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卷七十四 列傳第二十四: 劉洎 馬周 崔仁師

Volume 74 Biographies 24: Liu Ji, Ma Zhou, Cui Renshi

Chapter 78 of 舊唐書 · Old Book of Tang
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Chapter 78
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1
Liu Ji, style name Sidao, came from Jiangling in Jingzhou. In the closing years of the Sui, he held office under Xiao Xian as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. Xiao Xian sent him to campaign in Lingnan, where he captured over fifty cities. He had not yet returned when Xiao fell, so he brought those cities over to the Tang and was made chief clerk of the Nankang regional command. In Zhenguan 7 he rose by stages to Attendant-in-Ordinary and was enfeoffed as Baron of Qingyuan. In Zhenguan 11 he became Supervising Censor responsible for drafting memorials. He memorialized the throne as follows:
2
宿 便 便
The Board of Civil Office governs the myriad tasks of state and is the true root of government; when one considers who should hold these posts, appointment is no easy matter. The eight ministers are compared to the Seat of Literature; the two vice directors to those who manage the reins; even the bureau directors answer to the stars in heaven. If any are unfit for their posts, holding office without merit draws censure. I see that lately imperial edicts have stalled in the Board and paperwork has backed up. Though I am hardly competent, allow me to trace the cause. Early in Zhenguan there were no Directors of the Board, yet its business was more tangled—and more than double today's volume. Left Vice Director Dai Zhou and Right Vice Director Wei Zheng both knew the arts of administration and were plain and direct in character; when impeachment was called for, they did not shrink from it. Your Majesty also treated them with kindness, and order followed naturally; the hundred offices did not grow lax, and this was why. When Du Zhenlun succeeded as Right Vice Director, he too was fairly stern with those below him. Of late the framework of discipline has gone slack, because meritorious imperial kinsmen hold posts for which they are unqualified, and power and prestige tip against one another. Every official fails to uphold the public good; though they wish to do better, they first fear malicious talk. Hence the bureau directors are held down and do nothing but seek instructions; the ministers hesitate and cannot reach decisions. Some dread memorializing the throne, and routine business is delayed. Even when the rights of a case are clear, it is sent down again for further review. No deadline binds those who send cases out, and lateness on return goes unpunished; once a file leaves one's desk, it may drag on for years. Some twist the facts to please the throne, or suppress justice to avoid suspicion. The clerks treat a closed dossier as the end of the matter and do not pursue right and wrong; the ministers take convenient shortcuts as public service and never ask whether a decision is right. They indulge one another in turn and only try to smooth things over. To choose the worthy and empower the able, none but the qualified should be raised; Heaven's work is entrusted to human agents—how can posts be handed out at random? As for honored kinsmen and founding ministers, let their stipends and ceremonial rank be generous; if some are very old or long ill and confused in mind, since they no longer serve the age, they should be granted leisure and retirement. To block the path of talent for long is altogether unacceptable. To cure this evil, the four key posts should be carefully reduced and filled with fit men. If the left and right vice directors and the left and right bureau directors are all well chosen, discipline will naturally be restored; it will also correct the scramble for favor—far more than merely clearing the backlog!
3
祿
Shortly after this memorial, he was appointed Right Vice Director of the Board of Civil Office. In Zhenguan 13 he was transferred to Vice Director of the Yellow Gate. In Zhenguan 17 he received the additional title Silver-Gleaming Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and soon became Regular Attendant. Liu Ji was blunt, severe, and fearless in speaking out. Taizong was accomplished in Wang Xizhi's calligraphy and especially skilled in feibai. Once he feasted officials of the third rank and above at Xuanwu Gate, took up the brush, and wrote feibai characters to give the assembly. Some, flushed with wine, snatched at the Emperor's hand; Liu climbed onto the imperial couch and took the sheet from him. All memorialized: "Liu Ji mounted the imperial bed; the offense is capital—let the law take him. The Emperor laughed and said: "We once heard of the Brilliant Companion refusing the palanquin; today we see the Regular Attendant climbing the bed." Soon he was made acting Vice Director of the Yellow Gate with the additional title Protector-General of the Army.
