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卷四十四 列傳第十四 鄭袤 李胤 盧欽 華表 石鑒 溫羨

Volume 44 Biographies 14: Zheng Mao; Li Yin; Lu Qin; Hua Biao; Shi Jian; Wen Xian

Chapter 44 of 晉書 · Book of Jin
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Chapter 44
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1
Zheng Mao, courtesy name Linshu, was a native of Kaifeng in Xingyang commandery. His ancestor Zheng Zhong had served the Han as grand minister of agriculture. His father Tai had been inspector of Yang Province and enjoyed wide renown. He lost his father while young yet showed early discernment. Xun You said of him, "Zheng Gongye's line will not die out." He followed his uncle Zheng Hun into exile east of the Yangzi. Hua Xin was then governor of Yuzhang; Zheng Hun went to him for shelter, and because Xin had long been friendly with Tai he raised Mao as his own child. At seventeen he returned to his home commandery. He was by nature pure and upright. Wei Feng of Jiyin was then an aide in the chancellery, a man of great fame, and Ren Lan of Mao's commandery became his friend. Mao judged Feng a dangerous schemer who would bring ruin in the end and urged Ren Lan to break with him. When Feng fell, commentators praised Mao's foresight.
2
祿 輿 祿
When Guanqiu Jian rose in revolt, Prince Jing took the field in person; officials gathered east of the city for the farewell rites, but Mao was too ill to attend. The prince told Central Army Commander Wang Su, "My only regret is that Zheng Guanglu is not here." Wang Su told Mao, who had himself carried in a litter until he overtook the prince on the road. The prince laughed and said, "I knew our Hou Ying would turn up." He had Mao ride with him and asked, "What should be our first move?" Mao replied, "I served with Jian as a terrace gentleman and know him well. He loves schemes but misreads the situation; since he first won glory in You Province his ambitions have known no bound. Wen Qin is brave but reckless. Strike before they expect it; the Jiang and Huai troops are eager but cannot hold a line—dig deep moats and raise high walls to break their spirit, as Zhou Yafu would have done." The prince approved the plan. He was transferred to minister of ceremonies. When the duke of Gaoguixiang debated founding the Bright Hall and ring moat and chose erudits with care, Mao nominated Liu Yi, Liu Shi, Cheng Xian, and Yu Jun, all of whom later rose to the highest councils. When the duke of Changdaoxiang was enthroned, Mao joined in framing the succession plan and was promoted to marquis of Ancheng township with a thousand-household fief. Early in the Jingyuan era illness blinded him; he repeatedly asked to retire, but the court refused. He was appointed grand master of splendid carriage. When the five noble ranks were first instituted he was enfeoffed as earl of Miling.
3
祿退 ' '
When Emperor Wu took the throne, Mao's rank rose to marquis. Though he was bedridden for more than ten years, leading men kept recommending him for office. During Taishi an edict declared, "Grand Master of Splendid Carriage and Marquis of Miling Zheng Mao walks a path of utter integrity, cleaves to the Way in humble purity, shows the gentle clarity of a recluse in private and the unstained white silk of a minister in public; he should mount the three steps of honor and fill a place among the highest councillors. We hereby appoint Mao minister of works." The emperor appeared above the gallery and sent Guo Tan, gentleman of the household for all purposes, to Mao's house to confer the seal. Mao declined again and again, sending his son Cheng to return the seals more than ten times. He told Guo Tan, "When Wei named Xu Miao minister of works, I was palace attendant and carried the edict explaining its intent. Lord Xu told me, "The Three Dukes must mirror Heaven's will; the wrong man in office harms the harmony of the realm; I will not burden the court with my dying breath." In the end he refused the post. Ought we not follow the example of such a gentleman!" He held firm until the court relented; he retired to his mansion as a marquis with privilege equal to the Three Dukes, household attendants and mounted escort, and gifts of bed-curtains, mats, bedding, and five hundred thousand cash.
4
He died in the ninth year of the era, aged eighty-five. The emperor mourned him at the Eastern Hall and sent a private burial outfit, court robes, a suit of clothes, three hundred thousand cash, and a hundred bolts each of silk and cloth for the funeral. His posthumous name was Yuan, "Primal." He had six sons: the heir Mo, then Zhi, Shu, Xu, Cheng, and Yu, all of whom rose to ministerial rank.
