Book of Wu · Biographies of Liu Yao, Taishi Ci, and Shi Xie

Liu Yao, courtesy name Zhengli, was from Muping in Donglai. The youngest son of King Xiao of Qi (Liu Jianglü) <Xiao; a posthumous royal title> had been enfeoffed as Marquis of Muping, and his descendants settled there. Yao's paternal uncle Liu Chong served Han as Grand Commandant.

Yao's elder brother Liu Dai, courtesy name Gongshan, held posts including Palace Attendant and Inspector of Yan Province.

When Yao was nineteen, his uncle Liu Wei was seized as a hostage by bandits. Yao forcibly recovered him and brought him home, gaining fame. Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, he became Gentleman of the Palace and then Chief of Xiayi. When the commandery administrator entrusted him with a request involving an influential relative, he abandoned office. The provincial government appointed him to supervise Jinan. Its chancellor, son of a Central Regular Attendant, was corrupt and lawless; Yao impeached and removed him. Taoqiu Hong of Pingyuan recommended Yao for the Flourishing Talent nomination. The inspector said: “We nominated Gongshan (Liu Dai) the year before. How can we also nominate Zhengli (Liu Yao)?” Hong answered: “If Your Excellency employed Gongshan before and promotes Zhengli now, it is like driving two dragons on a long road and racing fine steeds a thousand li. Is that not fitting?” Yao was summoned as an assistant to the Minister of Works and appointed Attending Censor, but accepted neither. Fleeing disorder to Huaipu, he was appointed Inspector of Yang Province by imperial edict. Yuan Shu was then in Huainan. Afraid of him, Yao dared not go to the provincial seat. Wishing to cross the Yangzi southward, he was welcomed by Wu Jing and Sun Ben and installed at Qu'e. Shu planned usurpation and attacked and seized commanderies and counties. Yao sent Fan Neng and Zhang Ying to hold the riverbank against him. Because Jing and Ben had been appointed by Shu, he drove them away. Shu then appointed his own Inspector of Yang Province and joined Jing and Ben against Ying, Neng, and the others, but failed to overcome them for more than a year. Han additionally made Yao provincial governor and General Who Rouses Martial Might; he had several tens of thousands of men. Sun Ce crossed east and defeated Ying, Neng, and the others. Yao fled to Dantu,

and traveled upstream to hold Yuzhang, stationing at Pengze. Ze Rong had arrived first.

He killed Administrator Zhu Hao

and occupied the commandery seat. Yao advanced against Rong and was defeated. He regrouped the subordinate counties, attacked again, and defeated him. Rong fled into the mountains, where commoners killed him. Yao soon died of illness, aged forty-two.

Ze Rong was from Danyang. He initially gathered several hundred followers and joined Tao Qian, Governor of Xu Province. Qian put him in charge of grain transport from Guangling and Pengcheng. He became lawless, killed at will, and intercepted the supplies of three commanderies for himself. He built a great Buddhist shrine with a bronze figure gilded in gold and clothed in embroidered fabrics. Nine tiers of bronze disks hung above; beneath were multistoried halls and galleries accommodating more than three thousand people. Everyone was required to study Buddhist scriptures. To attract believers from his territory and neighboring commanderies, he allowed them to receive religious teaching and exempted them from other services. More than five thousand people or households came from near and far. At each Bathing of the Buddha festival, he provided abundant wine and food, laying mats along roads for several tens of li. Nearly ten thousand people came to watch and eat, at a cost of hundreds of millions. When Lord Cao (Cao Cao) attacked Tao Qian and Xu's territory became disturbed, Rong led several tens of thousands of men and women and three thousand horses to Guangling. Administrator Zhao Yu received him as an honored guest. Earlier Xue Li, Chancellor of Pengcheng, had been driven out by Tao Qian and stationed at Moling. Coveting Guangling's population, Rong killed Yu during a drinking bout, let his soldiers plunder extensively, and departed loaded with booty. Passing by, he killed Li, and afterward killed Hao.

