Kuang Heng, courtesy name Zhigui, was a native of Donghai. His father had been a farmer for generations, but Kuang Heng was exceptionally eager to learn. Despite the family's poverty, he worked odd jobs to earn money for his studies. He was far more dedicated to his studies than anyone else. Many scholars at the time would say, "Forget the Book of Songs – Kuang Heng's here! When Kuang Heng talks about the Book of Songs, he makes it so interesting."
Kuang Heng topped the imperial exam. Although he was supposed to be given a job in the Ministry of Rites, he declined and was instead appointed as a literary officer in Pingyuan County. Many scholars wrote letters recommending Kuang Heng, praising his profound knowledge of Confucian classics and stating that not many could compare to him, suggesting that he should be appointed to a position in the capital. Even the younger students wanted to study with Kuang Heng in Pingyuan, believing he shouldn't be in a remote area.
Word got to the Grand Tutor Xiao Wangzhi and the Minister of Finance Liang Qiuhe. Kuang Heng provided amazing insights into many important principles in the Book of Songs. Xiao Wangzhi reported that Kuang Heng had a deep understanding of Confucian learning and acted like a true scholar, deserving of a prominent position. Emperor Xuan of Han did not highly value Confucian scholars, so Kuang Heng was sent back to his old job. However, the Crown Prince admired Kuang Heng's answers and privately favored him.
After the death of Emperor Xuan of Han, Emperor Yuan of Han had just ascended to the throne. Shi Gao, Marquis of Leiling, a relative of the imperial family, was appointed as Commander of the Imperial Cavalry, overseeing the Imperial Secretariat. General Xiao Wangzhi served as his deputy. Xiao Wangzhi was a renowned Confucian scholar who had been his teacher. Emperor Yuan trusted him greatly, and Xiao Wangzhi also recommended many talented individuals. Shi Gao was only concerned with his own official position and had a poor relationship with Xiao Wangzhi. Chang'an magistrate Yang Xing said to Shi Gao, "General, you rely on your status as a relative of the imperial family to assist the court. You're a big shot, but people are talking about you, saying the people you recommend aren't the best. Why is that? It’s because your recommendations aren’t top-notch! You hold a high position, and the whole nation looks up to you. But those you recommend are just relatives, friends, or their nannies' sons. Everyone knows this, but some people talk about it privately, and those words spread everywhere. You occupy a high position but don’t get the praise of scholars; it’s like showing off a fancy car but driving it with the engine sputtering. The ancients hated this situation, so they were always modest and cautious, diligently seeking out talented individuals as their top priority. The *Shangshu* says, 'You can't wait for talent, just like you can't wait to eat until you're full,' and that’s quite an exaggeration! The literary scholar Kuang Heng from Pingyuan County has enough talent and wisdom, with scholarly achievements that are unmatched, but since he hasn’t had the chance to enter the court, he’s been stuck in a remote place. If you were to summon him to your residence, scholars would gratefully flock to you, allowing him to participate in political affairs, evaluate his abilities, and then recommend him to the court. He would definitely become a pillar of the country, and in doing so, you’d show your wisdom and gain fame throughout the world." After hearing this, Shi Gao appointed Kuang Heng as a clerk, recommended him to the emperor, and the emperor made him a palace official. He was later promoted to a doctorate, and finally became an Inspector General.
At that time, there was a solar eclipse and an earthquake, and the emperor asked Zhang Heng how the country was being governed. Zhang Heng submitted a memorial, saying:
I have heard that during the time of the Five Emperors, the rituals were different, the teachings of the emperors of the Three Dynasties varied, the customs and professions of the people were also distinct, and the eras they faced were not the same. Your Majesty possesses sagacious virtue and has paved the way for a peaceful and prosperous era. You show mercy even to those officials and commoners who err; you have granted amnesty to the whole country for several years in a row, allowing the people to amend their ways, for which they are extremely grateful. However, I have privately noticed that after the amnesty, there has not been a decrease in the wicked. Amnesties are granted, only for them to re-offend the very next day, filling the prisons once more. This is probably because our methods of governance are flawed. To govern the people well, one must cultivate their moral character and sense of right and wrong, observe their mistakes, and then formulate appropriate measures; only then can they act consistently and live in peace and contentment. Nowadays, there is rampant greed and moral decay, indulgence in pleasure, extravagance and waste in the upper class, a weakening sense of shame, debauchery, and moral decline. Family bonds are fraying, and factionalism is rife. People are consumed by self-interest and short-sighted gain. Without addressing this fundamental problem, even annual amnesties will prove insufficient to curb crime.
I believe that this custom should be overhauled. Confucius once said, "If you can govern a country with courtesy, what else can't you achieve?" The court sets the tone for the whole country. When officials and ministers show humility and courtesy to each other, conflict among the people is prevented; when they are kind and giving, the people will not do evil; when the upper class demonstrates noble integrity, the people will emulate them; and when the court is generous and benevolent, the people will love one another. These four points explain why a good leader can maintain peace without resorting to harsh laws. Why is that? Courtly infighting breeds conflict below; arrogance above leads to lawlessness below; officials fighting each other results in mutual harm among the people; and corrupt officials encourage thievery. This is the fundamental reason. Nowadays, the governance of officials does not follow the principle of courtesy; instead, they exploit others for profit and power. Consequently, many people commit crimes, and corruption is rampant. Even harsh laws cannot change this situation. This is not due to their nature; there is a reason for it.
I carefully studied the poems in the "Book of Songs" and found that in the "Zhou Nan" and "Shao Nan" sections, the influence of wise and saintly people made the common people plain-living and honest, unconcerned with outward show. Zheng's aggressive ruler fostered a culture of aggression among his people, who even dared to fight tigers; Duke Mu of Qin valued trust, so his subjects were loyal and willing to sacrifice for him; the queen of Chen liked witchcraft, leading the common people to be superstitious; the ruler of Jin was frugal, so the common people were thrifty, accumulating wealth; and King Tai of Zhou, who based his rule on benevolence and virtue, inspired tolerance among the people of Bin. These examples show how a ruler's behavior directly impacts their people.
This hypocrisy, stinginess, deceit, and cruelty to the people – it's gone too far. You can't just go door-to-door preaching to fix this. We need smart people in charge, and competent people handling the day-to-day stuff. The court needs to set a good example, with officials showing respect and consideration for each other. We need to start with the court, setting the example, and it'll spread outwards from there. This way, the people will naturally follow the rules and improve their lives. Then everyone will be happy and prosperous, and good things will happen. Like the *Book of Songs* says, "Shang's capital was grand, the heart of the empire; the people lived long, happy lives, and their prosperity continued for generations." That's how King Tang built a great empire, secured his dynasty's future, and brought even faraway tribes under his rule.
Chang'an, the emperor's capital, should be a shining example, but it's no better than anywhere else. People coming to Chang'an see no good examples, only extravagance and waste, so they copy that. So we need to fix this at the root – in how we educate people and set the standards.
