Book of Shu · Biographies of Dong He, Liu Ba, Ma Liang, Chen Zhen, Dong Yun, and Lü Yi

Dong He, courtesy name Youzai, was from Zhijiang in Nan Commandery. His ancestors originally came from Jiangzhou in Ba Commandery. Late in Han, he led his clan west. Liu Zhang, Governor of Yi Province, appointed him Chief of Niubi

and Jiangyuan, and Magistrate of Chengdu. Shu was wealthy, and contemporary customs were extravagant. Merchant families dressed like marquises and ate delicacies; marriages and funerals exhausted entire fortunes. Dong He personally led through frugality, wearing poor clothes and eating vegetables. He restrained excess and transgression and established standards. Wherever he served, customs improved, and people feared to offend. Yet local powerful families resented his strict laws and persuaded Liu Zhang to transfer him to Commandant of the Badong Dependent State. Several thousand officials and people, old and weak supporting one another, begged that he remain. Liu Zhang allowed him to stay two more years, then promoted him to Grand Administrator of Yi Commandery. He remained as pure and frugal as before. In dealing with the Man and Yi he strove to extend sincerity, and the southern people loved and trusted him.

After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) <the retrospective designation for Shu's founding ruler> secured Shu, he summoned Dong He as General of the Household in Charge of the Army. With Zhuge Liang, General Acting as Military Adviser, he jointly managed affairs in the office of the General of the Left and Grand Marshal, recommending what was sound and rejecting what was not, in a joyful partnership. In more than twenty years of salaried office—governing distant regions outside and managing central affairs within—he accumulated no wealth: at his death his household lacked even a dan or shi of grain <small grain measures in the source; no modern conversion is imposed>. Later, as chancellor, Zhuge Liang instructed his subordinates: 'Joint administration means gathering many minds and extending loyal benefit. If one avoids minor offense and finds it difficult to challenge or review another's views, omissions and losses result. To challenge and review and arrive at the right course is like discarding worn-out sandals and gaining pearls and jade. Yet people struggle to express their hearts fully. Only Xu Yuanzhi (Xu Shu) had no hesitation here. Dong Youzai (Dong He) also worked with me for seven years. If something was inadequate, he would return even ten times to explain it. If you can emulate a tenth of Yuanzhi (Xu Shu)'s quality and Youzai (Dong He)'s earnestness, showing loyalty to the state, I may make fewer mistakes.' He also said: 'When I first befriended Zhouping, I repeatedly heard of my successes and faults. Later, befriending Yuanzhi (Xu Shu), I often received instruction. When I previously worked with Youzai (Dong He), he always spoke fully; later, working with Weidu (Hu Ji), I often received remonstrances and restraints. Though by nature crude and benighted and unable to accept all of it, I remained on good terms with these four men from beginning to end. That suffices to show that I did not distrust frank speech.' Such was his remembrance of Dong He. <Zhouping is given as a courtesy-name designation here; the full identification requires further review.>

Liu Ba, courtesy name Zichu, was a native of Zhengyang in Lingling. He became renowned when young.

Liu Biao, Governor of Jing Province, repeatedly recruited Liu Ba and recommended him as Flourishing Talent, but he accepted none. Liu Biao died, and Lord Cao (Cao Cao) <a respectful designation> campaigned against Jing Province. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) fled south of the Yangzi, followed by clouds of scholars from Jing and Chu, but Liu Ba went north to Lord Cao (Cao Cao), who recruited him as an assistant and sent him to win over Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang.

The Former Lord (Liu Bei) then took possession of the three commanderies. Unable to return from his mission, Liu Ba traveled far away to Jiaozhi.

The Former Lord (Liu Bei) deeply resented this.

Liu Ba traveled again from Jiaozhi to Shu.

Soon the Former Lord (Liu Bei) secured Yi Province. Liu Ba apologized for his offenses, but the Former Lord (Liu Bei) did not blame him.

Zhuge Kongming (Zhuge Liang) repeatedly praised and recommended him. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) recruited him as an assistant in the Western Section of the General of the Left's office.

