| | 蕭望之傳: |
蕭望之字長倩，東海蘭陵人也，徙杜陵。家世以田為業，至望之，好學，治齊詩，事同縣后倉且十年。以令詣太常受業，復事同學博士白奇，又從夏侯勝問論語、禮服。京師諸儒稱述焉。 |
| | Xiao Wangzhi, courtesy name Changqian, was a native of Lanling, Donghai; he later moved to Duliu. His family had long been engaged in farming, but when it came to Wangzhi, he was fond of learning. He studied the Qi version of the Shi Jing (Odes) and served his fellow county native Hou Cang for nearly ten years. He was sent by the local magistrate to study under the Taichang, where he further studied with his fellow student and Doctor of Learning Bai Qi. He also followed Xiahou Sheng in studying the Lunyu (Analects) and Li Fu (Rites and Dress). The Confucian scholars in the capital praised him highly.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
是時大將軍霍光秉政，長史丙吉薦儒生王仲翁與望之等數人，皆召見。先是左將軍上官桀與蓋主謀殺光，光既誅桀等，後出入自備。吏民當見者，露索去刀兵，兩吏挾持。望之獨不肯聽，自引出閤曰：「不願見。」吏牽持匈匈。光聞之，告吏勿持。望之既至前，說光曰：「將軍以功德輔幼主，將以流大化，致於洽平，是以天下之士延頸企踵，爭願自劾，以輔高明。今士見者皆先露索挾持，恐非周公相成王躬吐握之禮，致白屋之意。」於是光獨不除用望之，而仲翁等皆補大將軍史。三歲間，仲翁至光祿大夫給事中，望之以射策甲科為郎，署小苑東門候。仲翁出入從倉頭廬兒，下車趨門，傳呼甚寵，顧謂望之曰：「 |
| | At that time, Grand General Huo Guang was in power; his chief clerk Bing Ji recommended the Confucian scholar Wang Zhongweng and several others including Wangzhi. They were all summoned for an audience. Previously, the Left General Shangguan Jie and Gai Zhu had plotted to kill Huo Guang. After Guang executed Jie and others, he thereafter took precautions when going in or out. Officials and commoners who were to be received by him would have their bodies searched for weapons, with two attendants holding them on either side. Wangzhi alone refused to comply and walked out of the hall by himself, saying, "I do not wish to be seen." The officials dragged him while making a commotion. Huo Guang heard about this and ordered the officials not to restrain him. After Wangzhi arrived before Guang, he said to the general: "General, you are assisting a young ruler through virtue and merit. You will thus spread great moral influence and bring about harmony and peace. That is why scholars throughout the land stretch their necks and eagerly step forward, vying to submit themselves in order to assist your wisdom." "Now that scholars who come to see you are first searched and held by officials, I fear this is not in the manner of Duke Zhou assisting King Cheng, who personally welcomed and treated with courtesy those from humble backgrounds, thus conveying sincerity toward commoners." Thus, Guang did not appoint Wangzhi to any position, while Zhongweng and others were all appointed as clerks under the Grand General. Within three years, Zhongweng rose to the position of Guanglu 大夫 (Guanglu Daifu) and Jishi Zhong. Wangzhi passed the imperial examination in the first class by answering questions on archery strategy and became a Lang officer, assigned as an attendant at the East Gate of Xiaoyuan. Zhongweng entered and left with attendants carrying his luggage, and when he arrived at the gate, he would alight from his carriage in haste. The guards would announce his arrival with great ceremony. Turning to Wangzhi, Zhongweng said: "
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
不肯錄錄，反抱關為。」望之曰：「各從其志。」 |
| | "You are unwilling to be diligent and hardworking, yet instead you end up as a gatekeeper." Wangzhi replied: "Each follows his own aspirations."
