VOLUME 24 · ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Book of Wei · Biographies of Han Ji, Cui Lin, Gao Rou, Sun Li, and Wang Guan

By Chen Shou · With source commentary

Han Ji, courtesy name Gongzhi, was from Duyang in Nanyang.

Chen Mao, a powerful man of the same county, slandered Han Ji's father and elder brother, nearly bringing them to capital punishment. Han Ji pretended not to speak of it, worked for wages to accumulate resources, and secretly recruited men ready to die. He eventually pursued, sought out, and captured Chen Mao, sacrificing his head at his father's grave. This made his name known. Nominated as Filial and Incorrupt and recruited by the Minister of Works, he accepted neither. Changing his name, he withdrew from disorder into the mountains of Luyang. Mountain people formed a band intending to raid. Han Ji distributed his property to provide beef and wine, invited their leaders, and explained safety and danger. The mountain people were transformed and ultimately did no harm. Avoiding Yuan Shu's summons, he moved to the mountains of Shandu. Liu Biao, Governor of Jing Province, courteously recruited him, but he fled south to the Chanling area. Wherever he went, people respected and loved him, while Liu Biao deeply resented him. Afraid, Han Ji accepted the summons and was appointed Chief of Yicheng.

When Taizu (Cao Cao) <Great Ancestor; a posthumous temple name> pacified Jing Province, he recruited Han Ji as a clerk in the Chancellor's Personnel Bureau. Later selected as Administrator of Leling, he was transferred to Receptionist Supervising Metallurgy. Formerly smelting used horse-powered bellows,

and each smelting batch required a hundred horses. Hand-powered bellows were then made, but these too consumed labor. Han Ji used a continuous stream to make water-powered bellows. The resulting benefit was calculated at three times that of the previous system. During seven years in office, stores of equipment became plentiful. An imperial document praised him, and he was additionally appointed Commandant of Metal Administration, ranking immediately below the Nine Ministers. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> ascended the throne, Han Ji was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yicheng Village. In the seventh year of Huangchu he was promoted to Minister of Ceremonies and advanced to Marquis of Nanxiang Village, with two hundred households.

The capital had recently been established at Luoyang, and institutions were incomplete, while the ancestral temple tablets and their stone repositories

were all at Ye. Han Ji petitioned to bring the spirit tablets of Ye's four temples and establish temples in Luoyang, performing the seasonal offerings and personally presenting sacrificial grain. He clarified and exalted proper ritual, abolished unauthorized cults, and corrected many matters. After eight years in office, he retired through illness. In the spring of the second year of Jingchu, an edict said: “Grand Palace Grandee Han Ji has cleansed himself and bathed in virtue, with lofty, pure resolve and integrity. Past eighty, he holds the Way ever more firmly. He may be called pure and earnest, growing more excellent with age. Let him become Minister over the Masses.” He died in the fourth month of summer, leaving instructions for encoffining in ordinary seasonal clothing and burial in earth. His posthumous title was Marquis Gong.

Commentary<Biographies of Former Worthies of Chu says: Near death, Han Ji left these words: “Where customs are extravagant, show frugality; where frugal, regulate them through ritual. I have seen earlier ages exceed proper limits in funerals, a grave error. If you respectfully heed my words, encoffin me in seasonal clothing and bury me in earth. Once the grave is dug, bury me immediately, sending me off with earthenware vessels. Take care to add nothing.” He also memorialized: “In life one should benefit the people; in death one should still not harm them. Moreover, I occupied a place among the highest ministers only briefly and could not spread your sage virtue to benefit the common people broadly. Illness now lingers, and I am suddenly approaching the dark realm. The people are busy farming and should not be burdened with service. I beg that Luoyang's officials and people not be required to provide funeral equipment. Fearing that standing state rules may prevent fulfillment of my private wish, I respectfully risk reporting this and ask your compassionate permission.” Receiving the memorial, the emperor sighed and issued an edict: “The late Minister over the Masses Han Ji accumulated virtue and disciplined conduct, standing at court through loyalty. Even with yellowed hair, he never diminished his candor and integrity. Having raised him to the Three Offices, I hoped for his supporting assistance. How suddenly Heaven's allotted life has ended! Near death Zeng Shen changed his mat to accord with ritual; Yan Ying valued frugality and reduced his funeral carriages below the prescribed number. Now the Minister over the Masses understood his fate, and his final words cared for the people, insisting on restraint. He may be called one who began well and ended admirably. Let all provisions for his funeral follow established precedent, with nothing lacking.” He was then granted a wenming burial fitting and a special coffin <溫明祕器; the precise equipment remains open>, one set of clothing, court robes for the five seasons, and a jade-fitted sword and pendants.>

His son Han Zhao succeeded. When Han Zhao died, his son Han Bang succeeded.

Commentary<Biographies of Former Worthies of Chu says: Han Bang's courtesy name was Changlin. Talented and learned from youth, he became Magistrate of Yewang under Emperor Wu of Jin (Sima Yan) <Martial Emperor; the founding Jin emperor> and won praise for his results. As Administrator of Xincheng, he nominated a former Yewang subordinate as Xincheng's accounts officer. Emperor Wu of Jin (Sima Yan) was furious and killed him. Han Ji's second son Han 繇 [the reading of his given name remains uncertain] was Administrator of Gaoyang. Han 繇's son Han Hong was an Attendant Censor. Han Hong's son Han Shou had the courtesy name Dezhen. Appreciations of the Lords of Jin says: From Han Ji onward, the family maintained plain principles through generations. Han Shou honored this family tradition and was especially loyal and generous by nature. He held pure offices early. When Emperor Hui (Sima Zhong) succeeded, Han Shou became Regular Mounted Attendant, then acting Intendant of Henan. He died of illness and was posthumously appointed General of Agile Cavalry. His wife was Jia Chong's daughter. Jia Chong had no male heir, so Han Shou's son Mi was made his successor. Around twenty, Mi became Supervisor of the Palace Library and Palace Attendant. Arrogant and indulgent by nature, he nevertheless surpassed Han Shou in talent. Han Shou's younger son Han Wei also showed capacity and promise. Both were executed by the Prince of Zhao (Sima Lun), and the Han house was extinguished.>

Cui Lin, courtesy name Deru, was from Dongwucheng in Qinghe. Slow to mature in youth, he was unknown to his clan. Only his older cousin Cui Yan considered him exceptional. When Taizu (Cao Cao) settled Ji Province, he summoned Cui Lin as Chief of Wu. Too poor to possess carriage or horses, Cui Lin walked alone to his post. During Taizu (Cao Cao)'s Huguan campaign, he asked which chief official had the best virtuous administration. Inspector of Bing Province Zhang Zhi named Cui Lin, who was consequently promoted to Registrar of Ji Province, transferred to acting administrative aide, and then clerk in the Chancellor's office. After the state of Wei was established, he gradually became Palace Assistant Censor-in-Chief.

