Frozen Lake Baikal near Olkhon island, Photo by Sergey Pesterev
The 6th year of Emperor Zhao’s Shiyuan Era (81 B.C.)
In February of spring, an edict was issued, commanding officials to inquire within the commanderies and counties regarding the selection of men of virtue and learning, the grievances and priorities of the people, and the essentials of education and culture. The consensus submitted said: “It is fitting to abolish the state monopolies on salt, iron, liquor, and regulated trade, and not contend with the people for profit. By showing frugality and moderation, then will education and culture be nourished.”
But Sang Hongyang opposed, saying: “These are the foundations of the state’s great enterprise, the means to control the barbarians, secure the borders, and supply the realm. They cannot be abolished.” Thus began the debate on salt and iron trade.
At that time, Su Wu was banished to the northern sea[Lake Baikal]. Suffering want, he dug for wild rodents and ate grass seeds to sustain life, for his provisions were oft cut off. He tended goats, holding the scepter of Han court in his hand; whether lying down or rising, he grasped it still, though its tassels had long since fallen away.
In the Han court, Su Wu and Li Ling both had served as privy counselors. When Li Ling surrendered to the Xiongnu, he dared not seek a meeting with Su Wu. After some years, the Chanyu sent Li Ling to the northern sea to persuade him.
Li Ling prepared a feast with music for Su Wu, and said: “The Chanyu, knowing the closeness between Ziqing[Su Wu’s courtesy name] and me, has sent me to persuade you. He truly desires to treat you with favor. There is no path by which you may return to Han; your suffering is but in vain. In this wasteland, cut off from men, who can witness your loyalty and righteousness?
“Your two brothers, once implicated, have already taken their own lives. When I departed, your mother, the Grand Lady, had passed away. I heard that your wife, being still young, has remarried. You have two younger sisters, two daughters, and a son. More than ten years have passed, and none knows their fate. Life is but morning dew; why torment yourself with hardship for so long?
“When I, Li Ling, first surrendered, I was like a mad man, ever regretting my betrayal of Han, all the more when my aged mother was bound in prison. Your unwillingness to surrender cannot surpass that of Li Ling. However, the Emperor grows old, laws are uncertain, and many loyal ministers have already been exterminated unjustly. The time is perilous and unpredictable—whom then, Ziqing, do you still desire to serve?”
Su Wu said: “The honors achieved by my father and his sons, though we were men of no station, are all by the grace of the Son of Heaven. We were entrusted with commands as generals, our ranks raised to marquises. My brothers attended the Emperor closely, and I myself wished to devote my body and soul. Now, if I may die to prove my loyalty, though it be by execution or in the cauldron of boiling water, I shall accept it with gladness. To serve the ruler is as to serve one’s father; if a son dies for his father, he has no regrets. Speak no more of this!”
After some days of feasting and drinking with Su Wu, Li Ling again said: “Ziqing, pray listen once more to the words of Li Ling!”
Su Wu cut him off: “I have long reckoned myself as one already dead. If the Chanyu desires the surrender of Su Wu, then let us first complete today’s joy, and I will die before you willingly.”
Li Ling, moved by his steadfastness, sighed and said: “Alas! Truly you are a man of utmost righteousness. The crimes of Li Ling and Wei Lü reach up to the sky when set beside you!” Tears fell down his face, wetting his lapels. Li Ling bid adieu to Su Wu, leaving several tens of cattle and sheep as a gift.
Later, Li Ling returned to the northern sea(Lake Baikal) and told Su Wu of Emperor Wu’s death. Su Wu wailed in grief, shed tears, and coughed blood. By day and by night he mourned, and this lasted for many months.
When Huyandi became Chanyu, the Xiongnu’s Queen Dowager Yanzhi held sway and wielded power improperly. Discord arose within, and they feared an attack from the Han. Then Wei Lü counseled the Chanyu, proposing peace. When Han envoys came, they inquired after Su Wu and his men, but the Xiongnu falsely claimed that Su Wu had been dead already.
