So the story goes, King Wu defeated King Zhou of Shang and moved the Nine Tripods to Luoyi. Boyi and Shuqi weren't happy about this and thought King Wu was unjust, so they ran to Shouyang Mountain and starved themselves to death, refusing to eat the food of the Zhou dynasty. Despite this, the Zhou dynasty still praised their upright character! Confucius especially admired these two men, saying they "did not lower their aspirations, did not disgrace themselves," truly men of unwavering integrity! Mencius also said: "Anyone who hears Boyi's story will be inspired to greater honesty, and the weak will find the strength to pursue their goals"; "Their spirit has inspired people for centuries to come, and even hundreds of years later, people are still motivated by them, which is not something ordinary people can achieve!"
After the establishment of the Han dynasty, there were four hermits—Yuan Gong, Qi Liji, Xia Huang Gong, and Jiaoli Xiansheng. During the Qin dynasty, they fled to the deep mountains of Shangluo to avoid the chaos of war, waiting for the country to settle down. Later, Liu Bang heard about the deeds of these four recluses and extended a very polite invitation to invite them out of the mountains. But none of them went. Later, Empress Lü heard Zhang Liang's plan and had the crown prince personally bring gifts and respectfully welcome them. The four recluses then came to Chang'an, first paying respects to the crown prince, and Liu Bang personally received them with great respect. The crown prince felt very reassured because of the support of these four recluses. This incident is recorded in "The Record of Lord Chang."
Long ago, there lived a man named Zheng Zizhen in a valley, and in Shu, there was Yan Junping. They both cultivated their character, kept themselves clean, and resolutely refused to eat things that did not please them or take official positions that did not suit them. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of Han, the powerful general Wang Feng courteously invited Zheng Zizhen to serve, but Zheng Zizhen remained steadfast in his refusal, ultimately choosing a life of seclusion.
Yan Junping was a fortune teller in the city of Chengdu. He says, "Although fortune-telling is a humble profession, it can help many people. If someone asked me to do something crooked, I'd use yarrow stalks and turtle shells to see if it would work out. When speaking to young people, I advise them to be filial; when speaking to younger brothers, I advise them to be obedient; when speaking to officials, I advise them to be loyal. In short, I'd steer 'em right, you know? More than half took my advice." He only saw a few clients a day, and a hundred coins was enough to get by. He locks the money in a cabinet, then closes the curtain and begins studying the Tao Te Ching. He was a scholar, and he wrote over a hundred thousand words based on the ideas of Laozi and Yan Zhou.
Yang Xiong followed him in his youth and later became an official in the capital, who was really well-known. He often praised Yan Junping's character in court. Li Susu from Duling had a good relationship with Yang Xiong. Later, he became the governor of Yizhou and happily said to Yang Xiong, "I finally met Yan Junping!" Yang Xiong said, "Although you respectfully visited him, he's easy enough to find, but hard to convince." Li Susu was not convinced and thought he could do it. So Li Susu goes all out, puts on a big show, visits Yan Junping, but Yan Junping still wouldn't do him any favors. Li Susu then sighed, "Man, Yang Ziyun really knew people!" Yan Junping lived to be over ninety years old, dying peacefully in his sleep. The people of Shu admired him and still praise him to this day.
Later, Yang Xiong wrote an essay criticizing the scholars of that time and also mentioned these two individuals. His argument was as follows: "Someone asked me: If a gentleman is worried that his reputation will not be prominent after death, why not flatter those nobles? I said: A gentleman's virtue and reputation are natural. The rulers of Liang, Qi, Chu, and Zhao were wealthy and powerful, yet they left no good name behind. Zheng Zizhen, living a simple life in the valley, toiled the rocky fields, yet his fame reached the capital. Do we really need to flatter those in power? The two Gong gentlemen of Chu, honest and upright, are such exemplary men! Even the ancient recluses Xu You and Boyi, how could they surpass them? By using these two people as examples, is it not worth cherishing?"
Yuan Gong, Qili Ji, Xia Huang Gong, Jiaoli Xiansheng, Zheng Zizhen, and Yan Junping never held office, yet their noble character inspires us. They were ancient recluses. Wang Ji, Gong Yu, and the two Gong gentlemen all showed great humility in court.
Wang Ji, styled Ziyang, was from Langya Gaoyu. He loved studying from a young age, was proficient in Confucian classics, and became a Lang official through the county officials' recommendation for his filial piety. He was later appointed as the Right Cheng of Luolu County and then promoted to be the magistrate of Yunyang County. He was recommended as a virtuous man and appointed as the Changyi Wei. However, this Wang Ji especially enjoyed hunting, often traveling all over the country, and his conduct was far from exemplary. Wang Ji wrote a letter advising him, saying:
I heard that ancient teachers only walked thirty miles a day, but you walk fifty. The *Shi Jing* says, "It's not the fierce wind, nor the swift chariot, but the endless road that fills me with worry." This reflects the speed of travel is unprecedented, reflecting the ruler's anxieties. Now, Your Majesty, when you go out to play, you cover two hundred miles in half a day, causing the people to delay farming and raising silkworms, while they are busy repairing roads and leading horses. This constant disruption is unacceptable. In the past, the Duke of Zhou handled government affairs and dealt with people's issues under the Tang tree. At that time, everyone lived in harmony and contentment, and people still remember his benevolence. Even the Tang tree was not cut down, and the poem "Gan Tang" came from this.
Your Majesty, you shun study for endless pleasure. You drive relentlessly, your voice hoarse, your hands aching, your body weary. In the morning, you face the mist and dew, covered in dust during the day, roasted by the scorching heat in summer, and invaded by the cold wind in winter. This relentless pace is neither good for your health nor your reputation.
Picture this: under a spacious house, sitting in comfortable seats, a wise teacher is explaining in front while students attentively study behind. They are learning about the virtues of sages from the time of Yao and Shun to the Zhou dynasty, as well as the principles of governing a country. Everyone is focused, working themselves to the bone, constantly improving their moral cultivation. Can the joy of this be compared to driving a carriage? During breaks, they stretch their bodies and minds, rejuvenate themselves, and nurture their well-being—this is how longevity is achieved! If you, the king, can pay attention to these things, you will have the ambition of Yao and Shun in your heart, your body will be as long-lived as the legendary Qiao Song pine tree, your good reputation will spread, and blessings will naturally increase, leading to a peaceful and stable country.
The emperor regards you with benevolence and wisdom, always remembering you, and even now has not enjoyed the pleasure of hunting in the palace. You should think about this day and night to align with the emperor's wishes. The nobles are your closest kin; there is no one closer to them than you. You are both a brother and a monarch to them, juggling two roles. If there is any lack of love and righteousness, tell the emperor, as it will not be a blessing for the country. I'm just a simple guy, and maybe I'm not saying this right, but I hope the king can understand my meaning.
Although Wang He wasn't exactly playing by the rules, he still knew to respect etiquette and good fortune. So he ordered, "I haven't done well; there has inevitably been some negligence. Hey, Lieutenant, you've been a real lifesaver; you've corrected my mistakes many times. Let the envoy reward the lieutenant with a whole lot of beef, wine, and jerky." Afterwards, he allowed him to come and go freely. I've done my best to advise him, fulfilling my duty as a minister. Although I have not governed the people, I think I've earned their respect.