5
Mo's courtesy name was Siyuan. He began his career as a gentleman of the palace secretariat, reviewing old documents and cutting away the worthless dross. Yu Song, director of the palace secretariat, told him, "From this day vermilion and purple will not be confused." He was named merit-evaluation gentleman of the masters of writing with sole charge of the Shu campaign, enfeoffed as marquis within the passes, then promoted chief clerk on the left of the minister of education. When Emperor Wu accepted the abdication, Mo and Guo Yi of Taiyuan were both named household gentlemen to the heir apparent. The court held that the heir apparent's staff should style themselves attendant ministers to the throne. Mo memorialized: "The crown prince embodies the supremacy of the throne and holds the empire without private favor. His household officers receive their mandate from the imperial court and cannot be classed with vassal princes' retainers." The court adopted his view. As governor of Dong commandery he faced famine; he opened the granaries for relief, then moved out of the official residence and memorialized himself for punishment. The court praised his concern for the state and issued an edict comparing him to Ji An of Han. The decree was published empire-wide: wherever famine struck, magistrates might open the granaries on their own authority. He was recalled as cavalier attendant-in-ordinary.
6
使
When the emperor as a princely heir was being graded for office, no one in his village would rank alongside him, so the province was searched and the twelve commandery appraisers jointly nominated Mo. Prince Wen wrote to Mao, "My son is honored to stand among your worthy sons; I blush that his mediocrity burdens their company." Later, when Emperor Wu rode to sacrifice at the southern suburb, he had Mo take the place of honor beside him in the chariot and asked, "Do you know why you are here? When the province ranked you his equal, I always feared it would taint pure conversation." The emperor then asked his views on government. Mo replied, "Encourage farming and the harvest—that is the foundation of the state. Choose men of talent—that is how to serve the age. Let officials serve long in one post—that suits good government. Promote and demote with clear care—that is how to teach and warn. Honor plain Confucian virtue—that is the root of moral instruction. Nothing more than that." The emperor praised his answer.
7
He later resigned for his father's mourning, then was recalled as director of justice. At that time Yuan Yi, magistrate of Ge, was impeached for bribery and a vast criminal investigation followed. Most courtiers were dragged into the net, but Mo and his brothers stayed clean and were never touched. He was promoted to minister of ceremonies. When Vice-Director Shan Tao wanted to nominate a kinsman as erudite, he told Mo, "You are another Yin Wenggui—you leave me speechless." Mo was grave and steady, gentle yet firm—always in this vein.
8
祿
When Prince You of Qi was sent to his fief, the court ordered ritual officers to debate the honors and gifts due him. Cao Zhi the libationer and others dissented; Mo let the matter pass and was dismissed for it. Soon he was named grand herald. When his mother died, the old rule required return to duty after burial, but Mo pleaded with such persistence that the court eventually let him observe the full mourning. Statutes were then revised to allow great ministers to finish mourning—beginning with Mo. When mourning ended he served as grand minister of agriculture, then as master of ceremonies.
9
Mo had a son named Qiu.
10
祿
Qiu's courtesy name was Ziyu. In youth he was summoned to the minister's office and entered service in the two palaces. When the prince of Chengdu served as grand general and raised troops against Sima Lun, prince of Zhao, Qiu moved from governor of Dunqiu to chief clerk on the right and was enfeoffed as duke of Pingshou for his merit. He rose through palace attendant, minister of the secretariat, cavalier attendant-in-ordinary, central protector of the army, and right vice-director of the masters of writing while heading the personnel ministry. He died in the second year of Yongjia and was posthumously named grand master of the golden seal and purple ribbon with the posthumous title Yuan. Qiu's younger brother Yu became a minister of the secretariat late in the Yongjia era.