Afterwards, Han envoys again came to the Xiongnu. At that time, Chang Hui, who had served as Su Wu’s assistant, secretly met with the envoy and told him what to say: “The Son of Heaven went hunting in Shanglin Park. He caught a wild goose, and on its leg was tied a silk slip, upon which was written that Su Wu and his men are held in a marshland.” The envoy, taking these words, presented them before the Chanyu. The Chanyu, greatly startled, turned his eyes about and said: “Su Wu and the others are indeed here.” He then released Su Wu together with Ma Hong, sending them back to the Han.
Ma Hong had once been sent as assistant to the Grandee of Chamberlain, Wang Zhong, envoy to the Western Regions. When Wang Zhong perished in battle, Ma Hong was seized by the Xiongnu. Though pressed, he would not yield, but remained steadfast. Now the Xiongnu returned the two men to the Han, as a token of goodwill.
Li Ling made a feast for Su Wu, and said: “Now you return home, your fame spreads among the Xiongnu and you are admired in the Han. Even the bamboo annals and painted scrolls of antiquity cannot fully extol the deeds of Ziqing! I, Li Ling, though weak and timid, if the Han court had shown lenience toward my guilt and cared for my aged mother, I would have borne the shame, fulfilled my long-cherished intent, and, like Cao Mo of Qi, sought a covenant of peace between Han and the Xiongnu. This is what Li Ling has never forgotten. Yet they slaughtered my family with collective punishment—this crime is beyond measure! What remains for Li Ling to look back upon? It is finished. I only hope Ziqing will understand my heart.” Tears streamed down his face, and he took leave of Su Wu.
The Chanyu then summoned Su Wu together with his surviving subordinates; save those who had surrendered or died, nine men in all returned with him. When they reached the capital, an edict commanded Su Wu to offer a grand sacrifice of ox, sheep, and pig at the mausoleum of Emperor Wu. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, holding rank of two thousand piculs, and was granted two million coins, two acres of public land, and a residence in the capital.
Su Wu had dwelt among the Xiongnu for nineteen years. He departed in his prime, yet when he returned, his hair and beard were white. Huo Guang, Shangguan Jie, and Li Ling had been close friends. Huo Guang sent Li Ling’s old friend, Ren Lizheng of Longxi, with three others, to summon him back from Xiongnu. But Li Ling refused, saying: “To return is easy, but a man cannot endure repeated humiliation.” Thus he chose to remain and die among the Xiongnu.
In summer, there was drought.
In July of autumn, the Emperor, following the counsel of the worthy and learned, abolished the offices that managed the monopoly on liquor and regulated trade. By the end of Emperor Wu’s reign, the empire was depleted, and the population reduced by half. Huo Guang, discerning the urgency of the times, eased burdens and lessened taxes, bringing the people respite. With peace made with the Xiongnu, the populace began to recover, and the policies of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing were gradually restored.
An edict honored the Marquis of Gouding, Wu Bo, who had led his tribesmen in suppressing rebellion, elevating him to King of Gouding. Tian Guangming was likewise ennobled as a Marquis within Passes.
The 3rd year of Emperor Wu’s Tianhan Era (98 B.C.)
In February of spring, the Grand Master of the Censorate, Wang Qing, accused of grave offenses, ended his life by suicide. In his stead, Du Zhou, the Bearer of the Mace, was appointed as the new Grand Master of the Censorate.
The monopoly on the sale of alcohol was established for the first time, consolidating the state’s control over this trade.
In March, the Emperor, embarking on an auspicious journey, ascended Mount Tai. There, he expanded the altar, performed rituals at the Bright Hall, and received statistics and registration accounts from commanderies and princedoms. Upon his return, he made a pilgrimage to Changshan, where he interred black jades. Although diviners and seekers of the mythical land of Penglai continuously pursued their quest, none succeeded in their efforts. However, Gongsun Qing persistently interpreted signs of giants as omens of great portent. Though the Emperor, weary and increasingly disenchanted with the eccentric and fantastical language of the diviners, kept them close in hopes of witnessing true abilities, his interest waned. Following this, an increasing number of diviners claimed the power to communicate with spirits, though their effectiveness remained unpromising as expected.
