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Tag: Wei Xiang

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 197): Turning Swords into Plowshares

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 17 Scroll 25 (continued)

    Lüshunkou Harbor, Bohai, Liaoning Province

    The 4th year of Emperor Xuan’s Di’jie Era (66 B.C. continued)

    In September, an edict was issued to reduce the price of salt throughout the realm. It was further decreed that each year, the authorities of all commanderies and kingdoms should present the records of prisoners who had perished in confinement through torture or illness. Their county, name, rank, and neighborhood were to be reported to the Chancellor and the Imperial Censor, who would investigate and submit the gravest cases for the Emperor’s judgment.

    In December, the Prince of Qinghe was deposed for incest with his sister and removed to Fangling.

    That same year, Zhu Yi, Prefect of Beihai and a native of Lujiang, famed for his governance and conduct, was appointed Grand Minister of Agriculture. Gong Sui, Prefect of Bohai, was appointed Commandant of Waterways and Parks.

    Formerly, during years of famine in the neighboring commanderies of Bohai, theft and banditry had spread unchecked, and local officials of two-thousand-picul rank proved unable to restrain them. The Emperor sought able men, and both the Chancellor and the Imperial Censor recommended Gong Sui, once Commandant of Changyi. 

    When he was summoned, the Emperor asked him: “How will you govern Bohai and suppress theft and banditry?”

    Gong Sui replied:“Bohai lies far away and has not felt the blessings of Your Majesty’s benevolence. The people suffer hunger and cold, and the officials show them no compassion. Thus Your Majesty’s innocent children have taken up Your Majesty’s arms and played with them in the puddles. Does Your Majesty command me to suppress them, or grant me leave to govern them?”

    The Emperor said: “We select and employ those of virtue; We desire indeed that the realm may be brought to peace.”

    Gong Sui said: “I have heard that governing a distressed people is as untangling knotted threads; it cannot be done with haste. One must proceed slowly, and only then can order be restored. I request that the Chancellor and the Imperial Censor do not bind me strictly to legal statutes, but allow me to act according to expedience.”

    The Emperor granted his request and bestowed further rewards upon him.

    Traveling by swift carriage, Gong Sui reached the border of Bohai. When word spread that the new Prefect had arrived, the commanders sent troops to greet him. Gong Sui dismissed them and sent them back. He then wrote to the counties under his charge, ordering that the pursuit and expulsion of thieves and bandits cease. All who carried hoes, sickles, and other tools of husbandry were to be regarded as good and law-abiding people, and officials were forbidden to interrogate them. Those bearing weapons alone would be deemed bandits.

    When the letters arrived, the thieves and bandits immediately dispersed, casting aside their weapons and crossbows. Thus Bohai was wholly pacified, and the people returned to their homes in peace and joy.

    Gong Sui, perceiving that the customs of Qi were luxurious and frivolous, that the people delighted in petty crafts, retail trade and neglected the plough, practiced frugality and moderation himself. He encouraged the people to devote their efforts to farming and sericulture, requiring each household to plant trees and raise livestock in proportion to its strength. Whenever he saw a man carrying a sword or blade, he ordered him to sell the sword and buy a cattle, to sell the knife and buy a calf, saying, “Why not wear cattle and calves at your side instead?”

    By his diligent inspection and guidance, the commandery grew rich in livestock and grain. Litigation ceased, and quarrels diminished.

    In this same year, a daughter of Princess Liu Jieyiu, formerly given in marriage to the King of Wusun, became wife to Jiangbin, King of Qiuci(Kucha). Jiangbin memorialized the throne, saying: “I have been granted the favor of marrying the granddaughter of Han. I wish to escort the daughter of the Princess to the court, so that she may behold the Son of Heaven.”

    The 1st year of Emperor Xuan’s Yuan’kang Era (65 B.C.)

    In January of spring, the King of Qiuci and his consort came to offer homage. Both were granted seals and ribbons; the queen was styled Princess and received abundant gifts.

    Earlier, the Duling Tomb had been prepared for the Emperor’s burial. Thereafter, the tombs of those who had served as chancellors, generals, marquises, officials of two-thousand-picul rank, and of those whose wealth reached one million, were gradually relocated to the Duling precincts.

    In March, an edict was issued: because phoenixes had gathered upon Mount Tai and in Chenliu, and sweet dew had descended upon Weiyang Palace, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

    The officials again urged that the Emperor’s biological father be posthumously honored as Father of the Emperor. In May of summer, a temple was erected for him.

