Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Han Book 15 Scroll 23 (continued)
The 6th year of Emperor Zhao’s Shiyuan Era (81 B.C.)
In February of spring, an edict was issued, commanding officials to inquire within the commanderies and counties regarding the selection of men of virtue and learning, the grievances and priorities of the people, and the essentials of education and culture. The consensus submitted said: “It is fitting to abolish the state monopolies on salt, iron, liquor, and regulated trade, and not contend with the people for profit. By showing frugality and moderation, then will education and culture be nourished.”
But Sang Hongyang opposed, saying: “These are the foundations of the state’s great enterprise, the means to control the barbarians, secure the borders, and supply the realm. They cannot be abolished.” Thus began the debate on salt and iron trade.
At that time, Su Wu was banished to the northern sea[Lake Baikal]. Suffering want, he dug for wild rodents and ate grass seeds to sustain life, for his provisions were oft cut off. He tended goats, holding the scepter of Han court in his hand; whether lying down or rising, he grasped it still, though its tassels had long since fallen away.
In the Han court, Su Wu and Li Ling both had served as privy counselors. When Li Ling surrendered to the Xiongnu, he dared not seek a meeting with Su Wu. After some years, the Chanyu sent Li Ling to the northern sea to persuade him.
Li Ling prepared a feast with music for Su Wu, and said: “The Chanyu, knowing the closeness between Ziqing[Su Wu’s courtesy name] and me, has sent me to persuade you. He truly desires to treat you with favor. There is no path by which you may return to Han; your suffering is but in vain. In this wasteland, cut off from men, who can witness your loyalty and righteousness?
“Your two brothers, once implicated, have already taken their own lives. When I departed, your mother, the Grand Lady, had passed away. I heard that your wife, being still young, has remarried. You have two younger sisters, two daughters, and a son. More than ten years have passed, and none knows their fate. Life is but morning dew; why torment yourself with hardship for so long?
“When I, Li Ling, first surrendered, I was like a mad man, ever regretting my betrayal of Han, all the more when my aged mother was bound in prison. Your unwillingness to surrender cannot surpass that of Li Ling. However, the Emperor grows old, laws are uncertain, and many loyal ministers have already been exterminated unjustly. The time is perilous and unpredictable—whom then, Ziqing, do you still desire to serve?”
Su Wu said: “The honors achieved by my father and his sons, though we were men of no station, are all by the grace of the Son of Heaven. We were entrusted with commands as generals, our ranks raised to marquises. My brothers attended the Emperor closely, and I myself wished to devote my body and soul. Now, if I may die to prove my loyalty, though it be by execution or in the cauldron of boiling water, I shall accept it with gladness. To serve the ruler is as to serve one’s father; if a son dies for his father, he has no regrets. Speak no more of this!”
After some days of feasting and drinking with Su Wu, Li Ling again said: “Ziqing, pray listen once more to the words of Li Ling!”
Su Wu cut him off: “I have long reckoned myself as one already dead. If the Chanyu desires the surrender of Su Wu, then let us first complete today’s joy, and I will die before you willingly.”
Li Ling, moved by his steadfastness, sighed and said: “Alas! Truly you are a man of utmost righteousness. The crimes of Li Ling and Wei Lü reach up to the sky when set beside you!” Tears fell down his face, wetting his lapels. Li Ling bid adieu to Su Wu, leaving several tens of cattle and sheep as a gift.
Later, Li Ling returned to the northern sea(Lake Baikal) and told Su Wu of Emperor Wu’s death. Su Wu wailed in grief, shed tears, and coughed blood. By day and by night he mourned, and this lasted for many months.
When Huyandi became Chanyu, the Xiongnu’s Queen Dowager Yanzhi held sway and wielded power improperly. Discord arose within, and they feared an attack from the Han. Then Wei Lü counseled the Chanyu, proposing peace. When Han envoys came, they inquired after Su Wu and his men, but the Xiongnu falsely claimed that Su Wu had been dead already.
Afterwards, Han envoys again came to the Xiongnu. At that time, Chang Hui, who had served as Su Wu’s assistant, secretly met with the envoy and told him what to say: “The Son of Heaven went hunting in Shanglin Park. He caught a wild goose, and on its leg was tied a silk slip, upon which was written that Su Wu and his men are held in a marshland.” The envoy, taking these words, presented them before the Chanyu. The Chanyu, greatly startled, turned his eyes about and said: “Su Wu and the others are indeed here.” He then released Su Wu together with Ma Hong, sending them back to the Han.
Ma Hong had once been sent as assistant to the Grandee of Chamberlain, Wang Zhong, envoy to the Western Regions. When Wang Zhong perished in battle, Ma Hong was seized by the Xiongnu. Though pressed, he would not yield, but remained steadfast. Now the Xiongnu returned the two men to the Han, as a token of goodwill.
Li Ling made a feast for Su Wu, and said: “Now you return home, your fame spreads among the Xiongnu and you are admired in the Han. Even the bamboo annals and painted scrolls of antiquity cannot fully extol the deeds of Ziqing! I, Li Ling, though weak and timid, if the Han court had shown lenience toward my guilt and cared for my aged mother, I would have borne the shame, fulfilled my long-cherished intent, and, like Cao Mo of Qi, sought a covenant of peace between Han and the Xiongnu. This is what Li Ling has never forgotten. Yet they slaughtered my family with collective punishment—this crime is beyond measure! What remains for Li Ling to look back upon? It is finished. I only hope Ziqing will understand my heart.” Tears streamed down his face, and he took leave of Su Wu.
The Chanyu then summoned Su Wu together with his surviving subordinates; save those who had surrendered or died, nine men in all returned with him. When they reached the capital, an edict commanded Su Wu to offer a grand sacrifice of ox, sheep, and pig at the mausoleum of Emperor Wu. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, holding rank of two thousand piculs, and was granted two million coins, two acres of public land, and a residence in the capital.
Su Wu had dwelt among the Xiongnu for nineteen years. He departed in his prime, yet when he returned, his hair and beard were white. Huo Guang, Shangguan Jie, and Li Ling had been close friends. Huo Guang sent Li Ling’s old friend, Ren Lizheng of Longxi, with three others, to summon him back from Xiongnu. But Li Ling refused, saying: “To return is easy, but a man cannot endure repeated humiliation.” Thus he chose to remain and die among the Xiongnu.
In summer, there was drought.
In July of autumn, the Emperor, following the counsel of the worthy and learned, abolished the offices that managed the monopoly on liquor and regulated trade. By the end of Emperor Wu’s reign, the empire was depleted, and the population reduced by half. Huo Guang, discerning the urgency of the times, eased burdens and lessened taxes, bringing the people respite. With peace made with the Xiongnu, the populace began to recover, and the policies of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing were gradually restored.
An edict honored the Marquis of Gouding, Wu Bo, who had led his tribesmen in suppressing rebellion, elevating him to King of Gouding. Tian Guangming was likewise ennobled as a Marquis within Passes.
Reflection by Rio Grande 