes, disasters will come. The Book of Documents says, 'When the nine clans are harmonious, the world will be peaceful.' I hope Your Majesty will reflect on your actions, seek a balance, think carefully, and save expenses. After Wu and Shu are pacified, the world will be peaceful, the people will be happy, and the nine clans will live in harmony. In this way, our ancestors will also be pleased, and even Yao and Shun would probably be satisfied. Now is the time for Your Majesty to demonstrate sincerity to the world, pacify the people, and let the distant people feel the benevolence of Your Majesty." At that time, Prince Yongqiu Wang Zhi was dissatisfied with the emperor; as a close relative of the vassal state, the laws were particularly stringent, so Fu reiterated the importance of harmony among the nine clans. The emperor's reply was, "I have received your secret memorial; you first cited examples of ancient wise rulers to admonish my wrong political affairs. Your words are sincere and earnest, loyal and honest. I have reflected on my mistakes and will correct them according to your advice; I have thoroughly understood your suggestions. I greatly appreciate your earnest advice."
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I later served as the Minister of Works. At that time, General Cao Zhen led the troops to attack the Shu Kingdom, but they encountered rain and the army came to a standstill. I wrote to the emperor, saying: Alas, in the past, King Wen received the auspicious sign of the red crow and still managed everything, not even caring about eating; King Wu set sail with a white fish, and the ruler and his ministers were alarmed. Even with such good omens, they were still so worried, not to mention the continuous natural disasters now and the army standing still like a mountain? The Wu and Shu kingdoms have not been pacified yet, but the heavens keep sending disasters. Your Majesty should devote more attention to state affairs, emphasizing virtue, frugality, and diligence. The army set out a few days ago but was delayed by heavy rain in the mountains for several days. Transportation is extremely challenging, and the soldiers are working tirelessly, with expenses being huge. If the logistics can't keep up, it could lead to disaster. As the 'Zuo Zhuan' states: "Advance when you see favorable situations, retreat when you encounter difficulties; this is the strategy of employing troops." Now the army is trapped in the valley, facing a dilemma; this is not the proper way to command an army! When King Wu withdrew his troops back then, the Shang Dynasty perished; he understood the will of heaven! This year there is famine again, and the common people are suffering from starvation. Your Majesty should issue a decree to cut back on the palace's food and clothing, and the procurement of those exquisite treasures should be halted. When Shao Xincheng served as Minister of Works during the prosperous era, he petitioned the emperor to reduce palace expenditures on food and clothing. Now that the military funds are insufficient, we must be even more prudent with our spending. After the emperor heard my words, he ordered the recall of the army.
Later, the emperor ordered a serious discussion on which political measures were unfavorable to the common people. I presented my views: the key to good governance is appointing talented individuals; to revitalize the country, the key lies in developing agriculture. If one does not appoint talented individuals but only people they like, this is a serious taboo in governance; excessive building and the construction of grand palaces and pavilions hinder the production of the common people, which constitutes a serious harm to agriculture; craftsmen who neglect their duties to compete in making exquisite items to please the emperor, this is a major taboo damaging the fundamentals. Confucius once said, "Harsh policies are more ferocious than tigers!" Nowadays, those officials who only care about their own enjoyment, govern the country without following the rules, and only know how to engage in intricate and harsh matters, are the main culprits causing unrest among the people! The immediate priority is to eliminate these four dangers, while also ordering court ministers and various counties to recommend upright and honest officials, which is also a way to select talented individuals.
I also submitted a memorial suggesting the reduction of palace maids who are not favored. The emperor summoned the official in charge of the harem and asked how many people were in the harem. Following the usual practice, the official said, "This is confidential and cannot be disclosed." I was furious upon hearing this and had him punished with a hundred lashes, rebuking him, "National secrets are not shared with the Nine Ministers, yet you want to keep it secret from a low-ranking official?" When the emperor heard about this, he respected and feared me even more.
The emperor had a special affection for his daughter, Princess Shu, but unfortunately she passed away at a young age, which brought great sorrow to the emperor. Later, the emperor posthumously honored her as Princess Pingyuan, built a temple in Luoyang to worship her, and buried her in Nanling. The emperor planned to personally attend the funeral, but Minister Fu offered counsel against it, saying, "When Emperor Wen and Empress Wu Xuan passed away, Your Majesty did not attend the funerals in person, to emphasize the importance of the state and a prudent approach for the future. Why should you now attend the funeral of a child who had not yet left the cradle?" In the end, the emperor did not heed Fu's advice.
The emperor felt deeply pained and insisted on personally seeing his daughter off on her final journey. However, Lord Fu's words are indeed reasonable; even when the emperor himself passed away, he did not attend his own funeral. No matter how dearly he loved this little princess, he couldn't break such a rule, could he? The emperor must be deeply conflicted, torn between profound paternal love and the greater good of the realm. How could he choose? In the end, the emperor decided to personally attend the funeral, demonstrating that the bond between father and daughter triumphed over all.