Later Sun Ce attacked Jiangxia westward. Returning through Yuzhang, he collected Yao's remains and treated his family well. Wang Lang wrote him: “When Liu Zhengli (Liu Yao) first came to the province, he could not establish himself and truly depended on your honored family to assist him. Thus he crossed the Yangzi and secured an administrative seat. The courtesies on his arrival created a grateful bond intended to endure. Later suspicions concerning the Yuan clan gradually estranged you. Allies became enemies, which was certainly not his original wish. Once peace returned, he always wished to repair the breach and restore the old friendship. But separation prevented his sincere feelings from becoming known, and suddenly he died: a cause for sorrow and regret. I learn that you counter shallowness with generosity and repay resentment with virtue, collecting his bones, raising his orphans, pitying the dead and living, discarding former suspicions, and protecting the young entrusted to you. This is profound kindness and weighty obligation, a fine reputation grounded in substantial deeds. Though Lu's people resented Qi, they did not neglect funeral observances; the Spring and Autumn praised this as proper ritual. It deserves the historian's commendation and the village school's admiration. Zhengli's eldest son has determination and integrity; I imagine you will distinguish him. To apply kindness where your power and punishments prevail—is that not most generous?”

Yao's eldest son Liu Ji, courtesy name Jingyu, was fourteen when he observed mourning for Yao with complete propriety. He accepted none of the provisions offered by former officials.

Handsome in bearing, he was loved and respected by Sun Quan. As General of Agile Cavalry, Quan recruited him as Assistant of the Eastern Bureau, then appointed him Colonel Who Assists Righteousness and Gentleman-General Who Establishes Loyalty. When Quan became King of Wu (Sun Quan) <the royal title preceding his imperial accession>, Ji became Minister of Agriculture. Once, at a banquet, Cavalry Commandant Yu Fan offended Quan while drunk. Quan was furiously determined to kill him, but Ji remonstrated and saved Fan. During intense summer heat Quan once held a banquet aboard a ship. Thunder and rain caught them on the upper deck. Quan covered himself with a canopy and also ordered one over Ji, though no one else received one. Such was his favor. Ji was transferred to Minister of the Palace. After Quan assumed the imperial title, this became Minister of Splendid Happiness, and Ji shared the adjudication of affairs of the Masters of Writing. He died aged forty-nine. Later Quan married Ji's daughter to his son Sun Ba and gave her a residence. Her seasonal gifts equaled those of the Quan and Zhang families. Ji's younger brothers Liu Shuo and Liu Shang both became Cavalry Commandants.

Taishi Ci, courtesy name Ziyi, was from Huang in Donglai. Fond of learning in youth, he became a clerk in the commandery's Memorials Bureau. A dispute arose between commandery and province, its rights and wrongs undecided; the side reporting first would be favored. The provincial memorial had already been sent. Fearing to be late, the administrator sought an envoy. Ci, aged twenty-one, was chosen. Traveling day and night, he reached Luoyang and went to the Palace Carriages Office gate, where he found the provincial clerk just seeking admission. Ci asked: “Are you submitting a memorial?” “Yes.” “Where is it?” “On the carriage.” Ci said: “Might its heading contain a mistake? Bring it for me to inspect.” Unaware that Ci was from Donglai, the clerk fetched it. Ci had concealed a knife and cut it to pieces. The clerk leaped up shouting: “Someone has destroyed my memorial!” Ci took him between the carriages and said: “Had you not given it to me, I could not have destroyed it. Our fortunes and misfortunes are therefore shared; I shall not bear the penalty alone. Better silently escape together, exchanging death for life rather than both receiving punishment.” The clerk said: “You destroyed my memorial for your commandery and achieved your purpose. Why should you flee too?” Ci answered: “My commandery sent me only to see whether it had been submitted. I went too far in destroying it and fear their angry reproach if I return. That is why I too wish to escape.” The clerk believed him, and they left that day. Once outside the city, Ci slipped away, returned, and submitted his commandery's memorial. The provincial government heard and sent another clerk, but because of the earlier interception, the authorities refused to consider its case, leaving the province discredited. Ci became famous but incurred the provincial government's hatred. Fearing consequences, he took refuge in Liaodong.