    In winter, the office of Commandant of the Jianzhang Palace Guards was newly established.

    Zhao Guanghan, Intendant of Jingzhao, favored the sons of veteran officials, newly appointed youths, valuing strength and vigor alone, for they were swift in action and without fear, often resorting to harsh measures without hesitation. This tendency, however, led to his ruin. Zhao Guanghan condemned a man named Rong Chu to death out of personal grudge, someone memorialized to authority. The Chancellor, Wei Xiang, and the Imperial Censor took up the matter.

    Zhao Guanghan, suspecting the Chancellor’s wife in the death of a maidservant, sought to coerce and compromise Wei Xiang by accusation. Wei Xiang only intensified the investigation. Zhao Guanghan then marched to the Chancellor’s residence with his guards, forced Wei Xiang’s wife to kneel and confess, and seized more than ten of their servants and maids. Wei Xiang submitted a petition pleading his case. The Minister of Justice investigated and reported that the maid had been beaten and punished, then sent to an outer residence, where she died—contradicting Zhao Guanghan’s claims. The Emperor grew displeased and handed Zhao Guanghan over to the judicial authorities.

    Tens of thousands of officials and commoners gathered before the palace gates, weeping and wailing. Some cried: “Our lives are of no use to His Majesty—let us die in Zhao Guanghan’s place, so that the people may continue to be protected!”

    Zhao Guanghan was finally executed by waist-chopping. As magistrate of the capital, his integrity had suppressed the arrogance of the powerful and allowed the people to live in peace. The common folk cherished his memory and sang songs in his praise.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 193): Dislodging Spider Web by The Gang of Huo

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 17 Scroll 25

    Duration of 6 years

    The Hometown of Xiao Wangzhi and Shu Guang, Lanling, Shandong Province

    The 3rd year of Emperor Xuan’s Di’jie Era (67 B.C.)

    In March of spring, an imperial edict was proclaimed, stating: “If merit be left unrewarded and faults unpunished, even the virtue of Emperors Yao and Shun could not transform the people. Now, the Prime Minister of Jiaodong, Wang Cheng, has diligently fulfilled his duties; the refugees under his administration have surpassed eighty thousand households, and his achievements are manifest. Let Wang Cheng be enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes, with the emolument of a two-thousand-picul official.” Before the decree could be carried out, Wang Cheng fell ill and died.

    Thereafter, another edict commanded the Chancellor and the Imperial Censor to investigate the affairs of the commanderies and provinces through the Chiefs of Staff and Associates of the Prefects who reported their records to the capital, in order to examine their execution of laws and decrees. Some officials memorialized, saying: “The late Prime Minister of Jiaodong, Wang Cheng, exaggerated his achievements to obtain undue reward. From this precedent, many inferior officials now seek hollow fame and empty titles.”

    In summer, on April 22, the Emperor installed his son Liu Shi as Crown Prince. He appointed Bing Ji as Grand Tutor and the Grandee of the Palace, Shu Guang, as Junior Tutor. The Emperor further enfeoffed Xu Guanghan, the maternal grandfather of the Crown Prince, as Marquis of Ping’en, and Huo Yun, General of the Household and grand-nephew of Huo Guang, as Marquis of Guanyang.

    When Grand Madame Huo Xian, the widow of Huo Guang, heard that the Crown Prince had been established, she was seized with rage and distress. She refused food, spat blood, and cried aloud: “This child is but of common birth! How can he be made Crown Prince? Should the Empress later bear a son, he would be but a prince beneath him!” Again she urged the Empress to poison the Crown Prince. The Empress often summoned the Crown Prince to dine, but the Nanny and Wet Nurse, by custom, always tasted the food beforehand, so the Empress’s scheme could not be carried out.

    On May 25, the Chancellor, Wei Xian, citing age and illness, requested leave from his duties. He was granted one hundred catties of gold and a four-horse carriage of honor, and retired to his residence. This was the first instance of a Chancellor’s retirement being formally approved.

    On June 7, Wei Xiang was appointed Chancellor. On June 16, Bing Ji was made Grand Master of the Censorate; Shu Guang was appointed Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and his nephew, Shu Shou, was made Junior Tutor.