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
後數年，坐弟犯法，不得宿衛，免歸為郡吏。及御史大夫魏相除望之為屬，察廉為大行治禮丞。 |
| | Several years later, because of his brother's illegal activities, Wangzhi was not allowed to serve as a palace guard and was dismissed from office. He returned home and became an official in the local prefecture. When the Grand Censor Wei Xiang appointed Wangzhi as his subordinate, he was recommended for integrity and became the Assistant Director of Rituals under the Ministry of Ceremonies.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
時大將軍光薨，子禹復為大司馬，兄子山領尚書，親屬皆宿衛內侍。地節三年夏，京師雨雹，望之因是上疏，願賜清閒之宴，口陳災異之意。宣帝自在民間聞望之名，曰：「此東海蕭生邪？下少府宋畸問狀，無有所諱。」望之對，以為「春秋昭公三年大雨雹，是時季氏專權，卒逐昭公。鄉使魯君察於天變，宜亡此害。今陛下以聖德居位，思政求賢，堯舜之用心也。然而善祥未臻，陰陽不和，是大臣任政，一姓擅勢之所致也。附枝大者賊本心，私家盛者公室危。唯明主躬萬機，選同姓，舉賢材，以為腹心，與參政謀，令公卿大臣朝見奏事，明陳其職，以考功能。如是，則庶事理，公道立，姦邪塞，私權廢矣。」對奏，天子拜望之為謁者。時上初即位，思進賢良，多上書言便宜，輒下望之問狀，高者請丞相御史，次者中二千石試事，滿歲以狀聞，下者報聞，或罷歸田里，所白處奏皆可。累遷諫大夫，丞相司直，歲中三遷，官至二千石。其後霍氏竟謀反誅，望之寖益任用。 |
| | At that time, Grand General Guang had died; his son Huo Yu became the Grand Marshal, and his nephew Shang was in charge of the Secretariat. Relatives all held posts as palace guards and attendants within the imperial court. In summer of Dijing three, when hail fell on the capital, Wangzhi took this opportunity to submit a memorial, requesting an audience at leisure so that he could orally present his views on the omens and disasters. Xuandi had heard of Wangzhi's reputation while still in the common people, saying: "Is this not Xiao Sheng from Donghai?" "He should be sent to Minister Song Ji of the Shaofu Office for questioning; there must be no concealment." Wangzhi responded, stating that "In the third year of King Zhao's reign in the Spring and Autumn Annals, there was a heavy hailstorm. At that time, Ji Shi held absolute power, and eventually drove out King Zhao." "If the ruler of Lu had been attentive to omens from Heaven, this calamity could have been avoided." "Now, Your Majesty occupies the throne with your holy virtue and seeks governance and virtuous men—this is the mind of Yao and Shun." "However, good omens have not yet arrived, and yin-yang remain disharmonious. This is the result of ministers holding power and one family monopolizing influence." "When branches grow too large, they harm the root; when private families become powerful, the public house is endangered." Only a wise ruler, by personally attending to all state affairs, selecting relatives of the same surname and promoting virtuous talents as trusted advisors, can jointly deliberate on governance. He should require senior officials and ministers to appear in court to report their duties clearly, so that their capabilities may be assessed. If this is done, then all affairs will be properly managed, public justice established, and corruption and evil forces suppressed; private power will thus be abolished." After submitting his response, the emperor appointed Wangzhi as a Yezhe. At that time, the emperor had just ascended the throne and wished to promote virtuous and capable men. Many submitted memorials offering advice on state affairs; these were routinely sent to Wangzhi for investigation. Those of high merit were recommended to the Prime Minister or Grand Censor, those of moderate ability were appointed as officials with a rank of 2000 stones and put in charge of duties, and after one year their performance was reported back to the emperor. Those of lesser ability received only an acknowledgment, or were dismissed and returned to their hometowns. All recommendations he submitted for handling these matters were approved. He was repeatedly promoted, becoming a Jiance Daifu (Counselor of Advice) and then the Shizhi of the Prime Minister. Within one year he received three promotions, eventually reaching an official rank of 2000 dan. Afterward, when the Huo family was ultimately executed for plotting rebellion, Wangzhi gradually gained greater trust and employment.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
