Book of Wu · Biographies of Zhang Hong, Yan Jun, Cheng Bing, Kan Ze, and Xue Zong

Zhang Hong, courtesy name Zigang, was from Guangling. In youth he traveled to study at the capital.

Returning home, he was recommended as Outstanding Talent and summoned to the highest ministerial offices, but declined all.

He fled disorder to the east. When Sun Ce founded his enterprise, Zhang Hong committed himself to him and was recommended as Commandant of Correct Counsel.

He accompanied the Danyang campaign. When Sun Ce personally approached the battle line, Zhang Hong remonstrated: “The chief commander is the source of plans and the life of the whole army. He should not act rashly or engage small raiders himself. Value your Heaven-given qualities and answer the realm's hopes, without making everyone in the state anxious.”

In Jian'an 4, Sun Ce sent him with a memorial to the palace at Xu, where he was retained as Attending Censor. Privy Treasurer Kong Rong and others befriended him closely.

Hearing Sun Ce had died, Lord Cao (Cao Cao) wished to exploit the mourning to attack Wu. Zhang Hong argued that attacking during another's bereavement violated ancient righteousness; failure would create enmity and abandon friendship. Better extend generosity. Lord Cao (Cao Cao) agreed and recommended Sun Quan as General Who Attacks the Enemy and concurrent Administrator of Kuaiji. Wishing Zhang Hong to help Sun Quan submit, he sent him out as Commandant of Eastern Kuaiji.

Later Sun Quan made Zhang Hong Chief Clerk, and he accompanied the Hefei campaign.

Sun Quan intended to charge the enemy with light cavalry. Zhang Hong remonstrated: “Weapons are baleful instruments and battle dangerous. Trusting your youthful strength and slighting a violent enemy chills the whole army. Even beheading generals and seizing banners, terrifying the enemy field, is a subordinate commander's task, not the chief's. Restrain the courage of Meng Ben and Xia Yu and cherish the plans of a hegemon or king.” Sun Quan listened and stopped. After returning, he planned another campaign the following year. Zhang Hong again remonstrated: “Ancient rulers who received the mandate, though aided above by august spirits and spreading civil virtue below, also relied on martial achievements. But acting at the right time gave them authority. Encountering the crisis of a four-hundred-year dynasty, you have supported the endangered state. Rest the troops for now, expand cultivation, employ worthy and able men, honor generous kindness, and punish according to Heaven's mandate. Settlement may come without toil.” Sun Quan canceled the expedition.

Zhang Hong proposed moving the capital to Moling, and Sun Quan followed him.

Sent back to Wu to bring the families, Zhang Hong fell ill and died on the road. Gravely ill, he entrusted his son Zhang Jing with a final letter: “Since antiquity, rulers of states and households have wished to cultivate virtuous government equal to flourishing ages, yet their actual rule seldom has lasting fragrance. This is not because loyal and worthy assistants lack understanding, but because rulers cannot master their feelings and employ them. People dread difficulty and pursue ease, like agreement and hate difference, contrary to good government. The Commentary says, ‘Following good is like climbing; following evil like collapsing,’ showing goodness is difficult. A ruler inherits generations of foundations, occupies a naturally powerful position, wields eight powers of authority, and delights in ease and agreement,

“needing nothing from others. Yet loyal ministers bring difficult methods and offensive words. Is their disagreement not natural? Once a breach appears, clever speakers exploit it; small displays of loyalty mislead, affection ensnares, worthy and foolish become confused, and old and young lose order. Feelings cause the disorder. An enlightened ruler recognizes this, seeks worthies like food and drink, accepts remonstrance without weariness, restrains desires, and cuts affection through righteousness. Above there are no biased appointments; below no improper hopes. Think three times, tolerate blemishes and conceal faults, to fulfill the greatness of benevolent shelter.” He died at sixty. Sun Quan read the letter and wept. [Translator's note: The supplied （雖） marks a difficult transition, and 無冀之望 is compressed; the latter is rendered provisionally as absence of improper hopes.]

