Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 232): Musician Emperor

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang  

Annals of Han Book 21 Scroll 29 (continued)

The 1st year of Emperor Yuan’s Jingning Era (33 B.C. continued)

At first, the Crown Prince, delighted in the study of the classics, was broad-minded and cautious in conduct. Later, however, he became indulgent in wine, fond of banquets and music, and the Emperor gradually came to regard him as lacking ability. Meanwhile, the Prince of Shanyang, Liu Kang, possessed talent and skill, and his mother, Consort(Zhaoyi) Fu, was deeply favored by the Emperor. For this reason, the Emperor often entertained the thought of establishing the Prince of Shanyang as heir.

In his later years, the Emperor frequently suffered from illness and no longer personally attended to state affairs. He developed a fondness for music and amusement. At times he placed drums beneath the palace terrace and, standing above, cast bronze pellets downward to strike them, producing rhythmic sounds. None among the palace attendants or those skilled in music could master this technique, yet the Prince of Shanyang alone could do so, and the Emperor repeatedly praised him for it.

Shi Dan remonstrated, saying, “True talent lies in keen understanding and delight in learning, in reviewing the old to know the new. In this, the Crown Prince is worthy. To judge men by skill in music and drumming is like claiming that musicians such as Chen Hui or Li Wei surpass Kuang Heng and are fit to serve as Chancellor.”

The Emperor merely smiled.

When the Emperor fell gravely ill, Consort(Zhaoyi) Fu and the Prince of Shanyang, Liu Kang, frequently attended him at his side, while the Empress and the Crown Prince were seldom granted audience. As the illness deepened, the Emperor grew increasingly uneasy and often questioned his attendants about the precedent of Emperor Jing’s establishing the King of Jiaodong as heir.

At that time, the Crown Prince’s maternal uncle, Wang Feng, Marquis of Yangping, served as Guard Commandant and Privy Counselor. Together with the Empress and the Crown Prince, they were all alarmed and at a loss.

Shi Dan, who attended closely upon the Emperor during his illness, seized a moment when the Emperor was resting alone. He entered directly into the chamber, knelt upon the green mat, and with tears streaming down his face, said:

“The Crown Prince has long been established and has now held his position for more than ten years. His name is known throughout the realm, and the people have already given him their allegiance. I have observed that the Prince of Shanyang is much favored, and now rumors circulate among the people, saying that the heir may be changed. If this were to occur, the ministers would surely rise in fierce opposition, and calamity would follow. I beg to die first, to warn the court and settle the hearts of all!”

The Emperor, by nature benevolent, was moved by his words and could not restrain his emotion. He sighed deeply and said, “I have long been infirm, and the Crown Prince and the two younger princes are still tender in years—how could I not be troubled? Yet there is no such intention. Moreover, the Empress is cautious, and the late Emperor deeply cherished the Crown Prince. How could I act contrary to his will? From where did the Commandant hear such words?”

Shi Dan immediately withdrew, knelt again, and said, “This foolish servant has listened to idle rumors and deserves death.”

The Emperor accepted his words and said, “My illness grows daily worse, and I fear I may not recover. Support the Crown Prince well, and do not act contrary to my will.”

Shi Dan withdrew in tears. From that time onward, the position of the Crown Prince was firmly secured. Moreover, the General of the Right and Grandee of Merit, Wang Shang, together with the Director of the Palace Secretariat, Shi Xian, also upheld the Crown Prince, and their influence within the court grew ever stronger.

In the summer, on May 24, Emperor Yuan passed away in Weiyang Palace.

Ban Biao’s praising commentary: My maternal grandfather and uncles once served in attendance upon Emperor Yuan, and they related to me thus: “Emperor Yuan was multi-talented, well versed in the classics, skilled in the zither and lute, and adept at the flute. He composed melodies and verses, set them to regulated tones, and refined them to the utmost subtlety. From his youth he cherished Confucian learning, and upon ascending the throne he summoned scholars and entrusted them with governance. Thus Gong Yu, Xue Guangde, Wei Xuancheng, and Kuang Heng successively served as chancellors. Yet the Emperor was often absorbed in literary pursuits, soft-hearted and indecisive, whereby the endeavor of Emperor Xuan gradually declined. Nevertheless, he was generous and humble, upheld reverence and frugality, gentle in demeanor and refined in bearing, possessing the elegance and virtue of the ancients.”