Much later, Emperor Zhao died childless. The Grand General Huo Guang took control and sent the Imperial Herald and Minister of the Imperial Clan to welcome Prince Changyi. I urgently advised Prince Changyi in a memorial: "I heard that Emperor Gaozong did not speak for three years due to excessive grief. Now that you have been summoned for the funeral, you should grieve constantly, and do nothing else. Not only for the funeral, but for any monarch facing south, what should they say? Even Heaven remains silent, yet the seasons turn and life flourishes. Understand this, Your Highness. Grand General Huo Guang, renowned for his wisdom, loyalty, and unwavering service to the late Emperor, served Emperor Xiaowu for more than twenty years without fault. Before his passing, the late Emperor entrusted the world to his ministers and the young emperor to them. The Grand General held the young emperor, managed affairs, taught the people, and brought peace to the world. Even Duke Zhou and Yi Yin cannot compare to him. Now that the emperor has passed away without a successor, the Grand General only seeks to find someone to continue the ancestral temple, which is why he supported you. His benevolent heart is immeasurable! I hope you respect him and listen to him in all matters; let the empire govern itself. Remember these words."
After Prince Changyi arrived, he abandoned himself to pleasure and was deposed after just over twenty days on the throne. The officials of Changyi failed to report his crimes, leaving the Han Dynasty in the dark. They also did not assist him on the right path, but instead allowed his misconduct, resulting in their imprisonment and execution. Only I and the Chief Minister Gong Sui were spared from death due to our loyalty and integrity, but we were only punished by having our heads shaved and subjected to hard labor.
After my humble beginnings, I became the governor of Yizhou, but later resigned due to illness. I was then summoned to serve as an Imperial Scholar and an Adviser. At that time, Emperor Xuan followed the example of Emperor Wu, making the palaces, carriages, and clothing even more luxurious than during the reign of Emperor Zhao. The Xu, Shi, and Wang clans held significant power, and although the emperor personally managed state affairs, he also appointed capable officials. I wrote a memorial stating the advantages and disadvantages, saying:
"Your Majesty, you are wise and virtuous, ruling over the world. The imperial classics are laid before you every day, and you are wholeheartedly dedicated to governing the country, wanting to prosper and bring peace. When your decrees are issued, the people are elated. While I appreciate this great benevolence, it's not the foundation of good governance.
It is rare to find a monarch who governs a country well. We ministers are lucky to serve under your wise rule, and your opinions are all accepted. However, we haven't yet established a long-term strategy, nor have we achieved the successes of the wise emperors of ancient times. Their work mainly involves paperwork and legal wrangling, far from the true foundation of a prosperous era.
I have heard that a wise monarch promotes education, starting with those around them. If the court is not perfect internally, governance is difficult to discuss; if those close are not righteous, it is difficult to educate the distant people. The common people are weak and easily manipulated. A wise monarch living alone in the deep palace, if acting correctly, will be praised by all; if acting wrongly, will be criticized by all. Actions start from nearby and inevitably affect those far away, so it is essential to carefully choose those around you and select those to be sent out. Those close are to correct their own behavior, while those sent out are to promote education. As the *Book of Songs* wisely states, a ruler's success depends on the ability of his ministers; only then can peace and prosperity be achieved. This is the foundation!"
"The Spring and Autumn Annals achieved great unification because everyone shared the same customs, and the nine provinces were united. Nowadays, local officials govern the people, but there is no consistent set of rituals and social norms; they only rely on the law to control them. Those who want to govern the country do not know where to start, interpreting the laws to suit themselves and playing political games. This leads to customs varying wildly across the land, every household follows different rules, and clothing styles vary widely. Fraud and corruption are rampant; punishments become more severe, simplicity and honesty gradually disappear, and love becomes more and more indifferent. Confucius said, 'To govern the people well, nothing beats ritual,' and he was right! Before Your Majesty establishes new laws and rituals, he should refer to the appropriate rituals of the former kings. I hope Your Majesty can follow the will of heaven, create a great cause, restore ancient rites, clarify the imperial system, and lead the people to a long and prosperous life filled with virtue. Then our customs and prosperity will rival those of the reigns of Cheng Tang and King Kang, and our lifespans will match those of Emperor Gaozong! I believe some current practices are morally wrong, and I have detailed them in this memorial for your consideration. May Your Majesty reflect upon these matters."
Wang Ji believes that a strong family is the foundation of a strong society, affecting the rise and fall of descendants. These days, people marry too early, with kids dying young left and right because nobody's teaching 'em right. Nobody's following the rules of marriage anymore, so poor folks can't find wives and end up not having kids. Back in the Han Dynasty, marquises married princesses and feudal lords married kings' daughters, leading to husbands being henpecked and women running the show, messing up the natural order of things. In ancient times, clothing, carriages, and horses were clearly distinguished according to social hierarchy, used to honor virtuous individuals and differentiate between the noble and the lowly. Nowadays, no one's got any respect for anyone else, and everyone's just doing their own thing, leading to greed and disregard for death. The Zhou dynasty kept things running smoothly because they nipped evil in the bud.
He also mentioned that rulers like Shun and Tang didn't use the traditional system of Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, but instead employed individuals like Gao Yao and Yi Yin, keeping those lacking virtue at a distance. These days, it's all about who you know, not what you know. And the guys in charge? They're arrogant and clueless. Even if they achieve success and govern the people, it doesn't benefit the common folk, as expressed in the poem "Fa Tan." We need to pick the best people for the job, not just the emperor's cousins. Relatives and friends can provide financial assistance, but shouldn't be allowed to hold official positions. Cut back on the fancy stuff, and the country will run better. In ancient times, craftsmen didn't create elaborate objects and merchants didn't pursue luxury, not because they were virtuous themselves, but because of the political environment at the time. People will straighten up and fly right if they see the government living frugally. Then everything else will fall into place. The emperor thought Wang Ji was a fuddy-duddy and dismissed his ideas. So Wang Ji faked sick and went home to Langya.
When Wang Ji was young, he studied in Chang'an. There was a large jujube tree in the courtyard of his eastern neighbor, and the branches hung down into Wang Ji's courtyard. Wang Ji's wife picked jujubes for him to eat, which Wang Ji later found out about and left her. When the eastern neighbor heard about this, they wanted to cut down the jujube tree, but the neighbors together stopped them and strongly urged Wang Ji to take his wife back. A folksong went, "The eastern neighbor has a tree, Wang Yang left his wife; the jujubes in the neighbor's house are good, and the wife came back." That shows his resolve!
Wang Ji and Gong Yu were friends, and people praised them, saying, "When Wang Yang holds office in the court, Gong Gong puts on his hat," meaning that they both held similar standards of conduct. When Emperor Yuan had just ascended the throne, he sent messengers to summon Gong Yu and Wang Ji. Wang Ji, who was old, died en route, and the emperor was very sorry, so he sent messengers to pay their respects and perform rites.
At first, Xue Ji knew the Five Classics inside and out and could explain the "Spring and Autumn Annals" to Zou Shi. When teaching, he liked to use the "Book of Songs" and the "Analects," and he especially enjoyed Liang Qiuhe explaining the "Book of Changes," so he had his son Xue Jun learn with him. Xue Jun was known for his filial piety and integrity and became a lang official (a junior official). Later, the Left Cao Chen Xian recommended Xue Jun and his father, saying that they were both virtuous and talented and should be promoted to set a good example. The Guanglu Xun Kuang Heng also believed that Xue Jun had a strong ability to respond. So Xue Jun was promoted to the position of Advisor (to the court), and was sent to rebuke the Prince of Huaiyang. He was later promoted to the position of Interior Minister of Zhao. Because Xue Ji had warned his descendants not to serve as officials in the vassal states (for his involvement in the Prince Changyi affair), Xue Jun pleaded illness to resign and return home.