Word is, heaven and earth, spirit and matter, good and evil—they all affect each other; what happens down here shows up up there. Yin and yang are interconnected; changes in one affect the other. Floods and droughts—they're a direct result of what's going on. Years of famine in the Kanto region have driven folks to desperation, even to cannibalism. This is all because taxes are too heavy, burdening the common people too much, and the officials' governance cannot keep up. Your Majesty needs to listen to the people and respect the natural order. Cut back on spending, slash the palace guard, scrap the Zhu Ya campaign, end the wars, and focus on good governance. Let's build a golden age like Yao and Shun's, not another Yin or Zhou dynasty. News of the Zhu Ya Jun's abolishment brought widespread joy; everyone felt peace was finally on the horizon. We need to cut government spending even more, simplify extravagant decorations, study systems, renovate the palace, and surround yourself with honest people while avoiding the wicked. Discard the decadent music of Zheng and Wei, and promote the elegant tunes of the Book of Songs. Promote talented individuals, allow frank advice, employ gentle and kind people, dismiss harsh officials, and elevate the honest and upright. Show the path of not being greedy for personal desires. Embrace the spirit of the "Six Arts," examine past political affairs, understand the laws of nature, and widely promote harmonious education. This will elevate the highest benevolence, rectify social customs, change the people's views, clarify what the court values, spread morality in the capital, and share good virtues across the nation. Only then can we achieve great governance and foster a culture of respect and humility.
The Emperor was impressed and made Dong Heng Grand Master and the Crown Prince's tutor.
At that time, the emperor liked Confucian teachings and literary style, showing a preference for altering Emperor Xuan's policies. Many advisors flocked to court, each believing himself to be in the emperor's favor. Empress Fu and her son, Prince Dingtao, enjoyed even greater favor, eclipsing even the queen and crown prince. Dong Heng also wrote: I hear that what a country values is the key to its success or failure. A divinely appointed king's primary duty is to establish a lasting dynasty, passing down the country through generations. The monarch who inherits the throne should focus on inheriting and promoting the virtues of the previous kings and praising their achievements. The Book of Songs says, "Remembering our imperial ancestors, their presence is felt in the court." This means that King Cheng often thought of the accomplishments of his ancestors, so he received the blessings of heaven and governed the country smoothly. Your Majesty, you are wise and benevolent; your grace extends throughout the land. However, with the imbalance of yin and yang, trouble brews. This is probably because everyone has not properly extolled the great achievements of the previous emperor, but instead argued about the inadequacies of the system and insisted on making changes. After the changes, some things simply do not work, and they have to be changed back, causing courtiers to blame each other and the common people to be confused. It grieves me to see the country abandon its past successes for petty squabbles. I hope Your Majesty carefully examines the foundation left by our ancestors, follows the system diligently, and extols the virtues of the previous emperor in order to stabilize the hearts of the people. The Book of Odes says, "Forget your ancestors, and you neglect your virtue." Confucius placed this in the opening chapter of the *Classic of Filial Piety*, highlighting its paramount importance! Ancient books say, "Understand right and wrong, manage your feelings, and you'll rule wisely." Understanding one's own nature is the key to understanding the nature of all things; understanding the nature of all things can assist in the operation of the laws of heaven and earth. The way to govern human nature is to understand one's own strengths and work to overcome one's weaknesses.
Sharp and insightful people should beware of being too shrewd; the less informed should beware of being closed-minded and conservative; brave folks should beware of being too impetuous; kind souls should beware of being indecisive; laid-back people should beware of falling behind the times; those with a wide perspective should beware of letting things slip. Your Majesty needs to watch out for these things and keep yourself in check with justice; only then can you achieve balance, and those schemers will not dare to challenge you. Your Majesty, you must be vigilant of these matters to better strengthen your good name.
It's said that harmony in the family leads to peace in the world. "The Book of Songs" starts with "Folk Songs," and "The Book of Rites" also begins with "Ceremonies of Cap and Marriage." Starting from "Folk Songs" is to clarify the intricacies of human relationships and social ethics; starting from "Ceremonies of Cap and Marriage" is to regulate the basics and prevent problems. Prosperity comes from the family; similarly, moral decay begins at home. Therefore, a wise king must carefully choose the queen and concubines, and clarify the position of the eldest son. The rites concerning the family in "The Book of Rites" emphasize not exceeding the superior, and not allowing the new to surpass the old, in order to regulate human relationships and maintain harmony within the household. The eldest son wears a crown and offers libation in ancestral worship, while younger sons were treated differently, to honor the eldest son and clarify the hierarchy. These rites are not empty forms, but reflect different inner qualities, so rituals can reveal a person's inner self. A sage, whether active or at rest, in leisure or in repose, makes sure everyone and everything is where they belong; when everything is in place, things will naturally fall into place, and the people will be content. If those who should be close are distant, and those who should be respected are slighted, then villains will take advantage and disrupt the country. Therefore, a sage must be cautious and prevent problems at the first sign, prohibiting them before they happen, and not harm justice for personal reasons. Your Majesty's wisdom will set things right, and the realm will govern itself. "The Book of Songs" says: "By governing the four quarters, one can stabilize one's own family." It is said that: "When the family and the country are stable, the world will be at peace."
Heng has been serving as the Grand Tutor for several years, repeatedly presenting his suggestions in memorials. Whenever there are discussions on state affairs in court, Heng always participates, and his opinions mostly align with legal principles. The Emperor highly values him, thus appointing him as the Minister of Rites and the Grand Minister of Justice. In the third year of Jianzhao, he succeeded Wei Xuan as the Prime Minister, and was titled Marquis of Le'an, with a fief of six hundred households.
Emperor Yuan kicked the bucket, and Emperor Cheng succeeded to the throne. Heng penned a memo advising the new empress and concubines to study the classics and observe etiquette, saying: Your Majesty, inheriting the throne, the sorrow of missing the old man will always remain in your heart. You have not yet held a hunting banquet, so now you should focus on worshipping your ancestors and expressing your longing for the late emperor. This longing is endless. I hope Your Majesty, even though wise, will be more cautious. The Book of Songs says "all alone and weighed down with grief," which means that after King Cheng lost his father, the longing was hard to calm, in order to inherit the achievements of King Wen and King Wu and consolidate the fundamental plan of the country.
I have heard that the teacher said: "Marriage is where it all begins, the bedrock of a happy life." If the etiquette of marriage is correct, then all things can flourish, and things will go smoothly. Confucius commented on the Book of Songs, starting with "Guan Ju," meaning that the highest moral standard is to love the people like parents, and the behavior of wives should be in harmony with heaven and earth, in order to comply with the rule of the gods and govern the laws of all things. The Book of Songs says: "A virtuous woman is a prize catch." This means that a woman can maintain her chastity and virtue without changing her conduct. Her feelings of desire will not show in her appearance or behavior, and her thoughts of private banquets will not manifest in her actions, allowing her to be worthy of the highest position and become the main priest of the ancestral temple. This is the cornerstone of good governance and the foundation of a strong kingdom. Throughout history, the success or failure of dynasties hinged on this. I hope Your Majesty will carefully weigh the consequences of success and failure, determine the fundamental plan of the country, choose people of virtue, avoid frivolous pleasures, be close to serious and cautious individuals, and stay away from those who are only clever with words.
