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Tag: Dong Xian

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 268): Abdication Is No Joke

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Han Book 27 Scroll 35 (continued)

Removal of Crown, Tomb Effigy in Paris

The 1st year of Emperor Ai’s Yuanshou Era (2 B.C.)

The case was handed over to the generals and ministers of the inner court. Grand Master of Merit Kong Guang and others accused Wang Jia of “deceiving the state and the Emperor and being disloyal and immoral,” and proposed that an envoy be sent to summon Wang Jia to the imperial prison of the Minister of Justice. Court Advisers Gong and others argued, “Wang Jia’s statements before and after are contradictory. He should be stripped of his titles and fiefs and reduced to commoner status.”

Meng, Privy Treasurer of Yongxin Palace, and others maintained, “Although Wang Jia’s offense technically warrants punishment under the law, it is not fitting, in honoring the state and exalting the ancestral temples, that a grand minister be shackled, pulled by hair and stripped of clothing, and flogged in bare skin.” The Emperor did not heed them.

In March, he issued an edict: “Grant the palace usher imperial credentials and staff, and summon the Chancellor to appear at the imperial prison of the Minister of Justice.”

When the envoy arrived, the aides and clerks of the Chancellery wept together and prepared poison for Wang Jia, but he refused to take it. The Chief Clerk said, “When high ministers face arraignment, they do not proclaim their grievances, following the precedents set by earlier ministers. My Lord should consider taking your own life.”

The envoy sat sternly at the gate of the Chancellor’s residence. The Chief Clerk again brought forward the poison. Wang Jia took the cup and dashed it to the ground, saying to his subordinates, “The Chancellor was fortunate to serve among the Three Excellencies. I have failed in my duty to the state and ought to be executed in the marketplace as a warning to all. Is the Chancellor a child or a woman, that I should chew medicine and die?”

Wang Jia then dressed himself in full formal attire, came out to meet the envoy, bowed twice, and received the imperial decree. He rode in a minor official’s carriage, bareheaded and uncovered, and followed the envoy to the imperial prison of the Minister of Justice. There, the Minister of Justice confiscated the seals and ribbons of his offices as Chancellor and Marquis of Xinfu, bound him, and sent him under guard of the Bearer of the Mace to the Duchuan imperial prison.

When the Emperor heard that Wang Jia had gone alive to the authorities, he was enraged and ordered that a general, together with five officials of the 2,000-picul rank, form a joint panel to investigate the case. The panel officials interrogated Wang Jia, who replied, “Those who investigate a case seek the truth. Formerly, when Liang Xiang and the others handled the case of the Prince of Dongping, they did not believe that Liu Yun’s death sentence was unjust. They wished only to refer the case to the ministers in order to demonstrate caution. I truly did not see them as wavering inwardly or outwardly, nor as siding with Liu Yun. They were fortunate to be pardoned by the general amnesty. Liang Xiang and the others are all good officials, and my private lament for them was on behalf of the state and not out of personal partiality.”

The panel officials said, “If that is so, then what crime are you guilty of? There must surely be some reason why you have come to prison; it cannot be without cause.”

The panel officials then began to assault and torment Wang Jia. He gave a deep sigh, looked up to Heaven, and lamented, “I was fortunate to serve as Chancellor, yet I failed to advance the worthy and dismiss the unworthy. In this I have failed the state, and even in death I have still more to answer for.”

The panel officials asked for the names of the worthy and unworthy ministers to whom Wang Jia referred. Wang Jia replied, “The worthy are former Chancellor Kong Guang and former Excellency of Works He Wu, whom I was unable to advance. The unworthy are Dong Xian, Marquis of Gao’an, and his father, who flatter and throw the court into disorder, yet whom I was unable to remove. My crime deserves death, and I have no regret in dying.”

Wang Jia remained imprisoned for more than twenty days and refused to eat. He vomited blood and died.

Later, the Emperor reviewed Wang Jia’s response and came to appreciate his words. After the Grand Master of the Censorate, Jia Yan, was dismissed, Kong Guang was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate in the summer, on May 17. In the autumn, on July 9, Kong Guang was appointed Chancellor and restored to his marquisate as Marquis of Boshan. In addition, He Wu, Marquis of Sixiang, was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate.

The Emperor then realized that Kong Guang’s earlier dismissal had not been due to any fault of his own, but had been caused by slander from those close to the throne. He said, “Fu Jia, who formerly served as Privy Counselor, slandered the worthy and the upright and falsely accused high ministers, causing capable men to lose their positions for a long time. Let Fu Jia therefore be dismissed to commoner status and sent back to his original commandery.”

In August, He Wu was transferred to the post of General of the Van. On August 24, Peng Xuan, Grand Master of the Palace, was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate.

Inspector Colonel of the Capital Region Bao Xuan was accused of humiliating the Chancellor, Kong Guang, rejecting an imperial envoy, and failing to conduct himself with the proper manners of a subject; his death sentence was commuted to the shaving of his head and the wearing of a cangue.

Grand Marshal Ding Ming had always respected Wang Jia and pitied him for his death. On September 19, he was dismissed by imperial decree and ordered to return to his residence.

In the winter, on October 16, Wei Shang, former Grand Tutor to the Prince of Dingtao and Grand Master of Merit, was appointed Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry. On the intercalary November 24, Wei Shang died.

On December 6, Dong Xian, Privy Counselor and Commandant of the Cavalry Escort, was appointed Grand Marshal and General of the Guards. The decree of appointment stated: “We establish you among the Three Excellencies to assist the Han dynasty! We know that your heart is upright, that you are able to rectify all affairs, and that you will uphold the central authority with fairness and balance!”

At this time, Dong Xian was twenty-two years old. Although he held the rank of one of the Three Excellencies, he still served as Palace Steward and acting as the Recorder of the State Secretariat. All officials submitted their matters through Dong Xian. Since his father, Dong Gong, Commandant of the Guards, was not suited to ministerial rank, he was transferred to the post of Grand Master of Merit, with a salary equivalent to 2,000 piculs. His younger brother, Dong Kuanxin, succeeded Dong Xian as Commandant of Cavalry Escort. All members of the Dong family were made Privy Counselors, office managers, and court attendants, surpassing even the favor once shown to the Ding and Fu clans.

