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卷55 游明根 劉芳

Volume 55: You Minggen, Liu Fang

Chapter 60 of 魏書 · Book of Wei
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1
You Minggen and Liu Fang
2
You Minggen, whose courtesy name was Zhiyuan, was a native of Ren County in Guangping Commandery. His grandfather Shan served Murong Xi of Later Yan as Governor of Lelang. His father You served as acting Governor of Guangping under Feng Ba of Northern Yan. After Helong was pacified, Minggen was at last able to return to his native place. You Ya praised and recommended him, and Emperor Taiwu selected him as a student at the Palace Secretariat school. By nature he was upright and cautious, with few desires, and he mastered the classical canon. When Crown Prince Huang was put in charge of state affairs, he and Gongsun Rui both served as chief recorders.
3
[1] 使駿使 駿使
When Emperor Wencheng took the throne,[1] Minggen was promoted to chief recorder in the Secretariat and granted the title Baron of Anle and the rank General Who Pacifies the Distant. Emperor Wencheng often sighed in admiration of his scrupulous and reverent conduct. He was appointed acting Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary, General Who Establishes Might, and Marquis of Anle, and sent on embassy to Liu Jun; the chief Song envoy was Ming Senghao, who served as his opposite number. He made the journey three times in all. Liu Jun called him a man of true stature, and the ceremonies of welcome and farewell went beyond those accorded ordinary envoys. Early in Emperor Xianwen's reign he left the capital as Governor of Eastern Qing Province, retaining his general's rank and receiving the additional title of acting Attendant Cavalier. He was promoted to Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary, General Who Pacifies the East, and Supervisor of All Military Affairs in Yan Province, and made garrison commander at Xiaqiu; shortly afterward he received formal appointment as Governor of Eastern Yan Province and his title was changed to Marquis of Xintai. His governance was fair and tranquil, and the newly settled population was glad to rally to him.
4
西[2]
Early in Emperor Xiaowen's reign he entered court service as Gentlemen Attendant, was promoted to chief of the Bureau of Rites, and given the additional title Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary. Frugal, respectful, and cautious, he was widely regarded as thoroughly fit for his post. Later, when the imperial army marched south on campaign, an edict appointed him acting General Who Pacifies the South, Minister of the Bureau of Rites, and Duke of Guangping, to join Prince Jia of Liang Commandery in planning the campaign. When the people of Yan Province later rose in revolt, an edict ordered Minggen to go and reassure them. An order directed the three southern campaign forces west of the Mian, at Qiucheng, and at Liankou[2] to report to Minggen for command. After returning to the capital he received formal appointment as Minister of the Palace Secretariat and again held the additional title Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary.
5
使 使 使
An edict noted that diplomatic contact with Xiao Ze had been suspended for many years and asked whether missions should now be resumed; the ministers were convened to debate the matter. Minister Lu Rui said, "We suspended missions earlier because the Three Wu were unsettled and Jing and Liang were in turmoil, intending to watch for an opening and act when the moment came. Now that their realm is calm, we ought to restore diplomatic contact." Minggen said, "Breaking off envoys was our court's decision; building up Liyang and encroaching on their territory—the rights and wrongs of the quarrel lie with Xiao Ze. If we send envoys now, we will stand on the stronger ground in principle." Emperor Xiaowen accepted his view. When Empress Dowager Wenming died, the ministers repeatedly pressed for the emperor to end mourning and resume public duties; Emperor Xiaowen and Minggen debated the matter at length. The affair is recorded in the Treatise on Rites. He was promoted to Minister of Grand Reception and appointed tutor to Prince Gan of Henan, while retaining his post as Minister of the Palace Secretariat. In accordance with the usual reform, his marquisate was reduced to a barony. He also took part in compiling statutes and ordinances and repeatedly offered candid remonstrance.
6
便 [3] 便 退
Minggen, having passed seventy, submitted a memorial requesting retirement from office. An edict refused permission; he submitted memorial after memorial insisting on retirement, whereupon an edict said, "Minggen's bearing is clear and capable, his aims upright and keen, his manner warm, respectful, quiet, and thorough. We rely on him for counsel, and therefore restrained his lofty resolve to withdraw—not once, but again and again. His memorials were so earnest that they could not be refused; we have already granted his request to retire. [3] Issue his earlier and later memorials abroad and carry out the retirement according to ritual." He summoned Minggen to an audience. Emperor Xiaowen said, "You are advanced in years and rich in virtue, diligent through many reigns. In posts within and without the court alike you have achieved distinction; in old age you have not wavered from the Way. That is why, at the beginning of our reforms, I entrusted you with ritual duties, deferring to your ability and lofty character to assist and support me. Yet you hold yourself aloof and remote, and now speak of going home. The rites between ruler and minister end here, yet my regard for your virtue and memory of your kindness—how can my feeling cease? Retirement at seventy is what the canonical rites commend; when rank is high yet one firmly declines office, the worthy show their consummate integrity. Yet in this declining age custom has decayed, and this Way is scarcely practiced anymore. You alone hold to a pure integrity, practicing antiquity in the present age. Since the founding of Wei you are the first to revive a fallen custom—in advancing you can illumine our court's reforms, in withdrawing you can bring honor and comfort to your household." Minggen replied, "Your servant is in the evening of life; the bell has sounded and the water-clock is spent. I have received Your Majesty's grace and kept body and life whole. To await my end at home and below render the great kindness of the former emperor and Your Majesty—that is your servant's wish. Yet the love of dog and horse cannot overcome the grief that chokes my heart." He wept until he could no longer contain himself. Emperor Xiaowen ordered him to come forward; his parting words were warm and earnest, and the emperor too wept. He was granted a plain summer robe of green gauze, a weimao cap, bedding, a brocade robe, and other gifts.
7
祿 使祿
That year, with Minister of Works Wei Yuan as Sanlao and Minggen as Wugeng, the ceremonial rites were performed at the Imperial Academy. The account is given in Yuan's biography. He was granted one hand-drawn carriage, given the salary of a chief minister, and provisions from the imperial table; the Imperial Kitchen delivered them monthly to his home. For his diligence in compiling statutes and ordinances he was granted one thousand bolts of cloth and silk and one thousand hu of grain. When Minggen later returned to Guangping, he was granted five hundred bolts of silk, one secure carriage, two horses, and curtains, bedding, and quilts. When the emperor visited Ye, Minggen presented himself at court in the traveling palace. An edict said, "You the Wugeng, plain and unadorned beneath a thatched roof, ending your days in a humble lane—you are truly an old virtue of the court and a seasoned pillar of the state. Grant him five hundred bolts of silk and five hundred hu of grain." An order directed the Imperial Kitchen to prepare and send delicacies. When the emperor later visited Ye again, Minggen again attended at the traveling palace and received grain and silk as before; a fine mansion was built for him. Whenever the state faced great affairs, the emperor invariably sent sealed edicts to seek his counsel. When an old ailment flared up, the emperor wrote in his own hand to inquire after his health, and the imperial physicians sent medicine. In the twenty-third year of Taihe he died at home, aged eighty-one. Emperor Xuanwu sent envoys to offer condolences; funeral gifts were one hundred thousand in cash, three hundred bolts of silk, and two hundred bolts of cloth. He was posthumously appointed Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, with golden seal and purple sash, and given the posthumous title Marquis Jing.
8
Minggen held office within and without the court for more than fifty years. He conducted himself with benevolence and harmony and treated others with courtesy and deference, and his contemporaries held him in high esteem. Early in Emperor Xiaowen's reign, Minggen and Gao Lu, for their learning in Confucian and classical studies, received special favor. In public and private they went in and out together and were seldom apart, yet Lu with his literary talent sometimes slighted Minggen, and the age called them Gao and You. His son Zhao inherited the title.