When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) ascended the throne, Cui Lin became Master of Writing, then went out as Inspector of You Province. Northern General of the Household Wu Zhi supervised military affairs north of the Yellow River. Wang Xiong, Administrator of Zhuo, told Cui Lin's administrative aide: “General of the Household Wu (Wu Zhi) is personally esteemed by the emperor and a noble minister of the state. Holding a staff and directing affairs, he receives respectful letters from every province and commandery. Yet Governor Cui (Cui Lin) has never communicated with him. If Wu Zhi cuts off your head for neglecting frontier defenses, can the governor protect you?” The aide reported everything to Cui Lin, who said: “I regard leaving this province as taking off a shoe. Would I burden you? This province borders non-Chinese enemies and should be stabilized through quiet. Disturbing them would stir rebellion and merely give the state anxiety in the north. This is the responsibility entrusted to me.” Within one yearly cycle, raiding and theft subsided;

Commentary<According to the Genealogy of the Wang Family, Wang Xiong's courtesy name was Yuanbo. He belonged to the clan of Grand Guardian Wang Xiang. Memorials of Renowned Wei Ministers records Administrator of Anding Meng Da's recommendation: “I have heard that enlightened rulers make seeking worthy men their task and loyal ministers make recommending the good their service. Thus the Changes says ‘pulling up thatch with its connected roots,’ and the Commentary says ‘promote those you know.’ Though unaware of my limitations, I privately admire that principle. Formerly, because men were scarce, I inadequately filled a subordinate post. Administrator of Zhuo Wang Xiong was then attendant officer of the Western Division, serving alongside me. Naturally good and steadfast, he was decisive and resourceful. Tested in three counties, he achieved good government and harmony among the people. In a close official post he spread authority and kindness, skillfully pacifying people, remaining pure and cautious, and upholding the law. Last year, on a mission, I passed through his commandery. He spoke of Your Majesty's exceptional favor in raising him and of his constant effort to discipline himself, devote his mind, and offer his life in service. His language was impassioned, his feelings sincere and earnest. Though foolish and unable to distinguish true from false, I consider him equipped for both civil and military responsibilities, with loyalty and resolve surpassing his fellows. Zhuo now governs three thousand households, nearly half widowed or orphaned, and has garrison defenses in the north. It truly offers insufficient scope for his wisdom, strength, diligence, and ability. Deeply favored yet unable to repay the state, I cannot contain my earnest, shallow thoughts and respectfully risk reporting them.” An edict said: “Xiao He recommended Han Xin, and Deng Yu advanced Wu Han: only the worthy understand the worthy. I have long known Wang Xiong's courage, intelligence, skills, and civil and military qualities. Let him now enter the selection for Mounted Attendants. After spending a little time at my gate learning the direction of my intentions, he shall receive great employment. My original intention is that the realm's gentlemen first serve as Mounted Attendants and then go out to hold provinces and commanderies.” Wang Xiong later became Inspector of You Province. His son Wang Hun was Inspector of Liang Province; his next son Wang Yi was General Who Pacifies the North. Minister over the Masses Wang Rong, Marquis of Anfeng, was Wang Hun's son. Grand Commandant Wang Yan, Marquis of Wuling, and Inspector of Jing Province Wang Cheng were both Wang Yi's sons.>

yet because he did not cultivate his superior, Cui Lin was demoted to Administrator of Hejian. Fair-minded opinion largely resented this on his behalf.

Cui Lin was promoted to Grand Herald. The King of Kucha <personal name not supplied> sent a son to attend court. Praising his arrival from afar, the court rewarded the king very generously. Other states each sent sons, and envoys arrived in succession. Cui Lin feared some might not be genuine sons, but temporarily presented distant relatives or non-Chinese merchants as envoys to obtain seals and ribbons, while the cost of escorts along the roads grew greater. Burdening the people one supported to fund useless affairs and invite the laughter of foreign peoples was a problem known before. He therefore sent Dunhuang a letter explaining his intentions, recording earlier precedents for generous or restrained treatment of the states to establish consistent practice. When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) <Bright Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> succeeded, Cui Lin received Marquis Within the Passes and transferred to Minister of the Imperial Household and Colonel Director of Retainers. All subordinate commanderies abolished unlawfully appointed supernumerary officials. His government rested on sincerity and a simple grasp of the essentials, so people always remembered him after he left.

Regular Mounted Attendant Liu Shao wrote a discussion of official assessment, which was distributed to the officials by imperial order. Cui Lin argued: “The assessment provisions of the Offices of Zhou are complete, yet from King Kang of Zhou (Ji Zhao) onward they gradually declined. This shows that the law of assessment depends on the people implementing it. Late in Han, did failure really arise from insufficiently detailed duties for assistant officials? Today's military demands are sometimes numerous and sometimes sudden. Regulations prepare for them, measures inside and outside government reinforce them, and additions and reductions are constant. Uniformity is certainly difficult. When ten thousand meshes do not spread, lift the net's main cord; when many hairs are disordered, shake the collar. Gao Yao served Yu Shun, and Yi Yin served Yin, and the inhumane withdrew. The Five Emperors and Three Kings did not necessarily act alike, yet each brought order from disorder. The Changes says: ‘Through ease and simplicity, the principles of the realm are obtained.’ Taizu (Cao Cao) established offices according to need and left them to the present. There is no need to worry that they fail to imitate antiquity. I consider present institutions not excessively loose. We need only preserve a consistent standard without losing it. If court ministers can bear Zhongshan Fu's weight and set an example for the hundred lords, who will dare be disrespectful?”

In the first year of Jingchu, both the offices of Minister over the Masses and Minister of Works were vacant. Mounted Attendant Gentleman Meng Kang recommended Cui Lin: “A chief minister is one whom the realm observes and imitates. We must indeed obtain a man of loyalty and rectitude, grounded in virtue and relying on righteousness, sufficient as a model throughout the realm. I respectfully observe that Colonel Director of Retainers Cui Lin possesses a naturally upright character and a broad, elevated capacity. Comparing his strengths with the ancients, in unwavering loyalty and candor he is Shi Yu's peer; in purity, frugality, and restraint, Ji Wen's equal [personal name behind this designation remains open]. Governing provinces and commanderies, he brought order everywhere. In an external supervisory office, he secured disciplined order over ten thousand li. He is truly an excellent instrument for the highest assisting offices and a worthy talent for ministerial robes.” The following year he indeed became Minister of Works and Marquis of Anyang Village, with six hundred households. Enfeoffing the Three Excellencies as ranked marquises began with Cui Lin.