With all due respect, Your Majesty, your virtuous and benevolent nature is evident in your devotion to the *Shijing* and the *Shangshu*, as well as your unwavering passion for classical learning. I am but a humble servant, unable to assist Your Majesty in doing good deeds and promoting your virtues. I understand that the Six Classics guide the hearts of heaven and earth; they record the outcomes of good and evil, explain the distinctions between fortune and misfortune, and embody the right principles of humanity, ensuring that people do not go against their nature. Therefore, by seriously studying the essence of the Six Classics, the principles of heaven and humanity can be harmonious, and all living things can grow and reproduce, a timeless principle. As for the *Analects* and the *Xiaojing*, they contain the very essence of sagehood; their study demands our deepest attention.
I heard that a wise and virtuous ruler is very particular about his every move, serving the heavens, respecting his parents, handling court affairs, and meeting with ministers, all following certain norms to regulate human relationships. This respectful and cautious attitude is towards the heavens; he shows gentleness, respect, and humility towards his parents; he treats the people with fairness, solemnity, and strictness; he is kind, generous, and benevolent towards his subordinates. The ruler's words and deeds become examples for the people to emulate, so his conduct naturally embodies benevolence and righteousness, and his demeanor becomes the rules for everyone to learn from. Confucius once said: "With noble character, dignified appearance, moderation in advance and retreat, facing the people in this manner, the people will respect him, love him, and imitate him." The *Dàyǎ* (a section of the *Book of Odes*) also says: "Respect and be cautious of your own appearance and behavior, in order to become an example for the people." Every year in the first month, the vassals all have to pay homage to the emperor. The emperor, by virtue of his moral character, receives them with dignity and solemnity, then entertains them with rituals and music, gives them wine, and sends them back. Therefore, all the lands under heaven can receive the emperor's blessings and grace, be educated, and form good customs. Now, on the first day of the first month, you will go to the imperial palace to accept congratulations and host a banquet for his ministers. There is an old saying, "A wise man is cautious at the beginning," hoping that Your Majesty will pay attention to your every move, so that all the ministers can see your great virtue and brilliance, thus laying the foundation for the country, which is a fortunate event for all the people under heaven!
The emperor took his words to heart. After a while, he proposed to renovate the sacrificial sites in the north and south suburbs, canceling the irregular sacrificial activities, with the specific content recorded in the "Records of Sacrificial Rites."
At the beginning, during the time of Emperor Yuan of Han, the Minister of the Central Secretariat, Shi Xian, dominated the court, and even the former Prime Ministers Wei Xuancheng and Bing Ji were afraid of him and did not dare to oppose him. When Emperor Cheng of Han had just ascended the throne, Bing Ji and the Grand Master of the Imperial Guard, Zhen Tan, brought charges against Shi Xian, laying bare the wrongdoings Shi Xian had committed in the past, as well as those of his associates.
Then, Imperial Inspector Wang Zun submitted a memorial accusing them, saying, "Bing Ji and Zhen Tan, as important officials of the court, clearly knew that Shi Xian and others were running rampant and wreaking havoc, but did not timely accuse them. Instead, they curried favor and covered up for them, neglecting their duty to the emperor. Now that Shi Xian and others have been accused, they have not reflected on their own failure to be loyal to their duties, but instead shifted the blame to the late emperor for appointing bad people—an unforgivable offense!" The emperor issued an edict stating that Bing Ji and Zhen Tan's responsibilities would not be investigated.
Bing Ji was mortified and terrified, so he wrote a letter of apology and requested to resign and return to his hometown due to illness, returning the Chancellor's seal to the emperor. The emperor replied, "With your noble character and talent, you hold a high official position entrusted to you by the late emperor, now in my hands. You have always followed the law and worked diligently for the public good, and I am pleased to work together with you to govern the country well. Now, Imperial Inspector Wang Zun falsely accuses you; I am deeply concerned! I originally intended to have the relevant departments investigate this matter. Why do you doubt me and want to resign? This disappoints me! As the ancients said, 'As long as your actions are in accordance with propriety, you don't need to worry about others' opinions!' Rest well and take care of your health." The emperor then rewarded Bing Ji with fine wine and a cow. Bing Ji then resumed his duties. The new emperor was initially very generous to his ministers, but many people in the court were of the faction of Wang Zun. Bing Ji lived in constant anxiety, and every time there was a natural disaster, he would request to resign. The emperor would always issue an edict to comfort him and not allow him to resign.
A long time passed, Bingji's son Chang became a junior cavalry officer, got drunk and killed someone, and was jailed. The officials under the cavalry and Chang's younger brother conspired to fix the case, but the truth was eventually revealed. Bingji took off his hat, in his stocking feet, waiting for punishment. The emperor sent a messenger to have Bingji put on his hat and shoes. However, someone reported that Bingji had misappropriated land, and he was eventually dismissed because of this incident.
Initially, Heng was appointed as a minor official in Le'an Township. Originally, the land and embankments in Le'an Township totaled three thousand one hundred acres, with Min Bai as the southern boundary. However, in the first year of Chuyuan, the county's map was wrong, mistakenly marking Min Bai as Pingling Bai.
After more than ten years, Heng was transferred to Linhuai County, and he simply used the real Pingling Bai as the boundary of Le'an Township. As a result, Le'an Township gained an additional four hundred acres of land. In the first year of Jianshi, the county finally confirmed the district borders, reported the household register, redrew the map, and reported the matter to the Prime Minister's Office. Heng told his trusted clerk Zhao Yin, "The clerk Lu Ci used to work in the petitions office and is very familiar with these matters, let him take charge of this matter."
The following year, when doing the books, Heng asked Zhao Yin about the district borders: "What's the plan with the Memorials Office?" Zhao Yin said, "Lu Ci can report this matter and let the county handle it according to the actual situation. But the county may not admit it, so we can have his man write a letter of report." Heng said, "What's the point of writing a letter if it might not do any good?" He didn't tell the Memorials Office to have Lu Ci report the situation, but let them handle it themselves. Later, Lu Ci and his subordinates Ming filed a joint report, saying, "According to the old map, Le'an Township is bounded by Pingling Bai to the south, but now it is bounded by Min Bai, what gives?" The county then returned the four hundred acres of land to Le'an Township. Heng sent people to Le'an Township to collect the rent and grain, over 1200 stones, and brought it back to his own home.
Jun, the Silijian Xiaowei, and Zhong, the Shaofu, who were serving in the Tingwei at the time, accused Heng, saying: "Heng misappropriated more than ten gold. 'The Spring and Autumn Annals' teaches that even nobles can't seize land—it undermines unity and order. Heng, as a minister of the three dukes, served the court, was responsible for the household register, knew the actual situation in the county, personally determined the national boundaries, and fixed the household register, but violated the legal system by privately occupying land for his own profit. Lu Ci and Ming also flattered Heng, falsified county records, embezzled land, and illegally gifted it to high officials—all of which are illegal actions." The emperor accepted their accusation. While he spared Heng criminal charges, he stripped him of his post and reduced him to commoner status. Heng later died at home.
