← Back to 舊唐書

卷八十 列傳第三十: 褚遂良 韓瑗 來濟 上官儀

Volume 80 Biographies 30: Chu Suiliang, Han Yuan, Lai Ji, Shang Guanyi

Chapter 84 of 舊唐書 · Old Book of Tang
← Previous Chapter
Chapter 84
Next Chapter →
1
Chu Suiliang, Han Yuan, Lai Ji, and Shang Guanyi
2
滿 殿
Chu Suiliang was the son of Chu Liang, who had served as Regular Attendant of the Scattered Cavalry. In the final years of the Sui Daye era, he accompanied his father to Longyou. When Xue Ju declared himself ruler, he appointed Chu Suiliang Master of Communications. After Xue Ju's defeat, he submitted to the Tang and was appointed aide in the Armor Section of the Qinzhou Area Command headquarters. In 636, he was promoted from Secretary to Attendant of the Bedchamber. Suiliang was widely read in literature and history and was especially accomplished in clerical script. Ouyang Xun, a friend of his father, held him in high regard. Emperor Taizong once told Palace Attendant Wei Zheng, "Since Yu Shinan died, I have had no one with whom to discuss calligraphy. Wei Zheng replied, "Chu Suiliang's brushwork is vigorous and powerful, and it captures Wang Xizhi's style remarkably well." That same day, Taizong summoned him to serve at court as a calligrapher. Taizong once used gold and silk from the imperial treasury to buy works attributed to Wang Xizhi. People across the empire rushed ancient books to court as offerings, and at the time no one could tell which were genuine. Suiliang identified the provenance of each piece without a single mistake. In 641, an edict ordered rites at Mount Tai. The emperor first visited Luoyang, where a comet appeared in the Supreme Palace Enclosure constellation and trespassed upon the Retinue stars. Suiliang said to Taizong, "Your Majesty quelled chaos and restored order, and your achievements surpass those of former sages. You are about to complete the rites at the Eastern Peak, to the great fortune of the realm. Yet upon reaching Luoyang, a comet appeared at once. This may mean that something is not yet in accord with Heaven's will. Moreover, Emperor Wu of Han deliberated for years before he finally performed the rites at Mount Tai. In my humble view, I beg Your Majesty to choose the timing with great care. Taizong strongly agreed and issued an edict canceling the feng and shan ceremonies. That year he was promoted to Grand Master of Remonstrance and was also put in charge of the bedchamber records. Taizong once asked, "As keeper of the bedchamber records, what do you write down? May a ruler generally read them? Suiliang answered, "The bedchamber records of today are the ancient Left and Right Historians. They record the ruler's words and deeds, noting good and evil alike, so that they may serve as a mirror and a warning and keep the sovereign from unlawful acts. I have never heard of an emperor reading his own history himself." Taizong said, "If I do something wrong, will you record that too?" Suiliang said, "Upholding moral principle is less binding than upholding one's office. My duty is to hold the brush: whatever Your Majesty does, I must record it." Yellow Gate Attendant Liu Ji said, "Even if Suiliang did not record it, the realm would still record it." Taizong agreed that this was so. At that time the Prince of Wei was a favorite of Taizong, and his ceremonial standing was treated like that of the legitimate heir. That year Taizong asked his ministers, "What is the most urgent matter facing the state today? Central Secretariat Attendant Cen Wende said, "The Analects say, 'Lead them with virtue and harmonize them with ritual.' From that perspective— ritual and righteousness are the most urgent matters." Suiliang stepped forward and said, "Today the four quarters look up to Your Majesty's virtue. Who would dare do wrong? But the Crown Prince and the other princes must have fixed ranks and roles. Your Majesty should establish a precedent for ten thousand generations to pass on to your descendants." Taizong said, "That is true. I am nearly fifty and already feel my strength failing. I have already installed my eldest son as heir in the Eastern Palace, but I have nearly fifty younger sons and sons by concubines. What weighs on my mind most is precisely this. Yet since antiquity, when legitimate and illegitimate lines lacked good advisers, when did they not bring ruin upon a state? Search out worthy men for me to tutor the Heir Apparent, and find upright men for all the princes as well. Moreover, when men serve a prince for many years, their bond of loyalty grows deep. Unintended ambitions for the throne often arise from just such circumstances." Thereupon he limited officials in princely establishments to no more than four terms of service. In 643, Taizong asked Suiliang, "Shun made lacquer vessels, and Yu carved his sacrificial stands. More than ten men remonstrated with them at the time. Why such strenuous remonstrance over mere eating vessels? Suiliang answered, "Carving and polishing harm farming, and brocade work injures women's labor. To be the first to indulge in luxury is the first step on the road to ruin. If lacquer vessels are not enough, one will make them of gold; and if gold is not enough, one will make them of jade. That is why remonstrating ministers must speak at the first sign of excess. Once luxury has overflowed, there is nothing left to remonstrate about." Taizong agreed and added, "For a ruler of men, to neglect the welfare of the people and pursue luxury instead is to invite ruin with a turn of the hand." At that time many young princes were appointed as area commanders and prefects. Suiliang submitted a memorial: "In the two Han dynasties, the realm was governed through commanderies and kingdoms. Apart from the commanderies, the emperor's sons were granted separate domains. They divided territory and apportioned domains, mixing in institutions from the Zhou. Great Tang's prefectures and counties follow the Qin model as their foundation. When princes are still young, some are made prefects. Does Your Majesty not intend your own flesh and blood to guard the four quarters? In creating this system, Your Majesty's principle surpasses that of former sages. In my humble view, however, one small