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Tag: Huang Ba

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 214): Qilin Hall of Fame

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 19 Scroll 27 (continued)

    Qilin Tower, Sanming, Fujian Province

    The 3rd year of Emperor Xuan’s Ganlu Era (51 B.C.)

    In January of spring,  the Emperor traveled to Ganquan and conducted a suburban sacrifice at the Taizhi altar.

    The Xiongnu Chanyu Huhanye came to the court, offering tribute and referring to himself as a vassal but not by name. He was bestowed with a diadem, robes, a golden seal with a red ribbon, a jade decorated sword and a decorated cutlass, a bow with four arrows, ten ceremonial halberds, a seated carriage, a saddle and bridle set, fifteen horses, twenty cattie of gold, two hundred thousand coins, seventy-seven sets of apparels, eight thousand bolts of brocade and silk, and six thousand cattie of cotton.

    After the ceremony, an envoy was sent to guide the Chanyu to stay at Changping for the night. The Emperor, having traveled from Ganquan, stayed at the Piyang Palace. From the Changping slope, the Emperor ordered that the Chanyu should not bow, and his attendants and all the ministers were allowed to observe, along with several tens of thousands of tribal chieftains, kings, and marquises from various distant lands, who all line the road, welcoming the Emperor below the Wei Bridge.   As the Emperor ascended the Wei Bridge, all proclaimed “Long live the Lord.” The Chanyu took residence in Chang’an.

    A banquet was held at the Jianzhang Palace to honor and bestow gifts upon the Chanyu, displaying rare treasures. 

    In February, Chanyu was sent back to his country. He requested to “remain south of the desert near the Guanglu Pass; I would seek refuge in the Han’s the city of surrender in case of emergency.” The Han court dispatched the Guard Commandant of Changle Palace, Marquis of Gaochang, Dong Zhong, and Commandant of Chariots and Cavalry, Han Chang, leading 16,000 cavalrymen, and mobilized thousands of soldiers and horses from the border commanderies to escort the Chanyu out of the Jilu Pass in Shuofang Commandery. An edict ordered Dong Zhong and others to stay and protect the Chanyu, assisting in suppressing disobedience, and to transport grain forward and back, totaling 34,000 bushels, to provide for their sustenance.

    Previously, all the countries from Wusun to Anxi, neighbors of the Xiongnu, feared them and slighted the Han. After the Chanyu Huhanye paid homage to the Han, they all revered the Han.

    To honor the compliance of the nomad tribes in the west and north and to recognize the outstanding ministers, portraits of these individuals were made and displayed in the Qilin Pavilion. Their likenesses were depicted, and their official titles and names were inscribed. Only Huo Guang was not named directly; he was referred to as “Grand Marshal, Grand General, Marquis of Bolu, surname Huo.” Next came Zhang Anshi, Han Zeng, Zhao Chongguo, Wei Xiang, Bing Ji, Du Yannian, Liu De, Liangqiu He, Xiao Wangzhi, and Su Wu. In total, eleven men renowned in their time were honored for their merits and achievements, thus they were showcased and celebrated, their contributions to the renaissance of the Han Dynasty were lauded, in the same sentence as ministers of Zhou like Fang Shu, Shao Hu, and Zhong Shanfu.

    Phoenix birds landed in Xincai County.

    On March 22, Marquis An of Jiancheng Huang Ba passed away. On May 12, Yu Dingguo became the Chancellor and was granted the title Marquis of Xiping. Grand Coachman Chen Wannian of Peijun became the Grand Master of Censorate.

    The Emperor issued an edict for the scholars to discuss similarities and differences of their exposition of Five Classics. Xiao Wangzhi and others reviewed and presented their debates, and the Emperor personally presided over the judging. Thus, scholar Liangqiu He‘s annotation of the Book of Change was established as the standard, in addition, Xiahou Sheng(Xiahou Senior) and Xiahou Jian(Xiahou Junior)’s annotation of the Book of Document and Guliang Chi‘s Spring and Autumn Annals were selected.  They were appointed as Erudites.

    The Great Kunmi of Wusun, Yuanguimi, and Chimi(Liu Jieyou’s son) both fell ill and died. The princess Liu Jieyou (their mother) wrote to the Emperor, saying: “I am old and homesick, and I wish to return my bones to be buried in the land of Han!” The Emperor sympathized and arranged for her return. In winter, she arrived at the capital and was treated according to the protocol accorded a princess. She passed away two years later.

    Yuanguimi‘s son, Xingmi, succeeded as the Great Kunmi, but he was weak. Madam Feng wrote to the Emperor: “I wish to go to Wusun as envoy to support and stabilize Xingmi.” The Emperor approved her mission. Protector-General Han Xuan suggested that the high officials of Wusun, Grand Minister and Grand Inspector, be awarded gold seals and purple ribbons to honor and assist the Great Kunmi. The Han court agreed. Later, Duan Huizong succeeded as Protector-General and comforted and settled the defectors, stabilizing the situation. Xingmi died, and his son Cilimi succeeded him.

    The favorite consort(Liangdi) of the Crown Prince, Lady Sima, fell ill and was near death. She said to the Crown Prince, “My death is not due to natural causes; it is caused by the curses and sorcery of the other consorts and attendants.” The Crown Prince believed her. Upon her death, he was overwhelmed with grief and anger, fell ill, and was deeply sad. 

