It is said that there was a man named Sui Hong, with the courtesy name Meng, who was from Fan County in the state of Lu. When he was young, he loved to stand up for justice, enjoyed cockfighting and horse racing, and lived it up. Later, he changed his ways and studied the "Spring and Autumn Annals" under a teacher named Ying Gong. His mastery of the classics allowed him to become a Yilang official and eventually rise to the rank of Fuzheling.
In the third year of Emperor Zhao's Yuanfeng reign, in the first month, suddenly there were thousands of voices coming from the south of Mount Tai and Mount Laiwu. The people looked up to see a colossal stone, seemingly erected by unseen hands! It was five zhang tall, with a circumference of forty-eight zhang, buried eight chi deep underground, and supported by three stones underneath. After the stone stood up, several thousand white crows flew in and landed next to it. At this time, a withered tree in Changyi unexpectedly came back to life, and a large willow tree in Shanglin Park that had been cut down and withered also stood up on its own, regrowing. The leaves bore strange, insect-gnawed inscriptions, saying "Gongsun is already standing." Sui Hong inferred based on the records of the "Spring and Autumn Annals": "Stones and trees are both ominous signs, symbolizing the common people; Mount Tai is the Eastern Peak, symbolizing the change of dynasties for the emperor. Now that the large stone has stood up on its own and the withered tree has come back to life, this cannot be achieved by human effort, indicating that an emperor from humble beginnings will rise. The withered tree coming back to life indicates that the Gongsun family, which was abolished, will rise again." Although Sui Hong did not know who this referred to, he immediately wrote an article saying, "As Master Dong Zhongshu said, even a successor to the previous dynasty doesn't preclude a sage from receiving the Mandate of Heaven. The Han Dynasty is descended from Yao, with the mandate of passing down the country. The emperor of the Han Dynasty should order the search for talents nationwide, abdicate the throne to him, then step down and be granted a land of one hundred li, just like the two kings of the Yin and Zhou dynasties, in accordance with the will of heaven." Sui Hong had his friend, a palace official, slip the article to the emperor.
At that time, Emperor Zhao was still young, and the Grand Marshal Huo Guang held great power. He disliked Sui Hong's statements and handed over his writings to the court for investigation. The court declared Sui Hong and Chang Ci guilty of treason for spreading seditious lies and misleading the populace, resulting in both of them being executed. Five years later, Emperor Xiao Xuan rose from the common people and ascended to the throne, posthumously ennobling Sui Hong as a Lang.
Next, there's the story of Xiahou Shichang, also from the state of Lu. He was a master of the Five Classics and specialized in teaching the "Qi Poetry" and "Book of Documents." Since the deaths of Dong Zhongshu and Han Ying, Emperor Wu highly valued Xiahou Shichang. He was proficient in divination and once predicted that there would be a fire at Bailiang Terrace, which indeed happened on that day. Later, Prince Changyi's son needed a tutor, and Xiahou Shichang became the prince's teacher. As he grew older, Xiahou Shichang died peacefully. His descendant Xiahou Sheng also became famous for his knowledge of Confucianism.
Xiahou Sheng, styled as Changgong, hailed from Dongping – his ancestors had been based in Ningxiang, west of Lu, but after various administrative changes, the area became part of Dongping Commandery. Xiahou Sheng lost his parents at a young age, but he was a dedicated student. He first studied the "Book of Documents" and the "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" with Shichang and also specialized in studying omens of disasters. Later, he studied with Jianqing and sought advice from the Ouyang family. He learned from several teachers, soaking up knowledge like a sponge! He was a master of explaining the rites and rituals. The court summoned him, first appointing him as a Doctor, then promoting him to Guanglu Daifu.
After Emperor Zhao died, Prince Changyi was always gallivanting around. Once, Xiahou Sheng stopped him in front of the imperial entourage and advised, "It hasn't rained in ages, and the officials are getting restless. Where're you off to, Your Majesty?" Prince Changyi was furious upon hearing this and blamed Xiahou Sheng for spreading fear-mongering. He had Xiahou Sheng arrested and handed over to the officials for punishment. The officials told Huo Guang, but he ignored it. Actually, Huo Guang and Zhang Anshi, the General of the Cavalry, were plotting to get rid of Prince Changyi. Huo Guang sent Zhang Anshi to probe Xiahou Sheng to see if he had leaked any information, but Zhang Anshi clammed up.
Later, Huo Guang personally interrogated Xiahou Sheng. Xiahou Sheng replied, "The Book of Documents says, 'When the Son of Heaven neglects his duties, punishment comes in the form of prolonged rain. This leads to thoughts of rebellion among the people.' I wasn't just making that up about the officials plotting!" Huo Guang and Zhang Anshi were shocked to hear this and began to pay more attention to these knowledgeable scholars. A couple of weeks later, Huo Guang and Zhang Anshi went to the Empress Dowager and got Prince Changyi kicked out, putting Emperor Xuan on the throne instead. Huo Guang believed that the ministers serving the crown prince and the Empress Dowager herself needed to know the classics, so he made Xiahou Sheng tutor the Empress Dowager in the Book of Documents. Xiahou Sheng was promoted to the position of Changxin Prefect and was granted the title of Marquis Within the Passes. Because he'd played such a big part in getting the emperor changed and keeping the empire stable, he got another thousand households added to his land.
Emperor Xuan had just taken office, and he wanted to hold a grand sacrifice for His Majesty. So he ordered the Prime Minister and the Imperial Historian to say, "I'm but a humble servant who has received the grace of the late Emperor, inherited a great cause, served the ancestral temple, and constantly remembered His Majesty. He was benevolent and mighty; he routed the Xiongnu in the north, forcing their Chanyu into retreat. In the south, he pacified the Di, Qiang, Kunming, Ou Luo, and Yue tribes. He stabilized the Huai, Mao, and Korean regions in the east, expanded the territory, established counties, brought various ethnic minorities under submission, secured the borders, and ensured a continuous flow of tribute sent to the ancestral temple. He composed new music and songs. He offered sacrifices to Heaven, performed the Fengshan ceremony, built Mingtang, reformed the calendar, and changed attire. His rule was one of virtue and prosperity, honoring the wise and capable, commending achievements, reviving a declining state, and continuing the legacy of the Zhou dynasty. He perfected the sacrificial rituals between Heaven and Earth and opened up the path of education. Heaven showered him with blessings: treasure tripods were unearthed, a white deer appeared, giant fish leaped from the sea, and even immortals were sighted. The people cried out, 'Long live the Emperor!' His merits were so great that they cannot be fully described, but the temple music could not match his achievements, and I am deeply regretful about this. You should discuss this matter with the marquises, the two thousand stone officials, and the scholars."
Then, a heated debate erupted among the courtiers in the court, and everyone said, "Let's do as the decree says." Only Sheng, a Chamberlain from Changxin, said, "Although Emperor Wu has the merit of conquering the four barbarians and expanding the territory, he has killed too many people, decimated the population, lived extravagantly, and squandered without restraint. A devastating locust plague ravaged the land, leaving miles of barren wasteland and even driving people to cannibalism, and the country still hasn't recovered. He showed no mercy to his people, so building temples and staging dances in his honor is outrageous!" Other courtiers criticized Sheng, saying, "But this is the emperor's decree!" Sheng replied, "But even an imperial decree can be wrong! A loyal subject speaks truth to power, not flattery! I have stated my opinion, and I have no regrets even if I die!"
So Prime Minister Yi and Grand Minister Guangming jumped on Sheng, accusing him of defying the decree, slandering the late emperor, and treason. They also said that the Prime Minister's Chief Clerk Huang Ba protected Sheng and did not impeach him in time, so these few people were all imprisoned. They decided to make Emperor Xiaowu's temple the ancestral temple, and the dances "Shengde," "Wenshi," and "Wuxing" were to be performed, with sacrificial ceremonies held for generations to come to demonstrate the virtue of Emperor Xiaowu. Emperor Wu toured forty-nine counties, and a temple was built for him in each place, just like Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong.
