2
Xie Chaozong was a man of Yangxia in Chen commandery. His grandfather Lingyun had been Song governor of Linchuan. His father Feng, in the Yuanjia era was exiled to Lingnan with Lingyun and died young. Chaozong returned home at the end of the Yuanjia reign. He kept company with the monk Huixiu, loved learning, wrote well, and won great renown. He left coarse cloth as a court gentleman attending audience.
3
Prince Ziluan of Xin'an, Emperor Xiaowu's favorite son, took Chaozong as constant attendant in his household. When the prince's mother Lady Yin Shuyi died, Chaozong wrote a dirge and presented it; the emperor was deeply impressed. He said: "Chaozong truly has phoenix plumage — I fear Lingyun has been reborn." He was made staff officer on the Prince of Xin'an's Pacification Army.
4
At the start of Taishi he served Prince Jian'an's secretariat and was director of the palace at the Secretariat. In year three, bureau clerk Luo Zai proposed the examination standard for eminent scholars: five questions all top make highest grade, four or three middle, two lower, one fail earns no rank. Chaozong argued: "One phrase can decide a lawsuit, one word can overturn the crowd — the Lu historian's praise and blame, the Analects on rise and fall, need no prolixity before judgment. The depth of memorials and the crux of analysis — must one always heap documents before the Way is served? The worry is not incomplete answers but flat phrasing without brilliance. If one answer must be stern and correct, better five merely adequate passes; if all are brilliant, even one fine answer should count." An edict followed Luo Zai's proposal.
5
He was made chief clerk of the secretariat and aide of Danyang. Prince Xiuren of Jian'an brought him in as Record-Office Officer for the Minister over the Masses, Regular Gentleman, and acting Left Assistant Director Gentleman in the Masters of Writing. Blunt speech offended Vice Director Liu Kang; he was demoted to regular attendant of unimpeded communication. When the founding emperor was Defender General they often wrote together; he cherished Chaozong's talent. Defender General Yuan Can heard and told the founding emperor: "Chaozong is open, bright, and penetrating — good to talk with." He was made chief clerk and governor of Linhuai. After Can was executed the founding emperor made Chaozong governor of Yixing. In the second year of Shengming, he was dismissed for a public-affairs offense. He presented himself at the eastern mansion gate; the wind that day was bitterly cold; the founding emperor told the company: "This guest arrives and one grows warm without dressing." Once seated, after several cups Chaozong's eloquence burst forth; the founding emperor delighted in him. He was appointed by patent adviser to the Rapid Cavalry. When the emperor ascended he was transferred to the yellow gate.
6
The responsible offices memorialized requesting that suburban and ancestral-temple hymns be composed. The emperor ordered ten men to write them: Minister over the Masses Chu Yuan, Attendant-in-Ordinary Xie Fei, Scattered Cavalry Gentleman Kong Zhigui, National University Erudite Wang Xuanzhi, Zongming Academy scholars Liu Rong, He Fajiong, He Tanxiu, and others. Only Chaozong's wording was used.
7
He relied on talent and wine and often slighted others. In the direct offices he was often drunk; summoned to discuss the north he said: "The barbarians have stirred twenty years — even the Buddha could do nothing!" For breach of decorum he was sent out as army supervisor to the Prince of Nanjun. Chaozong resented it and said: "Today I ought to be Director of Mules." The provincial office memorialized; for resentful speech he was dismissed and confined ten years. Chancellor Chu Yuan saw off Xiang governor Wang Sengqian; the gallery bridge broke and Yuan fell into the water; Vice Director Wang Jian's ox once bolted and he leapt from the carriage barefoot. Chaozong clapped and mocked: "The third duke in the water, the vice director off his carriage." His jests and sneers gradually spread through court and town.
8
When Emperor Wu ascended he managed the national history and was adviser on the Prince of Jingling's northern campaign with charge of the records office. He grew still more thwarted. Chaozong married his son to Zhang Jing'er's daughter; the emperor grew suspicious. In Yongming year one, when Jing'er was executed, Chaozong told Li Anmin: "Last year Han Xin; this year Peng Yue — what will you do, Governor?" Anmin reported everything. The emperor's long resentment of Chaozong's insolence led acting censor Yuan Can to memorialize:
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:風聞征北諮議參軍謝超宗，根性浮險，率情躁薄。 仕近聲權，務先諂狎。 人裁疏黜，亟便詆賤。 卒然面譽，旋而背毀。 疑閒台賢，每窮詭舌。 訕貶朝政，必聲凶言。 腹誹口謗，莫此之甚； 不敬不諱，罕與爲二。
It is reported that northern-campaign adviser Chaozong is by nature unstable and rash. Near sounding power he fawns and flatters first. When anyone barely slights him he slanders and despises them at once. He flatters to one's face, then slanders behind one's back. He probes court worthies with crafty tongues. He mocks court government with vicious words. Belly slander and open abuse — nothing surpasses this; irreverence and breaking taboo — rarely a second.
