Gu Yong, style name Ziyun, is a native of Chang'an. His father's name was Ji, who served as a military officer and was once ordered to escort the son of Zhizhi Shanyu to the Xiongnu, but was killed by Zhizhi Shanyu. This incident is recorded in the "Biography of Chen Tang." Gu Yong worked as a minor official in Chang'an when he was young and later extensively studied the classics. During the Jianzhao period, the Grand Master Yan Shou heard that Gu Yong was very talented, so he promoted him and appointed him as Assistant Minister of the Taichang. Gu Yong often submitted memorials expressing his views.
In the third year of the Jian Shi era, there was a solar eclipse and an earthquake in winter, both occurring on the same day. The Emperor issued a decree to recommend upright and outspoken officials. Liu Qingji, the Taichang and Marquis of Yangcheng, recommended Gu Yong to serve the Emperor. Gu Yong replied:
"Your Majesty, you uphold the most sacred and pure virtues, feeling concerned about the unusual celestial and terrestrial events. You strive for self-improvement, earnestly govern the country, listen to your ministers, issue clear edicts, and encourage open and honest advice. Your summoning us is to find faults. Let us have the opportunity to report to you in the court. I'm no expert on the major affairs of governing the country. I have heard that a wise monarch, upon ascending the throne, will prioritize five important matters, establish the right way to govern, in order to please Heaven, thus ensuring stability in the world and the proper movement of the sun and moon. However, if the monarch indulges in the pleasures of the harem, unable to handle the five important matters properly, and unable to establish good governance, disasters will occur, and the country will decline. These disasters show something's wrong, warning the rulers. This time, on the first day of the twelfth lunar month, a solar eclipse occurred in the Wunü constellation, and an earthquake happened in the palace at the same time. These two disasters occurred on the same day, clearly indicating that Your Majesty, you've made some serious mistakes, and you should seriously reflect on yourself. Is it because you're neglecting your duties to the state for the harem? Or is it because your concubines wield too much power, behaving badly, being jealous of each other, vying for power and profit, and even hindering the royal succession? The ancient rulers who perished did so because they neglected the five important matters, destroyed the ethics between husband and wife, favored the concubines, ran the harem with an iron fist, and even interfered in court affairs, ultimately leading to the country's demise or the disorder of heaven and earth. For example, Bao Si caused the downfall of a country, leading to the destruction of the Zhou Dynasty; Lady Yan's arrogance led to the decline of the country. History teaches us! The "Book of Documents" says: 'The Emperor must rule justly and firmly; otherwise, chaos will reign, and the natural order will be disrupted.' It is said that 'if the imperial way is not prosperous, it means it has not been established properly, and then the sun and moon will run abnormally.'"
Your Majesty, you are now the emperor, bearing the heavy responsibility of governing the realm. The rise and fall of the country, success and failure, all depend on you. You must focus on self-cultivation, dedicate yourself to your duties, and minimize indulgence while working more for the people. Avoid excessive indulgence and the allure of frivolous entertainment, be cautious when going out hunting, maintain a regular daily life, conduct yourself with grace, personally handle political affairs, and be diligent and unremitting. The classics say: "Future emperors should not be addicted to wine or hunting, and should prioritize the right path." There has never been an example of a monarch being upright while his subjects are evil.
A harmonious household is crucial to the stability of the state, especially at the key juncture of security and danger. Emperors of old were very cautious in this regard. Emperor Shun taught his two daughters to establish the highest moral standards; King Zhuang of Chu reluctantly let go of Dan Ji, achieving hegemony; King You of Zhou was misled by Bao Si, leading to the decline of the Zhou dynasty; Duke Huan of Lu was coerced by women from the Qi state, leading to the downfall of the country. You must manage the harem well, maintain proper hierarchical order, and prevent jealousy and infighting among your consorts to quell any potential threats like Bao Si and Yan Ji. Those of lower status should be promoted according to the rules and perform their duties to ensure a healthy line of succession and foster harmony among your consorts. Provide for your family, but keep them from court affairs to avoid giving your family undue influence, as a well-run harem has never caused the kingdom to fall.
To govern a country, one must start with small matters, and to cultivate good habits, one must begin with those around oneself. In the past, when officials could speak frankly and offer advice, the emperor's orders were carried out smoothly; when the ministers were all competent, the king made no mistakes. You must discipline the close officials around you well—those who wear gold ornaments and hold important positions must be taught how things were done in the old days, understand the relationship between ruler and subject, unite as one, be cautious and serious, and avoid behaving arrogantly or recklessly. Then those around you will behave properly, and all officials will follow suit, and the good example will spread. The classics say: "A good leader keeps his inner circle in line." There has never been an example of those around the ruler being upright while the officials are not.
To govern a nation, one must value talent, assess achievements, and only then can stability be achieved; if talent is underestimated and achievements are ignored, chaos will ensue. By carefully considering the methods of governance, one can enjoy the blessings of attracting talented individuals. When selecting talent, assess their abilities, judge their competence by their skills, and their character by their achievements. Do not believe in false praises or slanderous rumors, so that those who have merit and work diligently will not be wronged, the deceitful and wicked will not succeed, and the number of villains will decrease day by day while talents flourish. The Book of Documents states: "After three years of evaluating achievements, those with or without talent can be dismissed or promoted." It also says: "Cultivate all nine virtues, and bring the best people into government." It's always been true that rewarding the meritorious and having talented individuals in the court leads to national prosperity.