Kong Rong, Chancellor of Beihai, heard of him with admiration and repeatedly sent people to inquire after his mother and bring gifts. When Yellow Turban violence broke out, Rong stationed at Duchang, where the rebel Guan Hai besieged him. Ci returned from Liaodong. His mother said: “You and Kong Rong of Beihai have never met, yet since you left he has cared for me more attentively than old friends. Now rebels besiege him. You should go to him.” Ci stayed three days, then went alone on foot straight to Duchang. The siege was not yet tight; at night he found a gap and entered. He asked Rong for troops to make a sortie, but Rong refused, hoping for relief. None came, and the siege tightened daily. Rong wanted to appeal to Liu Bei, Chancellor of Pingyuan, but no one could get out. Ci volunteered. Rong said: “The siege is very close. Everyone says it is impossible. Brave as your intention is, will it not be truly difficult?” Ci answered: “You showed my aged mother such kindness that she sent me to meet your emergency, believing I had something to offer and would be useful. If everyone says impossible and I say the same, would that fulfill your regard or her purpose? The crisis is urgent. Have no doubt.” Rong agreed. Ci prepared, ate before dawn, and at daylight mounted with quiver and bow, taking two riders, each carrying a target. They opened the gate and rode out. The besiegers were alarmed, and soldiers and horses rushed about. Ci rode inside the ditch beneath the wall, planted the targets, shot at them, and returned. Next morning he repeated it. Some besiegers rose and some stayed lying down. He planted his targets, shot, and returned. On the third morning none rose. He whipped his horse and charged straight through. By the time the rebels realized it, he was already past. He shot several dead, each falling at the bowstring's sound, and none dared pursue. At Pingyuan he told Bei: “I am a humble man of Donglai, neither Kong Rong of Beihai's relative nor his countryman. Shared reputation and purpose alone bind us to share calamities. Guan Hai now runs riot and besieges Beihai, isolated without aid and in imminent danger. Because of your reputation for humanity and righteousness and ability to rescue the distressed, Rong stretches his neck in hope, sending me through blades and encirclements, risking ten thousand deaths to entrust himself to you. Please save him.” Bei composed his expression: “Does Kong Rong of Beihai know that Liu Bei exists in this world?” He immediately sent three thousand picked troops with Ci. Hearing of their approach, the rebels lifted the siege and scattered. Rescued, Rong esteemed Ci still more: “You are my younger friend.” Ci returned to report to his mother. She said: “I am glad you have repaid Kong Rong of Beihai.”

Inspector of Yang Province Liu Yao was Ci's fellow commandery man. Since returning from Liaodong, Ci had not seen him, so briefly crossed the Yangzi to visit him at Qu'e. Before he left, Sun Ce arrived. Someone advised Yao to make Ci general-in-chief. Yao said: “If I employ Ziyi (Taishi Ci), will Xu Zijiang (Xu Shao) not laugh at me?” He merely assigned Ci reconnaissance. Ci, with one mounted soldier, encountered Ce, who had thirteen riders, including Han Dang, Song Qian, and Huang Gai. Ci charged and fought Ce directly. Ce stabbed Ci's horse and seized the short halberd at his neck; Ci took Ce's helmet. When both sides' mounted troops arrived, they disengaged.

Ci should have fled to Yuzhang with Yao, but slipped away at Wuhu into the mountains, calling himself Administrator of Danyang. Ce had pacified everything east of Xuancheng, leaving six counties westward from Jing unsubdued. Ci advanced to Jing County, established a headquarters, and attracted many Shanyue followers. Ce attacked him personally and took him prisoner. Immediately untying him and taking his hand, Ce said: “Do you remember Shenting? What would you have done had you captured me then?” Ci said: “That cannot be known.” Ce laughed: “Today's undertaking shall be shared with you.”

Ce appointed him Commander at the Gate, took him back to Wu, gave him troops, and made him Gentleman-General Who Breaks the Enemy's Charge. Later Liu Yao died at Yuzhang, leaving more than ten thousand troops without allegiance. Ce ordered Ci to comfort and pacify them.

His attendants all said: “Ci will go north and never return.” Ce said: “If Ziyi (Taishi Ci) leaves me, whom else can he join?” He held a farewell at Chang Gate, grasped Ci's wrist, and asked when he could return. “Within sixty days,” Ci replied. He returned precisely as promised.

Liu Biao's nephew Liu Pan was fierce and brave and repeatedly raided Ai, Xi'an, and other counties. Ce separated six counties around Haihun and Jianchang and made Ci Commandant of Jianchang, seated at Haihun, with command over the generals resisting Pan. Pan ceased appearing and never raided again.

