The ancestors of the Ban family shared the same surname as the State of Chu and were descendants of Ziwen, the chief minister of Chu. When Ziwen was born, he was abandoned in the grass and raised by a tiger. In Chu, a tiger that suckled a child was called "Gu," and a tiger was called "Yu Zhai," so they named him Gu Yutu, with the courtesy name Ziwen. The Chu word for tiger, "Ban," became the family name of his descendants. After the State of Qin destroyed Chu, the Ban clan was relocated to the region between Jin and Dai, and they continued to use this surname. When Qin Shi Huang was close to death, Ban Yi escaped the chaos and fled to Loufan (near present-day Datong City, Shanxi Province), where he accumulated thousands of head of livestock. During the early years of the Han Dynasty, when the land was settled and life was relatively unrestricted, Ban Yi lived in the border areas with his abundant family property. He hunted often, traveling with a flag and band. He lived to be over a hundred. Thus, "Yi" became a common courtesy name in the north. Ban Yi's son was named Ru. Known throughout the region for his generosity and integrity, he was celebrated in song. When he grew up, he became the prefect of Shanggu. Ru's son was named Hui, who became the magistrate of Maolin County. Hui's son was named Kuang, who was recommended through his filial piety and became a court official. Due to his significant achievements, he was later promoted to the position of Left Cao Yueqi Xiaowei. In the early reign of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, Kuang's daughter became a concubine, and Kuang retired and returned home. He had accumulated considerable wealth and purchased properties in Changling. His Changling estate was later confiscated in the general land grab by officials and nobles in Chang'an.
Ban Kuang had three sons: Bo, You, and Zhi. The eldest son, Ban Bo, studied the Classic of Poetry with his teacher Shi Dan when he was young. General Wang Feng recommended Ban Bo to serve as an official, and the Emperor summoned him to the palace for a friendly conversation. Impressed by his appearance and eloquence, he appointed him as a chamberlain. At that time, the Emperor established a school in the palace, where Zheng Kuanzhong and Zhang Yu would explain the Classic of History and the Analects of Confucius to the Emperor every day, and Ban Bo was also instructed to study there. After mastering the essence of the classics, Ban Bo discussed their similarities and differences with Xu Shang and was later promoted to the position of Commandant of the Palace Gates. Several years later, the learning activities in the palace ceased, and Ban Bo began to socialize with the young men from the Wang and Xu families, dressing to the nines and living it up in style, which was not what he truly enjoyed.
My hometown is in the north, and I am a straight shooter. I have requested several times to be sent on a mission to the Xiongnu. During the Heping era, the Xiongnu Chanyu paid the Emperor a visit, and the Emperor sent Bo to the border to welcome him. Right then, some powerful clans in Dingxiang commandery, such as the Shi and Li families, were causing a ruckus and killed the officials sent to arrest them. Bo reported the situation and volunteered to take on Dingxiang for a month. The Emperor sent General Wang Shun to replace Bo and protect the Chanyu while also issuing a decree that made Bo the Prefect of Dingxiang right then and there. When the people of Dingxiang heard Bo was a high-ranking official, and young at that, they worried he'd come in swinging his weight around. Everyone, officials and commoners alike, was terrified.
After arriving in Dingxiang, Bo first visited the respected elders and the local community, as well as people he had known before, warmly hosting lavish feasts at his home daily and showing them the utmost respect, as he would his own elders. A wave of calm washed over the county. Bo feasted the local dignitaries, who, after a few drinks, expressed their gratitude and urged him to capture the thieves, providing detailed information on their hideouts and plans. Bo said, "This is what my elders would expect of me!" He immediately summoned officials from across the county, hand-picked his best men, and launched a crackdown on the thieves. Even the most elusive thieves were rounded up within ten days. The county was awestruck, hailing him as a miracle worker.
A year later, the emperor summoned Bo back to the capital. Bo requested to first return to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors' graves. The emperor granted his request, ordering all officials below the rank of governor and commander to greet him. Bo then summoned his extended family, showering them with gold according to their closeness to him. The whole north swelled with pride, and the elders passed the tale down through generations. On his journey back to the capital, Bo suffered a debilitating stroke. Upon arriving in the capital, the emperor appointed him Grand Preceptor of the Palace Attendants and ensured he received the best medical care, but despite the emperor's rewards, he remained unhealed for several years.
