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Tag: Liu Xiang

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 255): A New Broom Sweeps Cleaner

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 25 Scroll 33 (continued)

    Liu Xin’s Handwriting

    The 2nd year of Emperor Cheng’s Suihe Era (7 B.C. continued)

    During the reign of Emperor Cheng, the folk music of Zheng was especially popular at the court. Renowned palace entertainers such as Bing Qiang and Jing Wu, had risen to prominence, and noble families even competed with the imperial house in employing female musicians and performers. The Emperor, who had disliked this music since his days as Prince of Dingtao and was personally averse to music in general, issued an edict in June: “Did not Confucius say, ‘The music of Zheng shall be banned, the music of Zheng is decadent’? Therefore, the officials of the Music Bureau shall be dismissed. Music for sacrifices and the ancient military music recorded in the classics, excluding that of Zheng and Wey, shall be administered by other offices.” 

    More than half of the musical officials were dismissed. However, as time passed, the people had become accustomed to this music, and since no more elegant alternative had been composed to replace it, the musical indulgence of the wealthy and the officials remained unchanged.

    Wang Mang recommended Liu Xin, Colonel of the Central Citadel, on account of his talent and conduct. Liu Xin was appointed Privy Counselor, then promoted to Grand Master of Merit, and enjoyed the Emperor’s favor. He was given the name Liu Xiu, since the Emperor’s own name was also Liu Xin. The Emperor ordered Liu Xiu to oversee the annotation of the Five Classics and to continue the work of his father, Liu Xiang. Liu Xiu compiled and submitted a general catalogue of the various texts, producing seven summaries: Ji lüe (Summary of the Classics), Liuyi lüe (Summary of the Six Arts), Zhuzi lüe (Summary of the Masters and Philosophers), Shifu lüe (Summary of Poetry and Essays), Bingshu lüe (Summary of Military Texts), Shushu lüe (Summary of Techniques and Astronomy), and Fangji lüe (Summary of Magic and Occult). These summaries encompassed six broad categories, thirty-eight subdivisions, five hundred ninety-six works, and thirteen thousand two hundred sixty-nine scrolls.

    The summaries classified the various schools of thought into nine streams: Confucianism, Daoism, Yin-Yang Theory, Legalism, the School of Names(Logicians), Mohism, the School of Diplomacy, Eclecticism, and Agriculturalism. Liu Xiu argued that “These nine schools of thought arose when the kingly way had declined and the feudal lords exercised power. At that time, rulers held different preferences, and thus these diverse schools of thought arose and reached their height, each advancing its own strengths and contending for influence. Although their teachings differ, they are like water and fire, opposing one another yet also complementing one another. Benevolence and righteousness, reverence and harmony, though opposed, are all intermingled. The Book of Changes says: ‘All under Heaven pursue the same end by different paths; they reach the same destination, though a hundred deliberations.’ Now those of the various schools press forward what each does best, exhausting knowledge and probing thought in order to make their purport clear. Though each has obscurities and deficiencies, if one gathers their essential return, they are also branches and later offshoots of the Six Classics. If such men should encounter an enlightened king and sagely ruler, and get what is properly balanced and harmonized from these schools of thought, they would all be material for the ruler’s limbs and wings, serving as indispensable aids.

    “Confucius once said: ‘When rites are lost, seek them among the wilderness.’ Now, being long departed from the age of sages, the Way and its arts are broken and cast aside, and there is nowhere further to seek them. Are those Nine Schools not still better than the wilderness and countryside? If one can cultivate the arts of the Six Disciplines and, by them, examine the words of these Nine Schools—discarding the shortcomings and taking the outstanding—then one may thereby penetrate strategies suited to the myriad regions.”

    Prince Hui of Hejian, Liu Liang, was able to live in accordance with the example set by Prince Xian of Hejian, Liu De. When his mother, the Queen Dowager, passed away, he observed the mourning rites in full accordance with ritual prescription. He was therefore granted an additional fief of ten thousand households, to serve as a model for the imperial clan.

    Dong Zhongshu had advised Emperor Wu: “Qin adopted the laws of Shang Yang, abolished the well-field system, and allowed the people to buy and sell land. The wealthy accumulated vast estates, while the poor were left with only tiny plots. In small towns there were men as honored and powerful as princes; in the villages there were riches equal to those of dukes and marquises. How could the common people not be oppressed? Although the ancient well-field system cannot easily be restored in full, it would still be beneficial to move toward it gradually. Limit the amount of land the people may own, so that those without land may be provided for, and curb excessive annexation. Remove from masters the power they hold over enslaved laborers, who live in fear of cruel punishments. Reduce taxes and labor service to lighten the people’s burdens, and better governance will then become possible!”

    When the Emperor ascended the throne, Shi Dan again submitted a proposal: “Now, after many generations of peace, the wealthy and the officials have greatly expanded their holdings, while the poor suffer ever more deeply. It would be appropriate to impose some limit on landownership.” The Emperor referred the proposal for deliberation.

    Chancellor Kong Guang and Grand Excellency of Works He Wu proposed: “Let limits be set on the land owned by feudal princes, marquises, and princesses. Let the land owned by marquises within the Pass, officials, and commoners be limited to no more than thirty qing(Chinese hectare), and let the number of slaves be limited to no more than thirty. This should be enforced within three years, and the property of violators should be confiscated by the court.”

    Then the market prices of land, houses, and household slaves fell sharply, and the nobles and ministers close to the Emperor did not regard the measure as beneficial to them. Another edict was therefore issued: “Let the matter be suspended for the present.”

    In addition, an edict was issued to the officials overseeing the garment workshops in Qi, stating: “The officers of the Office of the Three Seasons shall halt the production of patterned silks and embroideries that are difficult to complete and harmful to women’s spinning and weaving. Those already produced shall not be transported to the capital.”

    The edict further stated: “The law of ‘Affirming Patricians,’ which grants preferential advancement to the sons of officials of the 2,000-picul rank, and the laws prohibiting slander and defamation are hereby abolished. Women of the harem under thirty years of age shall be given in marriage. Slaves over fifty years of age shall be freed and made commoners. In addition, officials with salaries of three hundred piculs or less shall receive an increase.”

    At a banquet in Weiyang Palace, the eunuch conductor arranged a seat for Empress Dowager Fu beside the Empress Dowager Zhao. Grand Marshal Wang Mang, while inspecting the seating, rebuked the conductor: “The Queen Dowager of Dingtao, merely a former concubine of a prince, how can she sit alongside the Supreme Sovereign?” He had her seat removed and another one arranged elsewhere. When Empress Dowager Fu heard of this, she was enraged, refused to attend the banquet, and conceived a deep resentment toward Wang Mang. Wang Mang thereupon petitioned for retirement. In autumn, on July 1, the Emperor granted him five hundred cattie of gold and a carriage drawn by four horses, and dismissed him to his residence.

    Many among the Three Excellencies, the ministers, and the nobles praised Wang Mang, and the Emperor consequently showed him even greater favor. He sent palace eunuchs to attend Wang Mang’s household and had meals provided to him every ten days. In addition, a decree was issued increasing the fiefs of Wang Gen, Marquis of Quyang; Wang Shun, Marquis of Anyang; and Wang Mang, Marquis of Xindu. The fiefs of Chancellor Kong Guang, Grand Excellency of Works He Wu, and various other officials were likewise adjusted. Wang Mang was appointed Special Appointee and Palace Steward, granted court audience on the new moon and full moon of each month, and accorded ceremonial honors equivalent to those of the Three Excellencies. Furthermore, Wang Li, Marquis of Hongyang, was reinstated to the capital.

    Queen Dowager Fu(Consort of Emperor Yuan)’s cousin, General of the Right Fu Xi, was a learned man of noble character. After Wang Mang was dismissed and retired, public hopes turned to Fu Xi. Earlier, when the Emperor’s affinal relatives were being advanced, Fu Xi alone remained modest and declined high office on the grounds of ill health. When Queen Dowager of Dingtao(Fu) began to take part in state affairs, he often offered advice in opposition to her wishes. As a result, she did not want Fu Xi to assist in the government. On July 4, General of the Left Shi Dan was appointed Grand Marshal and granted the title of Marquis of Gaoxiangting. Fu Xi was given one hundred catties of gold, relieved of his duty as General of the Right, his seal and ribbon taken away, and assigned the post of Grand Master of Merit so that he might recuperate from illness. The office of General of the Right was then given to Peng Xuan of Huaiyang, who was serving as Grand Chamberlain.

    Grand Excellency of Works He Wu and Director of the State Secretariat Tang Lin both submitted memorials to the Emperor, saying: “Fu Xi is a man of righteousness, integrity, and loyalty, wholly devoted to the state. Now, because of illness, he is being sent away, to the disappointment of the people. All say, ‘The worthy son of the Fu family, because he disagreed with the Queen Dowager of Dingtao, has been dismissed,’ and the myriad officials grieve for the state. Loyal ministers are the protectors of a state. The state of Lu had Ji You to bring order out of disorder; the prestige of the kingdom of Chu depended on Cheng Ziyu(Cheng Dechen’s courtesy name); the state of Wei relied on Wei Wuji(Lord Xinling) to rally the feudal lords; and the preservation or destruction of Xiang Yu turned upon Fan Zeng. A single worthy man is worth more than a million soldiers. Thus Qin spent a thousand pieces of gold to sow dissension against Lian Po, and Han scattered gold to estrange Uncle Fan Zeng from Xiang Yu. So long as Fu Xi stands at court, he represents the Emperor’s glory and the rise or fall of the Fu family.”

    The Emperor also valued Fu Xi, and he was therefore soon reinstated.

    The Marquis of Jianping, Du Ye, submitted a memorial criticizing the Marquis of Quyang, Wang Gen, the Marquis of Gaoyang, Xue Xuan, and the Marquis of Anchang, Zhang Yu, and by contrast recommending Zhu Bo. The Emperor, having heard of the Wang family’s arrogance from a young age, could not endure it; yet, because his reign had only recently begun, he chose for the time being to tolerate them.

    A little more than a month later, the Inspector Colonel of the Capital, Xie Guang, reported: “The Marquis of Quyang(Wang Gen) before the mourning for the late Emperor had been completed, openly summoned the former female musicians and entertainers of the imperial court, including Yin Yan and Wang Feijun. He also gave former imperial concubines in marriage as wives to Wang Kuang, the Marquis of Chengdu and son of his brother. In all this, they showed none of the propriety due from subjects, but instead displayed grave disrespect and a complete disregard for moral standards.”