10
Your servant sent clerk Wang Yongxian to examine "what crimes Chaozong had — visits to the great all involved insolent speech; let him answer item by item." Yongxian listed: "My master constantly visits the powerful; he often offends them with resentful, raging speech. He dealt with Zhang Jing'er and promised marriage; after Jing'er's death he raged in resentment. Early this month he told Li Anmin that Zhang Jing'er ought not to have died. Anmin said: 'Jing'er's letters — the evidence is clear — how can you say this?' There were many insolent words; a servant cannot recall them all." As listed, his words match the reports. Chaozong's guilt is clear; the usual standard should apply.
11
Chaozong in youth lacked conduct; in age he learned popular vices. Savage cunning — ages detested it; reckless pride — dynasties marked it. He was long cast from the world's rolls. When the sage showed broad mercy he was spared beyond statute and allowed to reform. His wild heart did not mend; pardoned, he grew prouder; talented yet faithless — favored, he grew more perverse. He fanned trouble and bore baseless resentment, raging at the capital's gates and violent at a governor's seat. If this is not cut down, what remains of state law? If this may be pardoned, what cannot? We ask that he be removed from office and relieved of the records office. We urge he be seized and delivered to the tribunal. Chaozong's rank has not entered the brief; your servant reports by white brief.
12
Emperor Wu approved the memorial but was furious because Can's wording was evasive, and he had Left Assistant Director Wang Qunzhi memorialize:
13
:臣聞行父盡忠，無禮斯疾； 農夫去草，見惡必耘。 所以振纓稱良，登朝著績，未有尸位存私，而能保其榮名者也。
Your servant has heard: a son honors his father with full loyalty — without ritual there is rot; the farmer uproots weeds — seeing evil he must root it out. Therefore the upright are called good and those who serve court show merit — none cling to office for private ends and keep honor.
14
On the ninth of this month, your servant Sima Kan, Reviewing Secretary and Attendant Censor, submitted an impeachment against Xie Chaozong, advisory staff officer for the Campaigning-North command, saying: "His root nature is muddled and rash; his heart is dangerous and unrestrained; his perverse arguments violate truth and his clamorous words offend fact. Kin and friends cannot bear to hear him; gentlemen cover their eyes. He should at once be arrested, delivered to the law prison of the Chamberlain for Law Enforcement, and punished for his crime." The charge was heavy but wording brief; the chief secretariat returned it. That evening your servant Yuan Can, acting Censor-in-Chief, revised the white brief; only then was it roughly complete. At first it was hidden — truly Can's doing. Chaozong's nature is dangerous, conduct vicious, wolf-heart long exposed to all. Zhang Jing'er plotted rebellion; punishment had not settled all guilt, yet Chaozong spoke of wrongful death openly. He clung to villains, doubted meritorious men, mocked government — travelers were angry, the upright sickened. Yet Can fawned and tolerated, thinning the memorial. By old form rank is not briefed, but extraordinary guilt requires kin to memorialize. Chaozong's crime exceeds the Four Evils — though seizure was ordered, the memorial stopped at the yellow dossier; if uncorrected, law's net fails.
15
Can's talent is shallow, substance unknown; by marriage he rose, by mercy he held office. He could not restrain himself or repay grace; he bent law for private favor. How can he rectify violations and display royal measure? We ask Can be removed and relieved of acting censor, forbidden yet to view affairs as before.
16
Your servant Sima Kan, Reviewing Secretary and Attendant Censor, had grounds for following orders, but at first he did not hold to any objection; he too should share the blame. Request fifty strokes and deprivation of merit for a hundred days. Clerks are lowly — the memorial may be carried out.
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The edict said: "Chaozong's guilt equals great treason; the crime cannot be pardoned. Can hid facts and deceived the state — the affair fits extreme law; specially pardoned to seizure; removal as memorialized, confinement ten years." Chaozong was sent to the tribunal; in one night his hair turned white. An edict exiled him to Yue Province. When he reached Yuzhang, the emperor ordered Yu Cong, Interior Minister of Yuzhang: "Have Xie Chaozong take his own life there; do not injure his body."