Just as Empress Xu was deposed, Lady Ban served the Crown Prince, and the emperor promoted Li Ping, who served the Crown Prince's palace, to Lady Ban, while Zhao Feiyan was appointed empress. Bo lamented the swift turn of events. After a long time, the emperor arrived in Linhouyang on an inspection tour. Despite his illness, Bo anxiously attended to his duties.
After the Grand General passed away, Zhang Fang and Chunyu Chang, these courtiers began to gain favor. When the Emperor went out in disguise, they all accompanied him, shared his carriage, and even assisted with driving! Upon returning to the palace, the Emperor hosted a banquet, and Zhao, Li, and the others raised their glasses to toast, chatting and laughing merrily, creating a lively atmosphere. At that time, the Emperor sat behind his screen, which depicted King Zhou of Shang drunkenly embracing Daji, engaging in unrestrained debauchery. The Emperor showed special respect to my lord uncle, pointing to the painting and asking him, "King Zhou of Shang was so incompetent, and ended up in such a state; what do you think?" My lord uncle replied, "The *Book of Documents* states that he 'followed the counsel of women'; who would behave as recklessly in court as he did? No one better exemplifies the saying, 'All evils return to him' than he." The Emperor said, "Had King Zhou not been so excessive, would this painting hold any warning?" My lord uncle replied, "Wei Zi urged King Zhou to reform, citing his 'indulgence in wine'; the *Book of Odes* further condemns his 'boisterous revelry.' The warnings about debauchery in the *Book of Odes* and the *Book of Documents* all stem from alcohol." The Emperor sighed and said, "It's been ages since I've encountered someone as forthright as Ban Gu, and today I heard such sincere advice!" Zhang Fang and the others didn't look too good and left under the pretext of changing clothes. At that time, Lin Biao of Changxin Palace happened to come to deliver a message and heard everything clearly.
Later, the emperor went to the Eastern Palace, and the empress dowager cried and said, "Your Majesty's complexion has been haggard recently. The imperial censor Ban, who was recommended by the Grand General, should be promoted. More people like him should be appointed to assist Your Majesty. Marquis Fuping Zhang Fang should be sent back to his fiefdom." The emperor replied, "Very well." When General Wang Yin heard about this, he reported Marquis Fuping Zhang Fang's crimes to the Prime Minister and the Imperial Censor. The emperor then demoted Zhang Fang to the border as a Commandant. Later, Zhang Fang schemed his way back to the capital, and the empress dowager wrote to the emperor again, saying, "My previous advice has been ignored. Marquis Fuping has returned. Can he be trusted to remain loyal?" The emperor replied, "I will definitely follow your instructions." At that time, Xu Shang served as the Minister of the Imperial Household, and Shi Dan served as the Master of Ceremonies. The emperor promoted Xu Shang and Shi Dan to the Master of Ceremonies and promoted the Emperor's uncle to the Superintendent of the Imperial Granaries. They served the emperor together, all holding the rank of two thousand stones (a high-ranking official's salary grade). Every day when going to the Eastern Palace, the Emperor's uncle followed; when encountering major national affairs, the emperor sent him to convey his orders to the ministers. The emperor also gradually grew tired of banquets and leisure activities and began to study the classics seriously again, much to the delight of the empress dowager. Prime Minister Fang Jin submitted another memorial, and Marquis Fuping Zhang Fang was finally sent back. Not long after, the Emperor's uncle passed away due to illness at the age of thirty-eight, and everyone at court mourned his loss.
Now, let’s talk about Ban Biao. He was incredibly smart and talented! A rising star, he was recommended by General Zuo Shanjun as a go-getter. He passed the civil service exams and became a low-level official (Yilang), later promoted to a government advisor (Jian Dafu), then to a military officer (You Cao Zhong Lang Jiang), and worked with Liu Xiang to edit and catalog the imperial archives. Every time he reported to the emperor, Ban Biao was chosen to read out the official reports and had the opportunity to read a large number of books. The emperor admired his talent and even rewarded him with his own copy of the imperial records. At that time, books were not readily available everywhere; even Prince Dongping had to rely on his uncle's connections to borrow *Records of the Grand Historian* and other texts, although General Bai did not agree to his request, as the *Biography of Prince Dongping* recounts. Unfortunately, Ban Biao died young, leaving behind a son named Ban Si, who later became famous.