In April of summer, a severe drought ravaged the land. In response, the Emperor issued a general amnesty, extending mercy to the populace.
In the autumn, the Xiongnu launched an invasion of Yanmen Pass. The Prefect of Yanmen, charged with cowardice in the face of the enemy, was publicly executed as a warning to others.
The 4th year of Emperor Wu’s Tianhan Era (97 B.C.)
In January of spring, the Emperor convened a court at Ganquan Palace with various feudal lords in attendance.
The Emperor, seeking to augment his forces, dispatched seven categories of outcasts—convicted officials, escaped prisoners, matrilocal son-in-laws, merchants, former merchants, and those with a merchant father or grandfather—along with brave volunteers from the seven provinces, to serve in the army. Ershi GeneralLi Guangli, leading sixty thousand cavalry and seventy thousand infantry, set forth from the Shuofang. The Commandant of the strong cross-bow, Lu Bode, with more than ten thousand soldiers, was assigned to rendezvous with Ershi General. Guerrilla General Han Yue, commanding thirty thousand infantry from Wuyuan, and Yinyu General Gongsun Ao, with ten thousand cavalry and thirty thousand infantry from Yanmen, also joined the expedition.
Upon learning of this mobilization, the Xiongnu relocated their possessions and families far to the north of the Yuwu River, while the Chanyu stationed his forces, numbering one hundred thousand, to the south of the river, preparing to confront Ershi General. After prolonged engagements lasting more than ten days, Ershi General was forced to retreat and return. Guerrilla General failed to gain any advantage in his maneuvers, and Yinyu General, having fought against the Left Tuqi King without success, eventually withdrew.
The Emperor dispatched Gongsun Ao deep into Xiongnu territory to seek out Li Ling. However, Gongsun Ao‘s mission yielded no results, and he reported, “I captured live captives who spoke of Li Ling advising the Chanyu to prepare troops against the Han army, but my efforts achieved nothing.” Upon hearing this, the Emperor ordered the execution of Li Ling‘s entire clan. Subsequently, it was discovered that the Han defector who had advised the Xiongnu was not Li Ling, but rather Li Xu. In response, Li Ling sent an agent and assassinated Li Xu.
Great Yanzhi, the Chanyu’s mother, sought to execute Li Ling, but the Chanyu concealed him in the northern regions. After the death of Great Yanzhi, Li Ling returned. The Chanyu, in recognition of Li Ling‘s service, married his daughter to him and appointed him as the Right Tuqi King, granting him substantial power alongside Wei Lü. While Wei Lü remained at the Chanyu’s side, Li Ling resided outside the Chanyu’s court, only entering to discuss matters of great importance.
In April of summer, the Emperor designated his son, Liu Bo, as the King of Changyi.
The 1st year of Emperor Wu’s Taishi Era (96 B.C.)
In January of spring, Gongsun Ao was put to death by waist chop for the crime of his wife, who practiced the black magic of Gu, using venomous vermin to poison others.
Nobles and elites from various regions were relocated to the Mao Mausoleum.
In the sixth month of summer, a general amnesty was granted across the entire nation.
During this year, the Chanyu of the Xiongnu, Qiedihou, passed away, leaving behind two sons. The elder son was titled the Left Tuqi King, and the younger one, the Left Grand General. However, as the Left Tuqi King had not yet arrived, some nobles, suspecting an illness, proclaimed the Left Grand General as the new Chanyu. Upon hearing this, the Left Tuqi King hesitated to advance. The Left Grand General sent for the Left Tuqi King, offering his position. The Left Tuqi King, citing his illness, declined, but the Left Grand General insisted, saying, “If by ill fortune you die, then I shall succeed you.” The Left Tuqi King, accepting the offer, ascended to the throne as Hulugu Chanyu. The Left Grand General was made the Left Tuqi King, a position he held for several years until his death due to illness. His son, Xian’xian’shan, was unable to succeed him as the Left Tuqi King and was instead appointed as the Rizhu King. The Chanyu himself designated his own son as the Left Tuqi King.