matter remains incomplete. What is it? A prefect is the commander of a commandery, and the people depend on him for their security. With one good man in office, the district revives; but with one bad man, the whole prefecture is worn down and exhausted. That is why a ruler who loves his people constantly selects worthy men for office. Some say that when a river nourishes the land for nine li, the capital shares in the blessing; or the people sing his praises and build shrines to him while he still lives. Emperor Xuan of Han said, 'Those who govern with me are only good prefects. In my humble view, among Your Majesty's sons, those who are still too young to govern people should remain in the capital for now and be taught the classics. First, they will fear Heaven's majesty and not dare break the law; second, they will observe court ritual and naturally learn how to conduct themselves. Through such accumulated habit, they will learn on their own how to be men. Only when they are truly fit to govern a prefecture should they be sent out. I respectfully note that Emperors Ming, Zhang, and He of Han were able to treat their younger brothers with affection. Let us take them as our standard from this point forward. When they enfeoffed the various kings, each received his own domain, but those who were still young were summoned to remain in the capital, instructed in ritual and law, and showered with favor. Through the reigns of those three emperors, the princes numbered in the tens and hundreds. Only two princes turned out badly; the rest, nourished by harmony and shaped by instruction, all became good men. The precedent has already been tested. I beg Your Majesty to consider it carefully." Taizong accepted this advice wholeheartedly. That year Crown Prince Chengqian was deposed for his crimes. The Prince of Wei, Li Tai, attended the emperor in person, and Taizong openly promised to make him crown prince. He then told his ministers, "Yesterday the Green Sparrow threw himself into my arms and said, 'Today I have at last become Your Majesty's son in truth. It is like being born again. I have only one son. After I die, I will kill him for Your Majesty's sake and pass the realm to the Prince of Jin. The bond between father and son is a matter of nature. When I saw him speak so, I was deeply moved.' Suiliang stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty has spoken unwisely. I beg Your Majesty to think this through carefully and not make a mistake. After Your Majesty is gone, when the Prince of Wei holds power as ruler of the realm, would he truly kill his own beloved son and pass the throne to the Prince of Jin? Your Majesty once made Chengqian crown prince, yet continued to favor the Prince of Wei, sometimes treating him with honors that exceeded Chengqian's. This came about because legitimate and illegitimate lines were not kept distinct. The lesson of the recent past is close at hand and should serve as a mirror for Your Majesty. Now that Your Majesty has chosen the Prince of Wei, I beg Your Majesty to make separate arrangements for the Prince of Jin. Only then will he be safe." Taizong wept openly and said, "I cannot do that." That same day he summoned Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Li Ji, Suiliang, and others to settle the succession and install the Prince of Jin as crown prince. At that time wild pheasants were frequently seen gathering inside the palace. Taizong asked his ministers, "What omen does this signify? They answered, "In the time of Duke Wen of Qin, a boy transformed into a pheasant. The female cried at Chencang, and the male cried at Nanyang. The boy said, 'He who obtains the male will become king; he who obtains the female will become hegemon. Duke Wen thereupon took it as an auspicious sign from Chen. Later, Emperor Guangwu of Han obtained the male pheasant, rose from Nanyang, and won the realm. Your Majesty was once enfeoffed as Prince of Qin, so the male pheasant has appeared in Qin territory. This is a sign that your bright virtue is being made manifest." Taizong said with pleasure, "The way to establish oneself in the world cannot be learned without study. Suiliang is deeply learned and truly worthy of respect." Soon afterward he was appointed Guest of the Crown Prince.
3
使
At that time Xueyantuo sent envoys to request a marriage alliance. Taizong promised to give them a princess, accepted their bride-price gifts, and then went back on his word. Suiliang submitted a memorial:
4
使 退 西
I have heard that trustworthiness is the foundation of a state and what the people rely upon. King Wen once promised even dried bones and did not break his word. Confucius said he would rather go without food than abandon trust. In former years Xueyantuo was but a single tribal leader. When Your Majesty's armies marched north and swept the desert passes clean, Wolf Mountain and the Sea of Sand lay desolate for a thousand li. Your Majesty extended military force abroad while showing grace at home, judging that the scattered remnant tribes needed a chief. With imperial writ and banners raised, he was established as qaghan. He cherished Your Majesty's grace beyond measure, and the remaining frontier peoples all heard of it and shared alike in gentle favor and trusting goodwill. In recent years he has repeatedly sent envoys to request marriage with the great state. Your Majesty again showed vast favor and promised the alliance. You reported this to Tibet, informed Shimi, and displayed it to all within China, so that even children knew of it. Your Majesty then visited the North Gate in person and received their offerings of food. The hundred officials held their tablets upright while the barbarian guests wore their left lapels. All reverently joined the joyous feast, received your gracious words, sang and danced with joy until the day ended. When the assembly of officials ended, each had his own comment. All believed Your Majesty wished the people to live in peace and did not wish war on the borders, and therefore did not spare a daughter to marry the qaghan. Even the unborn, it was thought, would be moved by such virtue. Now, in a single morning, there arises an intent