Zhang Hong wrote more than ten poems, rhapsodies, inscriptions, and funeral eulogies.

His son Zhang Xuan rose to Administrator of Nan Commandery and Master of Writing.

Zhang Xuan's son Zhang Shang,

served as a gentleman attendant under Sun Hao. Known for quick and eloquent speech, he became Palace Attendant and Director of the Palace Secretariat. Sun Hao asked him to play the zither. He replied that he had never learned, and was ordered to study. Later, discussing the instrument's subtle excellence at a banquet, Zhang Shang recounted how Duke Ping of Jin (Ji Biao) <a posthumous ducal title> asked Shi Kuang to play the Clear Horn melody, and Shi Kuang said, “Our lord's virtue is too slight to hear it.” Sun Hao thought this a criticism of himself and was displeased. Later, imprisoned over accumulated matters, Zhang Shang was also interrogated about this.

He was sent to Jian'an to build ships. Much later he was executed there. Earlier, Zhang Hong's fellow natives Qin Song, courtesy name Wenbiao, and Chen Duan, courtesy name Zizheng, had also been favored by Sun Ce and participated in plans. Both died early.

Yan Jun, courtesy name Mancai, was from Pengcheng. Absorbed in study from youth, he mastered the Odes, Documents, and Three Rites and loved Explaining Graphs. Fleeing disorder eastward, he became as renowned as his friends Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi. Straightforward, pure, and generous, he offered loyal advice and good guidance to benefit others. Zhang Zhao recommended him to Sun Quan, who made him Commandant of Cavalry and Attendant Gentleman of the Household. When General Who Crosses the River Lu Su died, Sun Quan appointed Yan Jun to replace him with ten thousand troops at Lukou. Everyone rejoiced for him, but he repeatedly refused: “I am a plain scholar, unfamiliar with warfare. Occupying a post beyond my talent will surely bring blame and regret.” He spoke passionately, even weeping.

Sun Quan accepted his refusal, which people praised as sincere. While Sun Quan was King of Wu (Sun Quan) <his royal title before imperial accession> and after his imperial accession, Yan Jun served as Minister of the Guards. Sent to Shu, he won the deep esteem of Chief Minister Zhuge Liang. He accumulated none of his salaries and gifts, distributing them among relatives and old friends, so his household was often short of supplies. His old friend Liu Ying of Guangling studied diligently at home. Summoned by Sun Quan, he pleaded illness. When his younger brother Liu Lü, Administrator of Lingling, died, Liu Ying went to the funeral. Discovering the false illness, Sun Quan sent urgent orders for his arrest. Yan Jun also hurried word to him to return and apologize. Angry, Sun Quan dismissed Yan Jun, but Liu Ying escaped punishment. Much later Yan Jun became Director of the Masters of Writing and afterward died.

Yan Jun wrote a Commentary on the Classic of Filial Piety and Discussion of Tides and debated Guan Zhong and Jilu (Zhong You) with Pei Xuan and Zhang Cheng. All circulated in the world.

Pei Xuan, courtesy name Yanhuang, was from Xiapi, likewise learned and virtuous, rising to Grand Master of the Palace. He asked his son Pei Qin to compare Duke Huan of Qi (Jiang Xiaobai), Duke Wen of Jin (Ji Chong'er), Boyi, and Liu Xiahui. Pei Qin stated his views, and father and son debated with literary and logical skill. Pei Qin associated with Crown Prince Sun Deng, who praised his writing.