Ban Zhi, Ban Biao's younger brother, became a powerful palace insider from a young age, known for his integrity and always doing what he thought was right. In the later years of Emperor Cheng of Han, when Prince Tao was established as the crown prince, the emperor sent imperial messengers several times to inquire about the opinions of the courtiers, but only Ban Zhi hesitated to give his opinion. After Emperor Ai ascended the throne, Ban Zhi was sent to the Xihe region as a commandant and later promoted to be the prefect of Guangping.
When Wang Mang was young, he had a good relationship with the Ban brothers. He treated Ban Biao as an older brother and Ban Zhi as a younger brother. When Ban Biao passed away, Wang Mang personally went to the funeral, bringing generous offerings and covering the expenses. After Emperor Ping ascended the throne, the Empress Dowager took charge, and Wang Mang held real power. He was determined to create a "Great Peace" and even sent envoys to various regions to check out what people were saying and collect any songs or poems praising him, but Ban Zhi didn’t say anything about it. At that time, the governor of Langye, Gongsun Hong, reported disaster situations to the court. The Grand Minister, Zhen Feng, then sent people to secretly hint to local officials and the people in the two counties, accusing Gongsun Hong of deliberately spreading rumors and causing trouble, saying he was fear-mongering. Ban Zhi did not comment on this matter, and Wang Mang thought he was jealous of talent and obstructing wise rule, calling him not a good person. The Empress Dowager remarked, "If good deeds aren’t publicized, but those who report disasters are punished, how can that be right? Besides, I also feel for the virtuous families in the palace!" As a result, Gongsun Hong was imprisoned and executed. Ban Zhi became afraid and quickly submitted a letter of apology to the Empress Dowager, asking to resign from his official position and expressing that he was happy to take a less important job at Yanling Garden, which the Empress Dowager agreed to. He lived the rest of his life peacefully on his original salary. So, the Ban family got through Wang Mang's reign without any problems.
At the beginning, Emperor Han Cheng had a pretty easygoing personality and liked to listen to frank advice, so people like Wang Yin and Zhai Fangjin, even if they committed a crime, could still speak their minds. People like Liu Xiang, Du Ye, Wang Zhang, and Zhu Yun were even bolder, criticizing the emperor without holding back. So from the emperor's teacher, Marquis Anchang, to the emperor's uncles, including the Grand General's brothers, the ministers in the court, the concubines in the harem, and those with power and influence related to the Xu family, no one was spared from the sharp criticism in their writings. Only Gu Yong once said, "During the Jian Shi and He Ping periods, the Xu and Ban families had a ton of power, influencing court politics, spreading throughout the country, lavishing them with rewards, and emptying the treasury. The emperor's favored concubines were too numerous; that's just not right! The current situation is even worse than before; these people have gotten everything they wanted, more excessively than before." Gu Yong used these words to refute the claims of Zhao and Li, and what he said was perfectly logical. Next, let's talk about Zhi Sheng Biao. His real name was Shu Pi, and he studied together with his cousin Si from a young age. His family had many books rewarded by the court, and they lived a prosperous life. Scholars came from miles around to see him; even someone as big as Yang Xiong would visit his dad.
Although his cousin Si also studied the Confucian classics, he admired the Tao of Laozi and Zhuangzi, which advocates living a simple, tranquil life and cultivating life while cherishing the true. Once, Huan Sheng wanted to borrow his books, but Si replied, "People like Laozi and Zhuangzi have abandoned the wisdom of sages, emphasizing nurturing life and preserving truth, simply following the natural way of things, and not being enslaved by worldly desires. Living simply, whether in the mountains or a small dwelling, they are not misled by worldly desires. Their lives are beyond the reach of worldly ambition and success, and they are not swayed by external splendor and wealth. They avoid the pitfalls of sagehood and do not indulge in luxury and extravagance; their freedom transcends worldly measures of success, making them worthy of admiration. As for you, you're already bound by benevolence, righteousness, and morality, entangled by the chains of fame and fortune, following in the footsteps of Duke Zhou and Confucius, and imitating the loyalty of Yan Hui and Minzi. You're already bound by worldly dogma, so why boast of your understanding of the Tao? There's a saying about the Handan walker: he tries to be like someone else and forgets who he is, ultimately crawling back home! I'm afraid you will end up like that, so I won't lend you the books." That was Si's philosophy, and the way he lived his life.