    Thereupon the Emperor said: “The late Emperor treated Wang Gen and Wang Kuang, father and son, with the utmost generosity, yet they have repaid that kindness with betrayal and ingratitude.” Since Wang Gen had once proposed that Emperor Ai be made crown prince, he was merely sent back to his marquisate. Wang Kuang was reduced to commoner status and returned to his native town. All officials who had been recommended or appointed by Wang Gen and Wang Shang(Wang Kuang’s father), were dismissed.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 253): A Tattletale or Whistleblower

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang 

    Annals of Han Book 24 Scroll 32 (continued)

    He Pu, Guangxi Province. A place for exiles.

    The 1st year of Emperor Cheng’s Suihe Era (8 B.C. continued)

    The Commandant of the Palace Guard and Privy Counselor, Chunyu Chang, enjoyed the Emperor’s favor and complete trust. He was held in greater esteem than the Three Excellencies and the Nine Ministers. He cultivated friendships with princes, governors, and prefects, accepted bribes and gifts amounting to tens of millions, and indulged extravagantly in pleasure and luxury. Empress Xu’s elder sister, Xu Mi, was the widow of the Marquis Si of Longluo. Chunyu Chang carried on an affair with Xu Mi and took her as a concubine.

    The deposed Empress Xu, residing at Changding Palace, used Xu Mi as an intermediary to bribe Chunyu Chang in hopes of being restored as a consort of the Emperor with the title Jieyu[Lady of Handsome Fairness]. Chunyu Chang received gold, carriages, and garments from Empress Xu worth more than ten million coins, and falsely claimed that he had spoken with the Emperor about establishing her as Left Empress. Whenever Xu Mi entered Changding Palace, she carried letters from Chunyu Chang. In these letters, Chunyu Chang mocked and teased Empress Xu, making lewd and wanton remarks without restraint. Thus, the exchange of letters and bribes continued for many years.

    At the time, Wang Gen, Marquis of Quyang, who was assisting in the governance of the state, had been ill for a long period and had repeatedly requested permission to retire. Chunyu Chang, as an affinal relative, held rank among the Nine Ministers and was widely expected to succeed Wang Gen. The Privy Counselor, Cavalry Commandant, and Grand Master of Merit, Wang Mang, grew jealous of Chunyu Chang’s prominence and secretly investigated these matters. While attending to the Marquis of Quyang during his illness, Wang Mang said to him: “Chunyu Chang, seeing that the general’s illness has dragged on, is secretly pleased and regards himself as the one who will succeed in assisting the government. He has already been privately conferring with gentry and members of the imperial clan about official appointments and the creation of offices.” He then detailed Chunyu Chang’s various misdeeds.

    Wang Gen flew into a rage and said, “If this is so, why were these crimes not reported earlier?”

    Wang Mang replied, “I did not know the general’s intentions, and therefore did not dare to speak out.”

    Wang Gen said, “Go at once and report this to the Eastern Palace!”

    Wang Mang sought an audience with the Empress Dowager and reported that Chunyu Chang was arrogant and dissolute, plotting to replace the Marquis of Quyang, and that he had an illicit relationship with Empress Xu’s sister, from whom he had accepted clothing and valuables. The Empress Dowager was greatly angered and said, “Has that wretch gone so far? Go—report this to the Emperor!”

    Wang Mang then conveyed the matter to the Emperor. Under pressure from the Empress Dowager, Chunyu Chang was dismissed from office but not otherwise punished, and was sent back to his fief.

    The Marquis of Hongyang, Wang Li, was unable to assist in governing and suspected that Chunyu Chang had slandered him, which bred deep resentment. The Emperor was aware of this. When Chunyu Chang was about to return to his fief, Wang Li had his eldest son, Wang Rong, request carriages and horses from Chunyu Chang. Chunyu Chang presented Wang Rong with valuable gifts and bestowed substantial rewards upon Wang Li. Thereupon, Wang Li submitted a sealed memorial to the Emperor, requesting that Chunyu Chang be retained, stating: “Since Your Majesty has entrusted this matter to the Empress Dowager, it would indeed be inappropriate to impose further punishment upon Chunyu Chang.”

    The Emperor became suspicious and ordered an investigation. Officials arrested Wang Rong, whereupon Wang Li compelled Wang Rong to commit suicide in order to silence him. The Emperor grew even more suspicious, suspecting a major conspiracy, and thus had Chunyu Chang arrested and confined in the Luoyang prison for a thorough inquiry. Chunyu Chang was found to have mocked and insulted the resident of Changding Palace, conspired to establish a Left Empress, and committed grave acts of treason. He died in prison. His wife and children, who were subject to punishment, were exiled to Hepu, and his mother, Wang Ruo, was returned to her native place.

    The Emperor dispatched the Minister of Justice, Kong Guang, bearing the tally of authority, to administer poison to the deposed Empress Xu and compel her to commit suicide. The Chancellor, Zhai Fangjin, once again accused the Marquis of Hongyang, Wang Li, of cunning and unscrupulous conduct and requested that he be imprisoned. The Emperor said, “The Marquis of Hongyang is my uncle, and I cannot bear to apply the law against him; he shall be sent back to his march.”

    In addition, Zhai Fangjin requested that Wang Li’s posse—the General of the Rear, Zhu Bo, and Sun Hong, Prefect of Julu—as well as the former Grand Master of Merit, Chen Xian, be removed from office and returned to their native places. Chen Xian, knowing that he would be permanently banished, died of grief.

    Zhai Fangjin was intelligent and accomplished in both letters and administration, combining Confucian refinement with legal expertise, and was renowned for his clarity of judgment and insight. The Emperor valued him highly. He was also adept at discerning the subtle intentions of his superiors and handled affairs in a manner that consistently accorded with their wishes. When Chunyu Chang controlled official affairs, Zhai Fangjin maintained a close relationship with him and praised and recommended him. After Chunyu Chang was punished for treason, the Emperor concealed Zhai Fangjin’s culpability as Chancellor. Zhai Fangjin, however, felt inwardly ashamed and submitted a memorial apologizing and requesting retirement.

    The Emperor replied: “The Marquis of Dingling, Chunyu Chang, has already been punished for his crimes. Although you were associated with him, doesn’t the Book of Documents say, ‘A gentleman rejoices when errors made in the morning are corrected in the evening’? Why be troubled by this? Attend solely to your duties, do not neglect your medicine, and take care of yourself.”

    Zhai Fangjin then resumed his duties and continued to submit memorials against those whom Chunyu Chang had favored, including Sun Bao, Intendant of Jingzhao, and Xiao Yu, Intendant of Fufeng. He also dismissed more than twenty officials holding ranks of two thousand piculs or above. Du Ye, Commandant of Hangu Pass and Marquis of Jianping, who had long been at odds with Zhai Fangjin, was accused by him of “receiving a letter from Wang Li, Marquis of Hongyang, and accepting his requests, thereby showing disrespect toward the Emperor.” Du Ye was dismissed and sent back to his march.

    The Emperor praised Wang Mang as the first to expose a grave act of treachery, commending his loyalty and integrity. Accordingly, Wang Gen recommended Wang Mang to succeed him. On November 26, Wang Mang was appointed Grand Marshal at the age of thirty-eight. Having risen above his contemporaries, he succeeded his four uncles in assisting the governance of the state and aspired to surpass the reputations of his predecessors, devoting himself to his duties without rest. He employed virtuous and capable men as clerks and aides, used the rewards bestowed by the Emperor and the income from his fief to support retainers, and was all the more frugal in his own conduct.

    When Wang Mang’s mother fell ill, ministers and marquises sent their wives to inquire after her health. Wang Mang’s wife received them wearing a plain gown that did not reach the ground and a simple cloth apron. Those who saw her mistook her for a maid; when they realized she was Wang Mang’s wife, they were all struck with awe. Such was the extent to which he pursued a reputation for virtue.

    The Chancellor, Zhai Fangjin, and the Grand Excellency of Works, He Wu, submitted a joint proposal, stating: “According to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, those of higher rank should supervise those of lower rank, not the reverse. At present, the provincial inspectors hold the pay grade of a lower grandee, at six hundred piculs, yet they oversee prefects ranked at two thousand piculs. This is inconsistent with proper function. We propose abolishing the office of inspector and restoring the ancient office of governor, with a rank of two thousand piculs.”

    In December, the office of provincial inspector was abolished and replaced with that of governor, likewise ranked at two thousand piculs.

    In Qianwei Commandery, sixteen ancient stone chimes were discovered by the riverbank, an event that court consultants regarded as an auspicious omen. Liu Xiang seized upon this occasion to admonish the Emperor, saying:

    “It would be fitting to establish an imperial school at the capital, to found academies of learning, to array rites and music, to exalt the sounds of the Elegantiae and Hymns, and to display the forms of deference and submission, thereby transforming and civilizing the realm. If this is done and order is still not achieved, such a case has never existed.

    “Some may object that the rites and vessels cannot yet be fully provided. Yet rites take the nourishment of men as their aim. Where there are excesses or deficiencies, this is an error in nourishing the people. Punishments today may extend even to death and bodily harm; they are not the criminal laws of Gao Yao, yet judicial officers still petition to establish statutes—cutting what should be cut and amending what should be amended—in order to meet present needs. But when it comes to rites and music, they claim they dare not proceed. This is the equivalence of daring to kill men, but not daring to nourish them.

    “Because ritual vessels and musical instruments suffer minor deficiencies, one therefore abandons them entirely and does nothing—this is to discard a small deficiency and incur a great one. No delusion is greater than this.

    “As for instruction and transformation in comparison with penal law: penal law is the lighter matter. To abandon what is weighty and hasten what is light is not the proper course. Instruction and transformation are what governance relies upon; penal law is that by which governance is assisted. To discard what is relied upon and to set up only what assists—this is not the way to attain Great Peace.

    “Even in the capital, there are disobedient and unruly sons and grandsons, down to those who fall under capital punishment and are executed without end. All this arises from not practicing the Way of the Five Constant Virtues(benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness). Bearing the decline of a thousand years since the Later Zhou and inheriting the residual corruption of violent Qin, the people have gradually been steeped in vicious customs—greedy, gluttonous, reckless, and deceitful—unacquainted with righteousness and principle. If they are not guided by great transformation but are driven solely by punishments, they will in the end never be reformed.”