Cheng Bing, courtesy name Deshu, was from Nandun in Runan. He studied under Zheng Xuan, later fled to Jiao Province, and examined great principles with Liu Xi, mastering the Five Classics. Shi Xie made him Chief Clerk. Hearing his reputation, Sun Quan ceremonially summoned him and appointed him Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. In Huangwu 4, when Sun Quan arranged Crown Prince Sun Deng's marriage to Zhou Yu's daughter, Cheng Bing, acting Grand Minister of Ceremonies, received the bride at Wu. Sun Quan personally visited his boat and treated him with great honor. Returning, Cheng Bing gently advised Sun Deng: “Marriage begins human relationships and underlies royal instruction. Sage kings therefore valued it as an example to the people and a means of transforming the realm. Thus the Odes places Guan Ju first. Honor ritual instruction in your inner chambers and preserve what Zhou Nan celebrates; the Way will flourish above and songs of praise arise below.” Sun Deng smiled: “Encouraging my good and correcting my faults is truly what I rely upon you for, Tutor.” Cheng Bing died of illness in office. His Selections from the Changes of Zhou, Critical Discussions of the Documents, and Assistance to the Analects totaled more than thirty thousand words.

While Cheng Bing was tutor, Director of the Palace Watches Zheng Chong of Henan was likewise devoted to learning and conduct.

Kan Ze, courtesy name Derun, was from Shanyin in Kuaiji. His family had farmed for generations, but he loved learning. Poor and unable to afford supplies, he copied books for hire to buy paper and brushes, reading and reciting every work he finished. He sought teachers, pursued discussion, read all kinds of books, and understood calendrical calculations, gaining fame. Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, he became Chief of Qiantang, then Magistrate of Chen. As General of Agile Cavalry, Sun Quan recruited him as Western Section aide; after imperial accession, he became Master of Writing. During Jiahe he became Director of the Palace Secretariat, additionally Palace Attendant. In Chiwu 5 he became Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, retaining the secretariat. Because the classics and commentaries were too extensive to employ fully, he selected among the schools, abridging ritual texts and explanations to teach the two palaces. He established ceremonies for movement, entrances, departures, and receiving guests, and wrote a Commentary on the Qianxiang Calendar to correct dates. Great court deliberations and doubtful classical questions always brought consultation with him. For scholarly labor he became Marquis of the Capital District. Modest, respectful, and cautious, he treated even junior palace and office clerks with reciprocal ceremony when summoning or questioning them. He never spoke of others' faults. Appearing unassuming, he nevertheless rarely exhausted his knowledge. Sun Quan once asked which books and literary works were best. Wishing to warn about order and disorder, Kan Ze named Jia Yi's Discussion of Qin's Faults, which Sun Quan read. When Lü Yi's treachery was exposed, officials investigated and proposed death, some recommending burning and dismemberment to display his great wickedness. Consulted, Kan Ze said: “An enlightened age should not revive such punishments.” Sun Quan agreed. When departments wished to increase prohibitions against perceived abuses, Kan Ze always said, “Follow ritual and law.” Such was his balanced firmness. [Translator's note: The supplied 釋 in the literary exchange is read contextually as Ze, not a newly introduced speaker. “Two palaces” is retained without imposing an identification not supplied here.]

Kan Ze died in winter of the sixth year. Deeply grieving, Sun Quan could not eat for several days.

His regional senior Tang Gu of Danyang also cultivated himself and accumulated learning, renowned as a Confucian. He wrote commentaries on Discourses of the States and the Gongyang and Guliang commentaries, regularly teaching several dozen students. As King of Wu (Sun Quan), Sun Quan made him Consultant, and Lu Xun, Zhang Wen, Luo Tong, and others all bowed to him. He became Supervisor of the Masters of Writing in Huangwu 4 and died. [Translator's note: The supplied 轂梁 and 儀郎 are retained in the Chinese; their familiar contextual senses are Guliang and Consultant.]

Xue Zong, courtesy name Jingwen, was from Zhuyi in Pei Commandery.

Young, he fled with kinsmen to Jiao Province and studied under Liu Xi. After Shi Xie submitted to Sun Quan, Xue Zong was summoned as General of the Gentlemen of the Household for All Purposes and appointed Administrator of Hepu and Jiaozhi. [Translator's note: 將 is parenthesized in the supplied title 五官中郎（將）.]