Your Majesty, you have just finished building the Xu Palace and are beginning the construction of palaces and pavilions in Luoyang. The Grand Minister said: "Emperor Yao lived in a simple thatched hut, and all the people in the world lived in peace and happiness; King Yu's palace was simple, and all the people thrived in their production. During the Yin and Zhou dynasties, the tallest palace was merely three feet high, and there were at most nine tables. The ancient wise emperors never squandered the people's money on building luxurious palaces. Xia Jie built the opulent Xuan Hall and the Elephant Gallery, and King Zhou of Shang built the Leaning Palace and Deer Terrace; both ended up losing their countries. King Ling of Chu built the Zhanghua Terrace and ultimately suffered for it; Qin Shihuang built the Afang Palace, which led to rebellion and the downfall of the Qin Dynasty. Regardless of the life and death of the people, only seeking their own pleasure, in the end, none of them had a good ending. Your Majesty should take Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, Wen, and Wu as examples, and Xia Jie, King Zhou of Shang, King Ling of Chu, and Qin Shihuang as profound lessons. You stand at the pinnacle, overseeing the virtues of future generations. You should carefully guard the throne and inherit the ancestral foundation; even such a great foundation still has the risk of downfall. If you are not careful day and night, compassionate to the people, but only seeking your own pleasure and building palaces, then there will be a danger of destruction. The Book of Changes says: 'The house is very large, but the family is empty; the windows are open, but quiet, and no one is there.' As the Son of Heaven, the world is your home; this sentence explains the dangers of building luxurious houses, which will eventually lead to no one in the family. Now, two minority groups in the north have united to plot against our ancestral temples and national altars; a hundred thousand troops are engaged in battle on both fronts, and the border is never peaceful. Farmers have put down their work, and the people are starving. Your Majesty seems to disregard these pressing matters, but only blindly builds palaces without end. If the country perishes and the ministers can still survive, I will not say anything; but the sovereign of the realm and the ministers are the backbone of the country, sharing life and death, honor and disgrace. The Book of Filial Piety says: 'The Son of Heaven has seven ministers who dare to speak frankly; even if the Son of Heaven is unjust, he will not lose the world.' Although I am foolish and weak, I dare not forget the responsibility of a minister who dares to speak frankly. If my words are not sharp enough to awaken Your Majesty, I fear that the ancestral foundation will be lost. If my death can save a possibility, then the day I die will be as alive as ever. I humbly offer my apologies and seek Your Majesty's forgiveness, cleanse myself, and await Your Majesty's judgment.
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After Fu submitted his memorial, the emperor was touched by his loyal counsel and personally wrote a reply to him. Every time there was a court meeting, Fu always spoke boldly, treating all major matters of the world as his own responsibility. He repeatedly requested to resign, but the emperor did not allow it. Eventually, he passed away, leaving behind no wealth. His grandson, Sun Bao, inherited his title.
Gao Tanglong, also known by his style name Shengping, was from Pingyang in Taishan and was the son of Lu Gaotang. When he was young, he was a scholar, and later Xue Ti, the Governor of Taishan, appointed him as a postal inspector. The county's military commander quarreled with Xue Ti, even insulting him to his face. Gao Tanglong immediately drew his sword and shouted at the commander, "When the ruler of Lu was insulted, Confucius stood up for him; when Lin Xiangru was humiliated by the King of Qin, he used the He Shi Bi to counter. As a subordinate, it is only right to stand up for a just ruler!" The commander's face went pale with fear, and Xue Ti quickly stood up to intervene. Later, Gao Tanglong resigned from his post and went into hiding in Jinan.
In the 18th year of Jian'an, Cao Cao summoned him to be the chief military advisor, and later he became the literary officer of Marquis Hui of Licheng, and then was promoted to a minister. After Cao Cao's death, Marquis Hui showed no sadness at all and instead indulged in hunting and leisure everywhere. Gao Tanglong spoke out with righteousness and advised him appropriately. During the Huangchu era, he served as the county magistrate of Tangyang, and later was selected as the teacher of Marquis Pingyuan (Cao Rui). When Marquis Pingyuan ascended the throne as the emperor, known as Emperor Ming of Wei, he appointed Gao Tanglong as an imperial censor, a doctor, and a cavalry commander. When Emperor Ming just ascended to the throne, some ministers proposed holding a celebratory banquet. Gao Tanglong argued against holding a banquet, saying, "Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun exhibited restraint in their mourning, and Emperor Gaozong likewise refrained from displaying grief; that's why their virtues spread throughout the world." Emperor Ming respected his opinion and adopted his suggestion. Eventually, Gao Tanglong was promoted to Prefect of Chenliu.
In Chenliu, there was a commoner named Duminyou, who was over seventy years old. He was very honest, and Gaotang recommended him as a clerk. The emperor appreciated him and promoted him to be a Gentleman of the Interior to commend him. Later, the emperor summoned Gaotang as an Attendant Cavalier and granted him the title of Marquis of Guannei.