    The Emperor transmitted Liu Xiang’s proposal to the officials. The Chancellor and the Grand Excellency of Works proposed establishing an imperial academy campus and ordered a survey south of Chang’an to select construction sites, but the project was never completed and was eventually abandoned. At the time, there was also discussion to the effect that “Confucius, though a commoner, taught three thousand disciples, whereas the Imperial Academy now has but few students.” Accordingly, the number of students at the Imperial Academy was increased to three thousand, but after a year it returned to its former level of about one thousand.

    Liu Xiang was trusted by the Emperor and therefore often exposed and criticized members of the imperial house and contemporary officials, his words sharp yet sincere. The Emperor repeatedly sought to appoint him as one of the Nine Ministers, but was continually obstructed by those in power, including the Wang clan, the Chancellor, and the Grand Master of the Censorate. Thus, he never advanced, remaining a Grandee for more than thirty years until his death. Thirteen years after his passing, the Wang clan usurped the Han dynasty.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 245): The Bereaved

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 23 Scroll 31 (continued)

    The Site of Changling, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

    The 1st year of Emperor Cheng’s Yongshi Era (16 B.C. continued)

    The Empress Dowager had eight brothers; only her brother Wang Man died young and was not enfeoffed, and she pitied him for this. Wang Man’s widow, Qu, was supported by the Eastern Palace, and their son, Wang Mang, grew up an orphan, unable to rival his cousins, all of whom were sons of generals and marquises and indulged in extravagance, competing in displays of wealth and pleasure. Wang Mang, by contrast, humbled himself, practiced frugality, and devoted himself to study, dressing like a scholar. He served his mother and widowed sister-in-law, raised his orphaned nephews, and conducted himself with great care. He befriended eminent men outside the court and, within the imperial clan, attended to his uncles with meticulous respect.

    When the Grand General Wang Feng fell ill, Wang Mang waited upon him, personally tasting his medicine, remaining unkempt and unwashed, and not removing his clothes even to sleep or bathe for months. As Wang Feng lay dying, he commended Wang Mang to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, and Wang Mang was appointed Yellow Gates Attendant and later promoted to Colonel of Shooting the Sound.

    After some time, Wang Mang’s uncle, Wang Shang, Marquis of Chengdu, submitted a memorial requesting that his fief households be divided so that Wang Mang might be enfeoffed. Dai Chong, Privy Treasurer of Changle Palace, Jin She, Privy Counselor, and Chen Tang, Commandant of the Guards—all noted gentlemen of the time—spoke highly of Wang Mang. The Emperor accordingly esteemed him, and the Empress Dowager also frequently praised him. On May 6, Wang Mang was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xindu and promoted to Cavalry Commandant, Grand Master of Merit, and Privy Counselor. He served with diligence and care, and as his rank and title grew more exalted, his conduct became ever more humble. He distributed his carriages, horses, clothing, and furs to his retainers, leaving nothing in excess at home. He sponsored and associated with renowned scholars and cultivated ties with generals, ministers, and high officials. Thus, those in office continually recommended him, and those who visited him spoke highly of him, spreading his reputation far and wide, until it surpassed that of his uncles.

    He also ventured upon bold actions without apparent shame. Once he privately purchased a maidservant. When his brothers learned of it, Wang Mang said, “General of the Rear Zhu Ziyuan has no sons. I have heard that this maid is fit for bearing children, and so I bought her.” He then immediately presented the maid to General Zhu Bo. Such was his manner of concealing his pursuit of reputation.

    On June 6, Empress Zhao was formally established, and a great amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. Once she had been installed, however, her favor declined. Her younger sister, by contrast, was deeply beloved and was made Zhaoyi (Consort of Bright Deportment), residing in the Zhaoyang Palace. Its central courtyard was painted vermilion, and the halls above were lacquered black; all the thresholds were plated and gilded with copper; the stairways were fashioned of white jade; the walls were inlaid at intervals with golden belt, Lantian jade, and luminous pearls, and adorned with peacock feathers. Such splendor had never before been seen within the harem.

    Empress Zhao dwelt in a separate hall, often associating with attendants and palace servants who had borne many children. Consort(Zhaoyi) Zhao once said to the Emperor, “My sister is headstrong and fiery. If anyone were to slander her, the Zhao family would have no descendants.” She wept bitterly, and the Emperor was moved. Believing her, he ordered the execution of anyone who reported evidence of the Empress’s misconduct. As a result, the Empress indulged in debauchery without fear of accusation, yet in the end she remained childless.

    The Grand Master of Merit, Liu Xiang, held that royal instruction should proceed from within outward, beginning with those closest to the Emperor. He therefore compiled accounts of virtuous consorts and chaste women who aided in the flourishing of their states, as well as tales of indulgence and favoritism that led to ruin, drawing from the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents, and produced a work entitled Biographies of Exemplary Women in eight volumes. He also gathered various records and deeds, composing New Prefaces and Stories of the Garden in fifty volumes, which he presented to the Emperor. He frequently submitted memorials discussing gains and losses and offering admonitions. These writings, numbering in the dozens, were meant to assist the Emperor’s understanding and to supply what was lacking in his knowledge. Although the Emperor could not fully carry out all of Liu Xiang’s proposals, he privately esteemed his words and often sighed in admiration.

    The construction of the Changling Mausoleum was extravagant and sumptuous, yet even after a long time it remained unfinished.

    Liu Xiang submitted a memorial, saying: “I have heard that kings must submit to the Three Norms—Heaven, Earth, and the People—and understand that the Mandate of Heaven bestowed upon them is broad and not confined to a single family. From antiquity to the present, there has never been a state that did not eventually perish. Emperor Wen once admired the solidity of stone sarcophagi, to which Zhang Shizhi replied, ‘If there is something desirable within, then even if it were cast in copper and buried in Mount Zhongnan, cracks would still appear.’ The dead have no ultimate end, while states rise and fall; Zhang Shizhi’s words thus look to the unending future. Emperor Wen understood this and resolved upon a simple burial.

    “The making of coffins and sarcophagi began with the Yellow Emperor. The Yellow Emperor, Emperor Yao, Shun, Yu the Great, Tang(the Perfect) of Shang, King Wen of Zhou, King Wu of Zhou, and the Duke of Zhou all had small tombs and very modest burial places. Their wise ministers and filial sons likewise followed their example and buried them simply. This truly embodies the highest loyalty and filial piety in honoring and comforting one’s lord and father. Confucius buried his mother at Fang city, with a tomb four feet high. Ji Zha of Yanling buried his son, sealing the pit so that the mound, less than half a man’s height, was scarcely visible. Yet Confucius was a filial son, Ji Zha of Yanling a compassionate father, Shun and Yu loyal ministers, and the Duke of Zhou a dutiful brother; in burying their lords, parents, and kin, all practiced simplicity. This was not merely frugality for its own sake, but a principle truly worthy of adoption.

    “The First Emperor of Qin was buried at the foot of Mount Li. His tomb was sealed down through three layers of aquifer, with a towering mound above. Mercury was made to flow as rivers and seas; golden geese and ducks were set in place; treasures were stored; mechanical devices were installed; the coffins were splendid, and the palace structures magnificent—beyond all imagining. The people of the world were driven to exhaustion by forced labor and rose in revolt. The works at Mount Li were not yet finished when a great army of a million, led by Zhou Zhang, reached its base. Xiang Yu burned the palaces and encampments, and later a shepherd boy, searching for a lost sheep with a torch, accidentally set fire to the hidden coffin and bier. From antiquity to the present, there has never been a burial as grand as that of the First Emperor, yet within a few years it suffered calamity from Xiang Yu without and from the shepherd boy within. Is it not tragic?

    “Therefore, the greater the virtue, the simpler the burial; the deeper the wisdom, the less the expense in sepulture. Those lacking virtue and understanding make their tombs ever more elaborate. The higher the mound and the more splendid the temple, the sooner they are dug up. From this one can see the contrast between enlightenment and folly, and the auspiciousness or ominousness of burial is made plain.

    “Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have practiced frugality. When the mausoleum was first planned, its scale was modest, and all praised Your Majesty’s wisdom. But after it was moved to Changling, humility was turned into ostentation: soil was heaped into a mountain, people’s graves were opened, and countless laborers were conscripted. Thousands of dwellings were built, the work rushed to meet deadlines, at the cost of tens of thousands. The dead are resentful below, and the living sorrowful above. I am deeply distressed. If the dead are conscious, to disturb their graves is a great injury; if they are not, what purpose does such grandeur serve? To consult the wise brings them no joy, and to display this to the common people brings only suffering. If it is merely to please the foolish and the extravagant, what value does it have?

    “I beg that Your Majesty look to the wise precedents of antiquity as a model, take the calamity of fallen Qin as a warning, and return to the original plan for the mausoleum, in accordance with the deliberations of the nobles and ministers, so as to relieve the burden on the people.”

    The Emperor was moved by these words.

    At the outset, the Grand Architect Xie Wannian falsely claimed that the Changling Mausoleum could be completed in three years, yet in the end he failed to fulfill this promise. Many officials spoke of the project’s impracticality. The matter was referred to the relevant authorities for deliberation, and they all stated:

    “The Changling Mausoleum depends on raising low ground to make it high, while the burial chamber must still be constructed on level earth. Set upon alien soil, it does not safeguard the spirit of the deceased in the afterlife, and its shallow outer layers are insecure. The labor of the workers has reached the tens of thousands; fires are lit at night, and earth is hauled from the eastern mountains, to the point that soil itself now rivals grain in price. The construction has continued for several years, and the entire realm has been burdened by its toil. Therefore, the mausoleum should follow the natural terrain, rest upon true soil, be situated in a high and prominent place, and lie close to the resting places of the other ancestors. Moreover, ten years of work have already been expended on the former mausoleums. It would be best to return to them and not relocate the people, for the sake of convenience.”