4
Taizong loved to argue; whenever he discussed the ways of antiquity with his ministers, he pressed them with hard questions to and fro. Liu remonstrated in a memorial: "Emperor and commoner, sage and fool—high and low are worlds apart; to compare them is to break off the very categories of rank. So the utterly foolish cannot answer the utterly sage, nor the utterly lowly the utterly exalted—however hard they try, they cannot keep up. Your Majesty lowers gracious edicts and lends a kindly face, listens with bowed tassel and open mind—yet I fear your officials still dare not speak plainly. How much worse when you stir your divine wit, unleash heaven's eloquence, polish phrases to overturn their reasoning, and cite antiquity to reject their views—what step can ordinary men find to answer? Heaven prizes silence, the sage prizes wordlessness; Laozi said great eloquence seems tongue-tied, Zhuangzi said the utmost Way is unadorned—all because they wished to avoid fuss. When Duke Huan of Qi read books, Wheelwright Pian laughed behind his back; Emperor Wu of Han doted on antiquity, and Chao Cuo remonstrated—again because they did not wish to weary the ruler. Much study harms the mind and much talk harms the breath; inner harm to heart and breath taxes body and spirit without. At first you may not feel it, but in time it will tell. Love yourself for the altars of state—do not injure yourself for love of argument. Today's peace is your vigorous doing; to make it endure does not depend on eloquent debate. Put aside likes and dislikes, choose carefully, keep every matter plain and utterly fair—then you will be as in early Zhenguan. Qin's First Emperor, mighty in argument, lost hearts through arrogance; Wei Emperor Wen, grand in talent, squandered hope in empty talk. The harm of such eloquence is plain enough to compare. I pray you will set aside this heroic eloquence and nourish your breath in serenity; simplify your library and find calm contentment. Fix your longevity like the southern peak and align the people with the eastern household—then the realm would be blessed and your grace complete." The Emperor replied in his own hand: "Without forethought one cannot rule those below; without words one cannot express forethought. Of late discussion has grown, and talk has become excessive. To treat things lightly and be arrogant toward others—I fear this path leads there. Body, spirit, heart, and breath are not worn out by this. Hearing your frank counsel now, I open my mind to change." At that time the crown prince had just been installed; Liu held that he should honor worthies and esteem the Way, and memorialized:
5
姿
I have heard that receiving guests at the suburban altar is how regional lords perfected virtue; and yielding thrice in learning is how the heir became steadfast in conduct. These all humble the lord's ritual dignity and extend the meaning of courtesies exchanged with those below. Thus plain counsel could be offered and wise inquiry reach far; without leaving the hall, one could know the realm while seated. By this path the great foundation was made firm for long ages. The crown prince bears the ancestral line; at the hinge between good and evil, rise and fall depend on him. Neglect at the start brings regret at the end. Hence Chao Cuo memorialized to have the heir first master government; Jia Yi urged that he first know ritual and teaching. I reflect that the crown prince is filial, friendly, benevolent, righteous, bright, sincere, and steadfast—gifts of Heaven, not lessons drilled in; already Chinese and barbarian look up to his virtue and hope in his influence. Yet attendance at the bedchamber and watching meals already fill the three audiences; discussion of the Way in the school palace should extend to the four arts. Though he is in his prime and his conduct improves by degrees, I fear the years will slip away, his studies draw reproach, and the habit of ease will begin here. I am dull and of little talent, yet fortunate to attend him; I wish to broaden his bright path and hear the straight way. I dare not weave old stories and ask to speak from Your Majesty's own sage conduct.
6
退
Your Majesty was born with sagely wisdom, received the mandate, and rose through tested office. Many talents and many arts—your Way stands out in aiding the age; truly martial and truly literary—your achievement was completed in continuing the sacrifices. The ten thousand regions are in order and the nine domains are clear and at ease. Yet you still say: though at rest, do not rest; each day be cautious as the day before; seek strange hearsay from remote antiquity and labor your sage thought in the present year. Reading at the second watch surpasses the Han emperor; unrolling scrolls on horseback exceeds the Empress of Wei in diligence. Your Majesty urges yourself thus, yet lets the crown prince idle away days without studying books—this is my first doubt. Moreover, when you briefly set aside affairs of state, you turn to ornamental composition. Gathering treasure-thought in astronomy, the Milky Way hides its gleam; composing jade characters on immortal tablets, flowing clouds take on color. Thus for a thousand generations in weight and crown of a hundred kings, Qu Yuan and Song Yu could not ascend the hall, and Zhong and Zhang could not step over the threshold. Your Majesty loves this for yourself, yet the crown prince dwells at ease without seeking compositions—this is my second doubt. Your Majesty has mastered every subtlety and stands alone within the realm, yet still conceals heaven's hearing and bows to inquire of common understanding; in intervals of court, you summon officials, lower a warm countenance, and inquire about present and past. Thus right and wrong at court and good and evil in the lanes—whatever is great or small reaches your hearing. Your Majesty loves this for yourself, yet lets the crown prince long attend you without meeting upright men—this is my third doubt. If Your Majesty says it is of no benefit, why trouble the spirit at all; if you say it has merit, you should extend it and bequeath it to the heir. To slight it and not be urgent—I do not see how that can do. I pray you will extend your sage model, instruct the stored heir, give him good books, and entertain him with fine guests. In the morning unfold the classics and histories and observe success and failure in former tracks; in the evening receive guest-companions and inquire into gain and loss in the present age. Between times with letters and continued with chapters—then each day he would hear what he had never heard and see what he had never seen. His secondary virtue would shine brighter and the people's blessing would follow. The crown princes of old, after inquiring after their parents' health, would withdraw—thereby extending respect toward lord and father; Living in a separate palace keeps suspicion at a distance. Today the crown prince, once he waits on the throne, often stays ten days or more at court; tutors and those below cannot gain audience. Even if duty left a gap and he briefly returned to the Eastern Palace, audiences would remain rare; caught up in admiration, he would have no room for remonstrance. Your Majesty cannot teach him in person, and palace women cannot offer counsel; though officials are in place, what can they truly add? I pray you will follow former footsteps, somewhat restrain indulgence below, extend the great far-reaching plan, and unfold the bond of teacher and friend. Then the heir's virtue would flourish and the imperial design broaden; among all the people, who would not rejoice and rely on it!