In Jian'an 24, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) became King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) <a territorial royal title>. Liu Ba became a Master of Writing and later succeeded Fa Zheng as Prefect of the Masters of Writing. He personally practiced purity and frugality and did not build an estate. Since his allegiance was not longstanding, he feared suspicion, remained respectful, silent, and tranquil, formed no private friendships outside office, and spoke only of public affairs.

When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) assumed the imperial title and solemnly announced it to August Heaven, the Supreme Sovereign, and the spirits of Sovereign Earth, all proclamations and investiture commands were composed by Liu Ba. He died in Zhangwu 2. After his death Chen Qun, Vice Director of the Masters of Writing in Wei, wrote to Chancellor Zhuge Liang asking for news of Liu Ba, calling him 'Liu, the gentleman Zichu (Liu Ba)' with great respect.

Ma Liang, courtesy name Jichang, was from Yicheng in Xiangyang. All five brothers were talented and renowned. Their home district had a saying: 'Of the Ma family's five Chang, White Brows is the best.' Ma Liang had white hairs in his eyebrows, hence the name. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) governed Jing Province, he recruited Ma Liang as an administrative officer. After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) entered Shu and Zhuge Liang followed, Ma Liang remained in Jing Province and wrote to Zhuge Liang: 'I hear Luo City has fallen. This is Heaven's blessing. Honored elder brother, you have answered the time to assist the age and joined in the enterprise to illuminate the state. The great signs are already apparent.'

'In adapting your refined deliberations to changing circumstances, carefully displaying discernment, and selecting talent, you should meet the needs of the time. If you harmonize your radiance and delight those afar, extend virtue through Heaven and Earth, make the age accustomed to attentive listening and the world submit to the Way, harmonize lofty subtle music and correct the sounds of Zheng and Wei, benefiting affairs together without displacing their proper order, this will be the finest orchestration, the tuning of Boya and Shi Kuang. Though I am no Zhong Ziqi, how could I fail to beat time in appreciation?' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) recruited Ma Liang as an assistant to the General of the Left. <Continuation of Ma Liang's letter in the preceding source segments.>

Later, when sent as envoy to Wu, Ma Liang told Zhuge Liang: 'I now bear the state's commission to harmonize the two houses. Please introduce me to General Sun (Sun Quan).' Zhuge Liang said: 'Try drafting it yourself.' Ma Liang immediately wrote: 'My ruler sends his assistant Ma Liang to exchange visits and continue friendship, carrying forward the achievements of Kunwu and Shiwei. He is a good man, an excellent scholar of Jing and Chu, little given to the brilliance of momentary display but possessing the excellence of persevering to the end. I hope you will humble your heart to receive him and thus comfort the bearer of this commission.' Sun Quan treated him respectfully.

After assuming the imperial title, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) made Ma Liang Palace Attendant. During the eastern campaign against Wu, he sent Ma Liang into Wuling to win over the Man and Yi of the Five Streams. Their chiefs all received seals and titles, and everything followed the intended plan. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) was defeated at Yiling, Ma Liang was also killed. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) appointed his son Ma Bing Commandant of Cavalry. Ma Liang's younger brother Ma Su, courtesy name Youchang, accompanied the Former Lord (Liu Bei) into Shu as an administrative officer of Jing Province. He was appointed Magistrate of Mianzhu and Chengdu and Grand Administrator of Yuejuan. His abilities surpassed others, and he enjoyed discussing military plans. Chancellor Zhuge Liang valued him exceptionally. On his deathbed, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) told Zhuge Liang: 'Ma Su's words exceed his substance. He must not receive great responsibilities. Examine this carefully!' Zhuge Liang nevertheless disagreed and made Ma Su an Army Adviser, frequently summoning him to discussions lasting from day until night. <Yuejuan transcribes 越雋 in this text; its relation to the form 越巂 and ancient pronunciation remains open to review.>

In Jianxing 6, Zhuge Liang marched toward Mount Qi. Experienced generals such as Wei Yan and Wu Yi were available, and everyone discussing the matter said they should lead the vanguard. Against opinion, Zhuge Liang selected Ma Su to command the main force ahead. He fought Wei general Zhang He at Jieting and was defeated; his soldiers scattered. With no base for further advance, Zhuge Liang withdrew to Hanzhong. Ma Su was imprisoned and died, and Zhuge Liang shed tears for him. Ma Liang was thirty-six when he died; Ma Su was thirty-nine.