9
Zhao, whose courtesy name was Boshi, received his given name as a gift from Emperor Xiaowen. In youth he was a student at the Palace Secretariat school and mastered the classics and histories, as well as lexicographical works such as the Cangjie, Erya, and Forest of Sayings. Early in Emperor Xiaowen's reign he served as Attendant Cavalier in the Inner Secretariat. When Si Province was first established he served as clerk in the Bureau of Justice, was transferred to Direct Attendant and Director of the Secret Archive, and was promoted to Attendant Cavalier and Grand Master in the Palace Secretariat. When the emperor marched south on campaign, Zhao submitted a memorial urging him to stop; Emperor Xiaowen did not accept it. Shortly afterward he was promoted to Palace Attendant of the Heir Apparent.
10
祿
Zhao was modest, plain, and solidly serious, and was entrusted for his literary refinement. Because his father was elderly, he asked to leave office to support and attend him. Emperor Xiaowen wished him to continue receiving salary while caring for his father, and therefore sent him out as chief administrator of Prince Zhen of Nan'an's northern headquarters in his home province, concurrently serving as Governor of Wei Commandery. When the prince died, he became chief administrator of Prince Yong of Gaoyang's northern headquarters, retaining his post as governor. His governance was clear and unpretentious, and he assisted his princes effectively; through serving two princes in succession he won a strong reputation. After several years he left office to observe mourning for his father.
11
使
At the end of the Jingming era he was summoned as Vice Minister of Justice; he firmly declined, and was then appointed Attendant of the Yellow Gate. He was promoted to Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary while retaining his post at the Yellow Gate. He was additionally made Palace Attendant and served as envoy within the capital region, promoting and demoting the worthy and unworthy with clear rewards and punishments. He was transferred to Minister of the Imperial Treasury, then to Minister of Justice, and concurrently appointed Imperial Censor, while retaining his post at the Yellow Gate. Zhao, a Confucian scholar, in all his actions upheld the norms of moral teaching; every case he brought forward under the law concerned conduct that offended custom and corrupted public morals. He applied the law with benevolence and fairness, and in judging cases strove for compassionate forbearance. Gao Zhao, Minister of Works and maternal uncle of Emperor Xuanwu, was feared by all officials. Because Zhao's name was the same as his own, he wanted Zhao to change it. Zhao, because it was a name given by Emperor Xiaowen, held firm and refused; Gao Zhao deeply resented him. Emperor Xuanwu praised his firm uprightness.
12
宿 宿
When Lu Chang was at Qushan, Zhao remonstrated, "Qushan is tiny and remote on the seacoast; mountains and lakes lie low, and the people have nowhere to live. For us it is not urgent; for the enemy it is advantageous. Because it is advantageous, they will certainly fight to the death for it; because it is not urgent for us, we fight only when we have no choice. To pit troops who fight only because they must against an army resolved to die—I fear the campaign will drag on for months and the cost will become very great. Even if we were certain to take Qushan, we would only provoke endless contention and could scarcely hold it in the end—it is what people call useless land. Knowing that the enemy has repeatedly offered to exchange Suyu for Qushan, your servant in his folly thinks this proposal should be accepted. Qushan has long been defended in peril and exhaustion; the matter should be reconsidered at once. If this is done, Suyu will submit without our having to campaign for it. Giving up this useless place while recovering territory they once held, we would soon end the campaign— the benefit would be great." Emperor Xuanwu was about to follow his advice, but soon afterward Chang was defeated.
13
使
He was promoted to Palace Attendant. Xiao Yan's army commander Xu Xuanming beheaded Zhang Ji, Governor of Qing and Ji provinces, and offered Yuzhou in submission; the court debated sending troops to support him. Zhao submitted a memorial saying, "Xuanming's submission, though a rescue mission would be appropriate, yet affairs have their gains and losses; sometimes one hesitates to act yet the achievement proves great, sometimes one acts on a small matter and great trouble follows—nothing is certain. Liuli and Qushan today truly border the sea; marshes and lakes lie low and wet, and people cannot live there. Yuzhou lies in the sea as well; it is what people call gaining stony fields that in the end are of no use. If we do not take Liankou, even capturing Liuli will not make it tenable—and all the more so when we are already fighting continuously yet striving for what is not essential. Moreover Liuli is all the more vital to the enemy and lies far from our secure rear. If troops from a distant rear attack an enemy mass close at hand, the disparity of strength is such that they cannot prevail. In a year of disaster and scarcity the common people are hungry and exhausted, and many die of starvation besides. How can we find a moment fit for tranquillity and yet raise the business of war? Army grain and transport supplies have nowhere from which to draw support. We see only the harm and do not see the benefit. Moreover the newly submitted people have only lately accepted our rule; they especially need reassurance and should not be wearied. If they are wearied, resentment arises; resentment breeds thoughts of rebellion; rebellion breeds insecurity; insecurity breeds unrest. If it comes to that, continuous warfare will be hard to end. The matter must not be treated lightly. We should forgo this small gain so as not to suffer a great loss. Emperor Xuanwu accepted none of it.
14
[4]
When General-in-Chief Gao Zhao campaigned against Shu, Zhao remonstrated, "Your servant has heard that when distant peoples do not submit, one should cultivate civil virtue to draw them in. Arms are inauspicious instruments, used only when there is no alternative. Although governance today is largely at peace, to speak of campaigning is not yet permissible. Why? East of the mountains and west of the passes, wounds from past disasters have not yet healed; year after year of flood and drought have left the people empty and destitute—they should be kept in tranquillity, not wearied with corvée. Yet in past expansion, it was always because city lords submitted in good faith, and therefore there were campaigns without battles. Those who hold territory today,[4] though they borrow official titles, are hard to distinguish true from false; some may bear grievances against them and cannot be wholly trusted. Moreover Shu terrain is perilous and narrow, as it has been called since antiquity; garrisons are tranquil and show no other inclination—how can we move a great army on empty floating talk? If one is not careful at the start, what regret will there be afterward! The plan to attack Shu—I beg that it await a later design. Emperor Xuanwu again did not accept it.
15
祿 使 使
When Emperor Suzong took the throne, Zhao was promoted to Palace Secretary and Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, with golden seal and purple sash, and made Chief Rectifier of Xiang Province. He went out bearing the staff of office, with the additional titles Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary and General Who Pacifies the East, and as Governor of Xiang Province his administration was benevolent. He was summoned as Minister of Ceremonies, promoted to Vice Minister of the Left in the Palace Secretariat, firmly declined, and an edict refused permission. In administrative matters Zhao was not swift in deciding cases. When superiors presented matters for consultation, he would argue back and forth; sometimes he did not understand at once and would go to a third round, always exhausting the principle before putting brush to paper; even when favored power intervened with requests, in the end he would not bend. His upright integrity was what men of the time admired. When the commander Yuan Cha deposed Empress Dowager Ling and was about to harm the Grand Tutor, Prince Yi of Qinghe, he gathered the ministers to deliberate the matter. At that time none of the officials failed to lose color and follow his intent; Zhao alone spoke against it and in the end would not sign. In the eighth month of the first year of Zhengguang he died, aged sixty-nine. An edict granted the eastern garden funerary vessels and one set of court robes, with funeral gifts of seven hundred bolts of silk. Emperor Suzong offered mourning in the audience hall. He was posthumously granted the staff of office, Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary, General of Agile Cavalry, ritual parity with the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Ji Province, with the posthumous title Duke Wen Zhen.
