Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Han Book 21 Scroll 29 (continued)
The 2nd year of Emperor Yuan’s Jianzhao Era (37 B.C. continued)
Associate Censor Chen Xian frequently criticized Shi Xian. In time, he was accused of maintaining close ties with Zhu Yun, Magistrate of Huaili, and of leaking confidential discussions from within the palace. Shi Xian secretly investigated the matter, discovered the facts, and had both Chen Xian and Zhu Yun arrested, their heads shaved, and sentenced to penal labor.
Shi Xian’s power and influence thereafter grew by the day. From high officials down to minor functionaries, all feared him, treading cautiously and standing in awe on one leg. He formed a clique with Lao Liang, Deputy Director of the Central Secretariat, and Wulu Chongzong, Privy Treasurer. Those who attached themselves to their faction were all favored and advanced. Among the people there arose a song:
“If you are of the Lao clan,
Or if you are of the Shi,
Or if you are guests of Wulu—
Heavy hang your seals,
And many are your sashes!”
Shi Xian, fully aware of the authority he wielded, feared that one day the Emperor might heed other voices and turn against him. Therefore, he constantly sought to display his loyalty in order to secure imperial trust. Once, when he dispatched an official to requisition supplies from various offices, he first reported to the Emperor, saying: “I fear that if the gates are closed, the message may not pass through. I therefore request that an edict be issued ordering the guards to open the gates for me.” The Emperor assented.
Shi Xian then deliberately returned late at night, claiming that he bore an edict ordering the gates to be opened. Later, someone submitted a memorial accusing Shi Xian of falsely issuing commands and using a forged decree to open the palace gates. When the Emperor read it, he laughed and showed it to Shi Xian.
Shi Xian wept and said, “Your Majesty has entrusted this humble servant with great responsibility, and thus others envy and seek to harm me. Such incidents occur repeatedly, yet only a wise lord can discern them. I am insignificant and cannot satisfy all men while bearing the resentment of the world. I beg to be relieved of my central secretariat duties and to serve in some lowly post within the inner palace, where I may die without regret. I implore Your Majesty to have mercy and spare my life.”
The Emperor was moved by this and took pity on him, repeatedly comforting and encouraging him, and bestowing upon him lavish gifts amounting to one hundred million in gold and valuables.
Earlier, Shi Xian had feared that rumors of his involvement in the death of the former General Xiao Wangzhi would provoke criticism from scholars. Hearing that the Grandee of Remonstration, Gong Yu, was renowned for his integrity and learning, Shi Xian sent someone to cultivate goodwill with him, forging a close relationship and recommending him to the Emperor. Gong Yu rose rapidly through the ranks, eventually becoming one of the Nine Ministers, and was treated with exceptional honor.
As a result, some praised Shi Xian, believing that he harbored no jealousy or slander toward Xiao Wangzhi. In this way, Shi Xian dispelled suspicion and secured the Emperor’s trust through calculated artifice.
Xun Yue’s commentary: The deception of a ruler by sycophantic ministers is indeed most pernicious. Thus Confucius said, ‘Keep flatterers at a distance.’ This means not merely refraining from employing them, but keeping them far away and cutting off their influence at the root—this is the utmost precaution. Confucius also said, ‘To govern is to be upright.’ The essence of governance lies in uprightness. Those who are upright, honest, and sincere embody this principle.
Therefore, before appointing a man, one must examine the truth of his virtue; before assigning a task, examine the truth of his ability; before granting reward, examine the truth of his merit; before imposing punishment, examine the truth of his guilt; before bestowing honor, examine the truth of his conduct; before trusting words, examine their truthfulness of speech; before employing resources, examine their substance; before managing affairs, examine their reality. When righteousness accumulates above, substance naturally takes root below. Such was the Way of the ancient kings.
On August 3, Kuang Heng, who was serving as Chamberlain, was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate.
In the intercalary August 8, the Grand Empress Dowager Shangguan (Empress Zhao) passed away.
In November of the winter, earthquakes struck the regions of Qi and Chu, accompanied by heavy snow. Trees were broken, and houses collapsed.
Reflection by Rio Grande 