Old Pi could only give his all by following the teachings of the wise. When he turned twenty, the Wang Mang regime collapsed, and Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu proclaimed himself emperor in Jizhou. At that time, Wei Xiao occupied Longxi, gathered a large army, and attracted top talent from across the land, while Gongsun Shu proclaimed himself emperor in Shu Han. The world was in chaos, with major cities and counties occupied by various forces. Wei Xiao asked Old Pi, "After the Zhou dynasty's fall and the Warring States period, it took generations for peace to return. Will we see that kind of chaos again, or will one man unite the land?" Old Pi replied, "The rise and fall of the Zhou Dynasty is different from that of the Han Dynasty. In the past, the Zhou Dynasty established five ranks of nobility, with the vassals holding power. The foundation was weak, but the branches were very strong, so that kind of chaos was inevitable. The Han Dynasty inherited the system of the Qin Dynasty, implementing the system of prefectures and counties. The emperor had supreme power, and the court officials held all the power. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of Han, the imperial family held sway, while Emperor Ai of Han and Emperor Ping of Han had short reigns. The imperial line was broken three times, and the crisis started from the upper class, causing the people to suffer. Therefore, Wang Mang was able to seize power, monopolize the court, and usurp the throne, but he did not win the hearts of the people. After he proclaimed himself emperor, people everywhere waited with bated breath, sighing in despair. Over the next decade or so, there were continuous internal and external disturbances, and pretenders to the throne popped up like mushrooms, all claiming to be descendants of the Liu family, which shows that everyone's thoughts are the same. Now those powerful figures who occupy the cities and counties do not have the hereditary foundation passed down through generations like the Seven States. An old saying goes, 'The Heavenly Emperor is above, majestic and awe-inspiring, observing the four directions, seeking the wishes of the people.' It's clear the people long for the Han to be restored, for the Liu dynasty to return."
Kuai Xiao said, "Hey, your analysis of things in the Zhou and Han dynasties is correct, but it's a bit simplistic to assume that the Han dynasty will revive just because the common people are familiar with the Liu surname! When the Qin dynasty lost power, it was Liu Bang who took over, but did the common people know about the Han dynasty at that time?" Shu Pi, upon hearing Kuai Xiao's words and considering that there were still arrogant and rebellious individuals causing trouble, wrote the "Theory of Royal Mandate" to address the crisis at that time. The essay went on to say:
It is said that a long time ago, Emperor Yao ceded the throne to Shun, saying, "Shun, the heavenly calendar is all in you." Shun later handed over the empire to Yu. From Ji and Qi, they both assisted Tang Yao and Yu Shun, bringing prosperity and good fortune to the land, and their virtues continued for generations. When it came to Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou, they both ruled the world. Although their circumstances and methods of abdication were different, they were able to obey the Mandate of Heaven and care for the people, which was fundamentally the same. Therefore, Liu Bang inherited the throne of Yao, and the rise and fall of the Liu clan were recorded in the "Spring and Autumn Annals." The Tang thrived on its fiery virtue, and the Han inherited the Tang throne. Han Gaozu Liu Bang rose up in Pei County, and it is said that his mother had dreamed of a divine spirit, foretelling the Red Emperor's good fortune. This shows that the rule of the emperor must have saintly virtues and accumulate great achievements to receive the protection of the gods, the love of the people, and the blessing of the spirits, so that all under heaven will return to him. It's never been heard that someone without a foundation and merit can easily ascend to this position.
People only see that Liu Bang, the founding emperor, came from a commoner background, and they think he just happened to be in the right place at the right time during the chaotic era, using his weapons and persuaders to seize power like fighting for a deer, and succeeded by luck. They do not understand that the Mandate of Heaven has its own way and cannot be obtained by intelligence alone. What a tragedy! This is also the reason why there are so many bad guys in the world. Don't these guys get it? Don't they understand anything?
Look at those poor people, starving and freezing their butts off, only wishing for a scrap of cloth and a bowl of rice. All they dreamed of was a single gold coin, but they end up perishing in the mud. Why? That's just how it is! And the emperor's position? All that power and wealth? It's not something you just grab. Therefore, even mighty warlords like Xiang Yu and Liu Bang, or ambitious power-grabbers like Wang Mang, all met terrible ends, ending up brutally murdered. And what about the average Joe who can't even manage a few kids? Still wanting to secretly seize the throne? So, as the inferior horse can't pull a thousand miles, the sparrow can't fly high, and rotten wood can't be used for important tasks, those who lack ability can't bear heavy responsibilities. Like the *Yi Jing* says, "If the tripod legs break, the sacrificial meat spills," meaning you can't handle what you can't handle!