His son Zixian was also very knowledgeable, proficient in Confucian classics, and became a high-ranking official. Several generations of their family have produced scholars.
Zhang Yu, styled Ziwen, was from Zhi County, Henan. Later, his father moved to Lianshao. When Zhang Yu was young, he often followed his family to the market, loving to watch the fortune tellers at work. Over time, he picked up some of their methods and sometimes even chimed in with a few words. The fortune tellers, impressed by the boy's sharp mind, told his father, "This lad's a bright one. He should study the classics." When Zhang Yu grew up, he went to Chang'an to study, learning the Book of Changes from Shi Chuo of Pei County, and the Analects of Confucius from Wang Yang of Langye and Yongsheng of Jiaodong. He excelled, attracting many students, and was later recommended to serve as a county scholar.
During the Ganlu era, many Confucian scholars recommended Zhang Yu, and the court issued an edict for the Crown Prince's tutor, Xiao Wangzhi, to assess him. Zhang Yu explained the main ideas of the *I Ching* and the *Analects*, which Xiao Wangzhi appreciated. He praised Zhang Yu's deep scholarship and recommended him for an official post. However, this recommendation was shelved, so Zhang Yu had to return to his hometown. After some time, he received a scholarly appointment. During the Chu Yuan era, the Emperor appointed a Crown Prince, and Scholar Zheng Kuanzhong was responsible for teaching the Crown Prince the Book of Documents, recommending Zhang Yu for his expertise in explaining the *Analects*. The Emperor then ordered Zhang Yu to teach the Crown Prince the *Analects*, leading to Zhang Yu's promotion to the position of Grand Master of the Palace. Several years later, he was appointed prefect of Dongping.
After the death of Emperor Yuan, Emperor Cheng ascended to the throne. The court summoned Zhang Yu and Zheng Kuanzhong, granting them both marquisates within the passes. Zheng Kuanzhong received a fief of eight hundred households, while Zhang Yu received six hundred. Zhang Yu was appointed as a high-ranking official, later promoted to a senior official and then to an official in charge of the secretariat. At that time, the Emperor's uncle, Marquis Yangping Wang Feng, served as the Grand General and held significant power over court affairs. The Emperor was young and humble, fond of Confucian classics, and highly respected his teachers. Zhang Yu and Wang Feng were both responsible for the secretariat, but they didn’t get along and clashed frequently. Zhang Yu fell ill multiple times and wrote letters requesting retirement to avoid Wang Feng. The Emperor replied, "Look, I'm young and still finding my feet running the country. You're a wise man, a mentor to me, that's why I put you in charge. Why keep asking to retire? It makes you look bad, and frankly, I haven't heard any gossip. Stay put, think things through, do your job, and don't go against me." The Emperor also rewarded him with a hundred catties of gold, plowing oxen, fine wine, and the palace kitchen sent him meals. The Imperial physician treated him, and envoys were sent to check on him. Zhang Yu was quite alarmed and resumed his work. In the fourth year of Heping, Wang Shang became the Prime Minister and was titled the Marquis of Anchang.
He was Prime Minister at six years old! In the first year of Hongjia, due to old age and frailty, he requested retirement. The Emperor repeatedly tried to retain him, and only then did he agree. The Emperor rewarded him with a comfortable carriage and four horses, a hundred catties of gold, and allowed him to retire to his home. Despite retiring, he still enjoyed the treatment of a marquis, paying respects day and night, holding the special rank of a special advisor to the emperor. The Emperor treated him like a Prime Minister, providing him with five attendants and increasing his fief by four hundred households. The Emperor rewarded him multiple times, totaling millions upon millions of coins.
Yu was a prudent and good-natured person who liked to save money and made his living farming. After becoming wealthy, he amassed four hundred hectares of land. These lands were all within the irrigation range of the Jing River and Wei River, with fertile land that commanded high prices. He also had a lot of other wealth. Yu enjoyed listening to music and lived a luxurious life in a grand mansion, where music from a full ensemble was often performed in the backyard.
Among the students trained by Yu, the most famous were Peng Xuan from Huaiyang and Dai Chong from Pei County. Peng Xuan became the Grand Minister of Works, while Dai Chong became the Supervisor of the Imperial Household. Peng Xuan was respectful and frugal, while Dai Chong was gentle, friendly, and intelligent. They were very different men. Yu felt closer to Dai Chong and kept Peng Xuan at arm's length. When Dai Chong visited Yu, he always advised his teacher to throw parties for his students. Yu would then drink and enjoy with Dai Chong in the backyard, with women in attendance and music playing late into the night. When Peng Xuan visited, Yu would receive him in a normal setting, discussing classics until evening and then serving him a simple meal of meat and a cup of wine, sitting face to face. Peng Xuan never went to the backyard. They both eventually figured it out and were fine with it.
As Yu grew older, he built his own tomb and ancestral hall. He found a plot near Pingling, close to Yanling, and petitioned the emperor for it. The emperor granted his request and had the pavilion moved to another location.
After Marquis Quyang heard about this matter, he came out to oppose it: "This place is adjacent to the Pingling royal tombs and the Yiguan tombs! Although Yu is a teacher, it’s not modest to insist on obtaining this prime piece of land and even demolishing the original pavilion. 'It's the thought that counts,' as Confucius said. The emperor should grant Yu another piece of land." Although Marquis Quyang was the emperor's uncle, the emperor respected Yu more, so despite Marquis Quyang's reasonable arguments, the emperor didn’t listen to him and eventually granted the land of Feiniu Pavilion to Yu.
Marquis Quyang was therefore very dissatisfied with Yu's favor and always looked for opportunities to speak ill of him and belittle him. But the emperor grew increasingly fond of Yu. Every time Yu fell ill, the emperor would send someone to check on him and even personally visit him. The emperor would even bow by Yu's bedside to greet him, and Yu would bow in thanks and mention, "I have four sons and a daughter. I especially cherish my daughter who married the Prefect of Zhangye, Xiao Xian. I’m worried about her being far away from home and wish for her to be closer." The emperor ordered right then and there for Xiao Xian to be transferred to Hongnong as the Prefect.
In addition, Yu's son had no official position yet. When the emperor visited Yu, Yu pointed to his son several times, and the emperor actually bowed by Yu's bedside and directly appointed Yu's son as a Yellow Gate Attendant (a high-ranking official) and even made him a court official.
Although Yu lived at home, he was specially invited by the emperor to be a teacher. Any important matter of state required his counsel. During the Yongshi and Yuanyan periods, there were many eclipses and earthquakes, and many officials and common people wrote petitions with accusations against the Wang clan. The emperor, though fearful of these omens, was swayed by the accusations but remained uncertain. Therefore, he personally went to Yu's home, dismissed the attendants, and privately asked Yu about the portents. He also showed Yu the petitions from officials and commoners. Yu felt that he was old, his heirs were weak, and his relationship with Marquis Quyang was not good, fearing that they would hold a grudge against him.