Shortly afterward, he was further advanced to Marquis of Anyang District.

The Chancellor of Lu reported: “Han formerly established a temple to Confucius, where the Marquis of Baocheng performed seasonal sacrifices. When rites were held at the circular college, the Former Teacher was necessarily sacrificed to. The royal house supplied grain for the spring and autumn sacrifices. Now the Marquis Who Honors the Sage continues the succession but has no prescribed ritual of sacrifice by royal command. Sacrificial animals should be supplied, and chief officials should offer worship, honoring Confucius as an exalted spirit.” The Three Excellencies' offices were ordered to discuss it. Erudite Fu Zhi [傅祗 in the source; the identification and chronology require checking] argued that the Spring and Autumn Commentary's words about inclusion in the register of sacrifices applied to Confucius. The marquisate merely continued an extinguished line and manifested flourishing virtue. To exalt his enduring teachings and illuminate his virtue, the Chancellor of Lu's proposal should be followed. Cui Lin argued: “The Marquis Who Honors the Sage also sacrifices by royal command; it cannot be said there is no command. King Wu of Zhou (Ji Fa) enfeoffed descendants of the Yellow Emperor, Yao, and Shun and established the Three Honored Houses. The lines of Yu and Tang were not additionally assigned other officials to sacrifice to them at that time [the compact syntax remains open]. Now those from the Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan) back to the Three August Ones have suddenly ceased to receive sacrifice, though their words remain in the ritual classics. Confucius alone still receives sacrifice because his age is near. A grandee's descendant has exceptionally received limitless sacrifices, with ritual exceeding that of ancient emperors and treatment surpassing Tang and King Wu of Zhou (Ji Fa). This may be called exalting and illuminating virtue in repayment. There is no need to duplicate sacrifices through people outside his clan.”

Commentary<I, your servant Pei Songzhi, consider: Meng Ke quotes Zai Wo: “In my view, our Master surpassed Yao and Shun by far.” He also says: “Since human life began, none has surpassed Confucius.” Are these not definitive words of a comprehensively worthy man and a settled standard of comparison? Though those reaching the utmost subtlety are alike and the myriad sages are ultimately one, times differ in purity or decline, and plainness and ornament serve different purposes. Some are honored in their own age, but that ends at death; thus the influence they leave varies in depth. Yet to order Heaven and humanity, establish teachings and institutions that a hundred kings cannot violate, and supply the basis of enduring human relationships—this truly belongs to one man alone. Zhou surveyed the two preceding dynasties, and its culture flourished. Yet it had not attained the finest essence of the Six Classics' Way. Moreover, no sage or worthy arose for five hundred years, the Way's transforming influence declined, and institutions nearly vanished. Had Confucius's school not existed, Zhou's canons would almost have ceased. One who illuminated the former kings' Way, established achievement for ten thousand generations, matched Heaven and Earth's endlessness, and equaled the sun and moon's lasting radiance surely surpassed the other sages. Cui Lin lacked the sincere, penetrating admiration of Historian Sima Qian and the spirited resolve of Mei Zhen [the identification of this designation remains open]. Instead he clung to his obstructed mind to block a clear principle. This shows repeatedly his failure to judge his own limits.>

Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) also divided Cui Lin's estate to enfeoff one son as a ranked marquis. Cui Lin died in the fifth year of Zhengshi and received the posthumous title Marquis Xiao. His son Cui Shu succeeded.

Gao Rou, courtesy name Wenhui, was from Yu in Chenliu. His father Gao Jing was Commandant of Shu Commandery.

Commentary<Biographies of Elders of Chenliu says: Gao Jing's great-great-grandfather Gao Gu refused office under Wang Mang and was killed by the Administrator of Huaiyang, leaving a name for heroic integrity. Gao Gu's son Gao Shen, courtesy name Xiaofu, was generous and unadorned, with deep capacity. He raised five orphaned nephews with earnest kindness and duty. He Ying, Chancellor of Langye, admired his conduct and married his daughter to him. He Ying was the father of General of Chariots and Cavalry He Xi. Gao Shen served as magistrate of two counties and Administrator of Donglai. Retiring home through age and illness, he lived beneath a thatched roof behind a brushwood door, with no reserves in jars or crocks. His wife said: “You have served for years as magistrate and administrator. Why not store a little to leave to your descendants?” Gao Shen replied: “I give them diligence and a pure name as their foundation and leave them the standing of a two-thousand-bushel official. Is that not enough?” His son Gao Shi was supremely filial and always exhausted his strength in supporting him. During Yongchu, locusts and other pests caused damage but alone spared Gao Shi's wheat. Magistrate of Yu Zhou Qiang reported this to province and commandery. Administrator Yang Shun nominated Gao Shi as Filial Son, but he declined. Later nominated as Filial and Incorrupt, he became a gentleman. The next son Gao Chang and his younger brother Gao Ci both served as inspectors and commandery administrators. Gao Shi's son Gao Hong was Filial and Incorrupt; Gao Hong fathered Gao Jing.>

Gao Rou remained in his home district and told the local people: “Heroes are now rising together, and Chenliu is a battlefield open on four sides. Though General Cao (Cao Cao) holds Yan Province, he has always planned in all directions and cannot yet sit securely defending it. Governor Zhang (Zhang Miao) first established himself in Chenliu. I fear a disturbance will arise at an opening and wish to withdraw with you.” Everyone considered Zhang Miao friendly with Taizu (Cao Cao) and, because Gao Rou was young, rejected his words. Gao Rou's older cousin Gao Gan was Yuan Shao's nephew,

and summoned him north of the Yellow River. Gao Rou took his whole clan to join him. Gao Jing then died in the western region. Despite difficult roads and widespread warfare and banditry, Gao Rou braved danger to enter Shu and retrieve the body. He endured every kind of bitter hardship and returned only after three years.

After Taizu (Cao Cao) pacified the Yuan house, he made Gao Rou Chief of Jian. Several corrupt officials, long familiar with his reputation, left of their own accord. Gao Rou instructed: “When Bing Ji governed, he tolerated an official even after a fault. How much more these men, who have committed no offense against me! Summon them back.” All returned, disciplined themselves, and became good officials. After Gao Gan surrendered and then rebelled in Bing Province, Gao Rou went on his own to join Taizu (Cao Cao). Taizu (Cao Cao) wished to find an occasion to execute him and appointed him a clerk investigating wrongdoing. Gao Rou applied the law fairly, leaving no cases delayed, and was recruited as a clerk in the Chancellor's Granary Bureau.