When the Qin Dynasty fell, many heroes supported Chen Ying as king. Chen Ying's mother stopped him, saying, "Since I married into your family, we've been dirt poor. Sudden riches never bring good luck. It's better to entrust military power to others. If it works out, we'll still get something; if things fail, we'll be alright." Chen Ying listened to his mother's words, and the Chen family was thus able to live in peace.
Wang Ling's mother also foresaw that Xiang Yu would be defeated and Liu Bang would be victorious. At that time, Wang Ling was a general of the Han army, and his mother was captured by the Chu army. When the Han envoy came, Wang Ling's mother met him and said, "Please tell my son that the Han king is a wise monarch who will definitely unify the world. He should assist the Han king wholeheartedly and not second-guess him." After saying this, she took her own life in front of the envoy with a sword to strengthen Wang Ling's determination. As a result, the Han Dynasty eventually unified the world, Wang Ling became a prime minister, and was even ennobled as a marquis. If an ordinary woman can have such insight, predict good and bad fortune, protect her family's future, and be remembered in history, what can a man do? Therefore, it is said that fate affects rich and poor alike, and fortunes depend on individuals. Chen Ying's mother knew she should give up; Wang Ling's mother knew she should rise up. If you understand these four things, you understand what makes an emperor.
Liu Bang's success probably had five reasons: first, he was a descendant of Emperor Yao; second, he was a striking figure; third, his bravery was auspicious; fourth, he was generous and kind; fifth, he was good at recognizing and using people. In addition, he was honest and trustworthy, good at planning, open to advice, willing to listen to others' opinions, and saw others' strengths as surpassing his own. He treated his men like family, readily accepted advice, and was quick to seize opportunities. He'd greet guests even while eating, humbly welcomed guests, listened to his soldiers to boost morale, valued the Four Sages' wisdom, and put his family aside. He appointed Han Xin in Chen territory, recruited Chen Ping from the ranks of fugitives, and heroes joined him, using every trick in the book. That was Liu Bang's winning strategy, and it made him emperor. As for those supernatural signs, they can also be briefly mentioned.
At the beginning, when Liu Bang's mother Liu Ao was pregnant with him, she dreamed of meeting gods amidst lightning and thunder, as the sky turned black, accompanied by strange phenomena like dragons and snakes. When Liu Bang grew up, he appeared incredibly smart and charismatic. Therefore, Wang and Wu were moved by his temperament and gave up fighting; Lu Gong saw his appearance and gave his daughter's hand in marriage to him; Qin Shihuang went on an eastern tour to avoid Liu Bang's imperial destiny; Empress Lu seemed to know instinctively where Liu Bang was by looking at the clouds; when Liu Bang raised his army, the white snake split apart; when Liu Bang entered Guanzhong, the stars aligned auspiciously. Therefore, Han Xin and Zhang Liang both said that this was bestowed by the heavens and not achievable by human effort.
To rule long and prosper, one must draw lessons from the rise and fall of history, carefully study the succession of emperors, and seriously consider these five crucial factors, choose wisely, and know when to let go, while following the rules. If one is confused, only concerned with power and profit, overreaching, not evaluating one's own strength externally, and not understanding fate internally, then they will definitely lose their leadership position of protecting their homeland, lose their long life, meet their doom, and eventually be killed. If these heroes can understand this truth, fear disaster as much as they would, have a broad vision, deep insight, divide their power shrewdly, as Ling and Ying did, avoid the ambition of Xin and Bu, resist temptation, understand that divine artifacts are bestowed by the heavens, and avoid the infighting of the harem, then they can bless their descendants and prosper for generations to come.
Poor Kuí Xiāo never cottoned on, not until the day he died, so he skipped off to the Hexi Corridor. Big-shot General Dòu Róng, he was impressed by the bloke, so he went to see him. Dòu Róng recommended Kuí Xiāo's abilities and made him magistrate of Xu County, but later he resigned due to illness. The top brass at court summoned him a few times, but he wasn't in it for the dosh, and the jobs on offer weren't his cup of tea; he studied not to please others; he was a scholar, but not a stuffy one; he didn't mince words; he was straight-talking and never blew his own trumpet.