    In July of autumn, an edict was issued, saying: “We have not firmly upheld our own virtue, nor fully consulted my advisors. We mistakenly heeded the words of the Grand Architect Xie Wannian, who claimed that ‘Changling could be completed in three years.’ After five years of labor, the central mausoleum and the Forbidden Gates have not even been begun. The resources of the state are exhausted, and the people are worn down. The foreign soil is loose and unsuitable, making completion impossible. We are deeply troubled and pained by this. As the saying goes, ‘To err and not to correct is itself an error.’ Therefore, let the construction of Changling cease, and let the officials and people not be relocated from the former mausoleums, so that the hearts of the people are not disturbed.”

    The descendants of Xiao He, the Marquis of Zan, who inherited his title, either died without heirs or committed crimes, so that their line was extinguished five times. Empress Gaozu, Emperor Wen, Emperor Jing, Emperor Wu, and Emperor Xuan all remembered Xiao He’s great service and repeatedly restored collateral branches of his family to the marquisate. In this year, Xiao He’s seventh-generation descendant, Xiao Huo, Marquis of Zan, was charged with having his slave kill a man. His death sentence was commuted, and he was assigned to hard labor on the city walls. Earlier, the Emperor had issued an edict directing the authorities to seek out the descendants of the founding heroes of the Han dynasty, but for a long time the records remained incomplete.

    Du Ye advised the Emperor, saying: “The ancient rulers Yao and Shun, and the kings of the Three Dynasties(Xia, Shang, Zhou), all enfeoffed the lords in order to secure the harmony of the realm. Thus the ancestral sacrifices of Yan and Qi were maintained alongside those of Zhou, with sons succeeding fathers and brothers following brothers, without interruption through the years. How could this have been achieved without the punishments and exertions of the ancestors, by which their descendants were enabled to enjoy the fruits? When we trace back the meritorious officials of the Han, all were granted hereditary titles and swore oaths by mountains and rivers. Yet in little more than a hundred years, those who inherited these titles have all passed away, their bones lying alone in the graves, their descendants scattered, living as destitute servants and dying as wandering corpses. When one reflects on the past, it is all the more grievous in the present.

    “The benevolent court, moved by compassion, issued an edict to seek out their descendants, and people from all quarters returned joyfully with loyal hearts. Yet years have passed without proper inquiry, and I fear that those who speak of it do not grasp its great significance, offering only empty words. This obscures Your Majesty’s great virtue and spreads a reputation for ungenerosity on the part of the court, which does not serve to instruct or to encourage future generations. Though it may be difficult to carry it out in full, we should at least continue to honor those of outstanding merit.” The Emperor accepted this counsel.

    On July 15, Xiao He’s sixth-generation descendant, Xiao Xi, Chief of Nanluan County, was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Zan.

    The younger brother of Prince Ai of Chengyang, Liu Li, was also established as Prince of Chengyang.

    On August 19, the Great Grand Empress Dowager Wang, consort of Emperor Xuan, passed away.

    In September, a black dragon(dark cloud of odd shape?) appeared in Donglai.

    On September 30, a solar eclipse occurred.

    In this year, the Prefect of Nanyang, Chen Xian, was appointed Privy Treasurer, and the Privy Counselor Chunyu Chang was appointed Commandant of Waterways And Parks.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 241): The Place of Affine Kin

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 22 Scroll 30 (continued)

    Strategies of the Warring States, Compiled by Liu Xiang

    The 2nd year of Emperor Cheng’s Yangshuo Era (23 B.C.)

    In March of spring, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

    The Grand Master of the Censorate, Zhang Zhong, passed away.

    In summer, on April 27, the Privy Counselor and Grand Coachman, Wang Yin, was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate. At this time, the Wang family grew ever more prominent: inspectors of the provinces and prime ministers of principalities were drawn almost entirely from their ranks. The Five Marquises and their younger brothers vied with one another in extravagance, exchanging lavish gifts and rare treasures from every quarter. They were adept in the arts of human relations, patronizing of scholars and men of reputation, spending their wealth to enhance their prestige. Their gates were thronged with retainers, all competing to extol their virtues.

    Liu Xiang said to Chen Tang, “Now, with disasters and anomalies so frequent, and the maternal relatives growing more powerful by the day, the Liu clan is inevitably endangered. I have been fortunate, as a distant kinsman of the same surname, to benefit from the grace of the Han for generations. As an old servant of the imperial house, I have served three emperors. The Emperor respects me as a minister of the former reign and always shows me favor in the audience. If I do not speak, who will?”

    He therefore submitted a sealed memorial of vehement remonstrance:

    “Your servant has heard that no ruler does not desire security, yet all are ever in danger; none does not wish for preservation, yet all stand on the brink of ruin—this comes from losing the art of restraining one’s ministers. When great ministers seize the levers of power and control the governance of the state, there has never been one who did not bring harm. Therefore the Book of Documents says, ‘When a minister exercises authority and dispenses favor on his own, it brings ruin to his clan and calamity to his state.’ Confucius said that when emoluments are distributed outside the court and governance is usurped by high ministers, it is a sign of peril and destruction.

    “Now the Wang clan alone—those who ride vermilion-wheeled, ornamented carriages—number as many as twenty-three. Blue and purple robes, sable and cicada pendants fill the inner curtains, arrayed to the left and right of Your Majesty like the scales of a fish. The Grand General holds the reins of government and wields authority; the Five Marquises are haughty, extravagant, and presumptuous beyond measure. Together they exercise power and dispense favor at will, striking down and deciding arbitrarily, indulging themselves without restraint—committing what is foul under the cloak of administration, pursuing private ends under the guise of public duty. They rely on the dignity of the Eastern Palace and exploit the intimacy of nephew and maternal uncle to give weight to their authority.

    “The Ministers of the State Secretariat, the Nine Ministers, provincial governors, and commandery prefects all issue from their gate. They grasp the pivots of the state, forming cliques and factions. Those who praise them are advanced; those who offend them or incur their hatred are punished and injured. Idle talkers assist them with persuasion; those in office speak on their behalf. They exclude and cast aside the imperial kindred, isolating and weakening the royal clan. Those among the imperial house who possess ability and understanding are especially slandered and denied advancement; they are kept far from offices assigned to the imperial family and are not permitted to attend at court, lest they share authority with them. Repeatedly they invoke the Prince of Yan(Liu Dan) and the Royal Princess Gai to sow suspicion in the Emperor’s mind; they avoid and taboo the names of Empress Dowager Lü and Huo Guang and refuse even to utter them.

    “Within the court they sow seeds of rebellion like Uncle Guan and Uncle Cai; outside the court they borrow the language of the Duke of Zhou. Brothers occupy positions of weight; the clan interlocks like bedrock. From high antiquity through Qin and Han, never has there been an affinal house whose usurping eminence equals that of the Wang clan.

    “When things reach fullness, extraordinary change must follow, first revealed in subtle signs to those who attend to them. In the time of Emperor Zhao, a stone crown rose upon Mount Tai, and a fallen willow sprouted again in the Imperial Park—then Emperor Xuan ascended the throne. Now, among the graves of the Wang ancestors in Jinan, a catalpa pillar has put forth branches and leaves, spreading upward beyond the roof, its roots hanging down into the earth; even the rising of a stone or the reviving of a willow could scarcely surpass the clarity of this portent.

    “The circumstances of affairs do not permit two great powers: the Wang clan and the Liu clan cannot stand together. If there is peace below like Mount Tai, then there is peril above like a stack of eggs. Your Majesty is the heir of the ancestral line, charged with guarding the ancestral temples. If the mandate of the state is allowed to pass to affinal kin and the imperial house is reduced to menial service—even though Your Majesty might refrain from speaking for your own sake, what about then for the ancestral temples?

    “A woman takes her husband’s house as her inner sphere and her natal parents’ house as external; this, too, is no blessing for the Empress Dowager. Emperor Xuan did not share authority with his maternal uncle, the Marquis of Pingchang, and thereby preserved complete security and peace.

    “Now, the enlightened lord cultivates blessings from what has no visible form and extinguishes calamities before they arise. It would be fitting to issue a clarifying imperial edict, giving voice to benevolent instruction: draw near the imperial kindred, cherish them, and admit them to trust; dismiss the distant affinal kin and grant them no share in governance; relieve them all of office and order them to return to their respective domains—thus taking as model and effecting what the Former Emperor practiced. In this way, the affinal kin would be generously secured and their clans preserved intact, in accord with the intent of the Eastern Palace and as a blessing to the maternal families.

    “The Wang clan would endure, their ranks and emoluments preserved; the Liu house would enjoy lasting peace and not lose the altars of soil and grain. This is the means to honor harmony between the inner and outer surnames, a plan without limit for sons and grandsons. If this policy is not carried out, the Tian clan(taking over State of Qi)  will be seen again in our own day, and the Six Grandees (dividing state of Jin) will surely arise within Han—a grave anxiety for later heirs, plain and manifest. I beg that Your Majesty hold fast to these thoughts.”

    After reading the memorial, the Emperor summoned Liu Xiang for an audience. Sighing, he lamented the gravity of the matter and said, “You may withdraw for now; I will give this my consideration.” In the end, however, he was unable to adopt Liu Xiang’s counsel.

    In autumn, severe floods occurred east of Hangu Pass.

    On August 10, the Prince of Dingtao, Liu Kang, died.

    That year, the Prince of Xindu, Liu Xing, was transferred and enfeoffed as Prince of Zhongshan.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 238): Southwestern Indigenous Tribes

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 22 Scroll 30 (continued)

    Yi People

    The 2nd year of Emperor Cheng’s Heping Era (27 B.C. continued)

    The King of Yelang, Xing (Moyaxie, indigenous Yi people), the King of Gouding, Yǔ, and the Marquis of Louwo, Yu, raised troops and attacked one another. The Prefect of Zangke requested permission to dispatch an army to punish King Xing of Yelang and the others. The officials argued that the great distance made such an expedition impracticable, and instead dispatched the Grandee of the Palace, Zhang Kuang of Shu Commandery, with a commission to mediate and resolve the conflict. Xing and the others, however, did not comply with the orders; they carved wooden effigies of Han officials, set them by the roadside, and shot arrows at them.