When Kong Guang served as Grand Master of the Censorate, Dong Xian’s father, Dong Gong, was an official under him. Later, when Dong Xian became Grand Marshal, he and Kong Guang served together among the Three Excellencies. The Emperor therefore ordered Dong Xian to pay Kong Guang a private visit. Kong Guang, naturally respectful and cautious, understood that the Emperor wished to honor and indulge Dong Xian. When he heard that Dong Xian was coming, he carefully adjusted his attire and waited outside the gate. As soon as he saw Dong Xian’s carriage in the distance, he withdrew indoors. When Dong Xian reached the central gate, Kong Guang entered the main hall. Only after Dong Xian had stepped down from his carriage did Kong Guang come out again, bowing, paying his respects, escorting him, and receiving him with the utmost caution and deference, not daring to treat him as an equal colleague. When the Emperor heard of this, he was pleased, and immediately appointed Kong Guang’s two nephews as Grand Master of Remonstrance and Attendant-in-Waiting. Thus did Dong Xian’s power come to rival that of the sovereign.

At that time, the Wang clan, the maternal relatives of Emperor Cheng, had already declined. Only Wang Quji, son of Marquis of Ping’e Wang Tan, served as a Privy Counselor, while his younger brother Wang Hong was an Attendant-in-Ordinary. Wang Hong’s father-in-law, General of the Household Xiao Xian, was the son of General of the Van Xiao Wangzhi. Dong Xian’s father, Dong Gong, admired Xiao Xian and wished his son Dong Kuanxin to marry Xiao Xian’s daughter. He therefore asked Wang Hong to convey his intention. Xiao Xian, fearful and not daring to accept, privately said to Wang Hong, “Lord Dong is Grand Marshal, and the wording in his appointment decree, ‘uphold the central authority,’ comes from Emperor Yao’s abdication to Emperor Shun; it is not language customarily used for the Three Excellencies. Anyone who understands this cannot but be filled with fear. How could it be fitting for a child of a family such as ours?”

Wang Hong, naturally intelligent and perceptive, understood Xiao Xian’s meaning as soon as he heard these words. He then reported back to Dong Gong, clearly conveying Xiao Xian’s humble refusal. Dong Gong sighed and said, “What has my family done to the world so that men fear us to this extent?” He was displeased.

Later, at a banquet in Qilin Hall, Dong Xian, his father, and other members of his family were present, while the Privy Counselors and Attendants-in-Ordinary stood in attendance. The Emperor, slightly intoxicated, looked at Dong Xian and smiled, saying, “I wish to emulate Emperor Yao and abdicate to Emperor Shun; what do you think?”

Wang Hong stepped forward and said, “The realm belongs to Emperor Gaozu, not to Your Majesty personally. Your Majesty inherited the ancestral temple and ought to transmit it endlessly to your descendants. The responsibility of the empire is immense; an emperor must not speak of such things in jest.”

The Emperor fell silent and was displeased, and all those present were filled with fear. Thereafter, he ordered Wang Hong to leave the court and return to the Office of the Gentlemen-at-Arms. Only after a long interval did the Grand Empress Dowager apologize on Wang Hong’s behalf, whereupon he was summoned back.

Wang Hong then submitted a memorial of remonstrance, advising: “I have heard that when the Son of Heaven appoints the Three Excellencies, it is in imitation of the three celestial luminaries—the sun, the moon, and the stars—and those who occupy these positions must be men of virtue. The Book of Changes says, ‘The tripod’s legs are broken, and the sacrificial food is overturned,’ meaning that if the Three Excellencies are unworthy, the state cannot stand firm. In former times, Emperor Wen favored Deng Tong, yet appointed him only Grand Master of the Palace. Emperor Wu pampered Han Yan and bestowed many rewards upon him, yet did not place him in high office. Now Dong Xian, Grand Marshal and General of the Guards, has rendered no meritorious service to the Han house, has no kinship ties with the imperial family, and has shown no outstanding virtue by which he might serve as an example to the world. Yet within a few years he has been raised to the rank of the Three Excellencies and entrusted with the imperial guards. Without merit, he has been enfeoffed, while his father and brother have all been arbitrarily promoted. These rewards have exhausted the treasury, and the common people murmur; rumors fill the roads. This is truly not in accord with the will of Heaven.

“In ancient times, the spirit of a serpent transformed into human form and gave birth to the beauty Bao Si, thereby bringing disorder to the Zhou dynasty. I fear that Your Majesty may incur the reproach of having erred, while Dong Xian may suffer the calamity that befalls a petty man who does not know when to advance and when to withdraw. Such conduct on Your Majesty’s part is not the way to leave an example for future generations.”

Although the Emperor did not heed Wang Hong’s words, he admired the strength of his character and youthful spirit and did not punish him.

October 14, 2026
Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 267): Cronies Ascending to Heaven

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Han Book 27 Scroll 35 (continued)

A joyful Taoist immortal rises among family, animals, clouds, and a heavenly palace.

The 1st year of Emperor Ai’s Yuanshou Era (2 B.C. continued)

On January 17, Empress Dowager Fu died. She was buried together with Emperor Yuan at Weiling and was posthumously styled Empress Dowager Fu of Emperor Yuan.

The Chancellor and the Imperial Censor memorialized the throne concerning the sins of Xifu Gong, Sun Chong, and others. Consequently, the Emperor dismissed Xifu Gong and Sun Chong from office and sent them back to their respective states. In addition, several dozen court attendants, officials of the various offices, and eunuch attendants were removed from their posts.