Sheng and Ba had been close for years. Ba wanted to study under Sheng, but Sheng refused, saying he was a sinner and about to die. Ba said, "It's worth dying tonight if I learn the Tao this morning!" Sheng admired this sentence from Ba and passed on his Confucian teachings to him. The two of them, master and disciple, spent another two winters diligently studying and discussing.
In the fourth year's summer, earthquakes occurred simultaneously in forty-nine counties of the northeast. Some places experienced landslides and collapsed buildings, resulting in the deaths of over six thousand people. The emperor donned mourning clothes and withdrew from the main hall, sent envoys to comfort officials and the people, and granted the deceased burial and financial aid. The emperor issued a decree, stating: "These disasters are heaven's warning to us! I've inherited my ancestors' legacy and rely on my people, yet I've failed to bring peace to the land. When earthquakes occurred in Beihai and Langye in the past, the ancestral temples were all destroyed, and I was very afraid at that time. Now, you nobles and high-ranking officials, must consult widely with soothsayers to find ways to make up for my shortcomings, and do not hide anything." He then ordered a general amnesty. Sheng was appointed as the Grand Councillor and Inspector-General, while Ba was appointed as the Governor of Yangzhou. Sheng was unpretentious and informal in his dealings with others. When he spoke to the emperor, he always addressed him informally, omitting the honorific "陛." The emperor trusted him greatly because of this. Once, while speaking to the emperor on the road, the emperor reproached him upon hearing him. Sheng said, "Your Majesty's words were so insightful, I felt compelled to share them. The words of Yao and Shun spread throughout the world and are still being recited today. I believe these words are worth spreading, that's why I said them." Whenever important matters of state arose, the emperor knew Sheng was honest and would say, "Sir, speak your mind freely, do not worry about past matters." Sheng later served as the Crown Prince's tutor and was later promoted to the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. He was ordered to write annotations for the "Book of Documents" and the "Analects," and the emperor rewarded him with one hundred catties (approximately 50 kg) of gold. He passed away at the age of ninety, and he was interred at Pingling, with a tomb provided by the court. The Empress Dowager gave him two million cash coins and mourned him in plain clothes for five days, in recognition of his service as tutor, which Confucian scholars considered a great honor.
At the beginning, Zhang Sheng always told his students, "The biggest fault of a scholar is not understanding the classics. Once you understand the classics, being an official is as easy as picking up pennies from the ground. If you don't understand the classics, you might as well go home and farm."
Old Zhang, whose name was Zhang Sheng, and his son, Zhang Jian, initially studied together. Later, Zhang Jian became a student of Ouyang Gao and sought advice from various teachers, asking about all kinds of classics from the "Five Classics" to the "Book of Documents." He compiled what he learned into sets of chapters and sentences, adding his own explanations. Zhang Sheng remarked, "Jian, the chapters and sentences you are studying are just petty scholarly pursuits, fragmenting the grand principles!" Zhang Jian felt that his father's knowledge was not comprehensive enough to handle various debates. However, in the end, he relied on his mastery of the classics to become an Imperial Secretary, an Imperial Scholar, and eventually rose to the high position of Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. Zhang Sheng's son also became a high-ranking official, while his grandson achieved the positions of Grand Commandant, Minister of Agriculture, and Honglu. His great-grandson even became a county magistrate, prefect, and Grand Commandant of Changle, with the whole family producing generations of high-ranking officials. Zhang Sheng's fellow classmate became the Interior Minister, and his son Dingguo became the Prefect of Yuzhang. Meanwhile, Zhang Jian's son Qianqiu also became a Grand Commandant and Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, truly a family that produced generations of high-ranking officials.
Jing Fang, styled Junming, was a native of Dunqiu in the Eastern Commandery. He studied the Book of Changes and studied under Jiao Yanshou from Liang. Jiao Yanshou, styled Gan, was a poor man, but he was very studious and gained the appreciation of the King of Liang. The king sponsored his studies and allowed him to focus on his research. After completing his studies, Jiao Yanshou first served as a historian in the commandery and was later recommended to be the magistrate of Xiaohuang County. He predicted crime, so criminals were unable to cause trouble. He cared for the people and governed well, stabilizing the county. Upon his eligibility for promotion, the local elders and officials all petitioned to keep him, and the emperor ordered him to be promoted and stay in Xiaohuang. He eventually died in Xiaohuang. Jiao Yanshou often said, "Only someone who uses my teachings will risk their life, and that person will be Jing Fang." Jiao Yanshou specialized in disaster prediction. He reinterpreted the sixty-four hexagrams and combined them with daily situations to predict good and bad fortunes based on wind, rain, cold, and warmth, all with very accurate predictions. Jing Fang studied Jiao Yanshou's teachings particularly deeply, and he was also proficient in the system of musical pitches and rhythms. In the fourth year of the Chu Yuan era, he was appointed a langguan for his filial piety. During the Yongguang and Jianzhao periods, the Western Qiang rebelled, there was also a solar eclipse, and it hadn't rained for a long time, with heavy fog and overcast conditions. Fang Xuanling wrote to the emperor in advance predicting these events; some predictions were made months ago, and some were made a year ago, all of which came true, making the emperor very pleased. The emperor repeatedly summoned him to inquire about the situation, and Fang Xuanling replied, "Back in the good old days, smart emperors picked their people based on what they'd done, not just what people said about them. That's how you get a peaceful kingdom and good luck. But these days, it's all about reputation, not results. That's why we're having all these problems. Let's have everyone show us what they've achieved, and things will calm down." The emperor ordered Fang Xuanling to be in charge of this matter, and Fang Xuanling then proposed a system for evaluating officials' performance.
The emperor ordered the court officials to discuss this method with Fang Xuanling. Everyone thought Fang Xuanling's method was overly complex and believed it would create a system of mutual surveillance, making it a real pain to implement. Although the emperor kinda liked Fang Xuanling's suggestion, he was still hesitant. At that time, the governors came to the capital to report on their work. The emperor summoned them and had Fang Xuanling explain how to assess performance to them. As a result, these governors also thought this method wouldn't work. Only Zheng Si, the Emperor's secretary, and Zhou Kan, the head of personnel, who initially thought it was a non-starter, later expressed their agreement.
At that time, the Imperial Secretary Shi Xian held power, and his friend Wu Lu Chongzong became the Personnel Minister. He and Fang Xuanling were colleagues and often disagreed. Both of them worked in front of the emperor. Once, Fang Xuanling hosted a banquet for the emperor and asked him, "How'd the You and Li kings bite the dust? What kinda guys did they hang out with?" The emperor replied, "Because they weren't wise themselves, they trusted sycophants." Fang Xuanling said, "You know they were sycophants, so why’d you still trust them? Did you think they were virtuous?" The emperor said, "At that time, I thought they were virtuous." Fang Xuanling said, "If that's the case, how do you know they aren't virtuous now?" The emperor said, "Because when they were in power, the country was a mess, and I nearly lost my crown. That's when I realized what a bunch of snakes they were."
Fang Xuanling said, "So it is that if a country employs virtuous people, it will be governed well, but if it employs bad apples, the country will fall into chaos. That's just how it goes. Why did King You and King Li not realize this, and instead chose to employ those bad apples, and look what happened?" The Emperor replied, "Those guys about to lose their kingdoms always think their guys are top-notch. If they all saw the writing on the wall, how'd we ever have a kingdom fall?" Fang Xuanling said, "Duke Huan of Qi and Emperor Qin Er Shi also heard this argument, but they dismissed it and chose to employ crooks like Shu Diao and Zhao Gao, leading to total chaos and bandits running wild. Why didn't they learn from You and Li's mistakes?" The Emperor said, "Only a real wise guy can see what's coming based on the past."