The 2nd year of Emperor Wu’s Taishi Era (95 B.C.)
In January of spring, the Emperor embarked on a journey to visit Huizhong Palace.
Du Zhou passed away, and the Grand Master of Chamberlain, Bao Shengzhi, was appointed as the Grand Master of the Censorate.
During the autumn, a severe drought ravaged the land.
The Grandee of the Palace in the Principality of Zhao, Bai Gong, proposed the construction of a canal to divert water from the Jing River. The canal was to originate from Gukou and end in Yueyang, flowing into the middle of the Wei River. It stretched for approximately two hundred li, irrigating over four thousand five hundred acres of farmland. The canal, named the Bai Canal, brought prosperity to the people.
The 3rd year of Emperor Wu’s Taishi Era (94 B.C.)
In January of spring, the Emperor traveled to Ganquan Palace. In February, he journeyed to Donghai and caught a red goose. He then visited Langya, performed rites to worship the Sun at Mount Cheng, ascended Mount Zhifu(island), sailed upon the sea, and eventually returned.
During this year, the Prince Liu Fuling, was born. His mother, Consort Zhao of Hejian, resided in the Gouyi Palace and gave birth after a gestation of fourteen months. The Emperor, upon hearing of this, remarked, “I have heard that Emperor Yao was born after fourteen months of pregnancy, and now, in Gouyi Palace, the same has just occurred.” Accordingly, he named the gate of her residence the Gate of Mother Yao.
Sima Guang’s commentary: For a ruler, every action and decision must be carefully considered, for what occurs within the court will invariably manifest outwardly, known to all. At that time, both the Empress and the Crown Prince were in good health, yet the naming of the gate of Gouyi Palace as the Gate of Mother Yao was ill-advised. This act exposed the Emperor’s extraordinary affection for the youngest son, thereby allowing cunning ministers to probe his intentions. Such knowledge gave rise to schemes that ultimately endangered the Empress and the Crown Prince, leading to the calamity of Gu poisoning. What a tragic outcome!
Sima Qian’s Tomb and Ancestral Temple, Photo by dayu490301
The 2nd year of Emperor Wu’s Tianhan Era (99 B.C. continued)
Li Guang had a grandson named Li Ling, who served as a privy counselor and was skilled in horse riding and archery. He had a good rapport with common soldiers. The Emperor, noticing his similarity to Li Guang‘s character, appointed him as the Commandant of Cavalry. Li Ling was tasked with leading five thousand men from Danyang and Chu areas to train in archery at Jiuquan and Zhangye to prepare against the Xiongnu.
During the campaign against the Xiongnu, the Emperor issued a decree to Li Ling, intending to make him responsible for leading the supply train for Ershi General‘s army. Li Ling kowtowed and pleaded, “The soldiers I command stationed at the border are all brave warriors from Jingzhou and Chu, with exceptional swordsmanship skills. They can wrestle with tigers and hit the mark with their arrows. I request to lead a detachment, heading to the south of Mount Lanyu, to divide the Chanyu’s forces and prevent them from solely targeting Ershi General’s army.”
The Emperor replied, “You don’t like to be under another commander, do you? I have already dispatched so many troops and have no cavalry to spare for you.”
Li Ling countered, “Without cavalry, I am willing to lead a small force against a large one. I will take five thousand infantry to confront the Chanyu in his court.”
The Emperor, in a moment of inspiration, granted his request.
He then ordered Lu Bode to lead troops to meet Li Ling halfway. However, Lu Bode felt embarrassed to trail behind Li Ling, so he reported, “It is still in autumn, the Xiongnu‘s horses are fat and strong, it’s not suitable for battle yet. I propose keeping Li Ling‘s forces until spring before setting out together.”
The Emperor, angered and suspicious that Li Ling was chickened out, reluctant to engage and telling Lu Bode to propose delay, decreed Lu Bode to lead troops to fight the Xiongnu in the Xihe immediately.
