Book of Wei · Biographies of Ren Jun, Su Ze, Du Ji, Zheng Hun, and Cang Ci

Ren Jun, courtesy name Boda, was from Zhongmou in Henan. Late in Han, disorder shook the east. Zhongmou's magistrate Yang Yuan was anxious and afraid and wished to abandon office. Ren Jun persuaded him: “Dong Zhuo has begun disorder, and everyone looks at him with hostility. Yet no one has moved first—not from lack of intention, but because circumstances have not yet given them courage. If you lead, others will certainly respond.” Yang Yuan asked how. Ren Jun answered: “There are more than ten counties in this eastern region, with no fewer than ten thousand men able to fight. If you temporarily exercise the Intendant of Henan's functions and organize them, nothing will be beyond accomplishment.” Yang Yuan accepted and made Ren Jun Registrar. Ren Jun memorialized for Yang Yuan to act as intendant, ordered the counties to hold firm, and raised troops. Taizu (Cao Cao) <Great Ancestor; a temple name conferred posthumously> then rose in the east and entered Zhongmou's borders. The people did not know whom to follow. Ren Jun alone consulted Zhang Fen of the same commandery and brought the commandery over to Taizu (Cao Cao). He separately gathered several hundred family soldiers from his clan, guests, and retainers, willing to follow him. Delighted, Taizu (Cao Cao) memorialized to appoint him Commandant of Cavalry, married a younger paternal cousin to him, and trusted him deeply. Whenever Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned, Ren Jun usually guarded the rear and supplied the army. Famine and drought then left military food insufficient. Zao Zhi of Yingchuan, Supervisor of the Feathered Forest, proposed agricultural colonies. Taizu (Cao Cao) appointed Ren Jun General of the Household for Agricultural Colonies, recruiting people to farm around Xu. They obtained a million hu of grain. Agricultural offices were established throughout the commanderies and states. Within several years, grain accumulated everywhere and the granaries were full.

At Guandu, Taizu (Cao Cao) put Ren Jun in charge of military equipment and grain transport. The enemy repeatedly raided to sever the supply routes. Ren Jun organized a thousand carts in each group, moving along ten parallel routes and protected by layered defensive formations. The enemy dared not approach. The abundance of army and state began with Zao Zhi and was brought to completion by Ren Jun.

Because Ren Jun's achievement was great, Taizu (Cao Cao) memorialized to enfeoff him as Marquis of Du Village, with three hundred households, and promoted him to Colonel of the Long River Cavalry.

Generous and broad-minded, Ren Jun understood the principles of affairs. Taizu (Cao Cao) often approved his proposals. During famine he cared for friends' orphans and surviving families and poor relatives on both sides, relieving emergencies and supplying want. His trustworthiness and righteousness were praised. He died in the ninth year of Jian'an, and Taizu (Cao Cao) wept for a long time. His son Ren Xian succeeded him. Ren Xian died without a son, and the fief lapsed. Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous imperial title>, commemorating meritorious ministers, granted Ren Jun the posthumous title Marquis Cheng (Ren Jun) <‘Accomplished,’ a posthumous designation> and made his middle son Ren Lan a Marquis within the Passes.

Su Ze, courtesy name Wenshi, was from Wugong in Fufeng. Renowned in youth for learning and conduct, he declined nominations as Filial and Incorrupt and Flourishing Talent and invitations from high ministerial offices. His first accepted appointment was Administrator of Jiuquan, followed by Anding and Wudu.

In all his posts he gained a reputation for authority.

Campaigning against Zhang Lu, Taizu (Cao Cao) passed through Su Ze's commandery, was pleased with him, and made him a guide for the army. After Zhang Lu's defeat, Su Ze settled the Di around Xiabian, opened the Hexi route, and transferred to Administrator of Jincheng. Disorder had scattered officials and people, leaving hunger, poverty, and a diminished population. Su Ze cared for them attentively. He conciliated Qiang and other groups outside, obtaining cattle and sheep to support the poor and elderly. Sharing his grain with the people, he brought several thousand displaced households back within weeks or months. He clearly established commands and prohibitions, executing violators and invariably rewarding obedience. Personally teaching people to farm, he obtained a great harvest that year, and daily more people submitted. When Li Yue rebelled with Longxi, Su Ze led Qiang and other troops to surround him, and Li Yue surrendered. After Taizu (Cao Cao) died, Qu Yan of Xiping rebelled and called himself Colonel Who Protects the Qiang. Su Ze organized troops against him. Frightened, Qu Yan requested surrender. For this achievement Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) appointed Su Ze Colonel Who Protects the Qiang and granted the rank of Marquis within the Passes.