Fang Xuanling then took off his hat, bowed his head and apologized, saying, "The *Chunqiu* recorded two hundred and forty-two years of disasters to warn all future rulers. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, we've seen eclipses, celestial anomalies, natural disasters—earthquakes, floods, droughts, untimely frosts and thaws—plagues, famines, rampant banditry, and overflowing prisons. Every calamity foretold in the *Chunqiu* has come to pass. So, Your Majesty, is this peace or chaos?" The Emperor said, "It is indeed a time of great chaos! What can be done?" Fang Xuanling said, "Who does Your Majesty currently trust?" The Emperor replied, "Well, they're better than the last bunch, I suppose. Not bad, anyway." Fang Xuanling said, "Previous rulers also thought the same way. I fear history will judge us as harshly as we judge the past." The Emperor remained silent for a long time before saying, "Who is causing the great chaos in the world now?" Fang Xuanling said, "A wise ruler should know for himself." The Emperor said, "I do not know; if I knew, why would I still trust them?" Fang Xuanling said, "Your Majesty's closest advisors—the ones pulling the strings—they are the problem." Fang Xuanling pointed to Shi Xian, and the Emperor understood his meaning, saying to Fang Xuanling, "I see."
After Fang Xuanling was done, the emperor ordered Fang Xuanling's disciples to inform the performance review officials that he wanted to test Fang Xuanling's abilities. Fang Xuanling's subordinates, Ren Liang and Yao Ping, said, "We were hoping Your Majesty would make him governor, so he can try his method of assessing the achievements of officials. If he succeeds, we can enter the court to report to him and keep things from getting bogged down." Shi Xian and Wulu Chongzong were jealous of Fang Xuanling and wanted to transfer him out of the capital. They suggested to the emperor to appoint Fang Xuanling as a prefect. Emperor Han Yuan appointed Fang Xuanling as the governor of Wei County, with an annual salary of 800 shi, to implement his performance evaluation system. Fang Xuanling asked to be independent of the governor, so he could appoint officials from other counties himself, evaluate officials earning less than 1,000 shi, and make his annual report in person. The emperor granted his request.
In a letter penned shortly after assuming his post, Fang Xuanling expressed his concerns to the Emperor. Fang Xuanling knew that he often offended some ministers by discussing political affairs, and he also had conflicts with Shi Xian and Wulu Chongzong. He did not want to distance himself from the emperor. So when he was appointed as Prefect, he felt very worried and anxious. Fang Xuanling took office on the first day of the second month of Jianzhao's second year and wrote to the emperor, saying, "Since the day of Xinyou, the Yin has weakened, and the Yang has waxed. I am very pleased and believe Your Majesty's auspicious reign will prosper. However, the negative energy of Shaoyin is working harder and causing trouble. I fear that even if Your Majesty takes the right measures, it may not lead to success, and I am deeply troubled by this. Yangping Marquis Feng has been wanting to see Your Majesty but has not had the opportunity until Jimo day, when I was appointed as Prefect. This indicates that although things seem calm on the surface, there is actually a turn for the better. After leaving the capital, I worry that I will be deceived by those in power, and in the end, my efforts will come to naught. Therefore, I hope to travel to the capital by imperial post at the end of each year to report to Your Majesty; please grant me permission. By the day of Xinsi, the Yin's influence returned, eclipsing the Yang, indicating that the Yang of the upper-level ministers was suppressed, and the emperor's intentions began to waver. Between Jimo day and Gengchen day, I fear there may be opposition to my request."
Fang Xuanling had not yet set off when the emperor ordered Yangping Marquis Feng to issue a decree to stop him from riding fast horses to report urgently at the post. Fang Xuanling grew even more fearful. When he arrived in Xinfeng, he sent a memorial to the emperor through the post, saying, "In mid-June, my prediction using the Retreat Hexagram was wrong. The hexagram stated: 'The Daoist is just beginning to leave, the weather is cold, and flooding will cause disasters.' In July, flooding indeed appeared. My disciple Yao Ping said to me, 'You know the secrets of heaven, but don't believe in them. Your predictions have always been right, so with the flooding, the Daoist should be dead. What more is there to say?' I replied, 'Your Majesty, you are so kind, especially to me. Even if I speak and die, I must speak.' Yao Ping added, 'Fang Xuanling can be said to be a loyal servant, but not a truly loyal servant. In the Qin Dynasty, Zheng Xian didn't assassinate Zhao Gao, and Zhao Gao's power only grew stronger. Zheng Xian's inaction only worsened the chaos.' Now I have been sent to guard a county, bragging about my ability to achieve great things. I am afraid that I will die before achieving anything. I hope Your Majesty will not punish me for predicting the flooding, like Zheng Xian, ending up dead and a laughingstock."
Fang Xuanling arrived in Shaanxi and submitted a memorial, saying: "On the day of Bing Xu, there was light rain, and on the day of Ding Hai, the overcast haze dispersed. However, the oppressive yin energy is still very strong on the day of Wu Zi, and it becomes even more severe by noon as the overcast haze returns. This is because Your Majesty wishes to correct the changes in Yin and Yang, but court factions are vying for power, disrupting the balance of Yin and Yang. At this critical moment of strength and weakness, careful observation is necessary. From the day of Ji Chou at night, a sudden shift in the wind started blowing, until the day of Xin Mao, the sun's power was weakened again. By the day of Gui Si, the sun and moon were obscured, indicating malign influences are obscuring the sun's power. I previously reported that there will be ominous portents within nine years of the political situation remaining unchanged. I hope to prove my worth as a loyal servant. If I can stay in the court, these ill omens can be avoided. My detractors know this works against me, which is why I suggested sending my disciple instead of myself. As a governor, I still need to report, so I said that the governor won't be on my side, and it would be better for me to be the governor instead, as they want to push me out. Your Majesty, by acceding to their wishes, the overcast haze cannot be dispelled, and the sunlight is eroded. My distance from court only worsens these ill omens. I hope Your Majesty will not make things difficult for me, but go with the flow of fate. Evil words may deceive people, but celestial phenomena will definitely change. You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool fate. I hope Your Majesty will consider this carefully." Fang Xuanling was gone a month before being hauled off to jail.
So, let me tell you about Zhang Bo, the uncle of the Prince of Huaiyang. He once studied with Old Fang and even married his daughter to him. Old Fang had a good relationship with the emperor, and every morning he would tell Zhang Bo the emperor wanted to promote him, but the court officials were jealous and were always giving him a hard time. Zhang Bo said, "The Prince of Huaiyang is the emperor's own brother, smart and capable, and wants to serve the country. Why not have the Prince write to the emperor asking to come to the capital to help Old Fang?" Old Fang hesitated a bit and asked, "Think that'll fly?" Zhang Bo replied, "Hey, the Chu dynasty did it, so why not us?" Old Fang said, "Shi Xian and Wu Lu Jun, those two weasels in the Ministry of Personnel and War, were in cahoots for over ten years. They're just a bunch of brown-nosers who have been in power for too long; and then there's Prime Minister Wei Hou – a total waste of space, who's been no help to the people at all. These guys especially oppose the merit system. If the Prince of Huaiyang goes to the capital to meet the emperor and advises him to implement the merit system, that would be the best solution. If that doesn’t work, we can just point out that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Personnel have been in office for too long and haven't governed well. We could remove the Prime Minister and have Grand Secretary Zheng Hong take his place, then move the Minister of Personnel to another position and have Prefect Xu Li replace him. This way, Old Fang's merit system could be smoothly put into action." Zhang Bo remembered everything Old Fang said about weird stuff and then had Old Fang draft a memorial for the Prince of Huaiyang, giving it all to the Prince. Shi Xian secretly learned about these matters, but because of Old Fang's close relationship with the emperor, he kept his head down.
When Fang was exiled to a provincial post, Shi Xian accused him and Zhang Bo of conspiring against the emperor and the government, claiming they slandered the court and misled the princes. These accusations were recorded in the "Biography of Prince Xian." Earlier, Fang had seen the stories of Prince You and Prince Li and informed the Chief Censor Zheng Hong. As a result, both Fang and Zhang Bo were put to death, and Zheng Hong was dismissed from office and reduced to a commoner. Fang's original surname was Li, but he later changed it to Jing according to the law. He died at the age of forty-one.
As for Yi Feng, whose courtesy name was Shaojun, he was from Xiaoping in the Jiangsu region. He studied the "Qi Poetry" and was a student of the same teacher as Xiao Wangzhi and Kuang Heng. All three were well-versed in Confucian texts, with Kuang Heng being a late learner. Xiao Wangzhi applied what he learned to political affairs, while Yi Feng focused on his studies, not seeking official positions, and enjoyed researching calendrical science, astronomy, and divination. When Emperor Yuan had just ascended the throne, many Confucian scholars recommended him, and the court summoned him to the Imperial Academy as an attendant. He submitted memorials multiple times, met with the emperor, and the emperor held him in high regard.
