1
宣秉字巨公，馮翊雲陽人也。 少修高節，顯名三輔。 哀、平際，見王氏據權專政，侵削宗室，有逆亂萌，遂隱遁深山，州郡連召，常稱疾不仕。 王莽為宰衡，辟命不應。 及莽篡位，又遣使者征之，秉固稱疾病。 更始即位，征為侍中。 建武元年，拜禦史中丞。 光武特詔禦史中丞與司隸校尉、尚書令會同並專席而坐，故京師號曰『三獨坐』。 明年，遷司隸校尉。 務舉大綱，簡略苛細，百僚敬之。
Xuan Bing, styled Jugong, came from Yunyang in Fengyi. From his youth he upheld a stern moral standard and made a name for himself across the Three Adjuncts. Under Emperors Ai and Ping, when he saw the Wang family monopolize power, chip away at the imperial clan, and the makings of revolt take shape, he withdrew to the deep hills; though province after province called him to serve, he always pleaded illness and stayed out of office. When Wang Mang held the title of supreme minister and summoned him to office, he refused the appointment. After Wang Mang seized the throne and again sent envoys for him, Xuan Bing insisted he was too ill to come. When the Gengshi Emperor took the throne, Xuan Bing was called to court as a palace attendant. In Jianwu 1 he was named imperial clerk grandee. Emperor Guangwu issued a special order that the imperial clerk grandee, the metropolitan commandant, and the director of the secretariat should hold joint sessions, each with his own seat—hence the capital nickname 'the three solitary seats.' The following year he was promoted to metropolitan commandant. He focused on the broad principles of government and eased petty severity, and the whole bureaucracy stood in awe of him.
2
秉性節約，常服布被，蔬食瓦器。 帝嘗幸其府舍，見而嘆曰：『楚國二龔，不如雲陽宣巨公。 』即賜布帛帳帷什物。 四年，拜大司徒司直。 所得祿奉，輒以收養親族。 其孤弱者，分與田地，自無擔石之儲。 六年，卒於官，帝敏惜之，除子彪為郎。
By temperament he was austere: he slept under a cotton quilt, ate simple fare, and used plain pottery at table. The emperor once called at his home, looked about, and exclaimed, 'The two Gongs of Chu cannot match Jugong Xuan of Yunyang.' He then gave him cloth and silk, bed hangings, and other household goods. In the fourth year he was appointed grandee of the grand minister of education for directorships. He turned every stipend he earned toward supporting his extended family. The orphaned and helpless he supplied with land, while he himself kept not even a peck of grain in reserve. He died in office in the sixth year; the emperor mourned him deeply and appointed his son Xuan Biao a gentleman cadet.
3
張湛字子孝，扶風平陵人也。 矜嚴好禮，動止有則，居處幽室，必自修整，雖遇妻子，若嚴君焉。 及在鄉黨，詳言正色，三輔以為儀表。 人或謂湛偽詐，湛聞而笑曰：『我誠詐也。 人皆詐惡，我獨詐善，不亦可乎？』
Zhang Zhan, styled Zixiao, was a native of Pingling in Fufeng. Grave in manner and devoted to ceremony, he regulated every gesture; even in his private rooms he kept himself in perfect order, and before his wife and children he behaved like a magistrate before his subordinates. Among neighbors and townsfolk he chose his words carefully and kept a straight face, and the Three Adjuncts looked to him as their standard. Some called his manner a pose; when Zhang Zhan heard this he laughed and said, 'They are right—I am putting on an act.' Everyone else pretends to be wicked; I alone pretend to be good—what is wrong with that?'
4
成、哀間，為二千石。 王莽時，歷太守、都尉。
Under Emperors Cheng and Ai he served in posts of two thousand piculs. During Wang Mang's reign he successively held the posts of grand administrator and chief commandant.
5
建武初，為左馮翊，在郡修典禮，設條教，政化大行。 後告歸平陵，望寺門而步。 主簿進曰：『明府位尊德重，不宜自輕。 』湛曰：『《禮》，下公門，軾輅馬。 孔子於鄉黨，恂恂如也。 父母之國，所宜盡禮，何謂輕哉？』
Early in Jianwu he became left administrator of Fengyi, where he revived the classical rituals, issued clear regulations, and saw a thorough moral transformation of the region. Later he took leave and returned to Pingling; when he reached the yamen gate he dismounted and went in on foot. His chief clerk urged him: 'Your honor's rank and virtue are too high for you to demean yourself so.' Zhang Zhan replied, 'The Classic of Rites says that below a noble's gate one leaves the chariot and touches the crossbar in respect.' Confucius among his neighbors was modest and careful in every step. In one's native place one should observe every courtesy—how is that belittling myself?'
6
五年，拜光祿勛。 光武臨朝，或有惰容，湛輒陳諫其失。 常乘白馬，帝每見湛，輒言『白馬生且復諫矣』。
In the fifth year he was appointed bearer of the brightness, superintendent of the imperial household. Whenever Emperor Guangwu looked slack at audience, Zhang Zhan would speak up and correct him. He habitually rode a white horse, so whenever the emperor saw him coming he would mutter, 'Here comes the white horse—ready to lecture me again.'
7
七年，以病乞身，拜光祿大夫，代王丹為太子太傅。 及郭后廢，因稱疾不朝，拜太中大夫，居中東門候舍，故時人號曰中東門君。 帝數存問賞賜。 後大徒戴涉被誅，帝強起湛以代之。 湛至朝堂，遺失溲便，因自陳疾篤，不能復任朝事，遂罷之。 後數年，卒於家。
In the seventh year he asked to retire on grounds of ill health; the court named him grandee of the imperial household and tutor to the crown prince in place of Wang Dan. After Empress Guo was cast aside he stayed away from court, pleading sickness; he was made grandee of the palace and lived in the lodge at the Central East Gate, so contemporaries dubbed him 'the lord of Central East Gate.' The emperor often sent messengers to ask after his health and showered him with gifts. Later, when Grand Minister of Education Dai She was put to death, the emperor insisted on dragging Zhang Zhan from retirement to fill the post. At the hall of state he suffered a public loss of bladder control; he then declared himself too ill for any further duty and was allowed to step down. A few years later he died at home.