Later, he was appointed as the Governor of Youzhou, then promoted to Chief Inspector of Officials. He recommended the dismissal of Prime Minister Kuang Heng and was then promoted to Minister of the Imperial Household, serving for eight years. Emperor Cheng wanted to reappoint him, so he was sent to be the Prefect of Jingzhao to see how he performed. Before him, there were top-notch officials like Zhao Guanghan, Zhang Chang, Wang Zun, and Wang Zhang in the position of Prefect of Jingzhao, and until Xue Jun, all were exceptionally talented, so people in the capital used to talk about the great Zhao Guanghan and Zhang Chang, and then there were the three Wangs (Wang Zun, Wang Zhang, Xue Jun). Xue Xuan succeeded Xue Jun as Minister of the Imperial Household from the position of Left Fengyi (a regional administrative position). At this time, the position of Censor-in-chief was vacant, and Gu Yong reported: "A smart ruler doesn't just go by reputation; they look at results. Promoting people based on their achievements is the right way to do things, and Xue Xuan's record speaks for itself." The emperor agreed with his opinion. Xue Xuan had been Minister of the Imperial Household for less than a month when he was promoted to Censor-in-chief, and then to Prime Minister. Xue Jun then succeeded Xue Xuan as Censor-in-chief, both at the top of their game. After six years in office, Xue Jun died of illness, and Zhai Fangjin succeeded him as Censor-in-chief. Several months later, Xue Xuan was dismissed, and Zhai Fangjin then succeeded him as Prime Minister. People felt Xue Jun deserved a title and believed it was a shame he didn't get one. When Xue Jun's wife passed away while he was Minister of the Imperial Household, he never remarried. When asked why, Xue Jun said: "My virtue cannot compare to Zeng Can, and my sons cannot compare to Hua Yuan and Zeng Yuan. I don't feel worthy."
Junzi Chong's dad was an official of the court, and he followed in his dad's footsteps, rising through the ranks. He served as a regional governor and county magistrate, with a stellar record and a great reputation. In the third year of Jianping, he was summoned to the capital by the court to serve as the Grand Master of the Imperial Sacrifices after performing exceptionally well as the governor of Henan for several months. At that time, the widow of the Marquis of Anchengong, who was Emperor Chengdi's uncle, lived with Emperor Chengdi in the Changxin Palace. She was jailed for allegedly cursing the Emperor. Junzi Chong wrote a petition to defend her. This widow's maiden name was Xie, and she was related to Junzi Chong's family. Emperor Ai thought Junzi Chong was being disloyal and wrote him a letter, saying, "Look, I gave you a break because of your family's history, but since you’ve been in office, there’s been no sign of loyalty to the country. Instead, you used deceptive means to save your family relative, and that’s downright treasonous! You’ve acted arrogantly and disregarded the law, setting a bad example for all officials!" Junzi Chong was then demoted and appointed as the Grand Minister of Agriculture, later being transferred to positions such as Commander of the Imperial Guard and Left General.
After Emperor Ping ascended to the throne, Wang Mang took power. The Minister of Works, Peng Xuan, requested retirement, and his son Chong took over as the Minister of Works and was also appointed as the Marquis of Fuping. More than a year later, Chong also requested retirement due to illness, but he was really trying to avoid Wang Mang. Wang Mang allowed him to return to his hometown. A year later, Chong was poisoned to death by a maid in his house, and his title was also revoked. Since Chong's grandfather's generation, their family has been known for their integrity. However, Chong's talent and reputation were slightly inferior to his father's, but his official position was higher. They appreciated fine clothes and horses and lived a luxurious life, but they did not have luxury items like gold, silver, or jewelry at home. When they moved, they only brought a few pieces of clothing, without ever accumulating wealth. After retiring and returning home, they wore coarse clothes and ate simple meals. People admired his honesty but also thought his lifestyle was too extravagant, which led to the saying, "Wang Yang could turn lead into gold," circulating among the people.
Gong Yu, with the courtesy name Shaoweng, was from Langya. He was renowned for his learning and integrity and was summoned by the court to serve as a scholar and the Inspector of Liangzhou. Later, he resigned from his post due to illness. He was recommended as a virtuous man and became the Magistrate of Henan. Over a year later, he was criticized by officials in the prefecture for his work, so he simply took off his hat, resigned, and said, "Once you've resigned, that's it!" He then completely resigned from his position.
When Emperor Yuan had just ascended to the throne, Gong Yu was summoned to be an advisor, and the emperor frequently sought his advice on government matters. At that time, the harvest was poor, and many regions suffered from famine. Gong Yu submitted a memorial saying:
Way back when, there were strict rules about the imperial palace, with a maximum of nine palace maids and eight horses. The palace walls were simply painted white, without any intricate carvings; the wooden furniture was plain, without any engravings; the carriages and utensils had no fancy decorations. The royal gardens were just a few dozen miles around and were shared with the common people! They picked the best and brightest, and taxes were just one-tenth of what they are now—there were no other taxes or forced labor! The common people only worked three days a year, and the whole area was self-sufficient, with everything they needed right there. Everyone lived a good life, happy and peaceful.
Later on, during the Han Dynasty, under Emperors Gaozu, Wen, and Jing, they all followed the frugal traditions of the past, with only a dozen palace maids and a hundred-odd horses. Emperor Wen wore simple clothes and leather shoes, nothing fancy. However, the later emperors began to indulge in extravagance, becoming increasingly excessive. Their officials did the same, with their clothing, shoes, and weapons being even more splendid than the emperor's. At temple ceremonies, everyone dressed alike—you couldn't tell the emperor from anyone else! That just wouldn't do! In reality, they themselves may not have felt that they were being overly extravagant, as Lu Zhaogong even asked, "What's so extravagant about what I do?"
Man, the current ministers are all usurping the power of the vassals, while the vassals are overstepping their authority regarding the emperor, and the emperor himself has gone against Heaven's will. This situation has been going on for a long time. To right this wrong and restore order, the responsibility lies entirely with Your Majesty! I think it’s difficult to completely follow the practices of ancient times; we need to loosen things up a bit, but not go overboard. As Confucius said in the Analects: "A true gentleman values thrift and lives by proper decorum." The palaces have already been built, so there’s no way to change that, but other expenses can be reduced. In the past, the funeral and sacrificial officials in the state of Qi only used ten boxes of items, but now? The officials in charge of these tasks in Qi require thousands of people for each task, costing millions of dollars each year! The treasury in Guanghan, Shu County, uses five million in gold and silver each year! The three government offices cost fifty million, and the weaving rooms are the same! The horses in the stables are fed enough to support an army! When I followed the Crown Prince to the Eastern Palace before, I saw the rewards given to the officials, all of which were lavish gold and silver trinkets that were not suitable rewards for officials at all! The Eastern Palace is burning through money. People are starving to death because of this! Now, people are dropping dead in the streets, their bodies left to rot, eaten by wild dogs and boars, or even worse, while the horses in the stables eat the best food and grow fat and strong. This is outrageous! The Emperor is supposed to be our father and mother, but look what's happening! This is just plain wrong!