Qu Yan later again combined with neighboring commanderies in revolt. Zhang Jin of Zhangye seized Administrator Du Tong, while Huang Hua of Jiuquan rejected Administrator Xin Ji. Both called themselves administrators in response. Three northern groups at Wuwei also raided and cut the roads. Administrator of Wuwei Guanqiu Xing appealed urgently to Su Ze. Powerful men throughout Yong and Liang drove Qiang and other followers to join Zhang Jin. Everyone in the commandery considered him irresistible. Generals Hao Zhao and Wei Ping, previously stationed at Jincheng, had also received an edict forbidding a westward crossing. Su Ze met the senior commandery officials, Hao Zhao and the others, and Qiang leaders: “Though numerous, these rebels are newly assembled. Some have been coerced and do not necessarily share one purpose. Strike at their divisions, and good and bad must separate. Those separating will join us, increasing our strength while diminishing theirs. With the actual benefit of more men and the momentum of doubled confidence, we must defeat them. If we await the main army, delay will leave good men nowhere to turn, forcing them to join the wicked. Once combined, they will be difficult to separate quickly. Though an edict exists, one may exercise independent authority when violating its letter accords with expediency.” Hao Zhao and the others agreed. They marched to relieve Wuwei, received the three groups' surrender, and joined Guanqiu Xing against Zhang Jin at Zhangye. Hearing this, Qu Yan came to meet Su Ze with three thousand infantry and cavalry, claiming to assist but actually intending treachery. Su Ze lured him to a meeting, beheaded him, and displayed the head to the armies. His followers scattered. Su Ze joined the armies in besieging Zhangye, took it, beheaded Zhang Jin and his associates, and received the whole host's surrender. After Qu Yan's defeat, Huang Hua became afraid, released those he held, and sought surrender. Hexi was pacified. Su Ze returned to Jincheng and advanced to Marquis of Du Village, with three hundred households.

Su Ze was summoned as Palace Attendant and became Dong Zhao's colleague. Dong Zhao once lay with his head on Su Ze's knees. Su Ze pushed him off: “Su Ze's knees are no pillow for a flatterer.” Earlier, on hearing that Wei had replaced Han, both Su Ze and the Marquis of Linzi (Cao Zhi) <a territorial marquisate> had put on mourning and wept. Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) heard of Cao Zhi's behavior but not Su Ze's. At Luoyang he once said casually: “I answered Heaven and received the abdication, yet hear that some wept. Why?” Thinking the question directed at him, Su Ze bristled his beard and was about to answer with a forthright argument. Palace Attendant Fu Xun pinched—

—Su Ze and said: “He does not mean you.” Su Ze stopped.

Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) asked Su Ze: “After Jiuquan and Zhangye were defeated, missions from the Western Regions reopened, and Dunhuang offered a great pearl an inch across. Could we seek to buy more?” Su Ze answered: “If Your Majesty's transformation reaches the central lands and virtue flows into the deserts, such things will arrive without seeking. Obtaining them by searching is not worthy of esteem.” The emperor fell silent. Later, accompanying a hunt, Su Ze saw the stakes of the game enclosure pulled out and deer escape. Furious, the emperor squatted on a folding stool, drew his sword, and arrested all the supervising officials, intending to behead them. Su Ze bowed his forehead to the ground: “I have heard that ancient sage kings did not harm people for the sake of birds and beasts. Your Majesty is now exalting the transforming influence of Yao of Tang. To kill many officials over a hunting amusement is, in my foolish opinion, impermissible. At the risk of death I plead for them!” The emperor said: “You are an upright minister,” and pardoned them all. Yet he consequently became wary of Su Ze. In the fourth year of Huangchu, Su Ze was demoted to Chancellor of Dongping. Before arriving, he died of illness on the road and received the posthumous title Marquis Gang (Su Ze) <‘Unyielding,’ a posthumous designation>. His son Su Yi succeeded him. Su Yi died without a son, and his younger brother Su Yu inherited the fief. During Xianxi, Su Yu became a Master of Writing.

Du Ji, courtesy name Bohou, was from Duling in Jingzhao.

Orphaned young and mistreated by his stepmother, Du Ji became renowned for filial conduct. At twenty he was commandery Officer of Merit and acting Magistrate of Zheng County. Several hundred prisoners were held there. Du Ji personally visited the jail, assessed the gravity of their cases, and decided and released them all. Although his judgments were not all correct, the commandery admired his youth and grasp of broad essentials. Nominated as Filial and Incorrupt, he became Assistant Administrator of Hanzhong. When the realm fell into disorder, he abandoned office and stayed in Jing Province, returning during Jian'an. Xun Yu recommended him to Taizu (Cao Cao).

Taizu (Cao Cao) appointed Du Ji Director of Rectitude under the Minister of Works, promoted him to Colonel Who Protects the Qiang, and entrusted him with credentials as concurrent Administrator of Xiping.

After Taizu (Cao Cao) settled the region north of the Yellow River, Gao Gan rebelled with Bing Province. Administrator of Hedong Wang Yi was summoned away. Wei Gu and Fan Xian of Hedong outwardly petitioned for his retention but secretly conspired with Gao Gan. Taizu (Cao Cao) told Xun Yu: “The western generals rely on strong terrain and horses. A campaign against them must cause rebellion. Zhang Sheng raids between Xiao and Mian and communicates south with Liu Biao; Wei Gu and the others depend on him. I fear deep harm. Hedong has mountains at its back and a river around it, with instability on every side. It is a vital position in today's realm. Recommend a Xiao He or Kou Xun to hold it for me.” Xun Yu answered: “Du Ji is the man.”