During the Qinglong era, the imperial palace planned to renovate the Dazhidian and bring back a massive bell from Chang'an. At that time, a man named Long submitted a memorial to the emperor stating: "In the past, King Jing of Zhou did not appreciate the wise governance of King Wen and King Wu of Zhou, ignored the system established by Duke Zhou, insisted on casting large coins, and also cast a massive bell. At that time, Duke Mu of Shan advised him, and Jiu of Lingzhou also advised him, but he did not listen. As a result, the fortunes of the Zhou Dynasty declined, and this incident was recorded in official history as a cautionary tale for future generations. However, now those opportunists exploit the extravagance and excesses of the Qin and Han Dynasties to mislead the emperor, seeking to acquire what the fallen rulers possessed, resulting in wasted resources and financial strain, undermining the government's virtuous policies, which does not help foster a culture of ritual and music or ensure the peace of the nation!"
That day, the emperor went to Shangfang to enjoy the scenery, and Long and Bian Lan followed. The emperor handed Long's memorial to Bian Lan and asked him to refute Long, saying, "The country's rise and fall is tied to politics; what does that have to do with music? If the teachings are unclear, how can we blame the bells?" Long replied, "Music and rites are the foundation of governing a nation! Look, in the past, when the Xiao Shao music was played at its height, the phoenix came to pay homage; when the thunder drum changed six times, the heavenly gods descended, all because of clear politics, appropriate punishments, and social harmony. Conversely, when the new music of the Shang Dynasty appeared, King Zhou of Shang perished; when King Jing of Zhou commissioned the great bell, the Zhou Dynasty began to decline. The rise and fall of the country often depends on these matters; how can it be said that it has nothing to do with the decline of music and rites? The actions of kings should be recorded in history books; this is an ancient rule. If something improper is done, what can be used as an example for future generations? A wise king welcomes criticism and advice from others, which is why loyal ministers openly address the king's faults!" The emperor was very pleased after hearing this and expressed his agreement. The emperor appointed him as a court official and also as the Grand Historian. When the Chonghua Hall caught fire, the emperor asked him, "What happened, exactly? According to our rituals, is there a reason to pray for disaster relief?"
Long said: "Those disasters are warnings to rulers. They can only be overcome by following rituals and laws and cultivating virtues. The I Ching states: 'If extravagance is not curbed above, and indulgence is not restrained below, disaster will burn down their houses.' It also says: 'When the ruler builds tall towers, disasters will come from heaven.' This means that if the ruler only focuses on decorating the palace and ignores the suffering of the people, heaven will send droughts and fires will start from the tall palace. Heaven is warning and condemning Your Majesty; Your Majesty should pay more attention to the welfare of the people to respond to the will of heaven. In the past, Tai Wu grew mulberry trees in the court, and Wu Ding had pheasants fly into the tripod. They were both afraid because of disasters, quickly reflected on themselves, cultivated virtues, and three years later, barbarians from afar came to pay tribute, so they were called Zhong Zong and Gao Zong. This is the bright mirror of the past! Now, checking the previous divination records, the occurrence of fires is to warn those tall towers and palaces. However, the current luxury of the palaces is actually because there are too many court officials. The palace attendants should be streamlined, leaving only those with noble character, just like the system of the Zhou Dynasty, and the rest should be dismissed. This is the method taught by Zuo Ji to educate Gao Zong, and also the reason why Gao Zong can enjoy a great reputation."
The emperor asked Long again: "I heard that during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the Boliang Palace caught fire, and as a result, he vigorously built palaces to suppress disasters. What does this mean?"
Long replied, "I heard that after the fire at the Boliang Palace in Xijing, shamans from the Yi and Yue tribes were invited to build the Jianzhang Palace to avert calamities. This is the practice of the Yi and Yue shamans, not the teachings of the wise. As stated in the 'Records of the Five Elements': 'After the fire at the Boliang Palace, Jiang Chong used witchcraft to harm the Crown Prince.' As the text states, building the Jianzhang Palace by the Yi and Yue shamans will not truly avert calamities. Confucius said, 'Disasters are caused by improper behavior, and the spirits and gods respond accordingly to warn the ruler.' Therefore, a wise ruler, upon seeing disasters, should blame themselves, retreat to cultivate virtue, and eliminate disasters. It is time to stop the wasteful and burdensome project. The construction of the palace should be simple and practical, with the interior able to withstand storms and the exterior suitable for ceremonial purposes. The area that was burned should be cleared, and nothing should be built there again. Cypress and grains will surely flourish there, as a reward for Your Majesty's sincere and virtuous conduct. How can we squander resources and burden the people? This is not how to invite good fortune or win over distant lords." In the end, the Emperor rebuilt the Chonghua Hall, which led to it being renamed the Nine Dragon Hall, as there were sightings of nine dragons in all counties and states at that time.