    The Emperor then ordered the Empress to select a maid from the inner palace to entertain and serve the Crown Prince. They found Wang Zhengjun from Yuancheng and sent her to the Crown Prince’s palace. Wang Zhengjun was the granddaughter of Wang He, a former Embroidered-silk-gowned censor. She was presented at the Bing Chamber. She gained the Crown Prince’s favor and became pregnant. That year, she gave birth to Emperor Cheng in the Jia Chamber of the Painted Hall, becoming the first Imperial Grandson of the Emperor. The Emperor cherished him, naming him Liu Ao and giving him the courtesy name Dasun[The Grandson], always keeping him close by.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 210): Pheasants Incidence

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 19 Scroll 27 (continued)

    A Pheasant

    The 3rd year of Emperor Xuan’s Wufeng Era (55 B.C.)

    On January 26 in spring, Bing Ji, Marquis Ding of Boyang, passed away.

    Ban Gu’s commentary:
     In antiquity, assigning a name to an object always followed the principle of analogy: distant comparisons were drawn from external objects, while close analogies were taken from one’s own body. Thus the Classics speak of the ruler as the head and the ministers as the arms and legs, signifying that they form one body, each dependent upon the other to function. The harmony between ruler and minister is therefore a constant principle from age to age, the natural order of things.

    Looking at the Chancellors of the Han: when Emperor Gaozu founded the dynasty, Xiao He and Cao Shen stood foremost in establishing its basis; during the renaissance under Emperor Xuan, Bing Ji and Wei Xiang became celebrated. In their time, promotions and dismissals were carried out with proper measure, offices were administered with clarity, many officials proved themselves worthy of their stations, and the realm abounded in courtesy and deference.

    Observing their achievements—could such excellence have been mere coincidence?

    On February 25, Huang Ba was appointed Chancellor. Though he excelled in governing the common people, once he assumed the chancellorship his reputation and accomplishments no longer matched those of his tenure as a commandery administrator.

    At that time, the Intendant of Jingzhao, Zhang Chang, witnessed a pheasant fly from his own residence and alight upon the roof of the Chancellor’s mansion. Huang Ba regarded it as an auspicious bird and discussed reporting it to the Emperor. Zhang Chang then submitted a memorandum criticizing him:

    “I have seen the Chancellor, together with the central ministers of 2,000-picul rank and the erudites, question the Chiefs of Staff and Associate Prefects of the principalities and commanderies regarding the benefits their policies brought to the people, the removal of harms, the effects of instruction, and demand that they report their experiences and statistics item by item.

    “Some enumerated examples of farmers yielding their borders while plowing, men and women taking different paths to avoid suspicion, and lost objects left untouched along the roads. Those who could list filial sons and virtuous women by name were ranked foremost, ascending the hall first; those who cited examples but without names or numbers were ranked second; those who could offer none were ranked last and bowed their heads in apology before the Chancellor.

    “Though the Chancellor did not speak, it was evident that he hoped they would produce such examples.”

    Zhang Chang continued:

    “While these officials were speaking, pheasants flew from my residence and landed on the Chancellor’s roof. Hundreds of people, including the Chancellor, saw it. Officials from the frontier, who are familiar with pheasants, were questioned but pretended ignorance. The Chancellor intended to report: ‘When I questioned my subordinates on promoting reform and moral instruction, Heaven responded with divine birds.’

    “Later, when he learned they had flown from my residence, he omitted the incident. Officials of the principalities and commanderies secretly mocked the Chancellor—though he is kind and learned, he makes a spectacle of trifling events.”

    Zhang Chang then delivered a deeper admonition:

    “Your servant does not presume to belittle the Chancellor, but fears that among the ministers none dare speak plainly. The Chiefs of Staff and Associate Prefects, fearing the Chancellor’s directives, may return to their posts and alter laws, each establishing private regulations. Thus they compete in embellishment, diminishing purity and burdening simplicity, exalting appearance over substance—name without reality—causing governance to tilt, slacken, and in extreme cases, resorting to voodoo.

    “Suppose first within the capital there were imposed rites of yielding on the road, of men and women taking alternate paths, or of leaving goods untouched along the ways: these acts contribute nothing to restraining greed through frugality or restraining desire through chastity, yet hypocrisy would rise to prominence beneath Heaven, and the consequences cannot be foreseen. If the feudal lords emulate these customs and acquire reputations surpassing the capital, the matter grows graver still.

    “The House of Han inherited corruption and has adapted through reform; its laws and ordinances were established to exhort the good and forbid the wicked. Their provisions are complete and need not be multiplied further. What is fitting is that the honored ministers command the Chiefs of Staff and Associate Prefects to return and admonish the leaders of 2,000-picul rank to promote Elders of the Three Merits, Filial and Fraternal men, Diligent Farmers, Filial Worthies, and Honest Officials, and earnestly seek men of genuine merit.

    “Let all affairs of the commanderies take the statutes as their model; let none dare establish private ordinances. Whoever presumes to feign virtue and steal reputation should be first to receive punishment, thus clarifying what is to be honored and what detested.”

    The Emperor approved Zhang Chang’s admonition, summoned the officials, and ordered the Chamberlain to convey instructions in accordance with Zhang Chang’s proposals. Huang Ba was deeply embarrassed.

    In addition, Shi Gao, Marquis of Leling—a maternal relative of the Emperor and serving as Privy Counselor—was greatly esteemed. Huang Ba recommended Shi Gao for the position of Grand Commandant. The Emperor dispatched a minister of the State Secretariat to summon Huang Ba and questioned him:

    “The office of Grand Commandant has long been vacant. It is the Chancellor’s charge to promulgate moral teachings, to discern and address hidden grievances, to ensure that no wrongful punishments occur in the courts and that no thieves arise in the villages.

    “The appointment of generals and ministers is my responsibility. The Marquis of Leling, Shi Gao, is a trusted adviser of mine. Why did you overstep your authority in recommending him?”

    The Emperor ordered the Chief of the State Secretariat to receive the Chancellor’s formal reply. Huang Ba removed his cap, offered apologies, and after several days the matter was concluded.