Chen Zhen, courtesy name Xiaoqi, was from Nanyang. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) governed Jing Province, he recruited him as an administrative officer supervising the commanderies. Chen Zhen followed him into Shu. After Shu was secured, he became Commandant of the Northern Division of Shu Commandery. When the division was renamed a commandery, he became Grand Administrator of Wenshan, then transferred to Qianwei. In Jianxing 3 he entered court as Master of Writing, was promoted to Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and went to Wu on commission. In Jianxing 7, Sun Quan assumed the imperial title. Chen Zhen became Minister of the Guards and went to congratulate him. Zhuge Liang wrote to his elder brother Zhuge Jin: 'Xiaoqi (Chen Zhen)'s loyal and pure nature grows firmer with age. In conveying the friendship of east and west and bringing joy and harmony, he has admirable qualities.' Entering Wu's frontier, Chen Zhen sent this notice to the pass officers:

'Between east and west, relay envoys come and go, their caps and carriage canopies continually in sight. Reaffirming the first friendship of our alliance, we renew it daily. The exalted ruler of the east (Sun Quan) has received the sacred fortune, announced the burnt sacrifice, accepted the signs, and defined the territories. The realm responds, each finding its allegiance. At such a time, if we unite in punishing the rebels, what enemy will not perish? The ruler and ministers of the western court crane their necks in joyful reliance. Untalented though I am, I have been chosen as a humble envoy, commissioned to visit and renew friendship. Crossing the boundary, I leap with joy and enter as though returning home. When Xianzi visited Lu, he offended its mountain-name taboo, and the Spring and Autumn Annals censured him. I hope you will inform me fully so that the envoy may preserve harmony. Today I have raised banners, announced instructions to the company, and had each swear to observe them. Traveling swiftly downstream, I fear inadvertent violations because national institutions differ. Kindly instruct me carefully and show what is proper.' <Xianzi is a posthumous designation in the quoted allusion; the complete personal identification is not fixed here.>

Chen Zhen reached Wuchang, where Sun Quan ascended the altar with him and swore an alliance with blood. They divided the realm: Xu, Yu, You, and Qing provinces were assigned to Wu; Bing, Liang, Ji, and Yan to Shu; and Hangu Pass formed the boundary in Si Province. After returning, Chen Zhen was enfeoffed as Marquis of Chengyang Village (Chen Zhen) <a territorial marquisate>.

In Jianxing 9, Protector-General Li Ping was dismissed for deception. Zhuge Liang wrote to Chief Clerk Jiang Wan and Palace Attendant Dong Yun: 'Before Xiaoqi (Chen Zhen) last went to Wu, he told me that Zhengfang (Li Ping) had scales and armor within his belly and was considered unapproachable by his townsmen. I thought that one with scales and armor simply should not be provoked. I did not expect the unforeseen emergence of conduct like Su Qin's and Zhang Yi's. You may let Xiaoqi (Chen Zhen) know.' Chen Zhen died in Jianxing 13. His son Chen Ji succeeded him. <Li Ping is the name used here for Li Yan; Zhengfang is his courtesy name.>

Dong Yun, courtesy name Xiuzhao, was the son of Dong He, General of the Household in Charge of the Army. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) established the crown prince (Liu Shan), Dong Yun was selected as a Retainer and transferred to Attendant to the Crown Prince. After the Later Lord (Liu Shan) <the retrospective designation for Shu's second ruler> succeeded, he became Gentleman Attendant at the Yellow Gates. Chancellor Zhuge Liang was about to campaign north and stationed at Hanzhong. Concerned that the young Later Lord (Liu Shan) might struggle to distinguish crimson from purple—that is, right from wrong—and judging Dong Yun impartial and clear-minded, he wished to entrust him with palace affairs. He memorialized: 'Palace Attendants Guo Youzhi and Fei Yi and Gentleman Attendant Dong Yun were selected and promoted by the late emperor (Liu Bei) and left to Your Majesty (Liu Shan). Weighing matters, providing guidance and benefit, and fully offering loyal words are their responsibility. In my foolish view, all palace affairs, great and small, should be referred to them. They will surely remedy omissions and bring extensive benefit. If they offer no words promoting virtue, execute Dong Yun and the others to display their negligence.' Soon Zhuge Liang requested Fei Yi as Army Adviser, and Dong Yun became Palace Attendant, concurrently General of the Household of the Tiger Guards, commanding the trusted palace guard troops. Guo Youzhi was naturally gentle and compliant and merely filled his position.