During the reign of Emperor Wu, thousands of beautiful women were added to his harem. When he kicked the bucket, Emperor Zhao was still young, and Huo Guang took power, having no respect for rules and regulations, indiscriminately plundering gold, silver, and every kind of animal imaginable, from cattle to tigers, living or dead, all buried with him! Even the concubines of the harem were buried together! This was a real insult, going against nature, and definitely not something Emperor Wu would have approved of! After Emperor Zhao's death, Huo Guang did the same thing again. When Emperor Xiao Xuan came to power, although you were somewhat dissatisfied, the ministers just went along with it, which was a real shame! Therefore, this practice spread throughout the country, with way too many wives and mistresses for the noblemen, while wealthy officials and commoners kept dozens of courtesans. As a result, there were many resentful women in the palace and many lonely men outside. Commoners' funerals were bare above ground, but packed with grave goods below. These wrongdoings were passed down from the upper echelons of society, the sins of the ministers who stuck to tradition!
Sire, if you think about how frugal past rulers lived, you could greatly reduce the number of carriages, horses, clothing, and objects in the palace—at least by two-thirds! Duke Chan did this in his time, carefully inspecting the harem and keeping only twenty virtuous palace maids, sending the rest home. And those widows in the imperial tombs and gardens without sons—send them home. Only the population in the Duling Palace is relatively high, which truly evokes pity. We can cut down on the number of horses in the stables. Additionally, the parkland south of Chang'an City should be converted into farmland, and from the southwest of the city to the foothills to Huxian County, all should be restored as farmland and distributed to the poor for cultivation. We're in the middle of a famine. We can cut back on our spending to help the people. Isn't that what Heaven wants? The heavens gave birth to sages for the people of the world, not for the enjoyment of the sages themselves! Therefore, as the Book of Songs says, "Heaven's ways are mysterious; ruling is no easy task"; "Godspeed, Your Highness! Stay strong." Don't shirk your duty; this is the breadth of mind of a sage, which should refer to the heavens and the earth, emulate the ancients, and not be decided by consulting with ministers. If all we do is yes-man you, I, Yu, can't keep quiet about this.
Upon hearing my sincere advice, the Emperor was very pleased and ordered the chief steward to reduce the feed for the horses, the livestock manager to cut back on the meat for the livestock, to distribute a portion of the land in Yichun Park to the poor, and to cancel various recreational activities such as the wrestling matches (Jiaodi) and the system of three service officials from the State of Qi. Then, the Emperor promoted me to the position of high-ranking official.
Some time later, Yu wrote a letter to the emperor, saying, "Your Highness, I'm old and dirt poor. We're so poor, we don't even have ten thousand coins to our name. My wife and kids are always hungry, eating nothing but scraps, and our clothes are falling apart. I originally had 130 acres of land. You gave me this chance, so I sold off a hundred acres to get the proper transport! Now that I'm a censor, my salary's pretty good, with all the perks and allowances. I receive 800 stones a year, which amounts to 9,200 cash a month. I also get food from the imperial treasury, and I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me! You reward me with silk, cotton, clothing, meat, and various fruits throughout the year. When I fell ill, the imperial physician came to treat me. I wouldn't be here without your help. Later, I was promoted to Grand Master of Ceremonies, with an annual salary of 2,000 stones, which amounts to 12,000 cash a month. The more rewards you bestow upon me, the wealthier my family becomes and the higher my status rises. It's more than a commoner like me deserves! I don't know how to repay your kindness; it weighs on my conscience."
"I'm already eighty-one years old this year, I'm old and frail, my hearing's gone, and my eyesight's failing. I feel like I'm just taking up space and not pulling my weight. I've been away from my hometown for over three thousand miles, and my twelve-year-old son is all I have. I worry about him being left alone, without anyone to look after him. I'm truly worried that if I suddenly die one day, I don't want to die out here alone and unburied. Therefore, I dare to request your permission to resign and return to my hometown, so I can go home and die peacefully."
The emperor replied, "I hold you in high regard because you are honest like Boyi and upright like Shiyu. You're incorruptible and loyal to the people. This is rare in today's society, which is why I have approached you and involved you in state affairs. I barely know your thoughts, and you are already thinking of retiring. What's eating you? How are you different from the officials in court? I even had Jin Chang talk to you before, wanting to secure a good future for your son during your term. I have made it clear to you, and now you say your son is young. With the Emperor's protection, a hundred sons would be no problem! Forget about your hometown already! You should eat well and take care of yourself!"
A month later, the emperor appointed Yu as Changxin Shao Fu. Upon the death of Grand Secretary Chen Wannian, Yu took over his position and was ranked among the top officials.
During Yu's administration, he often submitted memorials discussing the gains and losses of the country, writing dozens of them. His memorials stated that in ancient times, the common people did not have the burden of taxes and currency. However, since Emperor Wu of Han waged wars against various barbarians, the burden of taxes on the common people has increased. Children as young as three years old have to start paying taxes, making life extremely difficult for the common people, leading to infanticide. This is truly heart-wrenching! He proposed that taxes only begin at age seven, and formal taxation at twenty.
He also said that in ancient times, there was no need for money; everyone were primarily farmers, so even if someone did not farm, there would always be others to support him. Now in the Han Dynasty, with the minting of coins and various government-run ironworks, a large number of officials and craftsmen have been appointed. Extensive mining, extending hundreds of feet deep, has depleted the land, requiring the labor of over one hundred thousand people per year, with each farmer having to support seven others, which means seven hundred thousand people are constantly starving. Deep mining has disrupted the land's natural balance, leaving it empty and unable to nourish all things, leading to erratic weather patterns; indiscriminate logging without control may likely cause droughts and floods. Since the circulation of the Wu Zhu coin more than seventy years ago, many have been punished for privately minting coins, and the rich amassed fortunes yet remained insatiable. The hearts of the people are wavering, merchants seek profit, using various means across all regions to pursue luxurious living, making twelve times the profit in a year without paying taxes. Farmers and their sons toiled in the fields, enduring harsh conditions and developing calloused hands, paying grain taxes and other taxes, facing layers of official exploitation; they cannot afford it. Therefore, the common people have abandoned agriculture to pursue other pursuits, with less than half of the population engaged in farming. Even if the government distributes land to the poor, they sell it cheaply to engage in commerce, and the impoverished resorted to theft. Why? Because the profits in commerce are huge; people were obsessed with wealth. Therefore, the wicked cannot be restrained; the root cause lies in money! Addressing the symptoms, not the cause, we should stop mining pearls, jade, gold, and silver, stop minting coins, and no longer use coins as a medium of exchange. Buying and selling coins in the market should be prohibited, and the tax system on coins should be abolished. Taxes, salaries, and rewards should all be paid in cloth, silk, and food, allowing the common people to return to agriculture and restore the ancient system. Let's scrap the whole money system, go back to bartering with cloth and grain, and get everyone back to farming. That's how it was in the good old days, and that's how it should be again.
He also said that the guards of the Imperial Palace and Chang Le Palace could be reduced by half to lessen their burden. There are also over a hundred thousand palace servants who are idle and rely on taxes collected from the common people for their support. Their upkeep costs five to six million qian annually. They should be freed and given rations. They could then replace the eastern border troops, patrolling the northern frontier.