Bao Xuan submitted a memorial stating: “Your Majesty takes Heaven as father, Earth as mother, and nourishes the people as your children. Since ascending the throne, the ‘father’ has been obscured”—referring to the solar eclipse—“the ‘mother’ has been shaken”—referring to the earthquakes—“and the ‘children’ have been alarmed by false rumors. Today’s eclipse, occurring at the beginning of the three cycles of year, month, and day, is truly something to be feared. Even common people, on the first day of the new moon, are careful not to break their household utensils; how much more so when the sun itself is eclipsed? Your Majesty has deeply reproached yourself inwardly, withdrawn from the main hall, invited frank remonstrance, sought criticism, dismissed and sent away the imperial affines, and other sycophants who consumed without contributing, summoned Kong Guang to serve as Grand Master of Merit, exposed the wrongdoing of Sun Chong and Xifu Gong, dismissed them from office, and sent them back to their fiefs. The people are all pleased and joyful. When Heaven and the people are of one mind, the satisfaction of the people reflects the intent of Heaven.

“However, on February 16, a white rainbow crossed the sun, and continuous clouds gathered without yielding rain. This shows that the anxieties and resentments of the people have not yet been resolved. Dong Xian, Privy Counselor and Commandant of the Cavalry, is not related to Your Majesty by blood, yet he has risen through his good look, flattery, and sycophancy. The rewards bestowed upon him have been excessive, exhausting the state treasury. He has combined three residences into one and still finds them too small, even demolishing a court infirmary to enlarge his estate. Imperial envoys and laborers serve the residences of Dong Xian and his father, and even officials and soldiers on night duty are rewarded for serving his household. Whenever there is a sacrificial gathering at their ancestral tomb, the Imperial Kitchen is ordered to provide the food. The revenues of all under Heaven, which ought to sustain one sovereign, are instead exhausted upon the household of Dong Xian. Is this the will of Heaven, or the will of the people?

“Heaven cannot be deceived for long; when favor is carried to such an extreme, it becomes a means of harming the one so favored. If Your Majesty truly wishes to show compassion to Dong Xian, then you should apologize to Heaven and Earth, reconcile yourself with the people of the empire, dismiss Dong Xian, and send him back to his fief. Confiscate his carriages and household goods and return them to the state treasury. In this way, Dong Xian and his father may preserve their lives; otherwise, those hated by all under Heaven have never been able to enjoy lasting peace. Sun Chong and Xifu Gong as well are unfit to remain in their fiefs and should be removed as a gesture of repentance before the world. Recall He Wu, Shi Dan, Peng Xuan, and Fu Xi, so that the people may see clearly what accords with the will of Heaven, and establish great policies to inaugurate an era of great peace.”

The Emperor, moved by these extraordinary words, accepted Bao Xuan’s recommendations and recalled He Wu and Peng Xuan. Bao Xuan was appointed Inspector Colonel of the Capital Region.

The Emperor, under the pretext of a parting edict left by Empress Dowager Fu, ordered the Grand Empress Dowager to instruct the Chancellor and the Censorate to increase Dong Xian’s fief by 2,000 households and to grant him three additional marquisates: Marquis of Kongxiang, Marquis of Ruchang, and Marquis of Yangxin. Wang Jia, however, returned the imperial edict and submitted a sealed memorial of remonstrance, stating:

“I have heard that titles, rewards, and land allocations are bestowed by Heaven. As it says in the Book of Documents: ‘Heaven mandates virtue, giving five garments to men of different rank, each with its proper form and color.’ A ruler who confers titles on Heaven’s behalf must therefore be especially cautious. If land is granted improperly, the people will not be convinced, and the harmony of yin and yang will be disturbed, bringing deep and swift harm to Your Majesty’s health. That Your Majesty’s health has long been unsettled has caused me profound inward anxiety.

“As for Dong Xian, Marquis of Gao’an, he is a flattering favorite. Your Majesty has exhausted titles and ranks in honoring him, depleted the treasury in enriching him, and diminished the dignity of the sovereign in indulging him. Your authority has already been impaired, and the imperial treasury exhausted, yet you still fear that it is not enough. Wealth comes from the labor of the people. Emperor Wen once wished to build a terraced pavilion, but abandoned the project because it would have cost only a few hundred catties of gold, thus displaying his restraint. Now, by contrast, Dong Xian squanders public resources for private gain, and his household has received as much as a thousand catties of gold. Never in history has there been such favor shown to an eminent subject, and word of it has spread to every quarter, provoking universal resentment. A local saying has it: ‘When a thousand men point at someone, he will die though he is not ill.’ This has always been a matter of deep concern to me.

“Now the Empress Dowager, invoking the alleged final command of Empress Dowager Fu of Yongxin, instructs the Chancellor and the Censorate to increase Dong Xian’s fief and grant him three marquisates. I, Wang Jia, am profoundly perplexed by this. The collapse of mountains, the earthquakes, and the solar eclipse occurring on the first day of the first month are all warnings of yin encroaching upon yang. Dong Xian has already been enfeoffed twice; Fu Yan and Fu Shang have twice exchanged fiefs; Zheng Ye sought rewards through private favor. They have already received favor beyond all measure, yet they continue to demand without end, utterly ignorant of restraint. This gravely undermines the intention of honoring Empress Dowager Fu. It cannot be proclaimed to the realm; great harm has already been done.

“Excessive indulgence and deceit throw yin and yang out of harmony, and their mutual disturbances in turn affect the body. Your Majesty has long been unwell, and the heir has not yet been established. It is fitting that all affairs now be rectified, bringing them into accord with the hearts of Heaven and the people, so as to seek blessings and protection. Why should Your Majesty disregard your own safety and indulge private whims, forgetting the hardships endured by Emperor Gaozu in establishing these institutions and intending them to be transmitted for all eternity?

“I have sealed and returned this edict and do not dare allow it to be made public. It is not that I begrudge death or do not dare impeach myself for acting contrary to the decree; rather, I fear that news of this will spread throughout the land.”