    From then on, Huang Ba did not dare make further recommendations. Even so, since the founding of the Han dynasty, he was regarded as a preeminent local official in the governance of the people.

    In March, the Emperor traveled to Hedong to offer sacrifices to Earth. He issued a decree reducing the poll tax throughout the empire and granting amnesty to all except those condemned to death.

    On June 16, Du Yannian, Prefect of Xihe, was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate.

    The commanderies of Xihe and Beidi were organized as dependent states to resettle surrendered Xiongnu.

    Prince Li of Guangling, Liu Xu, employed a sorceress named Li Nüxu to curse the Emperor in hopes of seizing the throne. When the plot came to light, he poisoned the shamaness and more than twenty palace attendants to eliminate witnesses. The ministers and the Three Excellencies jointly petitioned for Liu Xu’s execution.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 209): Xiongnu with Five Chanyus

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 19 Scroll 27 (continued)

    Huifeng Pagoda, Puyang(Dongjun), Henan Province

    The 1st year of Emperor Xuan’s Wufeng Era (57 B.C.)

    In January of spring, the Emperor traveled to Ganquan to perform the suburban sacrifice to Heaven at the Taizhi Altar.

    The Crown Prince, Liu Shi, underwent the formal ceremony of capping and was invested with the rites of manhood.

    In autumn, the Xiongnu Tuqi Chanyu sent the Right Aojian King—brother of Xianxianchan—and the Wuji Commandant, each leading twenty thousand cavalry, eastward to guard against Huhanye Chanyu. At this time, King Hujie of the western division conspired with the Weili’danghu, falsely accusing the Right Tuqi King of plotting to make himself Chanyu. Tuqi Chanyu thereupon killed the Right Tuqi King and his son. When their innocence was later discovered, he executed Weili’danghu as well.

    Terrified, King Hujie rebelled and proclaimed himself Hujie Chanyu. Upon hearing this, the Right Aojian King also declared himself Cheli Chanyu. The Wuji Commandant followed suit, calling himself Wuji Chanyu.

    Thus, among the Xiongnu there arose five Chanyus at once.

    Tuqi Chanyu personally led his forces eastward to strike at Cheli Chanyu, sending Dulongqi to attack Wuji Chanyu. Both Wuji and Cheli Chanyu were defeated and fled northwest, joining Hujie Chanyu, forming a combined force of forty thousand. Wuji Chanyu and Hujie Chanyu then renounced their titles and supported Cheli Chanyu in unison.

    When Tuqi Chanyu learned of this, he dispatched the Left Grand General and Commandant with forty thousand cavalry east to guard against Huhanye Chanyu, while he himself led forty thousand cavalry west to attack Cheli Chanyu. Cheli Chanyu was defeated once more and fled to the northwest. Tuqi Chanyu then marched his army southwest and encamped in the Tadun region.

    At this time many advisers at the Han court said: “The Xiongnu have long harmed the frontier. Now, amid their internal chaos, we should seize the opportunity to mobilize troops and destroy them.”

    The Emperor asked the Grand Master of the Censorate, Xiao Wangzhi, for his view. Xiao Wangzhi wrote:

    “In the Spring and Autumn Annals, when Shi Gai of Jin invaded Qi, he withdrew his troops upon hearing that the Marquis of Qi had just died. The gentlemen esteemed this—attacking not during mourning—holding that benevolence wins the hearts of filial sons, and righteousness moves the feudal lords.

    “The late Chanyu admired our culture, sought harmony, called himself our younger brother, and sent envoys requesting peace and marriage alliance. The whole nation rejoiced, and the tribes of all directions heard of it. Yet before these accords could be fulfilled, he was slain by traitorous ministers.

    “If we now strike them, it would be taking advantage of their misfortune. They will surely scatter and flee. To deploy the army for an unjust cause is to labor in vain and fail to achieve success.

    “It is fitting instead to send envoys to offer condolences, aid the weak, and relieve them in their calamity. When all the tribes hear of this, they will revere the benevolence and righteousness of the Middle Kingdom. Should the rightful Chanyu receive our support and be restored, he will surely submit and serve, manifesting the greatness of our virtue.”

    The Emperor accepted his counsel.

    In winter, on December 1, there was a solar eclipse.

    Han Yanshou succeeded Xiao Wangzhi as Intendant of Pingyi. When Xiao Wangzhi heard that Han Yanshou had allegedly squandered more than ten million coins of public funds during his term in Dongjun, he dispatched an imperial censor to investigate. When Han Yanshou learned of this, he immediately ordered his subordinates to investigate Xiao Wangzhi’s use of over one million coins of public funds during his own tenure in Pingyi.

    Xiao Wangzhi reported: “My duty is to supervise the realm. I dare not disregard a reported case—yet now Han Yanshou retaliates against me.”

    The Emperor, displeased with both, ordered that each be thoroughly investigated. No substantive evidence was found against Xiao Wangzhi. However, the imperial censor sent by Xiao Wangzhi to investigate Dongjun discovered that Han Yanshou had extravagantly exceeded his official allowance in hosting guests; had taken copper from public warehouses to cast swords during lunar eclipses, imitating the operations of the imperial armories; and had used state funds and silk to recruit officers responsible for levying labor, outfitting his carriages with armor—all costing the state more than three million coins.

    Han Yanshou was ultimately convicted of deception and improper conduct, and was executed in the marketplace.

    Thousands of officials and commoners accompanied him to Weicheng. Elders and children pushed his carriage, vying to offer him wine and meat. Unable to refuse their kindness, Han Yanshou drank from each vessel, consuming more than a dou (roughly 10 liters) of wine. He instructed his clerks and scribes to thank the people who escorted him, saying: “I am grateful for the trouble you have taken to see me off. I die without regret!”

