Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Han Book 8 Scroll 16 (continued)
The 3rd year of the Emperor Jing’s Early Era (154 B.C. continued)
During a discussion on military strategies to suppress the rebellion, Chao Cuo suggested that the Emperor personally lead the troops while he remained behind to guard the capital. He also proposed ceding certain territories, such as Xu and Tong County, which the Prince of Wu had not yet taken control of.
Chao Cuo and Yuan Ang, the Prime Minister of Wu, had a contentious relationship. Whenever one entered a room, the other would avoid it, and they never engaged in discussion together.
Later, after Chao Cuo became Grand Master of Censorate, he used his position to investigate Yuan Ang for allegedly accepting gifts from the Prince of Wu. Yuan Ang was found guilty, but the Emperor granted him a pardon, reducing his status to that of a commoner.
When Wu and Chu rebelled, Chao Cuo said to his subordinates, the Chief Censor and Chief Clerk, “Yuan Ang has taken large sums from the Prince of Wu and has been concealing their intent to rebel. He insisted the Prince of Wu would not rise in revolt. Now that the rebellion is a reality, I intend to charge him. You must investigate his schemes.”
The Chief Censor and Chief Clerk disagreed, “Had the rebellion not yet begun, charging him might have prevented it. But with the army already marching west, what purpose would an investigation serve? Moreover, Yuan Ang is unlikely to have been involved in any conspiracy.”
Chao Cuo hesitated and did not make a decision.
Someone informed Yuan Ang of the accusation, and he grew fearful. That night, he secretly met with Dou Ying, claiming to reveal the true reasons behind the Prince of Wu‘s rebellion. Expressing his willingness to cooperate, he even offered to present the information to the Emperor in person. Dou Ying conveyed Yuan Ang‘s message, and the Emperor summoned him to court.
At the time of the meeting, the Emperor was discussing military food supplies with Chao Cuo. He then turned to Yuan Ang and asked for his opinion on the rebellion of the Princedoms of Wu and Chu. Yuan Ang reassured him, saying there was no cause for concern, as the Prince of Wu’s actions were not significant enough to pose a real threat.
The Emperor disagreed. “The Prince of Wu has been minting coins from the mountains and boiling seawater for salt, striving to attract talented and influential individuals. He waited until his hair turned gray to rebel. How can you say they lack the ability to carry out their plans?”
Yuan Ang replied, “While it is true that the Prince of Wu profits from copper and salt, he cannot possibly attract truly influential and talented people. Even if he has gathered a few, those with real ability would have advised him to do the right thing and not rebel. What he has drawn to his side are merely desperados, outlaws, and counterfeiters—men capable only of causing chaos through insurrection.”
Chao Cuo praised Yuan Ang’s argument. When the Emperor asked for a solution, Yuan Ang suggested discussing the matter privately. The Emperor dismissed the others, leaving only himself and Chao Cuo in the room. Yuan Ang then declared that the discussion was not meant to be heard by a subject—only the Sovereign. At this, Chao Cuo was dismissed. Indignant, he trotted into the east chamber.
Yuan Ang said, “The Princes of Wu and Chu have exchanged letters, declaring that the descendants of the Emperor Gaozu were granted their respective territories. However, due to the actions of the treacherous minister Chao Cuo, who has seized and annexed the lands of the principalities, they have risen in rebellion. They seek to unite in the west to eliminate Chao Cuo and restore their original domains. The best course of action is to behead Chao Cuo, issue a pardon to the Princes of Wu and Chu, and return their lands. This way, the assailants can be disbanded without bloodshed.”
The Emperor remained silent for a long while before saying, “What else can we do if not this? I do not wish to harm the entire realm for the sake of cherishing one man.”
Yuan Ang assured him, “That is my only foolish solution. Please give it careful thought.”
The Emperor then appointed Yuan Ang as Minister of Ceremony and instructed him to prepare in secret for his mission to the Prince of Wu.
A dozen days later, the Emperor ordered three officials—Chancellor Tao Qing, Commandant of the Capital Guard Jia, and Justice Minister Zhang Ou—to draft a memorial accusing Chao Cuo of plotting against the state:
“Chao Cuo‘s actions flagrantly violate the trust and virtue of the ruler. He seeks to alienate officials and the common people and even intends to grant cities and territories to the Princedom of Wu, showing no loyalty as a subject. His behavior constitutes an act of treason and lawlessness. Therefore, Chao Cuo should be executed, and his parents, wife, children, and all his relatives, regardless of age, should also be put to death.”
The Emperor approved their proposal.
Having no inkling of the imminent trouble, Chao Cuo was summoned by the Commandant of the Capital Guard under the pretense of meeting the Emperor. His carriage halted at the Eastern Market, where he was beheaded in his formal court attire.
Afterward, the Emperor sent Yuan Ang as an envoy to the Prince of Wu, seeking reconciliation and peace. He was accompanied by the Marquis of De, Liu Tong, a nephew of the Prince of Wu and the Minister of the Imperial Clan.
Meanwhile, Deng Gong, Supervisor of the Internuncios, was appointed as Colonel. He submitted a memorial on military matters and was summoned for an audience with the Emperor.
The Emperor asked, “Have you come from the front? Now that Chao Cuo is dead, have the Princes of Wu and Chu withdrawn their forces?”
Deng Gong replied, “The Prince of Wu has harbored rebellious intentions for decades. Punishing Chao Cuo and protesting the reduction of territories were merely pretexts—his true motives were never about Chao Cuo. Moreover, I fear this incident will make people across the empire hesitant to speak their minds.”
The Emperor asked, “Why do you think so?”
Deng Gong explained, “Chao Cuo saw the growing strength of the princes as a threat and sought to weaken them while consolidating the central authority—an effort that would have benefited generations to come. But just as his policies were beginning to take effect, he was met with ultimate punishment. This delivers a chilling message to loyal officials within the court while simultaneously appeasing the grievances of the princes. Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, this was a mistake.”
The Emperor sighed deeply and said, “You speak the truth. I, too, hate to have done that.”
Yuan Ang and Liu Tong arrived in the Princedom of Wu, but by then, the forces of Wu and Chu had already begun their assault on the defensive walls of the Principality of Liang. As Minister of the Imperial Clan, Liu Tong had personal connections in Wu and was granted entry to state his purpose. He requested that the Prince of Wu accept the imperial decree and bow in submission to the Emperor.
Upon hearing of Yuan Ang’s arrival, the Prince of Wu, knowing he had come to dissuade him, merely smiled and said, “I have already become the Emperor of the East—why should I bow to another?” He refused to meet Yuan Ang and instead confined him within the military camp, intending to coerce him into joining the rebellion. Yuan Ang, however, remained steadfast. Placed under strict surveillance and facing imminent danger, he seized an opportunity to escape and returned to report the situation to the Emperor.
Reflection by Rio Grande 
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