7
西 退
Thereupon the Emperor ordered Liu Ji to join Cen Wenti and Ma Zhou in taking turns each day to the Eastern Palace to discourse with the crown prince. Taizong once grew angry at Mu Yu, warden of the western park, and ordered him beheaded in the court hall; the crown prince hastened to remonstrate. Taizong said to Minister of State Zhangsun Wuji: "When people are long together, they are naturally dyed by habit. Since I came to rule the realm with an open mind and upright heart, Wei Zheng advanced remonstrance morning and evening. Since Wei died, Liu Ji, Cen Wenti, Ma Zhou, Chu Suiliang, and others have succeeded him. The crown prince grew up at my knee; whenever he saw me pleased by remonstrance, habit formed his nature—hence today's remonstrance. In Zhenguan 18 he became Palace Attendant. Taizong once told his ministers: "When ministers face the throne, most follow the ruler's intent and never oppose, using sweet words to win favor. I now ask because I wish to hear my faults; you must speak of my errors. Zhangsun Wuji, Li Ji, Yang Shidao, and others all said: "Your Majesty's sage rule has brought peace; we see no fault." Liu replied: "Your Majesty's transformation towers above ten thousand ages; it is indeed as Wuji says. Yet lately those whose memorials displeased you were sometimes grilled to their faces until all retired in shame—I fear this is not the path to encourage frank speech." Taizong said: "You are right; I shall reform for your sake."
8
使
When Taizong campaigned in Liaodong, he left Liu Ji, Gao Shilian, and Ma Zhou to assist the crown prince in supervising the state at Dingzhou; Liu also served as Left Vice Director of the Heir's Household and acting Inspector of the Ministry of Revenue. Taizong told Liu Ji: "I go on a distant campaign and entrust you to assist the crown prince; the safety of altars and state rests especially on you—understand my intent deeply. Liu replied: "Let Your Majesty not worry; if any great minister errs, I shall execute him at once." Taizong, struck by this rash speech, said: "If the ruler is not discreet he loses his ministers; if the minister is not discreet he loses his life. Your nature is blunt and too bold; I fear you will fall thereby—be deeply cautious to preserve your end." In Zhenguan 19 Taizong returned from Liaodong and left Dingzhou; on the road he was unwell, and Liu Ji and Chief Director Ma Zhou went in to see him. When Liu and Ma came out, Chu Suiliang asked after his health; Liu wept and said: "The Emperor has an abscess; it is deeply worrisome. Chu Suiliang falsely reported: "Liu Ji said: 'State affairs need not worry us; we need only help the young lord play Yi Yin and Huo Guang—kill any minister with a different intent and all will be settled.' When Taizong recovered, he ordered an inquiry; Liu Ji told the truth and cited Ma Zhou to clear himself." Taizong questioned Ma Zhou; Ma's answer matched Liu Ji's. Chu Suiliang still pressed his case, and the Emperor granted Liu Ji permission to take his own life. Facing execution, Liu Ji asked for brush and paper to memorialize; the law officers refused. After Liu Ji died, Taizong learned the law officers had refused brush and paper, was angry, and had their subordinates punished. Liu Ji's collected writings ran to ten scrolls and circulated in his day. When Empress Wu held court, his son Hongye memorialized that Liu Ji had been slandered to death by Chu Suiliang; an edict restored his office and rank.
9
西 宿 便 使 使
Ma Zhou, style name Binwang, came from Chiping in Qinghe. Orphaned young and poor, he loved learning and excelled in the Odes and Documents; unrestrained in manner, he won little respect in his district. In the Wude era he was appointed assistant instructor in Bozhou and drank strong wine daily, treating lecturing as no business of his. Prefect Daxi Shu blamed him repeatedly; Ma Zhou shook out his robes and wandered in Cao and Bian, was insulted again by Junyi commandant Cui Xian, and in indignation traveled west to Chang'an. He lodged at an inn in Xinfeng; the host served only merchants and ignored Ma Zhou, who ordered a dou and eight sheng of wine and drank alone at ease—the host was deeply struck. In the capital he lodged with General of the Palace Gate Chang He. In Zhenguan 5 Taizong ordered officials to memorialize on gains and losses; as Chang He was a military man without classical learning, Ma Zhou drafted more than twenty timely proposals for him—all hit the mark. Taizong marveled and asked Chang He, who answered: "This was not my doing—my house guest Ma Zhou drafted it. Whenever he spoke with me, he never failed to set loyalty and filial piety as his aim. That same day Taizong summoned him; before he arrived, messengers urged him four times. At audience Taizong was greatly pleased and ordered him to serve at the Imperial Secretariat. In Zhenguan 6 he was appointed Supervising Censor and on missions answered to the intent. Because Chang He had recommended the right man, the Emperor bestowed three hundred bolts of silk. That year Ma Zhou memorialized:
10
Each time I read the classics and histories and see former worthies' loyal and filial deeds, though a petty man I secretly aspire to the great Way and never fail, laying down the scroll, to long to tread their tracks. I lost my parents early; the nurture owed to dog and horse can no longer be offered—of what remains, only loyalty and righteousness. Therefore I came on foot two thousand li to serve Your Majesty; Your Majesty did not deem me foolish but favored me with office. I reflect and have no way to repay; I offer my slight person's sincere heart for Your Majesty to choose.