Ci stood seven chi seven cun tall, with a fine beard and long, ape-like arms. Skilled at archery, he never loosed in vain. Once, campaigning with Ce against the bandits of Mabao, he saw a bandit walking along a tower in the camp, shouting insults and holding a beam. Ci drew and shot, pinning the man's hand to the beam. Ten thousand spectators outside the siege praised him. Such was his skill. Lord Cao (Cao Cao) heard of him and sent a sealed box containing a letter. Opening it, Ci found no message, only danggui root <its name also suggests “ought to return”>. When Sun Quan took charge, he entrusted southern affairs to Ci because of his ability to restrain Pan. Ci died aged forty-one in the eleventh year of Jian'an.

His son Taishi Xiang rose to Colonel of Elite Cavalry.

Shi Xie, courtesy name Weiyan, was from Guangxin in Cangwu. His ancestors came from Wenyang in Lu and fled to Jiao Province during Wang Mang's disorders. Six generations later, his father Shi Ci became Administrator of Rinan under Emperor Huan (Liu Zhi). In youth Xie traveled to the capital to study under Liu Ziqi of Yingchuan, specializing in Zuo's Spring and Autumn commentary. Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, he became a Gentleman of the Masters of Writing but was dismissed over official business. After completing mourning for his father Ci, he was recommended as a Flourishing Talent, appointed Magistrate of Wu (巫), and promoted to Administrator of Jiaozhi.

His younger brother Shi Yi initially served as commandery postal inspector. When Inspector Ding Gong was recalled to the capital, Yi diligently escorted him. Moved, Gong said on parting: “If I am entrusted with one of the Three Excellencies, I shall recruit you.” Later Gong became Minister over the Masses and summoned Yi, but by his arrival Gong had been removed. His successor Huang Wan treated Yi with great courtesy. When Dong Zhuo caused disorder, Yi fled home.

Inspector of Jiao Province Zhu Fu was killed by native rebels, throwing the province and commanderies into disorder. Xie memorialized for Yi to act as Administrator of Hepu, his next younger brother Shi 䵋, Magistrate of Xuwen, as Administrator of Jiuzhen,

and 䵋's younger brother Shi Wu as Administrator of Nanhai.

Xie was generous in capacity and bearing, modest and respectful toward gentlemen. Hundreds of scholars from the Central States sought refuge with him. He delighted in the Spring and Autumn and wrote annotations to it. Yuan Hui of Chen wrote to Xun Yu, Director of the Masters of Writing: “Governor Shi of Jiaozhi (Shi Xie) combines excellent, extensive learning with skill in government. Amid great disorder he has preserved an entire commandery. For more than twenty years its frontier has been peaceful, its people have kept their occupations, and displaced travelers have shared its blessings. How could even Dou Rong's preservation of Hexi surpass this? At every brief pause in business he studies books and commentaries. His understanding of Zuo's Spring and Autumn commentary is particularly concise, practiced, and subtle. I have repeatedly consulted him about difficult passages: his answers always have a teacher's authority and closely reasoned meaning. He also comprehends both ancient- and modern-script versions of the Documents, with thorough understanding of their major principles. Hearing that scholars at the capital quarrel angrily over their merits, he now wishes to arrange and submit the strongest interpretations of Zuo's commentary and the Documents.” Such was the praise he received.

Xie and his brothers governed several commanderies and dominated an entire province, ten thousand li away, with unsurpassed dignity and authority. Bells and stone chimes sounded when they went out or returned. Their full ceremonial display included pipes, flutes, drums, carriages, and mounted attendants filling the roads, with several dozen foreign men burning incense beside the wheels. Their wives and concubines rode in covered carriages, their sons and younger brothers followed with armed horsemen. Their contemporary distinction overawed the many southern peoples. Even Commandant Tuo (Zhao Tuo) could not surpass it.

Shi Wu had already died of illness.

After Zhu Fu's death, Han sent Zhang Jin as Inspector of Jiao Province. Jin was later killed by his general Qu Jing. Governor of Jing Province Liu Biao sent Lai Gong of Lingling to replace him. Administrator of Cangwu Shi Huang also died, and Biao sent Wu Ju to replace him; Ju and Gong arrived together. Hearing of Zhang Jin's death, Han sent Xie a sealed imperial letter: “Jiao Province is a remote region bordering southern rivers and seas. Our favor is not proclaimed there and your loyal intentions are obstructed. We learn that the rebel Liu Biao has sent Lai Gong to spy upon the south. We now appoint you Gentleman-General Who Pacifies the South, to supervise the seven commanderies while continuing as Administrator of Jiaozhi.” Xie later sent clerk Zhang Min with tribute to the capital. Though the realm was disordered and roads cut, he never neglected tribute. A further special edict made him General Who Pacifies the Distant and Marquis of Longdu Village.

