Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Han Book 20 Scroll 28 (continued)
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.
Reflection by Rio Grande 