    Du Qin advised the Grand General Wang Feng: “The southern barbarian kings have shown contempt for the Han envoys and no longer fear the authority of the state. I am afraid that the officials will adopt a weaker stance and persist in seeking reconciliation. The Prefect observes developments and reports them only once they have already become rebellion. If this is so, action will be delayed a further three months; in that time, these kings and chieftains will muster their forces and fortify their positions. Their resentment will only deepen, leading inevitably to mutual destruction. Knowing their crimes to be punishable, they will recklessly assault the prefects and commandants, then withdraw into remote and inhospitable lands, dense with poisonous plants and sweltering with heat and humidity. Even if commanders like Sun Wu or Wu Qi, or warriors such as Meng Ben and Xia Yu, were to enter such perilous terrain, it would be like leaping into fire or flood—they would either burn or drown, and wisdom and valor alike would gain no advantage. To maintain these lands by settlement and farming would impose an excessive burden.

    “We should act before their offenses become ominous and before they suspect Han’s punitive intent. Secretly instruct the neighboring prefects and commandants to train troops and horses, and have the Grand Minister of Agriculture prepare grain stores at key points. Select a capable prefect and dispatch him. Enter in the cool season of autumn and execute those kings and chieftains who are especially defiant. If we judge this land barren and its people of no use, then a wise ruler should not burden the Central Realm with them: abandon the commandery, forsake its inhabitants, and sever ties with their leaders. But if the achievements of the late Emperor, established over many generations, must not be allowed to decay into ruin, then act early to eliminate this threat. Once matters escalate into open war, countless lives will be lost.”

    Grand General Wang Feng then recommended Chen Li of Linqiong, Marshal of Jincheng, to serve as Prefect of Zangke. Upon arriving in Zangke, Chen Li sought to communicate with Xing, King of Yelang, but Xing refused to comply. Chen Li requested permission to punish him, yet received no reply. Thereupon, Chen Li, accompanied by several dozen officials, toured the counties and reached Jutongting, where Xing was stationed. He summoned Xing, who arrived with several thousand followers, but entered with only a few dozen village chiefs to meet Chen Li. Chen Li reprimanded him and then had him beheaded.

    The village chiefs said, “The general has punished the unruly and removed a threat to the people. We wish to inform the soldiers.” Displaying Xing’s head, they laid down their arms and surrendered. The King of Gouding, Yǔ, and the Marquis of Louwo, Yu, were struck with fear and offered a thousand bushels of grain, along with cattle and sheep, to welcome the officials and troops. Chen Li then returned to the commandery seat.

    Xing’s father-in-law, Wengzhi, together with his son Xiewu, gathered the remaining forces and compelled twenty-two neighboring villages to rebel. By winter, Chen Li petitioned to recruit local tribes and, together with the Commandant and the Chief of Staff, divided his forces to attack Wengzhi and the others. Wengzhi fortified a key position, but Chen Li dispatched a surprise detachment to cut off their supply routes and spread false reports to sow discord among their ranks.

    The Commandant Wan Nian said, “A prolonged conflict cannot be sustained.” He led his troops to attack independently, was defeated, and retreated to Chen Li’s camp. Enraged, Chen Li rebuked him and ordered his subordinates to drive him from the camp with fist blows. Commandant Wan Nian returned to the fight, and Chen Li provided reinforcements. During a severe drought, Chen Li launched an attack and severed their access to water. The barbarians then collectively beheaded Wengzhi and surrendered with his head, and the western tribes were pacified.

    The 3rd year of Emperor Cheng’s Heping Era (26 B.C.)

    In January of spring, the Prince of Chu, Liu Xiao, came to court. On February 16, an edict was issued commending Liu Xiao for exemplary conduct and distinguished virtue, and his son, Liu Xun, was granted the title of Marquis of Guangqi.

    On February 27, an earthquake struck Qianwei, causing mountains to collapse and block the Zangke River, so that its water flowed backward.

    On August 30, a solar eclipse occurred.

    The Emperor observed that the court library’s collections had largely been dispersed and lost, and therefore dispatched the court usher Chen Nong to search for missing books throughout the realm. An imperial decree ordered the Grand Master of Merit, Liu Xiang, to collate the Classics, their commentaries, and the writings of the various philosophers and poets; the Commandant of Infantry, Ren Hong, to collate military texts; the Grand Astronomer, Yin Xian, to collate works on numerology and astrology; and the Court Physician, Li Zhuguo, to collate medical and technical writings. Each time a book was completed, Liu Xiang listed its chapters, summarized its principal ideas, recorded them, and presented them to the Emperor.

    Liu Xiang, perceiving that the power of the Wang family had grown excessive and knowing that the Emperor favored the ancient texts of the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents, compiled materials based on the “Hong Fan” chapter of the Book of Documents. He gathered accounts of auspicious signs and calamities from antiquity through the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, down to the Qin and Han dynasties. He analyzed these events, linked them to the causes and effects of fortune and misfortune, set forth their prognostications and verifications, and arranged them into related categories. In all, there were eleven chapters, which he entitled Hong Fan: Commentary and Discussion on the Wuxing(Five Elements), and he presented them to the Emperor. The Emperor, aware of Liu Xiang’s loyalty and devotion, understood that the work had been composed to restrain the brothers of Wang Feng; yet in the end he was unable to strip the Wang family of their power.

    The Yellow River again breached at Pingyuan, flowing into Jinan and Qiansheng Commanderies, causing damage roughly half as extensive as in the Jianshi era. Wang Yanshi was once more dispatched, together with the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Yang Yan, the Grand Architect, Xu Shang, and the Grand Master of Remonstrance, Chengma Yannian, to oversee the repairs, which were completed in June. Wang Yanshi was rewarded with one hundred catties of gold. The laborers who repaired the river, having received no wages for their work, were granted an exemption from corvée service for six months.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 236): Infertility Paranoia

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 22 Scroll 30 (continued)

    Dujiangyan, Ancient Hydraulic Engineering Project Still in Use.

    The 1st year of Emperor Cheng’s Heping Era (28 B.C.)

    In the spring, Du Qin recommended Wang Yanshi of Qianwei to Wang Feng, and Wang Yanshi was appointed to oversee the breach of the Yellow River. Wang Feng designated him Special Envoy for the Yellow River embankments. Wang Yanshi employed bamboo crates, each forty feet in length and nine men in circumference, filled them with small stones, and floated them downstream, each crate pressed by two boats. Within thirty-six days, the embankment was completed.

    In March, an edict appointed Wang Yanshi Grand Master of Merit, with emoluments of the two-thousand-picul rank, and bestowed upon him the title of Marquis within the Passes, together with one hundred catties of gold.

    In summer, on April 30, a solar eclipse occurred. An edict was issued calling upon officials and ministers to discuss the court’s faults openly and without restraint, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

    The Grand Master of Merit, Liu Xiang, responded: “In late April and early May, the month of this eclipse corresponds to that of the eclipse in the time of Emperor Hui, and the day of this eclipse corresponds to that in the time of Emperor Zhao. Neither of those emperors left a son. This portent thus suggests a threat to the dynastic succession.” At the time, Empress Xu monopolized the Emperor’s intimacy, and few in the harem had the opportunity to see him. Both within and beyond the palace, people feared there would be no heir. Accordingly, Du Qin, Gu Yong, and Liu Xiang all raised this concern in their responses.

    The Emperor then reduced expenditures for the Pepper Chamber—the Empress’s residence—and the rear quarters of the harem. Henceforth, outlays for clothing, carriages, and other necessities were to be supplied through the various government offices, and gifts to the Empress’s family and to ministers were to follow the precedents established before the Jingning era (under Emperor Yuan).

    The Empress submitted a memorial in her own defense, saying: “Times and institutions change; different measures may complement one another without departing from the Han system. Minor details cannot always be made to coincide exactly. To compare the period before the Jingning era (under Emperor Yuan) with the period before the Huanglong era (under Emperor Xuan) is unreasonable. My household staff does not understand, and this decree now makes it so that I cannot so much as move my hand freely. If I wish to have a screen made and placed somewhere, they will say, ‘There is no precedent for this,’ and I will be constrained by the decree. This truly cannot be carried out. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider!

    “By precedent, sacrifices using a single head of cattle were offered to grandparents; yet my grandparents—Marquis Dai (Xu Guanghan, whose title was inherited by Xu Jia, her father) and Marquis Jing (Xu Yanshou, Xu Jia’s biological father)—have, by Your Majesty’s exceptional grace, received the honor of grand sacrifices. If we must adhere strictly to precedent, then we should offer only a single head of cattle. I beg Your Majesty to show mercy!

    “Now, as soon as the officials received the decree and read it aloud, they made its meaning plain to me: that these resources are not to be treated as private household property, to be taken at will. This is the beginning of a slippery slope—constraining me in a manner contrary to human nature. I ask Your Majesty to examine this thoroughly!”

    The Emperor replied, citing the statements of Gu Yong and Liu Xiang concerning disasters and portents arising from the harem: “Officials are constrained by the law and should not be overly reproached. In rectifying excess, there is often the risk of overcorrection; this has been so throughout history. The reduction of expenditures and the offering of sacrifices with only a single head of cattle are intended to foster virtue and to win for you, Empress, greater praise and renown. If the root causes of calamity are not removed, disasters will continue, and our ancestors will not receive their proper sacrifices—still less the Marquis Dai. Does not the Classic say, ‘Those who are frugal seldom go astray’? Does the Empress truly wish to pursue a path of extravagance?

    “I could have followed the example of Emperor Wu; had I done so, the palaces of Ganquan and Jianzhang might have been restored. No—Emperor Wen is my model, and the Empress Dowager is the standard for the Empress. If the Empress Dowager, when she was Empress, did not attain such a standard, yet you now enjoy intimacy and favor, do you begrudge surpassing her example? The Empress should diligently cultivate virtue, practice modesty and frugality, and set a pattern for the other consorts, thereby establishing a lasting standard.”

    The Palace Steward, Ping Dang of Pingling, submitted a memorial stating: “The Emperor Emeritus, founding ancestor of the Han dynasty, should not have his mausoleum and temple precincts left in neglect.” The Emperor, who was also concerned about the lack of an heir, accepted this advice. In September of autumn, the mausoleum and temple precincts of the Emperor Emeritus were restored.

    An edict declared: “At present, there are more than a thousand provisions for capital punishment in the penal code, and the laws and decrees are numerous and intricate, amounting to over a hundred thousand words. Special statutes and far-reaching citations increase daily. Even those well versed in the law find them difficult to comprehend; how much more so the common people? This ensnares the innocent and leads to wrongful deaths. Is this not tragic? Discuss the reduction of capital penalties and the simplification of the laws so that they may be clear and easily understood, and submit your proposals.”