8
王丹字仲回，京兆下邽人也。 哀、平時，仕州郡。 王莽時，連征不至。 家累千金，隱居養誌，好施周急。 每歲農時，輒載酒肴於田間，候勤者而勞之。 其墮懶者，恥不致丹，皆兼功自厲。 邑聚相率，以致殷富。 其輕黠遊蕩廢業為患者，輒曉其父兄，使黜責之。 沒者則賻給，親自將護。 其有遭喪憂者，輒待丹為辦，鄉鄰以為常。 行之十餘年，其化大洽，風俗以篤。
Wang Dan, styled Zhonghui, came from Xiaqi in the Jingzhao area around the capital. Under Emperors Ai and Ping he held office in provincial and commandery administration. Wang Mang summoned him repeatedly, but he never answered the call. Though his household was worth a thousand pounds of gold, he lived in retirement, nurturing his aims, generous to those in sudden need. Each spring he would drive wine and meat to the fields and toast the hardest-working farmers. The idle felt ashamed to fall short of his example and doubled their efforts. Hamlet after hamlet took his lead and grew prosperous. Young men who loafed, schemed, and made trouble he would take aside with their fathers and elder brothers until they were chastened back to work. For the dead he paid burial costs and saw to the rites himself. Families in mourning learned to wait for Wang Dan to arrange everything; neighbors came to expect it. He kept this up for over a decade until custom ran deep and the whole countryside grew earnest and kind.
9
丹資性方潔，疾惡強豪。 時，河南太守同郡陳遵，關西之大俠也。 其友人喪親，遵為護喪事，賻助甚豐。 丹乃懷縑一匹，陳之於主人前，曰：『如丹此縑，出自機杼。 』遵聞而有慚色。 自以知名，欲結交於丹，丹拒而不許。
Wang Dan was square and scrupulous by nature, and detested bullies and grandees. At the time Chen Zun, grand administrator of Henan and a fellow townsman, was famed as the greatest bravo west of the passes. When a friend's parent died, Chen Zun staged the funeral and poured in lavish contributions. Wang Dan brought only a single bolt of silk, laid it before the bereaved family, and said, 'This cloth is thread I wove myself.' Chen Zun flushed with shame when he heard that. Confident in his own reputation, Chen Zun sought Wang Dan's friendship; Wang Dan turned him down flat.
10
會前將軍鄧禹西征關中，軍糧乏，丹率宗族上表二千斛。 禹在領左馮翊，稱疾不視事，免歸。 後征為太子少傅。
When General Deng Yu marched into Guanzhong and supplies ran short, Wang Dan led his kinsmen in offering two thousand hu of grain to the throne. Deng Yu was also left administrator of Fengyi; he pleaded illness, neglected the yamen, and was removed to go home. Later Wang Dan was recalled as junior tutor to the crown prince.
11
時，大司徒侯霸欲與交友，及丹被征，遣子昱候於道。 昱迎拜車下，丹下答之。 昱曰：『家公欲與君結交，何為見拜？ 』丹曰：『君房有是言，丹未之許也。』
Grand Minister Hou Ba wanted his friendship; when Wang Dan was summoned to court, Hou sent his son Hou Yu to greet him on the road. Hou Yu bowed at the carriage step; Wang Dan stepped down and returned the courtesy. Hou Yu said, 'My father means to befriend you—why do you bow back as if to an equal?' Wang Dan replied, 'If your father said that, I have never agreed to it.'
12
丹子有同門生喪家，家在中山，白丹欲往奔慰。 結侶將行，丹怒而撻之，令寄縑以祠焉。 或問其故，丹曰：『交道之難，未易言也。 世稱管、鮑，次則王、貢。 張、陳兇其終，蕭，朱隙其末，故知全之者鮮矣。 』時人服其言。
Wang Dan's son had a classmate whose family was in mourning in Zhongshan; the boy asked leave to rush there in person. He was gathering travel companions when Wang Dan beat him in anger and told him to send a bolt of silk for the rites instead. Asked why, Wang Dan said, 'The pitfalls of friendship are not easily put into words.' The world praises Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya; next come Wang Ji and Gong Yu. Zhang Er and Chen Yu destroyed each other; Xiao Wangzhi and Zhu Bo fell out at the end—so few friendships stay whole. His contemporaries conceded the point.
13
客初有薦士於丹者，因選舉之，而後所舉者陷罪，丹坐以免。 客慚懼自絕，而丹終無所言。 尋復征為太子太傅，乃呼客謂曰：『子之自絕，何量丹之薄也？ 』不為設食以罰之，相待如舊。 其後遜位，卒於家。
A retainer once recommended a man whom Wang Dan then advanced; when that man was later convicted, Wang Dan lost his post on account of it. The retainer, mortified, cut off all contact, yet Wang Dan never breathed a word of reproach. Soon recalled as tutor to the crown prince, he summoned the same retainer and said, 'You dropped me as if I were too small-minded to understand?' He withheld a meal as a light rebuke, then treated him exactly as before. He later resigned his post and died at home.
14
王良字仲子，東海蘭陵人也。 少好學，習《小夏侯尚書》。 王莽時，寢病不仕，教授諸生千餘人。
Wang Liang, styled Zhongzi, was from Lanling in Donghai. In youth he loved learning and mastered the Lesser Xiahou version of the Documents. Under Wang Mang he stayed in bed and refused office, while instructing over a thousand pupils.
15
建武二年，大司馬吳漢辟，不應。 三年，征拜諫議太夫，數有忠言，以禮進止，朝廷敬之。 遷沛郡太守。 至蘄縣，稱病不之府，官屬皆隨就之，良遂上疾篤，乞骸骨，征拜太中大夫。
In Jianwu 2 Grand Marshal Wu Han offered him a post; he declined. In the third year he was called to be grandee remonstrant; he spoke frankly, observed every ritual nicety in court, and the bureaucracy respected him. He was then moved to grand administrator of Pei. At Qi he pleaded illness and never entered the yamen; his staff trooped out to him instead. He then memorialized that he was dying, asked to retire, and was made grandee of the palace.
16
六年，代宣秉為大司徒司直。 在位恭儉，妻子不入官舍，布被瓦器。 時，司徒史鮑恢以事到東海，過候其家，而良妻布裙曳柴，從田中歸。 恢告曰：『我司徒史也，故來受書，欲見夫人。 』妻曰：『妾是也。 若掾，無書。 』恢乃下拜，嘆息而還，聞者莫不嘉之。
In the sixth year he succeeded Xuan Bing as grandee of the grand minister of education for directorships. In office he was humble and spare: his wife and children never set foot in the yamen, and his quarters held only a cotton quilt and pottery vessels. Once a ministerial clerk named Bao Hui came to Donghai on business and called at Wang Liang's house; Wang Liang's wife was dragging firewood home from the fields in a homespun skirt. Bao Hui announced himself: 'I am a clerk of the minister of education, here to collect papers—I should like to see your mistress.' She replied, 'I am the woman of the house.' But, sir, there are no papers here.' Bao Hui bowed low, sighed, and withdrew; everyone who heard the story praised her.