    The Crown Prince’s grandfather, Xu Guanghan, Marquis of Ping’en, memorialized, requesting that his younger brother, Xu Shun, be assigned to oversee and protect the household of the young Crown Prince. When the Emperor consulted Shu Guang on this matter, Shu Guang replied: “The Crown Prince, being heir to the state, should be surrounded by worthy teachers and companions chosen from among the able men of the realm. It is not fitting to grant undue favor solely to the Xu clan, though Uncle Xu is his grandfather. Moreover, the Crown Prince already has his Grand Tutors and Junior Tutors duly appointed, and all attendants are in place. To add Xu Shun now as guardian of his household would appear superficial and unseemly, and would not elevate the Crown Prince’s virtue in the eyes of the people.”

    The Emperor commended Shu Guang’s counsel and reported it to Wei Xiang. Wei Xiang, moved by his discernment, removed his cap in respect, saying, “Shu Guang’s foresight surpasses us all.” Thus Shu Guang’s reputation for integrity and wisdom grew ever more illustrious.

    In the capital, there was heavy rain and hail. The Associate Grand Usher, Xiao Wangzhi of Donghai, submitted a memorial declaring that the concentration of power among a few great families had brought forth these calamities. The Emperor, having long heard of Xiao Wangzhi’s integrity and discernment, appointed him Imperial Usher. At that time, the Emperor earnestly sought out men of talent; many among the people presented memorials offering counsel and proposals. The Emperor ordered that such petitions be referred to Xiao Wangzhi for deliberation. Those whose proposals were substantial were recommended to serve under the Chancellor or in the Censorate; those of lesser merit were assigned magistracies with the rank of two-thousand-picul officials. They were tested in office and assessed after one year; those who proved unfit were dismissed. All matters proposed by Xiao Wangzhi received imperial approval.

    In October of winter, an imperial edict was issued, declaring: “On September 19, the ground was shaken by an earthquake, which greatly alarmed Us. We now seek those who can admonish Us for Our faults, and those who are virtuous and upright, that they may speak freely and correct Our deficiencies. Let there be no concealment before the authorities. Since Our virtue is wanting and cannot extend afar, the borders remain unsettled with troops. Now We command that the General of Chariots and Cavalry and the General of the Right withdraw their stationed forces, to lighten the people’s burdens; for prolonged deployments exhaust the realm and hinder its pacification.”

    Another edict proclaimed: “The fish ponds and aviaries that We have not visited shall be opened to the people, that the poor may share in their use. The palaces and mansions within the commanderies and provinces shall not be repaired or rebuilt. Those who have returned from exile or displacement shall be granted public lands and seed for planting, and shall be exempted from taxes and corvée.”

    The family of Huo Guang grew ever more extravagant and unrestrained. The Grand Madame Xian, enlarged their mansions with ornate halls and towers, and fashioned carriages and palanquins adorned with painted designs, embroidered silks, and gilded ornaments. Their wheels were cushioned with braided leather and cotton; attendants in garments of variegated silk drew her carriages when she took her leisure within the residence. Huo Xian engaged in illicit relations with her slave overseer, Feng Zidu. Likewise, Huo Yu and Huo Shan rebuilt and adorned their estates, holding horse races and diversions at the Pingle Resort.

    When summoned to court audience, Huo Yun often feigned illness, yet privately went abroad accompanied by many retainers. He hunted in the Huangshan Park, sending servants to stand in his stead at court; none dared to censure him. Huo Xian and her daughters passed in and out of the Changxin Palace at all hours, heedless of restraint or decorum. Their conduct exceeded the bounds of propriety.

    The Emperor, who had once dwelt among the common people, perceived the long-entrenched hubris and unchecked influence of the Huo clan, and discerned that disorder was festering within. When he took personal charge of state affairs, the Grand Master of the Censorate, Wei Xiang, often conferred with him on matters of government. Huo Xian said to Huo Yu, Huo Yun, and Huo Shan: “You neglect the charge left by the Grand General. Now, the Grand Master of the Censorate serves as the Emperor’s close adviser within the palace. Should he speak ill of you, what means do you have to save yourselves?”

    Soon thereafter, the retainers of the two households quarreled over precedence on the road. A slave of the Huo family sought to break down the gate of the Grand Master’s mansion. A Censor came forth and prostrated himself in apology, whereupon the slave withdrew. When word reached the Huo household, Huo Xian and her kin grew fearful, sensing that calamity was near.