16
祿
Outwardly he was gentle and yielding, inwardly firm and upright; he delighted in the classics and never let books leave his hands. He studied the Changes and the Mao version of the Odes, and was especially expert in the Three Rites. He compiled an exegesis of the Changes, wrote treatises on capping and marriage rites and on the white jade disc, and in all seventy-five pieces of poetry, rhapsodies, memorials, and letters, all of which circulated in the world. Humble and uncontentious, he once composed a Confucian chess game to express his intent. He lived in austere poverty with few desires, relying on his official salary and nothing more. When Zhao served as Minister of Justice, Emperor Xuanwu once privately instructed him to show leniency in certain cases. Zhao held firm and refused, saying: "Your Majesty can pardon them on your own—how could that suffice to make me distort the record!" Such was the firmness of his conviction. When Emperor Suzong first ascended, the close attendants and officials who had taken part in welcoming him, from Palace Attendant Cui Guang downward, all received enfeoffments; at that time Zhao was enfeoffed as founding marquis of Wen'an County with a fief of eight hundred households. Zhao alone said: "A son inherits his father's position—this is the constant practice from antiquity to the present; to receive enfeoffment on this account, how could one comport oneself?" He firmly declined and would not accept. Commentators esteemed him for it.
17
His son Xiang, courtesy name Zongliang, was quite learned. He served as Secretary in the Palace Library and inherited the title Baron of Xintai. He was promoted to Direct Attendant and Erudite of the Imperial Academy, and concurrently served as Bureau Director in the Secretariat. Because Zhao had once declined the Wen'an enfeoffment, Emperor Suzong wished again to enfeoff Xiang; Xiang upheld his father's intent and in the end likewise refused. Moreover, recalling Zhao's earlier remonstrance concerning Qinghe and his upright refusal to yield, they enfeoffed Xiang as founding marquis of Gaoyi County with a fief of seven hundred households. In the first year of Xiaochang he died, aged thirty-six. He was posthumously granted General Who Conquers the Barbarians, Supervising Secretary of the Yellow Gate, and Governor of You Province, with the posthumous title Wen.
18
His son Hao, courtesy name Binduo, succeeded to the title. Attending Censor. He died young.
19
Hao's younger brother Anju inherited the title Baron of Xintai. During the Wuding era he served as Adjunct in the Ink Office of the Minister of Works. When Qi received the abdication, his title was reduced according to precedent.
20
鹿
Minggen's paternal uncle Jiao served as Erudite of the Palace Secretariat and as Administrator of the two commanderies of Puyang and Julu. At his death he was posthumously granted General Who Conquers the Champions and Governor of Xiang Province.
21
Jiao's grandson Fu was Erudite of the Imperial Academy.
22
Fu's younger brother Sijin was Bureau Director in the Secretariat.
23
駿
Liu Fang, courtesy name Bowen, was a man of Pengcheng and a descendant of Prince Yuan of Chu of Han. His sixth-generation ancestor Ne was Metropolitan Commandant of Jin. His grandfather Gai was General Who Conquers the Barbarians under Liu Yilong and Governor of the two provinces of Qing and Xu. His father Yong was Chief Administrator of Yan Province under Liu Jun.
24
駿
Fang was adopted to succeed his paternal uncle Xunzhi; Xunzhi was Administrator of Dongping under Liu Jun. Yong took part in Liu Yixuan's affair and died at Pengcheng. Fang fled with his uncle's wife, née Fang, to Qing Province and was pardoned by an amnesty. His maternal uncle Yuanqing served as Military Administrator on the staff of the Establishing Might Office of Shen Wenxiu, Governor of Qing Province under Liu Ziye, and was killed by Wenxiu. Fang and his mother entered Liangzou city. When Murong Baiyao marched south to subdue Qing and Qi, Liangzou surrendered, and Fang was relocated north as a subject pacified from Qi; he was then sixteen. Li Fu, Minister of the Southern Branch, had a wife who was the daughter of Minister of Works Cui Hao's younger brother; Fang's paternal grandmother was Hao's paternal aunt. When Fang reached the capital and called at Fu's gate, the Cui clan, ashamed of Fang's wandering exile, refused to see him. Though Fang was in destitute straits, he still upheld rectitude and steadfastness, was clever beyond others, and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the classics. By day he hired out his brush to support himself; by night he read and recited without sleeping the whole night through, until he would even change clothes only every other day—yet he remained calmly self-restrained, neither eager for honor and profit nor grieved at lowly poverty, and so wrote the Discourse on Adversity and Success to console himself.
25
[5] 使
Fang often wrote scriptures and treatises for monks for hire; his handwriting was praised, and he charged one bolt of silk per scroll—within a year he could earn more than a hundred bolts; for several decades on end,[5] by this means he came to live in modest comfort. Through this he came to have much association with eminent monks of virtue and learning. At the time the southern monk Huidu was reprimanded over some affair and soon died suddenly; Fang was implicated through association, and Empress Dowager Wenming summoned him into the inner palace and had him flogged one hundred strokes. At the time the palace eunuch Li Feng presided over the investigation; knowing Fang's devoted scholarship and worthy conduct, he spoke of it to the Empress Dowager, and the Empress Dowager felt a slight shame at heart. It happened that Xiao Ze's envoy Liu Zuan arrived—Fang's clansman elder brother—and Fang was promoted to Acting Director of the Host and Guest Bureau to receive Zuan. Soon afterward he was appointed Erudite of the Palace Secretariat. Later he served together with Cui Guang, Song Bian, Xing Chan, and others as Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat; presently an edict ordered Fang and Chan to enter and instruct the Crown Prince in the classics; he was promoted to Vice Mentor of the Heir Apparent and Acting Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary Outside the Regular Establishment. When he accompanied the imperial procession to Luoyang, from the journey onward and upon return to the capital, he constantly attended at seat to lecture and read. Fang's talent and thought were deeply sharp; he was especially skilled in the meaning of the classics, broadly learned with a strong memory, and also read the Cangjie and Erya lexicons; he was especially accomplished in pronunciation and glosses, and in discrimination left no doubt. Thereupon his ceremonial treatment grew daily more exalted and his rewards and gifts more abundant; he was formally appointed Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary Outside the Regular Establishment. Soon afterward he additionally served as Direct Transmission Attendant Cavalier; accompanying the imperial procession on the southern tour, he compiled an account of the journey; shortly afterward he was appointed to the regular post. When Wang Su came over in flight, Emperor Xiaowen highly valued and esteemed him, and court and country fixed their eyes upon him. Fang had not yet met him. Emperor Xiaowen feasted the ministers at Hualin Park; in the course of conversation Su said, "In antiquity only women had hairpins; men had none." Fang said: "If one extrapolates from the canonical passages of ritual texts, in antiquity both men and women had hairpins." Su said: "The Mourning Dress [Classic] says: when the man ties up his hair, the woman binds hers in a topknot; when the man puts on his cap, the woman uses a hairpin. In that case, men ought not to have hairpins." Fang said: "This refers specifically to inauspicious affairs. The rites say: at first encountering mourning, the man ties up his hair, and at that time the woman binds hers in a topknot; when the man puts on his cap, at that time the woman uses a hairpin. The passage means that both change according to the occasion—the manner in which men and women differ in hair-tying, topknots, caps, and hairpins. Because the cap ranks higher, the text suppresses mention of the hairpin. The phrases refer to each sex in turn; they do not imply that men lacked hairpins. The Inner Canon of the Rites also says: "When a son attends to his parents, at the first crow of the cock he combs his hair, binds it, pins it, and ties it up." On this evidence, it is plain that men wore hairpins." The High Ancestor expressed his approval at length. Su agreed with Fang and said: "Are you not Liu the Stone Classics?" In Han times the Three-Script Stone Classics had been erected at the Imperial Academy; when scholars found their texts corrupt, many went to him for correction. Fang's readings and glosses were lucid; the perplexed came to him for answers, and contemporaries nicknamed him Liu the Stone Classics. As the feast drew to a close, Fang and Su left together. Su grasped Fang's hand and said: "Since youth I have studied the Three Rites. I debated them repeatedly with the southern scholars, and all confirmed my earlier view—but hearing your explanation just now has lifted a lifetime's uncertainty." Fang's command of ritual doctrine was such across the board.