17
後以病歸，一歲復征，至滎陽，疾篤不任進道，乃過其友人。 友人不肯見，曰：『不有忠言奇謀而取大位，何其往來屑屑不憚煩也？ 』遂拒之。 良慚，自後連征，輒稱病。 詔以玄纁聘之，遂不應。 後光武幸蘭陵，遣使者問良所苦疾，不能言對。 詔復其子孫邑中徭役，卒於家。
Later he went home on sick leave; a year later he was summoned again, but at Xingyang he was too ill to travel on and stopped with a friend. The friend refused to receive him, saying, 'You reached high rank without a single memorable counsel—why do you keep shuttling back and forth so busily?' He turned Wang Liang away. Wang Liang was mortified; from then on every new summons met the excuse of illness. The court sent the formal black-and-red gift bundle to engage him; he still would not answer. Later, when Emperor Guangwu toured Lanling, he sent to ask what ailed Wang Liang; Wang Liang could not bring himself to reply. An edict exempted his descendants from local corvée; he died at home.
18
論曰：夫利仁者或借仁以從利，體義者不期體以合義。 季文子妾不衣帛，魯人以為美談。 公孫弘身服布被，汲黯譏其多詐。 事實未殊而譽毀別議。 何也？ 將體之與利之異乎？ 宣秉、王良處位優重，而秉甘疏薄，良妻荷薪，可謂行過乎儉。 然當世咨其清，人君高其節，豈非臨之以誠哉！ 語曰：『同言而信，則信在言前； 同令而行，則誠在令外。 』不其然乎！ 張湛不屑矜偽之誚，斯不偽矣。 王丹難於交執之道，斯知交矣。
The historian remarks: Some who speak of humanity only borrow it for gain; those who truly live by duty do not perform duty for show. Ji Wenzi's concubines wore no silk; the people of Lu praised it as a noble example. Gongsun Hong affected a cotton quilt while drawing a minister's salary; Ji An called him out for shameless pretense. The facts were much the same, yet one man was lauded and the other mocked. Why was that? Is there a difference between living a principle and merely profiting from its reputation? Xuan Bing and Wang Liang held exalted posts, yet Xuan Bing embraced the barest living and Wang Liang's wife hauled firewood home—both carried austerity past what the world expected. Still their contemporaries praised their purity, and their sovereigns honored their integrity—surely because genuine virtue commands respect! The proverb runs: when people already trust you, your word arrives with credit to spare; when they obey your commands without hesitation, your good faith has already passed beyond the written order.' Is that not exactly how it works!' Zhang Zhan brushed off charges of affectation, and in doing so proved he was not posing. Wang Dan treated friendship as a grave trust—so he truly understood what friendship costs.
19
杜林字伯山，扶風茂陵人也。 父鄴，成、哀間為涼州刺史。 林少好學沈深，家既多書，又外氏張竦父子喜文采，林從竦受學，博洽多聞，時稱通儒。
Du Lin, styled Boshan, came from Maoling in Fufeng. His father Du Ye served as inspector of Liang province under Emperors Cheng and Ai. Du Lin loved learning from boyhood and had a reflective cast of mind; his family owned a large library, and his maternal relatives Zhang Song and son delighted in belles lettres—Du Lin studied under Zhang Song, became encyclopedic in learning, and his generation hailed him as a consummate scholar.
20
初為郡吏。 王莽敗，盜賊起，林與弟成及同郡範逡、孟冀等，將細弱俱客河西。 道逢賊數千人，遂掠取財裝，褫奪衣服，拔刃向林等將欲殺之。 冀仰曰：『願一言而死。 將軍知天神乎？ 赤眉兵眾百萬，所向無前，而殘賊不道，卒至破敗。 今將軍以數千之眾，欲規霸王之事，不行仁恩而反遵覆車，不畏天乎？ 』賊遂釋之，俱免於難。
He began as a commandery clerk. When Wang Mang fell and banditry flared, Du Lin fled west of the Yellow River with his brother Du Cheng, Fan Sui, Meng Ji, and others from the commandery, taking women and children along. They met several thousand brigands who robbed them bare, stripped their clothes, and leveled swords as if to slaughter them all. Meng Ji looked up and said, 'Let me speak one sentence before I die.' General, do you know how Heaven judges men? The Red Eyebrows mustered a million men and swept all before them, yet their cruelty and lawlessness brought them to ruin in the end. You command only a few thousand yet dream of hegemony; instead of kindness you repeat the mistake of those who fell before—do you not fear Heaven's anger? The bandits let them go, and the whole party walked free.
21
隗囂素聞林誌節，深相敬待，以為持書平。 後因疾告去，辭還祿食。 囂復欲令強起，遂稱篤。 囂意雖相望，且欲優容之，乃出令曰：『杜伯山天子所不能臣，諸侯所不能友，蓋伯夷、叔齊恥食周粟。 今且從師友之位，須道開通，使順所誌。 』林雖拘於囂，而終不屈節。 建武六年，弟成物故，囂乃聽林持喪東歸。 既遣而悔，追令刺客楊賢於隴坻遮殺之。 賢見林身推鹿車，載致弟喪，乃嘆曰：『當今之世，誰能行義？ 我雖小人，何忍殺義士！ 』因亡去。
Wei Ao, who had long admired Du Lin's integrity, received him with great respect and named him examining clerk for palace documents. Later he asked leave on grounds of illness, resigned his stipend, and returned his grain allowance. When Wei Ao tried to force him back to office, Du Lin pleaded a mortal illness. Wei Ao still wanted his service yet meant to indulge him, and issued a proclamation: 'Du Boshan cannot be bound as a subject to the Son of Heaven nor kept as a friend by any prince—he is another Boyi and Shuqi, ashamed to eat the grain of the usurping Zhou.' For the present treat him as mentor and companion; when the road is clear again, let him follow his own resolve.' Though Wei Ao held him fast, Du Lin never compromised his principles. In Jianwu 6 his brother Du Cheng died; Wei Ao finally allowed Du Lin to escort the body home to the east. He regretted the decision as soon as Du Lin left and sent the assassin Yang Xian to waylay and murder him at Long Slope. Yang Xian found Du Lin alone, pushing a handcart loaded with his brother's coffin, and sighed, 'In times like these, who still keeps faith with duty? I am a common fellow, yet how could I strike down a man of honor!' With that he slipped away and left the job undone.