When Taizu (Cao Cao) wished to send Zhong Yao and others against Zhang Lu, Gao Rou remonstrated: A sudden large force would make Han Sui and Ma Chao in the west think it aimed at them and stir one another to rebel. The Three Adjuncts should first be brought together; once pacified, Hanzhong could be settled by a circulated proclamation. Zhong Yao entered the passes, and Han Sui and Ma Chao indeed rebelled.

When the state of Wei was first established, Gao Rou became a gentleman among the Masters of Writing, then a clerk in the Chancellor's Justice Bureau. An order said: “In an established, peaceful order, ritual comes first. In government that corrects disorder, punishments come first. Thus Shun banished the four wicked clans, and Gao Yao became judicial officer. Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang) removed Qin's harsh laws, and Xiao He settled the statutes. You possess clear understanding and balanced judgment and are versed in legal canons. Work diligently and compassionately!” Military musician Song Jin and others deserted at Hefei. Under the old law, when soldiers deserted during a campaign, their wives and children were interrogated to death. Troubled that desertion continued, Taizu (Cao Cao) increased the punishment. Song Jin's mother, wife, and two younger brothers were all assigned to government custody, and the responsible officials requested that all be killed. Gao Rou submitted: “Desertion is indeed hateful, yet I hear that some deserters later repent. In my foolish view, their wives and children should be spared: first, to make the enemy distrust them; second, to encourage their wish to return. The earlier rule already cut off their hopes. If punishment is suddenly made heavier, I fear that soldiers, seeing one man desert and execution about to reach themselves as well, will follow one another in flight, beyond our power to kill. This severity will not stop desertion but increase flight.” Taizu (Cao Cao) approved and immediately stopped the killing of Song Jin's mother and brothers. Many lives were thereby saved.

Promoted to Administrator of Yingchuan, Gao Rou returned as a clerk in the Law Bureau. Investigating agents such as Lu Hong and Zhao Da were then appointed to watch subordinates. Gao Rou remonstrated: “Offices and duties are established with their respective responsibilities. Appointing investigating agents does not accord with a superior's trust in inferiors. Moreover, Zhao Da and the others repeatedly use affection and hatred to impose favors and punishments arbitrarily. They should be investigated and punished.” Taizu (Cao Cao) said: “I fear you do not know Zhao Da and the others as I do. They can detect wrongdoing and distinguish the multitude of affairs; worthy gentlemen could not do this. Shusun Tong had good reason to employ bandits.” Later Zhao Da and the others' corrupt profit-seeking was exposed, and Taizu (Cao Cao) killed them in acknowledgment to Gao Rou.

When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) ascended the throne, he made Gao Rou Attendant Censor for Judicial Affairs, granted him Marquis Within the Passes, and then added the title Judicial Officer for Legal Affairs. Slanderous and portentous talk repeatedly circulated among the people. The emperor hated it, killing those who uttered it and rewarding informants. Gao Rou memorialized: “Those speaking portentous words are now always executed, and those reporting them always rewarded. This leaves people who err no path back to goodness and opens the way for vicious, cunning men to accuse and deceive one another. It is truly no way to stop wrongdoing, reduce litigation, or bring brilliance to government. In his proclamations, the Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan) praised Yin's ancestors for disregarding petty people's resentment. Emperor Taizong of Han (Liu Heng) <Grand Forebear; the temple name of Emperor Wen of Han> also abolished the ordinance against portentous talk and slander. I consider that the law rewarding such accusations should be removed to exalt the heavenly father's humanity in nourishing all things.” The emperor did not immediately follow this, and false accusations multiplied. He then issued an edict: “Anyone daring to accuse another of slander shall receive the punishment for the offense alleged.” The practice consequently ceased. During the first few years of Huangchu, investigating agents such as Liu Ci charged officials and people with tens of thousands of offenses. Gao Rou always requested a determination of truth or falsehood; other minor violations received no more than fines. In the fourth year he became Commandant of Justice.

Early in Wei, the Three Excellencies had no business and rarely participated in court government. Gao Rou memorialized: “Heaven and Earth accomplish their work through the four seasons, and the ruler promotes good government through assisting ministers. Cheng Tang relied on Aheng (Yi Yin); Kings Wen of Zhou (Ji Chang) and Wu of Zhou (Ji Fa) relied on Dan (Ji Dan) and Wang (Jiang Shang). At Han's beginning, Xiao He, Cao Shen, and their peers served successively as trusted organs through their founding achievements. In all these cases enlightened kings and sage rulers entrusted ministers above, while worthy chancellors and good assistants served as limbs below. Today's highest ministers are pillars of the state whom the people observe, yet they are placed in the Three Offices without being allowed to know government. They consequently rest in dignified retirement and rarely offer advice. This is truly not the court's proper way to honor great ministers, nor great ministers' role in presenting the acceptable and rejecting the unsuitable. In antiquity, doubts about punishment and government were discussed beneath the locusts and thorn trees. From now on, doubtful court proposals and major criminal cases should frequently be referred to the Three Excellencies. On their first- and fifteenth-day court visits, they can also be specially invited inside to discuss gains and losses and fully explore circumstances. This may assist your heavenly hearing and broadly benefit the great transformation.” The emperor approved and accepted it.

Because of an old resentment, the emperor wished to bend the law and execute Judicial Officer Bao Xun. Gao Rou firmly refused to obey the command. Furious, the emperor summoned Gao Rou to the central offices and sent an envoy to the Court of Justice to interrogate Bao Xun to death according to his wishes. Only after Bao Xun died did he allow Gao Rou to return to his office.