    All the common people present wept.

    The 2nd year of Emperor Xuan’s Wufeng Era (56 B.C.)

    In January of spring, the Emperor traveled to Ganquan and performed the suburban sacrifice to Heaven at the Taizhi Altar.

    The General of Chariots and Cavalry, Han Zeng, passed away. In May, Xu Yanshou was appointed Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry.

    Chancellor Bing Ji, advanced in age, was greatly esteemed by the Emperor. Xiao Wangzhi, however, frequently spoke to him with disrespect, which displeased the Emperor. The Chancellor’s Assistant reported that Xiao Wangzhi had treated the Chancellor insolently and had also used his subordinates for private trade, gaining profits amounting to 103,000 coins. He petitioned that Xiao Wangzhi be arrested and investigated.

    In autumn, on August 2, an edict demoted Xiao Wangzhi to serve as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. Huang Ba, who had previously held that post, was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate.

    The Huhanye Chanyu sent his younger brother, the Right Guli King, and others westward to attack the garrison of Tuqi Chanyu, killing more than ten thousand. Upon hearing of this, Tuqi Chanyu led sixty thousand cavalry to retaliate against Huhanye Chanyu. Tuqi’s forces were defeated, and he took his own life. Dulongqi and Tuqi Chanyu’s young son, the Right Guli King Gumouloutou, fled to the Han. In the east, Cheli Chanyu surrendered to Huhanye Chanyu.

    In August of winter, Huhanye’s Left General Wuli Qu, together with his father—the Husulei (title) Wuli Wendun—observed the disorder among the Xiongnu and led tens of thousands of their people to surrender to the Han. Wuli Qu was granted the title Marquis of Xincheng, and Wuli Wendun was granted the title Marquis of Yiyang.

    At this time, the son of Li Ling reinstated the Wuji Commandant as Wuji Chanyu, but Huhanye Chanyu captured him and had him beheaded. Huhanye Chanyu then returned to the central Chanyu court, yet his following numbered only in the tens of thousands. Tuqi Chanyu’s cousin, the Xiuxun King, declared himself Runzhen Chanyu in the western region. Huhanye’s elder brother, the Left Tuqi King Hutuwusi, likewise proclaimed himself Zhizhi Guduhou Chanyu in the eastern region.

    The Chamberlain, Marquis of Pingtong, Yang Yun, was honest and impartial, but proud of his own virtue and talent. He was naturally abrasive and sharp-tongued, enjoyed exposing the faults of others, and thus provoked many resentments at court. He fell into enmity with the Grand Coachman Dai Changle. When someone submitted a memorial accusing Dai Changle of crimes, Dai Changle suspected that Yang Yun had instigated it.

    Dai Changle, in turn, submitted a memorial accusing Yang Yun, stating:

    “Yang Yun submitted a memorial defending Han Yanshou. The Court Assistant Manager Qiu Chang said to him: ‘I hear you, Marquis, spoke in defense of the Intendant of Pingyi—can you save his life?’

    Yang Yun replied: ‘Such matters are difficult; even a man of integrity may not survive! I cannot even protect myself—just like the saying, a mouse cannot hide in its hole because it is nibbing a grass crown in its mouth.’

    He also said to me: ‘Since January the skies have remained overcast without rain—so recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, and as Master Xiahou Sheng explained—this is the omen of a minister’s rebellion.’”

    The case was referred to the Minister of Justice. Yu Dingguo, Minister of Justice, ruled that Yang Yun harbored malice and uttered pernicious words, constituting grave treason. The Emperor, unwilling to execute him, ordered instead that both Yang Yun and Dai Changle be dismissed from office and reduced to commoner status.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 208): Mother Knows Best

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 19 Scroll 27

    Duration of 10 years

    Confucius Temple in Linyi(Donghai), Shandong Province

    The 4th year of Emperor Xuan’s Shenjue Era (58 B.C.)

    In February of spring, phoenixes and sweet dew descended upon the capital; in celebration of these auspicious omens, the Emperor proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the empire.

    Huang Ba, Prefect of Yingchuan, had governed for eight years, during which time his administration brought remarkable improvement. Throughout the realm, phoenixes and other auspicious birds appeared frequently in the commanderies and counties; Yingchuan was especially blessed with these manifestations.

    In April of summer, an edict declared:

    “Prefect Huang Ba of Yingchuan has diligently carried out imperial commands, and the people have been transformed by his virtue. Filial sons, loyal brothers, virtuous wives, and obedient grandchildren have greatly increased. Farmers yield their fields to one another; no one takes lost property along the roads. Widows and orphans are cared for; the poor receive support. For eight years there have been no death-row criminals nor vicious offenders confined. He is hereby appointed Marquis Within the Passes, granted one hundred cattie of gold, and awarded a stipend of two thousand piculs of grain.”

    Village educators (Three-Elders), those known for filial piety, fraternal devotion, and righteous conduct, as well as exemplary farmers, were likewise granted ranks and silk. Several months later, Huang Ba was elevated to Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince.

    In May, Xiongnu Chanyu sent his younger brother, Huliuruo King Shengzhi, to pay tribute to the Han court.

    In October of winter, eleven phoenixes appeared at the imperial mausoleum at Duling.

    The Prefect of Henan, Yan Yannian of Donghai, governed with extreme severity and caprice. Heinous criminals fated for death were sometimes released without cause, while petty offenders were sometimes executed senselessly. None could discern his intentions; the people trembled in fear, not daring to transgress. In winter, when prisoners from subordinate counties were brought for sentencing, blood was said to run for several miles. The people of Henan called him the “Butcher Chief.”