Yu said to the emperor, "During the 242 years of the Spring and Autumn Period, there were more than thirty solar eclipses and five earthquakes. Some vassals committed suicide, and some barbarians invaded the Central Plains. The fundamental reasons for these disasters are difficult to ascertain, so sages rarely discuss fate and strange gods. Even someone like Zigang cannot fully understand the laws of heaven. How can those bookish know-it-alls understand it! Your Majesty should govern wisely to deal with these disasters and share blessings with the people, which is the principle of the classics. Those young scholars of the new school mislead people with their random interpretations and should not be trusted. Let the classics be your guide." The emperor trusted and admired Yu greatly and no longer suspected the Wang family. Later, Marquis Quyang and the other royals were delighted to hear what Yu had said and personally visited him. With the frequent omens and the emperor's evident illness, Yu would perform elaborate divination rituals, meticulously preparing himself and seeking auspicious omens for the emperor. If the hexagram was inauspicious, Yu would be worried and anxious.
After Emperor Cheng passed away, Yu continued to serve Emperor Ai. He died in the second year of Jianping and was posthumously honored as the Marquis of Jie (a high-ranking noble title). Yu had four sons, with his eldest inheriting the marquis title. He rose to the position of Chief Tutor (a senior educational role), ranking among the Nine Ministers. The other three sons also held positions as military officers or other official roles.
Initially, when Yu was a teacher, the emperor often asked him difficult questions, so Yu wrote the Commentary on the Analects to present to the emperor. At first, scholars like Lu Fuqing, Xiahou Sheng, Wang Yang, Xiao Wangzhi, and Wei Xuancheng all explained the Analects. However, they had different opinions on the order and interpretation of the chapters. Yu initially studied under Wang Yang, then under Yongsheng. He eventually developed his own unique interpretation, gaining great reputation. People would say, "If you want to study the Analects, you must read Zhang Yu's writings." Therefore, many scholars learned from Zhang Yu's teachings, while the others' ideas fell by the wayside.
Kong Guang, style name Zixia, is the fourteenth generation descendant of Confucius. Confucius's lineage continued through his son, Boyu, then to Zisi, Zishangbo, Zijiaqiu, Zhenji, Zigaichuan, and finally to Kong Shun, who served as the chief minister of the State of Wei. Kong Shun's son was Kong Fu, who served as a doctor for Chen She and died in Chen. Kong Fu's disciple, Kong Xiang, served as a doctor for Emperor Xiaohui and the Governor of Changsha. Kong Xiang's son was Kong Zhong, and his sons were Kong Wu and Kong Anguo, with Kong Wu's son being Kong Yannian. Kong Yannian's son was Kong Ba, style name Cijun. Kong Ba was the father of Kong Guang. Both Kong Anguo and Kong Yannian were appointed as doctors by Emperor Wu of Han for their proficiency in the "Book of Documents" (Shangshu), with Kong Anguo also serving as the Governor of Linhuai. Kong Ba was also proficient in the "Book of Documents," serving under Grand Preceptor Xiahou Sheng, becoming a doctor in the late reign of Emperor Zhao, promoted to Grand Secretary during the era of Emperor Xuan, responsible for teaching the crown prince, and later promoted to Minister of Justice and Magistrate of Gaomi County. Back then, the ranks of princes and marquises outranked county magistrates.
After Emperor Yuan ascended to the throne, he summoned Kong Ba and conferred upon him the title of Marquis of Guannei, with a fief of 800 households, and appointed him as Lord Baocheng, a Palace Attendant. He also rewarded him with 200 pounds of gold, named him among the most meritorious officials, and relocated him to Chang'an. Kong Ba was humble and cautious, not fond of seeking power. He often said that his title was too high and questioned his own merits. From Minister Gong Yu's death to Xue Guangde's dismissal, the Emperor repeatedly tried to appoint Kong Ba as Prime Minister. However, Kong Ba declined three times, and the Emperor deeply understood his sincerity, ultimately not forcing him. Therefore, the Emperor respected him even more and bestowed many rewards. After Kong Ba's death, the Emperor wore plain clothes twice to mourn him, giving him precious items, money, and silk from the East Garden, as well as the ceremonial rites of a Marquis, and posthumously named him "Lijun" (meaning "Lord of Righteousness").
Lao Xue had four sons; the eldest, Fusi, became Marquis of Guannei. The second son was named Jie, the third son was named Xi, and both brothers became lieutenants or held other official positions. The fourth son was named Guang, the youngest, but he was particularly skilled in Confucian studies and became a Remonstrating Officer before he turned twenty. Kuang Heng, the Grand Minister of Works, thought Guang was upright and recommended him to become an Imperial Censor. However, due to disagreements during discussions, Guang was demoted to be a magistrate in Hong County and later resigned to teach at home.
When Emperor Cheng just ascended to the throne, he appointed Guang as a Doctor, sending him several times to investigate injustices, rectify customs, and provide relief to refugees. He excelled in each task, earning the Emperor's appreciation and becoming truly renowned. At that time, there were three paths for promotion for Doctors: the best being the Secretariat, followed by Provincial Inspector, and if neither were suitable, they could become the Grand Tutor to a prince of a vassal state when they were old enough. Due to his outstanding performance, Guang became a Minister of Personnel. He diligently studied historical regulations and laws, becoming very familiar with the system and laws of the Han Dynasty over the years. The Emperor trusted him greatly, promoting him to Supervisor and later to Minister of Personnel.
The emperor issued a decree praising Guang for being meticulous and careful in his work, never making mistakes. As a result, he was promoted, and his son was appointed as a junior minister. He was also given a position in the emperor's personal staff. Over the years, he continued to rise in rank, eventually becoming a high-ranking official and taking on responsibilities in government affairs. He was rewarded with 100 pounds of gold and put in charge of the affairs of the imperial chancery. He held significant positions for over a decade, always adhering to the law and tradition. Whenever the emperor asked him questions, he would respond based on the classics and laws, never flattering or arguing forcefully. He meticulously drafted all his submissions, viewing any carelessness as a grave offense against the emperor. He recommended others for positions without their knowledge and avoided discussing politics at home. His discretion extended to even the smallest details; when asked about the plants in his greenhouse, he deftly deflected the question, preferring to remain silent on matters of state. Guang, known for his virtue and behavior, quickly rose in rank due to his natural qualities and position. He did not form factions or seek favors from others. Eventually, he was appointed as the Grand Censor. His long and unblemished career served as a model of integrity and diligence for generations to come.
So, Emperor Cheng of Han ruled for twenty-five years but had no son to inherit the throne. His closest kin were his half-brother, Prince Zhongshan, and the son of another half-brother, Prince Dingtao—Cheng's nephew. Prince Dingtao was brilliant, and his son was even more so. However, Empress Dowager Fu secretly favored Prince Dingtao. She lobbied Empress Zhao Feiyan, Zhao Hede, and Cheng's uncle, Grand Marshal Wang Gen. They all urged the Emperor to make Dingtao the heir apparent.