When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) succeeded, Gao Rou was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yanshou Village. Erudites were then engaged in teaching the classics. Gao Rou memorialized: “Following the Way and valuing learning are the sages' great teachings; honoring culture and exalting Confucian learning are emperors' clear principles. Late in Han, decline brought the collapse of ritual and music. Heroes fought like tigers, making battle their business, so scholars withdrew into obscurity. When Taizu (Cao Cao) first rose, he pitied this and, even while correcting disorder, had commanderies and counties establish officials for teaching and learning. When Gaozu (Cao Pi) <High Ancestor; the temple name used here for Emperor Wen of Wei> succeeded, he expanded this work, restored the circular college, and established provincial examinations. Thus the realm's gentlemen again heard instruction in schools and personally practiced sacrificial rites. Your Majesty now governs with true wisdom and understanding, expanding great principles and gloriously continuing earlier standards. Even Qi of Xia's inheritance of the foundation and King Cheng of Zhou (Ji Song)'s continuation of the enterprise could not surpass this. Yet today's Erudites are all masters of the classics and disciplined in conduct, the state's finest selection, while their promotion is limited to county chief. I fear this does not exalt Confucian learning or encourage the idle. Confucius said: ‘Promote the good and teach the incapable, and they will be encouraged.’ Thus when Chu honored Master Shen, scholars sharpened their efforts; when Han exalted Zhuo Mao, gentlemen competed in admiration. Erudites are the deep reservoir of the Way and the source to which the Six Arts turn. According to their learning and conduct, they should receive posts beyond the normal sequence. Exalting the Way's instruction to encourage students would greatly enlarge its transforming influence.” The emperor accepted this.

Later, palace buildings were greatly expanded, burdening the people with labor. Many women were gathered to fill the rear palace. Imperial sons repeatedly died young, and no successor had been raised. Gao Rou memorialized: “The two cunning enemies secretly train and plan war, with no intention of submitting. We should support officers and soldiers, repair armor and weapons, and await them at ease. Yet palace construction has recently wearied high and low. If Wu and Shu learn our condition, combine plans and strength, and again send their men to face death together, the situation will be difficult. Emperor Wen of Han (Liu Heng) once begrudged the wealth of ten households and would not build a small pleasure terrace. Huo Qubing, concerned over the Xiongnu danger, had no leisure to build a residence. How much more now, when our losses exceed a hundred gold pieces and our concern is not merely northern enemies! Existing construction can be completed roughly enough for court and banquet ceremonies, then stopped so workers can farm. Once the two regions are pacified, construction can resume gradually. Xuanyuan (the Yellow Emperor) transmitted his blessings far through twenty-five sons, and Zhou endured long through forty states of the Ji clan. Your Majesty is intelligent and discerning, exhausting principles and fulfilling nature, yet recently many imperial sons have died young, and the auspicious sign of bears has not answered. Your ministers all feel distress. The Rites of Zhou prescribes a hundred twenty women from empress and consorts downward, already a splendid establishment. I hear the rear palace's numbers may exceed this. That the sage succession has not prospered may arise from it. I consider that virtuous women should be carefully selected to fill the inner offices and all the rest returned home. In nurturing vital essence and spirit, concentrated quiet is precious. Then the sign of abundant descendants, like the bush-crickets, may be attained.” The emperor replied: “I know your loyalty and sincerity and your devotion to the royal house. Your fine words are accepted. Report anything else you have.”

Hunting laws were then extremely severe. Liu Gui, agricultural administrator of Yiyang, secretly shot a rabbit within prohibited grounds. His merit officer Zhang Jing reported him to the investigating agents. Concealing Zhang Jing's name, the emperor arrested Liu Gui and sent him to prison. Gao Rou requested the informant's identity. Furious, the emperor said: “Liu Gui deserves death for daring to hunt in my prohibited land. Once sent to the Court of Justice, he should simply be tortured. Why ask the informant's name? Would I arrest him without cause?” Gao Rou answered: “The Court of Justice is the realm's standard of fairness. How can the law be destroyed through Your Supreme Majesty's pleasure or anger?” He repeatedly memorialized in deeply earnest terms. The emperor understood and disclosed Zhang Jing's name. Gao Rou returned to question them, assigning each the punishment appropriate to his offense.

Under the regulations, officials in major mourning resumed service after a hundred days. Xie Hong, a clerk of the Minister over the Masses, had lost his father. When military business arose, he was ordered to go but pleaded illness. An angry edict said: “You are neither Zeng Shen nor Min Ziqian. How can you claim wasting grief?” It ordered his immediate arrest and interrogation to death. Seeing that Xie Hong was genuinely extremely weak, Gao Rou reported the facts and urged leniency. The emperor then ordered: “How filial Xie Hong is! Pardon him.”

Earlier, Gongsun Yuan's elder brother Gongsun Huang had attended at the capital as a hostage for their paternal uncle Gongsun Gong. Before Gongsun Yuan rebelled, Gongsun Huang repeatedly reported the coming disturbance. When Gongsun Yuan plotted revolt, the emperor could not bear to have Gongsun Huang beheaded in the marketplace and wished to kill him in prison. Gao Rou memorialized: “The Documents says: ‘Use punishment to strike the guilty unto death; use virtue to manifest their goodness.’ This is a clear canon of royal institutions. Gongsun Huang, his wife, and children belong to a rebellious clan and indeed should face public execution, leaving no descendants. Yet I hear that Gongsun Huang previously submitted repeatedly and reported the beginnings of Gongsun Yuan's disaster. Though of a wicked clan, his intentions deserve pardon. Confucius understood Sima Niu's anxiety, and Qi Xi clarified Shuxiang's fault: these were admirable principles of antiquity. If Gongsun Huang truly spoke, he should be spared death. If he did not, he should be publicly beheaded. Now you neither pardon his life nor openly manifest his crime, but confine him in prison and make him accept his allotted death. Those throughout the realm observing the state may doubt this action.” The emperor did not listen. He ultimately sent an envoy with gold filings to make Gongsun Huang, his wife, and children drink them, granting coffins and clothing and having them encoffined at their residence.