    Yan Yannian had long despised Huang Ba. When the two served as prefects of neighboring commanderies, Huang Ba received honors far surpassing him, leaving Yan Yannian jealous and uneasy. During a locust infestation, his Associate Yi went out to combat the plague. Upon returning, he spoke to Yan Yannian, who remarked coldly, “Are these locusts a feast for the phoenix birds?” Yi, aged and timid, feared being harmed.

    Yi and Yan Yannian had both served in the Chancellor’s office, and Yan Yannian had once treated him generously with lavish gifts. But Yi’s fear deepened. Casting a divination, he received an omen of death, which left him in despair. He went to Chang’an and submitted a memorial listing ten crimes committed by Yan Yannian. After delivering it, he swallowed poison, killing himself to show he did not speak falsely.

    The case was investigated by the Associate Imperial Censor, who found evidence of grievances, slander, and political impropriety in Yan Yannian’s words and conduct. In November, Yan Yannian was convicted of malfeasance and sacrilege, and executed in the marketplace.

    Earlier, Yan Yannian’s mother had traveled from Donghai hoping to spend the New Year’s Day with him and worship their ancestors. Arriving in Luoyang, she witnessed prisoners being executed and was horrified. She refused to enter the commandery guest house, staying instead at a travelers’ lodge. Yan Yannian came to greet her, but she shut the door, refusing to see him. Hat in hand, he bowed repeatedly to the ground outside her door.

    After a long while, his mother admitted him and sternly rebuked: “You are blessed to serve as the prefect over a thousand-li domain, yet I hear of no acts of benevolence or moral instruction that bring peace to the people. Instead, you rely on punishments, constantly taking lives to assert authority. Is this the conduct of a parent of the people?”

    Yan Yannian confessed his wrongdoing and repeatedly prostrated himself in apology. He escorted his mother to the prefect residence. After the New Year’s Day, she told him: “Heaven’s Way is clear and impartial; one must not kill recklessly. Never did I imagine that in my old age I would witness my own grown son face punishment and death! I return east now, to watch over the family graves and await the arrival of your body.”

    She departed and told her other sons and relatives what had transpired. A little more than a year later, Yan Yannian indeed met his downfall, and throughout Donghai all praised the mother’s prescience.

    The Xiongnu Chanyu Woyanqudi was violent and fond of war, stirring widespread resentment throughout the nation. The Crown Prince and the Left Tuqi King frequently defamed the nobles of the Eastern Division, deepening their anger. When the Wuhuan attacked Guxi King on the Xiongnu eastern frontier and captured many people, the Chanyu flew into a rage. Fearing for his life, Guxi King allied with Wuchanmu and the nobles of the Eastern Division to enthrone Jihoushan as Huhanye Chanyu. They mobilized forty to fifty thousand troops from the Eastern Division and marched west to attack Woyanqudi, advancing to the region north of the Guqieshui River. Before battle was joined, the forces of Woyanqudi collapsed and fled.

    Woyanqudi sent a message to his brother, the Right Tuqi King, saying: “The Xiongnu are united against me. Will you send troops to aid me?”

    The Right Tuqi King replied: “You have no regard for your kin, murdering brothers and nobles. Meet your fate yourself—do not come to pollute me!”

    In fury and despair, Woyanqudi Chanyu took his own life.

    The Left Grand Juqu, Dulongqi, fled to the Right Tuqi King, and their followers all surrendered to Huhanye Chanyu. Huhanye returned to the central court and, after several months, disbanded the troops, sending them back to their original territories. He then summoned his brother Hutu’wusi, who had been living among the common people, and appointed him Left Guli King. At the same time, he dispatched agents to sow dissension among the nobles under the Right Tuqi King, attempting to incite them to kill him.

    That winter, however, Dulongqi and the Right Tuqi King jointly established Rizhu King Boxutang as Tuqi Chanyu, and mobilized tens of thousands of troops to strike eastward against Huhanye Chanyu. Huhanye’s forces were defeated and scattered. Tuqi Chanyu returned to the central court and appointed his eldest son Dutu’wuxi as the Left Guli King and his younger son Gumou’loutou as the Right Guli King, establishing both in the Xiongnu’s court.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 200): What Said to Emperor Stays with the Emperor

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 17 Scroll 25 (continued)

    The Seals excavated from Zhang Anshi’s Tomb

    The 3rd year of Emperor Xuan’s Yuan’kang Era (63 B.C.)

    In March of spring, a decree was issued conferring the title of Marquis of Haihun upon the former Prince of Changyi, Liu He.

    On March 2, another decree was proclaimed:

    “In my humble beginnings, the Grand Minister of Justice Bing Ji; the Generals of the Household Shi Zeng and Shi Xuan; the Guard Commandant of Changle Palace, Xu Shun; and the Privy Counselor and Grand Master of the Chamberlain, Xu Yanshou, all rendered significant assistance to us. In particular, the former Director of the Women’s Quarter, Zhang He, instructed us in literature and the Confucian classics. His exceptional kindness and merit are the most distinguished. As the Book of Songs says: ‘No benevolence should go unrewarded.’ Therefore, Zhang Pengzu, the adopted son of Zhang He and a General of the Household, shall be granted the title of Marquis of Yangdu. Zhang He shall be posthumously honored as Marquis Ai of Yangdu. Bing Ji shall be made Marquis of Boyang, Shi Zeng Marquis of Jiangling, Shi Xuan Marquis of Pingtai, Xu Shun Marquis of Bowang, and Xu Yanshou Marquis of Lecheng.”

    Zhang He had a grandson, Zhang Ba, seven years of age, who was appointed Cavalry Gentleman and General of the Household, bearing the title of Marquis of the Interior. Former acquaintances, down to the women housed in the commandery traveler lodges who had once nursed the Emperor, were all rewarded with offices, land, property, and wealth proportionate to the extent of their beneficence.