Du Ji was accordingly recalled and appointed Administrator of Hedong. Wei Gu and his associates blocked Shan Crossing with several thousand troops, preventing him from crossing. Taizu (Cao Cao) sent Xiahou Dun against them, but he had not arrived. Someone advised Du Ji to await the great army. Du Ji answered: “Hedong has thirty thousand households, not all wishing disorder. If an army presses urgently, good men without a leader will submit to Wei Gu through fear. With undivided power, Wei Gu and his allies will fight to the death. If we fail, neighboring regions will respond and the realm's upheaval will continue. If we win, we devastate a commandery's people. Moreover, they have not openly rejected royal commands and claim to be petitioning for their former lord. They will not necessarily harm a new one. I shall go directly in a single carriage, unexpectedly. Wei Gu plans much but cannot decide. He must pretend to receive me. Once I can reside there for a month, I can bind them through strategy. That will suffice.” He crossed by a circuitous route at Dou Crossing.

Fan Xian wished to kill Du Ji to intimidate the people.

To observe how Du Ji would react, they beheaded over thirty officials from the Registrar downward at the gate. Du Ji remained composed. Wei Gu therefore said: “Killing him gains nothing and merely gives us an evil name. Besides, he is under our control.” They accepted him. Du Ji told Wei Gu and Fan Xian: “Your two families are Hedong's leading houses. I depend on you to accomplish matters. Yet ruler and ministers have fixed obligations and share success or failure. Great affairs should be discussed jointly.” He made Wei Gu supervising commander, acting Assistant Administrator, and Officer of Merit. Fan Xian supervised over three thousand commanders, officials, and soldiers. Delighted, they served Du Ji outwardly but paid him little regard. Wei Gu wished to raise many troops. Concerned, Du Ji persuaded him: “Extraordinary undertakings must not disturb the people's hearts. A great levy will alarm everyone. Better recruit gradually through contributions.” Wei Gu agreed. Assessing and collecting the contributions took several dozen days. The generals, eager for the money, accepted many recruits in name but sent few soldiers. Du Ji again advised: “People care for their homes. Commanders and clerks may be sent on leave in groups. Calling them back when needed will not be difficult.” Unwilling to oppose their men's wishes, Wei Gu and his associates agreed. Good men were now outside, secretly supporting Du Ji, while wicked men dispersed to their own homes. Their host was divided. Baiqi attacked Dongyuan, Gao Gan entered Huoze, counties in Shangdang killed their senior officials, and Hongnong detained its administrator. Wei Gu's secret levy had not yet arrived. Knowing the counties supported him, Du Ji left with only several dozen cavalry and went to Zhangbi to defend it. Many officials and people brought whole towns to help him; within several dozen days he had over four thousand men. Wei Gu, Gao Gan, and Zhang Sheng attacked but could not take him, and their raids on the counties gained nothing. The main army arrived, Gao Gan and Zhang Sheng were defeated, and Wei Gu and his associates executed. All remaining followers were pardoned and allowed to resume their homes and occupations.

While commanderies and counties throughout the realm lay devastated, Hedong was settled first and suffered comparatively little loss. Du Ji governed with generosity, refraining from unnecessary interference. When people brought accusations and lawsuits, he personally received them, explained the broader principles, and sent them home to think carefully. If anything remained unsatisfied, they could return. The elders rebuked one another: “With such a lord, how can we disregard his teaching?” Lawsuits thereafter became few. He instructed the counties to identify filial sons, chaste women, and obedient grandsons, exempt them from labor service, and offer timely encouragement. He gradually required people to raise cows, mares, chickens, young pigs, dogs, and swine, providing regulations for all. Devoted to farming, every household became prosperous. Du Ji then said: “The people are rich. They must now be instructed.” In winter he organized military exercises, opened schools, and personally held the classics while teaching. The commandery followed his influence.

When Han Sui and Ma Chao rebelled, many counties of Hongnong and Fengyi joined them. Although Hedong bordered the enemy, its people held no divided allegiance. Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned west to Puban and faced the enemy across the Wei. All the army's food depended on Hedong. After victory, over two hundred thousand hu remained in reserve. Taizu (Cao Cao) ordered: “Administrator of Hedong Du Ji is what Confucius meant by ‘In Yu I find no fault.’ Raise his salary to the fully two-thousand-shi rank.” When Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned in Hanzhong, he sent five thousand men to transport supplies. They encouraged one another: “Everyone dies once. We must not fail our administrator.” Not one deserted. Such was his command of the people's hearts.

After Wei was established, Du Ji became a Master of Writing. Once affairs were settled, another order declared: “Formerly Xiao He secured Guanzhong and Kou Xun pacified Henei. Your achievement equals theirs. I intended shortly to entrust you with the Receiver of Words' office. Yet Hedong is my supporting commandery, a place of abundance sufficient to control the realm. I must therefore trouble you to remain there and keep it secure.” Du Ji spent sixteen years in Hedong, consistently ranking first in the realm.

When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) succeeded as king, Du Ji received the rank of Marquis within the Passes and was summoned as a Master of Writing. Upon the imperial accession, he advanced to Marquis of Fengle Village, with a hundred households.

He acted as Colonel Director of Retainers. When the emperor campaigned against Wu, Du Ji became Supervisor of the Masters of Writing, directing affairs left behind. Later the emperor visited Xuchang, and Du Ji again guarded the capital. Ordered to build an imperial tower ship, he tested it on the Tao River, encountered wind, and drowned. The emperor wept for him.