Kuang Heng submitted a memorial, saying:

“Formerly, because of His Majesty’s illness, the abolished sacrifices were restored; yet blessings did not follow. According to the records, the tombs of Empress Wei Si(Wei Zifu), Crown Prince Li(Liu Ju), and Empress Li(Liu Ju’s Consort) all have surviving descendants and therefore should continue to receive offerings. As for the tombs of Emperor Hui and Emperor Jing, whose close kin have all passed away, they ought to be abolished. Concerning the temples of the Emperor Emeritus(Father of Emperor Gaozu), Emperor Wen, Empress Dowager Xiaozhao(Empress Shangguan), Empress Zhaoling(Mother of Emperor Gaozu), Empress Zhao’ai(Elder Sister of Emperor Gaozu), and Prince Wu’ai(Elder Brother of Emperor Gaozu), it is appropriate that their sacrifices be discontinued and their tombs removed.”

The proposal was approved.

On June 22, the Crown Prince ascended the throne and paid homage at the Temple of Emperor Gaozu. He honored the Empress Dowager Wang(Emperor Xuan’s third Empress, Emperor Yuan’s Step Mother) as Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Wang(Wang Zhengjun) as Empress Dowager. He appointed his maternal uncle, the Privy Counselor, Commandant of the Guards, and Marquis of Yangping, Wang Feng, as Grand Marshal, Grand General, and Recorder of the State Secretariat.

In autumn, on July 19, Emperor Yuan was buried at the Weiling Mausoleum.

A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

Chancellor Kuang Heng submitted a memorial, saying: “Your Majesty, possessing utmost filial piety, is deeply mournful and constantly remembers with sorrow, never indulging in leisurely outings or hunting banquets. This genuine devotion to observing rites and honoring ancestors is commendable and should be cherished forever. I humbly hope that even though Your Majesty is naturally virtuous, you will continue to cultivate this holy heart. The Book of Songs states: ‘In loneliness and sorrow is like a lingering disease,’ indicating that King Cheng of Zhou, even after mourning, could not find peace of mind. This dedication is how he carried on the legacy of King Wen and King Wu of Zhou and upheld the foundations of great transformation.”

“I have also heard from my teachers that ‘the relationship between husband and wife is the beginning of humanity and the source of all blessings. Only when the rites of marriage are correct can things prosper, and Heaven’s mandate be complete.’ Confucius began his discussion of the Book of Songs with ‘Guan Ju,’ as it is the starting point of order and the foundation of royal instruction. Since ancient times, the rise and fall of the three dynasties have all followed this principle. I hope Your Majesty will carefully consider the effects of gains and losses and the rise and fall, to establish a solid foundation by selecting virtuous individuals, avoiding indulgence in sensual pleasures, and maintaining a close relationship with the reverent and keeping a distance from the cunning.”

“I have heard that the Six Classics were used by the sages to encompass the principles of Heaven and Earth, distinguish between good and evil, clarify the differences between auspicious and inauspicious, and guide people to the proper path without deviating from their natural dispositions. Additionally, the Analects and the Classic of Filial Piety, containing the essential words and actions of the sages, should be thoroughly understood. I have also heard that the sage kings, in their actions and movements, upheld Heaven and served their parents, presided over the court, and showed kindness to their ministers, all with appropriate decorum to exemplify human relations.”

“They demonstrated reverence and caution as the appearance of serving Heaven; warmth, respect, and humility as the rites of serving their parents; uprightness and strictness as the demeanor of presiding over the court; and benevolence and harmony as the expression of treating subordinates. Every action was governed by proper ritual, thereby shaping righteousness and creating laws to follow. At the beginning of the first month, you visited the sleeping quarters, received court congratulations, and held a banquet to entertain the multitude. The classic says: ‘A gentleman is careful at the beginning.’ I hope Your Majesty will be mindful of the rhythm of movement and stillness, so the officials can look up to Your Majesty’s great virtue and glory, thus establishing a firm foundation. This would be a great fortune for the realm!”

The Emperor respectfully accepted his advice.