22
光武聞林已還三輔，乃征拜侍禦史，引見，問以經書故舊及西州事，甚悅之，賜車馬衣被。 群寮知林以名德用，甚尊憚之。 京師士大夫，鹹推其博洽。
Learning that Du Lin had reached the capital region, Emperor Guangwu summoned him as attendant censor, received him in audience, questioned him on the classics, old friends, and the western frontier, took great pleasure in his answers, and showered him with carriages, horses, and fine clothes. The whole bureaucracy knew he had been chosen for character as much as learning, and treated him with awe. Every scholar-official at court extolled his erudition.
23
河南鄭興、東海衛宏等，皆長於古學。 興嘗師事劉歆，林既遇之，欣然言曰：『林得興等固諧矣，使宏得林，且有以益之。 』及宏見林，闇然而服。 濟南徐巡，始師事宏，後皆更受林學。 林前於西州得漆書《古文尚書》一卷，常寶愛之，雖遭難困，握持不離身。 出以示宏等曰：『林流離兵亂，常恐斯經將絕。 何意東海衛子、濟南徐生復能傳之，是道竟不墜於地也。 古文雖不合時務，然願諸生無悔所學。 』宏、巡益重之，於是古文遂行。
Zheng Xing of Henan, Wei Hong of Donghai, and their circle excelled in classical scholarship. Zheng Xing had studied under Liu Xin; when Du Lin met him he exclaimed, 'To win colleagues like Zheng Xing is harmony enough for me; were Wei Hong to study with me, he would gain still more.' When Wei Hong met Du Lin he fell silent, utterly won over. Xu Xun of Jinan had first studied under Wei Hong; both men then sat at Du Lin's feet for further instruction. In the west Du Lin had acquired a single lacquer-ink manuscript of the Old Text Book of Documents, which he cherished through every hardship and never let leave his side. He showed it to Wei Hong and the rest, saying, 'I wandered through war and always feared this text would perish with me.' Who would have thought Wei Zi of Donghai and Xu Sheng of Jinan would take it up again—so the teaching never touched the earth.' The old-text version may not suit current politics, yet I urge you not to regret the learning you have won.' Wei Hong and Xu Xun prized him all the more, and the Old Text school spread from that moment.
24
明年，大議郊祀制，多以為周郊後稷，漢當祀堯。 詔復下公卿議，議者僉同，帝亦然之。 林獨以為周室之興，祚由後稷，漢業特起，功不緣堯。 祖宗故事，所宜因循。 定從林議。
The next year the court debated suburban sacrifice: most argued that since the Zhou honored Hou Ji at the outer altars, Han should honor Yao. The emperor referred the matter again to the high ministers, who agreed unanimously, and he was inclined to follow them. Du Lin alone argued that Zhou rose through the virtue of Hou Ji, whereas Han's mandate sprang from its own founders, not from Yao's line. The ancestral precedents of the dynasty should be kept as they stand. The court settled on Du Lin's view.
25
後代王良為大司徒司直。 林薦同郡範逡、趙秉、申屠剛及隴西牛邯等，皆被擢用，士多歸之。 十一年，司直官罷，以林代郭憲為光祿勛。 內奉宿衛，外總三署，周密敬慎，選舉稱平。 郎有好學者，輒見誘進，朝夕滿堂。
He later succeeded Wang Liang as grandee of the grand minister of education for directorships. He recommended Fan Sui, Zhao Bing, Shen Tu Gang, Niu Han of Longxi, and others; each won appointment, and talent flocked to his banner. In the eleventh year the directorship post was abolished, and Du Lin replaced Guo Xian as bearer of the brightness. Within the palace he stood night watch; outside he superintended the three cadet bureaus; he was meticulous and even-handed in appointments. Whenever a gentleman cadet showed scholarly promise, Du Lin drew him forward until his hall teemed with students morning and night.
26
十四年，群臣上言：『古者肉刑嚴重，則人畏法令； 今憲律輕薄，故奸軌不勝。 宜增科禁，以防其源。 』詔下公卿。 林奏曰：『夫人情挫辱，則義節之風損，法防繁多，則敬免之行興。 孔子曰：「導之以政，齊之以刑，民免而無恥。 導之以德，齊之以禮，有恥且格。 」古之明王，深識遠慮，動居其厚，不務多辟，周之五刑，不過三千。 大漢初興，詳鑒失得，故破矩為圓，斫雕為樸，蠲除苛政，更立疏網，海內歡欣，人懷寬德。 及至其後，漸以滋章，吹毛索疵，詆欺無限。 果桃菜茹之饋，集以成臧，小事無妨於義，以為大戮，故國無廉士，家無完行。 至於法不能禁，令不能止，上下相遁。 為敝彌深。 臣愚以為宜如舊制，不合翻移。 』帝從之。
In the fourteenth year ministers memorialized: 'Under the ancients harsh mutilation made the people dread the law; today our code is so mild that crime runs beyond control.' We should tighten the statutes at the root to choke off wrongdoing.' The emperor referred the proposal to his ministers. Du Lin answered with a memorial: 'When the law humiliates ordinary feelings, honor withers; when statutes multiply, people learn only to dodge punishment. Confucius said, "If you herd the people with edicts and lash them with penalties, they will keep out of trouble but lose all sense of shame. Lead them with virtue and restrain them with ritual, and they will feel shame and set themselves right." The wise kings of old looked far ahead and acted with generous restraint, never multiplying executions: even Zhou's five punishments numbered fewer than three thousand clauses.' When Han first rose it weighed past mistakes, rounded harsh corners into mercy, stripped ornament down to simplicity, swept away cruel edicts, and cast a wider net—so the realm rejoiced and the people felt the ruler's kindness. Later ages piled statute upon statute, hunting for fault in every hairbreadth, until slander and spite knew no limit. A gift of fruit or greens could be tallied into a theft charge; trivial acts that touched no moral core were punished like capital crimes—so honest men vanished from public life and no household kept an unstained name. When law cannot hold what it bans and decrees cannot stop what they forbid, ruler and ruled simply dodge one another. The harm only deepens. I humbly urge that we keep the founding statutes and not overturn them now.' The emperor accepted his advice.