    During the tenure of Wei Xiang as Chancellor, he often conferred with the Emperor in private. The Marquis of Ping’en, Xu Guanghan, and the Privy Counselor, Jin Anshang, freely entered and withdrew from the inner court. Huo Shan held authority over the State Secretariat. The Emperor decreed that officials and commoners alike might submit sealed memorials directly to the throne, without passing through the Secretariat; and that ministers might be received in a private audience apart from its supervision. This deeply displeased the Huo clan.

    The Emperor, having heard reports that the Huo family had poisoned Empress Xu but lacking conclusive proof, began to take precautionary measures. He appointed Fan Mingyou, Marquis of Pingling and son-in-law of Huo Guang—then serving as General of the Northern Garrisons and Commandant of the Weiyang Palace Guards—as Chamberlain. He dispatched Ren Sheng, husband of Huo Guang’s second daughter and formerly General of the Household and Supervisor of the Feather-Forest Guard, to serve as Prefect of Anding. After several months, Zhang Shuo, husband of Huo Guang’s elder sister and Grandee of Merit with duties as palace liaison, was sent to govern Shu Commandery. Wang Han, General of the Household and grandson-in-law of Huo Guang, was appointed Prefect of Wuwei. Later, Deng Guanghan, Commandant of the Changle Palace Guard and husband of Huo Guang’s eldest daughter, was transferred to serve as Privy Treasurer.

    On August 14, Zhang Anshi was made Guard General, with command over the palace guards, the city gates, and the Northern Army. Huo Yu was appointed Grand Marshal, yet he wore only a small cap and bore neither seal nor ribbon of office. The Emperor dissolved the military units formerly under his control, though Huo Yu still retained the nominal title once held by Huo Guang. Fan Mingyou, the Duliao General, was stripped of his seals and tallies, left only with his duties as Chamberlain. Zhao Ping, Commandant of the Cavalry, Cavalier Attendant, and Grandee of Merit, also son-in-law to Huo Guang, was likewise deprived of his seal and ribbon as Commandant of the Cavalry.

    All commanders of the imperial guards stationed about for eastern(residence of the Crown Prince) and western(residence of the Emperor) palaces—those of the frontier units drawn from the Nomad, the Yue tribes and the Feather-Forest guards—were replaced by men of the Xu and Shi clans, whom the Emperor trusted as his own kin and allies.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 192): Stepping out of the Shadow of Huo Guang

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang  

    Annals of Han Book 16 Scroll 24 (continued)

    A Book On Huo Guang

    The 2nd year of Emperor Xuan’s Di’jie Era (68 B.C.)

    In the spring, Huo Guang fell gravely ill. The Emperor went in person to visit him, wept at his side, and inquired after his health status. Huo Guang memorialized his gratitude, requesting that three thousand households be divided from his fief and given to his grandnephew Huo Shan, Commandant of Chariots, so that Huo Shan might continue the sacrifices of his deceased elder brother Huo Qubing. On that same day, Huo Guang’s son, Huo Yu, was appointed General of the Right.

    On March 8, Huo Guang died. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager themselves attended his funeral. A minister of two-thousand-picul rank was appointed to oversee the construction of his tomb, which was made in the manner of the imperial household, with a hearse and sepulcher of full honor. He was posthumously styled Marquis of Xuancheng. Troops of the Three-He commanderies—Henan, Henei, and Hedong—were sent to open the ground, inter his coffin, and raise his mound. Three hundred households were settled in his tomb-park, with officers appointed to tend and sacrifice. An edict decreed that his descendants should preserve their rank and fiefs for generations, exempt from levy and corvée.

    The Grand Master of Censorate, Wei Xiang, submitted a sealed memorial, saying: “The state has newly lost its Grand General. It is fitting to exalt and advance meritorious ministers, that no high office remain vacant, and that the frontier states may be reassured, so as to prevent contention for power. It is proper that the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Zhang Anshi, be appointed Grand General, and relieved of his post as Chamberlain. His son, Zhang Yanshou, may then assume the office of Chamberlain.”

    The Emperor inclined to this counsel. On April 17, Zhang Anshi was made Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry, also the Recorder of the State Secretariat.

    That year phoenixes gathered in Lu, and a multitude of birds followed. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

    To honor and reward the virtue of the late Grand General, the Emperor enfeoffed Huo Shan, grandson of Huo Qubing, as Marquis of Leping, and made him Director of the State Secretariat and Commandant of Chariots.