The Minister of Justice, Liang Xiang, was handling the case of Liu Yun, Prince of Dongping. At the time, fewer than twenty days remained in the winter month, and Liang Xiang suspected that Liu Yun had been falsely accused and that the charges had been exaggerated. He proposed that the case be transferred to Chang’an and reviewed by the ministers and officials. The Director of the State Secretariat, Ju Tan, and the Deputy Director, Zongbo Feng, agreed that this should be permitted. The Emperor, however, believed that Liang Xiang and the others were merely acting with excessive caution while waiting to see how his illness would develop, maintaining a two-faced posture and hoping to let the winter pass without taking decisive action against evil and punishing wrongdoing. Consequently he dismissed Liang Xiang and the others from office and reduced them to commoner status.

A few months later, a general amnesty was proclaimed. Wang Jia submitted a memorial recommending that “Liang Xiang and the others are men of talent and good conduct. A wise ruler commends his ministers for their achievements and forgives their past faults. I privately feel regret on behalf of the court for these three men.”

When this memorial was presented, the Emperor was displeased. More than twenty days later, Wang Jia submitted the sealed memorial quoted above opposing the addition of further households to Dong Xian’s fief, which further angered the Emperor. The Emperor summoned Wang Jia to the State Secretariat and rebuked him, saying, “Liang Xiang and the others had previously been charged with disloyalty, and their crimes were already well established. You yourself had already impeached yourself on this matter. Why, then, are you now praising them and saying that you ‘regret this on behalf of the court’?” Wang Jia removed his cap and apologized for his offense.

October 10, 2026
Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 266): Spoiled Rotten

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Han Book 27 Scroll 35

Duration of 4 years

A Painting of Shanglin Park

The 1st year of Emperor Ai’s Yuanshou Era (2 B.C.)

In the spring, on January 1, an edict was issued ordering the generals and officials of the 2,000-picul rank each to recommend a man well versed in military strategy. Thereupon, Fu Yan, Marquis of Kongxiang, was appointed Grand Marshal and General of the Guards, and Ding Ming, Marquis of Yang’an, was appointed Grand Marshal and General of Agile Cavalry.

On the same day, there was a solar eclipse. The Emperor issued an edict to the Three Excellencies, the ministers, and the officials, ordering them to present with utmost sincerity their criticisms and acknowledgments of fault; he also commanded each of them to recommend a man of integrity, uprightness, and frank speech. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the empire.

The Chancellor, Wang Jia, submitted a sealed memorial, stating: “Emperor Yuan upheld the great enterprise and was gentle, reverent, and sparing in his desires. At that time, there were four billion coins in the capital treasury. On one occasion, he visited Shanglin Park, accompanied by Noble Consort Feng. While they were viewing the animal enclosure, a wild beast suddenly charged out. Noble Consort Feng stepped forward to confront it. Emperor Yuan admired her courage and awarded her 50,000 coins. Although the women of the inner palace received special favor and rewards, they were not permitted to display excessive gratitude in public. The Emperor maintained fairness without partiality and was careful not to lose the hearts of the people. Rewards were modest, and at that time there were very few wealthy relatives of the imperial house. For this reason, the treasuries of the Privy Treasury and the Office of Waterworks held abundant reserves.

“Although the Chuyuan(48 B.C.-) and Yongguang(43 B.C.-) eras were marked by calamities and famine, and there was also the rebellion of the Western Qiang, the state was able to sustain military campaigns abroad and relieve the poor at home, yet there was never any anxiety over financial exhaustion, because the state coffers were amply supplied.

“During Emperor Cheng’s reign, officials repeatedly criticized the harm caused by incognito excursions and by exclusive favor shown to certain consorts. They also warned that the Emperor’s indulgence in wine and sexual excess would damage his virtue and shorten his years. Their words were severe, yet the Emperor never resented them. Favorites such as Chunyu Chang, Zhang Fang, and Shi Yu were repeatedly demoted; the property of Shi Yu’s family never exceeded ten million coins. Zhang Fang was exiled, and Chunyu Chang died in prison. The Emperor did not allow private affections to injure public justice. Thus, although there was much criticism within the court, the state remained secure, and the succession was transmitted to Your Majesty.

“When Your Majesty was still a prince, you delighted in the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents and practiced frugality. When you were summoned to the capital, people everywhere praised your virtue. For this reason, the hearts of the people were transferred from Emperor Cheng to Your Majesty. After ascending the throne, you replaced costly hangings and removed embroidered fabrics. The imperial carriage used only plain silk to bind the edges of the mats. When plans were made to rebuild your own ancestral temple, you were concerned lest it burden the people, and because of financial strain you halted the construction. Only now has it begun again.

“Meanwhile, Dong Xian, Commandant of the Cavalry, has begun constructing an official residence in Shanglin Park and has built a grand mansion, its gate facing the northern watchtower, using the imperial canal to supply water to its gardens and ponds. Court envoys supervise the construction, and the rewards granted to the officials and laborers exceed even those bestowed for the building of Your Majesty’s ancestral temples. When Dong Xian’s mother was ill, the imperial kitchens of Chang’an supplied sacrificial provisions, and all travelers along the roads were furnished with food and drink. Whenever articles were made for Dong Xian, Your Majesty personally examined and approved them; and if the workmanship was fine, the artisans received special rewards. Such generosity surpasses even the offerings made to the ancestral temples and the Three Palaces(Palaces for Emperor, Empress and Empress Dowager).

“When Dong Xian’s family holds banquets for marriages or other occasions among their close relatives, the various offices of the administration pay the expenses, and rewards of up to 100,000 coins are bestowed even upon lackeys, maidservants, and house slaves. When Dong Xian’s household goes shopping in the public markets, envoys of Your Majesty oversee the transactions, causing alarm among the merchants and tumult in the streets, while the ministers stand bewildered and fearful. An edict was once issued ordering the abandonment of the gardens, yet more than 2,000 hectares of land were granted to Dong Xian, thereby undermining the law limiting the extent of private landholding. This extravagance and indulgence have disturbed the harmony of yin and yang, giving rise to numerous disasters and strange portents. Rumors have spread among the people; they run about in alarm carrying sticks, and Heaven has confounded their minds so that they cannot restrain themselves.