As Jiao Province was being opened to control, Inspector Lü Dai campaigned there. Xue Zong accompanied him across the sea southward as far as Jiuzhen. Returning to the capital, he became acting Supervisor of Receptionists. Shu envoy Zhang Feng mocked Master of Writing Kan Ze by dissecting his name before Sun Quan. Unable to answer, Kan Ze fell silent. Xue Zong went down to serve wine and said: “What is Shu? Add the dog radical and it is du, ‘alone’; without dog it is Shu. A horizontal eye above a bent body, with a worm inside its belly.” [Translator's note: The supplied 遏者 appears contextually to mean 謁者, Receptionists. The joke dissects Chinese written characters and cannot retain the same mechanism in English.]

Zhang Feng said: “Should we not dissect your Wu in return?” Xue Zong immediately replied: “Without a mouth it is tian, ‘Heaven’; with a mouth it is Wu, ruling the myriad states, the Son of Heaven's capital.” Everyone laughed with pleasure, and Zhang Feng had no answer. Such was Xue Zong's quick wit.

When Lü Dai was recalled from Jiao Province, Xue Zong feared an unsuitable successor and memorialized:

“Emperor Shun toured south and died at Cangwu. Qin established Guilin, Nanhai, and Xiang commanderies; thus these southern territories' submission has a long history. Zhao Tuo rose at Panyu and won the allegiance of the Hundred Yue rulers, in the region south of the pearl palaces. Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che) <Martial Emperor; a posthumous title> executed Lü Jia, opened nine commanderies, and established an Inspector of Jiaozhi to supervise them. Mountains and rivers stretched far; customs and languages differed, requiring repeated interpretation. People were like birds and beasts, without distinction of old and young, hair tied in mallet-shaped knots, barefoot, wearing head-opening garments and left-lapped robes. Senior officials existed in name only. “Convicts from central China were gradually moved among them, teaching some writing and speech. Envoys' travel exposed them to ritual influence. Later Administrators Xi Guang of Jiaozhi and Ren Yan of Jiuzhen taught farming, caps, and shoes, established marriage officials and formal betrothal, and founded schools to teach classical principles. More than four hundred years have passed, and some resemblance to our customs has developed. Yet from when I first arrived as a guest, in the place written as Zhuya Chuzhou County, marriages waited until the household-opening gatherings in the eighth month. Men and women chose one another and became spouses without parents' power to prevent it. In Miling of Jiaozhi and Dupang of Jiuzhen, a younger brother married his deceased elder brother's widow, a customary practice officials tolerated. Men and women in the commandery written as Ri went naked without shame. One might call them crawling creatures with merely human faces. “Yet the land is broad and populous, obstructed by dangerous terrain and harmful conditions: easy to disorder, difficult to govern. The court loosely controlled it to display submission and authority, taking only enough household taxes for local expenses. Its value lay in distant treasures: famous pearls, aromatics and medicines, ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoiseshell, coral, glass, parrots, kingfishers, peacocks, and rare objects for precious display, not taxes to enrich central China. Beyond the nine domains, officials were seldom carefully selected. Han's lax law let them act freely, causing repeated rebellion. Zhuya's abandonment began when officials, admiring the people's hair, shaved it off for wigs. “In my own experience, Huang Gai of Nanhai, Administrator of Rinan, killed his registrar on arrival because the reception provisions were insufficient and was immediately driven out. Administrator of Jiuzhen Dan Meng entertained his father-in-law Zhou Jing and senior officers. Amid wine and music, Merit Officer Fan Xin danced and invited Zhou Jing, who refused. Fan Xin insisted, and the angry Dan Meng beat him; he died in the commandery. His younger brother Fan Miao raised men against headquarters and shot Dan Meng with a poisoned arrow, killing him. Administrator of Jiaozhi Shi Xie sent troops but could not subdue them. “Former Inspector Zhu Fu of Kuaiji appointed fellow natives such as Yu Bao and Liu Yan to local offices. They oppressed the people and levied grain harshly, taking one hu for a single yellow fish. Resentful people rebelled; mountain bands attacked province and commanderies. Zhu Fu fled to sea and died wandering. His successor Zhang Jin of Nanyang quarreled with Governor of Jing Province Liu Biao. Weak against a strong enemy, he campaigned annually until generals became weary and came and went as they wished. Lacking discipline and authority, he was slighted and killed. Next came Lai Gong of Lingling, an older gentleman, humane and cautious but ignorant of current affairs. Liu Biao also sent the martial, reckless Wu Ju of Changsha as Administrator of Cangwu. Wu Ju refused Lai Gong's authority; resentment led him to drive Lai Gong out. Bu Zhi was then sought. Zhang Jin's former officers Yi Liao, Qian Bo, and others remained numerous. Bu Zhi eliminated them in order, but was recalled just as organization settled. When Lü Dai arrived, the Shi house rebelled. His southern expedition pacified it, replaced officials, clarified royal authority, and spread power ten thousand li, winning universal obedience. “This proves that pacifying frontiers and distant peoples depends on the right man. Provincial governors should be pure and capable everywhere, but at remote edges their effect on fortune and disaster is especially great. Jiao Province is now roughly settled in name, yet Gaoliang has old bandits, and Nanhai, Cangwu, Yulin, and Zhuguan remain unsettled, sheltering robbers, deserters, and fugitives. If Lü Dai does not return south, the new inspector must be precise and discerning, able to control eight commanderies and gradually govern Gaoliang through strategy and intelligence. Grant authority, favor, and supporting strength, then demand results; perhaps order can be restored. An ordinary man merely following routine, without unusual plans or methods, will let wickedness multiply into lasting harm. The state's safety depends on appointments and must be examined. Fearing the court may slight the choice, I exhaust my foolish sincerity to broaden Your Majesty's reflection.” [Translator's note: The disparaging descriptions of southern peoples are Xue Zong's argument. The supplied 泰, 珠崖除州縣, 日郡, 夥體, 小檢攝, （所取）（輒）, and （能） include difficult or corrupt readings. Clear contextual senses are translated, while uncertain place-names are left explicit rather than reconstructed from another edition. Huang Gai of Nanhai is not assumed to be Sun Jian's officer of the same name.]