Emperor Yao encountered a great flood, causing the empire to fragment into twelve states. However, ruling far-flung regions presented no difficulties, and there were no uprisings, because Emperor Yao possessed profound virtue and boundless benevolence, and the people had no complaints. In contrast, Qin, situated on the plains, would crumble at the slightest provocation—a single shout could topple the entire realm. This was due to Qin's severe punishments and the cruelty of its officials. Defying Heaven's will, undermining virtue, and alienating the populace are more serious than the presence of cruel officials. If the cruel officials could be dismissed and replaced with gentle and virtuous officials to serve the people, right wrongs, ease their burdens, lighten their taxes, and respect their time, the people would be able to live in peace and prosperity, free from oppression and exploitation. Even in the face of disasters like those during Emperor Yao's time, the people would not betray the court. As the Book of Documents wisely states, "Care for the vulnerable, show compassion to the widowed and orphaned." A virtuous ruler and capable officials have never failed to secure the loyalty of their people.
I heard that disasters are a way for the heavens to condemn the faults of rulers, just like a stern father's warning. If one is afraid, reverent, and corrects their mistakes, disasters will be eliminated, and blessings will come; if treated casually and recklessly, disasters will not be eliminated. An old text, the *Book of Documents*, says, "Enjoy five blessings and fear six disasters." The *Book of Documents Commentary* states, "If six disasters appear and are not collectively defended against, six punishments will invade, and six calamities will come." For the past three years, disasters have been continuous, with both major and minor calamities occurring. Clearly, the heavens haven't been pleased with our actions. If you do not reflect on yourself, correct your mistakes, listen widely to opinions, and do not adopt the suggestions of others, you are continuing on a path that will not receive the blessings of the heavens. Without truly repenting and reforming, the punishment from the heavens will become deeper. These five points are crucial, Your Majesty, and you gotta take this seriously.
The memorial was presented, and the Emperor was so surprised, he summoned Zhang Yong right away.
It is said that in that summer, the Emperor ordered all officials to submit their strategies, as recorded in the "Biography of Du Qin." Once everyone was done, Zhang Yong spoke up, saying, "Your Majesty, I was fortunate enough to present the causes of disasters and the roots of chaos in the past, and these words were all reported to you. However, you ignored them and instead had everyone write a bunch of garbage, abandoning the important suggestions related to the safety of the country, and pondering empty platitudes to try to appease disasters and deceive the heavens. And what was the result? The heavens unleashed their wrath, and within a month, a severe storm arose, toppling trees. Doesn't that prove the heavens aren't fooled?" This is recorded in the "Records of the Five Elements."
At that time, the Emperor had just ascended the throne and was humble and cautious, leaving everything to his uncle, General Wang Feng. Lots of folks blamed Wang Feng for this. Zhang Yong knew that Wang Feng was gaining power and saw his chance to move up, so he continued:
These days, all the barbarian tribes are under our thumb; we ain't got no more Xiongnu or Modun to worry about up north, and there ain't no rebellions like those of Zhao Tuo and Lv Jia in the south. Everywhere in the country is peaceful, with no danger of war. Those vassal states—even the biggest ones only run a few counties—are strictly controlled by court officials; they ain't gonna cause no trouble. Ain't no more powerful states like old Wu, Chu, Yan, and Liang, are there? The officials keep each other in check; family ties mean something, and the court's loyal, hardworking, and careful. Ain't seen no mess like Chonghe, Anyang, and Bolu lately, have we? The events in those three places cannot be blamed on Uncle Wang Feng. You're trying to pin this on the Prime Minister and his boy, and those eunuchs? That's a bald-faced lie, a straight-up insult to Heaven itself! I'm worried you'll ignore the obvious, ignore Heaven's warnings, and listen to those whispering lies instead. Since you took the throne, it's been business as usual. And what happened? First month, white gas in the east. By April, yellow gas choking the capital, then floods and earthquakes—one disaster after another! The officials were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Don't you find that strange, Your Majesty? That white gas in the east? Means the lowlifes are gonna rise up. And that yellow gas over the capital? Means the royal road is crumbling. Lowlifes rising, the court falling—that's a bad sign, Your Majesty. Things are looking grim.
If Your Majesty could seriously consider my advice, feel fearful about the ominous celestial signs, think of the ancestral temples and the state, change past practices, abandon favoritism, display the might of a strong emperor, and shower blessings upon the land, it would still not be enough! It is even more important to take virtuous women as concubines, irrespective of their beauty, birth, or age. Logically speaking, Your Majesty could have heirs from lowly women, which would be a good thing. The succession is paramount; their lowly origins are inconsequential. In the palace, if there are upright women among the palace maids and female officials, they should also be selected extensively from modest backgrounds, in order to comply with the will of heaven, alleviate the worries and dissatisfaction of the Empress Dowager, appease the anger of the heavens, and ensure the prosperity of the offspring and the elimination of disasters.
If Your Majesty does not seriously consider my advice, ignore the warnings of heaven, and fail to address the root of the problem, then disasters such as floods and earthquakes will soon occur again. Once the disasters reach their peak and the celestial phenomena change, even if I try my best to offer suggestions, it will be too late.
As a lowly courtier, I dare to speak directly about the will of heaven, criticize the private affairs of the palace, and create friction between the Empress and her favored concubine. I know this will anger Your Majesty and I may likely be executed. But the reason I dare to speak like this is that heaven has blessed the Han Dynasty, allowing me to speak frankly and offer advice. Three petitions and ten days' wait were required before I could finally address Your Majesty. It was a very difficult process to go from a lowly courtier to being able to offer sincere advice to Your Majesty; and for Your Majesty to comprehend the will of heaven from my words is even more difficult.