to advance and retreat and a heart to change and regret. I grieve for the state's reputation and credibility. A noble man does not change his expression because of things, and he does not go back on his word to others. Duke Wen of Jin besieged Yuan and ordered three days' provisions brought up. When Yuan did not surrender, he ordered the army to withdraw. A spy came out and reported, "Yuan is about to surrender. The army officers asked to wait, but the duke said, "Trustworthiness is the state's treasure and the people's shelter. If we take Yuan but lose our trust, how can we shelter the people?" Your Majesty's concern for living beings is written on your face, and your trustworthiness has always preceded your words. Yet now, when the matter is at hand, you have suddenly changed course. What you would save is very little, but what you would lose is very great." When feelings no longer accord, suspicion and rifts arise. On their side there will be mutual fear and jealousy, and the borders cannot remain free of turmoil." Can Xizhou and Shuofang escape labor and disturbance?" The barbarians will resent that their ruler was deceived, and our soldiers will be ashamed that we proved untrustworthy. This cannot be used to instruct frontier troops or to encourage military affairs." I respectfully note that Your Majesty, through sagely virtue and divine achievement, has cleared and pacified the four quarters. Since you assumed the throne, for seventeen years you have bound the myriad peoples with benevolence and grace and soothed the frontier tribes with trust and righteousness. All have rejoiced and accepted your rule willingly. Those now living all wish to repay your deep virtue; and their descendants also hope to repay Your Majesty's descendants." Now, if you give one princess in marriage to him, you will fulfill Your Majesty's trust. To have a beginning and an end—surely that is the way of a sage!" Moreover, north of the desert the tribes are beyond counting. China may strike them, yet can never destroy them all. This is also why, when the qaghan was defeated in the north, Rouran rose, the Turks perished, and Xueyantuo flourished. The ancients made the outer realm empty and the inner realm solid, cherishing the frontier peoples with virtue. Evil should lie with the barbarians, not with China; breach of trust should lie with them, not with us. Your Majesty's sagely virtue is boundless and your awe-inspiring spirit shakes the distant realms. You pacified Gaochang, broke Tuhun, established Xueyantuo, and destroyed Jieli. You lightened punishments and reduced levies, so that the hundred affairs flowed without obstruction, grain grew abundant and cheap, and auspicious signs arrived one after another. In this respect Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang fall far short of Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to extend kindness and forbearance on every side and broadly nurture all peoples. Yet constantly to rage at distant regions and turn your intent toward far vassals is not the way of resting the hegemon and raising culture, nor the meaning of stopping weapons to make true martial virtue. I am mediocre and dull, yet I disgracefully serve at Your side. I dare offer these blind words, overcome with trembling fear.
5
便 西 忿
At that time Taizong wished to campaign in person against Goryeo. He turned to his ministers and said, "Yeon Gaesomun of Goryeo treacherously killed his king and cruelly oppressed his people. To send forth an army to console the people and punish the guilty, one must seize the opportune moment. Now, because of his regicide and cruelty, punishing him would be very easy. Suiliang replied, "Your Majesty's military timing and divine calculations are beyond anyone's knowledge. In the chaos at the end of the Sui, you personally pacified the rebellions yourself. When the northern barbarians invaded the borders and the western tribes lost ritual propriety, Your Majesty wished to send generals to strike them. All the ministers strenuously remonstrated, but Your Majesty alone decided to advance and attack, and in the end all were exterminated. The people within the seas and the states beyond the frontiers feared your awe and submitted—because of this action. Now that Your Majesty is about to raise armies in Liaodong, my mind is troubled and doubtful. Why? Your Majesty is divinely martial and not comparable to the rulers of former generations. Once the army has crossed the Liao, victory is expected on schedule. But if by any chance there is a setback, you will have no way to display your awe to distant regions. If you must send angry troops again, then security and peril become impossible to measure." Taizong strongly agreed. Minister of War Li Ji said, "Recently when Xueyantuo violated the borders, Your Majesty surely wished to pursue and strike. At that time Your Majesty took Wei Zheng's advice and thereby lost the opportunity. If we had followed your sage strategy, not one man of Xueyantuo would have returned alive, and the frontier could have been at peace for fifty years. The emperor said, "Truly as you say—it was because Wei Zheng's plan was wrong. I do not wish to blame him because one plan was wrong. If there is a good plan afterward, how could I be willing to abandon counsel?" Thereupon he followed Li Ji's advice and planned the army to cross the Liao. Because Taizong was keen on the Three Han states, Suiliang feared he would later regret it. The next day he submitted a memorial of remonstrance:
6
使 西西