    Wei Xiang, the Grand Master of Censorate, submitted a sealed memorial through Lord of Changcheng, Xu Guanghan, saying:

    “The Spring and Autumn Annals reproach the ministers of the realm: in Song the royal kindred held sway for three generations, and in Lu the Jisun usurped power; both brought peril to their states. Since the Houyuan reign of Emperor Wu, the system of rewards has slipped from the court’s control, and the governance of the realm has lain in the hands of mighty ministers. Now Huo Guang is dead, but his son again holds the post of General of the Right, and his brother’s grandson controls the central command. Brothers, brothers-in-law, and kinsmen fill the armies with power. Grand Madame Xian and all her daughters enter the Changxin Palace by day and by night, ordering its gates to be opened at will, indulging in luxury and extravagance. If their power is not diminished, if their influence is not checked, hidden plots may arise, and the foundation of the state will not be secure. It is fitting to pare down their strength, to prevent calamity in time, and to safeguard the heritage of the meritorious.”

    By custom, all petitions required two copies, one marked “duplicate,” first read in the State Secretariat, and if containing disfavor, withheld. Wei Xiang proposed, through Xu Guanghan, that he be allowed to present his memorial without the duplicate, so that it could not be obstructed. The Emperor approved, appointed Wei Xiang additionally as Palace Liaison, and accepted all his counsel.

    The Emperor himself, having been raised among the people, well understood their hardships. After the death of Huo Guang he took direct charge of the government, scrutinizing affairs with diligence, and holding hearings every five days. From the Chancellor to the lowest officials, all submitted reports and were examined for their merit. The achievements of the Privy Counselors and Secretariat officers were richly rewarded, extending even to their descendants, and this became a precedent faithfully observed. Thus the administration was orderly, the protocols complete, and from top to bottom harmony prevailed, with no trace of neglect.

    When appointing provincial inspectors, commandery prefects, and princely ministers, the Emperor himself inquired into their worth, observed their talents, and later judged their deeds to test their words. If speech and action did not accord, their hearts were revealed. He often said: “The people’s peace in their fields, and the lessening of their sighs and sorrows, come from upright governance. Of those who share with Us this charge, none are weightier than the ministers of two-thousand-picul rank.”

    He deemed the commandery prefect the root of order, and held that frequent removals disturbed the people. When the people knew their governors were settled long-term, and could not be deceived, they willingly followed the laws and teachings.

    Thus, when inspectors of the provinces showed skill in rule, the Emperor by edict praised and encouraged them, increased their stipends, bestowed gold, and raised their rank to that of Inner Marquis. When offices stood vacant, he appointed men from those recommended.

    Therefore, in the time of Han, virtuous officials flourished, and this age was acclaimed as a time of  renaissance.

    Upon the death of the Xiongnu Chanyu Huyandi, his younger brother, the Left Tuqi King, ascended the throne, taking the title Xulüquanqu Chanyu. He raised the daughter of the Right Grand General to be Grand Yanzhi, and deposed the former favorite, Zhuànqú Yanzhi. The Left Grand Zuqu, her father, nursed resentment.

    At this time the Han, deeming the Xiongnu no longer a threat, withdrew garrisons from the frontier towns to give rest to the people. The Chanyu rejoiced, and with his nobles resolved to seek peace and marriage with the Han. But the Left Grand Zuqu opposed it, saying: “Formerly, when Han envoys came, they brought soldiers with them. If we now imitate the Han, we too should first dispatch troops.” He then proposed to go forth with the Huluzi King, each leading ten thousand horses, to hunt along the southern border, and when they joined, to cross into Han soil together.

    Before they reached their march, three riders defected to the Han and disclosed the plan. The Emperor forthwith mobilized the border cavalry, sending the Military Supervisor under the Grand General Zhizhong, with four other commanders, to lead five thousand cavalry in three divisions, patrolling several hundred li beyond the passes. Each captured scores of men before returning. The Xiongnu, alarmed at the loss of their three riders, dared not advance and withdrew.

    That year the Xiongnu suffered famine. Of men and herds, six or seven in ten perished. They set two hosts, each of ten thousand horses, to guard against Han incursion. In autumn, led by their chiefs, thousands of the Xiru tribesmen, who had once submitted to the Xiongnu, were driven south with their flocks. They fought the Xiongnu at Otuo, and were bloodily repulsed. At length they broke through, descended south, and surrendered to the Han.