I cannot speak these words openly, so I hope you will present the words I have written to Your Majesty through the court officials, and show them to those trusted ministers. If the trusted ministers believe this is not the will of heaven, I am willing to accept punishment for my presumptuous words; but if they also believe this is the will of heaven, how can Your Majesty forget the fundamental interests of the country, indulge in personal desires, and go against the will of heaven? I implore Your Majesty to give this grave matter your utmost consideration.
At that time, there were scores of people taking the exam with him, and he and Du Qin consistently placed first. The emperor even had their exam papers shown to the imperial concubines. The Emperor once presented Empress Xu with an essay criticizing her, using Zhang Yong's arguments, and this incident is recorded in "Records of the Imperial Family." Zhang Yong secretly put in a good word for the Grand General Feng; his talent was indeed very high, so he was promoted to the position of Guanglu Dafu (a high-ranking official). Zhang Yong wrote a letter thanking Feng, saying: "I'm not particularly talented or learned, and certainly not refined. It is only because you value my frankness that you promoted me from a low-ranking official and let me work together with those talented ministers. You ignored the gossip and the accusations against me. Even the legendary Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin couldn't have shown me more care and support. In the past, Yu Rang (a famous retainer known for his unwavering loyalty) swallowed charcoal to disfigure himself to repay the favor of being recognized; a guest from the state of Qi ran to the lord's mansion and committed suicide to repay the kindness; there are many loyal followers around Zhi Shi and Meng Changjun who are willing to go through fire and water for them, much less under your patronage!" Feng valued Zhang Yong even more.
Years later, Zhang Yong was appointed to a post outside the capital as the Prefect of Anding. At that time, many of the emperor's uncles were studying the classics and participating in political affairs. The Marquis of Ping, Tan, who was older, was expected to succeed the Grand General Feng in assisting with court affairs, and he had a good relationship with Zhang Yong. During the Yangshuo period, Feng passed away. When Feng was seriously ill, he recommended his younger brother, Imperial Secretary Yin, to take over his position. The emperor agreed and appointed Yin as the Commander of the Imperial Guard, in charge of the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat, while the Marquis of Ping, Tan, was appointed as a High Official with responsibility for city gate security. Upon hearing this news, Zhang Yong wrote a letter to Tan saying, "You possess the virtues of Duke Zhou (the legendary Duke of Zhou, known for his wisdom and virtue) and the Duke of Shao, uphold the integrity of Guan Zhong and Yan Ying, respect the wise, care for your subordinates, delight in doing good deeds, and never slack off. You should have been appointed as the Grand General long ago. It's just that because the Grand General was still alive, you were buried at home, unable to fulfill your ambitions. Now that the Grand General has unfortunately passed away, based on kinship and talent, you should take up this position. On the day of your appointment, the scholars in the capital were disappointed. We unlettered folk cannot fully praise your talents. I heard that you were appointed as a High Official responsible for guarding the city gates, which means that the Commander of the Imperial Guard holds great power within the court, while you, the emperor's close relative and capable uncle, are guarding the city gates outside. Honestly, I'm not thrilled for you. You should solemnly resign from this position, indicating that your abilities are shallow and insufficient to handle the important task of guarding the city gates. Follow Tai Bo's example of humble self-effacement, maintain a humble attitude, stay at home and rest, and be a wise person. I hope you can discuss this with those learned individuals. I'm really worried about you!" Tan was very moved upon receiving the letter, so he resigned from his position of guarding the city gates. From then on, the relationship between Tan and Yin deteriorated. He remained a county official, fearing Yinyin's wrath, and only secured his release after a three-month illness. Later, Yin requested to have him permanently appointed as the Military Camp Marshal, and after apologizing multiple times and reflecting on his actions, he was finally promoted to Chief Administrator.
Using his uncle Yue's influence to curry favor with the court, he wasn't as influential as he used to be. Yong persuaded Yin, "General, you hold the position of a general, living the high life in the capital, shouldering the responsibilities of a Zhou Gong or Shao Gong, and holding the reins of power. You can be said to have hit the jackpot. You're at the top of the food chain, and you're swamped with responsibilities. What's your plan? You should be diligent day and night, follow Yi Yin's example, weed out the bad guys, even if they're family, and promote the good guys, even if you hate them, to prove you're fair and build your reputation. Only by doing these three things can you stay on top and keep the emperor happy. Sixty days after the appearance of Jupiter in the west, it should be shining brightly. Now it has exceeded the time, but it is still lingering at the edge of the sunset, weak and slow, small and dim. Mars is bright in the south, retrograde and guarding its tail. Retrograde is common, but guarding its tail signifies a change. Have you forgotten about steady progress? You're not playing it smart, sticking rigidly to your rules, and not hiring widely. You're letting personal feelings get in the way, and you're not exactly known for your honesty. This is creating a rift between you and the other ministers. Why did you get those bad omens right after you became Sima? There's always a reason for these things. You need to take this seriously, figure out why it's happening, and change your ways if you want things to go your way." Yin still refused, recommending Yong to serve as the envoy of Hu Yan after his death. After Yin's death, the Marquis of Chengdu, Shang, took over as the Grand Marshal Wei, and Yong was promoted to the Governor of Liangzhou. After finishing his business in the capital, he was about to head to his jurisdiction when a black dragon terrorized Donglai. The emperor sent a secretary to inquire of Yong, allowing him to speak freely. Yong replied:
I heard that for a country to prosper, the biggest problem lies in the fact that when there is danger at the top, the people below are too afraid to report it. If warnings of impending doom got through, then the Shang and Zhou wouldn't have fallen, and the Three Dynasties wouldn't have crumbled. When the Xia and Shang dynasties were about to perish, the common people could all see it, but they believed themselves untouchable, as if they were the sun, so things went from bad to worse, and they slept through it all. The *I Ching* wisely notes, "Safety lies within danger; survival, within destruction." Your Majesty, if you're open to hearing all sides, even criticism from the lowliest official, without fear of reprisal, once people can speak freely, talented people will flock to serve. With everyone pulling together, the country will thrive.