    As Bing Ji was about to receive his marquisate, he fell ill. The Emperor, fearing he might not recover, intended to send an envoy to confer the title in person so that the seal could be bestowed while Bing Ji was still alive. Xiahou Sheng, Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, said, “He will not die. It is said that those with hidden merit will enjoy blessings that extend even to their descendants. Now, Bing Ji has not yet been repaid for his service, and though his illness is grave, it is not one that leads to death.” Later, Bing Ji’s health indeed improved.

    Zhang Anshi felt that the enfeoffment of both his father and himself as marquises was excessive, so he declined the stipend. A decree was then issued to reserve the emolument for the Zhang family in an unnamed account within the Ministry of Finance, and the sum eventually reached one million coins. Zhang Anshi was cautious and meticulous. Whenever major political decisions were settled, he would feign illness and withdraw early. When he later heard of the promulgation of an imperial decree, he acted as though he had never been informed and sent his subordinates to inquire at the Chancellor’s office. None of the senior ministers at court knew that he had conferred with the Emperor on these matters.

    On one occasion, a man he had recommended came to express gratitude, but Zhang Anshi was displeased, saying, “Should the advancement of worthy men warrant personal thanks?” He thereafter severed all contact with him. There was once a young officer of exceptional merit who had not been properly recognized. The officer asked Zhang Anshi to intercede, but Zhang Anshi replied, “Your merit is great, and the enlightened ruler is already aware of it. As a subject, how can you speak of your own achievements?” He firmly refused to make any recommendation. Later, the officer was indeed promoted.

    Still uneasy about the marquisates bestowed upon himself and his son, Zhang Anshi sought an appointment outside the capital for his son Zhang Yanshou. The Emperor appointed Zhang Yanshou as Prefect of Beidi. After a year, mindful of Zhang Anshi’s advanced age, the Emperor summoned Zhang Yanshou back to serve as Grand Coachman and Manager of the Left Office.

    In the summer, on April 14, the Emperor appointed his son, Liu Qin, as Prince of Huaiyang. The Crown Prince, Liu Shi, twelve years of age, had already studied the Analects of Confucius and the Classic of Filial Piety. The Grand Tutor, Shu Guang, advised the Junior Tutor, Shu Shou: “I have heard that ‘those who know contentment will not be humiliated; those who know when to stop will not be imperiled.’ Now that we have attained the rank of Two Thousand Piculs, with established fame and position, if we do not retire now, we may come to regret it later.” That very day, both father and son feigned illness and submitted petitions for retirement. The Emperor granted their requests and awarded each twenty catties of gold. The Crown Prince additionally presented them with fifty catties of gold.

    Former officials and acquaintances arranged a farewell ceremony outside the Eastern Gate, with hundreds of carriages joining the procession. Passersby along the road exclaimed, “Truly, two worthy grandees!” Some were moved to tears.

    Shu Guang and Shu Shou returned to their hometowns and instructed their families to sell the gold bestowed upon them, using the proceeds to prepare a feast for relatives, longtime friends, and guests. Some advised Shu Guang to use the gold to establish property for his descendants, but Shu Guang replied: “Am I so old and forgetful that I fail to think of my descendants? I already have ancestral fields and houses. Let my descendants work diligently in them, sufficient to clothe and feed themselves as ordinary people. Adding more would only spoil them. Wealth in the hands of the virtuous weakens their aspirations; in the hands of the foolish, it multiplies their faults. Moreover, the wealthy are resented by the masses. Since I have no means to educate my descendants well, I do not wish to increment their faults or invite resentment. This gold was bestowed by the enlightened ruler to support these elderly officials. Thus I rejoice in sharing this gift with my kin and fellow villagers, to enjoy the remainder of my years in contentment. Is this not fitting?” His relatives were delighted and deeply moved.

    Huang Ba, Prefect of Yingchuan, instructed relay lodges, postal stations and local offices to raise chickens and pigs to support widows, widowers, the poor, and the destitute. Thereafter, he drafted rules and regulations, appointed elders, teachers, leaders, and supervisors, and organized them to disseminate these ideas among the populace. He encouraged people to guard against evil impulses, cultivate their fields, practice thrift, increase their wealth, plant trees, and raise livestock, while eliminating unnecessary expenses on frivolous indulgences. Though his administrative measures seemed trivial and petty at first glance, Huang Ba was resolute and capable in enforcing them.

    When speaking with officials or commoners, he questioned them closely, following their accounts in detail and probing for any hidden matters to use as reference. Admiring his keen intelligence and understanding, neither officials nor people knew whence his analytical ability came; they all called him divine and dared not deceive him in the slightest. Lawbreakers fled to neighboring counties, and bandits and thieves diminished day by day. Huang Ba prioritized education and moral guidance over punishment, striving for lasting stability and the wellbeing of both officials and the people.

    The Associate Magistrate of Xu County had become deaf from old age, and the Investigator sought to dismiss him. Huang Ba said, “Master Xu is an upright official. Though elderly, he can still rise and greet people properly. What harm is there in impaired hearing? Assist him well, and do not disappoint the hopes placed in the virtuous.”

    When asked for his reasoning, Huang Ba replied: “Frequent changes of officials incur expenses for bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, and unscrupulous officials exploit such transitions to embezzle funds and property, causing great losses to both government and people. Replacement officials are not necessarily better than their predecessors; they may even be worse, thereby aggravating disorder. In governing, one need only remove those who are greedy and extreme.”

    With a broad mind and clear judgment, Huang Ba won the hearts of officials and commoners alike, and the population increased year by year. His administration was regarded as the best in the realm, and he was appointed Intendant of Jingzhao. After some time, he was implicated in a crime and demoted. A subsequent decree restored him to his former post as Prefect of Yingchuan, with a stipend of eight hundred piculs of grain.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 191): After A Large Earthquake

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 16 Scroll 24 (continued)

    Anqiu, Shandong Province

    The 4th year of Emperor Xuan’s Benshi Era (70 B.C.)