11
使
Li Yin, courtesy name Xuanbo, came from Xiangping in Liaodong. His grandfather Min had been governor of Henei under the Han; he resigned and went home, but Gongsun Du, governor of Liaodong, meant to force him into service, so Min fled in a light boat across the sea and was never heard from again. Yin's father Xin searched for years, sailing beyond the frontier, and found no trace; he could not don full mourning while his father might still live, yet he lived as a mourner and would not marry. When an old neighbor who had shared his father's birth year died, Xin at last put on mourning garb. Xu Miao of Yan, a townsman, urged him to marry, arguing that the worst unfilial act was to leave no heir. After Yin was born he left his wife's bed for good and lived as if in perpetual mourning until grief wore him out and he died within a few years. Yin was orphaned young; his mother remarried badly, and once he could reason he ate less in grief and kept himself under mourning discipline. Because his grandfather's fate was unknown, he set up a spirit tablet and made offerings. Thus he became known for filial devotion. He looked plain and almost frail, yet his judgment ran deep and every word carried weight.
12
西 使 使
He began as commandery accounts clerk, was summoned to the province as section attendant and staff supervisor, nominated Filial and Incorrupt, and joined the staff of the army that pacified the north. He became chancellor to the marquis of Leping and governed with austere simplicity. He entered the masters of writing, rose to marshal under the central protector of the army and gentleman in the personnel ministry, and ranked candidates with incorrupt fairness. He received the rank of marquis within the passes and was sent out as governor of Anfeng. Summoned as aide to the grand general, he rose to palace assistant secretary; his grave integrity and uncompromising standards awed every office. During the Shu expedition he was named general of the central guard on the west with command of all forces in the Guanzhong region. He later served as intendant of Henan and received the title earl of Guanglu. Early in Taishi he became a minister of the masters of writing and his noble rank rose to marquis. Yin submitted: "The three ancient dukes sat in council on the Way, joined the six palaces within and matched the six ministers without, heard cases beneath the court locusts, and took doubtful matters to the high ministers. Your Majesty’s luminous virtue attends to every detail of government; this edict, humbly issued to mirror antiquity, matches even Yao, Shun, and the vigilant King Wen. Henceforth, on great affairs of state, summon the dukes in person and draw in forthright advice. When civil and military questions remain unsettled, hold prolonged discussion in the secretariat with palace attendants and ministers. If someone is too ill for assembly, send palace attendants to consult him." The throne accepted the memorial. He rose to minister of personnel and vice-director of the masters of writing, then soon junior tutor to the heir apparent. An edict named him metropolitan commandant for his loyal, even temper and selfless integrity. Yin begged off again and again: tutoring the heir should not be combined with the metropolitan command. The emperor replied that both offices demanded loyal talent and would not release him.
13
Early in Xianning, when the crown prince entered the eastern palace, the emperor thought the metropolitan post too crushing for Yin’s frail health beside the tutor’s daily duties, and named him palace attendant with the title specially advanced instead. He soon became director of the masters of writing while retaining palace attendant and specially advanced. Despite long service, his family remained destitute; when his son fell ill he had no money for drugs. The emperor sent him one hundred thousand cash. Later, recalling that the minister of education had once been the chancellor’s role, the emperor named Yin to that post. For five years he governed with terse clarity and weight and was reckoned fully competent. With the southeast newly pacified and many ministers owed reward, he offered to step down. The emperor refused, sent a palace attendant with a gracious edict, and barred further resignations. Yin had to return to his desk.
14
He died in the third year of Taikang; a censor with credential staff oversaw his obsequies and he received the posthumous title Cheng. The crown prince had Wang Zan compose his dirge in beautiful prose. Later the emperor recalled Yin’s integrity and decreed: "The late Li Yin and Peng Guan, minister of ceremonies, died poor in loyal service; give two million cash and a thousand hu of grain to Yin’s heirs, half to Guan’s." He had three sons: Gu, Zhenchang, and Xiu. Gu, courtesy name Wanji, served as cavalier gentleman, died before his father, and his son Zhi inherited the title. Zhi, courtesy name Yandao, rose through cavalier gentleman at the palace, general who establishes might, and governor of Yangping. Zhenchang reached minister of the imperial stud. Xiu served as palace attendant at the yellow gates and household gentleman to the heir-designate.