The Han Dynasty continued to use the Xia Dynasty's calendar. Black, the Xia Dynasty's color, symbolized the dragon and their shared surname. Imperial virtue, like a dragon's, grows stronger with age, making it an auspicious sign. However, I fear that amongst those of the same surname, the succession celebrations may breed danger and unrest. Might some seize the opportunity to rebel, or even usurp the throne and harm the people, as the Kings of Guangling and Changyi did? My understanding is limited. In the ninth month of the previous year, a black dragon appeared, and at the end of the month, there was also a solar eclipse. In the second month of this year, on the night of Jiwu, stars fell, and on the day of Yirou, there was another solar eclipse. Four major omens have struck in the last six months, two in the same month—unprecedented even in the tumultuous final years of the Three Dynasties and the Spring and Autumn period. I heard that the downfall of the Three Dynasties stemmed from the excesses of women and wicked men. The *Book of Documents* warns against trusting women and those who would betray the state, citing how such actions severed the connection to Heaven and allowed criminals to rise to power. As the *Book of Songs* laments, once the flames of rebellion are lit, they're hard to extinguish; Bao Si's actions brought down the mighty Zhou. As the *Yi Jing* says, once trust is lost, it's like wet hair—impossible to regain. The Qin, lasting just two generations and sixteen years, fell victim to the extravagance of its emperors, who even in death demanded lavish burials. The *Book of Documents* highlights the dangers of such unchecked power, noting how criminals often rise to prominence, mirroring the Qin's fate. Your Majesty, I fear you share these same flaws, and must therefore humbly point out the potential consequences.
The Book of Changes says, "A woman's place is in the home, not in politics." The Book of Songs also states, "A virtuous woman is praised, but some women are like predatory birds," and "Women aren't divine beings; they're human." During the reigns of Emperor Jian Shi and Emperor He Ping of the Han Dynasty, Empress Xu and Lady Ban ran the whole show, their influence spreading throughout the country and giving out countless rewards until the national treasury was empty. Their power was at its zenith and could not be increased any further. But these new women in power are way worse—ten times worse!
They abolished the laws set by the previous emperor, only listening to their own words. They appointed officials without following the rules and even allowed pardons for criminals who should have been executed. They indulged their relatives, lending them power and letting them run roughshod over the government. Those responsible for selecting and recommending officials didn’t dare act according to the law. They turned the prison into a torture chamber, whipping and even beating prisoners to death. In order to repay the favors of Zhao and Li or to take revenge on their enemies, they pardoned certain individuals' crimes, attacked honest officials, and arrested many innocent people. They coerced people into working for them, profiting from it and accepting bribes. They made countless people suffer.
Two solar eclipses in a row—that's how bad things were!
They say a king's gotta distance himself from the people before the heavens turn on him. Your Majesty, you have abandoned being king, living like a commoner, ditching your fancy titles for common names. You’ve even surrounded yourself with a crew of lowlifes as your personal friends, ditching the palace to hang out with them day and night, crashing their parties, getting plastered, and then showing up at random folks' houses, acting like a regular Joe. You act like there's no difference between high and low, indulging in this dissolute life while wandering outside. Meanwhile, the guards are left holding the fort, staring at an empty palace, and the court ministers have no idea where you are. This has been going on for several years.
The people are the backbone of the country. No money, no happy people. No happy people, no country. Smart emperors know to keep the people happy—it's the key to a strong country.
But now, Your Majesty, you are raking in the people's money, not giving a damn about the common folk, listening to the lies of those rotten officials, throwing away ten years' worth of work, and rebuilding Changling. This is simply going against the laws of nature, shoving up hills of earth where there should be valleys, building on a massive scale, using a huge workforce, slaving people to death with taxes and forced labor. The cost was astronomical, worse even than the Lishan project, leaving the people to suffer, and after five years of this madness, you had to give up and go back to the original plan. Furthermore, there is massive barracks expansion, even desecrating graves, scattering bones, and leaving corpses to rot. This has left the people broke, exhausted, and furious, with disaster after disaster, famine after famine. Many people are displaced, starving to death on the roads, numbering in the millions. The country's granaries are empty, people have barely enough food to last ten days, and everyone is too poor to help each other. Remember what the Book of Songs says? "The fall of the Yin is a warning to us, just as the Xia fell before it." Look at what happened to the Xia, Shang, Zhou, and Qin – learn from their mistakes, Your Majesty! If I'm wrong, Your Majesty, punish me as you see fit. Nine Han emperors reigned for nearly two hundred years, seven of them following the old ways, bringing prosperity or peace to the land. But you, Your Majesty, are defying Heaven itself! You're throwing it all away – your life, your legacy, the very future of the empire – all for your own selfish desires! You inherited a great legacy, Your Majesty. To squander it like this...is that how you repay your ancestors?