是時選博士諫大夫通政事者補郡國守相，以望之為平原太守。望之雅意在本朝，遠為郡守，內不自得，乃上疏曰：「陛下哀愍百姓，恐德化之不究，悉出諫官以補郡吏，所謂憂其末而忘其本者也。朝無爭臣則不知過，國無達士則不聞善。願陛下選明經術，溫故知新，通於幾微謀慮之士以為內臣，與參政事。諸侯聞之，則知國家納諫憂政，亡有闕遺。若此不怠，成康之道其庶幾乎！外郡不治，豈足憂哉？」書聞，徵入守少府。宣帝察望之經明持重，論議有餘，材任宰相，欲詳試其政事，復以為左馮翊。望之從少府出為左遷，恐有不合意，即移病。上聞之，使侍中成都侯金安上諭意曰：「所用皆更治民以考功。君前為平原太守日淺，故復試之於三輔，非有所聞也。」望之即視事。 |
| | At that time, those selected as Doctors of Learning or Counselors of Advice who were well-versed in state affairs were appointed to serve as governors and magistrates of commanderies and states. Wangzhi was thus made the governor of Pingyuan. Wangzhi had always aspired to serve in the imperial court, and being appointed far away as a commandery governor made him feel discontented. He therefore submitted a memorial saying: "Your Majesty is compassionate toward the people and fears that virtue and moral influence may not be fully realized; thus you have dispatched all the advisory officials to fill local posts. This is what one might call worrying about the branches while forgetting the root." "If the court lacks ministers who dare to remonstrate, then the ruler will not know his faults; if a state has no enlightened men, it will not hear of virtue." "I pray that Your Majesty select scholars well-versed in the classics, who understand both old and new knowledge, and are skilled in subtle strategies and planning, to serve as inner ministers with whom you may deliberate on state affairs." "If the feudal lords hear of this, they will know that the empire accepts remonstrance and is concerned with governance, leaving no room for deficiencies or omissions." If such efforts are not relaxed, then we may nearly attain the path of Cheng and Kang!" "The misgovernance of distant commanderies is surely not worth worrying about!" After the memorial was read, he was summoned back to serve as Acting Minister of the Shaofu. Emperor Xuandi observed that Wangzhi was well-versed in classics, steady and prudent, with abundant insight in debate. He believed he had the talent to serve as a prime minister, and wished to thoroughly test his administrative abilities; thus, he appointed him again as the governor of Zuofengyi. Wangzhi was transferred from the position of Shaofu Minister to a lower post, and fearing that he might not meet expectations, he immediately claimed illness. The emperor heard of this and sent Chengdu Hou Jin Anshang, an Attendant-in-Ordinary, to convey his message: "Those appointed are all tested in governing the people to assess their abilities. "Previously, your tenure as governor of Pingyuan was brief; therefore, you are being tested again in the Three Fu regions. This is not due to any negative reports." Wangzhi then resumed his official duties.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
是歲西羌反，漢遣後將軍征之。京兆尹張敞上書言：「國兵在外，軍以夏發，隴西以北，安定以西，吏民並給轉輸，田事頗廢，素無餘積，雖羌虜以破，來春民食必乏。窮辟之處，買亡所得，縣官穀度不足以振之。願令諸有罪，非盜受財殺人及犯法不得赦者，皆得以差入穀此八郡贖罪。務益致穀以豫備百姓之急。」事下有司，望之與少府李彊議，以為「民函陰陽之氣，有仁義欲利之心，在教化之所助。堯在上，不能去民欲利之心，而能令其欲利不勝其好義也；雖桀在上，不能去民好義之心，而能令其好義不勝其欲利也。故堯、桀之分，在於義利而已，道民不可不慎也。今欲令民量粟以贖罪，如此則富者得生，貧者獨死，是貧富異刑而法不壹也。人情，貧窮，父兄囚執，聞出財得以生活，為人子弟者將不顧死亡之患，敗亂之行，以赴財利，求救親戚。一人得生，十人以喪，如此，伯夷之行壞，公綽之名滅。政教壹傾，雖有周召之佐，恐不能復。古者臧於民，不足則取，有餘則予。《》曰『』，上惠下也。又曰『雨我公田，遂及我私』，下急上也。今有西邊之役，民失作業，雖戶賦口斂以贍其困乏，古之通義，百姓莫以為非。以死救生，恐未可也。陛下布德施教，教化既成，堯舜亡以加也。今議開利路以傷既成之化，臣竊痛之。」 |
| | In this year, the western Qiang rebels rose up; the Han dynasty dispatched the Rear General to campaign against them. Yingzhao Yin Zhang Chang submitted a memorial stating: "The imperial army is deployed abroad, and the campaign was launched in summer. In areas north of Longxi and west of Anding, officials and commoners are all engaged in supplying provisions for the military; as a result, farming has been largely neglected. There have long been no surplus reserves. Even if the Qiang rebels are defeated, the people's food supply will surely be insufficient next spring." "In remote and impoverished areas, there is nothing to buy; even the grain reserves of the imperial government are insufficient to provide relief." "I