Li Ling received the decree to depart in September. The Emperor ordered him to set out from the Juyan Pass, reaching the Longle River south of the East Mount Junji, scouting the enemy territory, and returning if not encountering any adversaries, resting the troops in the “Home of Defectors” city.
Li Ling led his five thousand infantrymen leaving Juyan Pass, traveling north for thirty days until they reached a stop at Mount Junji. He charted the topography of the mountains and rivers along the way, instructing his cavalry subordinate Chen Bule to bring the map to the Emperor. Upon meeting the Emperor, Chen Bule praised Li Ling‘s leadership and the efforts of his soldiers who risked their lives. The Emperor was greatly pleased and appointed Chen Bule as a Palace Gentleman.
Li Ling arrived at Mount Junji, encountering the Chanyu’s forces. The Xiongnu had around thirty thousand cavalry surrounding Li Ling‘s army, positioned between two mountains with their camp fortified using large chariots. Li Ling arranged his soldiers outside the camp in formation, with the front rows holding spears and shields while the rear rows carried bows and crossbows. Seeing the smaller Han army, the enemy charged straight towards the camp. Li Ling engaged them in battle, launching a volley of a thousand crossbows, causing chaos among the enemy ranks. The Xiongnu retreated uphill, with the Han forces pursuing and killing thousands.
The Chanyu, alarmed, summoned more than eighty thousand cavalry from the left and right flanks to attack Li Ling. Li Ling fought while retreating southwards for several days, reaching a mountain valley where continuous battles occurred, and his soldiers suffered arrow wounds. Those with three wounds were carried to chariots, those with two wounds driving the chariots, and those with one continued fighting. They beheaded over three thousand enemies.
Leading his troops southeastward, following the former Longcheng Road for four to five days, Li Ling arrived at a vast marshland with reeds. The Xiongnu set fire from an advantageous position, and Li Ling ordered his army to do the same for defense. Continuing southward to the foothills, the Chanyu was positioned on a southern hill and sent his son to lead a cavalry attack against Li Ling. Li Ling‘s forces fought amidst the trees and killed thousands more. Li Ling then unleashed a barrage of crossbows toward the Chanyu, forcing him to retreat downhill.
On that day, the Han soldiers captured a Xiongnu soldier who reported, “The Chanyu said, ‘These are elite Han soldiers. We cannot defeat them. They continually draw us southward near the border. Could they not have ambushes waiting for us?’ All the Xiongnu chiefs and leaders agreed, ‘The Chanyu himself led tens of thousands of riders against a few thousand Han soldiers, and yet he couldn’t eliminate them. There’s no way to send generals to the frontier later, making Han further disdainful of the Xiongnu. Let’s fight fiercely in the mountain valleys, it is forty to fifty lis before we reach the plain. If we couldn’t conquer them by then, we will turn back.’”
The situation for Li Ling‘s army grew increasingly dire. With numerous Xiongnu cavalry attacks occurring multiple times a day, they managed to kill over two thousand enemy soldiers. The Xiongnu leaders were frustrated, and they intended to withdraw. However, at that critical moment, a Han officer named Guan Gan, who had been insulted by Colonel Han Yannian, defected to the Xiongnu and revealed crucial information. He told them, “The army led by Li Ling has no reinforcements, their arrows are almost depleted. Only General Li Ling and Colonel Han Yannian, the Marquis of Cheng’an leading eight hundred men each as the front line, identified by their yellow and white flags. They are the ones to shoot at; once they’re down, victory will be certain.”
The Chanyu was delighted upon hearing this and ordered a full-on assault against the Han army, loudly urging, “Li Ling, Han Yannian, surrender quickly!” They immediately blocked Li Ling‘s path and attacked fiercely. Li Ling was in a valley, while the Xiongnu were on the mountain, shooting arrows from all directions like rain fall. As the Han army moved southward and before reaching Mount Dihan, their five hundred thousand arrows were exhausted within a single day, and they abandoned their chariots. With only over three thousand men remaining, soldiers broke the chariot axles and carried them as cudgels, civil clerks held scribe knives as weapons. They advanced toward the mountains, entering a narrow valley where the Chanyu blocked their retreat, throwing rocks from the mountains, resulting in many deaths among the Han soldiers, preventing them from advancing.