    In March of spring, Huo Chengjun, daughter of Huo Guang, was established as Empress. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the empire.

    The former Empress Xu had lived humbly and with frugality; but when Empress Huo was elevated, the splendor of her carriages and entourages, and the rewards lavished upon officials, rose into the tens of millions. Thus the restraint of the former Empress was cast aside.

    In summer, on April 29, an earthquake shook forty-nine commanderies at once. Hills and mountains collapsed, city walls fell, buildings were destroyed, and more than six thousand perished. The ancestral temples in Beihai and Langya were also ruined. The Emperor issued an edict to the Chancellor, the Censors, the Marquises, and the ministers of two-thousand-picul rank, commanding them to confer with scholars versed in the classics, to examine the signs and omens, and to speak without concealment. He further ordered the intendants of the Three Metropolis regions, together with the Ministry of Rites and the internal commanderies, each to recommend one man of virtue and uprightness.

    A general amnesty was again proclaimed. The Emperor, in mourning for the loss of life by the earthquake, refrained from appearing in the main hall for five days. Xiahou Sheng and Huang Ba were released from prison: Xiahou Sheng was appointed Grandee of Remonstrance and Palace Liaison, while Huang Ba was made Inspector of Yangzhou.

    Xiahou Sheng was by nature simple and upright. His manner was plain and without ornament. At times he erred in speech, addressing the Emperor as “you” rather than “Your Majesty,” or calling ministers by their style-names in the Emperor’s presence. Yet the Emperor took no offense, and placed trust in him.

    Once, after discoursing with the Emperor, Xiahou Sheng repeated their words to others. The Emperor rebuked him. Xiahou Sheng replied calmly: “What Your Majesty has spoken is right; I merely magnified it. The teachings of Emperor Yao were spread through the realm, and are recited to this day. I thought it proper to transmit your words, and therefore I did so.” The Emperor, perceiving his sincerity, accepted it.

    In weighty councils, the Emperor trusted Xiahou Sheng for his plain dealing, saying: “Master Xiahou speaks truth. Let none withhold because of past faults.”

    Afterward he served as Treasurer of Changxin Palace, and then as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. At ninety years he died. The Empress Dowager bestowed two million cash for his funeral, and mourned in white for five days, as for a great teacher. Among the Confucian scholars he was held in the highest esteem, and they gloried in his renown.

    In May, phoenixes gathered in Anqiu and Chunyu of Beihai.

    The Prince of Guangchuan, Liu Qu, slew more than ten of his tutors, consorts, and attendants. Some he drowned with molten lead and tin poured into their mouths; others he dismembered, poisoned, and boiled, that none might survive. For this he was deposed and removed to Shangyong, where he took his own life.

    The 1st year of Emperor Xuan’s Di’jie Era (69 B.C.)

    In January of spring, a comet appeared in the west sky.

    The Prince of Chu, Liu Yanshou, suspected that the Prince of Guangling, Liu Xu, son of Emperor Wu, might ascend the throne should the order of succession be broken. Desiring to secure himself, he arranged for Zhao Heqi, brother of his mother-in-law, to take a daughter of Prince of Guangling in marriage. Liu Yanshou then bade Zhao Heqi to carry a letter to the Prince of Guangling, warning him to keep his eyes and ears keen, and not allow others to seize the throne. Zhao Heqi’s father, Zhao Changnian, reported this. When the matter was investigated, Zhao Heqi confessed. In November of winter, Liu Yanshou killed himself. The Prince of Guangling Liu Xu was not implicated.

    On December 30, there was a solar eclipse.

    That year Yu Dingguo was made Minister of Justice. Yu Dingguo was skilled in deciding difficult cases, impartial in judgment, and compassionate toward widows and orphans. In doubtful charges he reduced punishments, and always examined matters with care. The court praised him, saying: “When Zhang Shizhi was Minister of Justice, there were no unjust judgments in the empire. Now Yu Dingguo holds that office, and the people know themselves not to be wronged.”

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 188): Studying on Death Row

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 16 Scroll 24 (continued)

    Xiahou Sheng And Huang Ba

    The 2nd year of Emperor Xuan’s Benshi Era (73 B.C. continued)

    In July of autumn, an edict was issued appointing Liu Jian, heir of Prince La of Yan, Liu Dan, as Prince of Guangyang; and Liu Hong, youngest son of the Prince of Guangling, Liu Xu, as Prince of Gaomi.

    Formerly, there had been strife between Shangguan Jie and Huo Guang. When Huo Guang destroyed Shangguan Jie, he then adhered to the statutes of Emperor Wu, applying severe punishments to restrain his subordinates. From this, lesser officials took severity as their model, believing harshness to be the mark of ability.

    But Huang Ba of Huaiyang, then Associate Prefect of Henan, always held leniency as his principle. When the Emperor went among the people, he perceived that the common folk suffered under the harshness of officials. Hearing of Huang Ba’s reputation for fairness and gentleness, he summoned him to serve as a chief judge in the Ministry of Justice. Huang Ba, in judging doubtful cases, was ever equitable, and thus maintained fairness and balance in the court.

    The 2nd year of Emperor Xuan’s Benshi Era (72 B.C.)

    In the spring, the Minister of Agriculture, Tian Yannian, committed suicide after being convicted of crime. When mourning for Emperor Zhao, he had leased carts from the people, but deceitfully inflated the rent, embezzling thirty million cash. An aggrieved party reported him.