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22
Under Song he was western-campaign staff officer to the Prince of Baling, served both central and rapid-cavalry staffs, sacrifice officer to the founding emperor as Grand Mentor, and rapid-cavalry chief clerk. In Jianyuan he was merit officer on the champion's barbarian-pacification staff and was favored by Prince Zhao of Wuling. He was made regular outside gentleman.
23
Xiang in youth loved literature; he was stiff and unrestrained, speaking and acting freely without regard for rank. Chu Yuan entered court fanning the sun; Xiang passed and said: "Gestures like that — ashamed to show your face — what good is the fan?" Yuan said: "The poor scholar lacks deference." Xiang said: "You could not kill Yuan Can and Liu — how are you not a cold scholar?" Early in Yongming he advised the Prince of Changsha's Pacification Army and compiled the Song History, mocking the abdication; Wang Jian secretly reported; the emperor resented but did not pursue it. He served the Prince of Poyang, the Prince of Yuzhang's Grand Marshal staff, and the Prince of Linchuan's Rapid Cavalry as attendant gentleman.
24
His brother Zheng died as Guangzhou governor; Xiang demanded Zheng's wife return assets; the matter reached court. He slighted many court gentlemen. Wang Huan was vice director; Xiang rode with Huan's son Rong; in the middle hall they saw a man driving a donkey. Xiang said: "Donkey! Keep at it — men of your talent are already all servants." He composed fifteen Linked Pearls to voice his feelings. The text says:
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A great drum holds its sound until the drumstick rises and makes it ring; Heaven and earth harbor numinous power, relying on darkness and light to establish their order. Thus worthy ministers rose to greatness through King Tang and King Wu; and enlightened rulers governed with the aid of Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou.
27
:蓋聞懸饑在歲，式羨藜藿之飽； 重炎灼體，不念狐白之溫。 故才以偶時爲劭； 道以調俗爲尊。
I have heard that in a year of looming famine, even wild greens seem a feast; and when oppressive heat scorches the body, no one longs for a warm white-fox robe. Thus talent wins esteem by answering the needs of its age; and the Way earns honor by reforming prevailing customs.
28
:蓋聞習數之功，假物可尋； 探索之明，循時則缺。 故班匠日往，繩墨之伎不衰； 大道常存，機神之智永絕。
I have heard that mastered techniques can be traced through the tools they leave behind; but penetrating insight fades with the passing of its age. Thus master craftsmen pass away, while the arts of compass and inkline endure; the Way remains, yet its most inspired understanding can vanish forever.
29
:蓋聞理定於心，不期俗賞； 情貫於時，無悲世辱。 故芬芳各性，不待汨渚之哀； 明白爲寶，無假荊南之哭。
I have heard that one whose convictions are settled within does not wait for popular praise; and one whose purpose reaches beyond his age does not mourn worldly humiliation. Thus virtue gives off its own fragrance without borrowing Qu Yuan's lament by the Miluo; and integrity is treasure enough without borrowing a lament from southern Chu.
30
:蓋聞百仞之臺，不挺陵霜之木； 盈尺之泉，時降夜光之寶。 故理有大而乖權； 物有微而至道。
I have heard that a tower a hundred ren high may bear no frost-defying tree; while a spring only a foot deep may yield a night-shining pearl. Thus a grand principle may fail the demands of circumstance; while something slight may still accord with the Way.
31
I have heard that loyal ministers need not stand at court to give their lives for principle; and worthy men act to set their age right whenever duty calls. Thus Shen Baoxu wept for Chu though he held no place among its high ministers; and Wang Chu gave his life though he had no hand in the councils of state.
32
:蓋聞智出乎身，理無或困； 聲係於物，才有必窮。 故陵波之羽，不能淨浪； 盈岫之木，無以輟風。
I have heard that insight arising from within may find no obstacle; but talent tied to outward circumstances must eventually meet its limit. Thus even wings that skim the waves cannot calm them; and forests filling the hills cannot stop the wind.
33
:蓋聞良寶遇拙，則奇文不顯； 達士逢讒，則英才滅耀。 故墜葉垂蔭，明月爲之隔輝； 堂宇留光，蘭燈有時不照。
I have heard that a fine treasure in clumsy hands cannot reveal its marvelous pattern; and when an accomplished man meets slander, his brilliance is snuffed out. Thus fallen leaves may cast a shade that dims the bright moon; and even in a light-filled hall, an orchid lamp may fail to shine.