Therefore, Emperor Cheng summoned Prime Minister Zhai Fangjin, Grand Master Sang Hongyang, General Lian Bao, and General Zhu Bo to the palace to discuss whether to appoint Prince Zhongshan or Prince Dingtao as the heir. Zhai Fangjin and Wang Gen argued, "Prince Dingtao is the son of the Emperor's brother. The Book of Rites says a nephew is as good as a son, and acting on behalf of one's descendants is like acting for one's own son. So, Prince Dingtao should inherit the throne." Lian Bao and Empress Dowager Fu agreed with them. Only Sang Hongyang opposed, stating that according to ritual law, the selection of an heir should consider the closeness of blood relations. Prince Zhongshan was the son of the late Emperor and the Emperor's own brother, just like the situation of the Yin and Shang dynasties described in the Book of Documents, specifically the Pan Geng section. Therefore, Prince Zhongshan should inherit the throne. However, Emperor Cheng believed that according to the Book of Rites, brothers cannot perform ancestral sacrifices together, and since both the Empress and Zhao Hede wanted Prince Dingtao to be the heir, in the end, Prince Dingtao was chosen. For his dissenting opinion, Sang Hongyang was demoted to Court Officer.
Sang Hongyang served as the head of the Imperial Secretariat for a long time, was very familiar with laws and regulations, handled matters fairly and thoroughly, and had a good reputation. At that time, the Marquis of Dingling, Chunyu Zhang, was executed for the crime of rebellion. Chunyu Zhang's young wife, Si Shi, and six others had left him before his crime was exposed, some even remarried. After Chunyu Zhang's crime was revealed, Prime Minister Zhai Fangjin and Grand Minister Wang Mang believed, "According to the law, those who commit crimes must be punished according to the laws and regulations at the time in order to clearly assign responsibility. Since they were his wives when he committed treason, they should have been punished alongside him. Later, they left, and there is no legal explanation. Therefore, they should be punished according to the law." However, Sang Hongyang argued, "Rebellion is a great crime, and both parents and wives, regardless of age, should be executed together to warn future generations not to commit crimes again. But between husband and wife, if there is love, they stay together; if there is no love, they separate. Chunyu Zhang did not even know he would be executed for rebellion, and Si Shi and the others left him and even remarried, breaking the bond of love. It’s not right or proper to punish them as if they were still Chunyu Zhang's wives." In the end, the Emperor decreed, "Sang Hongyang's opinion is correct."
That year, Generals Bao and Bo, along with the Marquis of Hongyang, were all dismissed from their positions and became commoners. I was appointed as the General of the Left but enjoyed the treatment of the General of the Right; the Guard Commander, Wang Xian, became the General of the Right and enjoyed the treatment of the General of the Rear. The position of the General of the Rear was also abolished. After a few months, Prime Minister Fang Jin passed away. The Emperor summoned me, preparing to appoint me as the new Prime Minister. The seal and title of the Prime Minister had already been prepared, but suddenly the Emperor died! That night, I received the seals of the Prime Minister and the Marquis of Boshan before the Emperor's body.
Emperor Ai ascended to the throne and was very frugal, reducing various expenses and personally handling government affairs. The court was thriving, and everyone was looking forward to a prosperous era. The Emperor also rewarded me and granted me a fiefdom of a thousand households. At that time, Cheng Emperor's Empress Dowager resided in Changle Palace, while the Empress Dowager Fu of Dingtao lived in the national mansion. The Emperor asked me and the Grand Minister of Works where the Empress Dowager Fu of Dingtao should live. I had heard that the Empress Dowager Fu was powerful, domineering, and a master of political maneuvering. She had raised and educated the Emperor since he was a baby and had made significant contributions to his reign. I was concerned that she would interfere in politics, so I suggested building a new palace for her. The Grand Minister of Works, He Wu, suggested, "She can reside in the Northern Palace." The Emperor accepted He Wu's suggestion. There was a purple-roofed passageway connecting the Northern Palace and Weiyang Palace, and the Empress Dowager would use this passageway to visit the palace every day, trying to get herself a better title and boost her family's status, making it difficult for the Emperor to govern as he wished. Not long after, Fu Qian, a trusted aide of the Empress Dowager, became increasingly arrogant in the palace. The Emperor dismissed him and sent him back to his hometown. The Empress Dowager was furious, and the Emperor had no choice but to bring Fu Qian back. The Grand Minister of Works, Shi Dan, and I submitted a memorial stating, "Your Majesty's edict clearly stated that Fu Qian, a deceitful and treacherous man, was a danger to the state and should be banished. Yet, he remains. This has sown confusion amongst the people, undermining Your Majesty's authority. It is a grave error! These strange events have driven Your Majesty from the main hall, searching for reasons but finding no solution. We implore you to banish Fu Qian and remove this evil influence, heeding the celestial warnings!" However, Fu Qian was ultimately not sent away and became an attendant. These incidents clearly demonstrate the Empress Dowager's absolute control over the Emperor.
Hey, I heard that Empress Dowager Fu wants a new honorary title, along with the Emperor's mom. A bunch of ministers are on board, saying that when your son becomes Emperor, Mom gets a bump in status, so giving her an honorary title is a filial act. Only Shi Dan and Wang Guang firmly opposed. The Emperor, on one hand, can't resist the pressure from the ministers, and on the other hand, is being pushed by Empress Dowager Fu. This thing's been dragging on for years. Later, Shi Dan got dismissed because of this, and Zhu Bo took over his position and became the Grand Minister of Works. As for Wang Guang, he's been at odds with others since the previous emperor's time over the succession, and now he's going against Empress Dowager Fu. This time, Empress Dowager Fu and Zhu Bo teamed up and framed Wang Guang. After a few months, the Emperor ordered Wang Guang to be dismissed and criticized him: "Prime Minister, you're my right hand. You should be helping me run this country. But things are a mess. Disasters keep piling up, the signs from above are terrible—it's like the end of the world—sun and moon are dim, mountains crumble, rivers flood, the stars are all messed up. These are all because of my incompetence, and it shows how incompetent you are as Prime Minister! You used to be the Minister of Justice, helping the late Emperor for eight years, but I didn't see any good suggestions from you; now you've been my Prime Minister for three years, and I haven't seen you lift a finger. And now, with all these disasters and crop failures, people are starving, families are falling apart, tens of thousands are homeless and begging on the streets! Officials are lazy, criminals run wild, and bandits are attacking government buildings. I've asked you about all this, but you're not worried at all and can't come up with any good solutions. So, the ministers are all slacking off, and the responsibility falls on you! You’ve got a heavy responsibility managing all the officials, and you can't help me from above or calm the people below. Doesn’t the Book of History say, 'Don’t neglect the duties of the officials, or heaven will send someone to replace them'? Alas! Give me your seals and get lost!"