11
西 輿 使 使祿
I observe that Great Peace Palace lies west of the palace city; its walls and halls, compared with the Purple Forbidden City, are still low and small. The Eastern Palace, the crown prince's residence, still lies within the city, while Great Peace, where the supreme sovereign dwells, lies outside the walls. Although the retired emperor's heart rests in the plain Way and his will in frugality, and Your Majesty heavily goes against his kindly intent and cherishes labor; for barbarian envoys and observers from the four quarters, something is lacking. I wish to build ramparts and repair gate towers, striving for height and prominence to match the hope of the realm—then great filial piety would shine throughout the land. I further observe an edict that on the second day of the second month you will visit Jiucheng Palace. The retired emperor's years are advanced; Your Majesty should morning and evening observe meals and attend daily rising and resting. That palace lies more than three hundred li from the capital; when the carriage moves, strict guards require ten days—not reachable morning and evening. If the retired emperor should long to see you at once, how would he reach you? Moreover, this journey was originally to escape summer heat. Yet the retired emperor would remain in the heat while you pursued the cool—on the Way of warmth in winter and cool in summer, I am uneasy. Since the edict has gone out and the matter is done, I wish a date for swift return to dispel confusion. I further see an edict ordering meritorious imperial clansmen to serve as regional commanders, bequeathing posts to sons and grandsons to succeed and hold, not to be dismissed without great cause. Those you have planted and enfeoffed—you truly love and weight them, wishing descendants to hold office and share boundlessness with the state. As the edict intends, you should consider how to settle and preserve them, enrich and honor them—then why substitute officials for them? Why? Even the fathers of Yao and Shun had sons Zhu and Jun. If a child succeeded to office and by chance were proud and foolish, the people would suffer and the state be ruined. If one wished to cut them off, Ziwen's governance would still remain; if one wished to keep them, Luan Yan's evil was already manifest. Rather than poison living commoners, better to cut off favor toward dead ministers—this is clear. What was called love is precisely what injures. Grant feudal domains and apportion households; when talent and conduct appear, appoint by capacity—then though their wings are weak, they may escape heavy blame. Emperor Guangwu of Han did not entrust meritorious ministers with administrative affairs and so preserved their whole generation—truly he grasped the method. Think deeply on this, so they may receive great favor and sons and grandsons end in fortune and stipend.
12
輿便 使 輿調 使 使 使
I further hear that in transforming the realm, the sage takes filial piety as foundation. Therefore: "Of filial piety none is greater than honoring the father; of honoring the father none is greater than matching Heaven. It is also said: "The great affairs of state lie in sacrifice and war." Confucius also said: "If I do not take part in the sacrifice, it is as if I did not sacrifice." Thus the sage weighted sacrifice to this degree. Since you ascended the throne, you have never personally performed ancestral offerings. I infer that, solely because the carriage's going out costs labor and expense, you restrain filial thought to ease the people. Thus a generation's historians do not record the emperor entering the temple—how will this instruct descendants and hand down a model to coming ages? Great filial piety truly does not lie in sacrificial vessels; yet in instructing men the sage bends himself to the times—I wish sage compassion would look back on my foolish sincerity. I further hear that the Way of transformation lies in seeking the worthy and examining office; the foundation of governing lies in raising the pure and stirring the turbid. Confucius said: "Only names and vessels may not be lent to others. This says careful appointment is weighty. Wang Changtong and Bai Mingda were originally musicians mixed with cart-drivers and runners; Wei Pantai and Husizheng had no other talent and only understood tuning horses. Even if their arts surpassed peers and their skills had merit, one might richly bestow money and silk to enrich their families; how could they rank among gentlemen and leap to high rank? Thus at court assemblies when ten thousand states come, grooms and singers with jade chiming and trailing shoes stand shoulder to shoulder with court worthies and sit and eat together—I am ashamed. Since the court order has gone forth it cannot be recalled; they should not remain in court ranks among gentlemen.
13
Taizong deeply accepted this. Soon he was made Attending Censor with the additional title Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. In Zhenguan 11 Ma Zhou again memorialized:
14
使 殿 使 西 使 使 使 使
I survey former ages: from Xia, Yin, and Han possession of the realm, mandates passed on—in many cases eight hundred years or more, in few still four or five hundred—all from accumulated virtue binding favor in hearts. Were there no depraved kings? They relied on former sages to escape ruin. From Wei and Jin through Zhou and Sui, the longest reigns barely reached sixty years, the shortest only twenty or thirty before collapse. Founding rulers failed to spread broad benevolence and could only hold their own in their day, leaving no lingering virtue for later ages. Their heirs saw government and teaching decline; one man shouted and the realm collapsed. Though you have settled the realm by great achievement, accumulated virtue grows shallow; exalt the Ways of Yu, Tang, Wen, and Wu, spread benevolence with room to spare, and lay a foundation for ten thousand generations—not merely keep the present year from failing! Yet sage rulers, though lenience and severity followed the times, strove above all for personal frugality and extending favor to others. Those below loved them as sun and moon and feared them as thunder—hence long mandates and no turmoil. The people, after inheriting disorder, are barely one-tenth what they were under the Sui. Yet for official corvée they crowd the roads—elder brothers go out, younger brothers return, without cease. Those far off travel five or six thousand li back and forth through all seasons, barely resting. Though you issue edicts ordering reduction, offices do not abandon their projects and still levy men as before—only circulating documents. In four or five years of inquiry I hear sighing and complaint that Your Majesty does not cherish and nurture them. Yao had thatched huts and