    At the time, officials failed to convey and propagate the Emperor’s intent in full, merely quibbling over minor points and listing a few matters to satisfy the edict superficially.

    At the New Year celebration in the first month of spring, the Chanyu of the Xiongnu sent the Right Gaolin King, Yiye Moyan, to present tributes at court.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 231): Flaw Not Obscure Splendor of Jade

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 21 Scroll 29 (continued)

    Kunlun Mountains

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

    Earlier, the Director of the Palace Secretariat, Shi Xian, had once sought to marry his elder sister to Gan Yanshou, but Gan Yanshou declined. When Gan Yanshou later returned after defeating Zhizhi Chanyu, both the Chancellor and the Grand Master of the Censorate disapproved of his conduct in forging the imperial decree and therefore withheld commendation for his achievements.

    Chen Tang was by nature avaricious. The wealth he seized and brought back through the frontier was often obtained unlawfully. The Colonel Inspectorate of the Capital (Colonel of Retainers) sent officials along the route to detain Chen Tang’s officers and soldiers for investigation. Chen Tang submitted a memorial stating:

    “The officers and soldiers under my command together punished Zhizhi Chanyu and were fortunate to capture and destroy him. After traveling thousands of li, we should have been met with envoys to welcome and reward us along the road. Instead, the Colonel Inspectorate of the Capital detains and interrogates us—this is no different from avenging Zhizhi Chanyu!”

    The Emperor immediately ordered the release of the detained officers and soldiers, and commanded the commanderies and counties along the route to supply the army with food and wine.

    After their return, when merits were being discussed, Shi Xian and Kuang Heng said:

    “Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang rashly raised troops and acted without authorization. That they were not executed should already be counted as great leniency. If they are further rewarded with ranks and fiefs, then in the future envoys will all strive to act recklessly, provoking troubles with the barbarians and bringing calamity upon the state.”

    The Emperor personally admired the achievements of Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang, yet he also valued the opinions of Kuang Heng and Shi Xian. Thus, he delayed the decision for a long time.

    At this point, the former Minister of the Imperial Clan, Liu Xiang (formerly known as Liu Gengsheng), submitted a memorial:

    “Zhizhi Chanyu imprisoned and slew envoys and officials by the hundreds. His crimes were proclaimed throughout the foreign lands, grievously damaging the dignity of the Han, so that all within the court were filled with righteous indignation. Your Majesty resolved to punish him and never for a moment forgot this resolve.

    “The Protector-General of the Western Regions, Gan Yanshou, together with the Lieutenant Colonel Chen Tang, upheld the imperial command and relied upon the awe of divine authority. They united the leaders of the various alien tribes, gathered the forces of the frontier cities, braved death countless times, and advanced deep into distant lands. They penetrated Kangju, captured three fortified cities, seized the enemy’s banners, and beheaded Zhizhi Chanyu. Their standards were unfurled thousands of li away, their might shook the regions west of the Kun Mountains(a.k.a. Kunlun Mountains), the disgrace of Gu Ji’s killing was avenged, and illustrious merit was established. All the foreign tribes trembled in fear and submission.

    “Huhanye Chanyu, upon hearing of Zhizhi’s execution, was at once joyful and fearful; he turned toward righteousness, bowed in submission, and came to court, vowing to guard the northern frontier and serve the Han for generations. This achievement ensures peace for ten thousand ages and constitutes a merit unparalleled among ministers.

    “In antiquity, Fang Shu and Yin Jifu assisted King Xuan of Zhou in chastising the Xianyun(an old derogatory epithet for Xiongnu), thereby bringing all the tribes to submission. As the Book of Songs says:

    ‘Mighty and resounding, like thunder and lightning—
    Fang Shu went forth to chastise the Xianyun,
    brought all the southern tribes to submission.’

    “The Book of Changes says: ‘‘It is a commendable feat, When the head is taken, the rest submit.’ This praises the punishment of the chief offender, by which all the unruly are brought to obedience. Now Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang, by their thunderous strike and awe-inspiring might, achieved what the Book of Changes calls ‘taking the head,’ and what the Book of Songs likens to ‘thunder and lightning’—indeed, their merit surpasses even these examples.

    “When assessing great achievements, minor faults are not recorded; when praising great virtue, small errors are not examined. The Methods of Sima Rangju state: ‘Military rewards must not be delayed beyond one month,’ for merit must be promptly recognized, so that the will to serve is encouraged and achievement made manifest. This is the proper way to employ men of talent.

    “In former times, when Yin Jifu returned from his campaign, the Zhou court bestowed upon him great rewards. The Book of Songs says:

    ‘Jifu returned in joy,
    Laden with abundant blessings;
    From Hao he came back,
    His journey long and arduous.’

    “A journey of a thousand li to Hao was already deemed far; how much more so a march of ten thousand li? Their toil and merit are therefore beyond measure.”

    “Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang have not yet received the honors due to their achievements; instead, their great merits have been suppressed, and they have long endured petty accusations from court officials. This neither encourages merit nor inspires those of ambition.

    “In former times, Duke Huan of Qi first rendered great service in upholding the Zhou house, yet later committed the fault of destroying the state of Xiang. Historians nevertheless concealed his faults in order to exalt his merit. Likewise, the Ershi General Li Guangli exhausted fifty thousand troops and squandered immense resources over four years, yet gained only thirty fine horses. Though he slew the King of Dayuan, Wugua, his achievement scarcely compensated for the cost, and his private crimes were many. Nevertheless, Emperor Wu, mindful of the hardship of distant campaigns, overlooked his offenses and rewarded him with marquisates, high offices, and stipends of two thousand picul for more than a hundred men.

    “Now Kangju is stronger than Dayuan, and Zhizhi Chanyu’s renown surpassed that of the King of Dayuan; the crime of murdering envoys is graver still than withholding horses. Yet Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang neither exhausted the people nor drained the treasury, and their achievement exceeds that of the Ershi General a hundredfold.

    “Moreover, Chang Hui pursued and attacked the Wusun following his own initiative, and Zheng Ji received the submission of the Rizhu King without prior imperial command; yet both were granted fiefs and ennobled. Measured by military merit and hardship, Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang surpass Fang Shu and Yin Jifu; weighed by the balance of merit and fault, they exceed Duke Huan of Qi and the Ershi General; compared with more recent achievements, they stand above the Marquis of Anyuan(Zheng Ji) and the Marquis of Changluo(Chang Hui).

    “Yet now their great accomplishments are left unrewarded, while their minor faults are repeatedly magnified—this truly grieves the heart. It is fitting, therefore, to pardon and release them in due time, restore their ranks, set aside their faults, and bestow proper honors, so as to encourage merit and inspire those who serve the state.”

    Thereupon, the Emperor issued an edict granting pardon to Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang, ordering that their offenses not be pursued, and commanded the ministers to deliberate on the bestowal of ranks and titles. The officials argued that the precedent of military merit lay in the capture and execution of Zhizhi Chanyu. Kuang Heng and Shi Xian, however, objected, saying: “Zhizhi was originally a fugitive who had lost his state; he merely usurped the title in a remote land and was not truly a Chanyu.”

    The Emperor cited the precedent of the Marquis of Anyuan, Zheng Ji, who had been enfeoffed with a thousand households; yet Kuang Heng and Shi Xian persisted in their objections.

    In the summer, on April 30, Gan Yanshou was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yicheng, and Chen Tang was granted the title of Marquis within the Passes. Each received a fief of three hundred households, along with a reward of one hundred catties of gold. Gan Yanshou was appointed Colonel of Changshui, and Chen Tang was appointed Colonel of Shooting Sound; both were placed in command of troops.

    Thereafter, Du Qin submitted a memorial again discussing the merits of Feng Fengshi’s earlier campaign against Shache(Yarkant). The Emperor, deeming it an affair of the former reign, did not reopen the matter. Du Qin was the son of the former Grand Master of Censorate, Du Yannian.

    Xun Yue’s Commentary: If Feng Fengshi’s achievements and righteousness were sufficient to warrant enfeoffment, then revisiting and recording his former merits is indeed appropriate. According to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, to censure the Duke of Lu for dismantling the ancestral temple was deemed improper, while to commend him for disbanding the central army was deemed correct—each judgment resting upon what was fitting to the circumstance.

    Matters undertaken without imperial authorization were always treated with caution by the former kings and were permitted only when necessity compelled them. If one acts without authorization in a great affair yet achieves little, punishment is fitting; if one acts without authorization in a lesser matter yet accomplishes great merit, reward is fitting; if merit and fault counterbalance one another, then leaving the matter unresolved is appropriate.

    Thus, judgments should be weighed on the gravity of the matter and rendered as befits its achievement.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 221): A Wishy-Washy Emperor

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 20 Scroll 28 (continued)

    Confucius Executing Shao Zhengmao

    The 1st year of Emperor Yuan’s Yongguang Era (43 B.C.)

    In  January of spring, the Emperor traveled to Ganquan to offer sacrifice at the Taiyi Altar. When the rites were completed, he remained there to hunt. Xue Guangde submitted a memorial, saying: “I observe that the lands east of Hangu Pass are in extreme distress, and the people wander in displacement. Yet Your Majesty daily strikes the bell of fallen Qin and listens to the music of Zheng and Wey—this fills me with deep sorrow. Now the soldiers stand exposed to wind and chill, and the officials grow weary. I earnestly request that Your Majesty return swiftly to the palace and share in the joys and sorrows of the common people, that the whole realm may be greatly comforted.” The Emperor returned to the palace on that very day.

    In February, an edict was issued: “The Chancellor and the Grand Master of the Censorate shall recommend men who are sincere, upright, modest, and virtuous. Each year the Grand Chamberlain shall examine Secretariat Gentlemen and Palace Attendants according to these standards.”

    In March, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the empire.

    Rains, snows, and frost fell, withering the mulberry trees.

    In the autumn, the Emperor performed sacrifices at the ancestral temple. As he was about to depart through the side gate to board the tower-ship, Xue Guangde, the Grand Master of the Censorate, removed his cap and bowed low, saying: “It is fitting to use the bridge.”

    The Emperor said, “Put on your cap, Grand Master.”

    Xue Guangde replied: “If Your Majesty will not heed me, I shall cut my throat and stain the chariot wheels with blood—then Your Majesty will not be able to enter the temple!” The Emperor was displeased.