Wang Guang went home and shut himself in. Zhu Bo took over as prime minister, but a few months later, he listened to the Empress Dowager Fu's instructions and filed some seriously messed-up reports, leading to his suicide. Then Ping became prime minister, only to die a few months later. Wang Jia then became prime minister, constantly butting heads with the Empress. They went through three prime ministers in ten years, and everyone said that no one could compare to Wang Guang. Finally, the emperor started to think.
On the first day of the first month, there was a solar eclipse, and more than ten days later, Empress Dowager Fu passed away. During that month, Zheng Guang went to the Imperial Secretariat to report the eclipse.
Zhengguang said, "I have heard that the sun is the source of all yang energy, representing the emperor, and is the supreme symbol. If the emperor's virtue declines, yin energy will prevail, invading the light, and a solar eclipse will occur. In the *Shangshu*, it says, 'ashamed to do five things' and 'must follow the imperial way.' If the emperor's demeanor, words, deeds, and thoughts are all problematic and cannot follow the Middle Way, then disasters will follow one after another, and six extreme phenomena—such as drought, floods, and famine—will repeatedly occur. If the emperor does not follow the path of ultimate virtue, it means that the Middle Way has not been established. The text states, 'at this time, the movement of the sun and moon will be chaotic,' resulting in obscuration and deviation, and in severe cases, a solar eclipse will occur. It also says, 'six disasters will occur together,' and during the first three days of the year, the manifestation of disasters is most severe. A solar eclipse occurred on the first day of the first month of the year, which happened to be one of these three days. It's clear that this was no accident; if there is no reason, disasters will not occur for no reason. The *Shangshu* says, 'only by correcting one's own behavior first,' meaning that abnormal phenomena occur because things are not done correctly. I have heard my teacher say that heaven is with the emperor, so disasters frequently occur as a warning to the emperor to repent. If one is not afraid, does not try to eliminate disasters, but instead takes a lackadaisical approach, severe punishment will be received, and the consequences will be unimaginable. The *Shijing* says, 'Have reverence! Have reverence! Heaven sees clearly, and fate will not change!' It also says, 'Revere the majesty of heaven, in order to protect the state.' All of this indicates that without reverence, disasters will occur, while auspiciousness will come with reverence. Your Majesty is wise, diligent, follows the mandate of heaven, reveres abnormal phenomena, self-examines diligently, summons the ministers, reflects on the reasons, then restrains yourself, rectifies all affairs, shuns the wicked, promotes the virtuous, purges corrupt officials, and appoints the worthy. This is the fundamental way to govern the country and the best way to deal with disasters. The people are truly blessed! The *Shangshu* says, 'Heaven has entrusted you with a mission, correct your virtue,' meaning to comply with the will of heaven with proper virtue. It also says, 'Heaven will help those who are honest,' meaning that as long as you are sincere, heaven will help you. Therefore, compliance with the will of heaven lies in upholding virtue, generously bestowing blessings, being more sincere, and working tirelessly. Such folk remedies and rituals will ultimately be of no use in complying with the will of heaven, eliminating disasters, and praying for blessings."
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After submitting the memorial, the Emperor said, "Reward me with silk fabrics, appoint me as the Master of the Imperial Household, with a substantial salary of two thousand stones, serving as an Imperial Censor, ranking below the Prime Minister. The Emperor also issued an edict for me to recommend suitable candidates for the position of Minister of Personnel. I humbly replied, 'I am just a worn-out old nag, having held many important positions in the past, yet never achieving anything remarkable, barely escaping with my life. Now the Emperor has promoted me again, allowing me to enter the court and participate in political affairs. I can only be mediocre, truly afraid of disappointing the Emperor's expectations if I make a mistake one day. Based on the customs of past dynasties, Ministers are promoted gradually based on their qualifications, not for any outstanding talent, and usually not promoted out of order. Minister Pu She Chang is fair, diligent, and efficient, making him more suitable for the position of Minister of Personnel. So, I recommend him.' Thanks to my recommendation, Chang was appointed as the Prefect of Dongping. Chang's surname is Cheng, his name is Gong, and he is from Donghai.
I had only been the Master of the Imperial Household for about a month when Prime Minister Jia Yi was sentenced to death and imprisoned, and Grand Master of the Imperial Secretariat Jia Yan was dismissed from office. I was then reappointed as the Grand Master of the Imperial Secretariat, and two months later promoted to Prime Minister, restoring my original title of Marquis of Boshan. The Emperor then realized that my previous dismissal was not my fault, but because some courtiers close to him slandered and framed me. The Emperor also dismissed Fu Jia from office, saying, 'When he was a Palace Attendant, he often slandered loyal officials and falsely accused ministers, leading to the long-term exclusion of many outstanding talents. Fu Jia is cunning and deceitful, tricking the Emperor and forming cliques, manipulating court politics, attacking good people, and running rampant. Hasn't it been said in the Book of Songs? "When slander reaches its peak, it will cause great chaos in the country." So Fu Jia was dismissed and sent back to his hometown as a commoner.
Next year, I will be promoted and become the Grand Tutor. Unfortunately, Emperor Ai died, and the Empress Dowager appointed Wang Mang as Grand Marshal and made the King of Zhongshan the new Emperor, known as Emperor Ping. Emperor Ping was too young, so the Empress Dowager seized power and effectively gave it all to Wang Mang. Earlier, Emperor Ai had expelled members of the Wang clan, so the Empress Dowager and Wang Mang held grudges against the Ding, Fu, and Dong factions. Wang Mang believed that as a renowned Confucian scholar with years of experience, everyone trusted me, including the Empress Dowager, who treated me with special kindness. Whenever he wanted to retaliate against someone, he would draft a memorial and hint to the Empress Dowager, who would then instruct me to accuse them. None escaped his clutches.
Wang Mang's power grew stronger, and I was terrified and didn't know what to do, so I asked to retire. Wang Mang told the Empress Dowager, "The Emperor is still young; he should have a tutor." So, I was appointed as the Emperor's Grand Tutor in the palace, one of the Four Assistants, responsible for guarding the palace gates, managing the palace doors, and looking after the Emperor. The following year, I was promoted to Grand Preceptor, while Wang Mang became the Grand Tutor. I often played sick and avoided attending court with Wang Mang. Later, the Emperor made me attend court on the first and fifteenth of each month and made me guard the city gates. Wang Mang had the ministers singing his praises, claiming he should be above the princes and that all officials should obey him. I grew increasingly fearful and resolutely declined, seeking retirement.
The Dowager Empress issued an edict: "Grand Tutor Guang, a descendant of a sage and son of a former teacher, possesses noble character and profound knowledge, serving as one of the Emperor's four chief advisors. This year, he is already of old age and has fallen ill, but he is a pillar of the country and cannot be without him. *The Book of Documents* states, 'do not abandon old ministers'; for the country to prosper, we must respect teachers and masters. Therefore, the Grand Tutor is ordered not to attend court, and food will be sent to him every ten days. A longevity staff will be granted to the Grand Tutor, and the Grand Tutor's household staff will arrange seating in the reception hall of his residence. He may walk with the staff in his home, provided with a selection of seventeen dishes, and allowed to continue to hold his office while living at home."