“Your Majesty is known for benevolence, wisdom, and caution, yet now faces criticism of such severity. Confucius said, ‘When there is danger and one does not avert it, when the state is falling and one does not uphold it, then what use is such a minister?’ I, Wang Jia, am fortunate to hold this office, yet inwardly I grieve and lament that I have been unable to convey my loyal and sincere counsel. If my death could benefit the state, I would not dare to cherish my own life. I hope that Your Majesty will carefully reflect upon your particular inclinations and examine what is widely questioned by others. In former times, favored courtiers such as Deng Tong and Han Yan became cocky and transgressed the proper bounds, indulging themselves without restraint. Petty men are unable to curb their desires and in the end fall into guilt or sins, bringing disorder to the state and perishing before they can enjoy their rewards. This is what is meant by spoiling someone rotten. It would be fitting to reflect deeply upon the lessons of the past, to restrain the excessive favor shown to Dong Xian, and thereby ensure his safety.”

Reading more memorials like this, the Emperor gradually became displeased with Wang Jia.

Former Inspector of Liangzhou, Du Ye, submitted a strategic memorial after being recommended as a candidate for Uprightness, stating: “I have heard that the superiority of yang and the subordination of yin are the way of Heaven. Thus, even if a man is of humble status, he remains the yang of his household; whereas even if a woman is of exalted rank, she remains the yin of her state. Therefore, the rites clearly establish the principle of the Three Obeisances(women’s obeisance to her father before marriage, her husband after marriage, or her son when her husband dies). Even if a woman possessed the virtue of King Wen of Zhou’s mother, she would still be obliged to rely upon her son. In ancient times, Duke Zhuang of Zheng indulged the favoritism of his mother Wu Jiang toward his younger brother Gongshu Duan, which in the end led Gongshu Duan to attempt the usurpation of the state; King Xiang of Zhou suffered internal pressure because of Queen Dowager Hui, and was driven into exile in Zheng. After the rise of the Han dynasty, Empress Dowager Lü wielded power on behalf of her kin and nearly endangered the state.

“I have observed that Your Majesty has disciplined yourself through austerity and righteousness, intending to revive the realm. Yet no auspicious omens have appeared, while solar eclipses and earthquakes have occurred. According to the Spring and Autumn Annals, disasters and anomalies speak through symbols. A solar eclipse signifies that yang is overshadowed by yin. The character kun 坤, which represents the earth, is composed of the radical for soil(土) and the radical for mother(母), and embodies the virtue of stillness and tranquility; an earthquake is a manifestation of abnormal yin. These omens are exceedingly clear, and I dare not refrain from speaking candidly on the matter.

“In former times, Zengzi asked about the righteousness of obeying one’s father, and Confucius replied, ‘What kind of question is that?’ He praised Min Ziqian for adhering to propriety and not blindly following his parents, acting always in accordance with reason, so that no one could drive a wedge between him and his family. Nowadays, all the brothers of the imperial affines, regardless of worthiness, serve within the imperial chambers and are appointed to official positions. Some command the guards or even hold garrison commands as generals. Such favoritism within a single family, accumulating power and privilege without precedent, is rarely seen or heard of in history. They have even been granted the posts of Grand Marshal and Grand General concurrently. Even at the height of the Huangfu clan under King Xuan of Zhou, or during the dominance of the Three Huan in Lu, when the armed force was divided into three armies, matters were never as extreme as they are today. On the very day of these appointments, a solar eclipse occurred. That it happened neither before nor after, but precisely at that moment, shows that Your Majesty is overly yielding and insufficiently decisive, listening to every suggestion and complying with every wish of the Empress Dowager. Those who are guilty are not punished, while those without merit receive rank and title. To allow such errors to accumulate into this disorder is a failing of Your Majesty, and I wish to make it plain in order to warn the holy court.

“What the poets criticized and what the Spring and Autumn Annals condemned point to situations of this very kind and are by no means irrelevant. Looking back from the present, we may feel indignation and disapproval; yet when it concerns our own conduct, if we do not reflect upon it, we regard it as acceptable. This is the root of miscalculation. I hope that Your Majesty will be more earnest and sincere, reflect upon the beginning of the reign, act in accordance with ancient principles, satisfy the hearts of the people, and thereby cause the common people to rejoice, while Heaven and the myriad spirits withdraw their wrath. When that is so, why should there be any doubt that auspicious signs and blessings will arrive?”

The Emperor thereupon summoned Kong Guang to the imperial carriage and questioned him about the solar eclipse. Kong Guang was appointed Grand Master of Merit, with a salary equivalent to that of a 2,000-picul official, and was also made Palace Steward, his rank being second only to that of the Chancellor.

After Wang Mang had been sent to his fief, he shut his gates and lived in seclusion. During this period, his son Wang Huo killed a servant; Wang Mang severely rebuked him and forced him to commit suicide. After Wang Mang had spent three years in his fief, officials and commoners submitted more than a hundred petitions protesting that he had been wrongfully treated. At this time, the men recommended for virtue, Zhou Hu, Song Chong, and others, also submitted memorials, once again earnestly praising Wang Mang’s conduct and merits. Consequently, the Emperor summoned Wang Mang and Wang Ren, Marquis of Ping’e, back to the capital to attend to the Grand Empress Dowager.

Dong Xian, taking advantage of the solar eclipse, obstructed the policies of Fu Yan and Xifu Gong regarding war with the Xiongnu. On January 11, the Emperor confiscated Fu Yan’s seal and ribbon, relieved him of his duties, and sent him back to his residence.

October 7, 2026
Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 264): Seven Miseries And Seven Fatalities

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Han Book 26 Scroll 34 (continued)

A cuckoo bird feeds its hungry chicks fairly

The 4th Year of Emperor Ai’s Jianping Era (3 B.C. continued)

In June summer, Empress Dowager Fu was honored as Grand Empress Dowager.