pray that all those who have committed crimes, except for thieves who stole property, murderers, and others whose offenses are not eligible for pardon, may be allowed to redeem their sentences by contributing grain to these eight commanderies." "Efforts should be made to increase the supply of grain in order to prepare for the urgent needs of the people." The matter was referred to the relevant officials. Wangzhi and Minister of Shaofu Li Qiang deliberated, believing that "the people embody yin-yang energies; they possess a mind inclined toward benevolence and righteousness as well as desires for profit. Their behavior depends on moral instruction and guidance." "When Yao was in power, he could not remove the people's desire for profit; however, he succeeded in ensuring that their pursuit of profit did not outweigh their love of righteousness." "Even if Jie were to rule, he could not eliminate the people's inclination toward righteousness; however, he might succeed in making their love of righteousness give way to their desire for profit." "Therefore, the distinction between Yao and Jie lies solely in whether they prioritize righteousness or profit. Thus, guiding the people must be approached with great care." "Now, if we allow the people to redeem their crimes by paying grain, then the wealthy will be spared while the poor face death. This would mean different punishments for rich and poor, leading to inconsistency in the law." "Human nature, when impoverished, will see fathers and elder brothers imprisoned. When they hear that money can secure their release and sustain life, sons and younger relatives may disregard dangers of death or disorder in their conduct to pursue wealth for the sake of rescuing family members." "If one person is saved, ten others may perish. In this way, the conduct of Boyi will be corrupted and the reputation of Gongchuo destroyed." "Once moral instruction and governance begin to decline, even with ministers as capable as Zhougao, I fear it will be difficult to restore them." "In ancient times, the state stored resources among the people. When there was a shortage, they would take; when there was surplus, they would give back." "As the Shi Jing says: 'Extend your care to those in distress and pity these widows and orphans'—this is benevolence from above toward the people below." "It also says: 'Rain upon my public fields, and thus reach my private ones'—this reflects the urgency of those below reaching up to their superiors." "Now, with the military campaign on the western frontier, the people have lost their farming. Even if we impose household taxes and per capita levies to support those in hardship, this is a common principle of ancient times, and the people will not regard it as unjust." "To sacrifice one life to save another may be justified, but I fear we are going beyond this boundary." "Your Majesty spreads virtue and instruction; once moral education is achieved, even Yao and Shun could not surpass it. "Now to propose opening a path for profit at the expense of an already established moral order—this is something I, as a subject, deeply lament."
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
於是天子復下其議兩府，丞相、御史以難問張敞。敞曰：「少府左馮翊所言，常人之所守耳。昔先帝征四夷，兵行三十餘年，百姓猶不加賦，而軍用給。今羌虜一隅小夷，跳梁於山谷間，漢但令罪人出財減罪以誅之，其名賢於煩擾良民橫興賦斂也。又諸盜及殺人犯不道者，百姓所疾苦也，皆不得贖；首匿、見知縱、所不當得為之屬，議者或頗言其法可蠲除，今因此令贖，其便明甚，何化之所亂？甫刑之罰，小過赦，薄罪贖，有金選之品，所從來久矣，何賊之所生？敞備皁衣二十餘年，嘗聞罪人贖矣，未聞盜賊起也。竊憐涼州被寇，方秋饒時，民尚有飢乏，病死於道路，況至來春將大困乎！不早慮所以振救之策，而引常經以難，恐後為重責。常人可與守經，未可與權也。敞幸得備列卿，以輔兩府為職，不敢不盡愚。」 |