26
[6] [7] 使 仿 [8] 西 [9] 西 使
Fang submitted a memorial: "Every state-builder venerates learning and exalts the Way, placing schools foremost. Though the form of government may shift between substance and ornament, this standard endures—because all enterprise begins there and every task takes its rule from it. Before the Zhou, the classics provide no firm record; From the height of Zhou times on, the post was lodged at Tiger Gate. The Rites of Zhou, Director of Music, states: [6] "The Master, who admonishes the king with counsels of correction. He resided to the left of Tiger Gate, attended the royal court, handled lapses within the realm, [7] and instructed the sons of the nobility." Cai Yong's Exhortation to Learning reads: "The Zhou Master lived at the left of Tiger Gate, expounded the Six Arts, and trained the royal scions." Today's Libationer corresponds to the Zhou Master. The Records of Luoyang note that the National University's halls faced the imperial palace, while the Imperial Academy stood outside Kaiyang Gate. The Record of Learning declares: "Ancient kings, in founding states and cherishing their people, made instruction their first concern." Zheng Xuan comments: "Within the palace tutors and guardians taught the royal sons; without stood the Imperial Academy and the school officials." It follows plainly that the National School lay within and the Imperial Academy without. If one checks against the Records of Luoyang, the pattern still holds. I submit: now that the court has moved to the Song-Chan region and the throne sits at Luoyang, palaces and ministries alike have been restored to their former grounds—surely the National School should not be excepted? Measured against ancient practice, it ought to stand to the left of the palace gate. The Imperial Academy should remain where its foundations are plainly visible and be rebuilt in the old form. Furthermore, in Taihe year 20, [8] an edict established Four-Gate Erudites and opened schools at the four city gates. I find that before Zhou there were only two schools—some traditions favored the west, others the east; some ranked the capital school higher, others the suburban one. By Zhou times there were six schools in all. The Master lived inside the palace; the Imperial Academy stood in the capital; the four lesser schools lay in the suburbs. The Record of Rites states that the Zhou "cared for common elders at the Yu school, situated in the four suburbs," [9] and again: "The Son of Heaven established four schools; when he entered school the crown prince stood among his peers by age." The gloss explains: "The four schools were the Yu halls in the Zhou suburbs." The Great Dai chapter on Tutor and Guardian records: when the emperor entered the Eastern School, he honored kinship and valued benevolence; entering the Southern School, he honored seniority and valued trustworthiness; entering the Western School, he honored talent and valued virtue; entering the Northern School, he honored status and revered rank; entering the Imperial Academy, he received his masters and pursued the Way. Zhou's five schools are thus all the more clearly confirmed. Zheng Xuan's commentary on the Record of Learning holds that Zhou had six schools. The reason, his note runs, is that "within the palace tutors and guardians instructed the royal sons, while without stood the Imperial Academy and the school officials." This is the evidence. Since Han and Wei times the four suburban schools no longer existed. Faithful to earlier design, the schools ought to be placed at the four gates. Wang Su's note reads: "The Son of Heaven maintained schools in the four suburbs, fifty li from the capital." Zheng Xuan, by contrast, says nothing about distance. The old Imperial Academy grounds are broad enough; scattering schools across four suburbs would spread them impossibly far apart and make oversight impossible. Even combining the Imperial Academy grounds with the four gate sites, the area would still be excessive. In my humble judgment, housing them together would be unobjectionable. Moreover, current arrangements largely follow middle-period precedent; it is unclear whether the four schools should revert to ancient practice. I ask that eminent scholars and ritual officers be convened to determine where they should stand." The emperor approved.
27
He was promoted to Director of the Secretariat while retaining the post of Libationer. He was dispatched and appointed General Who Pacifies the East and Inspector of Qing Province. His rule was mild and scholarly; he could not check banditry, yet he was scrupulously honest and free of private greed, offending neither public nor personal trust. Recalled to court, he helped draft the legal code. Fang weighed past and present practice and led the major deliberations; most of the revisions bore his mark. Because court ritual had many gaps, Emperor Shizong assigned Fang to rectify every outstanding question of ceremony. Thereafter the court consulted him on every major rite, joyous or mournful.
28
He was appointed Minister of Ceremonies. Fang found that the distances fixed for the five suburban altars and the sites of the sun and moon sacrifices violated ritual propriety, and that worship of the Spirit Star and the Duke of Zhou should not fall under the Minister of Ceremonies. He submitted a memorial:
29
綿
I have learned that among a state's weightiest obligations, none precedes suburban sacrifice—and the foundation of suburban sacrifice lies in fixing the altars aright. Hence the luminous admonitions of successive sages blaze across the canon; and the authoritative commentaries of earlier masters stand forth in the classics and histories. My learning is incomplete and my grasp of antiquity uncertain; I dare not offer blind counsel or parade shallow opinions. Yet I observe that the distances set for the altars may not accord with canonical practice. As this falls within my charge, I venture a modest proposal.
30
西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西西 退
The first-spring ordinance states "the number is eight" and also "receive spring at the eastern suburb." Lu Zhi states: "The eastern suburb is the eight-li suburb." Jia Kui holds: "The eastern suburb belongs to the Wood Emperor Taihao, eight li away." Xu Shen writes: "The eastern suburb is the eight-li suburban altar." Zheng Xuan's gloss on the first-spring ordinance reads: "The king resides in the Bright Hall. The rites state that the king went out fifteen li to greet the new year—likely Shang practice. Under the Rites of Zhou, the near suburb lay fifty li away." In another note Zheng Xuan specifies: "The eastern suburb stands eight li from the capital." Gao You explains: "To receive the breath of spring in the east is the eight-li suburban rite." Wang Su argues: "The eastern suburb is eight li, in accord with the number of Wood." All agree: clear proof that the spring suburban altar lies eight li away. The first-summer ordinance states "the number is seven" and "receive summer at the southern suburb." Lu Zhi: "The southern suburb is the seven-li suburb." Jia Kui: "The southern suburb belongs to the Fire Emperor Yandi, seven li." Xu Shen: "The southern suburb is the seven-li suburban altar." Zheng Xuan: "The southern suburb lies seven li from the capital." Gao You: "The southern suburb is the seven-li suburban rite." Wang Su: "The southern suburb is seven li, in accord with the number of Fire." Here again is firm proof for the seven-li southern suburb. The central ordinance states: "The number is five." Lu Zhi: "The central suburb is the five-li suburb." Jia Kui writes; "The central altar is the seat of the Yellow Emperor, combined with the end of the southern suburban season; hence the text speaks of inaugurating the Five Emperors at the four suburbs." Zheng Xuan places the central suburb in the southwest Wei sector, five li from the capital." Again, firm proof for the five-li central suburb. The first-autumn ordinance states "the number is nine" and "receive autumn at the western suburb." Lu Zhi: "The western suburb is the nine-li suburb." Jia Kui: "The western suburb belongs to the Metal Emperor Shaohao, nine li." Xu Shen: "The western suburb is the nine-li suburban altar." Zheng Xuan: "The western suburb lies nine li from the capital." Gao You: "The western suburb is the nine-li suburban rite." Wang Su: "The western suburb is nine li, in accord with the number of Metal." Again, firm proof for the nine-li western suburb. The first-winter ordinance states "the number is six" and "receive winter at the northern suburb." Lu Zhi: "The northern suburb is the six-li suburb." Jia Kui: "The northern suburb belongs to the Water Emperor Zhuanxu, six li." Xu Shen: "The northern suburb is the six-li suburban altar." Zheng Xuan: "The northern suburb lies six li from the capital." Gao You: "The northern suburb is the six-li suburban rite." Wang Su: "The northern suburb is six li, in accord with the number of Water." Again, firm proof for the six-li northern suburb. Song's commentary on Huwenjia states: "The Rites of Zhou define the royal domain as a thousand li, with one twentieth set aside as the near suburb. The near suburb extends fifty li; doubled, it becomes the far suburb. The reception of the royal qi is presumably conducted at the near suburb. Since Han had no royal domain, it placed the suburban altars according to the directional numbers: eight li east, seven south, nine west, six north, and the central altar in the southwest Wei sector at five li." The Treatise on Sacrifices records: "In the first month of Jianwu 2, suburban altars were first set up seven li south of Luoyang. Following Yuan-shi-era precedent, the northern suburb lay four li north of Luoyang." Here again is explicit proof for Han practice at the northern and southern suburbs. The Earth altar should now follow this arrangement. A thirty-li suburb would run counter both to the Yin and Zhou evidence Zheng Xuan cites and to the precedents followed under Han and Wei. Land beyond the city walls constitutes the suburbs; the four suburban altars should each be measured from the outer gate, using the distances given above.