27
後皇太子彊求乞自退，封東海王，故重選官屬，以林為王傅。 從駕南巡狩。 時諸王傅數被引命，或多交遊，不得應詔； 唯林守慎，有召必至。 餘人雖不見譴，而林特受賞賜，又辭不敢受，帝益重之。
When Crown Prince Liu Qiang asked to step down and was enfeoffed as king of Donghai, the court refilled his household staff and named Du Lin his tutor. He accompanied the emperor on a southern inspection tour. Royal tutors were often summoned on short notice, yet many were off socializing and missed the call; only Du Lin stayed watchful and answered every summons. The rest were not punished, but Du Lin alone received imperial largesse—which he declined—so the emperor prized him all the more.
28
明年，代丁恭為少府。 二十二年，復為光祿勛。 頃之，代朱浮為大司空。 博雅多通，稱為任職相。 明年薨，帝親自臨喪送葬，除子喬為郎。 詔曰：『公侯子孫，必復其始，賢者之後，宜宰城邑。 其以喬為丹水長。』
The following year he succeeded Ding Gong as privy treasurer. In the twenty-second year he was again appointed bearer of the brightness. Soon after he replaced Zhu Fu as grand minister of works. Learned, polished, and versatile, he was hailed as a minister of works who truly filled the role. He died the next year; the emperor attended his obsequies in person and appointed his son Du Qiao a gentleman cadet. An edict read, 'The sons of nobles must return to their roots, and a sage's heir should rule a county seat. Let Du Qiao be named chief of Danshui.'
29
論曰：夫威強以自禦，力損則身危； 飾詐以圖己，詐窮則道屈； 而忠信篤敬，蠻貊行焉者，誠以德之感物厚矣。 故趙孟懷忠，匹夫成其仁； 杜林行義，烈士假其命。 《易》曰：『人之所助者信』，有不誣矣。
The historian remarks: lean on force alone to guard yourself, and when strength fails you stand in peril; dress up fraud to serve your ends, and when the mask slips your purpose is broken; yet loyalty, good faith, and reverence move even barbarians, for nothing sways others like genuine virtue. Thus Zhao Meng clung to good faith and a commoner could accomplish humanity; Du Lin lived by duty, and a desperate man spared his life for it. The Book of Changes says, 'Heaven aids the trustworthy'—and the text does not lie.'
30
郭丹字少卿，南陽穰人也。 父稚，成帝時為廬江太守，有清名。 丹七歲而孤，小心孝順，後母哀憐之，為鬻衣裝，買產業。 後從師長安，買符入函谷關，乃慨然嘆曰：『丹不乘使者車，終不出關。 』既至京師，常為都講，諸儒鹹敬重之。 大司馬嚴尤請丹，辭病不就。 王莽又征之，遂與諸生逃於北地。 更始二年，三公舉丹賢能，征為諫議大夫，持節使歸南陽，安集受降。 丹自去家十有二年，果乘高車出關，如其誌焉。
Guo Dan, styled Shaoqing, was from Rang in Nanyang. His father Guo Zhi served as grand administrator of Lujiang under Emperor Cheng and was famed for integrity. Guo Dan lost his father at seven; he was dutiful and careful, so his stepmother pitied him, sold her ornaments, and bought him land and goods. Later he studied in Chang'an; when he bought his pass to enter Hangu Gate he swore, 'If I do not ride out as an imperial envoy, I will not cross this barrier again.' In the capital he regularly served as chief lecturer, and the scholars held him in high regard. Grand Marshal Yan You summoned him, but he pleaded illness and stayed away. Wang Mang summoned him again, so he fled north into Beidi with a band of students. In Gengshi 2 the three excellencies nominated him as worthy and able; he was called to be grandee remonstrant, given credentials, and sent south to Nanyang to pacify the people and receive surrenders. Twelve years after leaving home he did ride a tall carriage out through the pass, exactly as he had vowed.
31
更始敗，諸將悉歸光武，並獲封爵； 丹獨保平氏不下，為更始發喪，衰绖盡哀。 建武二年，遂潛逃去，敝衣間行，涉歷險阻，求謁更始妻子，奉還節傳，因歸鄉裏。 太守杜詩請為功曹，丹薦鄉人長者自代而去。 詩乃嘆曰：『昔明王興化，卿士讓位，今功曹推賢，可謂至德。 敕以丹事編署黃堂，以為後法。』
When the Gengshi regime collapsed, every general rushed to Emperor Guangwu and won titles; Guo Dan alone held Pingshi against surrender, then mourned the Gengshi Emperor in full sackcloth. In Jianwu 2 he slipped away in rags by back roads, braved every danger, found the Gengshi emperor's family, returned his official seals, and made his way home. Grand Administrator Du Shi offered him the post of merit assessor; Guo Dan named a respected townsman to replace him and left. Du Shi sighed, 'When enlightened kings reformed the realm, high ministers yielded rank; today a merit assessor yields his seat to a better man—that is consummate virtue. Inscribe Guo Dan's deed on the Yellow Hall as a precedent for the future.'
32
十三年，大司馬吳漢辟舉高第，再遷並州牧，有清平稱。 轉使匈奴中郎將，遷左馮翊。 永平三年，代李訢為司徒。 在朝廉直公正，與侯霸、杜林、張湛、郭伋齊名相善。 明年，坐考隴西太守鄧融事無所據，策免。 五年，卒於家，時年八十七。 以河南尹範遷有清行，代為司徒。
In the thirteenth year Grand Marshal Wu Han nominated him top of the list; after two promotions he became governor of Bingzhou, famed for an even and incorrupt administration. He moved on to serve as general of the household in charge of the Xiongnu envoys, then became left administrator of Fengyi. In Yongping 3 he succeeded Li Xin as minister of education. At court he was known for integrity and even-handed justice, and stood on the same footing as Hou Ba, Du Lin, Zhang Zhan, and Guo Ji. The next year he lost his post for pressing a case against Deng Rong, grand administrator of Longxi, without evidence. He died at home in the fifth year, at the age of eighty-seven. Fan Qian of Henan, noted for clean living, was named minister of education in his place.