I have heard that one who possesses a state may be compared to the body. The two capitals are like the heart and belly, the four borders like the hands and feet, and other regions and distant realms are as if outside the body. Recently below Your seat I received an oral edict, promulgated to your ministers below, saying that you yourself wish to attack Liao. For several nights I have pondered this and cannot understand its rationale. The King of Goryeo was established by Your Majesty. Yeon Gaesomun abruptly killed his lord. For Your Majesty to punish the rebel and recover the territory is truly to seize the opportune moment. Guandong relies on Your Majesty's virtue and grace and has long been free of warfare. You need only command two or three brave generals and send forth forty or fifty thousand troops. With flying stones and light ladders, taking it would be like turning the palm. When a sage acts, he must follow constant norms, valuing the ability to overcome fierce disorder and to drive and control talented heroes. Your Majesty alone expands the Way of the Two Principles and fans the wind of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, lifting and sharpening men of talent, all of whom wish to offer their lives. Formerly Hou Junji and Li Jing, so-called mediocre men, still swept Gaochang ten thousand li away and pacified the Turks of a thousand years—all because Your Majesty set them on the track and gave directions, and the credit returned to your sagely brilliance. I have searched the histories on every side down to recent times. As ruler of men, none has personally campaigned against Liao, though as ministers going on campaign there have been such cases. In the Han dynasty there were Xun Yi and Yang Pu; in the Wei era there were Wuqiu Jian and Wang Qi; Sima Yi was still a minister of men, and Murong Zhen was the son of a usurper—all of them for their lords drove deep into Goryeo, captured its people, and leveled walls and ramparts. Your Majesty's achievements equal Heaven and Earth, and your civilizing transformation embraces antiquity. You should naturally surpass the hundred kings—how could you merely bow to match the six sons? Your Majesty formerly cut down bandit rebels and greatly possessed capable men. Your years are not yet declined and they are still fit for employment. Not only can Your Majesty employ them—what undertaking would they not succeed in? Just now the crown prince has been newly established and is truly young. As for the rest of the princely screen, Your Majesty knows them well. Now, in a single morning, to abandon the completeness of metal and boiling water and cross beyond the Liao Sea—when I think of it three times over, worry and sorrow gather together. Great fish rely on the vast sea, and the divine dragon occupies streams and springs. This means that the ruler of men cannot lightly go far from home. Moreover, along the left bank of the long Liao, one may meet prolonged rain, when floods surge in waves and the level ground stands several feet deep. Daifang and Xuantu lie along a sea route deep and vast—not a path that the Son of Heaven should tread. The Eastern Capital at Taiyuan is called the central land. A gathering to the east can serve as momentum, and a thrust to the west suffices to crush Xueyantuo. As for the Western Capital, the direct route is not far. Make dispositions from there, set military plans, tie Yeon Gaesomun by the neck, and present his head in the imperial clan temple. This is truly the best plan for dwelling in security and the root of the altars of state. I specially beg your heavenly kindness to examine it once.
7
使 使
Taizong did not accept it. In 644 he was appointed Yellow Gate Attendant and participated in comprehensive governance of the court. Yeon Gaesomun of Goryeo sent envoys presenting tribute of white gold. Suiliang said to Taizong, "Yeon Gaesomun cruelly murdered his lord, an act the nine Yi cannot tolerate. Your Majesty is raising armies to console the people and punish the guilty, to repay for the people of the Liao mountains the shame done to their lord. In antiquity, when punishing regicide rebels, one did not accept their bribes. Formerly Duke Huan of Song presented the Zou tripod to the Lord of Lu, and Duke Huan of Lu received it in the Grand Temple. Zang Aibo remonstrated, 'A ruler should display virtue and block wrongdoing. Now you extinguish virtue and establish wrongdoing, yet place his bribe vessels in the Grand Temple. When the hundred officials take them as a model, how then can wrongdoing be punished?' When King Wu overcame Shang and moved the nine tripods to Luoyi, righteous men still criticized it. How much more, then, to display the bribe vessels of a rebellious disorderer and place them in the Grand Temple—what is to be done? The Spring and Autumn Annals is what the hundred kings take as law. If you receive the gifts of one who is not a minister and accept the court tribute of a regicide and rebel, and do not regard it as fault, on what basis can you launch a punitive attack? I consider that what Yeon Gaesomun presented cannot be accepted. Taizong accepted this and handed his envoys over to the officials.
8
調
After Taizong had destroyed Gaochang, each year more than a thousand men were levied and sent to guard that territory. Suiliang submitted a memorial:
9
西 西 使
I have heard that in antiquity wise rulers first attended to the Hua-Xia and afterward to the Yi-Di, striving to extend virtue and transformation rather than serving distant wilds. Therefore King Xuan of Zhou made a light campaign, reaching the border and stopping; the First Emperor made distant barriers, and China was divided. Emperor Wu of Han relied on the accumulated wealth of Emperors Wen and Jing and played with the remaining strength of soldiers and horses. He first opened the Western Regions and first established commandants. Armies went forth in succession for nearly thirty years. He obtained heavenly horses at Wancheng and gathered grapes at Parthia. Yet the realm was emptied and exhausted, the living lost their homes, levies reached even the six livestock, and assessments reached boats and chariots. Because of this there were famine years and bandits rose together. Search-for-Grain Commandant Sang Hongyang again hoped for the ruler's intent and sent soldiers to farm Luntai from afar and build walls to awe the Western Regions. The emperor suddenly turned and regretted, feeling arising from within. He abandoned the fields of Luntai and issued the edict of mournful pain. Men and spirits were moved and pleased, and the realm then knew peace. If Emperor Wu had again used Hongyang's words, all living beings under Heaven would have been exhausted. Therefore Guangwu's restoration did not cross the Onion Range, and when Emperor Zhang assumed the throne, the Protector came to submit.