When the construction of the Lingxiao Pavilion began, a magpie nest was found on top. The emperor asked Long what was going on. Long replied, "In the Book of Songs, it says 'The magpie has its nest, the turtledove dwells in it.' Now we are building palaces and constructing the Lingxiao Pavilion, but the magpie has already nested there. This indicates the palace isn't finished yet, and we can't move in. This may be a warning from above, that the palace is not yet completed, and people of other surnames may come to control it. This is a warning from above! Heaven doesn’t play favorites; it only blesses those who do good. We need to take this seriously. When the Xia and Shang dynasties perished, it was because those who inherited the throne did not obey the will of heaven, only listened to evil people, neglected virtue, and pursued pleasure, so the downfall came swiftly. But Tai Wu and King Wu feared disasters, seriously followed the warnings of heaven, so their countries could prosper. Now if we can stop large-scale construction projects, be frugal, strengthen virtue, and ensure all actions follow the will of the Heavenly Emperor, eliminate the suffering of the people, and enhance the well-being of the people, then we can surpass the Three Kings, surpass the Five Emperors; it's not just about saving the Yin Dynasty from danger! I'm willing to face any danger, as long as it ensures Your Majesty's peace and protects the state; even if it means being crushed to pieces, I am willing. How could I fear offending you and not speak up? Should Your Majesty not hear honest advice?" After hearing this, the emperor's expression shifted, and so did his demeanor.
Long's words made the emperor's heart sink. He analyzed the significance of magpies building nests, connected the rise and fall of the Xia and Shang dynasties, cited the example of King Wu of Zhou, and finally expressed his unwavering loyalty, unafraid to offend the emperor, seeking only the peace and happiness of the nation and its people. His speech conveyed concerns about the country's fate and loyalty to the emperor; more importantly, it prompted the emperor to reflect on his governance strategies. The emperor was profoundly touched by Long's words, and his demeanor visibly softened.
That year, a comet appeared in the sky, moving towards the vicinity of the Great Chariot. Long Shangshu presented a memorial to the emperor, saying: "Throughout history, emperors have relocated and built cities, always first determining the positions of the heavens, earth, and ancestral shrines, reverently paying tribute to them. When constructing palaces, ancestral temples should come first, followed by stables and warehouses, and residential buildings last. Currently, the Round Altar, the Square Altar, the Southern and Northern Suburbs, the Hall of Light, and the ancestral shrines have not been established, and the system of ancestral temples does not conform to the established rituals, yet there is a rush to construct palaces, causing the common people to lose their jobs. Outsiders are all saying that the cost of building palaces is similar to the cost of raising troops for war; the common people are truly suffering, and grievances are widespread. The Book of Documents states: 'The wisdom of the heavens reflects the wisdom of the people; the majesty of the heavens is due to the majesty of the people,' meaning that if the people are settled and content, they will receive the five blessings from the heavens; if the people are full of complaints, they will incur the six disasters from the heavens, showing that the rewards and punishments from the heavens depend on public opinion and must follow the will of the people. Therefore, the most important task for rulers is to pacify the people; only then can the ancient teachings be deeply ingrained in people's hearts; this has been true from ancient times to today. It was the simplicity of their palaces that allowed Tang Yao, Yu Shun, and Da Yu to achieve greatness, while luxurious palaces were the root cause of the downfall of Xia Jie and Shang Zhou. The current palace construction blatantly disregards ritual norms, and the Nine Dragon Palace has been rebuilt, adorned with even more lavish decorations than ever. The comet in the sky shines brightly, starting from the mansion star and heading straight towards the emperor's seat, threatening the Purple Star; this is the heavens protecting Your Majesty, hence showing the warning signs. The appearance and disappearance of the comet are in noble star positions, sincere and solemn, hoping that Your Majesty will awaken to this truth; this is akin to the heartfelt counsel of a loving father. You should approach this with the seriousness and respect of a devoted son, setting a good example and warning future generations; this must not be overlooked, lest it provoke the heavens' wrath further."
At that time, it was said that there were continuous significant national affairs, and the application of laws was also very strict. Zhang Long submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying: "To expand the territory and inherit the legacy, we must wait for a wise monarch, assist in governing the nation and ensuring stability, and also need virtuous assistants, so that all undertakings can proceed smoothly and society can be stable and prosperous. To change customs, promote education, unify the entire nation, with virtue illuminating all corners, and all subjects revering justice, this is not something that ordinary officials can achieve. Currently, officials at all levels are only concerned with the complexities of criminal law and do not address the fundamental issues, so although punishments are implemented, problems cannot be solved, and social ills cannot be eradicated. We should promote rituals and music, repair the Mingtang Palace, hold activities such as the Three Yong rites, Great Archery, and Elderly Care events, build suburban temples, honor scholars, recommend reclusive scholars, regulate systems, revise the calendar, alter clothing colors, promote benevolence, advocate thriftiness, and only then can we conduct grand ceremonies to honor heaven and earth, giving thanks to heaven and earth for our achievements, filling the world with elegant hymns, and educating future generations. This is the scene of a prosperous era and an everlasting legacy! However, if all the people in the world can live in harmony, what is there to be concerned about? If problems are not fundamentally solved and only the symptoms are treated, it is like re-entangling a mess, which is not a way to govern a country. Officials, courtiers, and Confucian scholars should be instructed to carefully deliberate on this matter and develop specific plans to serve as models."