33
遷字子廬，沛國人，初為漁陽太守，以智略安邊，匈奴不敢入界。 及在公輔，有宅數畝，田不過一頃，復推與兄子。 其妻嘗謂曰：『君有四子而無立錐之地，可余奉祿，以為後世業。 』遷曰：『吾備位大臣而蓄財求利，何以示後世！ 』在位四年薨，家無擔石焉。
Fan Qian, styled Zilu, came from the princedom of Pei. As grand administrator of Yuyang he secured the frontier by shrewd policy, and the Xiongnu would not cross his border. Even as one of the chief ministers he owned only a few mu of house and less than one qing of land, which he then signed over to his nephew. His wife once said, 'You have four sons and not a handspan of soil—why not salt away your salary for their future.' Fan Qian replied, 'I sit among the great ministers; if I piled up silver for my heirs, what example would I leave!' He died in office after four years, leaving his household without a peck to spare.
34
後顯宗因朝會問群臣：『郭丹家今何如？ 』宗正劉匡對曰：『昔孫叔敖相楚，馬不秣粟，妻不衣帛，子孫竟蒙寢丘之封。 丹出典州郡，入為三公，而家無遺產，子孫困匱。 』帝乃下南陽訪求其嗣。 長子宇，官至常山太守。 少子濟，趙相。
Later Emperor Ming asked his ministers at audience, 'What has become of Guo Dan's family?' Liu Kuang, director of the imperial clan, answered, 'Sunshu Ao served Chu with such austerity that his horses ate no grain and his wife wore no silk, yet his line still won the fief of Qiuqiu.' Guo Dan rose from provincial posts to the three excellencies, yet died without an estate; his descendants were left destitute. The emperor then commanded Nanyang to seek out his posterity. His eldest son Guo Yu rose to be grand administrator of Changshan. His younger son Guo Ji became minister of Zhao.
35
吳良字大儀，齊國臨淄人也。 初為郡吏，歲旦與掾史入賀，門下掾王望舉觴上壽，謅稱太守功德。 良於下坐勃然進曰：『望佞邪之人，欺謅無狀，願勿受其觴。 』太守斂容而止。 宴罷，轉良為功曹； 恥以言受進，終不肯謁。
Wu Liang, styled Dayi, was a native of Linzi in Qi. He began as a commandery clerk. On New Year's morning he went in with the staff to pay respects; the porter Wang Wang raised a cup, gushing praise of the grand administrator's achievements. From the back row Wu Liang sprang up and said, 'Wang is a sycophant whose praise is empty flattery—do not drink his toast.' The grand administrator checked himself and set the cup down. When the feast broke up, the governor named Wu Liang merit assessor; but Wu Liang was ashamed to owe the post to flattery and never reported for duty.
36
時，驃騎將軍東平王蒼聞而辟之，署為西曹。 蒼甚相敬受，上疏薦良曰：『臣聞為國所重，必在得人； 報恩之義，莫大薦士。 竊見臣府西曹掾齊國吳良，資質敦固，公方廉恪，躬儉安貧，白首一節； 又治《尚書》，學通師法，經任博士，行中表儀。 宜備宿衛，以輔聖政。 臣蒼榮寵絕矣，憂責深大，私慕公叔同升之義，懼於臧文竊位之罪，敢秉愚瞽，犯冒嚴禁。 』顯宗以示公卿曰：『前以事見良，須發皓然，衣冠甚偉。 夫薦賢助國，宰相之職，蕭何舉韓信，設壇而拜，不復考試。 今以良為議郎。』
General of agile cavalry, Prince Liu Cang of Dongping, heard of him and took him on as a western-bureau clerk. Prince Cang esteemed him deeply and memorialized: 'What a state must prize above all is the right men in office; and nothing repays a sovereign's kindness like lifting worthy men to his notice.' Your servant's western-bureau clerk Wu Liang of Qi is steadfast by nature, square and scrupulous, content in poverty though gray-haired, unwavering in principle; he has mastered the Book of Documents in the orthodox school tradition, is fit to be an erudite, and his deportment is a mirror for others. He should join the palace guard to help perfect your government.' I have received more honor than I deserve and a heavier charge than I can bear; I admire the minister who promoted his better alongside himself and dread the reproach of the man who hid talent—so I risk your displeasure to speak.' Emperor Ming showed the memorial to the high ministers, saying, 'I met Wu Liang on business once: his hair was snow-white, his dress magnificent.' Recommending talent is the chancellor's work: Xiao He raised Han Xin to general on a single ceremony, with no further examination.' Let Wu Liang be appointed gentleman consultant.'
37
永平中，車駕近出，而信陽侯陰就幹突禁衛，車府令徐匡鉤就車，收禦者送獄。 詔書譴匡，匡乃自系。 良上言曰：『信陽侯就倚恃外戚，幹犯乘輿，無人臣禮，為大不敬。 匡執法守正，反下於理，臣恐聖化由是而弛。 』帝雖赦匡，猶左轉良為即丘長。 後遷司徒長史。 每處大議，輒據經典，不希旨偶俗，以僥時譽。 後坐事免，復拜議郎，卒於官。
During Yongping the emperor rode out on a short tour; Marquis Yin Jiu of Xinyang forced his way through the palace guard; carriage-house director Xu Kuang seized his chariot and jailed the charioteer. An edict rebuked Xu Kuang, who then placed himself in fetters. Wu Liang memorialized: 'Yin Jiu trades on his status as an imperial in-law, obstructs the imperial train, and shows none of a subject's deference—that is grave disrespect.' Yet Xu Kuang, who only upheld the law, faces the judge himself—I fear your moral sway will slacken if this stands.' The emperor pardoned Xu Kuang but still demoted Wu Liang to magistrate of Jiuqiu. He was later promoted to senior clerk under the minister of education. In every great debate he cited the classics, never trimming his views to court fashion or chasing cheap applause. He was later removed over a case, then recalled as gentleman consultant and died in that post.
38
承宮字少子，瑯邪姑幕人也。 少孤，年八歲為人牧豕。 鄉裏徐子盛者，以《春秋經》授諸生數百人，宮過息廬下，樂其業，因就聽經，遂請留門下，為諸生拾薪。 執苦數年，勤學不倦。 經典既明，乃歸家教授。 遭天下喪亂，遂將諸生避地漢中，後與妻子之蒙陰山，肆力耕種。 禾黍將孰，人有認之者，宮不與計，推之而去，由是顯名。 三府更辟，皆不應。
Cheng Gong, styled Shaozi, came from Gumu in Langya. Orphaned young, at eight he hired out as a swineherd. A neighbor, Xu Zisheng, taught the Spring and Autumn Annals to hundreds of pupils. Cheng Gong rested under his eaves, loved what he heard, asked to stay on as fuel-gatherer for the school. For years he labored without flagging at his books. Once he had mastered the texts he went home to teach on his own. When chaos swept the realm he led his pupils to refuge in Hanzhong, then moved with his family to Mengyin Mountain and farmed with all his might. As the crop ripened a neighbor claimed the field; Cheng Gong yielded the grain without argument and walked away, and his name spread. The three highest bureaus summoned him in turn; he refused every call.