10
西 西 西
Your Majesty executed and destroyed Gaochang, extended your awe to the Western Regions, gathered its people, and made them prefectures and counties. Yet in the year when the royal army first set forth, Hexi supplied labor service. Fodder flew and grain was hauled—nine of ten houses stood empty, several commanderies lay desolate, and five years passed without recovery. Your Majesty each year sends more than a thousand men to serve in distant garrisons. They spend whole years in separation and think of home across ten thousand li. Those who go must themselves prepare travel expenses and equipment. Having sold beans and millet, they exhaust their looms. Death along the route is in addition to this, and moreover sending criminals increases the burden of guarding and blocking. Those criminals are born in markets and shops, lazy in occupation all day, violating prohibitions and going against the public good. They can only disturb border cities and truly have no benefit for battle formations. Among those sent, there are again fugitives whom government offices must capture, creating troubles for the state. The route to Gaochang crosses sand and desert for a thousand li. Winter winds are icy and sharp, and summer winds burn like fire. Travelers coming and going—many die upon it. The Book of Changes says, "In security do not forget peril; in order do not forget disorder. Suppose dust flies at Zhangye and beacon fires rise at Jiuquan—can Your Majesty obtain even one man or one measure of grain from Gaochang and put it to use?" In the end you must dispatch the Longyou commanderies, racing like stars and striking like lightning. From this perspective, Hexi is like the heart and belly, while Gaochang is another's hands and feet. How can one waste and exhaust the Central States to serve what is useless?" The Book of Documents says, "Do not do what is not beneficial and harm what is beneficial. Is this not what is meant!"
11
西
Your Majesty's Way shines before Heaven and your awe extends without limit. You pacified Jieli at the sand passes and destroyed Tuhun at the Western Sea. For the Turkish remnant bands you established a qaghan; for Tuhun's surviving people you again planted a lord and chief. To restore and establish Gaochang is not without former precedent. This is what is called punishing the guilty and, once they have submitted, establishing them anew. Within the four seas the hundred barbarians—who does not hear and see? All living things cherish life, fear your awe, and admire your virtue. You should select one among Gaochang who can be established and establish him, levy and supply a chief, and send him back to his native state. Bearing your vast favor, he will long serve as your screen and balustrade. The Central States will remain undisturbed, already rich and at peace, and this may be transmitted to your sons and grandsons to bequeath for eternal generations.
12
殿
In 646, Taizong established a separate courtyard beside the sleeping hall and ordered the crown prince to live there, absolutely forbidding him to go to the Eastern Palace. Suiliang again submitted a memorial of remonstrance:
13
退 宿 使 使
I have heard that in Zhou times one inquired after the ruler's well-being but withdrew after three visits, and that the Han heir viewed his father's meals but came only every five days. Former worthies established their methods on a vast and far-reaching scale. The Rites say, "At ten years a boy goes out to his outer tutor and lodges outside, to learn writing and reckoning. Thus the accomplished men of antiquity—did they lack a loving heart? They reduced this private love in order to help him become established. If ordinary men still did so, how much more the ruler's heir? He should naturally study the classics in spring and music in summer, draw near his teachers, learn the myriad affairs of human society, and accord with the great Way of ruler and minister, so that all crane their feet and stretch their necks to hear good counsel. Like the offering year having its spring, or the dark Heaven having its sun and moon—expand this excellent virtue and he will become a true heir. Your Majesty's Way nurtures the three talents and your achievements embrace the nine realms. When you personally established the crown prince, all rejoiced. Having said you would depose the unworthy and establish the worthy, it must be what all under Heaven look up to—yet the Way of teaching and completion is truly deeply deficient. He does not leave your knees and constantly dwells within the palace. The guardian and tutor's explanations do not flow freely, and discussions of the classics are treated as nothing. Moreover, friends cannot be deeply befriended—deep friendship surely breeds resentment; and father and son cannot have stagnant love—stagnant love may produce fault. I beg Your Majesty to view far the examples of Yin and Zhou and near follow those of Han and Wei. One cannot change suddenly; the matter must proceed step by step. Try calculating in ten-day periods: half the time send him back to the palace, and let him exclusively study the arts to enrich himself and spread a fragrant reputation through all under Heaven. Then this humble subject, though dead, would still count as living.
14
Taizong followed this advice.
15
便祿
Suiliang submitted dozens of remonstrances and memorials presenting practical proposals, most of which were adopted. That year he was given the title Silver-Green Glory Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. In 647 he served as acting Grand Judge of the Court of Judicial Review in his original office. Shortly afterward he left office upon his father's death. The next year he was recalled to his former office, and soon afterward was appointed Central Secretariat Director.
16
祿
In 649 Taizong lay ill in bed. He summoned Suiliang and Zhangsun Wuji into his sleeping quarters and told them, "You gentlemen are loyal and ardent, and you are chosen in my heart. Formerly Emperor Wu of Han entrusted Huo Guang, and Liu Bei entrusted Zhuge Liang. My affairs hereafter I entirely entrust to you gentlemen. The crown prince is benevolent and filial, as you gentlemen well know. You must assist him with full sincerity and eternally preserve the altars of state. He again turned and told the crown prince, "With Wuji and Suiliang present, you need not worry about the state's affairs." He also ordered Suiliang to draft the edict. When Emperor Gaozong assumed the throne, Suiliang was granted the title Marquis of Henan County. In 650 he was advanced to Duke of a Commandery. Shortly afterward, because of an affair, he was sent out to serve as Prefect of Tongzhou. In 652 he was summoned and appointed Minister of Personnel and Fellow Central Secretariat Gate Below Third Rank, supervised compilation of the national history, and was given the title Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. That same month he was also made concurrent Guest of the Crown Prince. In 653 he replaced Zhang Xingcheng as Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and continued to participate in governance as before.