An edict declared: “Formerly Ming diligently performed his office and died in water; Hou Ji diligently cultivated the hundred grains and died in the mountains.

“The late Supervisor of the Masters of Writing Du Ji tested a ship at Mengjin and perished when it overturned. This was the utmost loyalty. I deeply mourn him.” He was posthumously granted Minister Coachman and the title Marquis Dai (Du Ji) <‘Honored,’ a posthumous designation>. His son Du Shu succeeded him.

Du Shu, courtesy name Wubo, became Cavalier Gentleman of the Yellow Gates during Taihe.

Du Shu was sincere and plain, neglecting ornament, and had little reputation in youth. At court he formed no connections for support but concentrated on public service. Whenever government succeeded or failed, he used its fundamental principles to speak directly and set matters right. Palace Attendant Xin Pi and others therefore valued him.

As the highest ministers and lower officials broadly discussed changes in government, Du Shu argued: “Ancient provincial inspectors proclaimed the Six Articles, gaining a name for quiet government and a reputation for authority. They should now cease commanding troops and concentrate on civil affairs.” Soon General Who Guards the North Lü Zhao was also put in charge of Ji Province.

Du Shu therefore memorialized:

“Nothing in the ruler's Way surpasses securing the people; securing them depends upon abundant resources. Abundance comes from attending to the fundamental occupation and restraining expenditure. Now the two enemies remain unconquered and war chariots repeatedly set out. This is indeed the moment for fierce warriors to exert themselves. Yet Confucian gentlemen in official dress mistakenly covet military glory, gripping their wrists and arguing loftily with Sun Wu and Wu Qi foremost in their talk. Provincial and commandery governors all neglect methods of caring for the people and cultivate the business of commanders. People meant for farming and sericulture compete in the occupation of weapons. This cannot be called attending to the root. Treasuries empty year by year while establishments expand; the people's strength declines while taxes and service increase. This cannot be called restraining expenditure. “Great Wei possesses ten provinces but inherits devastation from disorder. Its population does not equal that of one province in former times. Yet the two southern powers usurp authority and the northern peoples remain unsubdued. Trouble along three borders almost surrounds us. To administer the land of nine provinces with the people of one is like driving a weak horse to cover a long distance. How can we fail to cherish its strength? Even Emperor Wu (Cao Cao), with his frugality and full treasuries, could not maintain armies in ten provinces; the commanderies with troops were only about twenty. Now the frontier provinces Jing, Yang, Qing, Xu, You, Bing, Yong, and Liang all have armies. Only Yan, Yu, the Capital Province, and Ji remain to fill the treasuries within and support control of outer peoples. “I previously argued that when provincial and commandery governors command troops, they concentrate on military achievement and neglect civil affairs. Separate military commanders and civil governors should be appointed so government can be fully managed. Yet Your Majesty has again honored Lü Zhao with Ji Province. It has the largest population, extensive cultivated land, and abundant mulberries and jujubes: the state's source of levies. It truly should not also be burdened with military affairs. If the north requires defense, appoint a great general specifically to secure it. The cost in officials and soldiers would not differ from combining the offices. Besides, a man like Lü Zhao is relatively easy to find. If the central court lacks men, those combining several talents certainly cannot be numerous. I infer that the state chooses offices to suit people rather than people to suit offices. “When an office has its proper man, government is orderly and lawsuits settled. Order enriches the people; settled litigation empties prisons. At Your Majesty's accession, judicial cases across the realm numbered a little over a hundred. They have increased annually to over five hundred. The population has not grown and the law has not become harsher. Is this not clear evidence that government and instruction decline and governors are unfit? Last year cattle died at a general rate of two in ten. Wheat yielded less than half a harvest, and autumn sowing was not completed. If the two enemies haunt the borders, fodder and grain transported a thousand li will not arrive in time. Does the remedy lie in stronger armies? The more warriors and sturdy soldiers, the worse the strain. “The realm resembles a human body. If heart and belly are full, even afflicted limbs bring no great danger. Yan, Yu, the Capital Province, and Ji are its heart and belly. I earnestly wish their governors to concentrate solely on the fundamental occupation, bearing the weight of the limbs. Yet an isolated opinion is hard to maintain, opposing desires is hard to accomplish, widespread resentment is hard to bear, and doubtful appearances are hard to distinguish. Thus for years my view has not been recognized by an enlightened ruler. Those saying such things are generally distant and low-ranking, whose words are truly not easy to hear. If good plans must come from intimate and honored men, those men will not offend the four difficulties to demonstrate loyal affection. This has always troubled government, ancient and modern.”