In autumn, on August 19, the Emperor issued an edict sharply rebuking the ministers and the Three Excellencies, stating: “In former times, the state of Chu had Ziyu as a minister, and Duke Wen of Jin sat leaning to one side out of respect due to him. More recently, Ji An thwarted the rebellious designs of the Prince of Huainan. Now, when men such as Liu Yun, Prince of Dongping, have plotted to assassinate the Son of Heaven and commit treason, this shows that the ministers and the Three Excellencies, who ought to serve as the arms and legs of the state, have failed to devote themselves with vigilance and wisdom to suppressing trouble before it arose. Fortunately, through the blessings of the ancestral temples, Dong Xian, Privy Counselor and Commandant of the Cavalry, together with others, discovered the plot and reported it. All the conspirators have accordingly been punished. Does not the Book of Documents say, ‘Employ virtue and confer benefit in order to manifest good deeds’? Therefore, I hereby enfeoff Dong Xian as Marquis of Gao’an, Prefect of Nanyang Sun Chong, as Marquis of Fangyang, Left Bureau Chief and Grandee of Merit Xifu Gong, as Marquis of Yiling, and Youshi Tan as Marquis within the Passes.”

In addition, he enfeoffed Fu Ye, son of Fu Zhengyun, a half-brother of Empress Dowager Fu, as Marquis of Yangxin.

Xifu Gong, having now drawn close to the Emperor, frequently came forward to speak on affairs and argued without restraint, submitting memorials that sharply attacked the ministers and the Three Excellencies. People feared his words and avoided meeting his eyes when they saw him.

The Emperor ordered the eunuchs to remove weapons from the Imperial Armory and, on ten separate occasions, deliver them to the residences of Dong Xian and Wang E, the Emperor’s wet nurse. The Bearer of the Mace[capital police chief] Wujiang Long, submitted a memorial stating:

“The weapons in the Imperial Armory are intended for public use throughout the empire. The state’s military preparations, including repair and manufacture, are all funded by the Minister of Agriculture. Yet the funds of the Minister of Agriculture are not even used to support the Emperor’s personal needs; the Emperor’s maintenance labor and the granted rewards come from the Privy Treasury. In general, one must not draw upon what is stored for the root in order to supply the needs of the branches, nor must one harness the strength of the people for frivolous expenditures. To distinguish public from private and thereby manifest the proper way—herein lies the essential point.

“In ancient times, when the feudal lords and regional commanders were permitted to carry out punitive expeditions on their own authority, they were then granted axes and halberds; likewise, under the Han, when frontier officers were charged with repelling invaders, they too were granted arms from the state arsenal. In every such case, these favors were bestowed only after duties had first been entrusted to them. According to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, private households do not store armor, precisely in order to restrain ministerial power and diminish private force.

“Now Dong Xian and the others are merely favored companions or petty consorts personally cherished by the Emperor, yet they are being supplied with the public resources of All-under-Heaven to provision their private residences; the awe-inspiring instruments of the state are being diverted to equip their households; the resources of the people are being apportioned to these frivolous favorites, and military weapons are being laid out for petty consorts. This is an arrangement contrary to propriety, one that fosters wantonness and usurpation. It is not the means by which an example is set for the four quarters. Confucius said, ‘If solemn music fit for the Son of Heaven is played in the halls of the three great ministerial families, what may not be done?’ I request that these arms be returned to the state arsenal.”

The Emperor was displeased.

Shortly thereafter, Empress Dowager Fu sent an usher to purchase eight female servantmaids from the Office of the Bearer of the Mace at a deliberately low price. Wujiang Long submitted a memorial, saying: “The purchase price was too low; I request that it be adjusted to the fair market value.”

The Emperor then issued an edict to the Chancellor and the Grand Master of the Censorate, stating: “Wujiang Long holds rank among the Nine Ministers, yet instead of addressing the deficiencies of the court, he submits a petition bargaining over prices with Yongxin Palace. This harms public morals and violates proper norms. In consideration of Wujiang Long’s earlier sound advice on matters of national security, he is hereby demoted to the post of Commandant of Pei Commandery.”

Toward the end of Emperor Cheng’s reign, Wujiang Long had served as a Grand Master of Remonstrance and had once submitted a memorial stating: “In ancient times, outstanding feudal lords were chosen to become senior ministers, thereby displaying honor for merit and virtue. It would be fitting to summon the Prince of Dingtao to reside in the State Guesthouse, so that he may serve the needs of all under Heaven.” For this reason, the Emperor, who had formerly been the Prince of Dingtao, remembered his words and treated him with leniency.

The Grand Master of Remonstrance, Bao Xuan of Bohai, submitted a memorial:

“I have observed that during the reign of Emperor Cheng, affinal relatives wielded power, and all men pulled strings through their connections, filling the court with their favorites. This obstructed the way of worthy men, brought disorder to the realm, encouraged unbridled extravagance, and impoverished the common people. As a result, there were ten solar eclipses and four appearances of comets—omens of impending disaster—which Your Majesty personally witnessed. How is it, then, that matters are now becoming even worse than before?

“Today, the people suffer from seven miseries. When yin and yang are out of harmony, floods and droughts arise: this is the first misery. When the government imposes heavy exactions and endlessly levies taxes and rents: this is the second misery. When greedy officials collude with one another and continue to extort bribes: this is the third misery. When powerful families prey upon the people and exploit them without restraint: this is the fourth misery. When oppressive officials conscript labor, disrupting the seasons of farming and sericulture: this is the fifth misery. When villagers beat the drum in alarm, and men and women pursue burglars along the roads: this is the sixth misery. When thieves and bandits plunder and seize the property of the people: this is the seventh misery.