    The forerunner, Grand Master of Merit Zhang Meng, stepped forward and said, “I have heard that when the lord is wise, his ministers are upright. To ride the tower-ship is perilous; to use the bridge is more secure. A wise lord does not court danger. The words of the Grand Master of the Censorate ought to be heeded.”

    The Emperor replied, “Should not an enlightened man explain it thus first?” Therefore he followed their counsel and crossed by the bridge.

    In September, frost descended and destroyed the crops, and famine spread throughout the realm. The Chancellor Yu Dingguo, the Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry Shi Gao, and the Grand Master of the Censorate Xue Guangde all requested leave to retire, taking the blame for the disaster. They were granted carriages, four horses, and sixty catties of gold, and were dismissed. The Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, Wei Xuancheng, was appointed Grand Master of the Censorate. When Xue Guangde returned home, he hung his carriage aloft and displayed it to his descendants as a badge of honor.

    When the Emperor was Crown Prince, he studied the Book of Documents under Grand Master of the Palace Kong Ba. Upon ascending the throne, he granted Kong Ba the title of Marquis Within the Passes, the honorific Lord Baocheng, and appointed him Palace Liaison. The Emperor wished to elevate Kong Ba to Chancellor, but Kong Ba—modest and yielding, averse to power and influence—often said, “My rank and title are already excessive; how could I be worthy of them?”

    Whenever the post of Grand Master of the Censorate fell vacant, the Emperor desired to appoint Kong Ba. But Kong Ba declined each time, explaining his reasons with humble sincerity. The Emperor, perceiving that his modesty was genuine, did not compel him to accept and esteemed him all the more, bestowing upon him many generous rewards.

    On September 24, the Privy Counselor and Commander of the Capital Guards, Wang Jie—son of Wang Wugu, the maternal uncle of Emperor Xuan—was appointed Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry.

    Shi Xian feared Zhou Kan, Zhang Meng, and the others, and incessantly slandered and maligned them. Liu Gengsheng, fearing they were endangered, submitted a sealed memorial:

    “I have heard that when Emperor Shun appointed the Nine Ministers, they worked in harmony, achieving perfect concord. When ministers were harmonious at court, all things were harmonious in the countryside, prosperity was attained, the nine movements of the music Xiao–Shao were composed, and phoenixes appeared. Conversely, in the tumultuous reigns of King You and King Li of Zhou, when the court was rife with discord, mutual accusations, and grievances, the sun and moon were eclipsed, springs and wells boiled, mountains collapsed, and frost fell out of season. From this it is evident that harmony brings good fortune, while discord invites calamity. When auspicious signs abound, a state is secure; when anomalies multiply, the state is imperiled. This is the principle of Heaven and the Earth, the shared understanding of all ages.

    “Now Your Majesty has revived the traditions of the Three Dynasties(Xia, Shang, Zhou)—gathering scholars, promoting lenience and tolerance, allowing them to advance together. Yet at present, the worthy and unworthy are mixed; black and white are not distinguished; the corrupt and upright are intermingled; loyal and slanderous men advance side by side. Memorials inundate the transmission office; dubious petitioners crowd the prisons of the Northern Army, detained for questioning. Court officials are disordered and discordant, hamstringing one another, thereby confounding and misleading the eyes and ears of the court, clouding the heart and mind.

    “They form factions and cliques, often plotting against righteous ministers. When righteous ministers advance, governance is in order; when they are cast aside, occasions of chaos arise. Now, at the very moment when the government must be set right, Your Majesty hesitates over whom to entrust with authority, while disasters and anomalies frequently occur—this fills me with profound apprehension.

    “Since the first year of the Chuyuan era(the Emperor’s enthroning year), six years have passed, and never in these six years have disasters been as numerous as recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals. The reason lies in the advancement of slanderers and the wicked. And the reason they advance lies in the Sovereign’s distrust and suspicion. Even when worthy men are appointed and good policies enacted, if slander arises, the worthy will withdraw and the good policies will cease. When the Sovereign’s heart clings to doubt, slanderous tongues multiply; when his mind is hesitant and irresolute, falsehoods gain entry. When slanderers advance, the worthy retreat; when the wicked flourish, the righteous disappear. Thus the Book of Change speaks of misfortune and fortune: when misfortune reaches its end, good fortune comes. When the way of the petty prevails, the way of gentlemen declines and chaos ensues; conversely when the way of gentlemen prevails, the way of the petty declines and good governance arises.

    “In ancient times, Gun, Gong’gong, and Huan Dou served in Emperor Yao’s court together with Shun and Yu; and the Duke of Zhou served in the Zhou court alongside Uncle Guan and Uncle Cai. In those days they contended fiercely and slandered one another without end. Yet Emperor Yao empowered Shun, Yu, where King Cheng of Zhou empowered the Duke of Zhou, while suppressing Gong’gong, Uncle Guan, and Uncle Cai. Thus governance flourished, and their renown endures to this day. By contrast, Confucius served in Lu beside Jisun and Mengsun; Li Si served in Qin alongside Shusun Tong. Duke Ding of Lu honored Jisun, Mengsun yet dismissed Confucius where the First Emperor(Qin Shihuang) honored Li Si but dismissed Shusun Tong. Hence chaos arose and their disgrace is remembered to the present.

    “Therefore, the root of order and disorder, honor and disgrace, lies in whom the Lord trusts. If the Lord entrusts the worthy and his trust remains firm and unmovable, good governance will flourish. The Book of Songs says, ‘My heart is not a stone; it cannot be turned.’ This signifies steadfast adherence to what is good. The Book of Change says, ‘When a great command is issued, it should be as irrevocable as sweat.’ It means commands are like sweat: once sweat has come out, it cannot be rescinded. Yet now good ordinances are often reversed within three months—like attempting to reverse sweat. Worthy men are appointed only to be dismissed within thirty days—like turning a stone. The Analects says, ‘When you see what is wrong, act as though touching hot water.’ But now the Two Offices (Chancellery and Censorate) report that certain flatterers and deceivers should not hold office, and yet they have persisted for years. Thus orders are reversed like sweat, appointing the worthy is like turning stone, and removing flatterers is like moving mountains. Under such circumstances, wouldn’t it be so difficult to hope for harmony between yin and yang?

    “Thus the unworthy perceive these openings, adorn their writings with cunning words, and spread slanderous tales among the people. The Book of Songs says, ‘My troubled heart is pained by the many unworthy men’—truly, when petty men abound, it is exasperating. In the past, Confucius, Yan Yuan, and Zigong praised one another without forming factions, and Yu the Great, Hou Ji, and Gao Yao recommended one another without private motive. This was because they were loyal to the state and harbored no ulterior motive.

    “But now flatterers and wicked men intermingle with worthy ministers in the inner court, forming factions and plotting together—opposing the good, espousing the evil, frequently setting forth perilous words to sway the Lord. Should he suddenly make use of them, Heaven and Earth must first warn the people; thus calamities occur again and again.

    “Since antiquity, no wise Lord has attained good governance without punishing the wicked. Thus Emperor Shun exiled the Four Criminals, and Confucius executed Shaozheng Mao at the Gate of Dual Views; only thereafter could the sage’s transforming influence take effect.

    “Now, with Your Majesty’s enlightened understanding, with a mind that comprehends Heaven and Earth, examine the hexagrams of misfortune and fortune; follow the precedents of King Cheng of Zhou and Emperor Yao, and take lessons from the ruin of Qin and the disorder of Lu. Consider the blessings signaled by inauspicious omens and the disasters portended by anomalies, so as to discern the changes of the age.

    “Expel the factions of flatterers and dissolve their cliques; close the gates through which falsehood enters and open the paths by which the righteous advance. Decide with firmness, distinguish right from wrong with clarity—then anomalous signs will vanish and manifold blessings will come. This will establish the foundation of enduring peace and bestow benefit upon ten thousand generations.”

    Upon reading Liu Gengsheng’s memorial, Shi Xian bound himself still more tightly to the Xu and Shi clans and grew ever more hateful toward Liu Gengsheng and his cohorts.

    That year, the summer was cold, and the sun appeared green and without radiance. Shi Xian, Xu Jia, and Shi Gao all claimed that these portents were due to the misgovernment of Zhou Kan and Zhang Meng. The Emperor, though inwardly cherishing Zhou Kan, was troubled by the rising clamor of criticism and found no one in whom he could wholly trust.

    At that time, the magistrate of Chang’an, Yang Xing, was in high favor for his talent and ability and was known to praise Zhou Kan. The Emperor wished to seek out Yang Xing’s judgment and asked him, “Why do the court officials ceaselessly complain against the Grand Chamberlain?”

    Yang Xing, a cunning and opportunistic man, discerned the Emperor’s doubts concerning Zhou Kan and echoed his thoughts, saying: “Zhou Kan is not only unfit for office at court, he is unfit even in his own native town! I have heard people say that Zhou Kan and Liu Gengsheng conspired to harm their own kin and deserved execution. Thus earlier I wrote that Zhou Kan should not be harmed, and the state might display its grace.”

    The Emperor asked, “Then for what crime would execution be fitting? And what should be done now?”

    Yang Xing replied: “In my foolish view, he may be granted the title of Marquis Within the Passes with a fief of three hundred households, but he should not be permitted to manage affairs of state. A wise lord does not cast away the grace of his mentors; this would be the best course.”

    Thus the Emperor grew suspicious of Zhou Kan.

    Colonel of Capital Inspectorate Zhuge Feng of Langya had first gained renown at court for his exceptional uprightness and integrity, often offending the powerful. Many officials spoke of his faults. Later, for imprisoning people during the spring and summer months, he was punished and transferred to serve as City Gate Colonel. Zhuge Feng then submitted a memorial accusing Zhou Kan and Zhang Meng of crimes, but the Emperor did not accept it. Instead, he issued an edict to the Censorate:

    “City Gate Colonel Zhuge Feng, in former days when serving together with Grand Chamberlain Zhou Kan and Grandee of Merit Zhang Meng, often praised them in court. When he was Colonel Supervising the Capital, he failed to observe the seasons, altered laws arbitrarily, and acted with excessive severity to seek false renown. I could not bear to send him for judgment, and therefore appointed him City Gate Colonel. Yet rather than reflect upon himself, he harbored resentment toward Zhou Kan and Zhang Meng, seeking vengeance by making unfounded accusations and openly spreading unverifiable charges. His slander and his praise alike follow his whim, disregarding what he formerly said—thus he is gravely untrustworthy. I pity Zhuge Feng for his age and cannot bear to impose further punishment; therefore he is dismissed and made a commoner.”