earthen steps, Yu hated fine clothes and ate sparingly—such things cannot be practiced again today. Emperor Wen of Han spared a hundred gold pieces and stopped the terrace, used memorial bags for hall curtains, and Lady Shen's robes did not trail on the ground. Emperor Jing abolished brocade and fine weave that harmed women's work, and the people were at ease. Emperor Wu exhausted luxury, yet inherited Wen and Jing's lingering virtue, so hearts did not stir. Had Emperor Wu followed Gaozu at once, the realm could not have remained whole. This is recent enough that the traces are visible. In the capital and Yizhou, court tribute vessels and princely apparel are all judged not frugal. I have heard: toiling from dawn brings great display, yet later ages still grow slack; to make law from principle—its harm is still disorder. You dwelt among the people in youth, knew their toil, and saw former ages' success and failure with your own eyes—yet it is still thus. The crown prince grew deep in the palace without knowing outer affairs; after ten thousand years this is what sage concern should dread. Whenever the people rebelled and gathered as bandits, their states were soon destroyed; though rulers repented, none regained security. Repair government and teaching while they can still be repaired; repentance after trouble arises brings no benefit. Rulers see how former ages perished and know why government failed, yet never see their own failure. King Zhou of Yin laughed at Jie of Xia, and You and Li laughed at Zhou of Yin; Emperor Yang at the beginning of Daye laughed at Qi and Wei's loss of state. Those who now look on Emperor Yang are as Yang looked on Qi and Wei. Jing Fang told Emperor Yuan of Han: "I fear those later looking on the present will be as the present looks on antiquity." These words cannot but warn us. At the beginning of Zhenguan the land was barren; one bolt of silk bought only a dou of rice, yet the realm was settled. The people knew you greatly loved and pitied them, so each was at ease without slander. Since the fifth and sixth years harvests have been abundant; one bolt of silk gets more than ten shi of grain, yet the people think you do not pity them and all complain. What is now undertaken is largely not urgent—this is why. Whether states rise or perish depends not on stored wealth but solely on the people's bitterness and joy. Recent proof: the Sui stored grain at Luokou, and Li Mi exploited it; the Eastern Capital piled cloth and silk, and Wang Shichong occupied it; the western capital's treasuries too served the state and are not yet exhausted. Without grain and silk at Luokou and the Eastern Capital, Wang Shichong and Li Mi could not have gathered great multitudes. Storing up is normal for a state, but men must have surplus strength first—how force levies while they labor? Further to supply bandits—piling up does no good. Frugality to give the people rest—you already practiced this at the beginning of Zhenguan, so it is not hard now. Practice it one day and all under Heaven will know; they will sing and dance. If men already toil and you use them without cease, and flood or drought strikes within or war on the borders, and the mad and crafty rise, unforeseeable events follow—not merely that you eat late and sleep little. An old saying says: "Move men by conduct, not words; respond to Heaven by substance, not ornament. With your brightness, if you truly wish to strive in government, you need not gather ancient methods—only return to the beginning of Zhenguan, and the realm would be blessed. Jia Yi told Emperor Wen of Han that what could make one weep and sigh was that when Han Xin ruled Chu, Peng Yue Liang, and Ying Bu Huainan, had Wen at once become emperor he could not have been secure. He also said they relied on the princes being young and on tutors and ministers restraining them; when they grew up, trouble would surely arise. Generation after generation has taken Yi's words as right. The generals and meritorious ministers with whom you settled the realm all receive your completed rules, prepared as hawks and hounds, without authority like Han Xin and Peng Yue hard to control. The princes are all still young; even when they grow up, in your days they will have no other intent. Yet after ten thousand generations one cannot but take thought. From Han and Jin on, who threw the realm into disorder if not the princes? All because they were planted improperly and restraint was not prepared beforehand, until extinction. Lords know this, but drowning in private love, the front cart overturns and the rear does not change course. Now the people are extremely few and the princes very many; favor in some cases exceeds what is fitting. My foolish thought is not only to worry they rely on favor and grow proud. Emperor Wu of Wei favored Prince Si of Chen; when Emperor Wen came to the throne, he was guarded like a prison inmate. Because the former emperor had added too much favor, the succeeding king was suspicious and feared him. This was Wu's excessive favor that precisely became his bitterness. What worry is there that an emperor's son will not be rich and honored? He eats a great state with no few fief households—beyond good clothes and fine food, what more is needed? Yet each year additional special grants are added without limit. A common saying: "The poor do not learn frugality, the rich do not learn luxury"—it speaks of nature. Now the great sage creates the enterprise—how can it dispose only of present sons and brothers? Establish a long-lasting method for ten thousand generations to follow.
15
He also said:
16
He who rules the realm takes men as foundation. To wish the people at ease and happy lies solely in regional inspectors and county magistrates. Magistrates being numerous, not all can be worthy; if each province gets a good inspector, the whole territory revives; if all inspectors accord with the sage intent, you sit upright on the cliffed hall and the people need not worry about ease. From antiquity governors and magistrates were wonderfully selected for worth; to promote one to chancellor they first tested him in overseeing men, or he entered from two-thousand-bushel office. Now the court alone weights inner officials; magistrates and inspectors are lightly chosen. Inspectors are mostly military men of merit or capital officials unfit for duty who only then go out. Among resolute valor in the army, the strong in physique first become Gentlemen of the Palace, then provincial posts. In remote borders men are used even more lightly; one in ten promoted for virtue and talent fit for ministerial rank cannot be found. That the people are not at ease is probably for this reason.
17
When the memorial was submitted, Taizong praised it at length.