So, the Marquis of Pingchang, Wang Lin, is a close advisor of Emperor Xuan. He said he was on the Emperor's orders, wanting to learn Wang Feng's weird fortune-telling techniques. However, Wang Feng just blew him off and directly wrote to the Emperor, saying: "My teacher taught me the key to ruling is knowing your men – good guys or bad. A good man's a good man, even if he's a bit dumb; but a bad man's a bad man, no matter how smart he is. Figuring people out is all about understanding these six emotions and twelve tones. The emotions corresponding to the north are 'good', associated with greed and cruelty, controlled by the main stars Zi and Shen; the emotions corresponding to the east are 'anger', linked to cunning and deceit, controlled by the main stars Hai and Mao. These two bad omens have to work together, one after the other, so emperors avoid the Zi and Mao stars. It's mentioned in the *Book of Rites* and the *Spring and Autumn Annals*. The emotions corresponding to the south are 'evil', associated with honesty, controlled by the main stars Yin and Wu; the emotions corresponding to the west are 'joy', linked to being fair, controlled by the main stars Yi and You. These two positive stars appear simultaneously, so emperors like the Wu and You stars. The *Book of Songs* says: 'Geng Wu's a lucky day.' The emotions corresponding to the top are 'joy', linked to deceit and evil, controlled by the main stars Chen and Wei; the emotions corresponding to the bottom are 'sorrow', associated with fairness and integrity, controlled by the main stars Xu and Chou. It's all about yin and yang – everything balances out."
Your Majesty, you're so smart and chill, just waiting for the perfect time. Nothing gets past you! Moreover, mastering the twelve tones (referring to the twelve musical notes) can control the six emotions (the six basic emotions in Chinese philosophy)! This method lets you see right through your underlings – it's foolproof, pure genius, and it's all based on natural law! Take the example of Guiwei day in the first month, when a storm swept in from the southwest. Wei means treachery, Shen means corruption – that howling wind, like evil spirits rising from the underworld, means you've got bad apples in your court! That old fox, the Marquis of Pingchang, has visited three times, each time at an unlucky hour. Chen represents the guest, Shi the host – knowing how to read people like this is the emperor's secret weapon. And me? A lowly servant like me? I wouldn't dare spill the beans to anyone shady. His superior recommended him as a Zhonglang, then summoned him and asked, "So, you showing up today – good timing or bad?"
He replied, "We should focus on the timing of our actions, not the specific day. Timing is everything, but the overall situation is paramount. In the presence of wise leadership, the one who serves is the master. If the timing is good but the leadership is bad, then the servant will falter; if the timing is bad but the leadership is good, then the servant will thrive. If the leadership is honest and upright, even if the servant is lacking, both the timing and circumstances will be favorable; if the leadership is poor, even if the servant is competent, both the timing and circumstances will suffer. If one knows that the servant is lacking while the timing is good and the circumstances are poor, the leadership will falter; conversely, if one knows that the servant is capable while the timing is poor and the circumstances are good, the leadership will succeed. Timing is routine, while circumstances are temporary. If the timing is not ideal but the circumstances are strategic, the results and merits will be equivalent. To understand the outcome, it is necessary to carefully observe five aspects. Therefore, one must examine the reasons behind a situation, observe its progress and changes, and refer to the sky, earth, six harmonies, and five elements to grasp human nature and emotions. It is difficult to rely solely on external observations; through internal reflection, clarity emerges. Thus, poetry serves as a method of learning, focusing on human emotions and nature. The five personality types will not conflict with each other, while the six emotions will constantly fluctuate. Observing nature requires examining its development, while observing emotions requires understanding their patterns. A wise leader should employ this method independently, as it is challenging to apply with two people. Therefore, 'Let your kindness show, but keep your skills under wraps.' If benevolence is openly displayed, it loses its magic; only through acting alone can one be natural. This approach is best suited to those in a position of service, and it's not easily replicated."
In that year, there was a severe flood in the eastern region, causing famine in eleven counties and a devastating plague. The emperor ordered that the land belonging to the Imperial Works Ministry in rivers, seas, ponds, lakes, and gardens be temporarily lent to the poor for cultivation without collecting rent or taxes. He also reduced the food standards for high-ranking officials, cut down on musicians in the imperial music bureau, reduced the number of horses in the imperial parks, and ceased repairs on the offices that the emperor seldom visited. The Imperial Household Department and the Imperial Works Ministry reduced the grain for feeding horses, and the Water Balance Granary cut back on meat for feeding livestock.
In February of the second year, on the Wuyou day, there was an earthquake. That summer, people were so starving they turned to cannibalism. In the seventh month of the Jiyou year, there was another earthquake. The emperor said, "I have heard that when a wise and virtuous ruler is in power, nature is in balance, the seasons are predictable, and the heavens are serene; only then can the people have a good ending. But now, Heaven has placed me in this high position, yet my rule has been inadequate, my virtue wanting. Disasters occur frequently, year after year. During the earthquake in February of the Wuyou year, the imperial ancestral halls in Longxi were devastated. Dao county suffered widespread destruction: city walls crumbled, temples collapsed, and homes were crushed, burying many. Landslides and fissures tore through the earth, and springs erupted. Two earthquakes within a year, heaven-sent calamities; this has greatly shocked me. There have been major mistakes in governing the country, and I bear the responsibility for the disasters. I am consumed by worry, unable to halt this catastrophe, and despair at its unending nature. In these years of poor harvests, the people's lives are difficult; many commit crimes due to hunger and cold, and I am deeply saddened and extremely upset. I've ordered the granaries opened and food distributed to the needy, hoping that all officials can seriously reflect on the warnings given to us by Heaven. Report any measures that will ease the people's burden. Tell me everything; don't hold back." The emperor then ordered a general amnesty and summoned those who dared to speak frankly and remonstrate. A memorial was then submitted, which read:
I've heard it said that between heaven and earth, the sun, moon, and stars move in an orderly manner, yin and yang cycle, the four seasons are distinct, and the five elements are interconnected. This is what the sages call the "Way." When the sages understand this "Way," they know how to govern a country, dividing territories, establishing rulers and subjects, creating calendars, and summarizing experiences of success and failure. This is what scholars call these texts "the Classics." When the wise understand these "Classics," they know how people should behave, like in the *Book of Songs*, the *Book of Documents*, the *I Ching*, the *Spring and Autumn Annals*, the *Book of Rites*, and the *Book of Music*, which all explain these principles. The *I Ching* explores yin and yang, the *Book of Songs* discusses the five key relationships: ruler and subject, parent and child, siblings, husband and wife, and friends, while the *Spring and Autumn Annals* chronicle disasters and portents. These books trace events from beginning to end, analyzing successes and failures. They explore the will of Heaven to explain the rise and fall of dynasties. During the Qin Dynasty, these principles were not followed, and only harsh laws were used to govern the country, leading to the loss of the Mandate of Heaven and eventual destruction.
Now, Your Majesty, your wisdom and understanding of governance are profound. Your generosity reaches every corner of the land. You have cut unnecessary expenses, provided relief for the poor, and even offered medical and funeral expenses; your kindness is very deep. You also encourage your officials to speak frankly and offer advice, searching for their own faults. Your virtues have reached the pinnacle, and the people are truly blessed to have you as their ruler!
I secretly studied "The Book of Songs" and read the chapter "October's Turning Point." I learned that solar eclipses and earthquakes had clear precursors, just as birds sense an approaching storm and animals anticipate rain. This is the knowledge I have acquired. I heard that changes in a person's inner emotions can affect the heavens and the earth; changes in the sky are reflected in celestial phenomena and solar eclipses, while changes on the earth are reflected in strange occurrences and earthquakes. This is because vital energy (yang) governs the life force, while material form (yin) is shaped by its opposite. A person's health is reflected in their appearance and behavior. This year, the Taiyin star is in the Jiaxu period, the law begins with Gengyin, and the calendar starts from Jiawu in the spring. When Jia and Geng are in harmony in the calendar, they receive the energy of the three yangs, which augurs a year of justice and prosperity. Because it is a good year, everything should have been hunky-dory, but a major earthquake occurred when the sun was shining high, followed by continuous months of rain. Despite all the edicts, the relentless rain continued, a clear sign of overwhelming yin.