Zhang Long also believed that revising the calendar, attire, insignia, and instruments has always been a means for emperors to show the sacredness of political power and change the appearance of the people, so ancient emperors would declare themselves kings in the spring to mark the transition of the three dynasties. So he elaborated on the previous rules and requested the emperor to make changes. The emperor adopted his suggestion, changing the third month of the fifth year of Qinglong to the fourth month of the first year of Jingchu, with yellow as the main clothing color and white livestock used for sacrifices, all determined based on the Earthly Branches.
Zhang Long was consequently promoted to Guanglu Xun. However, the emperor was far more interested in building palaces, adorned pavilions, quarrying quartz from Taihang Mountain, excavating Wen stone from Gucheng, constructing Jingyang Mountain in Fanglin Garden, building Zhaoyang Hall north of the Taiji Palace, casting extraordinary and magnificent mythical beasts such as the Yellow Dragon and Phoenix, and decorating Jinyong City, Lingyuntai, and Lingxiaoque. Various projects were carried out on a large scale, involving tens of thousands of participants, from officials and ministers to ordinary students; everyone spared no effort. The emperor even personally went to dig soil to set an example. However, the Liaodong region had yet to pay tribute to the court. At this time, the Empress Dowager passed away. A torrential downpour occurred, submerging the homes of ordinary people and causing significant losses. Zhang Long once more submitted a fervent remonstrance to the emperor, stating:
It is often said that the greatest virtue of heaven and earth is their perpetual renewal, and the greatest treasure of a sage is their status. How can one preserve their status? Through benevolence and righteousness! How can one unite people? Through wealth! Therefore, the common people are the bedrock of the nation, and food and wealth are the lifeblood of the common people. Food and wealth cannot flourish without the nurturing hands of human labor. Therefore, in ancient times, emperors would often personally cultivate the fields to encourage agricultural production, and empresses would often raise silkworms to promote weaving, to show respect to the heavens and express gratitude for their blessings.
Back in the day during the era of the Tang dynasty, when it was marked by misfortune, there was a great flood. Yu's father Gun went to manage the flood, but to no avail. Later, Emperor Yao appointed Yu to manage the flood. Yu cut down trees along the mountains to divert the flood, spending twenty-two years in total. The scale of the disaster was unprecedented, and the labor required was equally extraordinary. Even the wise emperors Yao and Shun could only stand by helplessly. Eventually, Yu successfully managed the flood, divided the land into nine regions, and rewarded the people according to their contributions. Both nobles and commoners had their own attire. Nowadays, although the situation is not as urgent, it is not good for court officials and common people to work together. If this were known to foreign countries, it would bring shame upon us. If this were recorded in history, it would reflect poorly on us. Therefore, leaders should lead by example, care for the people, and protect them like a loving mother, truly worthy of the title "benevolent ruler, the people's parent." Nowadays, everyone is working hard, disease and disaster are rampant, fewer people are farming, and famine is looming. The people have endured years of suffering. We should show them more compassion and provide support to help them through these tough times.
I have read in ancient books that there is always a connection between heaven, earth, and people. Therefore, the wise kings of ancient times respected heaven’s will, followed the principles of yin and yang, worked diligently, and feared going against them. In this way, the country could be governed well, and their virtues would align with heaven. Even in the face of disasters, they would fear the consequences and swiftly amend their mistakes to ensure the longevity of the country. However, in later times, incompetent rulers who did not follow the laws of their predecessors, ignored the advice of upright ministers, indulged in their own pleasures, disregarded warnings, and ultimately faced their downfall.
The principles of heaven are clear, so let's examine it from a human standpoint. Humans harbor emotions like greed, desire, integrity, and chastity within themselves. Once these emotions are stirred, they start to conflict within us. If desires are strong and self-control is weak, indulgence and lack of self-restraint will ensue; if willpower is weak, excessive indulgence can spiral out of control. Human emotions can be categorized as likes or admiration, and the accumulation of these likes and admiration cannot be achieved through sheer human effort, nor can they be established solely by wealth. Without emotional restraint, people can become overwhelmed, and material possessions will not satisfy their desires. When exhaustion and desire peak at the same time, chaos will follow. Thus, without emotional control, social order cannot be upheld. Confucius said, "If people lack long-term foresight, they will inevitably face immediate troubles." From this perspective, the establishment of rituals and moral codes is not meant to deliberately restrict individuals, but to prevent disasters and foster an era of peace and prosperity.
