Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 134): Ideology Contest

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang  

Annals of Han Book 9 Scroll 17 (continued)

The 1st year of the Emperor Wu’s Jianyuan Era (140 B.C. continued)

Zhuang Zhu of Kuaiji commandery also participated in the exam, he was appointed as a Grandee of the Palace. However, Chancellor Wei Wan reported that some of the officials recommended as talents were actually promoting ideas that were disruptive to the state’s governance, such as those from the schools of Shen Buhai, Han Fei, Su Qin, and Zhang Yi. He requested that they all be removed from their positions. This request was approved by the Emperor.

Dong Zhongshu had studied the “Spring and Autumn Annals” from a young age and served as an Erudite during the reign of Emperor Jing. He was known for his modesty, proper conduct, and adherence to ritual, and scholars held him in high regard. When he became the Prime Minister of Jiangdu, he had to serve Prince Yi(Liu Fei), who was the Emperor’s older brother. Prince Yi had a reputation for being insolent and fond of showing off his martial force and bravery. However, under the guidance of Dong Zhongshu, he began to show more respect for ritual and propriety.

In February of spring, there was a general amnesty.

In March, coins weighing three zhu(1/24 of a tael) were put into circulation.

In June of the summer, the Chancellor Wei Wan was dismissed from his position. On June 7, the Marquis of Weiqi, Dou Ying, was appointed as the Chancellor, and the Marquis of Wu’an, Tian Fen, was appointed as the Grand Commandant. The Emperor had a predilection in Confucianism, and both Dou Ying and Tian Fen were apostles of Confucianism. They strongly recommended Zhao Wan of Dai as the Grand Master of Censorate, Wang Zang of Lanling as the Chamberlain. Zhao Wan suggested the construction of a Hall of Mingtang(Bright Hall) for receiving foreign envoys and recommended his mentor, Mr. Shen(Shen Pei), to the Emperor.

In the autumn, the Emperor dispatched envoys bearing silk, jade, and carriages with secure seats drawn by four horses to summon Mr. Shen. Upon his arrival, Mr. Shen was granted audience. The Emperor, inquiring into the methods of suppressing disorder, received this reply from Mr. Shen, then over eighty years of age: “For one entrusted with governance, excessive speech is dispensable; it is essential to devote oneself to effective action.” The Emperor, then favoring literary pursuits, listened in silence. Nevertheless, in honor of Mr. Shen’s journey to the capital, he appointed him as Grand Master of the Palace.

Mr. Shen was quartered in the official residence of the Principality of Lu and thereafter charged with the establishment of the Hall of Mingtang(Bright Hall), the conduct of imperial inspections and excursions, the reform of the calendar, and the regulation of the color and style of official robes.

In that year, the Minister of the Interior, Ning Cheng, was convicted of a crime and punished by being shaved off his hair and shackled.

The 2nd year of the Emperor Wu’s Jianyuan Era (139 B.C.)

In October of winter, the Prince of Huainan, Liu An, came to the capital for an audience. The Emperor greatly esteemed Prince Liu An, due to his high stature as being his uncle and his exceptional intelligence. They would engage in conversation during banquets, and these discussions would often continue until late in the evening before they parted ways.

Prince Liu An also had a close relationship with the Marquis of Wu’an, Tian Fen, who went to welcome him at Bashang. The Marquis of Wu’an said, “Our Emperor has no crown prince yet, and Sire, as a grandson of Emperor Gaozu, is renowned for your benevolence and righteousness. When the Emperor’s chariot stops running[passing away] one day, who else but Sire should rightfully stand in his place?” Prince Liu An was overjoyed and generously rewarded the Marquis of Wu’an with gold, money, and other valuables.

At this time, Grand Empress Dowager Dou was a champion for the teachings of the Huangdi–Laozi school and disfavored Confucianists. Zhao Wan, fearing her wrath, advised against presenting state affairs to the Eastern Palace where the Grand Empress Dowager resided. Grand Empress Dowager Dou was furious and exclaimed, “Is he attempting to replicate the case of Xinyuan Ping?” She secretly collected evidence of illicit conduct involving Zhao Wan and Wang Zang, which she later used to accuse them before the Emperor. Consequently, Emperor Wu halted the Mingtang(Bright Hall) project and all other initiatives that had been set in motion. Zhao Wan and Wang Zang were arrested, and both took their own lives. Chancellor Dou Ying, Grand Commandant Tian Fen were dismissed.  Even Mr. Shen retired on excuse of illness.

Initially, during the reign of Emperor Jing, Shi fen, the Grand Tutor of the crown prince, and his four sons were all ranked officials with 2000 picul salary, collectively known as the “Lord of Ten Thousand picul”.  While the Lord of Ten-Thousand-picul lacked literary talent, he was renowned for his humility and prudence. Whenever his descendants, who had become minor officials, came to pay their respects, the Lord would receive them dressed in court attire, addressing them with their official title in lieu of their names. If any of his descendants made a mistake, he would not publicly rebuke them but walked into the side rooms, refusing to eat while sitting at the table. His sons would begin self-censure, inviting the elders to plead on their behalf, bare their backs and begged for forgiveness. Only after amending their behavior would the Lord pardon them. When his adult children or grandchildren were by his side, even at home in leasure, Shi Fen always wore his caps. During funerals that he presided over, he displayed profound grief and solemnity. The Shi Fen‘s descendants strictly adhered to his teachings, and their filial piety and respect were renowned throughout commanderies and principalities.

Therefore, when Zhao Wan and Wang Zang were punished for their literary braggadocio, Grand Empress Dowager Dou believed that Confucian scholars were glib talkers but lacked substance. She observed that the Lord of Ten Thousand picul‘s family lived by their principles without excessive verbosity. Consequently, she appointed Shi Fen’s eldest son, Shi Jian, as the Chamberlain and his younger son, Shi Qing, as the Minister of Interior. Shi Jian sat by the Emperor’s side and was known for his straightforwardness. Behind the scene, he spoke his mind soberly with no reservation.  During court sessions, he appeared as if he couldn’t speak. The Emperor highly favored him for this reason.

Shi Qing had previously served as the Grand Coachman, responsible for driving the imperial carriage. Once, when the Emperor asked how many horses were in the carriage, Shi Qing counted them all with his riding crop. Then he raised his hand, “Six horses,” indicating the count with his fingers. Among all the children of Shi Fen, Shi Qing was the most carefree and yet remained respectful.