34
:蓋聞迹慕近方，必勢遺於遠大； 情係驅馳，固理忘於肥遯。 是以臨川之士，時結羨網之悲； 負肆之氓，不抱屠龍之歎。
I have heard that whoever confines his path to what lies near loses the power to reach what is distant and great; and whoever is consumed by bustling ambition forgets the wisdom of withdrawal. Thus a man beside the river may only weave the net of longing; while a market peddler has no cause to lament the useless art of slaying dragons.
35
:蓋聞數之所隔，雖近則難； 情之所符，雖遠則易。 是以陟歎流霜，時獲感天之誠； 泣血從刑，而無悟主之智。
I have heard that those divided by fate may find union hard even when near; while kindred spirits find accord easy even from afar. Thus a lament could once bring down frost and prove a sincerity that moved Heaven; yet another might weep blood on the way to punishment without possessing the wisdom to awaken his ruler.
36
:蓋聞妙盡於識，神遠則遺； 功接於人，情微則著。 故鍾鼓在堂，萬夫傾耳； 大道居身，有時不遇。
I have heard that the subtlest worth depends on recognition, and what is too remote in spirit goes unseen; while achievement touches people, and even the faintest feeling then becomes visible. Thus when bells and drums sound in the hall, ten thousand men turn to listen; yet the Way may dwell in a person and still go unrecognized.
37
I have heard that grasses hidden deep in the hills cannot escape the withering laid on them by winter; while a pine rooted in a ravine does not lose the honor of staying green to the last. Thus Zhan Qin was dismissed three times without earning a fool's disgrace; though across a thousand years, neither did he win renown as the wisest of men.
38
:蓋聞希世之寶，違時則賤； 偉俗之器，無聖必淪。 故鳴玉黜於楚岫，章甫窮於越人。
I have heard that even a treasure rare in the world is despised when it does not suit its age; and an extraordinary talent must sink into obscurity when no sage recognizes him. Thus ringing jade was discarded in the hills of Chu, and formal caps found no use among the people of Yue.
39
:蓋聞聽絕於聦，非疾響所握； 神閉於明，非盈光所燭。 故破山之雷，不發聾夫之耳； 朗夜之輝，不開矇叟之目。
I have heard that no thunderous sound can reach ears closed by deafness; and no flood of light can open eyes sealed by blindness. Therefore mountain-breaking thunder does not start the deaf man's ear; Bright night's glow does not open the blind elder's eyes.
40
Someone presented Xiang's Linked Pearls to the emperor; the emperor ordered censor Ren Xia to memorialize: "Xiang from youth was cunning and strange, in age unrepentant; private visits, public back talk; he slighted the throne and mocked court figures without restraint. His brother's coffin floated — no kin grief; he fought his sister-in-law for goods; living and dead abandoned — robbers plundered the coffin; travelers sighed, the knowing were wounded. Student Sun Lang'er listed: 'Xiang drinks without limit, speech reckless, discusses court with insolent words, not fit for record. Brother Zheng died in Guangzhou; Xiang fought Zheng's wife Meng over goods, abandoned the coffin, and later met robbery where household members were violated.' As listed it matches reports. Request removal and delivery to the tribunal."
41
The emperor separately issued an edict to Xiang: "You have long lacked conduct — known to all. You abandoned kin and insulted your sister-in-law — your family's failing, not others' affair. The talent you possess — how is it worth discussion? Your rank touched the clear path — not bent in allotment. Why vent your mouth and sneer at court gentlemen, always deprecating as habit? I hoped age would make you reform; I looked for repentance daily. Reports grow worse, clamoring in court, not avoiding rank, speech to the extreme, exposing violence to all who hear. Recently your Linked Pearls — intent rebellious and slow, unbearable. Have you not seen Xie Chaozong? His talent stands two or three ranks above yours — yet his case was perhaps one hundredth unlike yours. I will spare your life and send you far away to reflect on your faults. If you can reform, you may return."