Dong Yun therefore alone undertook the duty of offering counsel. In handling affairs he imposed safeguards and restrictions, exhausting the principles of correction and rescue. The Later Lord (Liu Shan) often wished to select more women for his harem. Dong Yun argued that ancient Sons of Heaven had no more than twelve empresses and consorts; the present palace women were already sufficient and should not be increased. He firmly refused, and the Later Lord (Liu Shan) increasingly respected and feared him. Jiang Wan, Prefect of the Masters of Writing and concurrently Inspector of Yi Province, memorialized to yield his position to Fei Yi and Dong Yun. He also stated: 'Dong Yun has served within for years, supporting the royal house. A fief should be granted to honor his meritorious labor.' Dong Yun firmly declined. As the Later Lord (Liu Shan) grew older, he favored the eunuch Huang Hao. Smooth, flattering, and clever, Huang Hao wished to insinuate himself into power. Dong Yun constantly corrected his ruler (Liu Shan) with a stern expression and repeatedly rebuked Huang Hao below. Fearing Dong Yun, Huang Hao dared not misbehave. Throughout Dong Yun's lifetime he rose no higher than Assistant Prefect of the Yellow Gates.

Dong Yun once arranged an excursion and feast with Fei Yi, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Hu Ji, Central Director of the Army, and others. The carriages were ready when Dong Hui of Xiangyang, a Gentleman of the Household, came to pay respects. Young and low in rank, Dong Hui saw that Dong Yun had delayed departure and hesitantly asked to leave. Dong Yun refused: 'We meant to go out to converse with friends of shared interests. Now you have honored us with a visit, and we can speak of all that has accumulated during our separation. To abandon this conversation for that feast is not what I intended.' He ordered the team unharnessed, and Fei Yi and the others also canceled their carriages and stayed. Such was his adherence to principle and respect for junior scholars.

In Yanxi 6, Dong Yun received the additional title General Who Supports the State. In Yanxi 7, while Palace Attendant he acted as Prefect of the Masters of Writing, serving as deputy to General-in-Chief Fei Yi. He died in Yanxi 9.

Chen Zhi succeeded Dong Yun as Palace Attendant. He and Huang Hao supported one another, and Huang Hao began participating in government. After Chen Zhi died, Huang Hao advanced from Prefect of the Yellow Gates to Regular Palace Attendant and Commandant of Attending Carriages, manipulating authority until the state was finally overthrown. Everyone in Shu remembered Dong Yun with longing. When Deng Ai reached Shu and heard of Huang Hao's treachery, he imprisoned him and intended to kill him. But Huang Hao heavily bribed Deng Ai's attendants and escaped.