The Emperor also wanted high-ranking officials, including close attendants above the Privy Councilor, to be allowed to engage in private trade if their families were ruined, even competing with commoners. Violators would be dismissed and stripped of their titles, permanently barred from office. Da Yu went on:
During the reign of Emperor Xiaowen, he championed honesty and despised corruption. Merchants, men who married into wealth, and officials guilty of corruption were all prohibited from holding office. Rewards and punishments were clear, not biased towards relatives. Those who deserved death were executed, and those with doubts were handed over to the people for judgment. There was no way to buy forgiveness, so things ran smoothly, and social customs changed greatly. There were only over four hundred cases nationwide, about the same as in the old days. Emperor Wu, at the beginning of his reign, valued talent and used capable individuals, expanding the borders by thousands of miles. He felt he had made great contributions and was awe-inspiring, but later became obsessed with pleasure. When the country's expenses were insufficient, they started making changes, allowing criminals to buy forgiveness. Even those in prison could become officials. As a result, everyone was living the high life, the government was chaotic, the people were poor, there were tons of people on the run, and many fugitives existed. Each county feared execution and selected slick accountants who could fool their bosses for important positions. Corrupt officials gained power and chose brutal guys who could walk all over people for key roles, using cruel methods to subdue them and elevate their status. So, rich guys who didn't have a moral bone in their bodies were the big shots, those who deceived but wrote well were respected in the court, and those disobedient but brave were honored in the government. Therefore, the common people said, "Why bother being good to your brothers? Money's the key. Why be honest? Good writing gets you a job. Why be careful? Being tough is all it takes." Thus, those with tattoos, nose cuts, shaved heads, and shackles could still show off in society, acting like they owned the place, rich and influential at home, bossy and domineering. That's what they called talent! Getting rich in office made you a hero, while doing wrong for profit made you a warrior. Brothers advised brothers, fathers encouraged sons, and society went completely downhill. It all came down to letting people buy their way out of trouble, picking the wrong people for jobs, and the government being more interested in money than justice.
To bring about a prosperous era and achieve a peaceful society, amnesty laws should be abolished. Those in power should select talent based on actual abilities, and if someone commits a wrongdoing, they should be severely punished, not just dismissed from office. That would encourage everyone to do right, uphold filial piety, disdain dishonest merchants, promote truly capable individuals, select honest people, and bring peace to the world. Confucius was just an ordinary person who, by joyfully following principles and rectifying himself, influenced every ruler under Heaven. Moreover, with the vast territory of the Han Dynasty, your virtues, your revered position in the south, and the power of ten thousand chariots at your disposal, you can change the customs of the times, harmonize yin and yang, mold all things, and educate the world effortlessly. For nearly a thousand years since King Cheng and King Kang, many have tried to govern the world, but a prosperous era has not risen again. Why is this? Because they abandoned laws, followed their whims, lived in luxury and debauchery, while benevolence, righteousness, and morality were neglected.
If Your Majesty can earnestly consider the hardships of the founding emperor and emulate the governance strategies of Emperor Taizong, first rectify yourself, then govern the world, select talented individuals to assist you, promote loyal and upright individuals, punish treacherous officials, expel flatterers, pardon women imprisoned in mausoleums, stop promoting sensual dances, eliminate decadent music, remove ostentatious tents and discard superficial things, champion thrift, and encourage the people to return to agriculture, then you can be on par with the Three Sovereigns and catch up with the Five Emperors. If Your Majesty does this, the people will be blessed.
The emperor accepted his suggestion and ordered that the common people only need to pay taxes after their children reach the age of seven. He also ordered the abolition of the palaces in Shanglin Park and the dismissal of their staff, reduced the guards in Jianzhang Palace and Ganquan Palace, and cut the number of guards at the temples of the princes by half. Although other suggestions were not fully accepted, I appreciate his honest intentions. Yu submitted another memorial, wanting to abolish the temples of the counties and establish a system of periodically demolishing the ancestral temples of the Han Dynasty, but these were not implemented.
He served as the Imperial Censor for only a few months before passing away. The emperor rewarded him with a million cash and appointed his son as a court official, who eventually rose to the rank of Commandant of Dong Commandery. After Yu's death, the emperor recalled his suggestions and ultimately issued a decree to abolish the temples of the counties and establish the system of periodic demolitions. However, some scholars knowledgeable in Confucianism opposed this, and this incident is recorded in the "Biography of Wei Xuancheng."
Both Gong brothers were from the state of Chu, with Gong Sheng known as Junbin and Gong She as Junqian. These two were inseparable, both known for their upstanding character, so they were referred to as the two Gongs of Chu. They both loved studying when they were young and were proficient in the classics, with Sheng having served as a county official while She did not hold any official position.
After a long time, the King of Chu heard of Gong She's high reputation and appointed him as a courtier by his side. Gong She had no choice but to follow the King of Chu back to his country, but as soon as he returned, he resigned, stating that he wanted to continue studying, and went back to Chang'an. Meanwhile, Wang Sheng became a minor official in the county, being recommended three times as a model official. Because people from the kingdom were not allowed to serve as guards or officials in the capital at that time, he successively served as district magistrate twice and county administrator once. Each time Wang Sheng took office, he resigned after completing the handover procedures. Later, he was recommended by the province as a man of exceptional talent and became the magistrate of Chongquan County, but he resigned from his position due to illness.
The Minister of Works He Wu and the Commander of the Imperial Guard Yan Chong both recommended Wang Sheng. Emperor Ai had already heard of Wang Sheng's reputation when he was the King of Dingtao, so he summoned him to serve as an Imperial advisor. After Wang Sheng was introduced, he also recommended Gong She, as well as Ning Shou from Kangfu and Jia from the Jiyin Marquisate, and the Emperor ordered their summons as well. Wang Sheng said, "I believe that when the country summons doctors and sorcerers, they will send carriages to pick them up. It should be the same for summoning capable officials!" The Emperor asked, "Did you come here in a private carriage?" Wang Sheng replied, "Yes." The Emperor then ordered a carriage for him. Gong She and Jia from the Jiyin Marquisate both became advisors after they arrived. Ning Shou did not come due to illness.
During his time as an advisor, Wang Sheng repeatedly requested to meet the Emperor in person, stating that the people were poor, there were many thieves, officials were incompetent, social morals were corrupt, disasters were frequent, and the situation was not optimistic. He believed that the country's system was too extravagant, punishments were too severe, and taxes were too heavy, advocating for thriftiness. These ideas were inherited from Wang Ji and Gong Yu. He served as an advisor for over two years, was promoted to Chief Minister's Secretary, then to Grand Master of the Palace, and acted as the acting Prefect of Youfu. Several months later, the Emperor realized that Wang Sheng was not the kind of official who caused trouble, so he reassigned him to the position of Grand Master of the Palace and also appointed him as an assistant to the various ministries. Wang Sheng wrote a memorial stating that Dong Xian was disrupting court affairs and destroying the system, thus offending the Emperor and overstepping his bounds.
Several years later, Prime Minister Wang Jia recommended Liang Xiang and thirteen others in a memorial, but the censor accused Wang Jia of "speaking too boldly, confusing the monarch, and being unreasonable." Then the generals in the court began to discuss the matter. Left General Gongsun Lu, Sili Bao Xuan, Guanglu Daifu Kong Guang, and others believed that Wang Jia did indeed confuse the monarch and did not abide by the law. Only Sheng wrote his own opinion saying, "Wang Jia is fundamentally corrupt, and most of the people he recommends are corrupt officials. He holds the position of the top three officials, but he is out of sync and ineffective in his duties. These are all Wang Jia's faults, and there is no doubt that he confuses the monarch. Now he recommends Liang Xiang and others, but their faults are actually insignificant." As night fell, everyone dispersed.