There was also broad discussion of a system to assess officials within and outside the capital. Du Shu believed that unless people were employed to their full capacity, even talent brought no benefit; attention was being given to the wrong priorities rather than the age's essential needs. He memorialized:

“The Documents says: ‘Clearly test them through achievement; after three assessments, dismiss or promote.’ This is truly an excellent imperial institution. Putting the capable in their proper offices and granting stipends to those with achievement is like Wu Huo lifting a thousand jun or Wang Liang and Bo Le selecting swift horses. Yet through six dynasties no detailed method of assessment became clear, and through seven sages no complete text of examinations was transmitted. I believe this is because the broad method can be followed but its details cannot all be prescribed. The saying goes: ‘There are disorderly men in the world, but no inherently disorderly laws.’ If law alone could be relied upon, the rulers of Tang and Yu would not have needed Hou Ji and Xie, nor Yin and Zhou valued Yi Yin and Lü Wang. “The present proponents of performance assessment set forth Zhou and Han methods and link them to Jing Fang's basic principles. They may be said to understand the essentials of assessment. Yet for exalting a culture of deference and creating well-ordered government, I consider the proposal still imperfect. It would have provinces and commanderies assess candidates through the four categories, requiring proven results before nomination, then test them through recruitment to high ministerial offices and as senior local officials close to the people. They would advance by achievement to commandery administration or receive increases in salary and noble rank while remaining in office. This is indeed the most urgent work of assessment. Give its proposer distinction, use his words, and have him complete the system for provinces and commanderies. Once enacted, establish rewards that can certainly be trusted and punishments that will certainly be applied. The highest ministers and great officials within the court should likewise be assessed according to their duties. “In antiquity the Three Excellencies sat discussing the Way, while great court ministers received words and repaired omissions. No goodness went unrecorded and no fault unraised. The realm is immense and its affairs countless; one person's intelligence cannot illuminate them all. The ruler is therefore the head and ministers the limbs, showing how one body depends upon its parts for completion. Hence the ancient saying that a great hall's structure cannot rest on one timber and an emperor's undertaking cannot depend on one man's strategy. How could great ministers merely keep to narrow duties and distinguish assessment categories, and thereby bring harmonious prosperity? Even among private friends there are men who honor sworn trust through water and fire, lay bare their hearts in gratitude for understanding, and establish integrity and righteousness for a good name. How much more those wearing court belts and rising to the highest ministries! Their purpose is more than a private man's promise, their gratitude more than personal recognition, their devotion more than reputation. “Those receiving favor, salary, and weighty responsibility do not merely wish to raise an enlightened ruler above Tang and Yu; they themselves wish to stand alongside Hou Ji and Xie. The ancients therefore worried less about insufficient desire for good government than insufficient willingness to assume responsibility. Rulers truly cause this. The rulers of Tang and Yu entrusted Hou Ji, Xie, Kui, and Long with duties and demanded success. When guilt arose, they punished Gun and banished the four wicked. Today's great ministers personally receive clear edicts and serve before Your Majesty. Those working morning and night for the public, diligent and independent, unbent by power, impartial toward favorites, and upright in speech and action are visible to you. Those treating an idle salary as distinction and folded-handed silence as wisdom, seeking only to avoid blame and preserve themselves, maintaining polished conduct and deferential words at court, are also visible. “If preserving position brings no danger of dismissal, while full public devotion creates suspicion; if public righteousness is neglected and private discussion becomes custom, then even Confucius devising plans could not fully employ one talent, much less ordinary men. Scholars now take Shang Yang and Han Fei as masters, exalting laws and techniques and competing to dismiss Confucian teaching as remote and impractical. This is the gravest abuse in current custom and something a founding ruler must treat with the utmost care.”

In the end the assessment system was not implemented.

Lian Zhao of Le'an was promoted for talent and ability and was especially fond of reporting matters. Du Shu remonstrated vigorously in a memorial:

“I see that Gentleman of the Masters of Writing Lian Zhao has accused Assistant of the Left Cao Fan of imposing a penalty on a gate attendant contrary to an edict and seeks adjudication and questioning. He also says, ‘Others liable shall be reported separately.’ Director of the Masters of Writing Chen Jiao has memorialized that he dare not refuse punishment, nor dare treat acceptance of severe punishment as a display of respect. His feelings are deeply earnest. I privately grieve for the court! “Sages rise without choosing their age and govern without changing the people, yet always find worthy and wise assistants because they advance them according to the Way and lead through ritual. Ancient emperors who assisted their age and governed the people won the common people's hearts afar and fully employed their ministers' intelligence nearby. If today's officeholders are all the realm's finest yet their strength cannot be fully used, this cannot be called knowing how to employ men. If they are not the finest, this cannot be called knowing how to appoint men. Your Majesty labors over countless affairs, sometimes personally working by lamplight, yet business does not prosper and prohibitions weaken daily. Is this not clear evidence of unfit ministers? Its cause is not only ministers' incomplete loyalty but also the ruler's failure to employ them. Baili Xi appeared foolish in Yu and wise in Qin; Yu Rang merely accommodated the Zhonghang family but displayed integrity under the Earl of Zhi (Zhi Yao). These are clear ancient proofs. “To say the whole court is disloyal would slander it. Yet circumstances can be inferred from the evidence. Distressed by empty treasuries while warfare continues, Your Majesty has even stopped seasonal clothing allowances and reduced the private grain resources of the imperial household. All follows your own intent, and the whole court praises your clarity. Have the confidential great ministers participating in government shown earnest concern over this? Commandant of Cavalry Wang Cai and favored musician Meng Si acted unlawfully, shaking the capital, yet junior officials exposed their offenses while the highest ministers said nothing. Since your accession, have the Colonel Director of Retainers or Palace Assistant Censor ever used fundamental principles to supervise wrongdoing and make the court solemn? “If you believe this age has no good talent and the court no worthy assistants, can you pursue the distant traces of Hou Ji and Xie while sitting to await another age's heroes? Today's supposed worthies all possess high offices and ample salaries. Yet their standard of service is unestablished and their public purpose divided because responsibility is not firmly entrusted and custom is full of suspicion and taboos. Loyal ministers need not be intimates, and intimates need not be loyal: their different positions determine whether they can serve fully without suspicion. Now when a distant man criticizes another, no one verifies the criticism; they simply say he privately repays hatred. When he praises another, no one verifies the praise; they say he favors a friend. Attendants may use this to introduce talk of affection and resentment. Not only praise and blame but every proposed change in government falls under suspicion. Your Majesty should broaden the hearts of court ministers and strengthen principled conduct, enabling them to emulate the ancients and hope for a place in the records. Instead, allowing men like Lian Zhao to disturb matters may cause great ministers to preserve themselves and their positions, sitting to watch success and failure as a warning to later ages. “The Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan) <Duke of Zhou; a noble title> warned the Marquis of Lu (Bo Qin): ‘Do not let great ministers resent being unused.’ He did not distinguish wise from foolish, showing that all were to be employed according to their time. In recounting Shun's achievements, Yao praised his removal of the four wicked without distinguishing great from small: the guilty were removed. Today's ministers do not consider themselves incapable but believe you do not entrust them; they do not consider themselves unintelligent but believe you do not consult them. Why not follow the Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan)'s method of employing and great Shun's method of removing? Let Palace Attendants and Masters of Writing attend within the curtains at rest and accompany the imperial carriage in motion, personally answering edicts and questions so everything they present reaches you. Their conduct and ability will become known. Promote the loyal and capable and dismiss the obscure and inferior: who would dare equivocate rather than serve fully? “With your sage clarity, discuss government personally with the ministers. Let each give his full effort, consider himself close to you, and think how to repay you. Wise or foolish, capable or not, they depend upon your employment. What affair could not be managed and what achievement not accomplished? Whenever military matters arise, edicts commonly say: ‘Who is to worry about this? I must worry myself.’ A recent edict also says: ‘It is unrealistic to expect men to worry about the public and forget themselves; let them simply place public affairs before private ones, and matters will be done.’ Reading this, I know your thoughts exhaustively understand men's feelings below. Yet I wonder why you neglect the root and worry over the branches. Ability and inability truly arise from inherent character. I too believe not all court officials fit their posts. An enlightened ruler ensures that the capable dare spare no effort and the incapable cannot occupy unsuitable duties. Choosing a wrong man is not necessarily an offense; the entire court tolerating him is what is strange. Knowing that men do not exert themselves, you worry over their duties in their place; knowing that they cannot perform, you teach them their business. This is more than a weary ruler and idle ministers. Even sages and worthies together could never govern this way. “You also worry that prohibitions in the central offices are insufficiently secure and requests for private favors continue. You permit Yi Yin [伊尹, the designation supplied here; its contemporary referent is uncertain] to establish rules for receiving visitors and select a harsher clerk from the Minister over the Masses' office to guard its gate. Authority and prohibitions may follow, but this has not reached the root. Under Emperor An of Han (Liu Hu) <Peaceful Emperor; a posthumous imperial title>, Privy Treasurer Dou Jia recruited an innocent nephew of Commandant of Justice Guo Gong, yet impeachment still followed, with accusations in abundance. Recently Colonel Director of Retainers Kong Xian recruited the General-in-Chief's wild and reckless younger brother, while the authorities remained silent. Anticipating preferences and watching the direction of influence is worse than receiving a direct request. Appointments based on something other than substance are the greatest form of improper personal business.”

“Dou Jia enjoyed favor as an imperial relative, and Guo Gong was not a weighty minister of the state, yet the matter was treated thus. Comparing present with past, Your Majesty has merely failed to enforce certain punishment to cut off the source of flattery and factions. Yi Yin's rules and a harsh gatekeeper are no tools for a well-governed age. If my words receive even slight consideration, why worry that wrongdoing cannot be eliminated, or maintain men like Lian Zhao? “Exposing wrongdoing is loyal service. Yet the world hates petty men who do it because they disregard principle and merely seek acceptance and advancement. If you cease examining their conduct from beginning to end, treating opposition to the multitude as public devotion and secret reports against others as full loyalty, could men of broad understanding and great talent be unable to do the same? They simply regard principle and refuse. If everyone abandons the Way to pursue profit, this is precisely a ruler's greatest affliction. What pleasure would you find in it? Why not cut it off at the sprout? Those who anticipate your wishes to gain a favorable appearance are generally shallow men without moral conduct. Their intention is merely to suit the ruler's heart, not govern the realm or secure the people. Try changing your course before them: would they hold firmly to their position against your wishes? “Winning the ruler's heart is secure employment; occupying high and conspicuous office is honor; receiving a thousand zhong of salary is abundance. No minister, however foolish, dislikes these and delights in causing offense. The Way compels him to exert himself against inclination. You should pity and support such men and entrust them a little more. Why instead heed Lian Zhao's crooked intentions and neglect them? Outside, enemies watch for openings; within, the people are poor and lack spouses. Your Majesty must weigh the realm's gains and losses and government's successes and failures. There can truly be no negligence.”