In ancient royal courts, a wise ruler balanced the influence of family and merit. There were always people of the same surname to show family ties, and there were always talented ministers of different surnames to showcase their abilities. People of the same surname were easily promoted, while ministers of different surnames were difficult to approach, so a balance between family and meritocracy was needed, perhaps one family member for every five appointed officials. Now there are no people of the same surname in the court, only relatives in power, while ministers of different surnames are kept at a distance. The court is overrun with power-hungry relatives, who not only hold key positions but also live extravagantly and abuse their power, much like the dangers posed by figures such as Empress Lü, Huo Guang, and Shangguan Jie. This is not the way to care for the people, nor is it a strategy for the long-term stability of the country! This unchecked power, this imbalance of yin and yang, is surely the root of our current misfortunes.
I also heard that the court ladies in Weiyang Palace, Jianzhang Palace, and Ganquan Palace are numbered in the hundreds, and they do not receive humane treatment. As for the gardens in Duling, those who had slept with the emperor, I dare not say much, after all, that is the private affair of the Empress Dowager. However, the gardens of the vassal kings and their concubines should have corresponding officials appointed to remove those who exceed the regulations. This is a way to reduce yin, follow the natural order, and save from disasters. If these things are not done, disasters will follow. According to natural principles, excessive yin will eventually lead to yang, which may turn into drought, and in severe cases, even fires may occur, as seen in the example of Boji from the Song state in the Spring and Autumn period. I hope Your Highness can carefully consider these issues.
In the next year, in the fourth month of the Yiwei year, Xiaowudi's Baihe Pavilion caught fire. I (referring to the author, henceforth) feel that this incident is related to the omens I mentioned earlier, so I submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying: "I have previously presented my views on the five earthquakes, stating that excessive yin will lead to yang, and there may be fires. Your Highness did not adopt my suggestions, nor did you reply to me, leaving me feeling uncertain. Now, Baihe Pavilion burned on the day of Yiwei in the fourth month, which is exactly the Mao hour, with the moon falling in the Kang constellation, similar to the situation of the previous earthquakes. Now, I am even more convinced that my prediction is accurate! I'm really worried sick, and I hope Your Highness will listen to my advice again and allow me to explain this matter from start to finish."
The emperor summoned me again, asking me about the situation, what went right and wrong. I feel that the emperor's sacrifices to heaven and earth in Yunyang and Fenyin, as well as the maintenance of other palaces and temples, regardless of their proximity or importance, are all costly and violate ancient principles. Furthermore, the construction of the imperial palace and gardens is too extravagant and burdensome, causing suffering to the people and depleting the national treasury, with years of savings being exhausted. This problem has persisted for so long, and without addressing it at its root, superficial fixes are ineffective. Therefore, I submitted another memorial stating:
I've heard tell that in ancient times, Pan Geng moved the capital to prosper the Yin dynasty, and he got a lot of credit for it. I personally think that the prosperity of the Han dynasty was due to Emperor Xiao Wen's hard work, thrift, and lower taxes. At that time, there were no fancy palaces and halls like Ganquan Palace, Jianzhang Palace, and Shanglin Park! The Weiyang Palace didn’t have all those grand structures like the High Gate, Martial Platform, Kylin Hall, Phoenix Hall, White Tiger Hall, Jade Hall, and Golden Flower Hall; it only had the Front Hall, Curved Terrace, Gradual Terrace, Proclamation Chamber, Warm Chamber, and Chengming Hall. Emperor Xiao Wen wanted to build a terrace and estimated it would cost a fortune, but he felt it was too costly for the people, so he gave up, and the foundation of that terrace still remains today! He left instructions against building a big tomb. Therefore, at that time, the country was peaceful, and the people prospered, and his achievements were passed down to future generations.
Nowadays, that kind of approach wouldn't cut it. There's a natural order, but ruling a country needs flexibility to adapt to it. You need a leader with vision to do great things. I hope Your Majesty will move the capital to Chengzhou, with Chenggao on the left, Mianchi on the right, Songshan in front, and the Great River behind as a barrier. Build Xingyang to consolidate the Hedong region, set up defenses a thousand miles to the north and south, and rely on the Aocang for food supply. The land within about a hundred miles is sufficient for self-sufficiency; the east can suppress the power of the vassals, and the west can stay away from the threats of the Qiang and Hu. Your Majesty, as long as you settle down peacefully and follow the capital establishment of Chengzhou, learning from the merits of Pan Geng's relocation, your achievements will stand alongside Emperor Gaozong for generations to come.
A lot of Han dynasty rituals weren't done right. I've reworked the rituals, so I hope Your Majesty will move the capital to return to the original source. Once everything's in place, we'll save a fortune on palaces and have extra grain every year.
I hear that the ancestors of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties built up a lot of good karma, which is why they were able to become kings, but none of them lasted more than a few hundred years. When King Cheng of the Zhou dynasty came to power, he was incredibly smart, inheriting the foundations laid by King Wen and King Wu, and was assisted by the Duke of Zhou and the Duke of Shao. All government officials were diligent and responsible, and those in office were the right people. Peace only lasted a couple of generations, but even with that peace, the Duke of Zhou still wrote poems and essays. He was worried King Cheng would lose everything, so he warned him seriously. The Book of Documents warned, "Don't be like that Shang King!" In his poems, he said, "Before the fall of the Shang dynasty, they were still able to offer sacrifices to the gods; this should serve as a warning, don't easily change the family traditions."
The Han Dynasty, newly established, was built up from Feng Pei, relying on warfare to conquer the world. The empire's influence hasn't yet taken root among the people. In later generations, there was lavish spending that's eaten up generations of savings. This not only wastes money but also squanders talent. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, border deaths mounted into the countless. Though the Han's reign hasn't been long, by the time it reached Your Majesty, there have already been eight or nine emperors. You've got King Cheng's wisdom, but lack the Zhou and Shao Dukes' wise counsel. Years of famine in the east, worsened by plague, have left the people starving and desperate, some even turning on each other. Earthquakes shake the land, the weather's gone mad, and the sun's hidden. How can any ruler ignore such warnings? Therefore, I hope Your Majesty can move the capital due to natural disasters. Heaven's way is cyclical; extremes return to the source, ensuring lasting strength. The Han Dynasty's luck isn't spent. A fresh start secures its future—wouldn't that be glorious? For example, in the year of Bing Zi in the first month of summer, moving the capital eastward following the direction of the moon, after seven years, there will definitely be five years of accumulation, and then a grand ceremony to worship the heavens and earth can be held. Even during the peak of the Zhou Dynasty, it cannot compare to this grand occasion. I hope Your Majesty will seriously consider and carefully weigh this strategic decision.
The memorial was presented, and the Emperor thought his idea was unique, so he asked him, "Feng Gong, there are currently seven palaces and ancestral temples. If we were to move the capital eastward, how would the specific situation be?" Feng Gong replied, "In the past, King Cheng moved the capital to Luo Yi, and Pan Geng moved the capital to Yin. The reasons for their capital relocations, Your Majesty is well aware of. Without a wise and enlightened monarch, the direction of the world cannot be changed. Forgive my boldness, Your Majesty."
Later, Gong Yu also suggested that the ancestral temple should be taken down and rebuilt in rotation, and the emperor adopted his suggestion. When Kuang Hong became the prime minister, he also requested to relocate the sacrificial sites in the north and south suburbs. These ideas, however, all originated from a culture of flattery.
Feng Cheng, who rose to the rank of Zhonglang, also served as a doctor and counselor, and died peacefully in his old age. His son and grandson both became Confucian officials because they were such good students.