The next morning, they reconvened for another meeting. Left General Gongsun Lu asked Sheng, "Your words have no basis. We’re going to report to the Emperor now. What're you gonna do?" Sheng replied, "General, if you think my opinion is not valid, then let's accuse me together." Scholar Xiahou Chang, noticing that Sheng and Gongsun Lu did not get along, walked up to Sheng and said, "You should do as you said in your memorial." Sheng pushed Xiahou Chang away and said, "Go away!"
A few days later, they met again to discuss whether to restore the temple names of Emperors Xiaohui and Xiaojing. Everyone agreed that it should be restored. Sheng said, "It should be done according to ritual." Xiahou Chang replied, "Rituals can change." Sheng angrily shot back, "Go away! That was the reform at that time!" Xiahou Chang got angry and retorted, "I see what you are. You just want to be different from everyone else, pretending to be noble on the surface, but you're really just a snake in the grass!"
Before this, Xiahou Chang had told Sheng about some random guy in Gaoling who killed his mother. Sheng reported this to the top guy, who asked, "Who handled this?" Sheng replied, "Xiahou Chang handled it." The top guy then instructed Sheng to ask Xiahou Chang about it. Xiahou Chang, who already had it in for Sheng, immediately said, "I heard it from a mysterious dude in white who warned you not to talk about this. My report wasn't clear, and the hasty report was a mistake." Sheng was backed into a corner, so he just threw himself on the mercy of the court, saying he had argued with Xiahou Chang and insulted the court. The case went to the top censor. He hauled them in for questioning and accused them of being disrespectful. The Emperor ordered, "They both got demoted." Sheng admitted guilt and requested retirement. The Emperor rewarded him again and appointed his son as a low-level official, while sending him to serve as the Prefect of Bohai. Sheng declined due to illness and resigned a few months later.
Later, the Emperor summoned him to be an advisor, but Sheng continued to claim illness and sent his son to request retirement multiple times. But then Emperor Ai kicked the bucket, so that was that.
So, there was this guy, Bing Han, from Langya. Because of his integrity, he was summoned by the court and became the top official in Jingzhao, later getting promoted to a high-ranking official. During Wang Mang's reign, he and Gong Sheng requested to retire together. Earlier, during Emperor Zhao's time, Han Fu from Zhuo commandery was called to the capital for his great reputation, and the emperor even gave him a letter and some silk to help him retire comfortably at home. The imperial edict said: "Look, we know you've worked hard. We're letting you retire. Spend your time with family and be a good influence in your community. Along the way, the relay stations and counties will provide you with free food and drink, plus a yearly bonus of a sheep and some booze. Local officials should check in on you regularly. If you kick the bucket, you’ll get a nice set of bedding and a grand memorial service." Wang Mang followed this rule and sent Gong Sheng and Bing Han back home. The letter they received read: "In the second year of Yuanshi, on the day of Gengyin in June, Grand Master of Works Gong Sheng and Bing Han requested retirement due to old age and frailty. The Empress Dowager sent an official to read the edict, saying that officials should retire at a certain age to show humility and not seek pleasure. You guys are old, so we're letting you retire. And hey, we'll even give one of your kids or grandkids a job. Focus on self-cultivation and enjoy your old age. You’ll get silk, accommodations at relay stations, and the annual sheep, wine, and clothing, just like Han Fu." So, Gong Sheng and Bing Han went back to their hometown to enjoy their retirement. Bing Han's nephew, Bing Manrong, also had high aspirations, never accepting a salary exceeding about $30,000 a year. Once he hit that limit, he voluntarily resigned from his position, and that's how he became even more famous than his uncle!
Next, Gong She was recommended by Gong Sheng and was appointed as a court advisor, but later resigned due to illness. The court then appointed him as an Imperial Doctor, but he also resigned due to illness. After some time, Emperor Ai sent officials to Chu to appoint Gong She as the governor of the Tai mountain region. Gong She lived in Wuyuan, and when the officials came to invite him from the county, he refused to accept the appointment at the county office, saying, "The Emperor considers the whole country his home, so why should I need to go to the county office for this?" So he received the official decree at home and then took office. After a few months in office, he requested retirement. The emperor summoned him back to the capital, but when he reached the boundary of Donghu in Jingzhao, he firmly claimed to be seriously ill. The emperor then revoked his appointment and appointed him as a high-ranking court official. The emperor sent people multiple times to invite him to return to office, but he always refused to come out of retirement, so the court eventually let him return home.
He was well-versed in the Five Classics and specifically taught people how to read the Classic of Poetry. When he and his brother Sheng returned to their hometown, local officials, who held high positions (two thousand shi), would all visit his home to pay their respects, treating him with the respect due a teacher. At the age of sixty-eight, when Wang Mang was regent, he passed away.
He was knowledgeable, taught with dedication, and focused on teaching the classic Classic of Poetry. When the two brothers returned to their hometown, the county officials, high-ranking officials, would all go to his home for advice as soon as they took office, showing him great respect as if he were a teacher. He lived until the age of sixty-eight, passing away during the chaotic times of Wang Mang's regency.
After Wang Mang usurped the throne, he sent five imposing generals to various regions to gauge public opinion, and also sent people with food and refreshments to console Gong Sheng.
In the second year, Wang Mang sent people to invite Gong Sheng to serve as a lecturer and master of ceremonies, but he said he was sick and couldn't go. Two years later, Wang Mang sent people again, this time with an imperial decree from the emperor, as well as the official seal and ribbon of the prince's tutor and master of ceremonies, riding in a luxurious carriage pulled by four horses to welcome Gong Sheng. The position of Shangqing was conferred upon him, and he was given six months' salary in advance to prepare for the journey. A whole entourage showed up—the governor, county magistrate, three local officials representing the community, and thousands of gentry and scholars, all in a grand procession to read the imperial edict. The envoy wanted Gong Sheng to come out to greet them, but after waiting outside the door for a long time, he said he was very ill and was lying in bed near the southwest window, dressed in his formal robes. After entering the house, the envoy went to the west side of the room, faced south, and then read the imperial decree. He presented Gong Sheng with the official seal and ribbon. He repeatedly declined before finally accepting. Then the envoy arranged the carriage and said to Gong Sheng: "Look, the court hasn't forgotten about you. Things are still a bit shaky, and we really need your help to get the country back on its feet. We'd love to hear your ideas on how to bring peace to the land."