31
西 西 [10] [11]
Ritual requires worship of the sun and moon outside the eastern and western gates. The proposed sites for the sun and moon altars stand thirty paces from the east and west roads, which I still find questionable. The rites further stipulate: "The sun is sacrificed upon a mound; the moon in a pit." The proposed construction follows the arrangement described above. The Treatise on Ritual records that the Gaomei shrine was "established south of the city," but gives no distance in li. Accordingly, the existing site should remain as it is. Worship of the Spirit Star was never part of canonical ritual; the shrine arose at the start of Han solely to pray for good harvests and always fell under local commandery and county administration. The Treatise on Suburban Sacrifice records: "In Gaozu's fifth year,[10] an edict to the Imperial Secretary ordered Spirit Star shrines established empire-wide, with grand sacrificial victims, and required county and district magistrates to preside." [11] The Jin regulations on shrines state: "Commanderies, counties, and princely fiefs maintain altars to soil and grain and to the First Farmer; counties also maintain Spirit Star shrines." This is explicit proof that Spirit Star shrines belonged in counties across the empire. The Duke of Zhou shrine stands apart in Luoyang because the Duke of Zhou himself built that city; generation after generation the people of Luoyang have kept his cult alive to honor his achievement. The shrine to Boyi and Shuqi, too, has long been a local cult within Luoyang's jurisdiction. Transferring all such shrines to the Minister of Ceremonies would, I fear, violate their original purpose. Such cases are legion across the empire; each should remain under its local commandery or county, where officials and common people alike may pray. The suburban altars and deities under the Minister of Ceremonies have prescribed limits; they should not be rearranged on whim. To do so recklessly would invite the charge of improper worship. Placing both shrines under the Minister of Ceremonies in Luoyang may serve the state equally, but what counts is honoring their origins.
32
便
Though I am dull and unworthy of my present post, I have searched the tomes and canvassed scholarly opinion; finding no dissent, I believe the proposal may serve as a reasonable guide. Deep winter brings a lull in affairs, empty fields, and idle hands—an apt season to relocate the suburban altars.
33
The emperor replied: "Your evidence is sound, but these altars were established long ago; for the present, let the old arrangement stand."
34
[12]
Previously, while still at the capital in Dai, Emperor Gaozu had ordered Gao Lü, Director of the Palace Secretariat, Vice Minister of Ceremonies Lu Pei, Gongsun Chong, and a dozen others to restore bells, chimes, and the full set of eight musical categories. Later, after Chong became Director of Imperial Music, he petitioned Vice Director Gao Zhao to join him in a further overhaul. Emperor Shizong directed Fang to oversee the work alongside them. Fang argued that rites and music were too weighty to settle hastily: only by convening the highest officials, assembling eminent scholars, debating every point, and settling every dispute could a lasting standard be established for posterity. The court granted his request, and within weeks three formal deliberations were held in quick succession. Court officials largely assumed that Chong, having overseen the project for so long, could not be wrong, and no one spoke up to challenge him. Fang cited the classics, marshaled ancient texts, and cross-examined Chong point by point, showing with clear evidence that the proportions were inconsistent and failed to match canonical standards. Chong offered rebuttals, but never addressed the questions at issue and ultimately could not defend his work. The Masters of Writing reported to the throne,[12] and the emperor ordered Fang to undertake a separate review and redesign; from then on, scholars increasingly regarded him as the leading authority.
35
使 西 便 西便
Finding that the altars of soil and grain had no trees, Fang submitted another memorial: "The new-moon ritual prescribes that during a solar eclipse, a red silk cord is to be wound three times around the altar tree. At present, however, there is no tree. The Rites of Zhou also charge the Minister of Education: 'Raise the earthen mounds of the altars of soil and grain and plant upon them the tree suited to each locality's soil.' Zheng Xuan glosses this: 'The appropriate tree refers to species such as pine, cypress, and chestnut.' This is my first piece of evidence. The Rites of Zhou also assign the Junior Minister of Education and the Frontier Officer: 'to raise the king's altar mound and plant trees along the royal domain's boundary markers.' Zheng Xuan explains: 'Grain is not named because the king's cult centers on the altar of soil; the grain altar is subsidiary.' This is my second piece of evidence. The Analects records: 'When Duke Ai asked Zai Wo about the altar of soil, Zai Wo answered: "The Xia planted pine, the Shang cypress, the Zhou chestnut."' Each dynasty chose the tree suited to its own soil. This is my third piece of evidence. The Baihu tong asks: 'Why are trees planted at the altars of soil and grain?' To honor and distinguish them, so the people may see them at a glance and pay reverence—and also to display merit.' This passage explains why trees belong at the altars; it does not debate whether trees exist at all. This is my fourth piece of evidence. Since the text asks 'why the altars of soil and grain have trees,' the grain altar plainly had a tree as well. The Comprehensive Meaning of the Five Classics also asks: 'What of the Grand Altar of Soil and the King's Altar for the Son of Heaven, and the State Altar and Marquis's Altar for feudal lords?' What is the prescribed form? The answer: every altar of soil is walled but roofless, and planted with trees because wood belongs to earth, earth begets the myriad things, and of all things none excels wood—hence the planting of trees.' This is my fifth piece of evidence. This passage most fully and carefully explains why trees belong at the altars. The Essentials of the Five Classics also states: 'An altar of soil must be planted with trees. The Rites of Zhou charge the Minister of Education: 'Assign the altars of soil and plant trees according to what each region's soil produces.' A lost passage of the Documents reads: 'The Grand Altar of Soil is pine; the Eastern cypress; the Southern catalpa; the Western chestnut; the Northern locust.' This is my sixth piece of evidence. Here again is explicit proof that the Grand Altar and the four directional altars each had its own tree. Ritual diagrams from various schools likewise depict trees at the altars of soil and grain; only the warning altars omit them. This is my seventh piece of evidence. Though the case for planting trees is now clear, the species to plant remains unsettled. The Analects' record that 'the Xia used pine, the Shang cypress, the Zhou chestnut' shows that each dynasty chose differently. Yet the lost Documents passage assigns pine to the Grand Altar, cypress to the east, catalpa to the south, chestnut to the west, and locust to the north—implying five different trees within a single reign. I believe pine is the appropriate choice. Why do I say so? The lost text states 'the Grand Altar of Soil is pine'; planting pine now would not violate ritual propriety. For the grain altar there is no definitive evidence, but as the subsidiary cult it should presumably follow pine as well. The emperor accepted his recommendation.