The fate of the nation and our ancestors rests entirely on your shoulders, Your Majesty! You must show true saintly virtue, know the fury of Heaven, deeply recognize the signs of danger, purge the court of evil advisors and their wicked schemes, dedicate yourself to righting past wrongs, dismiss all personal servants and get rid of the extravagant carriages and luxuries in the Northern Palace, restrain yourself, avoid drinking outside in disguise to prevent imminent disasters, heed the warnings of the double eclipse, reduce extravagance in the harem, do not listen to requests from the harem and obstructors, investigate and redress all wrongful accusations, dismantle hidden traps, execute those wicked ministers and the sorcerers who mislead you, to fulfill the people's hopes, stop building tombs, halt all palace renovations, reduce taxes, end forced labor, help the poor, promote loyal officials, dismiss cruel officials, do not let incompetent officials hold high positions, carry out these reforms with unwavering determination and diligence, right past wrongs, and new virtues will shine forth. Let all evil thoughts depart from your heart, and then you can turn the tide; Heaven will bless you, and the country and temples will be safe. Your Majesty, please give these words your careful consideration. I am but a humble border official, unversed in courtly matters, and I beg your forgiveness for my boldness. My life is forfeit if I have offended you.
Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty had a kind and gentle nature and enjoyed literature, but he never had an heir. He often went incognito and favored some lesser officials. Zhao and Li were two such favored individuals who rose from humble positions, causing the Empress Dowager and other relatives to worry constantly. It was too touchy a subject to bring up straight away, so they recommended Wang Yong and others to advise the emperor subtly during times of disasters and misfortunes. Wang Yong knew there were insiders in the palace, so he spoke his mind freely, and the emperor always treated him well. However, during one report, the emperor became angry, and General Wei Qiu (卫将军商丘) conspired to have Wang Yong leave the capital. The emperor ordered a censor to arrest Wang Yong but instructed officials along the way not to pursue him. The censor failed to catch Wang Yong, and upon his return, the emperor regretted his actions and calmed down. The following year, the emperor appointed Wang Yong as a Grand Master of the Palace and later promoted him to the position of Supervisor of the Masters of Writing.
In the first year of Yuan Yan, Wang Yong was appointed as the Prefect of Beidi. At that time, disasters were frequent, and after Wang Yong took office, the emperor sent the Commander of the Guards, Chunyu Chang, to seek Wang Yong's advice. Wang Yong replied:
"I am forever grateful for being able to serve as the Grand Minister of the Palace with my limited abilities, responsible for identifying and correcting errors. I am unable to offer my full dedication in advising and supporting Your Majesty in promoting good governance, nor do I have the merit of suppressing the unjust. Yet, I am honored to have received such favor from Your Majesty, being appointed to the vital post in the North. Even if I were to give my life and die in a foreign land, I could never repay even a fraction of this kindness. Your Majesty's benevolence and kindness have not forgotten this humble servant, even deigning to listen to the opinions of someone like myself, sending a guard to hear my thoughts. I have heard that serving a ruler means that those who speak must be loyal; those who hold office, responsible. I am fortunate to be relieved of speaking duties, but having an official position, I should strive to fulfill my duties, maintain order among the people, and not dwell on gains and losses. A loyal minister's heart is always overly sincere towards the ruler, hence even when far apart, they would not go against the ruler's will, and even in death, they would not forget the country. After Shi Yu's death, his loyalty was not fully expressed, so his body was placed in the palace to show loyalty through death; Jia An missed the court outside, worried, and before his death, he entrusted Li Xi. The Book of Rites states, 'Even if the body is outside, the heart always thinks of the royal family.' I have been a court official for three years; although now stationed at the border, my thoughts of the court have never left. Therefore, I humbly overstep my authority as a county official to voice my long-held concerns."
"I have heard that God made the people; they can't rule themselves, so kings were appointed. Dividing the land and appointing kings wasn't for their own pleasure, but for the people! Through the succession of dynasties, good rulers take over, wipe out the bad guys, and do what's right, not favoring any particular family, understanding that the world belongs to all, not just one person!"
If the emperor can be a virtuous ruler, follow the Mandate of Heaven, show benevolence to the people, keep taxes within limits, and not exceed the prescribed regulations for palaces, carriages, and clothing, with the treasury full and the people living prosperous lives, then there will be good harvests and bountiful rains, longevity among the people, flourishing vegetation, frequent auspicious signs, and peace throughout the land, all because the emperor governs with integrity.
On the other hand, if the emperor acts unreasonably, behaves recklessly, goes against the natural order, indulges in extravagance and excessive desires, becomes addicted to wine and women, listens to the words of women, kills loyal ministers, alienates his family, favors villains, increases punishments and taxes, causing the people to voice their grievances, then natural disasters and calamities will continue to occur, with various bad omens appearing, angering the heavens, leading to frequent disasters, eclipses of the sun and moon, abnormal movements of the stars, landslides, floods, monsters and evil spirits abound, years of famine, premature deaths among the people, and withering of all living things. If the emperor does not repent until death, the situation worsens, and even the heavens no longer warn, a change of dynasty will occur, allowing a virtuous ruler to govern the world. As the *Shijing* (Classic of Poetry) says, "He wanders far and wide, yet here is his true home."
It is said that driving out evil and supporting the virtuous is the natural order of things, a principle followed by all emperors throughout history. However, the merits and demerits of one's actions, the qualities of individuals, the rise and fall of eras, and the changes in celestial phenomena all play a role. Your Majesty has inherited the foundation of eight generations, at the end of the national fortune, experiencing the ill omens associated with his 37th year, and facing the ill fortune predicted by the "Wu Wang" hexagram. These three disasters have different natures but are descending simultaneously. In the twenty years from the beginning of the Jian Shi era to the present, various disasters have occurred one after another, more than those recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals. Eight generations of unresolved problems have remained unsolved for a long time, compounded by a solar eclipse that darkened the first day of the new year, a meteor shower during the daytime of Ding You in the fourth month, and a comet crossing the sky on Xin Wei in the seventh month; these celestial phenomena foreshadow the impending disasters.