    The Emperor further said: “Zhuge Feng claims that Zhou Kan and Zhang Meng are untrustworthy. Out of pity, and reluctant to prosecute, and because their talents have not yet borne fruit, I demote Zhou Kan to Prefect of Hedong and Zhang Meng to Magistrate of Huaili.”

    Sima Guang commentary: Zhuge Feng’s conduct toward Zhou Kan and Zhang Meng—first praising them, then slandering them—was not born of a desire to promote the good and remove the evil for the court; he merely sought advancement for himself. He is of the same kind as Zheng Peng and Yang Xing. How can he be called upright or honest?

    For the ruler, to distinguish good from evil, to discern right from wrong, to reward in order to encourage goodness and to punish in order to deter wickedness—these are the essentials of governance. If Zhuge Feng’s accusations were true, then Zhuge Feng ought not to have been dismissed. If they were false, then what fault had Zhou Kan and Zhang Meng have? Now the Emperor blames and discards both sides—how then can good and evil, right and wrong, be distinguished?

    Jia Juanzhi was a friend of Yang Xing. Because Jia Juanzhi often spoke ill of Shi Xian, he was prevented from obtaining office and seldom had the opportunity to appear at court. Yang Xing, by contrast, had recently gained favor on account of his talent and ability. Jia Juanzhi said to Yang Xing, “The post of Intendant of Jingzhao is vacant. If I may gain audience with the Emperor and speak on Junlan(Yang Xing’s courtesy name)’s behalf, you could at once obtain the office.”

    Yang Xing replied, “Junfang(Jia Juanzhi’s courtesy name)’s writing and eloquence are unmatched under Heaven; if you were made Director of the State Secretariat, you would far surpass Wulu Chongzong.”

    Jia Juanzhi said, “If I were to replace Wulu Chongzong, and you were to become Intendant of Jingzhao, Jingzhao being the head of all commanderies and principalities, and the Director of the State Secretariat being the root of all officials—then the realm would truly be well governed, and men of talent would no longer go unrecognized!”

    Jia Juanzhi continued speaking ill of Shi Xian. Yang Xing said, “Shi Xian is now in high favor, and the Emperor trusts him deeply. If you wish to advance, follow my plan: first align yourself with him, and then you may enter the inner circle.”

    Thus Jia Juanzhi and Yang Xing jointly submitted a memorial recommending Shi Xian, praising his virtues and proposing that he be made Marquis Within the Passes and that his brothers be appointed to various offices. They also submitted a joint memorial recommending Yang Xing, proposing that he be tested as Intendant of Jingzhao.

    When Shi Xian learned of this, he reported it to the Emperor, who ordered an investigation of Yang Xing and Jia Juanzhi, placing Shi Xian in charge. Shi Xian reported: “Yang Xing and Jia Juanzhi have harbored deceit and falsehood, praising and recommending each other to secure high office, deceiving the Emperor and acting improperly.”

    Jia Juanzhi was executed in the marketplace, and Yang Xing was shaved, shackled, and made a convict laborer.

    Sima Guang’s commentary: A noble man uses righteousness to oppose evil, and even then he fears he may not prevail. How much less could Jia Juanzhi, employing evil to combat evil, hope to escape unharmed!

    The Prince of Qinghe, Liu Jing, was transferred to the princedom of Zhongshan.The Xiongnu Chanyu Huhanye’s people grew numerous and strong, and the game of the borderlands became exhausted. His strength was now sufficient for self-defense, and he no longer feared Zhizhi Chanyu. Many of his ministers urged him to return north. After some time, Huhanye Chanyu did indeed return to his northern court, and the people gradually followed. Thus his state was made secure.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 218): Murder by Humiliation

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 20 Scroll 28 (continued)

    Shrine of Xiao Wangzhi. Photo by Chunyuan Lai

    The 2nd year of Emperor Yuan’s Chuyuan Era (47 B.C. continued)

    On February 27, the Emperor invested his younger brother Liu Jing as Prince of Qinghe.

    On February 28, an earthquake struck Longxi Commandery, toppling walls and buildings and crushing many people.

    In March, Liu Ba, son of Prince Li of Guangling (Liu Xu), succeeded as Prince of Guangling.

    An edict ordered the discontinuation of palace carriages and the keeping of dogs and horses for the eunuchs. The inner gardens of the imperial parks under the Water Management Bureau, the Yichun Lower Garden, and the pools outside the Archer Training Office under Privy Treasury and the royal archery grounds were to be closed, cutting expenditure for the benefit of the poor. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm, and men of exceptional talent and those who spoke with candor and remonstrated directly were to be recommended.

    In April of summer, the Emperor appointed his son Liu Ao as Crown Prince.

    Scribe-in-waiting Zheng Peng recommended Zhang Chang, Prefect of Taiyuan, saying he had been a distinguished minister under the late Emperor and was suited to instruct and assist the Crown Prince. The Emperor consulted Xiao Wangzhi regarding this. Xiao Wangzhi replied that although Zhang Chang was a capable administrator, able to manage difficult affairs, he lacked the gravitas befitting a tutor or preceptor to a prince.

    The Emperor nonetheless dispatched an emissary to summon Zhang Chang, intending to make him Intendant of Pingyi. Before he arrived, Zhang Chang fell ill and died.

    An edict granted Xiao Wangzhi the title Marquis Within the Passes and appointed him Palace Steward, permitting him to attend court audiences at the new and full moons, instead of being there everyday.

    East of Hangu Pass famine prevailed, and in the Qi region the people turned to cannibalism.

    In autumn, on July 27, another earthquake occurred.

    The Emperor once more summoned Zhou Kan and Liu Gengsheng, intending to appoint them as Grandees of Remonstration. Hong Gong and Shi Xian advised against it, recommending instead that they be made Palace Gentlemen.

    The Emperor continued to hold Xiao Wangzhi in high esteem and intended to raise him to the Chancellorship. But Hong Gong, Shi Xian, the Xu and Shi clans, together with other attendants and officials, regarded Xiao Wangzhi and his associates with suspicion and hostility.

    Liu Gengsheng had a maternal kinsman in the palace submit a memorial, saying: “The earthquake is doubtless due to Hong Gong and his faction, not stirred by the three obstinate men alone. Your servant, in dullness, believes that Hong Gong and Shi Xian should be dismissed, thus displaying the punishment for those who obscure and conceal the worthy, and that Xiao Wangzhi and his associates should be advanced, thus opening the way for the virtuous. If this be done, the Gate of Great Peace will be opened, and the sources of calamity and anomaly will be stopped.”

    When this memorial was presented, Hong Gong and Shi Xian suspected Liu Gengsheng of instigating it. They requested an inquiry into the deceit, and Liu Gengsheng’s relative confessed. Liu Gengsheng was arrested and imprisoned, then dismissed from office and reduced to the status of a commoner.

    The son of Xiao Wangzhi, Xiao Ji, serving as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and Palace Gentleman, together with others, also submitted a memorial appealing his father’s earlier prosecution. The matter was referred to the judicial authorities, who again reported: “The charges against Xiao Wangzhi were clear, and no accusations were born of slander; yet he instructed his son to submit a memorial citing the verse on ‘The Exoneration of the Guiltless,’ thereby failing to exhibit the deportment of a great minister and acting with disrespect. We request that he be arrested.”

    Hong Gong, Shi Xian, and their associates knew Xiao Wangzhi to be a man of noble character who would not endure humiliation, and thus they proposed: “Xiao Wangzhi was fortunate to escape punishment, and moreover received title and land, yet he does not repent but nurses deep resentment. He instructed his son to submit a petition that reproaches the Emperor, believing that, as a former imperial tutor, he would not be punished. Unless he is imprisoned to quell his discontent, His Majesty’s further grace will not be felt by him.”

    The Emperor said, “Master Xiao is known for his firmness and loftiness; he will not submit to the officials!”

    Shi Xian and the others replied, “Human life is the weightiest of all considerations. Xiao Wangzhi’s offense is but a minor one of speech; there is no cause for concern over his life.”

    Thus the Emperor approved their proposal.

    In December of winter, Shi Xian and his faction sealed the edict and delivered it to the usher, ordering him to present it directly to Xiao Wangzhi. Shi Xian instructed the Minister of Rites to summon the Bearer of the Mace, and cavalry guards were dispatched to encircle Xiao Wangzhi’s residence.

    Xiao Wangzhi sought counsel from his disciple Zhu Yun of Lu, a man of lofty virtue. Zhu Yun advised him to take his own life. Xiao Wangzhi looked up to Heaven and sighed: “I have held high offices and am now past sixty. To be imprisoned in old age, seeking only to cling to life—what a disgrace is this!”

    He then said to Zhu Yun, “Fetch the poison quickly; do not let me languish in death!” He drank the poison and died.

    When the Emperor heard this, he was shocked and struck his hands together, saying: “I feared he would not go to prison, and now you have killed my virtuous tutor!” He happened to be taking his meal, but pushed his food aside and wept, moving all who attended him. He summoned Shi Xian and the others for questioning; they removed their caps and pleaded forgiveness. After a long while, the matter was settled.

    The Emperor, missing Xiao Wangzhi, never forgot him; each year he dispatched envoys to offer sacrifices at his tomb, and this practice continued throughout his reign.

    Sima Guang’s commentary: How grievous it is that Emperor Yuan, as a ruler, was easy to mislead yet hard to awaken! The slanders that Hong Gong and Shi Xian wove against Xiao Wangzhi—wicked in argument and deceitful in design—were indeed difficult to penetrate. At first they suspected Xiao Wangzhi would not willingly enter prison, yet claimed there was no need for concern; when he then took his own life, the deceit of Hong Gong and Shi Xian was laid bare. For a ruler of even median wisdom, who would not be moved to punish such treacherous attendants?Emperor Yuan was not so. Though he wept and set aside his meal in sorrow for Xiao Wangzhi, he could do no more than bid Hong Gong and Shi Xian remove their caps and apologize. How can treacherous ministers be checked in this way? Thus Hong Gong and Shi Xian were left to indulge their evil hearts without fear or restraint.