Later Wu Ju and Lai Gong fell out. Ju raised troops and expelled Gong, who fled back to Lingling. In the fifteenth year of Jian'an Sun Quan sent Bu Zhi as Inspector of Jiao Province. On his arrival Xie and his brothers obeyed his authority. Wu Ju harbored disloyal intentions, and Zhi executed him. Quan additionally made Xie General of the Left. At the end of Jian'an Xie sent his son Shi Xin (廞) as hostage; Quan appointed him Administrator of Wuchang. The sons of Xie and Yi remaining in the south all became Gentlemen-Generals. Xie also induced Yong Kai and other powerful families of Yi Province to lead their commanderies' people in distant allegiance eastward. Quan esteemed him still more, making him General of the Guards and Marquis of Longbian, and his brother Yi Lieutenant General and Marquis of Duxiang. Whenever Xie's envoys visited Quan, they brought varied incense and fine ramie cloth by the thousand. Bright pearls, great shells, glass, kingfisher feathers, tortoiseshell, rhinoceros and elephant products, rare objects, and unusual fruit—bananas, ye fruit (邪; identification uncertain), longans, and the like—arrived every year. Yi's horse tribute at one time totaled several hundred. Quan always replied by letter with lavish gifts to honor and reassure them. Xie governed the commandery for over forty years and died aged ninety in the fifth year of Huangwu.

Because Jiaozhi was far away, Quan divided the territory: northward from Hepu became Guang Province with Lü Dai as inspector; southward from Jiaozhi became Jiao Province with Dai Liang as inspector. Chen Shi was also sent to replace Xie as Administrator of Jiaozhi. Lü Dai stayed in Nanhai. Liang and Shi advanced together to Hepu, but Xie's son Shi Hui styled himself Administrator of Jiaozhi and raised clan troops against Liang, who remained at Hepu. Huan Lin of Jiaozhi, whom Xie had nominated for office, knocked his head on the ground and urged Hui to welcome Liang. Hui angrily had him flogged to death. Lin's elder brother Huan Zhi and son Huan Fa assembled clan troops against Hui. Hui shut the gates and held the city. After several months without success, Zhi and the others made peace by marriage agreements and withdrew. Ordered to execute Hui, Lü Dai marched from Guang Province day and night, passing Hepu and joining Liang's advance. Shi Yi's son Shi Kuang, a Gentleman-General and old acquaintance of Dai, was appointed his Adviser and Associate. Dai first sent Jiaozhi a letter explaining consequences, then sent Kuang to persuade Hui to admit guilt, promising that though he would lose his administration he need fear nothing else. Dai arrived soon after Kuang. Hui's elder brother Shi Zhi and younger brothers Shi Gan, Shi Song, and the others—six men—bared their upper bodies to welcome him. Dai courteously told them to dress again and advanced to the commandery seat. Early next morning he set up curtains and invited the brothers in order, with guests filling the seats. Dai rose, held his tally, read the edict, and enumerated their offenses. His attendants bound their hands behind them and led them out. All were executed and their heads sent to Wuchang.

Yi, 䵋, and Kuang subsequently came out. Quan pardoned them and Xie's hostage son Xin, reducing all to commoners. Several years later Yi and 䵋 were executed for breaking the law. Xin died of illness without a son. His widow lived alone. An edict ordered the local authorities to supply monthly grain and grant her four hundred thousand cash.

Appraisal: Liu Yao polished and disciplined his reputation and conduct and delighted in judging men's merits and faults. But commanding a vast territory amid turmoil was not his strength. Taishi Ci was steadfast and ardent in trust and duty, possessing the moral commitments of the ancients. Shi Xie governed the southern Yue and enjoyed ease until his death. His son's imprudence brought disaster upon himself. Surely commonplace talent, indulging wealth and rank and trusting difficult terrain, caused this.