His son, Gù, was orphaned young. He wrote a piece called "Ode to Solitude and Connection" to express his lifelong ambitions and aspirations. In the ode, it says:
“Tied to the mysterious armor of Gāoxū, shining with the brilliance of the Ye family, shedding cicada skins in the triumphant wind, echoing the voice in the wilds. Ten decades of glory gradually approaching, with feathered attire heading to the capital. The vast waves engulfing the summer, considering the sorrowful fate and spreading rumors, ultimately preserving and bequeathing, residing in the benevolent abode. Honoring the pure virtue of the past, reaching the end of success and failure, consulting the lonely darkness, facing the end without steps, how can my body not perish? Reflecting on the world's affairs.”
I've been mulling this over, and the longer it goes on, the more I miss it. No one else dares breathe a word, so I hope I'm not sullying it by even mentioning it. My soul's a bit lonely, but I feel connected to something bigger than myself; my sincere heart is always there. I dream of climbing mountains, seeing those old hermits, offering them some wild berries, warning them off the treacherous paths.
After waking up, I was all at sea, still thinking about this matter. I haven't figured it out yet; those gods are way too distant, not like they're actually *there*. Some say that one must climb high to approach the deities; although the journey is long, one will not get lost. The trees were choked with vines, and I hummed the 'South Wind' song to calm myself down. I was very afraid, just like walking on the edge of a deep valley, like something out of the Book of Songs. Although there are good omens, I had to watch my step: why not persuade everyone now? Time flies by; it will not come again.
I have accepted the teachings of the deities, waiting slowly. The heavens and earth are infinite, but life is short. Things are complex and difficult, with many challenges and little wisdom! Only sages can solve these problems, which ordinary people cannot do! Lord Wei had Kunwu under his thumb, but Kunwu rebelled and killed him. Guan Zhong drew his bow to shoot his enemy, but the enemy became his support. You never know what's going to happen; who can predict the outcome? Duke Yong incurred hatred because of his early rewards, while Duke Ding was killed for doing good deeds, encountering misfortune in auspicious occasions and receiving congratulations in sorrowful places. The world is so unpredictable; only the hermit of the north can see the rise and fall clearly. The country looked fine on the surface, but inside it was rotting. There were problems everywhere. Only by following the doctrine of the mean can success be possible, but even so, success is not guaranteed.
I got stuck on my own ideas, thinking Confucius didn't have all the answers. I just sat there, doing nothing, and ended up getting killed in the chaos. I followed the sages but did not receive salvation, and that was the end of me. One must be careful and cautious in order to avoid turmoil; your strength comes from your roots, just like a tree. I worry about being implicated in this matter; fortunately, the situation has not escalated.
Li Chun was really something during the Gaoxinshi period; the Mi clan held sway in the Nansi area. The Ying clan ruled the roost in Baiyi, and the Jiang clan originated from the Sanzhi area. Their righteousness earned them respect, and they lived in accordance with the heavens. The eastern neighbors were brutal, wiping out the righteous, and as a result, King Zhou made his mark during his third and fifth years in office. The Rongdi women were fierce and disrespectful, bringing down the kingdom, leading to chaos. King Zhou crushed the rebellion, burnished his reputation, then went back to his decadent ways. The Zhen Gua foretold the Xia Dynasty's catastrophic floods; the Zhou Dynasty changed its reign three times, ultimately leading to the demise of the Ji family dynasty. The Xun Gua predicted that after five upheavals in Xuanguan, immortality would be followed by catastrophe.
Life's a long journey, but it's short. The world is mysterious and unpredictable, making it hard to fully understand. Folks turned to divination to get a glimpse of the cosmos and the afterlife. Those with the Gui and Jiang surnames choose auspicious days through divination, using tortoise shells during morning sacrifices. Whether King Xuan and King Cao would rise or fall was all in their dreams; Lu and Wei's reputations and legacies were written in stone and song. A baby's cry meant a mother would carve a record in stone, and the ruler of Xu handled affairs with utmost dedication. It's all connected, part of the natural order; various methods, though different, all originate from the same root. The gods determine one's fate in advance, which changes with one's actions. Bad writing doesn't last, and that brings bad luck and a ruined reputation. The Sanluan clan, wherever they went, stayed the same at heart. Life's complicated; no wonder people are so baffled. The fall of Zhou and Jia left the people angry, and in Qi, fate ruled everything. They spoke their minds to fix things, respected the gods, and avoided wearing mourning clothes.