After dusk, Li Ling, dressed plainly, walked out of the camp alone, saying, “Don’t follow me! I will take on the Chanyu man-to-man!” After some time, Li Ling returned, sighed deeply, and said, “The battle is lost; death is imminent!” He then proceeded to cut down all the banners and buried the treasures in the ground. Li Ling lamented, “If only I could find dozens of arrows, I could escape. Now, without soldiers for battle, by daybreak, I will be captured and bound. Why don’t we disperse like birds and animals, some of us might manage to escape and report to the Emperor.”
He instructed his soldiers to carry two liters of grain and a piece of ice each, agreeing to rendezvous at the defense barrier at the border. At midnight, when Li Ling beat the drums to issue commands, the drums were broken and failed to make a sound. Both Li Ling and Han Yannian mounted their horses, accompanied by around ten brave men. Several thousand Xiongnu cavalry pursued them, and in the ensuing battle, Han Yannian perished. Li Ling, realizing the situation and said to himself: “I have no dignity to face the Emperor”, surrendered, and the soldiers scattered, with over four hundred managing to escape to the border.
The place of Li Ling‘s defeat was over a hundred li (approximately 50 kilometers) towards the border and his situation was widely known to the frontier. The Emperor wished Li Ling to fight to the death. However, upon hearing of Li Ling‘s surrender, the Emperor was greatly angered and interrogated Chen Bule. Unable to withstand the pressure, Chen Bule committed suicide.
All court officials blamed Li Ling, and the Emperor asked Sima Qian, the Grand Astronomer, for his opinion.
Sima Qian defended Li Ling, “Li Ling was filial to his family, loyal to his soldiers, and always showed selfless dedication to the urgent needs of the country. His inherent qualities were those of a true patriot. Unfortunately, in this instance of adversity, those who have selfishly protected themselves and their families rush to exploit his shortfall. It’s truly regrettable! Moreover, Li Ling led less than five thousand soldiers, facing tens of thousands of enemies. The Xiongnu neglected tending to their wounded and deceased so as to mobilize their full populace to encircle Li Ling. Li Ling still fought a thousand-li journey. When their arrows were depleted and the path blocked, the soldiers stood empty-handed, risking their lives, fighting valiantly against their northern adversaries. The power of the soldiers’ sacrificial bravery in the face of death rivals that of renowned ancient generals. Though Li Ling himself faced defeat, his conquests and defeats are enough to win admiration of the world. The fact that he did not die perhaps signifies his wish to have the opportunity to repay the court in the future.”
The Emperor charged Sima Qian with falsehood, alleging that he had conspired to slander the Ershi General and plead on behalf of Li Ling, and sentenced him to be castrated.
After some time, regretting that Li Ling had received no assistance, the Emperor proclaimed, “When Li Ling exited the borders. I should have issued an edict for the Commandant of Strong Crossbows Lu Bode to go after him as reinforcement. My edict was issued too early, inciting old general Lu Bode to be jealous, acting dishonorably.” He then sent envoys to reward and honor those remaining soldiers of Li Ling‘s army who managed to escape.
The Emperor, enforcing strict laws, favored the use of austere officials, and as a result, many of the prime ministers and prefects in charge of the commanderies and principalities, holding ranks of 2000 piculs, were generally cruel and oppressive. This led to the people and officials increasingly disregarding the law. Bandits and thieves in the eastern regions multiplied, forming large groups of several thousand gangs, attacking cities and towns, seizing armories, releasing prisoners on death row, and humiliating the county magistrates and commandants, leading to the killing of officials holding the rank of 2000 piculs. Smaller gangs, each numbering in the hundreds, pillaged countless villages and neighborhoods, making the roads impassable.