18
便 便 祿 使調
Before this, on the capital streets at dawn and dusk men were sent to call out and warn the multitude. Ma Zhou memorialized to set drums on each street to warn the multitude and end calling out; people found it convenient, and Taizong further rewarded him. Soon he was appointed Attendant-in-Ordinary. In Zhenguan 12 he became Drafting Secretary of the Secretariat. Ma Zhou had quick discernment, could lay out memorials, deeply knew affairs' threads, and never missed the mark. Taizong once said: "With Ma Zhou, if I do not see him for a while I miss him at once. Cen Wenti said to intimates: "I have seen Lord Ma discuss affairs many times; he cites cases, weighs past and present, selects essentials and deletes redundancy—a character cannot be added, a word subtracted; listening is harmonious and makes one forget weariness. Formerly Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Zhongchang Tong, and Jia Yi were just such men. Yet with kite-shoulder and fire complexion, swift ascent—I fear he cannot last long." In Zhenguan 15 he became Supervising Censor, also Remonstrating and Advising Grand Master, and Acting Chief of the Jin Prince's Household. When the prince became crown prince, he was appointed Vice Director of the Secretariat and Right Vice Director of the Heir's Household. In Zhenguan 18 he became Chief Director of the Secretariat, still concurrently Right Vice Director of the Heir's Household. Holding office in both palaces, Ma Zhou handled affairs with precision and won great praise. When Taizong campaigned in Liaodong, the crown prince supervised Dingzhou; he ordered Ma Zhou with Gao Shilian and Liu Ji to assist the crown prince. When Taizong returned, he acted as Minister of Personnel in his original office. In Zhenguan 21 he received the additional title Silver-Gleaming Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. Taizong once with divine brush bestowed feibai writing on Ma Zhou: "The luan and phoenix soaring above clouds must rely on wings. The charge of arms and legs—sincerity lies in the loyal and good. Ma Zhou suffered wasting thirst and for a full year did not recover. At that time the carriage visited Cuicui Palace; an edict sought excellent ground and built a residence for Ma Zhou. Famous physicians and palace commissioners came in unbroken succession; the Imperial Kitchen supplied his meals, Taizong personally mixed his medicine, and the crown prince came in person to inquire after him. Facing death, Ma Zhou asked for his bundle of memorial drafts and burned them himself, sighing: "Guan and Yan exposed the lord's faults to win a name after death—I will not do that. In Zhenguan 22 he died, aged forty-eight. Taizong mourned him, posthumously made him Regional Commander of Youzhou, and granted burial at Zhaoling. When Gaozong came to the throne, he was posthumously made Right Vice Director of the Board and Duke of Gaotang. In the Chuigong era he was granted shared sacrifice in Gaozong's temple. His son Zai, in the Xianheng years rose to Vice Director of Personnel and was skilled in selection—still praised today. He died as Chief Administrator of Yongzhou.
19
Cui Renshi
20
殿 滿 使 退 使 穿 使 退 便
Cui Renshi came from Anxi in Dingzhou. At the beginning of Wude he answered the imperial examination and was appointed recorder of Guan prefecture. In Wude 5 Palace Attendant Chen Shuda recommended him for historiography; he became Recorder of the Right Martial Guard and helped compile the histories of Liang, Wei, and others. At the beginning of Zhenguan he was twice transferred to Attending Censor in the Palace. At that time a treason plot arose in Qingzhou; prefectures and counties pursued rebels until prisons were full; an edict ordered Renshi to review the case. When Renshi reached the prefecture, he removed all fetters and gave food, drink, and bathing to comfort them; he punished only the ringleaders, more than ten, and pardoned the rest. When the report was submitted, an edict envoy was sent to decide; Vice Director Sun Fuga told Renshi: "This prison holds extremely many men, and you have pardoned many below; all men love life—who would willingly yield death? Now facing execution, I fear they are not resigned—this deeply worries me for you. Renshi said: "I have heard that judging prisons must strive for benevolence and forbearance; even killing and mutilation each have ritual limits. How could one seek personal ease and, knowing injustice, not plead the case? If for one obscure shortcoming one could easily save ten prisoners' lives, that too would be my wish." Fuga withdrew in shame. When the edict envoy reached Qingzhou and questioned again, all prisoners said: "Lord Cui is benevolent and forbearing; nothing was wrongful—we ask to confess. All spoke alike. Later as Director of the Revenue Section he once memorialized on collateral-branch finances in several thousand words without holding the draft; Taizong marveled and had Du Zhenlun bring the draft; Renshi recited it without a single error—Taizong was greatly struck. Proofreader Wang Xuandu annotated the Documents and Mao Odes, attacked the old interpretations of Confucius and Zheng Xuan, and asked to abolish old annotations and use his own; the Ministry of Rites was ordered to gather Confucians for discussion. Xuandu was eloquent in debate and none of the erudites could press him. Director Xu Jingzong asked to consign his books to the Secretariat; Prince of Hejian Li Xiaogong asked that they run alongside Confucius and Zheng. Renshi held Xuandu's forced interpretations uncanonical, listed what did not accord with great principle, and memorialized to abolish them. The edict followed Renshi's proposal and Xuandu was abolished. In Zhenguan 16 he became Attendant-in-Ordinary. The Ministry of Justice held that in the Statutes on Thieves and Robbers guilt-by-association of brothers in treason, with offices confiscated, was too light, and asked to change it to death, submitting for the eight ministers' discussion. Right Vice Director Gao Shilian, Minister of Personnel Hou Junji, Minister of War Li Ji, and others asked for the heavy penalty; Minister of Revenue Tang Jian, Minister of Rites Prince of Jiangxia Li Daozong, Minister of Works Du Chuke, and others asked to keep the old rule. Discussants, because Han and Wei and Jin all exterminated