Three calamities converge, and all manner of calamities are breaking out, leading to famine and shortages. Comets are an ill omen from the heavens, and meteor showers indicate that war will follow the famine, but not for long. Even if one lives righteously, it may be difficult to resolve. In the palace, there may be uppity concubines and favored officials causing trouble while drunk in the deep palace, triggering palace coups like those of Wei Shu and Cui Zhu, infamous for their treachery; outside the palace, rebellions may occur in various regions like Fan Bing, Su Ling, Chen Sheng, and Xiang Liang. Rebellion could break out at any moment, with the provinces simmering, ready to revolt. The nation's teetering on the brink, and our ancestors' shrines face a huge threat. This has plagued me for years. The storm is brewing, and it will break soon. Your Majesty must be cautious!
Trouble often starts small, and villains are easily bred. I hope Your Majesty can correct the relationship between ruler and subjects, and stop reveling with those sycophants. The arrogant and unruly eunuchs and palace personnel who do not follow the rules, and even become drunk and disorderly, should be expelled, leaving none behind. Uphold proper conduct; the palace must be reorganized, weed out the troublemakers, and reward loyalty. Show mercy to the fallen and soothe the angry. Maintain the emperor's authority and dignity, follow court protocol, and travel with a strong guard. Don't go wandering about alone, and keep your distance from the concubines' quarters. Follow these three rules, and the palace will remain peaceful.
Things are falling apart. The root cause is the hunger of the people, which the officials ignore; the people are suffering, yet taxes keep rising; the people are full of complaints, but those in power remain oblivious. The Book of Changes warns: "Hoarding wealth when people are starving – a little bit's okay, but too much is a recipe for disaster." This means that if a country is wealthy but fails to use that wealth wisely, instead becoming self-indulgent, it will bring disaster; when the people are impoverished and in distress, their complaints will bring on floods; when the city is strong but the defenders flee, it will lead to rebellion. Another saying goes: "The pass is turbulent, the stag flees," indicating that when rulers are unjust, subjects will rebel, ultimately leading to insurrection and usurpation.
Now is a time of crisis for the country, with a severe famine occurring. Instead of cutting back on spending, the court is extravagantly wasting resources, which is extremely dangerous; the people are destitute, unable to make a living, filled with sorrow and resentment, and floods are sure to follow; local garrisons are deserting their posts, like stags fleeing, signaling the onset of turmoil. In previous years, twenty-one provinces suffered from floods, with no harvest at all; this year, both silk and wheat have poor yields, rivers are overflowing, and over fifty provinces are submerged by floods. For several consecutive years, the harvest has been poor, with not even enough wheat left for the night. The people are unemployed and displaced. Even the city guards are deserting. The severity of the floods and the people's suffering should lead to a reduction or exemption of taxes to ease their plight, yet the relevant departments are requesting tax increases in their reports, which goes against reason and the will of the people, only worsening grievances and bringing disaster. Sounds like that "stag fleeing" bit from the old saying, huh? That's exactly what's happening now.
In ancient times, if there was a poor harvest, the court would cut back on their own rations; in times of severe disasters, they would even waive compulsory labor; in bad years, they would not increase forced labor. This was the practice of a wise monarch. The Book of Songs (ancient Chinese poetry) says: "When the people suffer disasters, the court should provide support and relief." The Analects (Confucian teachings) also states: "If the people are not well off, how can the ruler be well off?" I hope Your Majesty will not approve the memorial to increase taxes, but instead reduce the salaries and expenses of court officials and government departments (including the treasury, etc.), stop the production and transportation of imperial workshops and textile production in the capital and various counties, and give this money and grain to the Minister of Agriculture for disaster relief. We should extend benevolence and aid to the impoverished, ensure open roads and bridges, allowing free movement for those displaced to alleviate the urgent situation. By the beginning of spring, envoys should be sent to inspect the people's situation in various regions, spread goodwill, comfort the elderly, learn about the people's suffering, and encourage local officials to promote farming and sericulture, not delaying the farming season, in order to pacify the people and prevent chaos and rebellion. "When people mourn, we must help them," "If the people lack, how can the ruler be content?" These words should be kept in mind. I have heard that those in power should always strive to do good, while the people may sometimes make mistakes. A ruler should never participate in wrongdoing. Your Majesty, you are naturally kind and intelligent, a true leader. If you could kindly listen to the advice of your humble servant, understand the reasoning behind it, feel the weight of your responsibility, resolve to do good, abandon evil thoughts, avoid repeating past mistakes, and earnestly govern the country, following the will of heaven with sincerity, then Heaven will bless you, calamities will be suppressed; what is there to worry about? I am privately concerned that Your Majesty's just aspirations are not firm enough, there are still some selfish thoughts, and you still favor those bad advisors and refuse to listen to advice! I hope Your Majesty will consider these words carefully.
He was a real scholar of the classics, getting the hang of them pretty well. He wasn't as thick as thieves with Du Qin and Du Ye, unlike Liu Xiang and his son, Yang Xiong. He was a whiz at astronomy and the *Jing Shi Yi*, so he excelled at discussing natural disasters. He fired off forty-plus reports, mostly rehashing his attacks on the Emperor and the whole imperial harem. He was tight with the Wang family, and the Emperor knew it, so he didn't trust him much.
After a year-plus as governor up north, Marquis Quyang got him a gig as Grand Minister of Agriculture in the capital after General Wei kicked the bucket. He got sick, and three months later, they canned him. Usually, ministers got sick leave, but not him – they just fired him. He passed away at home a few months later. His real name was Bing, but there was another rebel named Fan Bing in Yushi, so he changed his name to Yong.