17
殿
In 655 Emperor Gaozong was about to depose Empress Wang and establish the Brilliant Consort Lady Wu as empress. He summoned Grand Mentor Zhangsun Wuji, Minister of Works Li Ji, Left Vice Director Yu Zhining, and Suiliang to plan the affair. Before entering, Suiliang told Wuji and the others, "The sovereign intends to depose the Central Palace and will surely discuss the affair. I now wish to present remonstrance. What is everyone's intent? Wuji said, "You must speak to the utmost, and I beg to follow after you." When they entered, Gaozong found it difficult to speak. Repeatedly turning, he told Wuji, "Of crimes none is greater—cutting off the succession is most severe. The empress has no offspring, but the Brilliant Consort has a son. I now wish to establish her as empress. What do you gentlemen think?" Suiliang said, "The empress comes from a famous house and was married by the former court. I served the former emperor, and there is no fault in her wifely virtue. When the former emperor was unwell, he grasped Your Majesty's hand and spoke to me, saying, 'I have a good son and a good daughter-in-law. I now entrust them to you.' Your Majesty personally received his virtuous pronouncement, and the words are still in your ears. Since then the empress has not been heard to have any fault. I fear she cannot be deposed. I now dare not bend to follow and violate the former emperor's command above. I specially beg you to think and examine this three times over. This foolish subject offends your sage countenance and deserves ten thousand deaths, yet I only wish not to fail the former court's deep favor. What care I for my life?" Suiliang placed his tablet on the hall steps and said, "I return this tablet to Your Majesty." He then removed his headcloth and knocked his head on the ground until blood flowed. The emperor was greatly angered and ordered him led out. Zhangsun Wuji said, "Suiliang received the former court's dying entrustment. Though guilty, do not punish him. The next day the emperor told Li Ji, "Regarding the affair of establishing the Brilliant Consort Wu as empress, Suiliang stubbornly would not follow. Suiliang is a minister who received the dying entrustment. If the affair cannot be done, he ought for the present to stop." Li Ji replied, "This is Your Majesty's household affair. It is not fitting to ask outsiders." The emperor thereupon established the Brilliant Consort as empress and demoted Suiliang to Area Commander of Tanzhou. In 657 he was transferred to Area Commander of Guizhou. Before long he was again demoted to Prefect of Aizhou. The next year he died in office at the age of sixty-three.
18
More than two years after Suiliang's death, Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu memorialized that Zhangsun Wuji had constructed treasonous plots and that Suiliang had fanned them. Thereupon his offices and titles were posthumously stripped, and his descendants were sentenced to exile in Aizhou. In the second month of 683, Gaozong's testamentary edict released them to return to their native commandery. In 705, Empress Zetian's testamentary institution restored Suiliang's and Han Yuan's titles and ranks.
19
便 祿
Han Yuan was a native of Sanyuan in Yongzhou. His grandfather Shao served as Sui Vice Director of the Imperial Stud. His father Zhongliang, at the beginning of the Wude era, served as Vice Judge of the Court of Judicial Review and received an edict with Lang Chuzhi and others to oversee the fixing of laws and ordinances. Zhongliang spoke to Emperor Gaozu, "The laws of the Zhou dynasty numbered three thousand articles in their categories. Since the Qin law, they have been reduced to about five hundred. If we far follow the Zhou institutions, complexity and confusion would be even greater. Moreover, if officials are utterly fair, they will naturally uphold the law. If they indulge themselves, how would they care for punishment and law? I beg that we honor breadth and simplicity, to fulfill the hope of renewal. Emperor Gaozu approved this. Thereupon they adopted and fixed the Kaihuang Code to implement it, and at the time it was considered convenient. During the Zhenguan era he reached the posts of Minister of Justice, Chief Administrator of the Qinzhou Area Command, and Duke of Yingchuan County. Yuan from youth had integrity and principle, was broadly learned, and had administrative talent. During the Zhenguan era he rose through accumulation to Vice Minister of War and inherited his father's title Duke of Yingchuan. In 652 he was appointed Yellow Gate Attendant. In 653 he and Central Secretariat Attendant Lai Ji were both Fellows Central Secretariat Gate Below Third Rank and supervised compilation of the national history. In 654 he was given the title Silver-Green Glory Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. In 655 he was transferred to Palace Attendant, and that year he was also made concurrent Guest of the Crown Prince. At that time Emperor Gaozong wished to depose Empress Wang. Yuan wept as he remonstrated, "The empress is one whom the former emperor married for Your Majesty when you were at the princely establishment. She now has no fault or excess, yet you wish to depose her. Who within the four seas would not be fearful and alert? Moreover, when a state repeatedly deposes and establishes empresses, that is not a long-lasting method. I beg Your Majesty, for the great plan of the altars of state, not to fail to extend examination and consideration because I am foolish. The emperor did not accept it. The next day Yuan again remonstrated, weeping in grief unable to overcome himself. The emperor was greatly angered and urgently ordered him led out. Shortly afterward Left Vice Director Chu Suiliang, because he had opposed the imperial intent, was demoted to Area Commander of Tanzhou. Yuan again submitted a memorial to argue on his behalf:
20
The sage kings of antiquity established remonstrance drums and set up slander posts, hoping to hear ear-offending words and welcome bitter counsel, to extend great transformation and benefit vast plans, to hang fine reputation on the future and spread excellent fame for eternity. I see the edict making Chu Suiliang Area Commander of Tanzhou. Day and night I have pondered it, and my emotion and gratitude have only increased. My knowledge is ashamed before knowing the far, and my craft declines before mastering the classics. Bearing my foolish feelings, I truly cannot remain silent. Suiliang's fate met an age of ascending peace, and his Way illuminated former worthies. From binding his hair he followed office, submerged in service for many accumulated years. Hastening to attend Your Majesty, he has shortly passed many years. Not a drop's fault has been heard of him, and the effects of his diligent toil are constantly seen. He exhausted his loyalty in early years and spent the straight Way in this year. He embodied the state and forgot his family, casting away his body to follow public affairs. Wind and frost were his conduct, and iron and stone his heart. Truly he can be valued in your imperial brilliance—how could he be valued only in former times? Moreover the former emperor admitted him into the tent curtains and entrusted him with heart and backbone. His virtue exceeded water and stone, and his righteousness crowned boats and chariots. For the public family's benefit, in speech nothing was not permissible. When grief enveloped the four seas and the eight tones were stilled, he exhausted his loyalty for the state and personally received the dying entrustment. One virtue without duality—for a thousand ages awe-inspiring. This does not await my words—Your Majesty is fully aware of it. I once had this thought in my heart but dared not memorialize it. Moreover the myriad people have lost their occupations, and you eat late and forget fatigue; if one thing is not at peace, you receive it into the moat and turn your care. In what is minute and fine, how can there be excess error? How much more a former minister of the altars of state and Your Majesty's worthy assistant—no crime heard of, yet expelled from court. Inner and outer common folk all sigh at this action. Observing his recent words on affairs, spreading sincerity earnest and cutting—how would he lag behind Your Majesty's virtue or differ from Yao and Shun; he fears only that Your Majesty's excess will stain the historical records. Yet he deeply suffers thick slander and heavily bears ugly words. This can pain the heart of a determined scholar and diminish Your Majesty's brilliance. I have heard that Emperor Wu of Jin was vast and generous and did not bequeath punishment to Liu Yi; the Han Founder was deeply benevolent and bore no resentment toward Zhou Chang's straightness. Yet Suiliang has been transferred and has already passed through cold and heat. Having offended Your Majesty, his punishment is sufficient. I beg you to look down with compassion on the innocent, slightly loosen what is not truly a crime, bow to cherish his slight sincerity, and accord with human feeling.
21
使 使
When the memorial was submitted, the emperor told Yuan, "I also know Suiliang's feelings. Yet he was perverse and violent in offending his superiors. For this he is blamed. How could I be at fault? Why are your words so extreme! Yuan replied, "Suiliang can be called a loyal minister of the altars of state. I fear that flatterers and sycophants, like flies spotting white cloth, will harm and trap the loyal and upright. Formerly when Weizi left, the Yin state perished; when Zhang Hua did not die, institutions and law were not disordered. When a state is about to decline, good men decay with it. Now Your Majesty possesses the four seas and the eight cords are clear and peaceful. Will you suddenly drive out old ministers and not extend examination and consideration! I beg you to avoid that overturned cart, recover from former excess, and hang admonition on serving the ruler. Then the myriad living would be greatly fortunate." The emperor in the end did not accept it. Because his words were not employed, Yuan in worry and anger submitted a memorial requesting to return to his fields and village, but the edict did not permit it. In 657 Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu, hoping to please the empress, falsely memorialized that Yuan and Chu Suiliang had secretly plotted treason. Because Guizhou was a place of military importance, Suiliang had been made Prefect of Guizhou in reality to serve as external support. Thereupon Suiliang was again demoted to Prefect of Aizhou, and Yuan was demoted to Prefect of Zhenzhou. In 659 he died in office at the age of fifty-four. The next year Zhangsun Wuji died. Jingzong and others again memorialized that Yuan had communicated plots with Wuji and sent envoys to kill him. When the envoy arrived, Yuan was already dead. They opened the coffin and examined the corpse and returned, registered and confiscated his household, and his grandsons were sentenced to exile beyond the Ling range. In 705 Empress Zetian's testamentary institution ordered restoration of his offices and titles.