42
獄鞫祥辭。 祥對曰：「被問『少習狡異，長而不悛，頃來飲酒無度，輕議乘輿，歷貶朝望，每肆醜言，無避尊賤』。 迂答奉旨。 囚出身入官，二十餘年，沈悴草萊，無明天壤。 皇運初基，便蒙抽擢，祭酒主簿，竝皆先朝相府。 聖明御宇，榮渥彌隆，諮議中郎，一年再澤。 廣筵華宴，必參末列，朝半問訊，時奉天暉。 囚雖頑愚，豈不識恩？ 有何怨望，敢生譏議？ 囚歷府以來，伏事四王：武陵功曹，凡涉二載； 長沙諮議，故經少時； 奉隷大司馬，竝被恩拂，驃騎中郎，親職少日； 臨川殿下不遺蟲蟻，賜參辭華。 司徒殿下文德英明，四海傾屬。 囚不涯卑遠，隨例問訊，時節拜覲，亦沾眄議。 自餘令王，未被祗拜，旣不經伏節，理無厚薄。 敕旨制書，令有疑則啓。 囚以天日懸遠，未敢塵穢。 私之疑事，衞將軍臣儉，宰輔聖朝，令望當世，囚自斷才短，密以諮儉，儉爲折衷，紙迹猶存。 未解此理云何敢爲『歷貶朝望』。 云囚『輕議乘輿』，爲向誰道？ 若向人道，則應有主甲，豈有事無髣彿，空見羅謗？ 囚性不耐酒，親知所悉，強進一升，便已迷醉。」 其餘事事自申。 乃徙廣州。
The tribunal examined Xiang's defense. Xiang replied: "Asked about cunning youth, unrepentant age, drunkenness, slighting the throne, mocking court figures, venting ugliness without regard to rank.' He answered evasively as ordered. Your prisoner entered office twenty-odd years from coarse cloth, sunk in hardship without heaven's clarity. When the new dynasty was first established, I was promptly promoted, serving as Libationer and Chief Clerk in the former dynasty's chancellery. Now that Your enlightened Majesty rules the realm, imperial favor has grown still greater: as a consultant and palace gentleman, I received grace twice in a single year. At grand banquets and splendid feasts, I was always admitted among the last ranks; at the court's semi-monthly audiences, I sometimes beheld the imperial radiance. Though I am foolish and obtuse, how could I fail to recognize this favor? What resentment could I harbor that I would dare make mocking criticisms? Since I began serving on princely staffs, I have attended four princes: two years as merit officer to the Prince of Wuling; a short time as consultant to the Prince of Changsha; then under the Grand Marshal, where I received gracious treatment, and as Palace Gentleman in the Cavalry command, where I held a trusted post for only a few days; The Prince of Linchuan did not disdain one as low as an insect, but allowed me to join his literary circle. The Prince of Jingling, serving as Minister over the Masses, is brilliant in civil virtue, and all within the four seas turn toward him. Though I knew myself lowly and distant, I followed precedent in paying my respects, attending audiences at the seasons, and sometimes received a glance and a word. As for the other princes, I was never received in audience; since I never served under their standards, there was no question of partiality toward them. Imperial edicts and statutes command that any doubt be reported. Because the imperial sun hung far above, I did not dare trouble it. In private matters that troubled me, I turned to Wang Jian, General of the Guard, chief assistant to the sacred court and a man of commanding reputation in this age. I knew my own abilities were slight, so I consulted him privately; he gave a balanced judgment, and the written record still survives. Not understanding this — how dare he 'mock court figures'? Saying 'slighting the throne' — to whom did he speak? If to others there should be an accuser; how can empty slander stand without likeness? Your prisoner cannot bear wine — kin know it; one cup and he is drunk." The rest he answered item by item. He was exiled to Guangzhou.
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祥至廣州，不得意，終日縱酒，少時病卒，年三十九。
Reaching Guangzhou he was discontent, drank all day, and soon died of illness at thirty-nine.
44
Xiang's agnatic cousin Biao was legitimate heir of great-grandfather Muzhi. At Jianyuan's start he was demoted to Duke of Nankang, tiger-guard central gentleman. In Yongming year one he lost rank for not repairing the ancestral temple. Later he was feathered-forest supervisor. In year nine he was charged with living apart from his dead brother's mother Yang and not caring for her; when Yang died he did not bury her — a nun bought a coffin for five hundred cash and sent burial to the Liu tomb. Offices memorialized; the affair was shelved.
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【評贊】
Comment and eulogy
46
The historian says: Cao Pi said "literary men do not guard small conduct" — ancient and modern agree. They know their feelings run deep and do not compete over material things; beyond life and reputation, everything else may be scorned. Following this Way, harm flows wider; reputation takes offense at the world. What once honored the body turns to harm oneself. Therefore the wise set instruction and act without relying on it.
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【案】
Case note