Commentary<Sun Sheng says: I have heard that the Five Emperors had no proclamations and oaths, and the Three Kings no covenants and invocations. Thus written covenants and oaths began in the declining days of the Three Dynasties, and hostages arose in Zhou's weakness. A steadfast man's single-mindedness can move Heaven and Earth; when calculating thoughts arise within, even gulls will not alight. How much more foolish to lack trust yet demand others' attachment, to generate suspicion oneself yet expect their willing allegiance! It is like seeking warmth while holding ice or coolness while embracing coals. Those seeking achievement and acting with arrogant violence all turn away from true feeling to calculation and forget kinship for advantage. Even if they harbor affection and filial love, they may fear disaster to themselves. Thus Zhou and Zheng became enemies, Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang) asked for a share of the broth, Wei Xiao abandoned his son, and Ma Chao turned against his father. Their cruelty reached such extremes. Where was any reliance on hostages to secure sincerity or permanent allegiance? If rulers could look far to the former kings' supreme Way of restraining evil and examine near at hand the wicked hearts of calculating profit-seekers, win them through the humanity of opening the hunting net, attract them through benefits that restore life, illuminate them with thunderous authority, and nourish them with timely rain, the disrespectful could fold their robes in submission within a morning and the roaring defiant bend their knees before the palace towers. Why detain their kin to attract their feelings, or pressure their loved ones to control their lives? But if unable to do this, rulers rely on schemes, cage people through calculations, and restrain them with temporary measures. Though surveying one room they hope to achieve effects throughout the seas; laws arise from narrowness, seeking perhaps some partial, temporary gain. They inevitably resort to unbearable punishments and execute wives and children. This resembles the oath that, though one man violates the covenant, says his army shall fall and no descendants survive. How can one then invoke the rule that the four punished men did not implicate their kin, or Sima Niu's pardon? Suppose all hostages refused to guarantee their fathers and elder brothers and constantly offered equivocal statements. If their intentions were compassionately interpreted and all were spared, this would encourage the perversity of sons endangering parents to save themselves. Younger relatives, though hostages, would never fear execution; fathers and elder brothers, though rebellious, would never fear extinction. Gao Rou did not thoroughly explain that this device was not the Way of flourishing kings or urge expansive principles to abolish the narrow institution. Instead he presented punishments within the existing law to save one man's life. His heart pursued a small good, not the proper stance of a king. Even in killing, the ancients recognized humanity. Executing Gongsun Huang in prison was not an error. I, your servant Pei Songzhi, consider that explaining affairs and principles requires what fits the circumstances of the time, not empty grand pronouncements ending in uselessness. Floating, extravagant arguments unrelated to reality resemble drawing ghosts and spirits while stumbling over the forms of dogs and horses. Hostages did not originate only in recent times. Moreover, with three powers confronting one another and Liaodong distant, detaining relatives as a precaution was not wrong. Gao Rou held that Gongsun Huang's earlier warning was a good deed and deserved pardon based on his intentions. Yet Sun Sheng blames him for failing to expand distant principles and abolish a recent institution. I do not understand what this means. If suspicion and precautions were wrong and hostages should be abolished, that would call for fully illuminating the former kings' Way, unrelated to the particular hostage's life or death. Gongsun Huang had been a hostage for years. How could the fundamental principle be debated only at the moment of deciding whether he should live or die? This is like a thorn-filled prison full of cases needing judgment while one merely praises government without punishments and says nothing about what is appropriate in fact. Such impracticality is excessive. Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang), in desperate circumstances with no rational escape, used expediency to save his parent. Classifying this wholesale as cruelty is already a grave misrepresentation. Moreover, since antiquity there has been no case of younger relatives falsely accusing fathers or elder brothers to save themselves. Such self-preserving perversity has not been heard of. Gongsun Huang, as elder brother, reported his younger brother, and his report proved true. To say he should be killed supposedly deters wrongdoing. But if speaking brings death and silence also brings death, does this not close the wish to return to goodness and lose the proper balance of punishment? Zhao Kuo's mother escaped implication through her earlier request, and Zhong Hui's elder brother preserved his sons through a confidential warning. Such cases are not few, ancient or modern. Gongsun Huang's earlier warning was of the same kind, yet he alone met refusal. How truly pitiable!>

At the time, anyone killing a deer in prohibited grounds was executed and his property confiscated; informants received generous rewards. Gao Rou memorialized: “Sage kings governing the age all make expanding agriculture their task and frugal expenditure their resource. Broad cultivation accumulates grain, and restrained spending accumulates wealth. One who has stored wealth and grain yet fears danger is unheard of. In antiquity, if one man did not plow, someone might go hungry; if one woman did not weave, someone might suffer cold. Recently the people have supplied many labor demands, reducing those who farm themselves. Hunting prohibitions have now added herds of deer that violently destroy growing crops, causing immeasurable damage everywhere. Though people erect barriers, their strength cannot resist. Around Xingyang [熒陽 in the source], across several hundred li, there is virtually no harvest in a year. The common people's lives deserve real pity. Today those producing wealth in the realm are very few, while the destruction by deer is very great. If war suddenly comes or a disastrous year occurs, we shall have nothing with which to meet it. I ask Your Majesty to consider the concerns of former sages, pity the difficulty of farming, grant freedom among the people to catch deer, and remove the prohibition. Then the multitude will long benefit and rejoice.”

Commentary<Memorials of Renowned Wei Ministers records Gao Rou's memorial: “I have deeply considered why Your Majesty does not take these deer early. You truly wish them to multiply fully and then harvest them in great numbers for military and state use. Yet I consider that they are merely diminished daily and can never become numerous. How do I know? The prohibited land extends more than a thousand li. My rough estimate gives six hundred tigers, large and small, five hundred wolves, and ten thousand foxes. If one large tiger eats a deer every three days, it eats a hundred twenty a year, so six hundred tigers eat seventy-two thousand deer annually. If ten wolves together eat one deer a day, five hundred wolves eat eighteen thousand a year. Newborn fawns cannot yet run well. If ten foxes together eat one fawn daily, ten thousand foxes eat thirty thousand fawns during the month before they can run strongly. Altogether a hundred twenty thousand are eaten each year. I leave aside the harm from eagles and ospreys. On this calculation, the deer can never become numerous. It would be better to take them early.”>

Shortly afterward, Dou Li, a soldier in the Protector of the Army's camp, went out nearby and did not return. The camp considered him a deserter, reported him for pursuit, and confiscated his wife Ying and their sons and daughters as government slaves. Ying repeatedly appealed to provincial offices, declaring her grievance, but no one examined it. She then went to the Court of Justice. Gao Rou asked: “How do you know your husband has not deserted?” Weeping, Ying replied: “Orphaned and alone from youth, he supported an old woman as his mother and served her very respectfully. He also cherished his children and never neglected their care. He is no frivolous rogue who disregards his family.” Gao Rou asked again: “Did your husband have an enemy?” “He was good and had no enemies.” “Did he have financial dealings with anyone?” “He once lent money to Jiao Ziwen, a soldier of the same camp, but could not get it back.” Jiao Ziwen happened to be imprisoned for a minor matter. Gao Rou saw him and asked about his offense. During the conversation he said: “Have you ever borrowed money from anyone?” Jiao Ziwen answered: “Being poor and alone, I have never dared borrow money or goods.” Noticing his expression change, Gao Rou said: “You borrowed money from Dou Li. Why deny it?” Alarmed that the matter was exposed, Jiao Ziwen answered incoherently. Gao Rou said: “You have killed Dou Li. Confess promptly.” Jiao Ziwen knocked his head and fully confessed the killing and burial place. Gao Rou sent officials and soldiers to dig where he indicated, and they found Dou Li's body. An edict restored Ying and her children to commoner status and circulated the case throughout the realm as a warning based on Dou Li's fate.