The most valuable is the wisdom of the saints: going with the flow and letting go of personal attachments. Everything craves something, but saints don't get caught up in it, and though they have things they dislike, they don't shy away from them, following Confucius' teachings, being impartial, so they can travel light. Three different kinds of kindness all lead to the same place; even though Yi and Qi showed kindness differently, they were singing the same song. Trees need a break to grow strong, and silkworms build layers to protect their silk. Jihou burned himself alive for his king, while Haozi had big dreams but didn't chase fame or riches. A plant's worth is in its fruit; fruit means it's thriving. Leaving a legacy was what the ancients aimed for.
The heavens watch over us; everything exists in harmony. These are the ancient sages' rules: help each other, keep your word. Remember the 'Shao' music from Shun's time? So beautiful, even the phoenixes came to listen! It's still remembered today. The ancient 'Su Wen' tells of a white unicorn; the Han emperor took it as a good omen, and his dynasty flourished.
These spiritual masters could influence everything, even the smallest details, with their amazing powers. They say Li Guang's arrows could split stones—that's what happens when you master your skills. Talking to the gods? You gotta be sincere. No real skills, no one believes you. Even little tricks take work, let alone dedicating your life to it!
I climbed Mount Tai and Mount Song, overlooking the earth, feeling like I was soaring among the clouds, like a dragon amongst its kin. In the morning, I saw the glory days of the Zhenguan era, and in the evening, I witnessed its decline. Everything is changing, leaving only hollow remnants. If I could live as long as Pengzu, I could engage in discourse with the ancient sages and share my thoughts with them.
In conclusion, everything in the world is created by heaven. To establish oneself in society, one must cultivate one's character and uphold the Dao; only the sages can achieve this. The universe operates in a cycle, endlessly. We should preserve ourselves, not seeking fame and fortune, as this is the example for the common people. Self-sacrifice for righteousness is also an application of the Dao. Seeing all things suffering, I feel very sad! When will peace return to the land? How much longer until I return to the earth?
During the Yongping period, I became a junior official in the Secretariat, responsible for managing the classics. My life was dedicated to study and writing. Some people mocked me for having no achievements. I remembered Dongfang Shuo and Yang Xiong, who also felt regret for not living in the golden age of Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Fan Li, and Cai Ze, but they did not give up on their pursuits. I wanted to explain the principles that a gentleman should adhere to, so I wrote this essay to address them. This essay is my response to them.
The friend smiled and said to the host, "I hear saints and smart folks stick to their guns—it's all about the name, in the end. The top of the heap is virtue, then comes achievement. However, virtue can't be flashy, and achievement can't buck the system. Those wise guys running the country are always swamped—too busy to even get comfortable, their fireplaces never get soot-stained. From this perspective, the ancient people valued choices and sacrifices the most; writing and speaking were just hobbies. You're lucky to be living in this imperial age. You're wearing fancy robes, living the high life, and steeped in moral study. You've been at it for ages, studying the classics. However, you still can't make a name for yourself. You're just holed up in your little shack, reading in bed, with no one to back you up. You've been pouring over your thoughts for years, lost in your own world. However, your talents have not been appreciated in the present day, and your actions have not had an impact on the world. Even if you're a silver-tongued wordsmith, it won't change a thing. So why not strategize, make some alliances, and build a reputation—both now and after you're gone?"
After listening to his friend's advice, this fella fell into contemplation. His friend's words were spot-on, but it was a real head-scratcher. He craved glory and a place in history, but his thirst for knowledge and his ideals held him back. How should he choose? This seemingly simple decision would shape his whole life. "The ancients prioritized action over writing," these words echoed in his mind, making him even more confused.
The fella laughed and said, "You're focusing on the surface, missing the bigger picture. You're sweating the small stuff while ignoring the obvious. Back then, the country was a mess. The Zhou Dynasty was crumbling, the lords were at each other's throats, and seven major powers were vying for control. It was total chaos. Those persuaders were as swift as the wind and as fierce as lightning, coming out one after another to try to save the world, and others also flocked to them. It was utter pandemonium. At that time, even a blunt knife could easily cut through anything; a sharp tongue was worth a king's ransom, and one well-placed word could make or break you."