In Huanglong 3, Marquis of Jianchang Sun Lü became General-in-Chief Who Guards the Army at Banzhou. Xue Zong was his Chief Clerk, managing business externally and teaching books within. After Sun Lü died, Xue Zong became acting Master of Writing for Criminal Affairs, then Supervisor of the Masters of Writing. When Gongsun Yuan submitted and then rebelled, Sun Quan was furious and wished to campaign personally. Xue Zong remonstrated:

“An emperor is the head of myriad states and the life of the realm. At rest, double gates and watchmen guard against surprise; traveling, cleared roads and measured movement preserve majesty, securing lasting safety and steadying the world's hearts. Confucius, distressed by his age, spoke of floating to sea on a raft. Jiyou (Zhong You) rejoiced, but was rebuked as providing no material for the purpose. When Emperor Yuan of Han (Liu Shi) <a posthumous imperial title> wished to board a towered ship, Xue Guangde offered to cut his throat and stain the carriage with blood. Why? Water and fire are extreme dangers, unfit for emperors to encounter. The proverb says, ‘A rich man's son does not sit below the hall's eaves.’ How much less the sovereign of ten thousand chariots! “Liaodong is a small frontier state, without strong walls, defenses, sharp equipment, or orderly government. An expedition would surely capture it, as your enlightened edict says. Yet its cold, barren land grows little grain; its people are accustomed to horses and constant movement. Hearing a great army, knowing themselves unequal, they would scatter like frightened birds and beasts, fleeing so far that not one man or horse could be found. Gaining empty land useless to hold is the first objection. Vast, shifting waters bring the danger of Chengshan. Sea travel is uncertain, wind and waves unavoidable; in an instant men and boats face changed circumstances. Even Yao and Shun's virtue and wisdom could do nothing, or Meng Ben and Xia Yu's courage exert no strength. This is the second objection. Dense mist darkens above, salt water steams below, producing spreading swellings and mutual infection; few sea travelers escape such affliction. This is the third objection. “Heaven produces a divine sage and displays auspicious signs so he may settle disorder and benefit living things. Fortunate signs gather daily, the realm approaches settlement, and the cruel rebels approach destruction. Once central China is settled, Liaodong falls of itself; simply fold your hands and wait. Instead you would abandon a certain plan for utmost danger, disregard the Nine Provinces' strength, and indulge momentary anger. This is no weighty plan for the state and unprecedented since creation. Thus all officials bend anxiously, finding neither food sweet nor sleep restful. Restrain thunderous might and fierce anger; choose the safety of a bridge and avoid the danger of treading on ice. Your ministers will receive blessing and the realm great fortune.”