Du Shu spent eight years at court. His forceful and forthright arguments were all of this kind.

Du Shu left the capital as Administrator of Hongnong and transferred after several years to Chancellor of Zhao.

Du Shu left office through illness.

He returned to service as Administrator of Hedong. Over a year later he became Supervisor and Protector of the Armies North of the Huai, then again left through illness. Wherever he served, Du Shu attended principally to broad essentials. In establishing kindness and winning the people's affection, he did not equal Du Ji. Soon he became Palace Assistant Censor.

Unable to maintain harmony with the men of his age at court, Du Shu repeatedly held external appointments. He again left as Inspector of You Province, additionally General Who Establishes Might, bearer of credentials, and Colonel Who Protects the Wuhuan. General Who Campaigns in the North Cheng Xi was stationed at Ji. Master of Writing Yuan Kan and others warned Du Shu: “Under the late emperor, Cheng Shenbo (Cheng Xi) undermined Tian Guorang (Tian Yu) in Qing Province. You now both bear credentials and will share one city. Consider carefully how to deal with him.” Du Shu paid no attention. Before a year in office had passed, the son of a Xianbei leader brought several dozen cavalry directly to the provincial seat without using the frontier passes. The province executed one young man among the visitors and made no report to the throne. Cheng Xi impeached Du Shu, who was sent to the Commandant of Justice and sentenced to death. Because his father Du Ji had drowned in diligent service, he was spared, reduced to commoner status, and exiled to Zhangwu Commandery. This was the first year of Jiaping.

Du Shu was free-spirited and followed his own intentions, but failed to anticipate danger in his thought and finally brought about this defeat.

Earlier, after Du Shu returned from Zhao Commandery, Ruan Wu of Chenliu was also summoned from Administrator of Qinghe. The text next describes the two with the words 俱自薄廷尉 [the exact sense of this clause is unclear]. Ruan Wu told him: “Your talent and character could follow the public path, yet you do not hold it firmly. Your ability could occupy high office, yet you do not seek it in a fitting manner. Your learning could explain ancient and modern affairs, yet your purpose is not single. This is what is called possessing talent without its use. Now that there is leisure, try thinking deeply and forming a school of your own.” At Zhangwu, Du Shu accordingly wrote eight sections of the Discussion of Essential Forms.

He also wrote one essay, Discussion of Arousing the Nature, apparently intended to encourage self-cultivation. In the fourth year of Jiaping, he died in exile.

In the second year of Ganlu, Yue Xiang of Hedong, aged over ninety, memorialized to vindicate Du Ji's surviving achievements. The court was moved and enfeoffed Du Shu's son Du Yu as Marquis of Fengle Village, with a hundred households.

Du Shu's memorials, discussions, and critiques all deserve attention. Those addressing the great affairs most relevant to his age have been selected for this chapter.

Zheng Hun, courtesy name Wengong, was from Kaifeng in Henan. His great-great-grandfather Zheng Zhong and Zheng Zhong's father Zheng Xing were both renowned Confucian scholars.

Zheng Hun's elder brother Zheng Tai plotted with Xun You and others to kill Dong Zhuo, became Inspector of Yang Province, and died.

Zheng Hun took Zheng Tai's young son Zheng Mao to refuge in Huainan, where Yuan Shu treated him with the greatest courtesy as a guest. Knowing Yuan Shu must fail, Zheng Hun crossed the river to join Administrator of Yuzhang Hua Xin, an old friend of Zheng Tai. Hearing of his sincere conduct, Taizu (Cao Cao) recruited him as a clerk and subsequently promoted him to Chief of Xiacai and Magistrate of Shaoling. The realm was unsettled and the people restless and frivolous, giving no thought to productive property. Unable to support children, they generally did not rear them. Wherever Zheng Hun served, he confiscated fishing and hunting implements, required farming and sericulture, opened rice fields, and increased penalties for abandoning children. At first the people feared punishment; later they became better supplied and raised and supported all their children. Many named their children Zheng in his honor. Recruited to the Chancellor's staff, he was promoted to Intendant of the Left Fengyi.

Liang Xing and others had carried off over five thousand households of officials and people to support raids. The counties could not resist and, in fear, temporarily moved their administrations to the commandery seat. Advisers all favored retreating to strong terrain, but Zheng Hun said: “Liang Xing's men are defeated remnants hiding in the mountains. Most followers have been coerced. We should open broad routes to surrender and proclaim kindness and trust. Defending ourselves behind strong terrain would display weakness.” He gathered officials and people, repaired the defenses, and prepared to hold out. He then sent the people after the rebels, clearly setting rewards and punishments and making a solemn pledge: seven-tenths of captures would be granted as reward. Delighted, the people all wished to pursue, taking many women and possessions. Rebels who had lost wives and children returned to seek surrender. Zheng Hun required them first to obtain other captives' womenfolk before returning their own families [the exact force of 責其得他婦女 remains difficult]. Thus they raided one another, and their following dispersed. He sent trusted officials and commoners throughout the valleys to explain matters. Men emerged to surrender in succession, and county officials were sent back to their own seats to settle them. Frightened, Liang Xing gathered the remaining host at Fucheng. Taizu (Cao Cao) sent Xiahou Yuan to help the commandery attack. Zheng Hun led officials and people first up the defenses, killing Liang Xing and his associates. Jin Fu and other rebels also took the Chief of Xiayang, Magistrate of Shaoling, and their officials and people into Mount Wei. Zheng Hun defeated Jin Fu and the others, recovered the two county chiefs, and brought the abducted people home. When a man called Zhao Qinglong killed Left Internal Administrator Cheng Xiu, Zheng Hun sent strong men to behead him. Over four thousand households submitted in these operations. The mountain rebels were all settled and the people secure in their livelihoods. Zheng Hun transferred to Administrator of Shangdang.

When Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned in Hanzhong, Zheng Hun became Intendant of Jingzhao. Since the people had only recently assembled, he established rules for relocation and residence. Substantial households were grouped with small ones, trustworthy men placed beside the solitary elderly, farming encouraged, and prohibitions clarified to expose wrongdoing. The people settled into agriculture and banditry ceased. When the main army entered Hanzhong, his transport of military grain ranked first. He also sent people to farm in Hanzhong, with no desertions. Taizu (Cao Cao) esteemed him increasingly and brought him back as a clerk of the Chancellor. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) took power, Zheng Hun became Attending Censor, additionally Commandant Escorting the Imperial Son-in-Law, then successively Administrator of Yangping and Pei. The region was low and damp, with floods causing hunger. At the boundary of Xiao and Xiang counties, Zheng Hun built embankments and opened rice fields. Everyone considered the plan inconvenient. He said: “The land is low and suited to irrigation. It will bring lasting benefits in fish and rice. This is the basis of enriching the people.” Personally leading officials and people, he completed the work in one winter. Great harvests followed in successive years; cultivated acreage increased annually, and tax receipts doubled the usual level. The people relied upon the benefit, carved a stone in praise, and called it Zheng's Reservoir. Transferred to Administrator of Shanyang and Wei Commandery, he governed in the same manner. Since people lacked timber, he required planting elms for hedges and adding the five fruit trees. The elms formed boundaries and the fruit became abundant. Entering Wei Commandery, one saw villages uniformly orderly, with sufficient wealth and ample supplies.

Hearing of this, Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) issued an edict of praise throughout the realm and promoted Zheng Hun to Court Architect. Pure and frugal in public service, he left his wife and children still exposed to hunger and cold. After he died, his son Zheng Chong was made Palace Gentleman.

Cang Ci, courtesy name Xiaoren, was from Huainan. Beginning as a commandery official, he became Commandant for Pacifying and Settling when Taizu (Cao Cao) recruited agricultural colonists in Huainan during Jian'an. Late in Huangchu he became Magistrate of Chang'an, governing with pure restraint and proper methods so officials and people both feared and loved him. During Taihe he transferred to Administrator of Dunhuang. On the western frontier, the commandery had been isolated by disorder and lacked a resident administrator for twenty years. Great families dominated, and this became established custom. Previous administrators such as Yin Feng merely followed existing practice without correction. On arrival Cang Ci restrained the powerful and cared for the poor and weak, managing both effectively. The great clans held surplus land, while small people lacked ground in which to stand an awl. He apportioned land according to population and gradually required payment of its original value. Lawsuits from dependent towns had previously been numerous and complicated. Unable to decide them, counties sent many to the commandery seat. Cang Ci personally examined them, distinguishing gravity. Except for capital cases, he imposed whipping or beating and dismissed them. In a year, fewer than ten persons received major criminal sentences. Western Region traders of various peoples frequently wished to bring tribute, but powerful local families intercepted them. In trade they cheated and insulted them, often preventing fair settlement. The traders constantly complained. Cang Ci reassured them all. Those wishing to reach Luo received sealed travel permits. For those wishing to return from the commandery, the government bought goods at fair prices and traded current public supplies with them, then had officials and people escort them along the roads. Thus settled and foreign peoples unanimously praised his virtuous kindness. He died in office several years later. Officials and people mourned as though losing close kin, painted his likeness, and cherished his image. When the Western Region communities heard, they assembled at the headquarters of the Wuji Colonel and senior local officials to mourn. Some cut their faces with knives to demonstrate sincere grief in blood. They also established a shrine and sacrificed to him together from afar.

From Taizu (Cao Cao)'s time through Xianxi, Administrator of Wei Commandery Wu Guan of Chen State, Administrator of Qinghe Ren Yu of Le'an, Intendant of Jingzhao Yan Fei of Jibei, Administrator of Hongnong Linghu Shao of Taiyuan, and Chancellor of Jinan Kong Yi of Lu State all proved good two-thousand-shi officials. Some decided cases compassionately, others offered sincere kindness, kept their conduct pure, or exposed hidden wrongdoing.

Appraisal: Ren Jun first raised righteous troops to join Taizu (Cao Cao), opened land and grew grain until granaries overflowed: his service reached its full achievement. Su Ze used authority to pacify disorder. Besides excellence in government, his outstanding firmness and uprightness left a spirit worthy of praise. Du Ji combined generosity and severity effectively, bringing peace to the people through kindness. Zheng Hun and Cang Ci cared for and governed them with proper methods. Were these not renowned governors of the Wei age? Du Shu repeatedly discussed contemporary government and expounded its essential principles. His work certainly deserves attention.