    The Grand General Huo Guang summoned him for questioning, wishing to give him latitude. Tian Yannian vehemently denied it, saying: “Such a thing never happened!” Huo Guang replied: “Even if it did not, we must examine it to the end.”

    The Grand Master of Censorate, Tian Guangming, spoke to the Grand Coachman Du Yannian, saying: “According to the justice of the Spring and Autumn Annals, faults may be redeemed by merit. When the Prince of Changyi was deposed, without the resolute courage of Tian Zibin[Tian Yannian’s courtesy name], the great design could not have been accomplished. Now, if he had begged thirty million from the court itself and been granted them, would that not suffice? I would speak thus to the Grand General.”

    Du Yannian relayed this to Huo Guang. Huo Guang said: “It is true. He was a valiant man; at that momentous hour he shook the whole court.” Then he lifted his hand to his breast and said: “The memory still burdens my heart. Convey my apology to the Grand Master Tian, and entreat him to persuade the Minister of Agriculture to go to prison, that he may pass through lawful trial.”

    Tian Guangming delivered this message. Tian Yannian answered: “If the court would show me lenience, I would be grateful. But how can I endure the shame of prison, the laughter of men, and the spittle upon my back?”

    He then shut himself in a chamber of the Ministry of Agriculture, baring his arm, pacing with a blade in hand. After some days, hearing the drumbeat of envoys come to proclaim the edict, he cut his own throat and died.

    In May of summer, an edict was issued, saying: “Emperor Wu, in his filial piety, benevolence, and martial exploits, accomplished abundant virtue. Yet the music of his ancestral temple has not been established, which is a cause of great sorrow. Let the marquises, the ministers of two-thousand-picul rank, and the scholars deliberate upon it.”

    The officials engaged in wide discussion, and all assented to the decree. Only Xiahou Sheng, Privy Treasurer of Changxin Palace, spoke in dissent, saying: “Though Emperor Wu attained merit in pacifying the four barbarians and enlarging the borders, yet countless soldiers perished, and the wealth and strength of the people were drained. His extravagance and excess knew no bounds, and the empire was left in exhaustion. The dead were many, famine and locusts swept for thousands of li, and men even devoured one another. The injuries yet remain unrepaired, and the grace shown to the people was scant. It is not fitting to establish music for his temple.”

    The other officials rose together against him, saying that he opposed the imperial edict. But Xiahou Sheng declared: “An edict must not be obeyed without reflection. It is the duty of a loyal subject to speak plainly and directly, not merely to echo the ruler’s will. What I have said is from my heart. Though it cost me death, I shall not repent.”

    The Chancellor and the Censors accused Xiahou Sheng of opposing the imperial decree, of slandering the late Emperor, and of uttering blasphemy. Huang Ba, Chief-of-Staff to the Chancellor, was charged with shielding Xiahou Sheng and failing to impeach him. Both were cast into prison.

    Thereafter the authorities proposed to elevate the ancestral temple of Emperor Wu, styling it Shizong Temple, and to compose temple music with the “Magnificent Virtues” and the “Five-Colored Dance of the Wenshi Era.” In the provinces and counties that Emperor Wu had once visited, temples were erected in his honor, following the precedents of Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Wen.

    Xiahou Sheng and Huang Ba remained in custody for months. Huang Ba desired to study the Book of Documents under Xiahou Sheng, but Xiahou Sheng rejected, saying: “I am under sentence of death.” Huang Ba quoted Confucius: “If I learn the truth in the morning, I could die content in the evening.” Xiahou Sheng, moved by his earnestness, consented to teach him. Though imprisoned through two winters in succession, they never ceased their study and discourse.

    When the Princess who Liu Xijun had been wed to the Wusun Kunmi Cenzou died, the Han court once more sent Liu Jieyou, granddaughter of the Prince of Chu, Liu Wu, to Wusun, and she became wife to Cenzou. Cenzou had a young son, Nimi, born of his tribal consort. Foreseeing his own death, he entrusted the succession to his uncle’s son Weng’guimi, saying: “When Nimi comes of age, restore the throne to him.”

    When Weng’guimi ascended, he styled himself the Fat King, and again took to wife Princess Liu Jieyou of Chu. She bore him three sons—Yuan’guimi, Wan’nian, and Da’le—and two daughters.

    Under the reign of Emperor Zhao, Princess Liu Jieyou sent a memorial, saying: “The Xiongnu and Jushi have allied to assail Wusun. Only the Son of Heaven could save us.” The Han court gathered horse and soldier, deliberating an expedition against the Xiongnu. 

    Just then Emperor Zhao had passed away, the new Emperor dispatched the Grandee Chamberlain Chang Hui as envoy to Wusun. Both the Princess and the Great Kunmi sent envoys with letters, saying: “The Xiongnu have mustered hosts once again to attack Wusun, demanding: ‘Deliver to us the Han Princess at once!’ Their purpose is to sever Wusun from the Han. The Great Kunmi is willing to muster fifty thousand picked horsemen and exert full strength against the Xiongnu. Only the Son of Heaven can dispatch troops, to save the Princess and the Kunmi!”

    Formerly the Xiongnu had often harried the Han frontier, and the Han also longed to strike back. In autumn, a great host was levied: the Grand Master of Censorate, Tian Guangming, was made Qilian General, and with forty thousand horse rode forth from Xihe; Fan Mingyou, Duliao General, led thirty thousand from Zhangye; Han Zeng, General of the Van, led thirty thousand from Yunzhong; Zhao Chongguo, Pulei General, led thirty thousand from Jiuquan; and Tian Shun, Prefect of Yunzhong, was appointed General of Tiger Fang, leading thirty thousand from Wuyuan. Their design was to advance beyond the frontier by two thousand li. Chang Hui was made Colonel with the tally, to oversee the Wusun forces and unite them in striking the Xiongnu.