Many ministers likewise remonstrated, and Sun Quan did not go.

On yiwei in the first month, Sun Quan ordered Xue Zong not to use the usual text for the departure sacrifice. Receiving the command, Xue Zong instantly composed brilliant language. Sun Quan said: “Make two more beginnings, bringing the total to three.” He offered two further prayers, each freshly worded, to general praise. In Chiwu 3 he became Master of Writing for Appointments. In the fifth year he became Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, retaining appointments duties.

He died in spring of the sixth year. His poems, rhapsodies, debates, and discussions totaled several tens of thousands of words, entitled Private Records. He also arranged the Account and Genealogy of the Five Ancestral Lines and Explanations of the Two Capitals. All circulated.

His son Xue Xu rose to General Who Overawes the South, campaigned against Jiaozhi, and died of illness on the return road.

Xue Xu's younger brother Xue Ying, courtesy name Daoyan, first became Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat in the Secret Archives. After Sun Xiu's accession he became Cavalier Central Attendant-in-Ordinary. Several years later illness caused his retirement. Early under Sun Hao he became Left Enforcer of Law, then Master of Writing for Appointments. When the crown prince was established, he concurrently became Junior Tutor. In Jianheng 3, Sun Hao praised the surviving writings of Xue Zong and ordered Xue Ying to continue them. Xue Ying offered this poem:

“My ancestors served Han in former days, Generation following generation, entering the high offices. When my father Zong encountered the age's trouble, Mao and Metal lost the reins; the state was ruined. He sought this happy land to preserve his remnant life; Heaven opened his heart and he turned southeast. At first a wandering dependent, distressed on distant frontiers, He met the Great Emperor (Sun Quan) <his posthumous imperial designation>, Who founded the enterprise and spread kindness afar. Specially summoned, he was lifted from the mud; He put aside coarse clothes, received office and a tally, Governed Hepu at the edge of the sea, Then entered the capital and rose to affairs of state. Withered branches flourished anew; a broken line resumed. From obscurity to distinction was not his original wish; Favored so greatly, he knew contentment and restraint. Again he met Emperor Wen (Sun He) <a posthumous imperial honor>, Established in the Eastern Palace, And became Junior Tutor, his glory still increasing. The brilliant sage heir, virtuous and modest, Added ritual honor and abundant generosity. Alas, my late father thought only to exhaust loyalty, Yet died before repaying the vast kindness. I, a lowly man, and my elder brother, Were fortunate to be born of Zong's surviving body. Though taught in the courtyard, we were dull and hard to enlighten, Unable to continue his building, wishing only to farm together. How could we expect the sage court's flowing benevolence, Remembering our father and pitying our lack of achievement, To raise and rescue us with extraordinary glory? Xu bore a distant command and marched south, Banners and full equipment, metal and leather resounding. I, ignorant and obscure, followed the earlier path, Entrusted with the mechanism for selecting men, And again tutored the Eastern Palace, Bearing inherited splendor with talent below my father's. Your Heaven-like virtue loves broadly and prizes cultured elegance, Recalling the departed minister and hoping his kind survives. But how could his foolish offspring resemble him? Looking at old favor and my own empty stubbornness, Who could bear the shame? Yet I live with it. Night and day I turn uneasily and examine my heart: Father, sons, and brothers received favors through generations. Dead, I would knot grass in repayment; Living, I swear to sacrifice myself. Even reduced to ashes, I could not repay one ten-thousandth.” [Translator's note: 卯金, Mao and Metal, dissects the Liu surname and represents Han. The supplied 乾德 is rendered as Heaven-like virtue; this poem's dynastic praise belongs to Xue Ying.]