Du Ye, styled Zixia, was from Fanyang in Wei Commandery. His grandfather and father had accumulated many merits, reaching the position of commandant. During the reign of Emperor Wu, Du Ye's family moved to Maoling. Du Ye lost his father at a young age, and his mother was the daughter of Zhang Chang. He later studied under Zhang Ji, the son of Zhang Chang, and inherited the family's collection of books. Because he was such a good son, they recommended him for a court job.
I have a good relationship with General Wang Yin. The Marquis of Ping, Tan, passed away without holding any official position at the city gate, which the emperor regretted. The emperor then appointed Tan's younger brother, the Marquis of Chengdu, Shang, as a high-ranking official in charge of the city gate soldiers, allowing him to recommend officials like a high-ranking official. Ye heard that I had some grudges with the Marquis of Ping before and said to me, "I've heard that those deeply indebted to others show their gratitude through careful service, while those who truly cherish others always seek to understand their wishes. If there is no obvious difference in treatment between relatives, who wouldn't feel resentment? This is why we have poems like 'Tang Di' and 'Jiao Gong', which highlight the importance of familial harmony and the dangers of neglect. In the past, Duke Mu of Qin had a powerful kingdom but couldn't accommodate his brother, which was also criticized in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals'. However, Duke Zhou and Duke Shao (two brothers who were key figures in the early Zhou dynasty) were different. They assisted each other with loyalty and corrected each other with righteousness, treating their relatives as themselves, giving equal honor, not monopolizing the country's favor, nor taking all the power to enjoy wealth and glory, but sharing responsibilities and assisting the monarch together. Therefore, there were no internal grievances or external humiliations, enjoying divine blessings and reputation, probably for this reason. I personally think that the Marquis of Chengdu was appointed as a high-ranking official in charge of the city gate soldiers, and with an edict allowing him to recommend officials like the five ministries, the emperor clearly wanted to promote him. General, you should follow the emperor's will, pay more attention to him than before, involve him in every discussion, and treat him like your sincere father. With your backing, who would dare disobey? Think of Marquis Wen of Wei, whose bond with his son deepened through a simple act of shared bounty, or Chen Ping, whose shared meal fostered harmony among the highest ranks of government. Even seemingly small gestures can yield great results! I admire the loyalty of friends like Cang Tang and Lu Zi. Everything I've said to you has been carefully considered." Wang Yin greatly appreciated his words, and from then on, he and the Marquis of Chengdu had a close relationship, both highly valuing Ye. Later, due to illness, I left my position as a Lang official. Shang became the Grand Marshal Wei General, appointed Ye as his chief clerk, treating him as a confidant, and recommended him as an imperial censor. After Emperor Ai ascended the throne, I was promoted to Governor of Liangzhou. I managed things leniently in my position, not very strictly, and a few years later, I resigned due to illness.
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My relationship with General Wang Yin is really good. Tan, the Lord of Ping, died before becoming the city gate official, and the Emperor was sorry he'd missed out. He allowed Tan's younger brother, Shang, to become the Marquis of Chengdu, commanding the city gate guards. He also had the same power to recommend officials as the General's Mansion. There was a person named Ye who knew that there had been some conflicts between me and Lord Ping before, so he shared some wise words with me. He said, loyal people are careful, and those who care for their loved ones always think of the other person's best interests. Unequal treatment among relatives always breeds resentment, as those old poems say. Even a powerful country like Qin under Duke Mu couldn't tolerate his own brother, as criticized in the "Spring and Autumn Annals." However, Duke Zhou and Duke Shao were different. They supported each other, treated relatives and themselves equally well, didn't hog the credit or grab power for themselves. They shared responsibilities and assisted the monarch together. That's why they had no internal conflicts, no shame externally, both prospered and gained fame. This is probably the reason. The Marquis of Chengdu now holds such a high position, and the Emperor clearly wants to reuse him. General, you should comply with the imperial will, take care of him more, let him participate in everything, treat him like family, who would dare not listen to you? Marquis Wen of Wei became closer to his son because he accepted gifts from the wild geese, and Chen Ping's relationship with the generals improved because of a meal. Although their interactions were simple, their contributions to the country were significant! I wish I had a friendship like Cang Tang and Lu Zi's. I've thought this through carefully.
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Wang Yin was very happy after hearing this. Since then, his relationship with Marquis Shang of Chengdu has been particularly good, and both of them valued Ye greatly. Later, I resigned my post as a Lang official due to illness. Shang later became the Grand Marshal Wei General, and he appointed Ye as his chief clerk, treating him as his confidant, and even got him the job of attendant censor. After Emperor Ai ascended the throne, I was promoted to the post of Governor of Liangzhou. The job was pretty easygoing. A few years later, illness forced my retirement.
So, back then, the Empress Dowager's own grandmother, Fu Taihou, was also called Empress Dowager, while the emperor's mother, Ding Ji, was honored as the Emperor Dowager, and the empress was Fu Taihou's niece. Three members of the Fu family were appointed as marquesses, while two members of the Ding family were also appointed. Additionally, Fu Taihou's maternal uncle, Zheng Ye, was made the Marquis of Yangxin. Fu Taihou was incredibly powerful. On the first day of the first month of the Yuanshou era, the emperor appointed the empress's father, Kong Xianghou Fu Yan, as the Grand Marshal of the Imperial Guard, and the emperor's uncle, Ding Ming, as the Grand Marshal of the Cavalry.