"I have served as Minister of State twice, Prime Minister twice, and also held positions as Minister of Works, Minister Mentor, and Grand Tutor, serving under three emperors in total for seventeen years. When I first became an official, I stopped teaching; later, as a minister, my disciples often came to consult me on difficult questions, and I would explain the principles. Many of my students have become scholars and officials, expecting me to promote them due to my high position, but I have never recommended anyone, leading some to resent me. That's how I've always done things."
In 70 BC, the fifth year of the Yuanshi era before Wang Mang usurped the Han Dynasty, Zhai Fang died at the age of 70. Empress Wang Zhengjun ordered the top nine officials to discuss posthumously awarding him the title of Grand Tutor and Marquis of Boshan, along with the corresponding symbols of his new rank. They also gave him a ceremonial carriage, precious items, a large sum of money, and silk fabrics. The government was responsible for the funeral preparations, the inspector carried a staff and, along with two attendants, escorted and managed the funeral affairs, while the ritual expert oversaw the funeral rites. The Empress also sent a court official with a staff to inspect the funeral arrangements. Officials from the court and all the ministers came to offer condolences and attend the funeral. The funeral procession included a ceremonial carriage and two other carriages, as well as four hundred soldiers, orphans, and students carrying the coffin. There was a huge procession of carriages, and people along the way paused respectfully to allow the procession to pass. The government was also responsible for building the tomb, using five hundred soldiers and following the specifications of the General Wang Feng's tomb. After his death, Zhai Fang was posthumously titled "Marquis Jianlie," which means "the Marquis of Simplicity and Valor."
Zhai Fangjin was initially made Prime Minister and later received additional titles, with a total of 11,100 households in his fiefdom. When he fell seriously ill, he submitted a letter requesting to resign from 7,000 households and return the estate granted to him by the court. His son Zhai Fang inherited his father's title. After Wang Mang usurped the throne, he appointed Zhai Fangjin's brother's son, Zhai Yong, as Grand Marshal and also granted him the title of Marquis. Among Zhai Fangjin's descendants, four or five reached high-ranking official positions. Initially, Zhai Fangjin's father, Zhai Ba, was appointed as Marquis of the Inner Passes during the first year of Emperor Yuan of the Han Dynasty, with 800 households in his fief. Zhai Ba petitioned the emperor to be allowed to offer sacrifices to Confucius, and Emperor Yuan decreed, "Let Marquis of the Inner Passes Zhai Ba use the income from his 800 households to sacrifice to Confucius!" Therefore, Zhai Ba sent the name of his eldest son Zhai Fu to the State of Lu to officiate at the Confucius sacrifices. Upon Zhai Ba's death, his son Zhai Fu inherited his title; upon Zhai Fu's death, his son Zhai Fang succeeded him; upon Zhai Fang's death, his son Wang Mang succeeded him. In the first year of Yuanshi, Wang Mang created the descendants of Duke Zhou and Confucius as Marquises, each with 2,000 households in their fiefdoms. Wang Mang himself was also made Marquis of Baocheng, later changing his name to Wang Jun to avoid confusion with Wang Mang. Ma Gong, whose courtesy name was Youqing, was from Qixian in Donghai. He was well-versed in the Confucian school of the Yan family in the "Spring and Autumn Annals," passed the imperial examinations with top marks, became a court official, later rose to the position of Chief Scribe of Chu, and was later dismissed from office. He then served as the Minister of Personnel. The esteemed statesman Shi Dan recommended Ma Gong for his high moral character, leading to his promotion to Minister of Justice, and later serving as Governor of Qingzhou, Prefect of Runan, and Prefect of Jiujiang, receiving praise wherever he went. He was later summoned to serve as Minister of the Imperial Household and Right General, and subsequently succeeded Kong Guang as Grand Tutor, being granted the title of Marquis of Fude. Following Zhai Fangjin's death, Ma Gong succeeded him as Grand Tutor, also serving concurrently as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.
At the beginning, during the reign of Emperor Ai of Han, Gong, along with the Prime Minister and the Imperial Censor, discussed the posthumous title of Empress Dowager Fu, the grandmother of Emperor Ai. Later, during the reign of Wang Mang, he ordered the opening of Empress Dowager Fu's tomb, relocating her remains to Dingtao and providing a simple burial befitting a commoner. Those who were involved in the previous discussion of the posthumous title were held accountable. Enjoying Wang Mang's favor, Gong was not held accountable and felt ashamed and fearful, so he submitted a humble petition of remorse, requesting to resign from his official position and retire.
Wang Mang, citing the Empress Dowager's decree, replied to Gong. The decree read: "The Grand Tutor and Grand Minister submitted a memorial in the past, proposing the posthumous title of '...' for the mother of the King of Dingtao based on the suggestion of the Guanglu Xun. A woman, honored by her husband's title, should be posthumously called Filial Yuan Fu Empress Dowager and buried in the Eastern Garden of Weiling. The minister acknowledges the impropriety of comparing a concubine to a monarch; a lowly position cannot contend with the noble. However, I blindly imitated and distorted the classics, deceiving the Emperor with false words. A disloyal subject should be punished, and I should be executed, but fortunately, the Emperor has shown mercy and spared my life. I have served as one of the Four Assisting Ministers, held the position of the Three Excellencies, and been enfeoffed as a marquis. I no longer have the face to return to the court, nor the intention to serve as an official, and should not enjoy the state salary. I request to resign from the positions of Grand Tutor, Grand Minister, and Marquis of Fude, making way for the virtuous." Gong's memorial was submitted to the relevant authorities, and everyone agreed that the Four Assisting Ministers were the pillars of the country, and the Three Excellencies were important ministers assisting the monarch. Without firmly holding their positions, they would not be competent. Although Gong's request was sincere and acceptable, his previous mistakes were not seriously reflected upon, and he did not dare to admit his faults. The Emperor was very tolerant, not stripping him of his title and salary, to underscore the universality of death. He was thus permitted to serve his brother as a marquis, retaining his title but relinquishing his ministerial posts.
After Wang Mang usurped the throne, he appointed Gong as the tutor to the crown prince, and Gong died in office. Gong's original surname was Ma, but later, after he'd made a name for himself, he changed his surname to Ma. The author concludes that, ever since Emperor Wu of Han started schools, we've had a string of prime ministers who were Confucian scholars—Gongsun Hong, Cai Yi, Wei Xian, Xuan Cheng, Kuang Heng, Zhang Yu, Zhai Fangjin, Kong Guang, Ping Dang, Ma Gong, and his son Ma Yan. They all wore the scholar's robes, preached the ancient kings' teachings, and cut a fine figure. But really, they were just in it for the job security and the paycheck, so they got slammed for being yes-men. How could they possibly do the job properly by just following the examples of the ancients?