Li Xun, styled Zichang, was from Pingling. He studied "Shangshu" under the same teacher as Zhang Ru and Zheng Kuanzhong. While Zhang Ru, Zheng Kuanzhong, and others studied diligently according to the teacher's instructions, Li Xun was different. He was especially fascinated by the "Hongfan"'s discussion of disasters and portents, as well as learning about astronomy, the lunar calendar, and the principles of yin and yang. He worked as a secretary for Prime Minister Zhai Fangjin, who was also skilled in astronomy and calendar calculations, and Li Xun often reported to Zhai Fangjin. At that time, the emperor's uncle, Marquis Quyang Wang Gen, served as the Grand Marshal and had a lot of respect for Li Xun. Given the many disasters plaguing the land, Wang Gen assisted in court affairs and frequently sought Li Xun's counsel. Li Xun believed that there were signs of decline in the Han Dynasty and thought that there might be disasters such as great floods, so he warned Wang Gen:
Ancient texts say, "Heaven's wisdom is profound," meaning that the celestial court is the residence of the Heavenly Emperor, connected to the fate of earthly emperors. The four gates of the Hall of Supreme Harmony symbolize vast roads, and the classics and arts represent revered knowledge and distinguished talents. They spread out like wings, shining light upon the world. The virtuous scholars in the Hall of Lesser Harmony assist the emperor, hence they are close to the imperial court, while the ladies' quarters are behind. Wise rulers learn from the heavens, and capable individuals are able to gain recognition; that is the principle. The text states that government officials, ministers, and generals should be upright and responsible, deeply concerned for their country and people, with the key being the selection of talents. The effectiveness of selecting and employing individuals is crucial to the difference between success and ruin and must be handled with caution and effort. In the past, Duke Mu of Qin believed in slander and employed rash advisors, resulting in great humiliation and almost the downfall of the country. Later, he repented, thought seriously, and appointed Bai Li Xi, eventually conquering the Western Rong, and his name went down in history. These two examples show that one must be careful and cautious about blessings and misfortunes! Scholars are a nation's greatest treasure and the key to its success. General, your family has nine marquisates and twenty magnificent chariots; since the establishment of the Han Dynasty, no minister has reached such prominence. All things rise and fall; this is a natural law. Only with talented friends and strong support can one barely protect oneself, preserve future generations, and the country. The text says, "Observe the heavens," meaning to understand the cycles of nature, examine the changes in mountains and rivers, and pay heed to the whispers of the people in order to establish laws and infer blessings and misfortunes. If a ruler ignores the natural order, disasters will occur, and signs will appear in advance. A wise ruler will fear mistakes and correct them swiftly, humbly seek advice from others, turning disasters into blessings; if irreparable, prepare in advance so the country will have no worries.
I have found that in the past, there has been widespread devastation and suffering, lavish public works projects that impoverished the people, and signs of great chaos in the world! Comets are shining brightly, and warlords are vying for power; these are omens of great disasters. These two omens have come to pass. There are rumors in the city that a flood is coming, and people panicked and scrambled for the city walls. The court is also frightened, and ominous signs appeared in the palace; this point has not yet been fulfilled. Recently, springs have been overflowing, and water is also gushing out near the palace. The moon and Venus aligned with the Eastern Well, a portent of flooding, and the celestial phenomenon is abnormal. The sunlight is too strong. Unusually wispy clouds hung over the palace, and there were winds and accumulating clouds. Earthquakes and tremors shook the land, and rivers changed course. Winter storms brought unexpected thunder and lightning; hidden dragons were causing trouble. Then there were falling meteors, comets passing by, and a solar eclipse occurred. These are all signs that the flood is imminent! If we do not worry and do not make changes, the flood will come to wash away, and the comet will come to sweep through; if we make changes, disasters can be avoided. Therefore, there have been some changes recently; some villains have been slightly criticized, the sun, moon, and stars have returned to normal, and the rain is also normal. These positive signs suggest that Heaven favors the Han; further reforms are thus all the more vital.
We should snap up the best and brightest, promote those with abilities, and put them in charge. Those sycophants who lie about their achievements and brutalize the populace are jealous of talent, hate loyalty, wreck the natural order, spread evil, and blot out the sun, turning the people against them. They should be promptly removed from their positions and should not be allowed to hold office. If this is truly done, disasters will be eliminated, and things will quickly improve for generations to come. Good governance is as powerful as a magnet; it works. Furthermore, we need to get those irrigation projects flowing freely again. Repairing old embankments and cutting taxes on the wetlands will help things along. We need to get to the bottom of things, understand the patterns, and heed any warnings. Let's call in Han Fang, Zhou Chang, and Wang Wang to talk this over.
Right after Emperor Ai took the throne, he summoned Zhang Xun to serve in the Yellow Gate and sent the attendant Wei Fu to ask Zhang Xun, "Recently, water has been gushing from the ground, earthquakes have been frequent, the sun and moon are abnormal, the movements of the stars are chaotic, and disasters have been continuous. Tell me everything, don't hold back." Zhang Xun replied:
Your Majesty, you're a truly virtuous ruler, showing respect for heaven and earth, upholding the law, and caring deeply for your people. You even remembered me, a humble servant, and sent senior officials to inquire about my situation. I'm hardly worthy of your command. Since Your Majesty ascended to the throne, I've noticed your enlightened policies, the removal of old taboos, and the wide recruitment of talents, giving everyone a chance to realize their ambitions. I've been a palace dweller for many years, living off the royal bounty. It's an honor to be summoned, Your Majesty, but I fear I have little to offer in return for your kindness. You sincerely inquired about me, and I feel that I have encountered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am willing to do my best and will not hide anything, hoping that a humble suggestion can be accepted by you. I will carefully consider this, Your Majesty, consulting the classics and seeking divine guidance. Unusual events often have tell-tale signs, and I would be remiss not to share my observations with you, Your Majesty. Next, I will organize my thoughts and present them to you. While I'm no scholar, I do have some thoughts on matters of state. I hope Your Majesty will seriously consider my suggestions. Even if only a little can be accepted, I will be content. After all, being able to contribute my efforts to the country is already my honor. I am well aware of my limited abilities, but I will do my best to contribute to the country's development. I always remember, Your Majesty, that loyalty and the well-being of the realm come first.
The Book of Changes says: "The sun and moon are supremely evident." The sun, as the embodiment of yang energy, brings uniformity of time across vast distances, symbolizing the majesty of a ruler. Therefore, when the sun is about to rise, a clear wind blows, dark things are hidden, and the king begins his court, unclouded by external concerns. As the sun just rises, the sunlight is warm and bright; the king ascends the throne, and villains dare not act rashly, while loyal ministers speak freely without impediment. When the sun reaches noon, the light is shining, the king's virtue is at its zenith, and the ministers can fulfill their duties. As the sun is about to set, the light wanes, and the king returns to the palace, following a fixed routine of rest and work.
If the king does not cultivate his virtues, then the sun will lose its proper order and become dim and lightless. Various bad omens will also appear: when the sun just rises, ominous clouds gather in the east, indicating that the king will be confused by palace women and eunuchs, feeling fear and difficulty; after the sun rises, it indicates that court officials will sow discord; reaching noon indicates that ministers will deceive the king; as the sun sets, it indicates that the king will be controlled by his wives and concubines. Recently, the sunlight is not very bright; its brightness is diminished, its colors muted, and ill omens are frequent. These ill omens persist throughout the day, easing only slightly between sunrise and noon.
Your Majesty, with all due respect, I do not understand internal affairs. I can only gauge Your Majesty's spirit by the sun's light, and I have noticed that it has weakened significantly compared to before. This cannot be ignored! The reason for this may be that Your Majesty has punished those upright ministers who dared to speak out, thus harming the heir and endangering the future generations of the country. I hope Your Majesty can maintain your strength of character, resolve, and adherence to the law, and not listen to the slander of female officials and treacherous ministers. Reject the flattery and pleas of your nurses and wet nurses. One must strive to uphold righteousness and not be swayed by trivial matters; if there is really no other way, you can reward them with money, but you must never privately reward them with official positions, as this is forbidden by the heavens!
When the sun weakens, chaos follows. The recent daytime appearance of Venus is an ill omen indeed! Your Majesty should work even harder to cultivate virtues and govern yourself, in order to prevent those actions that violate the laws.