Chen Zhi, courtesy name Fengzong, was from Runan and was a daughter's son of Xu Jing's elder brother. Orphaned young, he grew up in Xu Jing's household. Renowned by early manhood, he gradually rose to Gentleman of the Selection Section. Stern and self-disciplined, he had an imposing bearing. He possessed many skills and knowledge of numerical arts. Fei Yi valued him greatly and therefore advanced him beyond the normal order to succeed Dong Yun in palace service. After Lü Yi died, Chen Zhi, while Palace Attendant, also acted as Prefect of the Masters of Writing and received the additional title General Who Guards the Army. Although General-in-Chief Jiang Wei ranked above him, Jiang Wei was usually campaigning outside and seldom personally attended court government. Chen Zhi followed his ruler's wishes above and cultivated the eunuchs below. Deeply trusted and favored, he wielded more authority than Jiang Wei. He died in Jingyao 1. The Later Lord (Liu Shan) grieved deeply and wept whenever he spoke of him, issuing this edict: 'Chen Zhi held office for a twelve-year cycle, taking gentleness and goodness as his model, managing affairs solemnly and systematically, harmonizing righteousness and benefiting others, with his many achievements truly manifest. His allotted life did not extend far, and I mourn him. When a man has a fine reputation in life, he receives a beautiful posthumous title in death. His shall be Marquis Zhong (Chen Zhi) <"Loyal Marquis," a posthumous title>.' His son Chen Can received the rank Marquis Within the Passes (Chen Can) <a marquisate without a territorial fief>, and his second son Chen Yu was promoted to Gentleman Attendant at the Yellow Gates. Since Chen Zhi gained favor, the Later Lord (Liu Shan)'s retrospective resentment toward Dong Yun had deepened daily: he believed Dong Yun had slighted him. This came only from Chen Zhi flattering that one man and Huang Hao's gradually penetrating slanders. <Chen Zhi is written 陳祗 here, differing from 陳袛 in the preceding Pang Tong biography. The shared transcription does not erase the textual difference.>

Dong Yun's grandson Dong Hong became Grand Administrator of Baxi under Jin.

Lü Yi, courtesy name Jiyang, was from Nanyang. His father Lü Chang escorted the former general Liu Yan into Shu. When routes to the royal court were blocked, he could not return. <The source inserts 軍, jun, parenthetically within the word for 'general.'> Orphaned young, Lü Yi enjoyed reading and playing the qin. After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) secured Yi Province, he established a Colonel of the Salt Administration to assess profits from salt and iron. Later Colonel Wang Lian invited Lü Yi, Du Qi of Nanyang, and Liu Gan of Nanxiang to become Commandants in Charge of Sections. Lü Yi was promoted to Magistrate of Xindu and Mianzhu. Devoted to relieving distress, he won the people's praise and ranked foremost among the province's county administrations. He became Grand Administrator of Baxi. Chancellor Zhuge Liang campaigned year after year and called upon the commanderies, which often could not supply one another's needs. Lü Yi recruited five thousand soldiers and sent them to Zhuge Liang, reassuring, instructing, and controlling them so that none deserted. Transferred to Grand Administrator of Hanzhong, he concurrently supervised farming and ensured the military grain supply. After Zhuge Liang died, he successively became Grand Administrator of Guanghan and Shu. Shu Commandery contained the capital and a large population. After Zhuge Liang's death, soldiers and fugitives had repeatedly used duplicate or false registrations, with many forms of fraud. Upon taking office Lü Yi established prohibitions, explained matters, and encouraged compliance. Within several years more than ten thousand people who had escaped registration came forward. Later he entered court as Master of Writing and succeeded Dong Yun as Prefect of the Masters of Writing. No business remained unattended, and no visitors waited at his gate. Serving within and outside the court, Lü Yi was personally frugal, modest, tranquil, and sparing of speech. His administration was simple and untroublesome, and he was called pure and capable. Yet his enforcement of law was harsh and severe, and he favored conventional clerks versed in documents. Thus, in high office his reputation declined compared with his commandery and county service. He died in Yanxi 14. His son Lü Chen became Magistrate of Chengdu during Jingyao. Lü Chen's younger brother Lü Ya was a Receptionist, pure and rigorous, with literary talent. He wrote fifteen chapters of the Discussion of Standards.

Du Qi successively served as commandery administrator, Supervisor of the Army, and Major to the General-in-Chief. Liu Gan rose to Grand Administrator of Baxi. Both were close friends of Lü Yi and renowned in their time, but in frugality and observance of law they did not equal him.

Appraisal: Dong He practiced the plain integrity celebrated in the Lambskin ode. Liu Ba upheld pure and lofty principles. Ma Liang was upright and substantial and called an excellent scholar. Chen Zhen was loyal and conscientious, growing firmer with age. Dong Yun corrected his ruler, with righteousness visible in his expression. All were worthy ministers of Shu. Lü Yi won praise governing commanderies but suffered diminished esteem at court, resembling men such as Huang Ba and Xue Xuan. <Huang Ba and Xue Xuan are the contextual identifications of the abbreviated 黃、薛; these allusions remain open to further review.>