39
鄭均字仲虞，東平任城人也。 少好黃、老書。 兄為縣吏，頗受禮遺，均數諫止，不聽。 即脫身為傭，歲餘，得錢帛，歸以與兄。 曰：『物盡可復得，為吏坐臧，終身捐棄。 』兄感其言，遂為廉潔。 均好義篤實，養寡嫂孤兒，恩禮敦至。 常稱病家廷，不應州郡辟召。 郡將欲必致之，使縣令譎將詣門，既至，卒不能屈。 均於是客於濮陽。
Zheng Jun, styled Zhongyu, was from Rencheng in Dongping. In youth he studied the Yellow Emperor and Laozi. His elder brother served as a county clerk and took bribes; Zheng Jun warned him again and again, without effect. He hired himself out as a laborer; after a year he brought home coin and silk for his brother. He said, 'Goods can always be replaced, but a clerk convicted of graft is ruined forever.' The brother took the lesson to heart and mended his ways. Zheng Jun loved duty and meant what he said; he supported his widowed sister-in-law and her orphans with unstinting kindness. He habitually pleaded illness at home and ignored every provincial summons. The regional commander was determined to have him and tricked the county magistrate into delivering him to the yamen gate, yet could not force him to serve. Zheng Jun then withdrew to live as a guest in Puyang.
40
建初三年，司徒鮑昱辟之，後舉直言，並不詣。 六年，公車特征。 再遷尚書，數納忠言，肅宗敬重之。 後以病乞骸骨，拜議郎，告歸，因稱病篤，帝賜以衣冠。
In Jianchu 3 Minister Bao Yu called for him, and later he was nominated for blunt counsel; he answered neither summons. In the sixth year the court sent the imperial coach for him alone. Promoted twice to director of the secretariat, he spoke plainly and often; Emperor Zhang held him in high regard. Later he asked to retire, was made gentleman consultant, went home pleading mortal illness, and received cap and gown from the throne.
41
元和元年，詔告廬江太守、東平相曰：『議郎鄭均，束脩安貧，恭儉節整，前在機密，以病致仕，守善貞固，黃發不怠。 又前安邑令毛義，躬履遜讓，比征辭病，淳潔之風，東州稱仁。 書不雲乎：「章厥有常，吉哉！ 」其賜均、義谷各千斛，常以八月長吏存問，賜羊酒，顯茲異行。 』明年，帝東巡過任城，乃幸均舍，敕賜尚書祿以終其身，故時人號為『白衣尚書』。 永元中，卒於家。
In Yuanhe 1 an edict told the governors of Lujiang and Dongping: 'Gentleman Consultant Zheng Jun lives frugally on a teacher's stipend, humble and orderly; he left confidential office for illness, keeps faith in old age, and never slackens.' Former magistrate Mao Yi of Anyi chose modest retirement over repeated calls—his purity is hailed as humanity in the eastern provinces.' The Documents put it this way: "When a ruler's rule holds steady, blessing follows!" Grant each a thousand hu of grain; each eighth month let local officials call on them with sheep and wine to mark their rare virtue.' The next year, passing Rencheng on an eastern tour, the emperor called at Zheng Jun's home and granted him a director's salary for life—so men dubbed him the 'minister in plain clothes.' He died at home during the Yongyuan era.
42
趙典字仲經，蜀郡成都人也。 父戒，為太尉，桓帝立，以定策封廚亭侯。 典少篤行隱約，博學經書，弟子自遠方至。 建和初，四府表薦，征拜議郎，侍講禁內，再遷為侍中。 時，帝欲廣開鴻池，典諫曰：『鴻池泛溉，已且百頃，猶復增而深之，非所以崇唐、虞之約己，遵孝之愛人也。 』帝納其言而止。
Zhao Dian, styled Zhongjing, was from Chengdu in Shu commandery. His father Zhao Jie was grand commandant and, for fixing Emperor Huan's succession, was enfeoffed as marquis of Chuting. Zhao Dian in youth was grave and retiring, wide-read in the classics, and drew students from afar. Early in Jianhe the chief bureaus recommended him together; he became gentleman consultant, lectured inside the palace, and rose twice to palace attendant. When the emperor planned to enlarge Hong Pool, Zhao Dian urged: 'It already floods nearly a hundred qing; to dig it wider and deeper is no way to honor the self-restraint of Yao and Shun or to show the humane care expected of a filial ruler.' The emperor took his point and dropped the project.
43
父卒，襲封。 出為弘農太守，轉右扶風。 公事去官，征拜城門校尉，轉將作大匠，遷少府，又轉大鴻臚。 時，恩澤諸侯以無勞受封，群臣不悅而莫敢諫，典獨奏曰：『夫無功而賞，勞者不勸，上忝下辱，亂象幹度。 且高祖之誓，非功臣不封。 宜一切削免爵士，以存舊典。 』帝不從。 頃之，轉太仆，遷太常。 朝廷每有災異疑議，輒咨問之。 典據經正對，無所曲折。 每得賞賜，輒分與諸生之貧者。 後以諫爭違旨，免官就國。
He succeeded to the title when his father died. He served as grand administrator of Hongnong, then as right administrator of Fufeng. He left office over an official matter, was recalled as colonel of the city gates, then court architect, privy treasurer, and finally grand herald. When court favorites won marquisates without service, the ministers fumed in silence; Zhao Dian alone wrote, 'Reward without work discourages the deserving, shames the throne, insults the people, and lets disorder mock Heaven's pattern.' Moreover the founder swore that no man without merit should be enfeoffed.' Strip these sinecures away and restore the old standard.' The emperor would not agree. Soon he moved to grand coachman, then grand master of ceremonies. Whenever omens or disputed policy troubled the court, it turned to him for judgment. Zhao Dian answered from the classics without trimming his words. Every imperial gift he shared with his neediest pupils. He later lost office for opposing the throne too bluntly and retired to his fief.