I have heard that the moon, as the embodiment of Yin, mirrors the fortunes of the empire through its waxing and waning. Visible for hundreds of miles, its light reaches thousands, its path tens of thousands, just like a symbol of empresses, officials, and lords. The moon's phases mark the passage of time; the crescent moon, like a measuring rod, and the full moon symbolizes the virtue of the monarch. In spring and summer, the moon is in the south, while in autumn and winter, it is in the north. Sometimes, the moon in spring and summer follows the same path as the sun. It passes through the Xuan Yuan star, influenced by the weather, and enters the Taiwei enclosure (the celestial abode of the Emperor), shining brightly. Approaching the stars of the generals and close ministers, it overshadows all other stars, as if they were about to be snuffed out. This indicates the empress dowager interfering in politics, political chaos, imbalance of yin and yang, and a very dire situation. Court officials, ignorant of the true situation, cling to these celestial omens, revealing that the current close ministers are no longer reliable. It's like a vast palace built on weak foundations—a chilling prospect! Your Majesty must personally seek out talented individuals, not force yourself to accept those you do not like, in order to strengthen your court.
The celestial signs reveal that the Five Stars embody the essence of the Five Elements and represent the fates of the Five Emperors, with their movements influenced by the commands of the king. The Year Star's erratic course and intense brilliance suggest that you have something in mind, but the time is not right. Furthermore, the Fill Star's encroachment on the Year Star's path foretells a future of shared imperial power; they remain in the Kui and Lou constellations, and a just resolution is needed. The erratic course of the Wandering Star, its arrogant passage between the celestial palaces, portends upheaval in the court as it enters the Heavenly Gate and ascends to the Bright Hall. Venus's radiant brilliance threatens the Heavenly Treasury, and this portends military conflict. It traverses the Yellow Dragon, enters the Imperial Court, emerges from the palace gate, follows the Wandering Star into the Heavenly Gate, and separates after reaching the Fang constellation, desiring to incite chaos alongside the Wandering Star but daring not to approach the stars near the Bright Hall. Divine favor has thus far averted calamity. The slow progress of the Wandering Star reflects the machinations of those in power, who use veiled accusations to silence your loyal advisors. Venus's emergence from the End Gate reveals disloyalty amongst your courtiers. Mars's entry into the Chamber constellation and Venus's approach to the Upper Hall presage grave danger unless swiftly addressed. The conjunction of the Fill Star and the Year Star heralds internal discord. You should carefully observe the situation within the court, setting aside personal relationships, and purge the court of its corrupt elements, lest these festering wounds bring ruin upon the empire.
Mercury governs the cycle of the four seasons and should appear in mid-spring, mid-summer, mid-autumn, and mid-winter. If the four seasons are out of order, Mercury will exhibit unusual behavior. Now, Mercury's appearance in the first month of the lunar year (寅月, Yín yuè), which falls in early spring, is a warning from the heavens to Your Majesty! Its early appearance signifies urgent matters of state, while a late appearance indicates a more peaceful time. Prolonged political stagnation will cause Mercury to disappear, only to reappear as a comet. If Mercury appears in all four Meng months (the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth months of the lunar year), it foretells a change of dynasty; if all four seasons appear, this is an ominous sign for astrologers. Its appearance in the first month (寅月, Yín yuè) is a sign of heaven's favor toward Your Majesty; you should give serious consideration to your actions.
The governance of a country cannot be indecisive, and one cannot be hasty like trying to eat hot tofu. It is written in the books: "Officials are evaluated every three years, with promotions and demotions based on their performance." If the orders do not follow the seasonal rules, we can let bygones be bygones, but lessons should be learned from now on. A few days ago, during spring, major cases were heard within three months, and at that time, the thieves were secretly plotting rebellion, resulting in a poor harvest; at the end of summer, troops were sent out to war in cold weather, likely leading to frost and hail disasters later on; in autumn, the handling of titles occurred during a period of dampness, which could result in thunder and hail disasters later. Using emotions to reward and punish, without considering seasonal taboos, even a wise leader like Yao or Shun cannot achieve harmony and peace. Those who are good at observing celestial phenomena will surely be able to govern the world effectively. Imagine farmers plowing in winter, bare-chested and sweating profusely while planting; they still would not be able to grow anything. This is not due to lack of effort, but because it goes against the timing. The Book of Changes says: "Act when the time is right, wait when it's not; that's the path to success." The Book of Documents says: "Teach the people to work with the seasons." Therefore, ancient emperors respected heaven and earth, valued yin and yang, feared the four seasons, and strictly followed the lunar calendar. By implementing good governance in accordance with the timing, harmony will immediately ensue, just like an echo in response to a drumbeat. Nowadays, the court ignores the calendar. You, my attendants, officials, and advisors, must understand its importance. If any proposal or order disregards the seasons, speak up!
It has come to my attention that the five elements are based on water, with the constellations Xuanwu and Wu Nu considered the primary celestial bodies associated with water, the foundation of the operation of heaven and earth, and the source of all things. Water represents fairness and justice. If the imperial rule is just and equitable, then the rivers will be governed in an orderly manner and the waterways will be unobstructed. If favoritism is shown and discipline is lost, catastrophic flooding will occur. As the *Shangshu* states, water naturally flows downwards, following the course of yin energy. When the world is at peace, auspicious omens such as the River Map and Luo River Book will appear. Therefore, the bursting of the Yellow River and Luo River causes the greatest harm. Now the Ru River, Ying River, and other rivers are all flooding, causing disasters for the people along with the rain, just as described in the *Book of Songs*: "The brilliant lightning flashes, unrest and disorder reign, and the rivers surge and boil." This is a matter for which Huangfu Qingshi and others are accountable. I hope Your Majesty will take the words of the poets seriously and listen less to the words of the relatives and ministers.
I heard that the earth is still and quiet, which is the principle of yin. The world is divided into three layers: upper, middle, and lower. When there's unrest in the upper echelons, it corresponds to the concubines and empresses being unhappy; when there's turmoil amongst the ministers, it corresponds to chaos; when the common people are in revolt, it corresponds to rebellion. An earthquake signifies the ruler's failings. If the four directions, the central region, and the continuous countries and provinces all vibrate together, it is an even greater anomaly. Recently, earthquakes have been frequent in the Kanto region, and five stars have appeared in the sky. Although it has not reached a very serious level yet, efforts should be made to cultivate strength and decisiveness, and curb weakness and indecisiveness, to make up for the mistakes; to strengthen determination, establish prestige, curb corruption and favoritism, promote outstanding talents, and eliminate incompetent officials, in order to strengthen the imperial authority. With a strong court, it can stand strong against foreign threats; with a weak court, it will invite disasters and fall prey to treachery. I heard that when King Huainan rebelled in the past, the only person who could resist him was Ji An, believing Gongsun Hong and others to be inadequate. Gongsun Hong was a famous minister of the Han Dynasty, and there has been no one comparable to him even now, but he was underestimated by Ji An, let alone those who are inferior to Gongsun Hong. Therefore, if the court lacks talents, it will be despised by rebels, which is a natural principle. Your Majesty lacks both strategic brilliance and loyal, upright advisors. A failing court is easily recognized by the fact that everyone believes themselves capable, neglecting the cultivation of true talent; that is why the country will decline.
If horses do not walk frequently, they cannot stay on course; if scholars do not study and train regularly, they cannot revive the country. The Book of Songs states, "King Wen's reign was peaceful thanks to his many talented officials." Confucius said, "In a town of ten households, there must be loyalty and trustworthiness." These are not just empty words. Your Majesty rules over the empire, yet I have never heard of loyal and faithful ministers who can defend the country's territory. This is likely due to Your Majesty's lack of foresight, poor judgment in selecting officials, and insincere encouragement of talent. The Book of Documents says, "Good farmers nurture their crops; wise rulers nurture their talent." Ordinary people can be cultivated into gentlemen. It should be decreed to select virtuous scholars, forgive minor failings; perfection is not expected, in order to gather outstanding talents widely. Take Gong Yu, for example, who received honor for his sincere loyalty; during that time, many scholars aspired to serve the state with distinction. After Gong Yu's death, the country declined day by day. When the Jingzhao governor, Wang Zhang, was killed for his advice, intelligent people remained silent, evil and hypocrisy prevailed, powerful clans seized power, and there was a rift between ruler and ministers, leading to the severing of the imperial line of succession and a rebellion in the palace. These failures are a terrifying and sobering lesson!