15
涿
Lu Qin, courtesy name Ziruo, came from Zhuo in Fanyang commandery. His grandfather Zhi had been a palace attendant under the Han. His father Yu had been minister of works under Wei. The family had long won fame for Confucian scholarship. Qin was sober, detached, and long-sighted, steeped in the classics and histories; nominated Filial and Incorrupt, he stayed home until Cao Shuang summoned him as an aide. When Shuang’s brother sought a private favor, Qin warned that kinsmen must not violate the statutes; Shuang agreed and punished his brother. He was named gentleman of the masters of writing. When Shuang fell, Qin lost his post. He later served as attendant censor, inherited the marquisate of Dali village, and became governor of Langye. As grand tutor, Emperor Xuan made him an aide, then governor of Yangping, then area commander north of the Huai and general who crosses the waves, earning high praise. He was recalled as cavalier attendant-in-ordinary and grand minister of agriculture, then minister of personnel, and enfeoffed as marquis of Daliang. At the founding of Jin he was named area commander north of the Han, general who pacifies the south, with credential staff, plus swift carts, sleeping carts, outriders, arms from the palace armory, and three hundred thousand cash. In command he mixed lenience and firmness and kept the border untroubled. He was recalled as vice-director of the masters of writing with palace attendant and colonel who conducts the carriage, heading personnel. For his honest poverty the court sent a hundred bolts of silk. He chose men by ability and was called incorrupt and even-handed.
16
His son Fu, courtesy name Ziyun, began as household gentleman to the heir apparent. A carbuncle cost him a hand and ended his career. The court still offered him posts as erudite, libationer of the academy, and director of the palace library, but he declined them all.
17
His younger brother Ting, courtesy name Zihu, served as minister of the guards. Ting’s son was Zhi.
18
Ting’s son Zhi
19
使 殿
Zhi, courtesy name Zidao, began as a bureau aide and gentleman of the masters of writing, then magistrate of Ye. When Prince Ying of Chengdu held Ye, he prized Zhi’s ability and made him his closest adviser. When Prince Jiong of Qi rose in arms, he notified Ying. Ying called Zhi in council. Zhi said, "Sima Lun is a traitor; every corner of the realm burns with anger. If you lead the three armies and move like lightning, the armies will flock unbidden. You will crush the rebels and prevail without a prolonged war. Yet war is the gravest thing, which the sages handle with fear. Raise banners for worthies and employ talent to secure public trust." Ying agreed, reshuffled his high staff, and named Zhi army adviser, then chief clerk on the left in charge of all paperwork. When vanguard Zhao Xiang lost to Lun, panic spread and many wanted to retreat to Chaoge. Zhi said, "A reverse makes the foe overconfident; if we freeze in place, morale will collapse. Pick elite troops, force-march, and surprise them—that is the way of surprise." Ying agreed. After Lun’s fall Zhi urged, "Jiong’s million men are deadlocked with Zhang Hong while you crossed the river—that feat tops all—yet Jiong will demand a share of power. Two champions cannot coexist; plead your mother’s illness, return to your fief, exalt Jiong, and win the empire’s heart—that is best." Ying took the advice, pleaded his mother’s illness, and left Jiong in charge. Ying thus won fame everywhere and men’s hearts turned to him. The court made Zhi marquis of Wuqiang with cavalier attendant-in-ordinary.
20
When Prince Yong of Hejian took Li Han’s counsel to kill the two princes and make Ying heir, Ying meant to join; Zhi argued in vain. After Jiong fell, Ying clutched power and nursed resentment. Prince Yi of Changsha blocked him in the capital, so he plotted secretly against Yi. When Zhang Chang rose in Jingzhou, Ying asked to lead the campaign and was allowed. After Zhang Chang was crushed, he marched against Yi. Zhi urged: "You restored the throne, yielded to Jiong, refused the nine gifts, stayed clear of power, fed Yangdi’s hungry, buried Huangqiao’s dead—the world owes you everything. Now clear the south, withdraw in good order, camp beyond the passes, and enter court in robes of peace—that is how a hegemon behaves." Ying refused.