“If these seven miseries were not enough, there are also seven fatalities. When cruel officials beat people to death: this is the first fatality. When judgments in legal cases are excessively harsh: this is the second fatality. When the innocent are wrongly convicted and perish: this is the third fatality. When thieves and bandits rise up and commit acts of violence: this is the fourth fatality. When feuds and vendettas lead to mutual destruction: this is the fifth fatality. When bad harvests bring hunger and starvation: this is the sixth fatality. When pestilence and epidemic disease break out: this is the seventh fatality.

“The people endure seven miseries without receiving a single benefit; to hope for peace in the state is indeed difficult. The people suffer seven fatalities without a single reprieve; to hope for leniency in the enforcement of the law and the abolition of harsh punishments is indeed difficult. Are these not the result of the greed and cruelty of ministers and prefects, who have brought about such degeneration?

“The officials have been fortunate enough to occupy high positions and receive generous emoluments, yet where are those who show compassion for the common people and help Your Majesty spread virtue and instruct the masses? They seek only to benefit their own households, satisfy their clients, and pursue deceitful gain. They take compliance and concession for virtue, and keep their mouths shut while drawing their salaries, calling this wisdom. They regard men such as me, Bao Xuan, as foolish. Yet Your Majesty raised me from obscurity in the wilderness, sincerely hoping that I might contribute even the slightest assistance, like the feathers of a bird. Was it merely to bestow upon me fine food, high office, and a distinguished residence for no reason?

“The realm belongs to Heaven above. Your Majesty is, above, the Son of August Heaven, and below, the father and mother of the common people. On behalf of Heaven, you shepherd and nurture the multitude and should regard them all alike, in accordance with the ode “The Cuckoo.” (an ode in the Book of Songs praising a cuckoo feeding all his seven offspring equally). Now the poor eat nothing but vegetables, wear tattered clothes, and cannot even protect their own families. This truly fills me with grief. If Your Majesty does not save them, to whom can they turn for help? How can Your Majesty instead lavish favor solely upon affinal relatives and beloved courtiers such as Dong Xian, bestowing rewards upon them in amounts of tens of thousands, and allowing their slaves, attendants, and retainers to drink wine as if it were water and consume veal as if it were beans, so that even lackeys and errand-runners become rich? This is not the will of Heaven.

“As for Fu Shang, Marquis of Ruchang, he was enfeoffed without merit. Official titles and ranks are not for Your Majesty alone to dispense; they are offices of the empire, to be bestowed for the public good. If Your Majesty raises the unworthy to high position, how can Heaven approve and the people submit? Sun Chong, Marquis of Fangyang, and Xifu Gong, Marquis of Yiling, are eloquent enough to sway the multitude and brazen enough to act without restraint; they are the standard-bearers of the wicked and the most treacherous deceivers in the empire. It is time they were dismissed. As for the younger affinal relatives who have not yet studied the Classics, they should all be sent away to learn under proper teachers. The former Grand Commandant Fu Xi should be summoned with all urgency to restrain the affinal clans. He Wu, former Excellency of Works; Shi Dan; Kong Guang, former Chancellor; and Peng Xuan, former General of the Left, all served as Erudites and held offices among the Three Excellencies. Gong Sheng served as Director of Justice, and the selection of officials in the commanderies and principalities was always conducted with care. These men can be entrusted with great responsibilities. Previously, because Your Majesty could not tolerate a minor offense, He Wu and the others were dismissed, causing disappointment throughout the empire. Can Your Majesty tolerate so many who lack merit and virtue, yet not endure men such as He Wu and the rest? To govern the empire, one must take the heart of the empire as one’s own, and not act solely according to personal desires.”

Although Bao Xuan’s words were caustic, the Emperor, recognizing him as a renowned Confucian scholar, treated him with forbearance.

September 30, 2026
Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 263): Passion of Cut Sleeve

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Han Book 26 Scroll 34 (continued)

Emperor Ai and Dong Xian

The 4th Year of Emperor Ai’s Jianping Era (3 B.C.)

In January of spring, there was a severe drought.

Without any apparent cause, the people east of Hangu Pass were suddenly seized with terror and fled. They carried bundles of straw or held a single stalk, passing it from one person to another and saying that they were transmitting the decree of the Queen Mother of the West. As they moved along, crowds gathered, at times numbering as many as a thousand. Some ran with disheveled hair and bare feet; some broke through barriers at night; some climbed over walls to gain entry; some drove carts or rode horses in frantic haste; and some seized relay-station vehicles along the way. This movement spread through twenty-six commanderies and kingdoms, reached the capital, and could not be checked. The people also assembled in villages, streets, and fields, setting up gaming tables, singing, dancing, and worshiping the Queen Mother of the West. This continued until autumn, when it finally subsided.

The Emperor wished to grant a noble title to Fu Shang, cousin of Empress Dowager Fu, who served as a Privy Counselor and Grand Master of Merit. Zheng Chong of Pingling, Deputy Director of the State Secretariat, advised against it, saying: “When Emperor Cheng conferred marquisates upon his five maternal uncles, Heaven turned red and yellow, the day grew dim, and a black vapor appeared in the sky at midday. Marquis Kongxiang was the father of the Empress, and Fu Xi, Marquis of Gaowu, held rank among the Three Excellencies; their enfeoffments had justifiable grounds. Now, without any such justification, Your Majesty intends to bestow another title upon Fu Shang. This disrupts the established order and runs contrary to the will of both Heaven and the people. It will bring no blessing to the Fu clan. I am willing to sacrifice my life to correct this error.”

Zheng Chong then held up the imperial edict as he spoke. Empress Dowager Fu was enraged and exclaimed, “How is it that the Emperor is controlled by a petty minister?”

On February 28, the Emperor issued an edict enfeoffing Fu Shang as Marquis of Ruchang.

Dong Xian of Yunyang, Commandant of Cavalry Escort and Privy Counselor, enjoyed the Emperor’s special favor. When the Emperor went out, Dong Xian rode beside him in the imperial carriage; when he entered the palace, Dong Xian attended at his side. He received innumerable rewards and gifts, and his privilege and influence shook the court. He often slept in the Emperor’s company. On one occasion, while the Emperor was taking a daytime nap, Dong Xian lay resting on the Emperor’s sleeve. When the Emperor wished to rise, Dong Xian was still fast asleep and did not notice. Unwilling to disturb him, the Emperor cut off his own sleeve and rose.