Gong Sheng replied, "I am not very bright, old, and sick, and I'm a dying man. If I were to follow you on your mission, I would surely die on the way and be of no use." The envoy tried to persuade him again, even attempting to directly place the official seal on Gong Sheng, but he firmly declined. The envoy had to go back and report, saying, "It is currently the height of summer, and Gong Sheng is weak. Let's wait until autumn when it's cooler before setting off." Wang Mang agreed. Afterwards, the envoy visited Gong Sheng every five days with the governor, and also told Gong Sheng's two sons and disciple Gao Hui, "The emperor really wants you to live the high life. Even if he is ill, he should move to the post station to show his willingness to take up the mission. This would be a great legacy for your family!" Gao Hui and others relayed the envoy's words to Gong Sheng, who knew he couldn't persuade them anymore, and said to Gao Hui and others, "I owe a great debt to the Han Dynasty and haven't had a chance to repay it. Now that I am old and could pass away at any time, how can I serve two dynasties? After I die, I will go to meet my old master!" Gong Sheng then instructed on his funeral arrangements: "Bury me simply, wrapped in my clothes. Do not build a tomb according to worldly customs, just plant cypress trees and build a shrine." After saying this, Gong Sheng stopped speaking and eating, and passed away fourteen days later at the age of seventy-nine. The envoy and governor took care of his funeral arrangements, gave him silk shrouds, and performed sacrifices. His disciples, dressed in mourning attire, had over a hundred people involved in the funeral arrangements. An elderly man came to offer condolences, cried sorrowfully, and said, "Alas! Incense burns itself, and an oil lamp illuminates others but consumes itself. What a waste of a good man!" After speaking, he left, and no one knew who he was. Gong Sheng lived in Pengcheng Linli, and a stone stele was later erected in his memory at the gate to the Linli district.
Bao Xuan, with the courtesy name Zidu, was a native of Gaoping in Bohai. He loved learning, was well-versed in Confucian classics, and had served as a rural administrator and magistrate's assistant in Shuzhou. Later, he also held positions as a commandant, magistrate's secretary, and was recommended as a langguan (a low-ranking official at the imperial court) for his filial piety. Due to illness, he resigned from his post and later served as a regional administrator. The Grand Marshal and General Wei Wang Shang recognized Bao Xuan's talent and recommended him as an imperial advisor, but he resigned again due to illness. When Emperor Ai ascended to the throne, the Grand Minister He Wu appointed Bao Xuan as a clerk in the Western Secretariat, highly respecting him and later recommending him as a censor. He was eventually promoted to Governor of Yuzhou. Over a year later, the Prime Minister Guo Qin reported that Bao Xuan was excessively rigorous in his enforcement of regulations, exceeding his authority in handling cases and violating regulations by traveling in an official carriage during inspections. He was criticized for lodging in roadside inns. As a result, Bao Xuan was dismissed from his position. After a few months at home, he was summoned back to serve as a censor. Bao Xuan always spoke frankly and directly in his official duties, focusing on practical content rather than flowery language. At the time, Empress Dowager Fu (the grandmother of Emperor Ai) wanted to be addressed as Empress Dowager along with the mother of Emperor Cheng and to grant titles to her relatives. Prime Minister Kong Guang, Grand Minister Shi Dan, He Wu, and Grand Marshal Fu Xi initially held correct opinions that went against Fu's wishes and were all dismissed from their posts. Empress Dowager Fu and the Ding clan's descendants were promoted and ennobled, while Dong Xian gained great power due to favoritism. Following closely behind as a censor, Bao Xuan submitted a strongly worded protest against these actions.
Honestly, during the reign of Emperor Xiaocheng, the Empress's family held the power, and everyone formed factions, packing the court with their cronies, blocking the advancement of able people and causing the whole country to be a mess, with rampant extravagance and the people broke and destitute. There were almost ten solar eclipses, and comets appeared frequently. These were all signs of the coming collapse. You've seen this happen before, Your Majesty, so why are we doing it again? There are no officials in the court who are men of integrity and wisdom, old and upright, and outstanding talents who can make people listen and who cared deeply about the country and its people. I have not seen any. The Empress's relatives and favorites like Dong Xian are all in and out of the court. You can't possibly govern the country with these people, Your Majesty! These days, everyone says it's the fools who get ahead, not the smart ones. Emperor Yao banished four criminals, and everyone accepted it. Now, if we fire one official, everyone's confused. In ancient times, punishing someone could gain approval, but now rewarding someone raises suspicions. Bribery's rampant. Villains are in charge. The treasury's empty. People are fleeing the cities. Thieves are everywhere. Officials are brutalizing the people—and it gets worse every year.
The common people face seven deadly disasters: natural imbalances and natural disasters; heavy taxes and forced labor imposed by the government; corrupt officials endlessly embezzling and extorting the people; powerful landlords seizing land and ruthlessly exploiting the peasantry; harsh officials demanding labor and disrupting planting seasons; rampant banditry; and widespread theft. These seven disasters can still be endured, but there are also seven fatal dangers: cruel officials beating people to death; severe torture leading to death; false accusations resulting in death; bandits robbing and killing; murder; famine; and epidemics. The people bear the brunt of these seven disasters without recompense, making national stability nearly impossible; they face seven threats of death without protection, making legal reform virtually impossible. Is this not due to the rampant corruption of court officials and ministers? Ministers only care about lining their own pockets and building connections, mistaking greed for wisdom and viewing those like me as fools. Your Majesty, by promoting me, a nobody, surely you hope that I can make a difference. Did Your Majesty promote me simply so I could enjoy wealth and luxury in a grand mansion?
This whole country belongs to you, Your Majesty. You're supposed to look after your people like they're your own kids, just as it says in the Book of Songs. People are starving and freezing, families are falling apart – it's a tragedy. If you don't help them, who will? Why are you showering your relatives and cronies with riches, leaving even their servants rolling in it? This isn't the will of the heavens! These titles aren't your toys, Your Majesty; they belong to the kingdom! If you appoint the wrong people and expect peace and obedience, it will be difficult. Sun Chong and Xi Fugong are smooth-talking, self-serving schemers. Time for them to hang up their hats! Those young relatives are green as grass – they shouldn't be in charge of anything. Get old Fu Xi back in here to straighten these relatives out. Put He Wu, Shi Dan, Kong Guang, and Peng Xuan in charge – they've got the brains and the respect to guide the people and run this country. Since Gong Sheng became the censor, the officials are a lot more careful, and the money's not disappearing down the drain anymore. You fired Wu and the others over nothing, and the whole country's furious. You've forgiven worse, so why not these guys? Run this country for the people, not just for yourself!
Even God couldn't stand it anymore; the common folk were up in arms, and there were many ministers advising you, Your Majesty. If you still favor the bad people and suppress the good-hearted ministers who offer advice, the public won't stand for it! Although I am foolish, I also know that with all the perks of the job – the salary, the food, the house – shouldn't you just keep your head down and avoid trouble? But I've got to do what's right; my duty is to advise, and I can't be disloyal. I only hope that Your Majesty can think more, read the "Five Classics," understand the meaning of the saints, and reflect on the lessons between heaven and earth. I'm not a great speaker, but I'll do my best until my dying day.
The Emperor, knowing Xuan's reputation as a Confucian scholar, was quite lenient with him. Then, earthquakes struck everywhere, and people were spreading rumors of impending disaster. On New Year's Day, there was a solar eclipse. It was only then that the Emperor summoned Kong Guang back, dismissed Sun Chong and Xi Fugong from their official positions, and also removed dozens of officials such as the attendant and the Yellow Gate Attendant. Xuan wrote again:
Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the parent of your people. Your father's death grieved you, your mother's death shocked you, and the rumors terrified you. And now, a solar eclipse! That's enough to scare anyone! People worry about breaking things on New Year's Day, let alone a solar eclipse! Your Majesty should deeply reflect on yourself, leave the main hall, listen to frank advice, find your own faults, dismiss your relatives and the deadwood on your payroll, appoint Kong Guang as the Grand Master of Splendor, investigate the crimes of Sun Chong and Xi Fugong, dismiss them from their official positions, and let them return to their hometowns. The people rejoiced. With harmony between heaven and earth, the people are content, and the Mandate of Heaven is secure.