21
殿 使 鹿 便 滿 綿
After Yi died Ying named Zhi palace secretariat director at Ye to run the chancellery. When the emperor lost at Dangyin, Ying sent Zhi to escort him. When Wang Jun struck Ye, Zhi urged Ying to return the emperor to Luoyang. Zhi mustered fifteen thousand men overnight, but the grand consort would not leave Ye and Ying hesitated. The army melted away, leaving Zhi, his son Mi, nephew Shen, and a thousand guards; Zhi again pressed Ying to flee. A Daoist Huang, called "the sage," had beguiled the grand consort. The Daoist drank two cups, smashed them, and left; then Ying decided to move. Men and horses scattered; Zhi found deer carts while Han Xuan rounded up a hundred attendants. Zhi entered the presence. The emperor asked why all had fled." Zhi said, "The foe is still eighty li off, yet panic emptied the city; the heir-designate will escort you to Luoyang." The emperor said, "Good." They set out at once in an ox cart. Hao Chang held Luoyang with eight thousand men; summoned, he met the train at Ji with a strong column. Zhi urged a general amnesty to celebrate with the people. At Luoyang he recommended Man Fen as metropolitan commandant. Fugitives drifted back, offices refilled, and the emperor gave Zhi silk, floss, clothes, and a crane robe.
22
輿 便西
Earlier Prince Yong had sent Zhang Fang to relieve Ye when Wang Jun rose. Fang, learning of the defeat, stopped at Luoyang, plundered, and plotted to burn the capital and move west. Zhi told Fang, "Dong Zhuo’s arson at Luoyang is still cursed after a hundred years—do not repeat it!" Fang gave up the plan. Fang then compelled the emperor to enter his camp. Weeping, the emperor climbed into the carriage; Zhi alone stood at his side and said, Sire, you must now defer entirely to the Right General. I am a dull and timid man with nothing to offer but to stay at your side with what little loyalty I have. After three days in Zhang Fang's camp they moved west, and Zhi followed the emperor to Chang'an. When Ying lost his rank, Zhi was dismissed as well.
23
Zhi's son was Chen.
24
Chen, courtesy name Ziliang, was quick, lucid, fond of Daoist texts, and a fine writer. Chosen as husband to Emperor Wu's daughter, Princess of Xingyang, he was named colonel of the household cavalry, but the princess died before the wedding. The province nominated him flourishing talent and summoned him as aide to the grand commandant. When Luoyang fell he fled north with Zhi to Liu Kun and fell captive with him to Liu Can. Liu Can held Jinyang and kept Chen on his staff. Liu Kun rallied broken units and brought Youxi's cavalry to strike Liu Can. When Can fled, Chen escaped to Kun, but every kinsman left in Pingyang had been slaughtered by Liu Cong. Under Kun as minister of works Chen served as chief clerk, then as bureau aide. Kun's wife was Chen's aunt—she loved him as family and prized his gifts.
25
西 使使 西
Late in Jianxing he followed Kun to Duan Pidi. When Pidi took Youzhou he named Chen senior administrator. After Pidi killed Kun, he in turn was ruined. With the south cut off, Chen fled to Duan Mobo in Liaoxi. When Emperor Yuan began his reign, Mobo sent envoys south; Chen rode that mission with a sharp memorial vindicating Liu Kun, and the court promptly offered rites in his honor. The court summoned him repeatedly, but Mobo held him back from crossing the river. After Mobo died his brother Dai ruled; Chen wandered in turmoil for almost twenty years. Shi Hu seized Liaoxi; Chen was taken again and given high office under the Later Zhao regime. During Ran Min's purge of the Shi family Chen followed his host and died at Xiangguo in Yonghe 6, aged sixty-seven.
26
A nobleman's son famed from youth for talent and purity, he was admired by all. When the heartland fell he shared captivity with Cui Yue, Xun Chuo, Pei Xian, and Fu Chang; though they served the Shi regime they counted it disgrace. He told his sons, When I die, style me only as aide to the Jin minister of works—nothing more. He wrote Rites of Sacrifice, annotated the Zhuangzi, and left collected works that circulated widely.