three clans for treason, wished to follow Gao Shilian and the others. Renshi alone refuted: "From Fu Xi and Shen Nong through Tang and Yu, some set words and men did not offend, some drew images and those below knew prohibition. In the three dynasties' age of flourishing, they wept for the guilty and released the net; fathers, sons, and brothers did not implicate one another—all attained utmost principle and were praised as foremost. When ages grew chaotic, lawsuits multiplied; late Zhou could not bear the harm. Fierce fire originated with Zichan, steep ravine with An Yu; Han, Ji, Shen, and Shang vied in severity—kin implicating one another began here. Qin used their law and the realm collapsed. Gaozu of Han's striving for breadth was not yet fully good; Emperor Wen's preserving benevolence still had much cool virtue. Thus Xin Yuan's clan was destroyed and Xin and Yue were minced—mocked by good historians as excessive punishment. From Wei and Jin to Sui there was loss and gain; law was still dense, punishments still troublesome. Your Majesty issued utmost benevolence, mindful of penal statutes, weighed former kings' ordinances and past generations' fine plans, reformed abuses and removed severity, and promulgated it through the nine regions. Therefore cases were few, hands and feet had their place, punishments were clear and transformation harmonized, and all were at ease. Suddenly to take violent Qin's harsh law as Zhou's central canon violates compassionate concealment and reverses current ordinances. Examined in detail, I do not see that it can be done. Father and son are heaven's kin, brothers share breath—executing fathers and sons fully burdens the heart; if this is not regarded, how love brothers? Since you wish to change the law, please examine again. In the end they followed Renshi's refutation. Later Renshi secretly memorialized to establish Prince Wei as crown prince; going against intent, he became Vice Director of Imperial Entertainments and Vice Minister of Revenue. In the Liaodong campaign, Chief Director Wei Ting was ordered to manage sea transport and Renshi served as deputy; Renshi also separately managed Henan water transport. Because the water route was dangerous and remote, Renshi feared distant prefectures' grain would not reach the sea in time and on his own authority issued near-sea rents to fill transport. When Wei Ting was removed for blockage and delay, Renshi was removed because transport laborers fled and he did not report. Frustrated, he composed the "Fu on Embodied Fate" to express his feelings—the text is largely not recorded. When Taizong returned to Zhongshan, he was raised as Drafting Secretary and soon Acting Vice Minister of Justice. When Taizong visited Cuicui Palace, Renshi submitted the "Fu on Clearing Summer Heat" as remonstrance; Taizong praised it and bestowed fifty bolts of silk. In Zhenguan 22 he became Vice Director of the Secretariat and participated in state affairs. At that time Renshi greatly received favor; Chief Director Chu Suiliang was quite jealous. When someone lay in wait at the gate to appeal, Renshi did not memorialize; Taizong banished him to Gongzhou for deceiving the throne. When an amnesty came he returned. At the beginning of Yonghui he was appointed Prefect of Jianzhou and soon died, aged over sixty. At the beginning of Shenlong, because his son Yi was Chancellor of the Directorate of Education, he was posthumously given Prefect of Tongzhou. Yi's son Shi.
21
殿 使 使 祿 使 姿
Shi was young and famous for literary skill; he passed the jinshi, rose to Left Remonstrator, helped compile the Pearl Garden of the Three Teachings, and became Attending Censor. At the beginning of Shenlong he became Outer Adjunct in Personnel. Huan Yanfan, Jing Hui, and others already held state affairs and feared Wu Sansi's slander; they brought in Shi as eyes and ears to watch them. Soon Zhongzong grew suspicious of the meritorious ministers; Sansi's favor grew, and Shi secretly reported Huan and Jing's deliberations to Sansi. Soon he became Drafting Secretary. When Huan and Jing were banished to the outer ranges, Shi urged Sansi to kill them all and cut off hope of return. Sansi asked who could go; Shi's maternal cousin Zhou Lizhen, hated by Huan and Jing, had left his censor post for Sima of Jiazhou—Shi recommended him. When Huan and Jing heard Lizhen had come, most killed themselves; Sansi made Lizhen Vice Censor-in-Chief. In Jinglong 2 Shi became Vice Minister of War and Yi was in Rites—father and son as southern ministry deputies together, unprecedented in Tang. Lady Shangguan the Brilliant Companion repeatedly went to an outer residence; Shi attached himself to her. Zhongzong treated Shi very generously and soon made him Vice Minister of Personnel, then Vice Director and Fellow of the Secretariat and Chancellery. With Zheng Yin he jointly managed selection; order was lost and Censor Li Shangyin impeached them—Yin was banished to the outer ranges and Shi demoted to Sima of Jiangzhou. Lady Shangguan secretly with Princess Anle pleaded their case; Zhongzong made Yin Sima of Jiangzhou and gave Shi Prefect of Xiangzhou. Before long he entered as Left Vice Director of the Board. When Empress Wei held court, he again became Vice Director and Third Rank Fellow of the Secretariat and Chancellery. When Ruizong came to the throne, he went out as Prefect of Huazhou, then Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent. Earlier in Jinglong Shi had submitted a plan to open a new road through the southern mountains for Shangzhou transport; tens of thousands of laborers died, thirteen or fourteen in ten. They strictly barred the old road; the new road was struck by summer floods, collapsed, and was blocked. They pursued judgment of Shi's merit in opening the mountain road and added Silver-Gleaming Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. Soon Princess Taiping drew him in and he again became Third Rank of the Secretariat and Chancellery. In Xiantian 1 he became Chief Director; contending with Liu Youqiu without harmony, he trapped Youqiu and banished him to the outer ranges. He still urged Guangzhou Regional Commander Zhou Lizhen to kill him for lingering, but it did not succeed. Yi was old and was repeatedly removed to Minister of Revenue and retired. Yi was