Now the bandits from Wu and Shu are not your typical mountain bandits. They occupy strategic locations, rely on the advantage of waterways, have a large number of troops, falsely claim the title of emperor, and want to compete with the Central Plains dynasty. If someone reports that Sun Quan and Liu Chan are both working hard to govern and restoring a clean and frugal style, won't Your Majesty be surprised? You might think they are not easy to deal with and could become a hidden danger to the country. If the informant says that these two bandits are cruel and oppressive, extravagant and greedy, squeezing the people, increasing taxes, causing immense suffering among the people, leading to widespread complaints. When Your Majesty hears this news, won't you be furious and want to quickly eliminate them to relieve the innocent people's suffering? Not to mention, wouldn't it be easier to defeat them while they are worn out? If that's the case, then we can judge based on the actual situation, and the time to resolve this matter is not far away.
Emperor Qin Shi Huang did not establish a good moral foundation, but he built the extravagant Palace of Efang, did not worry about internal conflicts, but spent huge sums of money building the Great Wall. At that time, he did this with his ministers to establish an eternal foundation, so that future generations would always have the world; little did he know that a single commoner's shout could bring everything crashing down? So I think, if those previous monarchs knew that what they were doing would ultimately fail, they wouldn't have done it. Therefore, fallen monarchs often believe they are invincible, only to find themselves overthrown; while wise monarchs always think they may perish, and as a result, they preserve their kingdom. Emperor Wen of Han was considered a wise monarch in the past; he led a frugal life and genuinely cared for the people, but Jia Yi warned that the situation was dire, and many were moved to tears by it.
The current situation is worse than it was during the reign of Emperor Wen of Han. The common people can't even get enough to eat for an entire year, the country doesn't have enough reserves, there are powerful enemies outside watching closely, border skirmishes are constantly flaring up, major projects are being carried out domestically, and disturbances are happening everywhere. If a real war breaks out, I'm worried that the common people won't even have a chance to surrender to the invaders.
Furthermore, the salaries of generals keep getting slashed, now only one-fifth compared to before; those who used to receive rewards have seen their benefits cut entirely, and even those who were originally exempt from taxes now have to pay half. Consequently, officials' incomes have actually increased compared to before, while their expenses have decreased. However, the state finances are perpetually in the red, with various taxes coming one after another. Thinking about it, where on earth has all this money gone? Salaries and rewards are what the monarch uses to support officials and the people, to make them loyal, but now they have been reduced, which is like taking away their very livelihoods! Gaining and then losing, this will make the common people resentful. The Zhou Li states that the Grand Steward oversees the revenue from nine different types of taxes to pay for nine types of expenses, with clear purposes for the income, and each department's expenses are sufficient. After meeting all the expenses, the remaining money can be used to entertain the king. When the emperor spends money, it has to be approved by the Sihui.
Now, those handling state affairs at court are either the Three Departments and Nine Ministers or the close ministers of the Imperial Court, all of whom are your trusted aides and should be able to speak frankly. If they see a deficit in state finances but dare not tell you, only busy with their own affairs, fearing that they will not do well, then they're just a bunch of yes-men who only know how to flatter, not truly loyal ministers assisting you. Li Si once advised Emperor Qin Er Shi, saying, "To be a monarch without arrogance and extravagance, this is called the shackles of the world." After hearing his words, the Qin state fell, and Li Si's family was wiped out. Therefore, Sima Qian criticized him for failing to speak up and offer advice, as a warning for future generations.
After reading the memorial, the emperor said to the Chief of the Imperial Secretariat and the Grand Preceptor, "Look at Long's memorial, it really makes me afraid!" This Long, who was seriously ill, dictated a memorial for submission.
Zengzi fell ill, and Meng Jingzi inquired about his condition. Zengzi said, "When a bird is about to die, its song is mournful; when a person is about to die, their words are good." I am deeply ill, my condition is worsening day by day, and I have been worried that I might suddenly die before expressing my sincere wishes. How can my sincerity pale in comparison to that of Zengzi? I hope Your Majesty can take a moment to consider it!
If Your Majesty can correct past mistakes and create a great future, then Heaven will bless us, and people from all over will strive for righteousness. Auspicious signs will appear, the stars will shine favorably, and we will surpass the achievements of the Three Kings and Five Emperors, instead of merely clinging to our ancestors' legacy and maintaining the status quo.
After reading the memorial, the Emperor said to the officials in charge of handling documents, "Look at this memorial from Long, it really makes me anxious!" Long was seriously ill and could only dictate the memorial, which reads:
"Zengzi fell ill, and Meng Jingzi inquired about his condition. Zengzi said, 'When a bird is about to die, its song is mournful; when a person is about to die, their words are good.'" I am currently very ill, my condition is worsening day by day, and I have been worried that I might suddenly pass away before expressing all my thoughts. My loyalty pales in comparison to Zengzi's! I hope Your Majesty can take a look at my memorial!
If Your Majesty can correct some past mistakes and robustly advance the nation, then Heaven will surely bless us, and people from all over will look up to our benevolence and righteousness. Treasures and auspicious signs will appear, the heavens will smile upon us, and we will be able to surpass the achievements of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, instead of merely clinging to our ancestors' legacy.