44
會帝崩，時禁藩國諸侯不得奔吊，典慨然曰：『身從衣褐之中，致位上列。 且鳥烏反哺報德，況於士邪！ 』遂解印綬符策付縣，而馳到京師。 州郡及大鴻臚並執處其罪，而公卿百寮嘉典之義，表請以租自贖，詔書許之。 再遷長樂少府、衛尉。 公卿復表典篤學博聞，宜備國師。 會病卒，使者吊祠。 竇太后復遣使兼贈印綬，謚曰獻侯。
When the emperor died, princes were barred from the capital for mourning; Zhao Dian declared, 'I rose from common cloth to the highest ranks.' Even crows feed their parents—should a scholar do less!' He handed his seal and credentials to the county magistrate and galloped to Luoyang. Province, commandery, and grand herald would have punished him, but the high ministers praised his devotion and memorialized to ransom his offense with grain, which the emperor allowed. He was twice promoted to junior minister of Changle and commandant of the guards. They again urged that Zhao Dian's learning fitted him to be tutor to the realm. He died of illness first; the court sent envoys to his funeral. Empress Dowager Dou sent envoys to confer his seals posthumously and named him Marquis Xian.
45
典兄子謙，謙弟溫，相繼為三公。
His nephews Zhao Qian and Zhao Wen each rose in turn to the three excellencies.
46
謙字產信，初平元年，代黃琬為太尉。 獻帝遷都長安，以謙行車騎將軍，為前置。 明年病罷。 復為司隸校尉。 車師王侍子為董卓所愛，數犯法，謙收殺之。 卓大怒，殺都官從事，而素敬憚謙，故不加罪。 轉為前將軍，遣擊白波賊，有功，封郫侯。 李傕殺司徒王允，復代允為司徒。 數月病免，拜尚書令。 是年卒，溢曰忠侯。
Zhao Qian, styled Chanxin, became grand commandant in Chuping 1, replacing Huang Wan. When the capital moved to Chang'an, the emperor named Zhao Qian acting general of chariots and cavalry to lead the train. Illness forced him out the following year. He was again appointed metropolitan commandant. The Cheshi king's son, a hostage at court and Dong Zhuo's favorite, broke the law again and again until Zhao Qian seized him and put him to death. Dong Zhuo flew into a rage and executed Zhao Qian's retainer, yet he still respected Zhao Qian too much to touch him. He was named former general, crushed the White Wave rebels, earned distinction, and was enfeoffed as marquis of Pi. When Li Jue murdered Minister Wang Yun, Zhao Qian stepped into Wang Yun's place as minister of education. A few months later illness forced him out; the court then named him director of the secretariat. He died the same year and was canonized as Marquis Zhong—'the Loyal.'
47
溫字子柔，初為京兆丞，嘆曰：『大丈夫當雄飛，安能雌伏！ 』遂棄官去。 遭歲大饑，散家糧以振窮餓，所活萬餘人。 獻帝西遷都，為侍中，同輿輦至長安，封江南亭侯，代楊彪為司空，免，頃之，復為司徒，錄尚書事。
Zhao Wen, styled Zirou, began as assistant governor of the capital region and swore, 'A true man should rise like a hawk, not hide like a mouse!' He threw down his seal and walked away. When famine struck he opened his granaries to the starving and kept more than ten thousand souls alive. He rode west with Emperor Xian as palace attendant, won the title marquis of Jiangnan precinct, succeeded Yang Biao as minister of works, briefly lost the post, then returned as minister of education with authority over the secretariat.
48
時，李傕與郭汜相攻，傕遂虜掠禁省，動帝幸北塢，外內隔絕。 傕素疑溫不與己同，乃內溫於塢中，又欲移乘輿於黃白城。 溫與傕書曰：『公前托為董公報仇，然實屠陷王城，殺戮大臣，天下不可家見而戶說也。 今與郭汜爭睚眥之隙，以成千鈞之仇，人在塗炭，各不聊生。 曾不改悟，遂成禍亂。 朝廷仍下明詔，欲令和解。 上命不行，威澤日損。 而復欲移轉乘輿，更幸非所，此誠老夫所不達也。 於《易》，一為過，再為涉，三而弗改，滅其頂，兇。 不如早共和解，引軍還屯，上安萬乘，下全人民，豈不幸甚。 』傕大怒，欲遣人殺溫。 李傕從弟應，溫故掾也，諫之數日，乃獲免。
When Li Jue and Guo Si turned on each other, Li Jue sacked the palace, marched the emperor to the northern redoubt, and sealed the court off from the world. Li Jue had never trusted Zhao Wen; he locked him in the fortress and planned to drag the imperial train off to Huangbai. Zhao Wen wrote: 'You claimed to avenge Dong Zhuo, yet you gutted the capital and cut down the great ministers—no edict can whitewash that across every hearth.' Now you feud with Guo Si over a dirty look until the hatred weighs a thousand pounds, while the people burn in misery and barely survive. You refuse to repent, and chaos follows in your wake. The court has issued one clear order after another urging peace between you. When imperial commands go unheeded, the throne's authority withers by the day. Now you would haul the emperor off to yet another wrong refuge—an old minister like me cannot fathom such folly. The Book of Changes warns: one slip is error, a second time you ford deep water, a third without reform brings ruin on your own head. Better make peace now, pull your troops back to camp, secure the sovereign above and spare the people below—nothing could bring greater good fortune. Li Jue raged and ordered Zhao Wen killed. Li Ying, Li Jue's cousin and once Zhao Wen's clerk, argued for days until Li Jue relented.
49
溫從車駕都許。 建安十三年，以辟司空曹操子丕為掾，操怒，奏溫辟臣子弟，選舉不實，免官。 是歲卒，年七十二。
Zhao Wen followed the court when it settled at Xu. In Jian'an 13 he recruited Cao Pi as a clerk in the ministry of works; Cao Cao, furious, impeached him for nepotism in appointments and stripped him of office. He died the same year at seventy-two.
50
贊曰：宣、鄭、二王，奉身清方。 杜林據古，張湛矜莊。 典以義黜，宮由德揚。 大儀鵠發，見表憲王。 少卿誌仕，終乘高箱。
Summing up: Xuan Bing, Zheng Jun, and the two Wangs kept their lives as straight as a line. Du Lin stood on the old texts; Zhang Zhan wore dignity like armor. Zhao Dian fell for speaking truth; Cheng Gong rose on quiet merit. Wu Dayi spread his wings like a swan and became the mirror held up to Prince Xian of Dongping. Guo Shaoqing vowed his way to rank and at last rode the tall chariot he had promised himself.