I have been working for the Empress Dowager for ages; this isn't a new thing. The late Emperor, wise and strong, understood Heaven's will and wanted Your Majesty to inherit the throne to correct the mistakes! Therefore, it is necessary to properly limit the power of the Empress's family, carefully select the guards and officials around you, and appoint those with virtue, talent, and broad knowledge to important positions. Only in this way can we assist the Emperor, protect the throne, and continue the dynasty. From the lowliest clerk to the highest official, those with mediocre abilities and no special skills, as well as those illiterate scholars, should all be sent back to the fields! Only in this way can the people of the world know that the court is filled with talented individuals, thereby boosting the court's prestige, strengthening the throne, and quelling the unrest; this is fundamental! I know that what I am saying may lead to my death, but I'm not afraid to die for this; I just hope Your Majesty can seriously consider and ponder my words. At that time, Emperor Ai had just ascended to the throne, and the Wang family of Emperor Cheng had not been completely suppressed, while the Ding and Fu families of the Emperor were rising in power, especially the grandmother of Empress Fu, who was arrogant and wanted to be honored. Prime Minister Kong Guang and Grand Commandant Shi Dan kept advising, but over time, the Emperor was forced to dismiss Kong Guang and Shi Dan from their positions and instead honored Empress Fu as Empress Dowager, as recorded in the *Biography of Shi Dan*. Although the Emperor did not fully adopt my suggestions at the time, he often consulted my opinions and would come to me whenever faced with difficult situations. My answers were always right, and later I was promoted to be a Yellow Gate Attendant, a high-ranking official. Because I predicted a flood, the Emperor appointed me as the Cavalry Commandant to oversee flood defenses.
During the reign of Emperor Cheng of Han, there was a guy from Qi named Gan Zhongke. He forged a book called "Tianguan Li" (Tīnguān Lì) and a set of books called "Baoyuan Taiping Jing" (Bāoyuán Tài píng Jīng), totaling twelve volumes. He spun a yarn about how the Han Dynasty was going to face a great change in the heavens and earth, claiming falsely that a heavenly being, Chi Jingzi, had sent him this prophecy to teach. Gan Zhongke then incited several others, including Zhongping Xia Heliang, Rongqiu Ding Guangshi, and Guo Chang from Dongjun. As a result, a military officer named Liu Xiang reported Gan Zhongke, accusing him of cheating the emperor and the public. He was arrested, interrogated, and died in prison before his trial. Heliang and the others were accused of disrespect for hiding Gan Zhongke's books and were also implicated. Later, they secretly spread these teachings.
When Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty first ascended the throne, the Imperial Inspector Jie Guang was highly favored by the emperor due to his expertise in Confucian classics and knowledge of omens. He exposed Xia Heliang and others for concealing Gao Zhongke's book. Xia Heliang then reported this to the Imperial Attendant Liu Xin. Liu Xin figured this didn't fit with the Five Classics, so he thought it wouldn’t work. However, Li Xun was all for it. Jie Guang said, "Liu Xin's old man, Liu Xiang, ratted out Gao Zhongke and got him locked up. No way Liu Xin's gonna go for this." At that time, Guo Chang, the Prefect of Chang'an, advised Li Xun to help Xia Heliang and the others. Li Xun then reported to the emperor, suggesting they be made palace attendants, and the emperor summoned them several times to state their case. They said, "The Han calendar's shot; we need a new one. Emperor Cheng ignored the heavens, and look what happened – no heir! And you've been sick for ages, all these weird things happening… it's a warning! Change the era name, and you'll live longer, get a son, and these bad things will stop. If you know this and don't do anything, there'll be floods, fires, a total wipeout!" The emperor, feeling a bit better after a long illness, followed the advice of Heliang and the others.
Then he issued a decree to the prime minister and the imperial censor, saying, "I have heard that in the 'Book of Documents' it says, 'Five reigns mark the end of a Mandate,' meaning that when a great era ends, it is time for a change of dynasty, a new reign, a reexamination of laws and systems, a calculation of the calendar, and the establishment of a new era, just like the cyclical nature of the sexagenary cycle. I, this unworthy person, have inherited the throne from the founding emperor, been favored by the heavens, led all officials, governed the people of the world, but up to now have not been able to achieve anything to meet the expectations of the heavens. Since I ascended the throne three years ago, disasters have been constant, and the heavens themselves seem to be out of order; various calamities have occurred one after another, and thieves have been rampant. Fear chills me to the bone, as I dread the ruin of the empire. The Han Dynasty has been established for two hundred years now, having undergone several changes of dynasty, and the heavens have always bestowed extraordinary talents upon the Han Dynasty, allowing it to once again receive the symbol of the mandate of heaven. As for me, lacking in virtue, how can I dare not to follow the mandate of heaven and join the people of the world in reforming themselves? Therefore, I now order a general amnesty throughout the land, renaming the second year of Jianping as the first year of Taichu, and I shall henceforth be known as Emperor Taiping of the Chen Dynasty. The timekeeping system will also be changed to one hundred and twenty units. Let this be known throughout the land."
A month and more went by, and the Emperor was still just as sick. He Liang and his cronies were at it again, trying to meddle in government business, but the ministers were having none of it. He Liang and others petitioned, claiming that the ministers didn't get it; they didn't understand the Mandate of Heaven, and suggested dismissing the prime minister and censor, putting Xie Guang and Li Xun in charge. The Emperor saw right through their nonsense, so he arrested He Liang and others, and issued a decree saying, "I can keep the dynasty safe, but I'm no good at running the country. One disaster after another has hit us, and I'm terrified, I don't know what to do. I listened to He Liang's crazy ideas about changing the era name and messing with the calendar, thinking it would solve everything. I ignored the Mandate of Heaven, listened to their garbage, and almost brought ruin on the people. Things didn't get better, just worse – a terrible drought. I asked He Liang and others, and they suggested changing the system again, all against the rules and common sense. Uncorrected mistakes are a big problem. Everything in that June Jiazi decree except the amnesty was scrapped. He Liang and his gang defied Heaven, misled the people, and their treachery needed to be fully exposed." So, He Liang and others were all imprisoned, with Guang Luping, Mao Moru, the chief censor, and the court investigating. They found He Liang and his crew guilty of using witchcraft to undermine the government, trying to overthrow the Emperor, and their crimes were unforgivable. He Liang and others were all executed. Later, Xie Guang got a lighter sentence and was exiled to Dunhuang. People back then raved about the *I Ching* and the *Spring and Autumn Annals*, saying they held the secrets of Heaven, Earth, and Man – pretty amazing, huh? But Zigong said, "I get what Confucius wrote, but his ideas about human nature and the ways of Heaven? Not so much!" Yeah, deep stuff!
After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, there were many scholars who relied on the theories of yin and yang and the five elements to explain calamities and portents. Under Emperor Wu of Han, Dong Zhongshu and Xiahou Shichang flourished; during the reigns of Emperor Zhao and Emperor Xuan, there were Sui Meng and Xiahou Sheng; during the reigns of Emperor Yuan and Emperor Cheng, Jing Fang, Yi Feng, Liu Xiang, and Gu Yong made their mark; and during the reigns of Emperor Ai and Emperor Ping, there were Li Xun and Tian Zhongshu. These guys all got the emperor's thumbs-up, and their arguments were somewhat similar, all borrowing from classical texts, stretching things a bit, and sometimes even getting lucky a few times.
However, what about their fate? Dong Zhongshu was demoted, Xiahou Shichang was arrested and imprisoned, Sui Meng was killed, and Li Xun was exiled. This should serve as a warning to later scholars. Jing Fang, on the other hand, was a bit arrogant, speaking sharply and offending the powerful, and as a result, he quickly suffered a swift and brutal downfall. It truly reflects the saying "misfortune comes from the mouth!" What a waste!