But on the Bing Xu day in February, a white rainbow pierced the sun, and the incessant rain showed that Heaven's displeasure remained, and the people's anger festered! Dong Xian, the imperial attendant and Marquis of Fuma, had no real relationship with you, but he ingratiated himself, rising through the ranks. He lavished rewards, emptying the treasury. Three mansions weren't enough; he tore down houses to build more. Dong Xian and his son used imperial messengers and craftsmen to build their mansions, and soldiers working at night received rewards. They used imperial offerings for their own ancestral rites. This defied both Heaven and the people! Heaven's patience has limits; this kindness to Dong Xian will be his undoing.
To truly show mercy, apologize to Heaven and Earth. Dismiss Dong Xian, send him home, and confiscate his wealth. Only then will they survive; otherwise, the people's wrath will destroy him. Sun Chong and Xi Fugong must also be dismissed, a warning to all. Appoint He Wu, Shi Dan, Peng Xuan, and Fu Xi. This will show the court's fairness, pleasing Heaven and ushering in a golden age.
The palace is just steps away, yet I've been denied an audience for two years. It's too hard to develop remote areas alone! Give me a few minutes, Your Majesty. I'll speak my mind, then leave, ready to die for it.
The Emperor was very moved and adopted his advice, summoning He Wu and Peng Xuan. In less than a month, they both resumed their positions as the highest-ranking officials. Peng Xuan was also appointed as the Colonel, a title that had been altered from Colonel Director, with the rank equivalent to the Director.
Prime Minister Kong Guang often went to the imperial tombs for inspection. His officials were rushing on the road when they coincidentally encountered Wang Mang's cronies, who ordered the officials to stop the Prime Minister's aides and impounded their carriages, humiliating the Prime Minister in the process. This incident was reported to the Imperial Inspector, the Minister of Ceremonies, and the Imperial Secretary, who went to the Imperial Commander to try to arrest Colonel Bao Xuan. Bao Xuan refused to come out of his house, blocking the door and disrespecting the messengers. His blatant disrespect landed him in the Tingwei Prison.
At that time, the disciples of Prince Xian of Ji'nan, who were students at the Imperial Academy, gathered at the gate of the academy with flags, saying they wanted to rescue Colonel Bao. Over a thousand students gathered early in the morning, blocking Prime Minister Kong Guang's carriage and preventing him from attending court, and even submitted a petition to the Emperor. In the end, the Emperor reduced Xuan's punishment, sentencing him to a death sentence commuted to life imprisonment, had his head shaved, and was put in shackles. After being punished, Xuan was exiled to Shangdang, said to be good for farming and ranching, with few powerful landlords, making it easier to thrive. So Xuan settled in Shangdang.
During the reign of Emperor Ping, Wang Mang held great power and secretly plotted to usurp the throne. He used trumped-up charges to execute many loyal Han officials who defied him, including Bao Xuan and He Wu. They all eventually died. When they tried to arrest Xin Xing of Longxi, Xin Xing and Bao Xuan's son-in-law Xu Gan went to visit Bao Xuan. They left after a meal, and Bao Xuan, unaware of their actions, was later implicated and committed suicide in prison.
From Emperor Cheng of Han to the Wang Mang era, there were many honorable scholars. In Langya Commandery, there were Ji Quan and Wang Si; in the State of Qi, there were Xue Fangzi and Rong; in Taiyuan Commandery, there were Xian Yue and Xian Zhibin; in Pei Commandery, there were Tang Linzi and Tang Zunbogao. These people were famous for their mastery of Confucian classics and their upright conduct.
Ji Quan and two officials surnamed Tang all served as officials under Wang Mang, were made marquises, held prominent positions, and served as ministers. Tang Lin kept writing to the emperor advising him, showing great loyalty. Tang Zun wore tattered clothes, ate out of pottery dishes, and even gave historical books to the ministers, playing the high-minded scholar.
Xuan Yue and Xuan Xiang were brothers of the same clan, both served as highly regarded officials in the provinces and counties. They often fell ill and claimed illness and retired. Xuan Yue distributed a fortune amassed by his ancestors to his relatives and villagers, displaying extremely noble integrity. Xuan Xiang was summoned as one of the Four Friends of the Crown Prince during Wang Mang's reign, but later fell ill and passed away. The Crown Prince sent people to deliver burial clothes, but Xuan Xiang's son held onto the coffin and refused to let anyone approach, saying, "My father said before he passed away that he should not accept gifts from teachers and friends. Now that the Crown Prince has appointed my father as one of the Four Friends, we cannot accept." This became the talk of the capital.
Xue Fang once served as an official in the county, but when summoned, he did not go. Later, Wang Mang sent a fancy carriage to fetch him, but Xue Fang told the messenger to relay a message back, saying, "Emperors Yao and Shun are in heaven, and on earth there are still Chao Fu and Xu You. The current emperor is implementing governance like that of Yao and Shun. As a low-ranking official, I only wish to live a life of simple virtue like Xu You." The messenger reported this to Wang Mang, who admired his words and did not force him to take up the position. Xue Fang stayed at home to teach and write, composing dozens of poems and essays.
Guo Qin, styled Zichang, served as an official under the Prime Minister during the reign of Emperor Ai. He criticized the Governor of Yu Zhou, Bao Xuan, and the Prefect of Jing Zhao, Xue Xiu, among others, and also brought charges against Dong Xian, leading to Dong Xian being demoted to the position of county magistrate in Lulu County. It was not until the reign of Emperor Ping that Dong Xian was promoted to the position of Governor of Nan Commandery. At the same time, Jiang Xu from Duling, styled Yuanqing, served as the Inspector of Yanzhou and was also renowned for his honesty and integrity. After Wang Mang usurped power, both Guo Qin and Jiang Xu retired citing ill health, stayed at home, and both died there.
Li Rong of Qi, Qin Qing and Su Zhang of Beihai, and Cao Jing of Shanyang are all Confucian scholars. They all refused to serve under Wang Mang. After Wang Mang's death, Emperor Gengshi summoned Cao Jing to be prime minister and made him a marquis, hoping to attract talent and quell the rebellion. However, Cao Jing did not accept the marquis title. Later, the Red Eyebrow Army attacked Chang'an and tried to subdue Cao Jing, who then killed himself.
After proclaiming himself emperor, Liu Xuan wanted to summon Xue Fang, but Xue Fang died of illness on the way. Bao Xuan and Gong Sheng's descendants were rewarded by the court and rose to high office.
The *Yi Jing* says, "A gentleman sometimes serves, sometimes withdraws; sometimes speaks, sometimes keeps silent." This means that each reflects a different way of life, just like various plants and trees, each with its own characteristics. Therefore, mountain hermits find it hard to go back to court life once they've left, while court officials find it difficult to leave when they want to retire. Both have their drawbacks. From the Spring and Autumn period to the Han dynasty, lots of high-ranking officials threw their reputations away chasing power and riches! People of such integrity are rare. However, most could manage themselves, but not others. Wang Gong was far more talented than Gong Sheng or Bao Xuan; dying true to your principles is better than just talking about it. Xue Fang stuck to his principles, but without being rigid; he almost reached that ideal. Guo Qin and Jiang Xu chose a life of quiet seclusion, far removed from the world – even surpassing legendary figures like Ji Chang and Yao!