That atonal racket, although audible, is as jarring as a frog chorus; it is definitely not the proper music like "Shao" or "Xia." Those cheap tricks may succeed temporarily, but with shifting trends, they will soon become ineffective, and they are definitely not what a gentleman would do. Some people form alliances, while others collude, running around like headless chickens, lobbying anyone who'd listen. Shang Yang pulled the wool over Duke Xiao's eyes with his three-pronged strategy, and Li Si latched onto Qin Shi Huang. They all seized the opportunity, faced countless setbacks, and chased quick riches and glory with any means necessary. One minute they're rolling in it, the next they're destitute; their good fortune vanishes before they can enjoy it, and misfortune piles on. Even bad guys regret it, let alone good guys! Furthermore, you can't conjure up success or a good name out of thin air. Han Feizi brown-nosed his way into the monarch's favor, while Lv Buwei swindled his way to power. He finished "Shuo Nan," then landed himself in jail. Qin's high prices bankrupted his own family. Therefore, Confucius had big dreams, and Mencius cultivated his moral compass; why would they bother with such outdated nonsense? Some things just can't be changed.
It's the Han Dynasty now, the world is peaceful; we've cleared out the bad guys, expanded our borders, and the Emperor's got a firm grip on things. The country's as strong and prosperous as it was back in the days of Yao, Shun, and the Yellow Emperor. The Emperor's rule is absolute and benevolent. Everyone's happy and living under his good rule, just like how things thrive only when the time is right. Miss your chance, and you're done for. That's just how things are; you can't fight fate. We're in a golden age, and you're talking about the Warring States period? You're letting your limited experience cloud your judgment.
The guest said: "Guys like Shang Yang and Lord Shang were troublemakers back in the late Zhou. So, tell me about these great guys from the past – how did they handle things, advise their kings, and make their mark? If you don't want to, that's cool too."
The master said, "What's the story here? In the past, Jiu Yu helped Yu Shun, and Ji Zi assisted King Wu of Zhou. These men advised emperors and planned great things for the wise. King Tang of the Shang Dynasty received a dream at Fu Yan, King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty saw auspicious signs by the Wei River, Ning Qi of the Qi State sang loudly in the market, and Zhang Liang of the Han Dynasty received a letter at Pi Bridge. All these figures waited for their fate and communicated with spirits, not relying on mere words to gain belief. This enabled them to formulate strategies for inevitable success and achieve endless merits. Recently, Lu Ji became famous thanks to his *New Discourse*; Dong Zhongshu studied hard behind closed doors, making a splash among Confucian scholars; Liu Xiang researched and clarified ancient history; Yang Xiong pondered deeply, writing *Fa Yan* and *Da Xuan Jing*. These individuals were close to kings, exploring the secrets of the sages, completely absorbed in their studies, wandering through the vast sea of classics. Thus, they maintained their true selves, showcased their talents, were accepted by the sages, and left a lasting legacy. Isn't that precisely the case?"
As for those recluses, Boyi and Shuqi held firm to their beliefs on Shouyang Mountain, Huishi swallowed his pride and took a humiliating job, Yan Hui was happy with his simple meals and humble dwelling, and Confucius completed the compilation of the "Spring and Autumn Annals." Their reputation spread far and wide, truly serving as examples for us to learn from! Also, I have heard: Yin and Yang are the way of heaven and earth; a good ruler needs both integrity and talent; even wise people have their differences. So, focus on your goals. Stay true to yourself. Go with the flow. Be happy with what you have. Enjoy life! The gods will see your effort. Don't worry about fame and fortune! Haven't you heard of the He Shi Bi, hidden away in Jing Mountain, or the Sui Hou Zhu in its clam shell? For countless years, no one discovered them, yet their brilliance would eventually be revealed, overflowing with splendor even after a thousand years. The Ying Long was stuck in the mud, laughed at by the fish and turtles, but they didn't know its true power, commanding the wind and rain, soaring through the wilderness, and flying in the sky. The Ying Long shows that even the humblest beginnings can lead to greatness; what starts as humble but becomes precious is the value of He Shi Bi and Sui Hou Zhu; what may experience temporary setbacks but ultimately achieve success is the true nature of a gentleman. Xiang Ya and Kuang were amazing musicians, Li Lou, despite poor eyesight, could discern minute details; Feng Meng was skilled in archery, and Ban Shu possessed exceptional craftsmanship; Liang Yue excelled in driving, and Wu Hu had unmatched strength; He and Que were proficient in acupuncture, while Yan and Sang were adept in calculations. I may not be as great as them, but I love spending time with books.