36
Fang was grave, refined, and upright, with exacting standards and broad mastery of the classics. Emperor Gaozu held him in especial esteem and often sought his counsel. When Crown Prince Xun resided in the Eastern Palace, Emperor Gaozu proposed marrying Fang's daughter to him; Fang declined, citing their unsuitable ages and appearances. The emperor admired his modesty and directed him to nominate a kinswoman instead; Fang proposed the daughter of his clansman Changwen. Gaozu betrothed her to Xun, pairing her with Zheng Yi's daughter as the crown prince's two principal consorts. Cui Guang, who was related to Fang through their mothers' families, treated him with cousinly deference and consulted him on every matter. Fang authored one fascicle each on the pronunciation of Zheng Xuan's Zhou Offices and Ceremonial Rites, Gan Bao's Zhou Offices, Wang Su's Documents, He Xiu's Gongyang Commentary, Fan Ning's Guliang Commentary, Wei Zhao's Discourses of the States, and Fan Ye's Book of Later Han; three fascicles of lexical distinctions; forty fascicles on the geography and people of Xuzhou; three fascicles continuing the phonetic glosses and evidence for the Rapid Writing Primer; ten fascicles of phonetic evidence for the Mao Odes; ten fascicles of evidential commentary on the Record of Rites; and five fascicles each on the Zhou Offices and Ceremonial Rites. Cui Guang petitioned to resign the directorship of the Palace Secretariat in Fang's favor, but Emperor Shizong refused. He died in Yan Chang 2, at the age of sixty-one. The court granted four hundred bolts of silk and posthumously honored him as General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Xuzhou, with the posthumous name Wenzhen, "Cultivated and Steadfast."
37
使
His eldest son was Yi, courtesy name Zuxin. He inherited his father's refined bearing and had a taste for letters. He held successive posts as Aide of Xuzhou, Chief Clerk on the Left Army staff of Yan Province, and Advisory Attendant to the Minister of Works. He served repeatedly as an envoy for the Mobile Secretariat and earned a reputation for competence wherever he was posted. He was promoted to Regular Attendant, Grand Rectifier of Xuzhou, and acting Administrator of Ying Province, then soon after to General Who Pacifies the South and Minister of Grand Granaries. At his death he was posthumously honored as General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Xuzhou, with the posthumous name Jian, "Concise." He left no son; his younger brother Yin adopted his third son Bi as heir.
38
Bi fled south to Jiangnan during the Tianping era. At the end of the Wuding era he returned north and was enfeoffed as Viscount of Linying County.
39
祿 祿 殿 殿
Yi's younger brother was Yin, courtesy name Jingxing. He loved learning, stood firmly on his own principles, and handled the affairs of his day with skill. During Gao Zhao's ascendancy and Prince of Qinghe Yi's tenure as chief minister, Yin cultivated ties with their sons and nephews, visiting back and forth. After Empress Dowager Ling took the regency, he also kept up a warm exchange with her brothers; the empress dowager appointed him to teach poetry and fu to her younger brother Yuan Ji. He rose through the posts of Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, Aide of the Grand Commandant, and Deputy Director of the Palace Secretariat, then served as General Who Establishes Courage and acting Administrator of Southern Qing Province before being recalled as General Who Pacifies the South and Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. When Emperor Xiaozhuang first took the throne, he was made Director of the Imperial University and continued in that capacity as acting Administrator of Xuzhou. Under the former Deposed Emperor he was promoted to General of Agile Cavalry and Left Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. When Emperor Chu first acceded, he was made Attendant Cavalier in Ordinary, then promoted to Grand General of Agile Cavalry while resuming his post as Director of the Imperial University. When Emperor Chu expounded the Classic of Filial Piety in the Xianyang Hall, Yin served as lecturer. His answers in debate were not always exhaustive, yet his presence and delivery were impressive enough to watch. He was soon given concurrent appointment as Director of Judgments and then as Director of the Palace Gentlemen as well. After Emperor Chu fled west of the Pass, King Xianwu of Qi entered Luoyang, held Yin to account, and had him put to death. He was fifty-two.
40
簿使殿 使 使
His son was Zhi, courtesy name Zisheng. Even as a youth he had force of character and a solid grounding in literature and history. At twenty he was recruited by his province as chief clerk. On a mission to court he was received by Emperor Xiaozhuang in the Xianyang Hall and questioned about border affairs. Zhi answered with poised ease, and the emperor was pleased; he was thereupon appointed Supernumerary Attendant Cavalier. He was sent out to serve as Attendant of the Eastern Department on the Xuzhou headquarters staff. When his father Yin was executed, Zhi rallied the local militia and marched to Yan Province, where he and Governor Fan Zihe resisted the royal army; in every battle he wept as he broke through the enemy ranks. After the city fell he was captured and sent to Jinyang, where King Xianwu of Qi spared him out of compassion. When Prince Wenxiang opened a headquarters as Commander Unequaled in Honor, he took Zhi on as an aide. He served as Grand Rectifier of his native province. At the beginning of Wuding he was made Palace Secretariat Attendant and given the additional rank of General Who Pacifies the East. While relations with Xiao Yan were open, Zhi was repeatedly ordered to receive Liang envoys; he handled sixteen such missions in all. He was sent out as Right Chief Clerk of the Minister of Education and soon afterward promoted to Left Chief Clerk. In the sixth year, on a mission to Yan Province, he fell suddenly ill and died at Dong Commandery; contemporaries mourned the loss. He was posthumously honored with his former general's rank and the governorship of Southern Qing Province.
41
Yin's younger brother Yue served as headquarters recorder during the Yong'an era.
42
祿
Yue's younger brother Hou held the ranks of General Who Guards the South and Grand Master for Splendid Happiness with the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon during the Wuding era.
43
西 [13]
Hou's younger brother Cui held the posts of Aide of Xuzhou and Attendant in Scarlet Robes of the Palace. Cui had a chivalrous temperament from youth. After his brother Yin was killed, he rallied a private following, joined Yan Province Governor Fan Zihe, and plotted to side with the regime west of the Pass. A grand general besieged and crushed the revolt;[13] when the city fell, Cui was put to death.
44
[14] 姿 西
Fang's paternal uncle was Fuzhi. Sun Simo was bold and vigorous, with real skill as a commander. Near the end of Emperor Gaozu's reign he entered court service, rising through the posts of Colonel of the Feathered Forest Guard, Administrator of Liang and Pei commanderies, and Supernumerary Regular Attendant. He repeatedly commanded armies on southern campaigns and won a string of victories. While the Prince of Rencheng was besieging Zhongli, Xiao Yan dispatched his General Who Establishes Courage Zhang Huishao, along with Peng Fu, Zhang Baozi, and others, with ten thousand men to convoy supplies to the city. Simo, then General Who Pacifies the Distant, led several thousand men to intercept the Liang supply train at Shaoyang. He sent his chief clerk Yuan Gui with a thousand infantry and cavalry[14] to block the enemy vanguard north of Zhongli, had his recording secretary Miao Yan fall on their rear, and personally led elite troops in a flanking charge. The three wings struck together and won a crushing victory, capturing Huishao along with Xiao Yan's General of Agile Cavalry, Baron of Qiyang County Zhao Jingyue, Jingyue's younger brother General Who Pacifies the Distant Jing Xiu, General Who Pacifies the Distant Mei Shihe, Colonel of the Garrison Cavalry Ren Jingyou, Colonel of the Regular Cavalry Bian Xin, Colonel of the Valiant Cavalry Jia Qingzhen, General of the Flying Dragon Xu Chang, and others, while killing or capturing several thousand men. The Masters of Writing reviewed his merit and proposed enfeoffing him as a marquis with a thousand-household fief. Simo had two maidservants of striking beauty who sang and danced well. Attendant-in-Ordinary Yuan Hui demanded them and was refused, and the enfeoffment was dropped. He was later made General Who Raises Might and Administrator of Liaoxi. Simo defected en route to Xiao Yan, who made him General Who Supports the State and Governor of Northern Xuzhou; he then raided the Huai River north country repeatedly. He died a few years later.