After twenty-three years in office, Gao Rou became Minister of Ceremonies, then within ten days Minister of Works, and later Minister over the Masses. When Grand Tutor Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) <King Xuan; a posthumous royal title> petitioned to remove Cao Shuang, the empress dowager ordered Gao Rou to take an acting staff of authority, perform the General-in-Chief's duties, and occupy Cao Shuang's camp. The Grand Tutor told him: “You have become Zhou Bo.” After Cao Shuang's execution, Gao Rou advanced to Marquis of Wansui District. When the Duke of Gaogui District (Cao Mao) <the territorial title used for this Wei emperor> succeeded, Gao Rou became Marquis of Anguo and transferred to Grand Commandant. When the Duke of Changdao District (Cao Huan) <the territorial title used for the last Wei emperor> succeeded, his estate increased to four thousand households in all. Two sons had received village marquisates at different times. He died in the fourth year of Jingyuan at ninety and received the posthumous title Marquis Yuan. His grandson Gao Hun succeeded. During Xianxi the five noble ranks were established. For Gao Rou and the others' distinguished service under the preceding reign, Gao Hun's enfeoffment was changed to Viscount of Changlu.

Commentary<Appreciations of the Lords of Jin says: Gao Rou's eldest son Gao Jun was a clerk to the General-in-Chief. His next son Gao Dan served as inspector of three provinces and Minister Coachman. Unrestrained and unconventional, Gao Dan nevertheless surpassed others in decisive resolve. Next was Gao Guang, courtesy name Xuanmao, who studied the family profession from youth and understood legal principles clearly. Under Emperor Wu of Jin (Sima Yan), he was Yellow Sand Censor [黃沙御史; the office's wording needs checking], ranked with the Palace Assistant Censor-in-Chief, and was promoted to acting Commandant of Justice before being confirmed. His elder brother Gao Dan, differing in conduct, considered Gao Guang concerned with petty scruples and often slighted him. Gao Guang served Gao Dan ever more respectfully. His final office was Director of the Masters of Writing, and he was posthumously appointed Minister of Works.>

Sun Li, courtesy name Deda, was from Rongcheng in Zhuo Commandery. When Taizu (Cao Cao) pacified You Province, he summoned him as a clerk for military planning to the Minister of Works. Earlier, during disorder, Sun Li had been separated from his mother. Ma Tai of the same commandery found her, and Sun Li gave him all the family property. Later Ma Tai faced death for an offense. Sun Li secretly guided him out of prison, then presented himself to confess, saying: “I have no right to flee.” He went directly to Registrar for Investigating Wrongdoing Wen Hui. Admiring him, Wen Hui fully reported to Taizu (Cao Cao), and both received punishment reduced one degree below death.

Sun Li later became Assistant Administrator of Hejian and gradually rose to Commandant of Xingyang [熒陽 in the source]. Several hundred mountain bandits in Lu held strong, difficult positions and harmed the people. Sun Li was transferred to Chancellor of Lu. On arrival he distributed salary grain, mobilized officials and people, offered rewards for enemy heads, welcomed surrenderers, and sent them back as agents. Peace quickly followed. He successively governed Shanyang, Pingyuan, Pingchang, and Langye. Accompanying Grand Marshal Cao Xiu against Wu at Jiashi, he warned against advancing deeply. The warning was ignored and defeat followed. He became Administrator of Yangping, then entered court as Master of Writing.

Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) was building palaces while seasonal conditions were irregular and grain scarce throughout the realm. Sun Li firmly remonstrated for stopping labor. An edict said: “I respectfully accept your upright words. Promptly send the people away from the works” [the exact force of 遣民作 remains open]. Li Hui, supervising construction, again requested a month's retention to complete a section. Without making another memorial, Sun Li went directly to the worksite and dismissed the people in the edict's name. The emperor admired his intention and did not rebuke him.

While the emperor hunted on Mount Dashi, a tiger charged toward the imperial carriage. Sun Li threw down his whip, dismounted, and intended to strike it with his sword. An edict ordered him back onto his horse. As Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) approached death, he made Cao Shuang General-in-Chief, who needed a good assistant. Sun Li received the final edict beside the bed and was appointed Chief Clerk to the General-in-Chief, concurrently Regular Mounted Attendant. His candid, unbending rectitude inconvenienced Cao Shuang, who made him Inspector of Yang Province, concurrently General Who Subdues the Waves, and granted him Marquis Within the Passes. Wu's senior general Quan Cong invaded with several tens of thousands. Provincial troops were then away on leave or assignments, and few remained. Sun Li personally led the guards against him, fighting at Shaopi from dawn to dusk. More than half his officers and soldiers were killed or wounded. Braving blades, with his horse wounded several times, he grasped the drumstick and beat the drum, exerting himself without regard for his life. The enemy withdrew. An edict consoled and rewarded him with seven hundred bolts of silk. Holding sacrifices and weeping for those who died in service, he lamented from the heart and gave all the silk to their families, retaining none.

Recalled as Minister Steward, Sun Li went out as Inspector of Jing Province and was promoted to Governor of Ji Province. Grand Tutor Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) told him: “Qinghe and Pingyuan have disputed their boundary for eight years. Two inspectors have changed, but neither could decide it. Yu and Rui waited for King Wen of Zhou (Ji Chang) to settle their dispute. You should make the division clear.” Sun Li said: “The litigants rely on ruins and graves as evidence; adjudicators take the oldest people as authorities. Yet elders cannot be beaten, and graves may have moved to higher, open ground or to avoid enemies. From what I hear, even Gao Yao would find it difficult. To ensure there is no litigation, we should decide from the map made when Liezu (Cao Rui) first established Pingyuan's enfeoffment <Illustrious Ancestor; Cao Rui's temple name>. Why investigate antiquity and old stories to increase disputes? King Cheng of Zhou (Ji Song) once jestingly gave Shuyu a paulownia leaf, and the Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan) immediately enfeoffed him. The map is now stored in the imperial treasury. The case can be decided while seated. Why wait until I reach the province?” Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) agreed: “The map shall be sent separately.” On arriving, Sun Li examined it and found that the land should belong to Pingyuan. But Cao Shuang believed Qinghe and wrote: “The map cannot be used. Compare the differing accounts.” Sun Li memorialized: “Guan Zhong assisted a hegemon and had limited capacity, yet could deprive the Bo clan of its settlement at Pian and leave it without resentment to the end of life.