greedy and received requests, several times interfering in Shi's public affairs—Shi mostly refused, and was mocked by opinion. Xuanzong in the Eastern Palace several times visited his residence with very close favor. Shi had privately attached to Princess Taiping; people feared for him; retainer Chen Zhenlu submitted the "Fu on the Sea Gull" to remonstrate—Shi praised it but was displeased. When the Emperor was about to execute Xiao Zhizhong and others, he summoned Shi as confidant; Shi's brother Di told him: "If the lord questions you, you must not conceal. Shi did not follow; when he saw the Emperor, his answers missed the intent. When Zhizhong and others were executed, Shi was banished to the outer ranges. Prince of Xinxing Jin was also implicated and executed; facing execution he sighed: "This was originally Cui Shi's plan—now I die and Shi lives; how unjust! Soon the office reported that palace woman Lady Yuan confessed she had plotted with Shi to advance poisoned wine; they pursued Shi and granted death. Earlier Shi and Zhang Yue had a rift; Yue was Chief Director and discussants thought he framed Shi. Shi and Right Vice Director Lu Zangyong were banished together; Shi told Zangyong: "My younger brother receives favor and may hope for leniency. Therefore he lingered and did not hurry forward. Reaching Jingzhou, he dreamed in the lecture hall of looking in a mirror and said: "A mirror is bright image—I shall be made bright by the ruler. He told dream-interpreter Zhang You; You answered: "The lecture hall is where one receives the law; a mirror in writing is 'stand and see metal'—this is not auspicious." That day pursuing messengers arrived; he was strangled at the post station, aged forty-three. Shi had handsome bearing and early won a name for talent. His younger brothers Ye and Di and his elder cousin Li all had literary accomplishment. In clear and important posts, at private feasts they compared themselves to the houses of Wang Dao and Xie An of Eastern Jin. They said: "In our house, from birth through every office, we have never failed to be first. A great man should first seize the crucial path to control others—how can he silently be controlled by others! Therefore they pressed forward without cease and did not end well.
22
殿 耀
Ye was especially skilled in five-character verse; Shi often sighed in admiration: "Haizi is the tortoise of our house. Haizi was Ye's childhood name; he reached Attending Censor but, because his brother was banished in guilt-by-association, fled and hid with Hu Lüxu of Yingzhou. He composed the "Fu on Hidden Signs" to express his intent—the text was very classical and beautiful. When an amnesty returned him, he died of illness on the road. His friend Pei Yaoji compiled his remaining writings into ten scrolls.
23
使 滿
Ye's son Lun was praised for administrative ability. In the Tianbao era he rose from Commandant of Liyang to Outer Adjunct in Merit and Prefect of Mengyang. After Qianyuan he held famous commanderies in succession, all praised for governing and conduct. In late Dali, when Yuan Zai was executed, the court raised the long submerged and Lun became Prefect of Tongzhou. Before long Dismissal-and-Promotion Commissioner Yu He investigated and removed him. Discussants held He's impeachment too severe; Lun was again made Prefect of Quzhou. When his term expired, he lodged between Yang and Chu. Dezong, because he was an old clan elder, made him Chief Director of Judicial Review; he retired and died.
24
祿
Ye's younger brother Di was gifted in debate and wit and skilled in banter; he had long been intimate with Xuanzong. His brother Shi was executed for the Taiping faction; Xuanzong often thought of him and treated Di even more generously, making him Director of the Secretariat. He entered and left the forbidden precincts; at feasts with the princes he did not yield seat, and sometimes sat even above the Prince of Ning. Later he was granted the name Cheng. Returning from the eastern feng sacrifice, he received Silver-Gleaming Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and was enfeoffed Viscount of Anxi. In Kaiyuan 14 he died; posthumously made Regional Commander of Yanzhou.
25
穿
The historiographer says: Liu Ji at first reached lofty position because his memorials were cutting and straight. As for drawing the net and straightening discipline, consulting the sage on fine plans, borrowing talk of men of the state, embodying the vessel of court and temple— Alas, when the pivot moves it is master of honor and disgrace; one incautious word and he fell into a false memorial. Though lord and kin greatly repented, the four horses could not overtake the tongue—truly grievous! Ma Zhou's Way met a timely conjunction; deep and grave by nature; awakening his lord he discussed subtleties, rooting loyalty in filial piety; broad insight and wide measure gracefully crossed the heights. The Odes says: "The admirable gentleman of joy and music displays bright virtue. Pity that at middle years he did not long remain! Cui Renshi advanced through historiographical talent; in corrections of praise and blame he elegantly achieved detail and clarity. As for rooting benevolence and forbearance and pleading wrongful overflow, his deeds can be observed. Blocking forced commentary interpretations and stopping the heavy penalty—his words were very straight. The Documents says "when plans are doubtful do not carry them out," yet he requested Prince Wei—is this not confused! When he participated in state affairs he met jealousy; the name of deceiving above—there was indeed a reason. Cui Shi's virtue fell far from his ancestors; he thought power could be relied on and advancement harmless; at the utmost as minister his heart knew no stop. Reading the "Fu on the Sea Gull," he knew yet did not warn himself; when the Jingzhou dream came, men knew he could not escape. The Changes says: "The sigh of not restraining—again whom can one blame!"
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The encomium says: When a steed meets Zaofu, in one day a thousand li. An enlightened lord takes the worthy without being bound by steps and ranks. Binwang went on foot; Ji was a rebel clerk. One meeting with Literary Emperor and both ascended to chancellor rank.
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