45
Zuan's son Xi served under Xiao Yan as Administrator of Langye and Dongguan commanderies in turn and held the garrison at Qushan. Wang Wanshou of Qushan killed Xi and sent his head, bringing Qushan over to Wei allegiance and sending Xi's son Chi to the capital as well. A few years later Chi was made Supervisor within the Gates and Administrator of Ruyang. At the beginning of Zhengguang he defected south from his post.
46
殿
Fang's paternal cousin's son was Mao, courtesy name Zhonghua. His grandfather Taizhi and his father Chengbo had both served Liu Yu and attained distinguished rank. Mao was bright and studious, with wide command of the classics and histories, a practiced hand in cursive and clerical script, and an unusual store of rare characters. When Emperor Shizong first came to court, Mao was appointed Supernumerary Gentleman. He was promoted to Gentleman of External Military Affairs in the Masters of Writing and given the additional rank of General of Light Chariots. Fang held him in high regard and consulted him on every draft of court ritual and regulation. In the Masters of Writing's full deliberations, Mao and Palace Attendant Yuan Fan were regularly the leading voices. Adept at practical governance, he was the man the secretariat turned to whenever a case was unclear. By imperial order he took part in drafting the new legal code. He was by nature grave, refined, and steady, easy in friendship, with a breadth of bearing and an elegance that contemporaries greatly admired. Minister Li Ping became his closest friend. He was promoted to Colonel of the Footsoldiers, placed in charge of the Gentlemen, and given concurrent appointment as Attendant of the Eastern Palace. He was made Supernumerary Regular Attendant and General Who Pacifies the Distant, placed in charge of merit assessment, and drew up a clear system of evaluation with explicit rules for promotion and demotion.
47
When Emperor Suzong first took the throne, the main army besieged Xiashi. Mao served on Li Ping's mobile staff and distinguished himself when the city fell. Grand Tutor Yuan Yi, Prince of Qinghe, admired his literary grace and would often watch him leave, saying, "Master Liu is a commanding presence—the foremost man among the court elite. If Heaven grants him a full span of years, he will surely become chief minister of Wei." An edict then ordered Mao and other learned officials to compile the completed ritual code. Yi had been chief minister for years and treated Mao with exceptional respect, appointing him tutor to his sons. He was promoted to Chief Administrator of the Grand Commandant. In the winter of Xiping 2 he died suddenly of illness. His household was deeply poor; when he died he left nothing but bare walls. Grand Tutor Yi and the leading men of the age all mourned him deeply. He was posthumously honored with the Ceremonial Axe as Former General and Governor of Southern Qin Province, with the posthumous name Xuansjian, "Proclaiming Concision." Mao's poetry, dirges, rhapsodies, eulogies, and other writings won praise in his day. He also compiled fifteen scrolls on the origins of various artifacts, entitled Origins of Things.
48
His son was Jun, courtesy name Shizhen. Starting from Supernumerary Attendant Cavalier, he rose through the posts of Assistant Administrator of Henan Commandery, Palace Attendant, Grand Rectifier of Xuzhou, and Secretary of the Palace Library. He died at the beginning of the Tianping era. He was posthumously honored as Former General and Governor of Xuzhou. His son Gui died young. Jin's younger brother was Fu, courtesy name Shiwen. He was clever from childhood. At twelve he visited Minister Wang Yan, who was astonished by their conversation. Yan then joined Grand Tutor Li Yanshi and Palace Librarian Li Kai in recommending him by memorial, and Fu was appointed Gentleman of the Palace Library. Fu was also a man of fine character. He died in Xinghe 1, at the age of twenty-eight. He left no son; his elder brother's son Ju became his heir.
49
Mao's paternal cousin Yuansun cultivated his life in retirement and sought neither fame nor office. When Emperor Gaozu visited Pengcheng, Yuansun was summoned from private life and appointed Administrator of Lanling. His administration was known for its quiet integrity. He died in office.
50
His son Changwen was promoted by Emperor Gaozu to Chief Clerk of the Southern Yan headquarters of the General Who Establishes Courage, with concurrent appointment as Administrator of Qiao Commandery. When the city was besieged and supplies ran out, he held his post and preserved the whole city; for this he was enfeoffed as Viscount of a Lesser Settlement. He was promoted to Administrator of Lu Commandery. Emperor Gaozu took his daughter as consort for Crown Prince Xun. He died.
51
His son Jingxian succeeded to the title.
52
Jingxian's younger brother Hui served as Court Gentleman for Regular Attendance and Chief Administrator of Xuzhou.
53
Changwen's younger brother was Yong, courtesy name Lünan. He had real military talent and won repeated distinction in the field. He rose to the ranks of Palace Attendant and General of the Flying Dragon. During the Shengui era he served concurrently as Minister of Grand Reception and went with imperial credentials to invest the King of Goguryeo. On his return he was made Administrator of Fanyang.
54
Fang's clansman Sengli was free with his wealth and well known for chivalrous conduct; he enjoyed deep goodwill in his home district. When Emperor Gaozu visited Xuzhou, Sengli was summoned to audience, pleased the emperor, and was appointed Aide of Xuzhou. He was promoted to Administrator of Pei Commandery. He later retired to an easy life at home and had no taste for office at court. After more than ten years away from court, the government feared he might harbor divided loyalties and recalled him as General of Light Chariots and Colonel of the Feathered Forest Guard. He died in office.
55
His eldest son Shixiong rose to the governorship of Taishan.
56
西
Shixiong's younger brother was Shiming, courtesy name Bochu, with a solid grounding in the classics and their commentaries. Starting as Court Gentleman for Regular Attendance, he rose in stages to Administrator of Lanling and Interior Minister of Pengcheng. When the regional inspector Yuan Faseng rebelled outside the city walls, Shiming was handed over to Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan wished to ennoble him, but Shiming steadfastly refused; he repeatedly begged to be allowed to return north, and Yan consented. During the reign of Emperor Suzong, he was summoned to court as Remonstrating Grand Master. Near the end of Emperor Xiaozhuang's reign, he was made General Who Conquers the Barbarians and Prefect of Southern Yan Province. Erzhu Shilong and his faction had seized power for themselves, and discontent and rebellion spread everywhere. A townsman named Wang Qide forced Shiming at sword-point, seized the province, and submitted it to Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan enfeoffed Shiming as Marquis of Kaiguo County with a fief of one thousand households, appointed him Grand General Who Conquers the West and Prefect of Ying Province, and further granted him the honors of the Three Preceptors. Shiming again refused the honors and pressed his request to return to the north. Xiao Yan would not override his wishes and personally hosted a farewell banquet for him at Leyou Garden. After his return, Shiming formally surrendered the imperial credentials he had held and withdrew to his home district. He never entered court again thereafter, and passed his days chiefly in archery and hunting. In the third year of the Xinghe era he died at home. He was posthumously honored as Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, with the honors of the Three Preceptors, and as Prefect of Xuzhou.
57
His son Yi, courtesy name Yan'ying. At the end of the Wuding era he held the ranks of General Who Establishes the Champion and Grand Master of Palace Leisure.
58
In earlier days Miao Yan Lingqi of Lanling had been roughly equal in talent and standing to the Liu family of Pengcheng. After Pengcheng submitted to the Wei, Lingqi's disciple's son Chengxian followed Xue Andu to the capital, was granted the title Viscount of Xiangben, and soon returned to Xuzhou; for decades afterward scarcely anyone from that line held office. Near the end of Emperor Shizong's reign, Chengxian's son Yanzhi inherited the title, was entered on the rolls of service, and was gradually promoted to General Who Quells the Waves and Supervisor of the Feathered Forest Guard. Yanzhi was respectful, cautious, and generous of spirit, and won praise from his contemporaries.