have received a provincial governor's charge and uphold the sage court's clear map. Examination of the recorded boundaries shows that the limit is truly the Wangweng River. Yet Shu County uses Madan Watchpost as evidence and falsely makes the Mingdu River its boundary, bringing a groundless suit and confusing the central offices. I have heard that many voices can melt metal, float stones, and sink wood; three men can create a tiger in the marketplace, and a loving mother throws down her shuttle. That two commanderies' eight-year dispute can be decided in a morning is because explanatory documents and maps exist for investigation and comparison. Pingyuan lies between two rivers, extending eastward, with the Jue Embankment between them. That embankment is southwest of Gaotang, while the disputed land is northwest of Gaotang, more than twenty li away. This truly calls for long sighs and tears. I submitted the explanations and map, yet Shu refuses the edict. This shows

weakness and inability to bear the appointment.

have the face to occupy a salaried office and eat without service?” He immediately fastened his belt, put on his shoes, and had his carriage prepared to await dismissal. Seeing the memorial, Cao Shuang was furious. He impeached Sun Li for resentful discontent, sentencing him to five years. After a year at home, many spoke on his behalf, and he was appointed Colonel of the City Gates.

The Xiongnu king Liu Jing had a powerful following, and the Xianbei repeatedly raided the frontier. Sun Li was therefore made Inspector of Bing Province, concurrently General Who Inspires Martial Might, holding a staff of authority and serving as General of the Household Who Protects the Xiongnu. Visiting Grand Tutor Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi), he looked angry but said nothing. Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) said: “Do you think Bing Province too little? Are you angry that the boundary ruling went against you? We are about to part far apart. Why are you unhappy?” Sun Li replied: “How mistaken and petty your words are! Though without virtue, would I care about rank or past affairs? I thought you would match Yi Yin and Lü Wang (Jiang Shang), uphold Wei's house, repay Emperor Ming (Cao Rui)'s trust above, and establish achievement for ten thousand generations below. Now the altars of state are in danger and the realm in turmoil. This is why I am displeased.” Tears then streamed across his face. Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) said: “Stop for now. Endure what cannot be endured.” After Cao Shuang's execution, Sun Li entered as Colonel Director of Retainers. Over his career he governed seven commanderies and five provinces, displaying authority and trust everywhere. Promoted to Minister of Works, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Dali Village, with a hundred households. He and Lu Yu were contemporaries from the same commandery but personally unfriendly. Though each had strengths and weaknesses, their reputation and rank were roughly equal. He died in the second year of Jiaping and received the posthumous title Marquis Jing. His grandson Sun Yuan succeeded.

Wang Guan, courtesy name Weitai, was from Linqiu in Dong Commandery. Orphaned and poor in youth, he disciplined his ambitions. Taizu (Cao Cao) summoned him as a clerk for literary affairs in the Chancellor's office. Sent out as Magistrate of Gaotang, Yangquan, Zan, and Ren, he won praise for government everywhere. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) ascended, he entered as a gentleman among the Masters of Writing and Supervisor at the Court of Justice, then went out as Administrator of Nanyang and Zhuo. Zhuo bordered the Xianbei to the north and suffered frequent raids. Wang Guan ordered frontier people to live in settlements of groups of ten or more households and build watchtowers. Some were unwilling. He gave leave to officials attending the administration to return and help their younger relatives. Without setting a deadline, he merely ordered them to return once the work was done. Officials and people consequently encouraged one another without supervision, and everything was completed together within ten days. Defenses were prepared and raiding ceased. When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) succeeded, an edict required commanderies and counties to classify themselves as difficult, intermediate, or ordinary. The responsible officials wished to report Zhuo as intermediate or ordinary. Wang Guan instructed: “This commandery borders foreign enemies and repeatedly suffers raids. How can it not be difficult?” They replied: “If it is classed as an external difficult commandery, we fear you will have to send a son as hostage.” Wang Guan said: “An official exists for the people. If the commandery is externally difficult, its labor obligations should be reduced. How could I betray a whole commandery's people for the administrator's private interest?” He reported it as externally difficult and later sent his hostage son to Ye. He had only one son, still young and weak. Such was his public spirit. Pure and plain in personal conduct, he led subordinates through frugality. They followed his example and all disciplined themselves.

When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) visited Xuchang, he summoned Wang Guan as Attendant Censor for Judicial Affairs, directing the traveling secretariat's prison cases. There were often sudden changes of pleasure and anger, but Wang Guan did not flatter intentions or comply blindly with wishes. Grand Commandant Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) invited him as consultant gentleman. He became Master of Writing, went out as Intendant of Henan, and transferred to Minister Steward. General-in-Chief Cao Shuang had Crafts Officer Zhang Da cut timber for his private house and other personal uses. Hearing this, Wang Guan registered and confiscated everything for the government. The Minister Steward controlled the three Imperial Workshops and the Palace Wardrobe's inner stores of precious curiosities. Extravagant and unrestrained, Cao Shuang and the others often made demands, but feared Wang Guan's adherence to law and therefore transferred him to Minister Coachman. When Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) executed Cao Shuang, he made Wang Guan acting Central Commandant to occupy the camp of Cao Shuang's younger brother Cao Xi. Wang Guan received Marquis Within the Passes, again became Master of Writing, and was concurrently Chief Commandant of Attendant Cavalry. When the Duke of Gaogui District (Cao Mao) succeeded, Wang Guan was enfeoffed as Marquis of Zhongxiang Village. Shortly afterward he was concurrently Grandee of the Imperial Household and transferred to Deputy Director of the Right. When the Duke of Changdao District (Cao Huan) succeeded, he advanced to Marquis of Yang District, with a thousand additional households, making twenty-five hundred in all. Promoted to Minister of Works, he firmly declined, but was refused. An envoy conferred the appointment at his residence. After a few days in office, he submitted the seal and ribbon and had himself carried back to his village home. He died there, leaving instructions for a grave only large enough for the coffin, without funerary objects, mound, or trees. His posthumous title was Marquis Su. His son Wang Kui succeeded. During Xianxi, when the five noble ranks were established, Wang Kui's enfeoffment was changed to Viscount of Jiaodong because of Wang Guan's distinguished service under the preceding reign.

Appraisal: In retirement Han Ji transformed others through quiet living; in office he gained praise through fulfilling his duties. Cui Lin was simple and unadorned, recognizing ability; Gao Rou understood legal principles; Sun Li was firm, decisive, forceful, and stern; Wang Guan was pure, strong, steadfast, and unblemished. All attained the highest assisting offices. Yet Han Ji, past eighty, emerged from retirement to take his place, while Gao Rou retained office for twenty years and ended his career as a venerable minister. Compared with Xu Miao and Chang Lin, in this respect they had cause for regret.