22
祿 輿
Lai Ji was a native of Jiangdu in Yangzhou, son of Sui Left Assistant Guard Grand General Hu, Duke of Rong State. In Yuwen Huaji's calamity, the whole household met with disaster. Ji in youth encountered family calamity and drifted in exile through hardship and peril, yet with firm resolve he loved learning. He had literary compositions, was skilled in discussion, and especially understood current affairs. He passed the jinshi examination, and during the Zhenguan era he rose through accumulation to Master of Communications. When Crown Prince Chengqian was defeated, Taizong told his ministers, "How do you wish to deal with Chengqian? The ministers dared not reply. Ji stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty above will not fail to act as a loving father, and below he can complete his natural years. That is good enough." The emperor accepted his words. Shortly afterward he was made Outside Section Member of the Ministry of Personnel. In 644 they first established the post of Crown Prince Admonishing Censor and finely selected men of reputation. Ji was appointed to this post and was also made Direct Academician of the Chongxian Hall. Shortly afterward he was transferred to Central Secretariat Drafter and, with Linghu Defen and others, compiled the Book of Jin. In 651 he was appointed Central Secretariat Attendant, concurrently Academician of the Hongwen Hall, and supervised compilation of the national history. In 653 he was made Fellow Central Secretariat Gate Below Third Rank. In 654 he was given the title Silver-Green Glory Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. For compiling the national history he was enfeoffed as Baron of Nanyang County and granted seven hundred bolts of goods. In 655 he was transferred to Central Secretariat Director and Acting Minister of Personnel. At that time Emperor Gaozong wished to establish the Brilliant Consort Lady Wu as Brilliant Consort. Ji in a secret memorial remonstrated, "Brilliant Consort—in antiquity there was no such title. The affair cannot be done. After Empress Wu was established, Ji and others feared they could not be at peace; later she submitted a defiant memorial calling Ji loyal and fair and requesting added reward and consolation, yet in her heart she truly hated him. In 656 he was made concurrent Guest of the Crown Prince, advanced in rank to Marquis, and remained Central Secretariat Director as before. In 657 he was also made concurrent Supervisor of the Crown Prince's Household. Shortly afterward Xu Jingzong and others memorialized that Ji and Chu Suiliang had formed factions and fanned plots. He was demoted to Prefect of Taizhou. In 660 he was moved to Prefect of Tingzhou. In 662 the Turks invaded. Ji commanded troops to resist them and told his men, "I once hung in the criminal net and received pardon of my life. I should use my body to fulfill my duty and specially repay the state's favor. Thereupon, without removing his armor, he went toward the enemy and perished in battle. He was fifty-three years old. He was posthumously given Prefect of Chuzhou, and a spirit carriage was provided to escort him back to his native place. He had a collected works of thirty scrolls, which circulated in his generation.
23
Ji's elder brother Gen had learning and conduct and was equal in fame with Ji. During the Shangyuan era he reached the posts of Yellow Gate Attendant and Fellow Central Secretariat Gate Below Third Rank.
24
祿西西
Shang Guanyi was originally a native of Shan in Shaanzhou. His father Hong was Sui Deputy Supervisor of the Jiangdu Palace and thereby made his home in Jiangdu. At the end of the Daye era, Hong was killed by the general Chen Leng. Yi was then young, hid himself, and escaped. Thereupon he privately became a monk and roamed through Buddhist scriptures, especially mastering the Three Treatises. He also ranged through the classics and histories and was skilled at composing literature. At the beginning of the Zhenguan era, Yang Rengong was area commander and deeply honored and treated him. He passed the jinshi examination. Taizong heard his name and summoned him to grant him the post of Direct Academician of the Hongwen Hall. He rose through accumulation to Secretary. At that time Taizong elegantly loved composing literature. Each time he sent Yi to review drafts and often ordered him to continue and harmonize. Whenever there were banquets and gatherings, Yi was often present. Shortly afterward he also participated in compiling the Book of Jin to completion, was transferred to Attendant of the Bedchamber, and was given added rank and granted silk. When Emperor Gaozong succeeded to the throne, he was transferred to Vice Director of the Secretariat. In 662 he was given the title Silver-Green Glory Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Western Terrace Attendant, and Fellow Eastern and Western Terrace Third Rank, and remained Academician of the Hongwen Hall as before. Originally he reached prominence through literary brilliance, was accomplished in five-character poetry, and loved to take brocade-like intricacy and graceful charm as his foundation. Once Yi was noble and prominent, many at the time imitated his style, and people of the time called it the Shangguan style. Yi rather relied on talent and wielded power, and therefore was envied by his generation. In 664 the eunuch Wang Fusheng and the Prince of Liang Zhong were convicted of crime. Xu Jingzong then fabricated that Yi had communicated plots with Zhong. He was put in prison and died, and his household was registered and confiscated. His son Tingzhi held posts as an affiliate of the Prince of Zhou's establishment. He and Yi were both killed together. Tingzhi had a daughter who in the Zhongzong era was Brilliant Lady and each time attended the emperor in drafting edicts and proclamations. Therefore Yi was posthumously given Central Secretariat Director, Area Commander of Qinzhou, and Duke of Chu; Tingzhi was given Yellow Gate Attendant, Prefect of Qizhou, and Duke of Tianshui Commandery, and they were still ordered to rebury with ritual propriety.
25
The historiographer says: Chu of Henan, in his memorials on affairs, was diligent and possessed far-reaching plans to order the age. After Wei Zheng and Wang Gui, in moral backbone and commanding presence, openly bearing the capacity of a king's assistant—hardly could one find his equal. Among the achievements of famous ministers, Henan had them. Formerly when the Qi people presented music, Confucius left; when the Rong king drowned in entertainers, Youyu fled. A woman's words—sages and wise men feared encountering their calamity. How much more when two flatterers occupied the pivot's place, becoming goblins and demons to upright men! The determined scholars and benevolent men of antiquity—one word mutually pledged, death not regretted. How much more between ruler and minister, receiving the charge of a dying entrustment, yet because of benefit and harm, fortune and calamity, forgetting words of a lifetime! Yet Han, Lai, and the various lords can be called those who kept death and upheld the good Way, seeking fortune without turning back.
26
The encomium says: Lord Chu's words were harmonious and joyful, gentle and quiet—bells and stones on the rack, and when moved they became elegant sound. Two mad dogs barked together, three worthies were of one heart. All men watched and waited—I did not float and sink.
← Previous Chapter
Back to Chapters
Next Chapter →