27
Cui Yue, courtesy name Daoru, was Cui Lin's great-grandson and nephew to Liu Kun's wife. He served with Chen under Kun, then as scribe to Mobo. Under the Shi regime he too rose high. Xun Chuo, Pei Xian, and Fu Chang are treated in other chapters.
28
祿 祿 退
Hua Biao, courtesy name Weirong, of Gaotang in Pingyuan, was the son of Hua Xin, Wei grand commandant, a man of spotless reputation. At twenty he became cavalier at the yellow gates and rose to palace attendant. Early in Zhengyuan Shi Bao attended court and hailed the duke of Gaoguixiang as Cao Cao reborn. Listeners broke into cold sweat; Biao pleaded illness and withdrew home, escaping the worst. He later became minister of the masters of writing. When the five ranks were instituted he was named earl of Guanyang. He lost office for disorderly funeral arrangements. During Taishi he became junior tutor to the heir apparent, then master of ceremonies. He rose to minister of ceremonies. After some years he asked to retire on grounds of age and illness. The edict read, Biao has walked a pure, plain path and long served with quiet reverence. Yet illness makes him decline with heartfelt memorials. He is named grand counselor of the palace with two hundred thousand cash, bedding, stipends like a minister, and a mounting-block at his gate. Li Yin and Wang Hong praised his spare detachment as beyond price to high or low. He died in Xianning 1, aged seventy-two, as Kang, with court robes sent posthumously. He had six sons: Yi, Cen, Qiao, Jian, Dan, and a sixth son whose name was also pronounced Jian but written with a different character.
29
駿 調
Yi, courtesy name Changjun, was open, quick, and able. Because his father-in-law Lu Yu ran personnel and avoided in-law favors, Yi was not moved until thirty-five, when he became a communications gentleman of the secretariat. Early in Taishi he rose to supernumerary vice-director. Emperor Wu favored him from youth; he rose through the yellow gates, cavalier service, forward general, palace attendant, and command on the Hebei front. His father fell mortally ill; though custom required return to office after burial, Yi refused and defied the throne.
30
使 婿 簿
Biao had registered clients at Ge through Magistrate Yuan Yi, substituting three slaves for three clients. When Yuan Yi fell for bribery, the indictment muddled the slave substitution and simply said three slaves were given to Hua Yi, who was also a Lu in-law. Xun Xu had wanted Yi's daughter for his son; refused, he secretly urged punishing only the chief offender and named Yi. They stripped Yi of office and fief while he still mourned, citing his defiance. He Zun urged reducing Yi to commoner and passing the noble title to Biao's great-grandson Hun. The bureau replied, Yi's demotion was a provisional measure. He was recorded as heir; barring succession doubles the penalty. The eight deliberations exist to weigh noble offenders. An heir-apparent should not lose succession for a non-capital fault; the law allows him to inherit. The edict answered, Heirs wait one year—that is the old rule. To strike him as he succeeds wipes rank once—why punish twice? I disciplined Yi to warn the greedy, not to apply routine law. Ministers twisted ritual to reverse my order—high and low now contradict. The debaters were fined rather than dismissed. Hun the great-grandson should inherit but mutilated himself and feigned madness to refuse the title, winning praise.
31
Hun, courtesy name Jinglun, inherited, served as palace attendant and minister, and died in office, chaste and upright. His son Tao succeeded, became magistrate of Gong, and died under Shi Le.
32
Hua Hui, courtesy name Jingshu, served as intendant of Henan. With Xun Fan and Xun Zu he fled raiders to Linying and died there with his father.
33
Yi's son was Heng.
34
Heng, courtesy name Jingze, was learned and famed for spare purity. He wed Emperor Wu's elder daughter, Princess of Xingyang, and became colonel of the household cavalry. Early in Yuankang, when the eastern palace opened, he was named guest-friend to the heir with a marquisate within the passes. He served Wang Hun's staff, then rose through cavalier posts to north army warden and soon protector of the army.
35
便 ''
He became minister of ceremonies and joined debate on suburban sacrifice. Diao Xie and Du Yi argued suburban rites must wait on recovering Luoyang. Heng cited Emperor Xian sacrificing at Xu and urged establishing rites at Jiankang. Xun Zu and Wang Dao concurred, and the suburban rite was settled. He asked leave on illness; the edict said the minister of ceremonies must lead temple rites, which his health forbids. Confucius said absent sacrifice is no sacrifice—how much more the minister of rites. He is therefore moved to director of justice. Soon he received the title specially advanced.