| | Thus, the emperor again referred the matter to both the Grand Secretariat and the Office of Censors, where the Prime Minister and the Grand Censor questioned Zhang Chang on this issue. Zhang Chang replied: "What the Shaofu Minister and Zuofengyi said is merely what an ordinary person would uphold." "In former times, the late emperor campaigned against the four foreign tribes; for over thirty years of military campaigns, the people were not burdened with additional taxes, yet the army's needs were met." "Now, the Qiang rebels are but a minor group in one corner of the land, leaping about in mountain valleys. The Han dynasty merely requires criminals to pay money to reduce their sentences in order to suppress them; this is surely more virtuous than troubling innocent people and imposing arbitrary taxes." "Moreover, those who commit theft or murder, or who violate the law in heinous ways—these are the very crimes that cause suffering to the people—and they cannot be redeemed." "Regarding those who conceal criminals, or officials who knowingly allow crimes to go unpunished, or others who commit acts they should not—some have suggested that these laws might be abolished. Now is the time to permit redemption for such offenses; this would clearly be beneficial. How could it possibly disrupt moral order?" "The punishments in the Fu Xing (Book of Punishments) allow for minor offenses to be pardoned and slight crimes to be redeemed with money; such practices have been in place for a long time. How could this possibly give rise to banditry?" "Zhang Chang, having served in official robes for over twenty years, has often heard of criminals redeeming their sentences, but never that this led to the rise of bandits." "I secretly feel pity for the people of Liangzhou who are suffering from bandit attacks. Even at this time of autumn abundance, there are still starving and dying people on the roads; how much greater will their hardship be next spring!" "To delay considering strategies for relief, instead citing conventional principles to oppose action, I fear this will lead to heavier blame later on." "Ordinary people can be entrusted with upholding established principles, but they cannot be trusted to exercise discretion in exceptional circumstances." "Zhang Chang is fortunate enough to hold the rank of a high minister, and it is my duty to assist both the Grand Secretariat and Office of Censors. I dare not withhold my humble opinion."
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望之、彊復對曰：「先帝聖德，賢良在位，作憲垂法，為無窮之規，永惟邊竟之不贍，故金布令甲曰『邊郡數被兵，離飢寒，夭絕天年，父子相失，令天下共給其費』，固為軍旅卒暴之事也。聞天漢四年，常使死罪人入五十萬錢減死罪一等，豪彊吏民請奪假貣，至為盜賊以贖罪。其後姦邪橫暴，群盜並起，至攻城邑，殺郡守，充滿山谷，吏不能禁，明詔遣繡衣使者以興兵擊之，誅者過半，然後衰止。愚以為此使死罪贖之敗也，故曰不便。」時丞相魏相、御史大夫丙吉亦以為羌虜且破，轉輸略足相給，遂不施敞議。望之為左馮翊三年，京師稱之，遷大鴻臚。 |
| | Wangzhi and Qiang replied again: "The late emperor, with his holy virtue, had virtuous ministers in office. He established laws and regulations to serve as eternal guidelines. Ever mindful of the hardships along the borders, he issued a decree stating, 'Border commanderies are frequently subjected to warfare, suffering from hunger and cold, losing their natural years, and fathers and sons being separated; therefore, let all under heaven share the cost.' This was clearly intended for sudden military emergencies." "We have heard that in the fourth year of Tianhan, it was customary to allow those sentenced to death to pay 500,000 coins to reduce their sentence by one degree. Powerful officials and commoners would then request loans or bribes, even resorting to banditry just to raise money for redemption." "Afterward, corruption and violence ran rampant; gangs of bandits rose up together, attacking cities and killing commandery magistrates. They filled the mountains and valleys, and officials could not stop them. The emperor issued a clear decree sending embroidered-robed envoys to raise armies for suppression. More than half were executed before their activities finally declined." "Therefore, I believe this was the consequence of allowing those sentenced to death to redeem themselves; hence, it is not advisable." At that time, Prime Minister Wei Xiang and Grand Censor Bing Ji also believed the Qiang rebels would soon be defeated and that transport supplies were roughly sufficient to meet needs. Thus, they did not adopt Zhang Chang's proposal. Wangzhi served as the governor of Zuofengy for three years; he was praised in the capital and promoted to Da Honglu.