Just as they were about to take office, a solar eclipse occurred. The emperor issued a decree allowing everyone to speak their minds. Marquis Fuyang, Wei Yu, recommended a righteous official from Yecheng, who stated in his memorial: "I've heard loyal folks always worry about the country, ready to give their all; Bian He offered treasures and was willing to have his feet cut off. Today, I am fortunate to follow your decree and speak my mind without fear of danger, so I dare to express all my thoughts! I've heard that masculine energy is noble, while feminine energy is humble. The humble should obey the noble, and the noble should also consider the humble. This is the way of heaven. Therefore, even if a man is humble, he should support his family; even if a woman is noble, she should prioritize the interests of the country. This is why the rites emphasize that women should be 'submissive,' even if their mothers have great virtue, they should obey their sons. The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' do not record the mothers of the feudal lords because there is too much bloodshed and violence. In the past, Duke Zheng listened to Lady Jiang's advice, which ultimately led to the chaos of Duke Suan usurping the state; King Xiang of Zhou was manipulated after receiving benefits, which eventually led to threats from the state of Zheng. After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, Empress Lü was calling the shots, favored her relatives, and even appointed her grandson as Emperor Xiaohui. At that time, the line of succession was shaky, and many matters were handled with hidden intentions, leading to numerous abnormal phenomena such as days turning to nights and winter thunders booming."
I privately observe that Your Majesty is implementing a just and impartial rule, being thrifty in all things, and not violating proper decorum and the law. You indeed wish to correct yourself and reform the nation. However, no good omens have been seen, yet there have been solar eclipses and earthquakes, causing the people to be spreading rumors and panicking. According to the accounts of calamities in the "Spring and Autumn Annals," they are all expressed in symbolic language, so we must grasp one phenomenon to explain. The eclipse, the sun veiled in shadow, mirrors the *Kun* and *Li* hexagrams, signifying *Ming Yi*—earth, mother, and stillness overshadowed. The earthquake, a surge of earth's dark energy, is a manifestation of great yin energy. These signs of divination are very clear, and I dare to speak the truth!
Zeng Zi once asked Confucius about the meaning of "command," to which Confucius responded, "What nonsense is this!" Confucius' reaction actually means that Min Ziqian is upright and virtuous, following the teachings of his parents in all his actions, without any unreasonable behavior, so there is nothing to criticize.
Later, the Grand Marshal Xindu Hou Mang was demoted back to his hometown, but after handling it according to the imperial decree, he was reinstated to his position. Although the Marquis of Gaochang voluntarily gave up his fief, he was still rewarded with land. Look at those court officials who are disloyal and sycophantic; they were dismissed and sent back to their hometowns, but after a few days, they received another imperial decree recalling them. Although the ministers petitioned for strong measures, they ultimately could not drive them away, but instead allowed them to hold important positions, go on missions to various places, and receive more favor than before. Yangxin Hou Ye is also the same, their advancement stemming not from merit, but from favoritism.
The royal brothers, whether talented or unworthy, all serve by the emperor's side and are given important posts. Some are in charge of military power, while others lead the army as generals. The emperor showered them with favors, and such a concentration of power is unprecedented in history. Positions such as Grand Marshal and General have even been established simultaneously. Even Huangfu Mi's renown, the Huan's power, or Lu's three armies couldn't match this! On the day the emperor enfeoffed these people, a solar eclipse occurred! This is not a coincidence but because the emperor is overly deferential, lacks decisiveness, and lets others dictate his actions. The guilty go unpunished, the undeserving rewarded. This rot is setting in, and it's hard to stop. The key issue lies here, and I hope to alert Your Majesty to this. Ancient poets and the Spring and Autumn Annals warned of precisely this. History shows past rulers were condemned for similar mistakes, yet those in power never learn, believing their actions are justified. As a humble servant, I may be wrong, but I fear the palace mirrors this. These omens aren't random; Heaven is warning you. You must act! I heard that strange omens alarmed Emperor Gaozong; fierce winds concerned King Cheng. Only through piety, remembering our founding, and learning from history can we soothe the people, appease Heaven, and bring prosperity.
Prince Ye of Ye had not had time to thank him before he died. Before his death, rumors spread among the people that he manipulated grain prices. Gu Yong had once cautioned that kings shouldn't acquire private land, and there were records of ominous signs, including comets and the sighting of bulls in flight, in the "Records of the Five Elements."
At first, Du Ye studied under Zhang Ji. Zhang Ji's son, Zhang Song, lost his father at a young age and also studied under Du Ye. He later made a name for himself, particularly in elementary education. Du Ye was a quiet and studious person who enjoyed studying ancient classics. He was talented and rose to become a high-ranking official in the court during the Jianwu era, eventually becoming the chief minister. His formal writing skills were stronger than those of Zhang Ji and Zhang Song, so later, Du Ye was credited with establishing elementary education.
During the reign of Emperor Xiaocheng, power was handed over to the relatives, and uncles held great power, even more powerful than the Ding and Fu had been under Emperor Xiaoxi. Therefore, Du Ye dared to criticize Ding and Fu, while Du Qin and Du Yong did not dare to criticize the Wang family because the political climate demanded it. Later, Du Qin wanted to weaken the power of Feng (referring to a powerful official), but Du Ye joined forces with Yin and Shang (referring to allies of the powerful official) to stir up trouble. Du Yong even used the "Three-Sevenths Rule" (a proverb emphasizing caution) to admonish him, showing his loyalty. However, Du Ye went on to flatter Feng, even stirring up trouble between the General of Chariots and Feng, and even using lame excuses to defend Feng. Confucius said, "He who associates with many learns much." These three certainly lived up to that saying.