Initially, the Emperor tasked the Chief of Censorate and the Chief of Staff of the Chancellor to supervise the public safety, but they couldn’t control it. Subsequently, the Emperor dispatched his special agents, the Grandee of Chamberlain, Fan Kun, and former Nine Ministers, such as Zhang De, donned in embroidered silk clothing, holding the sceptres and tiger seals, to raise armies and suppress the uprising. The beheading of a large number of individuals, some exceeding ten thousand, was followed by the legal execution of those who were complicit in communications, provisions, or any other connections, with several thousand people in the various commanderies facing punishment. After several years, they managed to capture some of the leaders, but many of the scattered gangs, who had lost contact, regrouped and formed bands, retreating to strongholds in the mountains and on rivers, often gathering in large numbers. There was nothing that could be done to stop them by the government.
The Emperor issued the “Law of Life Censure,” which stated, “In the case of banditry arising without being reported, or if discovered but not fully resolved, officials ranging from 2000 piculs rank to minor officials shall face the death penalty.”
Following this law, the fear of punishment among lower officials became widespread, resulting in instances where even if theft occurred, they dared not report it, fearing their inability to resolve it would lead to punishment. The commandery officials, afraid of being implicated, refrained county magistrates from reporting such incidents. Consequently, the numbers of bandits and thieves increased as both high-ranking officials and ordinary citizens concealed crimes through crafty speech to evade punishment.
At that time, Bao Shengzhi, who was directly appointed by the Emperor as an agent. He executed an unusual number of 2000-picul ranked officials, establishing a strong authority over the commanderies and principalities. Upon reaching Bohai Commandery, he heard about a man named Juan Buyi, who was highly esteemed by the locals and requested an audience with him. Juan Buyi had a dignified appearance and wore impressive attire. When Bao Shengzhi heard Juan Buyi was coming to meet him, Bao Shengzhi rose to greet him without properly tying his shoes. After sitting down, Juan Buyi pushed up from the floor and said, “Even lying low on the coast, I have long heard of the fame of Bao Gongzi(Bao Shengzhi’s courtesy name). Today, I humbly receive your audience. In serving as an official, if one is overly rigid, people tend to break out; if too yielding, the law is not enforced. To establish one’s achievements and fame enduringly, wield authority tempered with kindness.” Bao Shengzhi deeply appreciated his admonition.
At that time, Bao Shengzhi, who was directly appointed by the Emperor as an agent. He executed an unusual number of 2000-picular ranked officials, establishing a strong authority over the commanderies and principalities. Upon reaching Bohai Commandery, he heard about a man named Juan Buyi, who was highly esteemed by the locals and requested an audience with him. Juan Buyi had a dignified appearance and wore impressive attire. When Bao Sheng heard Juan Buyi was coming to meet him, Bao Shengzhi rose to greet him without properly tying his shoes. After sitting down, Juan Buyi pushed up from the floor and said, “Even lying low on the coast, I have long heard of the fame of Bao Gongzi(Bao Shengzhi’s courtesy name). Today, I humbly receive your audience. In serving as an official, if one is overly rigid, they tend to break; if too yielding, they are useless. To establish one’s achievements and fame enduringly, wield authority tempered with kindness.” Bao Shengzhi deeply appreciated his admonition.
Upon his return, Bao Shengzhi recommended Juan Buyi. The Emperor summoned Juan Buyi and appointed him as the Inspector of Qingzhou. Similarly, Wang He of Ji’nan, also served as a censor in embroidery, chasing and capturing bandits in Wei Commandery. He had released and pardoned many of them, contrary to the requirements of his mission. He was dismissed. He sighed, “I’ve heard that saving a thousand lives earns a title for one’s descendants. I’ve saved more than ten thousand lives; will there be a future reward for my posterity?”In that year, the Han court bestowed the title of Marquis of Kailiang upon Cheng Wan, the Jiehe King of the Xiongnu who defected to the Han. Cheng Wan led troops from the Loulan kingdom to attack Cheshi. However, the Xiongnu dispatched the Right Tuqi King with tens of thousands of cavalry to reinforce Cheshi. The Han forces did not fare well in the encounter and subsequently withdrew from the conflict.
Reflection by Rio Grande 