36
祿
Early in Taining he became general of agile cavalry, commanding Stone City forces. Wang Dun tried to name him protector of the army, but illness blocked the appointment. He received grand master of the golden seal and purple ribbon and served as junior tutor to the crown prince. Under Emperor Cheng he added cavalier attendant-in-ordinary and libationer of the academy. Early in Xianhe, Min-era titles were voided; Heng was re-enfeoffed at Yuanling for merit against Wang Dun and again led the ministry of rites. During Su Jun's revolt he stayed with the emperor at Stone City over a year of hardship.
37
As provincial middle appraiser he had degraded the worthless Ren Rang. When Rang served Su Jun he spared Heng respect despite his killings. Rang protected him when Zhong Ya and Liu Chao fell.
38
祿 祿
When the emperor took the capping rites and chose an empress, the war had destroyed the classics, leaving wedding and capping rites without models. Heng recovered old texts, drafted the rituals, and set forms for suburb, temples, and court that were all adopted. He was offered grand master of the left and opener of office but declined. He died at sixty-nine; posthumously he received palace attendant, grand master of the left, opener of office, and the posthumous name Jing.
39
Though eminent he lived on coarse clothes and plain fare, stricter as he aged. He died leaving no wealth but several hundred books, which contemporaries honored. His son Hua Jun inherited the title and served as a gentleman of the masters of writing. His grandson Yangzhi rose to grand prolonger of autumn.
40
Yi's brother was Hua Qiao.
41
駿
Hua Qiao, courtesy name Shujun, was famed from youth for wide learning and literary depth. Prince Wen took him on staff, then named him gentleman of the masters of writing and aide in the chariot guard. Early in Taishi he received the title marquis within the passes. He became household gentleman to the heir apparent. He was sent out as governor of Anping. He pleaded aged parents and stayed home, then was named cavalier attendant-in-ordinary over secretariat writing, libationer of the academy, and palace attendant.
42
駿
Late in Taikang Emperor Wu feasted often and was frequently ill. When the emperor rallied, Qiao joined other ministers in a congratulatory memorial that gently urged restraint. We humbly note that guarding against small oversights prevents regret; securing good fortune at the moment of success keeps the mandate ever fresh. We pray you will ponder past slips and secure lasting good fortune. Cultivate stillness, nourish your vitality, dwell in simplicity, and keep your mind untroubled. Heed honest counsel and do not scorn your officials—then blessings will grow and the empire will rejoice." The emperor answered in his own hand that he would take care. Early in Yuankang he was enfeoffed marquis of Xuanchang village. After Yang Jun fell he was transferred to marquis of Lexiang and minister of the masters of writing.
43
His erudition and archival skill won him the palace library with cavalier rank and protocol matching the secretariat. He oversaw the inner archives, secretariat, ritual, astronomy, and southern bureau drafts. He had long wished to revise the Han Annals. He compiled ninety-seven scrolls from Guangwu to the last Han emperor, covering annals, empresses, canons, and biographies. He replaced outer-kin chapters with empress annals paired to the imperial line. He renamed treatises as canons after the Yao Canon model. He presented his work as the Later Han Annals. The court convened to judge the manuscript. Xun Xu, He Qiao, Zhang Hua, and Wang Ji praised it as worthy of Ban Gu and ordered it sealed in the vault. As tutors to the heir they secured imperial approval for its use at court. His policy papers on ritual, rivers, and the heir were often enacted. He died in Yuankang 3 and was posthumously named minister of the treasury with the title Jian.
44
使
He drank heavily by habit. His ten canons remained unfinished; He Shao asked his son Che to finish them, but Che died midway. Later his son Chang finished the canons and drafted Wei and Jin history with Zhang Zai. War destroyed most copies; barely fifty scrolls survived.
45
His sons were Yi, Che, and Chang. Yi inherited and rose to inner prefect of Changle. Chang wrote extensively. He fled to Jingzhou and died at forty at bandit hands.