The Emperor also decreed that Dong Xian’s wife might freely enter the palace and stay in his residence there. Furthermore, he summoned Dong Xian’s younger sister to become an Imperial Zhaoyi(Consort), a rank second only to that of the Empress. Consort Dong, Dong Xian, and his wife all attended to the Emperor day and night. Dong Xian’s father, Dong Gong, was appointed Privy Treasurer and granted the title of Marquis within the Passes. The Emperor ordered the Chief Architect to build a grand residence for Dong Xian beneath the northern gate tower, with tiered halls, great gates, and an extravagance of design carried to the utmost. He bestowed upon him weapons from the imperial armory and rare treasures from the imperial household. The finest items were selected and transferred to Dong Xian’s residence. Even the Emperor’s own carriage and garments were inferior in quality to those possessed by the Dong family.

The Emperor also bestowed upon Dong Xian treasures from the imperial coffin prepared in the Eastern Garden, as well as pearl burial garments and jade chest pants intended as funerary cerements in advance, all fully made in advance. In addition, he ordered the Chief Architect to build a tomb for Dong Xian beside the Yiling Mausoleum, with an inner chamber conveniently arranged, adorned with sturdy cypress carvings, and an outer approach enclosed by walls stretching for several miles. The tomb’s great gate and towers, covered with protective netting, presented a magnificent appearance.

Zheng Chong, believing Dong Xian’s excessive pampering and privileges to be improper, admonished the Emperor and thereby deeply offended him. As a result, he was repeatedly censured in the course of his official duties. Suffering from a boil on his neck and wishing to retire, he nevertheless dared not submit such a request. Zhao Chang, Director of the State Secretariat, a flatterer who had long harbored malice toward Zheng Chong, knew that he had become estranged from the Emperor and seized the opportunity to submit a memorial stating: “Zheng Chong maintains illicit ties with the Liu clan and is suspected of treason. I request that he be investigated.”

The Emperor rebuked Zheng Chong, saying, “Your gate is like a marketplace, crowded with visitors; how dare you presume to constrain and admonish your sovereign?”

Zheng Chong replied, “My gate may indeed be like a marketplace, but my heart is as clear as still water. I request a full investigation.”

The Emperor was enraged and sent Zheng Chong to prison. Sun Bao, Inspector Colonel of the Capital Region, submitted a memorial stating: “Upon examining the case reported by Zhao Chang, Director of the State Secretariat, against Zheng Chong, Deputy Director of the State Secretariat, it was found that although he was subjected to severe interrogation and torture to the point of near death, he did not confess a single word. People in the streets all proclaim his innocence. It is suspected that Zhao Chang bears private grudges against Zheng Chong and has wrongfully accused him. If key ministers serving near the imperial palace are made to suffer unjust slander, the harm done to the state is no small matter. I request that Zhao Chang be investigated in order to relieve public resentment.”

After reading the memorial, the Emperor issued an edict, saying: “Sun Bao, Inspector Colonel of the Capital Precinct, has deceived his sovereign by siding with subordinates and fabricating slander in the spring, the season of pardons, in order to fulfill his treacherous designs. He is indeed a traitor to the state. Sun Bao is hereby dismissed from office and reduced to commoner status.”

Zheng Chong ultimately died in prison.

On March 22, Jia Yan, Palace Legal Clerk, Cavalier Attendant-in-Waiting, and Grand Chamberlain, was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate.

The Emperor wished to grant Dong Xian a marquisate but lacked a proper pretext. Fu Jia, a Privy Counselor, advised him to alter the memorandum submitted by Xifu Gong and Sun Chong, which had accused the Prince of Dongping of wrongdoing, by replacing the name of Song Hong with that of Dong Xian as the one who had reported the matter. His intention was to use this as a meritorious service to justify granting Dong Xian a marquisate, first bestowing upon the three men the title of Marquis within the Passes. Shortly thereafter, the Emperor wished to enfeoff Dong Xian and the others, but feared Wang Jia’s disapproval. He therefore first sent Fu Yan, Marquis of Kongxiang, to present the edict to the Chancellor and the Grand Master of the Censorate.

Chancellor Wang Jia and Grand Master of the Censorate Jia Yan then submitted a memorial stating: “We have observed that three men, Dong Xian among them, have recently been granted noble titles, giving rise to widespread rumor among the people. All are saying that Dong Xian alone enjoys special favor, while the other two have merely been included along with him. To this day, such talk has not subsided. If Your Majesty still intends to bestow further grace upon Dong Xian and the others, it would be proper first to make public the grounds on which they were originally recommended, and to consult with the ministers, grandees, erudites, and advisers, so that the matter may be weighed against precedents of antiquity and of later times, and its justification made clear before lands and titles are conferred. Otherwise, we fear this will greatly alienate the multitude, and all within the realm will speak vehemently against it. If the matter is openly debated, some will surely argue in favor of their enfeoffment, and it will then rest with Your Majesty to decide whom to follow. Even if public opinion remains unsatisfied, the blame will be shared and will not rest upon Your Majesty alone.

“When Chunyu Chang, Marquis of Dingling, was first enfeoffed, his case likewise was debated. Gu Yong, the Minister of Agriculture, held that Chunyu Chang deserved enfeoffment; thus the people attributed the blame to Gu Yong, and the late Emperor did not bear the criticism alone. We, your servants Wang Jia and Jia Yan, are humble and unworthy, and already bear more than enough guilt to merit death. We know that by agreeing and offering no contradiction to Your Majesty, we might preserve ourselves for a time. The reason we do not dare do so is that we wish to repay Your Majesty’s great kindness.”

The Emperor, though reluctant, temporarily suspended the enfeoffment.

September 26, 2026