I often feel that those who become emperors all desire to emulate the golden ages of Yao, Shun, Tang, and Wu, but end up following the path of Jie, Zhou, and Li. They mock the incompetent rulers who led their countries to ruin, yet they do not learn from the governance of Yu, Xia, Yin, and Zhou. Alas! By following their ways, they are looking for fish in a tree, trying to warm ice by the fire; it is clearly impossible to achieve the results they want!
Think about it, the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties managed to rule the realm because of the succession of sages that lasted for hundreds of years. Every inch of land was under their jurisdiction, and every individual was their subject. The world was peaceful, and the country was stable. The gold on Deer Terrace and the food on the Grand Bridge were abundant, yet they still sat comfortably in the court. What's going on here? However, figures like Xia Jie and Shang Zhou relied on brute force, only knowing how to reject advice from others and hide their faults. They favored flattery, liked to build grand palaces, and were enamored with extravagance. They enjoyed listening to jesters and clowns and indulged in pleasure. When heaven could no longer tolerate their actions, they were punished; the country turned into ruins, the people became slaves, the capital of King Zhou of Shang fell, and the army of King Xia Jie scattered. The emperors like Tang and Wu also had faults; are they not human? They are all descendants of wise rulers!
Let's talk about the Warring States period. The realm was prosperous and powerful. After Qin unified the country, instead of adhering to the principles of wise kings, they built the extravagant Qin Palace, erected the Great Wall, boasting about the strength of the Central Plains, and conquering the barbarians, which shook the world. They believed their foundation was solid and their country secure, but they perished in the second generation; the country was destroyed.
Look at Emperor Wu of Han. He inherited the successes of the Wen and Jing eras, fought against the Xiongnu, and promoted infrastructure development. Within a decade, the country was prosperous. But he believed in sorcerers and blamed fate, building the grand Jianzhang Palace with countless gates, which led to Jiang Chong's deceitful words misleading the public, causing chaos in the court, with father and son fighting each other, bringing calamity upon future generations; the disaster lasted for several generations.
During the Huang Chao period, I saw ominous signs from the heavens: strange birds appeared that grew up in swallows' nests, with red beaks, claws, and chests. This is a significant omen for the Wei family! We should be wary of ambitious ministers, like eagles, stirring up trouble in the court. We can choose the princes to guard the country and manage the army, thus stabilizing the capital and reinforcing royal authority. In the past, during the Zhou Dynasty's eastward migration, they relied on the Jin and Zheng states; during the Han Dynasty when Empress Lü held power, the country was stabilized thanks to Marquis Zhu Xu. These serve as lessons from previous dynasties! The heavens do not favor anyone; only virtue can receive blessings from the heavens. When the common people praise your good policies, your rule can endure; if the common people complain, your rule is in danger. Therefore, the realm belongs to the people, not solely to Your Majesty! As my health deteriorates, I can only ride home in a carriage. If I die, even if my spirit knows, I will be eternally grateful and repay the emperor's kindness with tears.
The Emperor decreed: "You, as honest and upright as Boyi, and incorruptible like Shiyu, resolute in mind, never flattering, why did you return home for such a minor ailment? Great Yu, who upheld his principles, continued to govern flood control even while gravely ill. You should eat well and take care of your health!" After Long's death, he left a will requesting a simple burial, wearing ordinary clothes for the funeral.
During the Taihe period, Central Guard Jiang Ji submitted a memorial saying, "We should hold the Fengshan ceremony according to ancient rituals." Upon hearing Jiang Ji's words, I broke out in a cold sweat from fear! This matter was shelved for several years before a decision was made to proceed, with Wang Su tasked with designing the ceremony. Upon hearing of Wang Su's death, the Emperor sighed, "Heaven does not wish for me to complete this task; Gao Tangsheng (referring to Wang Su) has departed!" His son, Wang Chen, inherited his title.
At first, Emperor Jing felt that the old scholars in the court, like Su Lin and Qin Jing, were aging, and he worried that there would be no one to carry on their legacy and pass down the teachings of Confucianism. So he issued an edict saying, "After the passing of the sage in the past, their teachings were recorded in the Six Arts. Among the classics of the Six Arts, rites and music are the most important and must not be neglected for a moment! Nowadays, moral standards have declined, drifting far from their roots for a long time. Therefore, Min Zi criticized Yuan Bo for his lack of study, and Xun Qing rebuked the Qin Dynasty for killing Confucian scholars. If Confucianism is abandoned, how can education thrive? The esteemed scholars in the court are all aging; who will carry on their teachings and educate future generations? In the past, when Fu Sheng grew old, Emperor Wen of Han appointed Chao Cuo as his successor; when the Gu Liang school was declining, Emperor Xuan let Shi Lang inherit. Now, appoint thirty talented officials and bureaucrats who can interpret the classics to study under Grand Master Su Long, Privy Councilor Su Lin, and Scholar Qin Jing, learning the Four Books and Three Rites. Relevant departments should develop detailed evaluation criteria. Xiahou Sheng once remarked, 'A scholar's greatest flaw is their lack of understanding of the classics. As long as you master the classics, achieving high positions and rewards will be as easy as picking up grass from the ground.' Now, as long as you can deeply study the classics, titles, salaries, honors, and favor will come naturally. Shouldn't you strive for it?"