46
西 祿祿
Shi Jian, courtesy name Linbo, came from Yanci in Leling commandery. Of humble origin, he aimed at upright public service. Under Wei he rose through secretariat and censor posts, awed the court with rectitude, and became inspector of Bing with border command. At the founding of Jin he was enfeoffed viscount of Tangyang. He served as metropolitan commandant, then minister of the masters of writing. He commanded on the Longyou front but lost office for inflated battle claims. Later as southern commander he again inflated enemy heads. The edict cited Wei Shang and Tian Shun punished for false battle claims. Jian is a chief minister I trusted. On the western campaign you lied to the throne yet went unpunished. Restored to office, you again cheated with your staff. Is this conduct fit for a great minister? The bureau agreed to harsh punishment, but I stayed my hand. He is banished for life from office but keeps his title and land. Years later he returned as master of ceremonies, metropolitan commandant, grand master of the right, and minister of education. Ancient three-ducal investitures included a modest banquet to honor the office. Late Wei had dropped the custom. For Jian the court revived the banquet and made it precedent. Late in Taikang he became minister of works and grand tutor to the heir.
47
駿 駿駿使 駿便駿
At Wu's death he and Zhang Shao oversaw the imperial tomb. Prince Liang feared Yang Jun and stayed outside the city during the funeral. A rumor drove Yang Jun to order Jian and Zhang Shao to attack Prince Liang with tomb guards. Zhang Shao pressed for immediate attack; Jian delayed, reconnoitered, and proved Liang had left for Xuchang—Jun canceled the order and men praised Jian. After the tomb work he was enfeoffed marquis of Chang'an. Early in Yuankang he was grand commandant. Past eighty he remained vigorous and was admired. He soon died with posthumous name Yuan. His son Lou inherited and rose to colonel of garrison cavalry.
48
'
After Zhang Hua was executed, Prince Jiong moved to restore his honors. Wen Xian argued guilt cannot rest on one minister alone. Yan Ying said none but kin answer for the dead. Historical precedents like Li Ke and the Lü purge unfolded over years. No minister executes such a plan in mere months while the ruler lives. At the Shi Qian affair Zhang Hua alone remonstrated. The high ministers were divided; expecting Hua to command alone was impossible. The empress harmed her son; Hua could not have foreseen inner court murder. The empress ranked with the emperor; fault lay with the prince, not treason. Blaming Hua like Zhao Dun for failing to punish the empress twists justice. Zhang Hua's titles were restored.
49
祿
He earned the duchy of Daling for the campaign against Prince Ying. As Ji inspector he stepped aside when Prince Xiao of Fanyang took the province after his defeat at Xuchang. When the emperor fled west he was named palace secretariat director but declined. Recalled at Luoyang he was offered palace secretariat director with cavalier rank. He had not taken office when the emperor died. Under Emperor Huai he became grand master of the left and minister of education. Critics called his promotion hasty. He died soon after with posthumous honors as minister of education, title Yuan. His sons were Zhi, Yun, and Yu.
50
西 祿
Zhi, courtesy name Jingqi, served the grand tutor's western bureau. Yun, courtesy name Jingxian, was household gentleman to the heir. Yu, courtesy name Jingsi, married the senior princess of Wu'an and reached grand master of the left.
51
退
The historians say mid-Jin inherited wealth and ambition; talent filled the court. These men reached the highest posts only as exceptional talents of their day. Yet in crisis they often chose private safety over saving the realm—little more need be said. Zheng Mao's yielding set a standard of deference; Li Yin harmonized family and state in filial duty; Lu Qin's scholarship and Hua Biao's austerity left blessings for posterity—fitting praise. Shi Jian and Wen Xian kept their reputations through turmoil. As the proverb says, winter reveals the evergreen—so with these men.
52
Encomium: yielding Zheng Mao, filial Zheng Mo; Lu Qin was learned and pure; Hua Biao was stern and true. Shi Jian's deeds shone abroad, and Wen Xian's name carried a quiet dignity. Together they chimed like struck jade and rivaled the orchid's scent—men of a piece with the finest company.
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