That year He Ding proposed digging Sheng Creek to connect the Yangzi and Huai. Sun Hao sent Xue Ying with ten thousand men, but extensive bedrock made work difficult, and they returned. Xue Ying became Commander of Wuchang's Left Division. After He Ding's execution, Sun Hao revisited the creek affair, imprisoned Xue Ying, and exiled him to Guang Province. Right State Historian Hua He memorialized:

“I have heard that the Five Emperors and Three Kings established historians to record achievements and transmit them forever. Under Han, Sima Qian and Ban Gu were great talents of their age; their subtle works circulate with the Six Classics. Great Wu received the mandate and founded a state in the south. Late under the Great Emperor (Sun Quan), Director of the Grand Historians Ding Fu and Gentleman of the Palace Xiang Jun began the Book of Wu. Neither had historical talent, and their work was inadequate. Under the Young Emperor (Sun Liang) <a designation distinguishing his reign>, Wei Yao, Zhou Zhao, Xue Ying, Liang Guang, and I were appointed to examine former affairs and compile a complete account. Zhou Zhao and Liang Guang died; Wei Yao betrayed favor and incurred guilt; Xue Ying became a commander, then was exiled for an offense. The book has therefore stagnated and remains unsubmitted. “My shallow talent is fit only to take notes for Xue Ying and the others. If made to compile it, I would repeat Ding Fu and Xiang Jun, risking the loss of the Great Emperor (Sun Quan)'s founding achievements and diminishing the present age's excellence. Xue Ying is widely learned and exceptionally skilled in writing, foremost among his colleagues. Though current officials include many classical scholars, few have his historical ability. Thus I earnestly regret his loss for the state. I wish only that he finish the nearly completed work and append it to former histories. Once submitted, I could die in a ditch without regret.”

Sun Hao recalled Xue Ying as Left State Historian. Soon Master of Writing for Appointments Miu Yi, from the same commandery, was demoted to Administrator of Hengyang because petty men hated his firmness. After appointment, his former official duties were again questioned, and he submitted an apology. Passing through, he visited Xue Ying. Someone reported that Miu Yi showed no fear of guilt and brought many guests to gather there. Miu Yi was imprisoned and exiled to Guiyang, and Xue Ying again sent to Guang Province. Before arriving, Xue Ying was recalled and restored. Laws and policies then contained many errors and harsh measures. He repeatedly proposed lighter punishment and simpler labor demands to sustain the people; some suggestions were adopted. He became Minister of Splendid Happiness.

In Tianji 4, military commanders campaigned against Sun Hao, who sent surrender letters to Sima You, Wang Hun, and Wang Jun, all drafted by Xue Ying. At Luoyang, Xue Ying received particular priority in appointment as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. His answers were appropriate and orderly. [Translator's note: The supplied 司馬由 is retained as Sima You; the graph and intended recipient require comparison with other sources.]

He died in Taikang 3, having written eight essays called New Discussions.

The appraisal says: Zhang Hong's writing was coherent and intentions upright, an excellent instrument of his age. Sun Ce had good reason to place him next to Zhang Zhao. Masters Yan Jun, Cheng Bing, and Kan Ze were the Confucian scholars of their time. Was Yan Jun not an elder of virtue in declining honor and rescuing an old friend? Xue Zong's learning and corrective counsel made him a good Wu minister. Xue Ying continued his father's path and truly possessed his spirit. Yet repeatedly rising to prominent office in a cruel court is something a gentleman would find perilous.