59
At that time Zheng Yan of Xingyang served Liu Yu as Administrator of Langye. When Xue Andu, Prefect of Xuzhou, was planning to submit to the north, Yan supported the move. When Emperor Xianzu first came to court, Yan was rewarded for his service with the posts of General Who Establishes the Champion and Administrator of Pengcheng, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Luoyang. Later he was appointed Grand Master of Palace Consultation, and his title was changed to Earl of Yunyang. He died and was posthumously honored as Prefect of You Province, with the posthumous name Yi, "Benevolent." His descendants therefore settled in the Peng and Si region.
60
輿滿
His son Changyou entered official life through his father's merit and was appointed General Who Pacifies the Distant and Administrator of Dongping. He was soon transferred to Pei Commandery. He entered court as Director in the Southern Reception Bureau and Clerk to the Grand Commandant, and inherited the title of Earl of Yunyang. When the emperor marched south on campaign and Wan City had been taken, Changyou was appointed Administrator of Nanyang. As the imperial carriage was about to turn back, an edict addressed Changyou: "When Duke Cao of Wei conquered Jing Province, he left Man Chong behind to hold it. I now entrust this commandery to you together with command of the troops—not merely to pacify those newly attached, but to leave the city's defense in your hands." He was specially granted two hundred bolts of silk. Emperor Xiaowen died at Nanyang and was laid in state in that commandery. He was soon summoned to serve as chief clerk to the Protector-General. At the beginning of Emperor Shizong's reign, when Shouchun submitted, he was additionally made Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and sent with imperial credentials to announce the court's favor and offer reassurance. When the Prince of Rencheng became Prefect of Yang Province, an edict appointed Changyou Consulting Advisor and acting Administrator of Anfeng. He was transferred to chief clerk in the household of the Prince of Wuchang in Xuzhou, while also serving as Interior Minister of Pengcheng. He was summoned as Remonstrating Grand Master, transferred to Consulting Advisor to the Minister of Education, and promoted to Regular Attendant-in-Ordinary for Direct Communication. He died in the fifth year of Yongping. He was given the posthumous title Marquis Zhen, "Upright."
61
His son Kuo inherited the title. He died.
62
His son Yuanxiu inherited the title. During the Xinghe era he served as Prefect of Sui Province. When Qi received the abdication, his title was reduced according to precedent.
63
Yuanxiu's younger brother Ping, courtesy name Yuanyou. During the Wuding era he served as Attendant Clerk to the Minister of Education.
64
The historian writes: You Minggen embodied the refined way of the Confucian tradition and ultimately received extraordinary favor; in the glory of the Taihe era, to bear the weight of remonstrance was a pairing rare across the ages. Zhao carried forward what had been begun and enlarged the family estate; upright in sentiment and unyielding in spirit, he did not waver through hardship. He declined enfeoffment while the sovereign was still young and held to lofty integrity when powerful ministers ruled the court—compared with the other lords, his conduct stood far above them. Liu Fang stood apart with striking distinction, deep and devoted to antiquity, broadly learned and thoroughly knowledgeable—the patriarch of scholars in his age and a model teacher for his generation. Mao possessed talent, discernment, and learning, with the bearing of a distinguished scholar. That the age held him in high esteem was no empty reputation.
65
Collation Notes
66
西西 西 西 西西
On the edict dispatching the three armies of the southern campaign at the west of the Mian, Qiucheng, and Liankou: the so-called "three armies of the southern campaign" refers to the fighting of the eighth month in the fourth year of Taihe, which concerned the contest for Jiaocheng and had nothing to do with the west of the Mian. According to juan 7, Part 1, Annals of the Emperor Xiaowen, Part 1, the Wei forces at that time had routes "out from Qucheng," "out from Haixi," "out from Liankou," "out from Jiaocheng," and "out from Xia'cai." Haixi, Qucheng, and Liankou all lay southeast of present-day Haizhou in Jiangsu. Here "west of the Mian" is likely a corruption of "Haixi," and "Qiucheng" (the cited text) is likely a corruption of "Qucheng" (the cited text).
67
便
On "had already granted his petition for redress": Cefu, juan 899 〈Page 10643〉 reads "the cited text" (to decline) for "the cited text" (to argue); "the cited text" is suspected to be a corruption.
68
On "those who now hold": Cefu, juan 530 〈Page 6333〉 reads the two characters "the cited text" (turn toward civilization) for "the cited text" (hold); the sense is clearer.
69
On "The Rites of Zhou, Grand Director of Music states": the passage quoted below is from the entry on the Mentor under the Grand Minister of Education. The character "the cited text" (Music) is surely mistaken.
70
On "in charge of matters of breach within the realm": various editions lack the character "the cited text"; Cefu, juan 603 〈Page 7239〉 has it. Note: the present transmitted Rites of Zhou, Grand Minister of Education, has the character "the cited text." Zheng Xuan's comment: "Zhong means those who observe proper ritual; shi means those who breach ritual." It is now supplied on this authority. The scriptural and commentarial passages cited below often differ from present transmitted texts, whether through occasional lapses in Liu Fang's memory or because the text he saw differed from the transmitted version; where the meaning does not substantially diverge from the original, they are not listed individually.
71
On "again, in the twentieth year of Taihe": various editions write "the cited text" for "the cited text"; the Ji and Ju editions and Cefu 〈Same juan and page as above〉 read "the cited text." Note: this looks back to the past, hence "in the twentieth year of Taihe gone by." The Ji and Ju editions are now followed.
72
西 西 西 西
On "the Yuxiang stands in the four outskirts of the realm": various editions write "the cited text" for "the cited text"; the Northern History, juan 42, writes "the cited text." Note: present transmitted texts of the Record of Rites, "Royal Regulations" and "Inner Canon," both read "western outskirts." Sun Zhizu, in the Xulu and Xulu sequels to his Dushu Suolu, cites this biography from the Northern History and holds that the transmitted Record of Rites reading "western outskirts" is erroneous. Whether Sun's view is right or wrong need not be discussed here; but according to Liu Fang's exposition, this passage originally concerns establishing schools at the four gates—the text above clearly states "the four xiao are in the outskirts," and the commentarial passage below again reads "the four schools are the Yuxiang of the four weekly outskirts." Liu Fang's Record of Rites text therefore read "four outskirts"; the character "the cited text" here was likely altered by a later hand and is now restored according to the Northern History.
73
On "the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu": Hanshu, juan 25, Part 1, Treatise on Suburban Sacrifices, Part 1 〈Same in Shiji, juan 28, Treatise on the Feng and Shan Sacrifices〉 It first says "the second year," then "four years later," and only then "two years after that" the Spirit Star shrine was established—which would be the eighth year. The Continuation of the Hanshu, Treatise on Sacrifices, states still more plainly that in the eighth year after Han's rise Emperor Gaodi ordered Spirit Star shrines established throughout the realm. Here "the fifth year" is likely an error for "the eighth year."
74
On "county and district magistrates attend the sacrifice": various editions write "the cited text" for "the cited text"; Northern History juan 42 and Cefu juan 580 〈Page 6960〉 read "the cited text." Note: the Continuation of the Hanshu, Treatise on Sacrifices, and Tongdian juan 44, entry on the Spirit Star, both write "the cited text." The character "the cited text" is erroneous; the text is now emended accordingly.
75
On "the Ministry Director reported": Northern History juan 42 and Cefu juan 580 〈Page 6960〉 Before "reported" stand the two characters "the cited text" (according to the matter). Note: Cefu draws on the Book of Wei yet agrees with the Northern History here; these two characters may have been dropped, but the text reads acceptably without them, so they are not supplied.
76
On "the Grand General attacked and punished": according to juan 80, biography of Fan Zihu, the commander then leading troops against Zihu and Liu Cui was Lou Zhao; he was not "Grand General," and with no personal name following below, the character "the cited text" is likely superfluous.
77
On "sent his chief clerk Yuan Gui with one thousand infantry and cavalry": various editions erroneously write "the cited text" for "the cited text"; emended according to Cefu juan 353 〈Page 4192〉 It is now emended accordingly.
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