After a few years, Su Long and others passed away, and the enthusiasm for studying the classics waned.
Initially, when Ren Zhanqian from Rencheng was the county magistrate, he was responsible for defending Ye City. At that time, Emperor Wen was still known as the Crown Prince and he particularly enjoyed hunting, setting out every morning and not coming back until night. Zhanqian cautioned him, "Nobles and ministers ought to establish defenses to fortify the nation. The capital's defenses are meant to guard against unforeseen events. As the Book of Songs states, 'The heir is like a city wall; do not allow it to crumble.' It further states, 'The situation has not yet become irreparable, so timely counsel should be offered.' If you become consumed by hunting, setting out in the morning and returning at night for the thrill of the hunt, while overlooking the potential dangers, I am genuinely concerned." The Crown Prince was rather displeased at the time, but he subsequently reduced his hunting activities significantly.
During the early years of Emperor Wen's reign, he wanted to elevate Lady Guo Gui to the position of empress. Zhan Qian advised against this, and his specific arguments are documented in the "Biographies of Imperial Consorts." During the reign of Emperor Ming, there was extensive construction, and many relatives were sidelined. Zhan Qian wrote again, saying: "Heaven created the people and allowed them to support the monarch in order to protect the people and educate the masses. Therefore, governing the world is not for the benefit of the emperor alone, and granting land is not for the vassals themselves. From the Three Sovereigns to Tang, Yao, Yu, and Shun, they all regarded the people as the most important, influencing them with noble virtues, and the people relied on them. After the Three Sovereigns, during the Han Dynasty, the governance of the country declined, leading to an increase in wars. Since then, no dynasty has been able to govern the world well. The founding emperor was wise and martial, eradicating chaos, restoring royal rule, and founding the empire. Emperor Wen inherited the mandate of heaven, expanded the royal foundation, and ruled for seven years without being able to handle everything. Your Majesty is wise and should prioritize peace to allow the people to recuperate. But now the border is unstable, there are military expeditions and overseas wars, flags are planted far and wide, the army is restless, and land and water transport are disrupted, causing the people to abandon their homes and spend huge sums of money every day. The scale of palace construction is immense; countless pine trees have been felled, valleys excavated, and strange stones transported from the Huai and Yellow Rivers have been turned into stone quarries to supply building materials. Yet these places have been transformed into royal gardens, with dense forests and abundant deer and rabbits. Agricultural production has been severely disrupted, the land is overgrown with weeds, disasters are rampant, the people suffer heavy losses, and the auspicious signs from heaven have diminished, causing crops not to grow. I have heard that King Wen built Fengyi without haste at the beginning, and the people all came to help, completing it in a few days. Lingzhao and Lingyou were also shared with the people. Now the palaces are luxurious, the carvings exquisite, forgetting the thrift of Yu and Shun, while still thinking of King Zhou of Shang's Qiongshi, with forbidden areas thousands of miles away and nets set for hunting everywhere. The extravagance rivals that of the A Fang Palace, consuming countless manpower and resources. I fear that the people's strength will be depleted, leaving them unable to endure. Previously, the Qin State controlled the world by occupying the Hangu Pass, considering their virtues superior to the Three Sovereigns and their achievements greater than the Five Emperors, wanting their title to be passed down for generations. However, the Second Emperor was destroyed. The desire to become a commoner is akin to uprooting a tree, causing its branches to wither.
A wise monarch governing the realm should elevate talented individuals and befriend those with merits; when talented individuals hold official positions, they can achieve great things. Sharing joys and hardships with loyal companions can secure stability in the realm; with a strong foundation and support both inside and out, one can weather the ups and downs. When King Cheng was young and unable to rule personally, the Duke of Zhou, Duke of Lu, Duke of Shao, and Duke of Bi all assisted him; now the candidates for feudal lords today lack the talent of the Duke of Zhou and Duke of Shao. The crown prince has not yet been established, and there is no heir to the throne. I hope Your Majesty pays attention to the borders and keeps lasting peace, so that the realm will prosper." Later, he served as the Commandant of Yanzhong, resigned due to illness, and eventually passed away.
People evaluate Xin Pi and Yang Fu, noting their integrity, courage, and willingness to speak out, comparable to the noble character of Ji An! "Ah, the noble character of Ji An!" Gaotang Long, who is both knowledgeable and virtuous, is eager to assist the monarch, offers timely advice in challenging situations, and speaks earnestly and sincerely—truly a loyal minister! "With the aim of rectifying the monarch, presenting advice in response to changes, expressing sincerity, truly loyal!" However, he later insisted on reforming the calendar, which led to chaos in the ancestral rites of the Wei ancestors, likely because he was "thinking too far ahead"! "By the time the calendar was reformed, the confusion surrounding the sacrifices to the Wei ancestors was deemed excessive!"