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先是烏孫昆彌翁歸靡因長羅侯常惠上一書，願以漢外孫元貴靡為嗣，得復尚少主，結婚內附，畔去匈奴。詔下公卿議，望之以為烏孫絕域，信其美言，萬里結婚，非長策也。天子不聽。神爵二年，遣長羅侯惠使送公主配元貴靡。未出塞，翁歸靡死，其兄子狂王背約自立。惠從塞下上書，願留少主敦煌郡。惠至烏孫，責以負約，因立元貴靡，還迎少主。詔下公卿議，望之復以為「不可。烏孫持兩端，亡堅約，其效可見。前少主在烏孫四十餘年，恩愛不親密，邊境未以安，此已事之驗也。今少主以元貴靡不得立而還，信無負於四夷，此中國之大福也。少主不止，繇役將興，其原起此。」天子從其議，徵少主還。後烏孫雖分國兩立，以元貴靡為大昆彌，漢遂不復與結婚。 |
| | Previously, Wusun Kunmi Wengguimilu, through Changluo Hou Chang Hui, submitted a letter requesting that his Han dynasty grandson Yuanguimi be recognized as heir. He wished to marry into the imperial family again and form an alliance with the Han court in order to break away from the Xiongnu. The emperor referred the matter for discussion among senior officials. Wangzhi believed that Wusun was a distant land, and placing trust in their flattering words to form an alliance through marriage over such great distances would not be a lasting strategy. The emperor did not listen. In the second year of Shenjue, Changluo Hou Hui was sent as an envoy to escort a princess in marriage to Yuanguimi. Before the envoy had crossed the frontier, Wengguimilu died; his nephew Kuangwang betrayed the agreement and declared himself ruler. Hui submitted a memorial from near the frontier, requesting that the princess be kept in Dunhuang commandery for now. When Hui arrived at Wusun, he rebuked them for breaking the agreement and thus installed Yuanguimi as ruler. He then returned to escort the princess. The emperor again referred the matter for deliberation among senior officials, but Wangzhi once more believed it was not advisable. "Wusun is indecisive and holds to no firm commitments; the consequences of this are already evident." "Previously, a princess was married to Wusun and remained there for over forty years; yet no deep affection or trust developed, nor did the frontier become secure. This is clear evidence from past events." "Now that this princess has returned because Yuanguimi was not installed, China's trust with the four foreign tribes remains intact. This is a great blessing for our nation." "If the princess does not return, military campaigns and labor levies will inevitably arise; this situation originates from here." The emperor followed his recommendation and summoned the princess back. Later, although Wusun divided its kingdom into two factions, with Yuanguimi becoming the Great Kunmi, the Han dynasty no longer entered into marital alliances with them.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
三年，代丙吉為御史大夫。五鳳中匈奴大亂，議者多曰匈奴為害日久，可因其壞亂舉兵滅之。詔遣中朝大司馬車騎將軍韓增、諸吏富平侯張延壽、光祿勳楊惲、太僕戴長樂問望之計策，望之對曰：「春秋晉士饨帥師侵齊，聞齊侯卒，引師而還，君子大其不伐喪，以為恩足以服孝子，誼足以動諸侯。前單于慕化鄉善稱弟，遣使請求和親，海內欣然，夷狄莫不聞。未終奉約，不幸為賊臣所殺，今而伐之，是乘亂而幸災也，彼必奔走遠遁。不以義動兵，恐勞而無功。宜遣使者弔問，輔其微弱，救其災患，四夷聞之，咸貴中國之仁義。如遂蒙恩得復其位，必稱臣服從，此德之盛也。」上從其議，後竟遣兵護輔呼韓邪單于定其國。 |
| | In the third year, he succeeded Bing Ji as Grand Censor. During the Wufeng period, the Xiongnu suffered a great upheaval; many advisors argued that since the Xiongnu had long been a source of harm, it was an opportunity to take advantage of their chaos and launch a military campaign to destroy them. The emperor summoned the central court officials: Grand Marshal and Chariot-and-Horse General Han Zeng, Officer-in-Attendance and Fuping Hou Zhang Yanshou, Minister of Light Merit Yang Yun, and Minister of War Dai Changle to consult Wangzhi on a strategy. Wangzhi responded, "In the Spring and Autumn Annals, Jin's Shi Dun led troops to invade Qi but upon hearing that the ruler of Qi had died, withdrew his forces. The virtuous men greatly praised this act of not attacking during mourning, considering it an example where benevolence was sufficient to move filial sons, and righteousness enough to influence feudal lords." "Previously, the Chanyu admired our civilization and expressed a desire for peace by calling himself my younger brother. He sent envoys to request a marriage alliance; this was met with joy throughout the realm, and no barbarian tribe failed to hear of it." "Before the agreement was fully honored, he unfortunately fell victim to treacherous ministers. If we now attack them, it would be taking advantage of their misfortune and hoping for disaster; they will surely flee far away." "Initiating military action without righteousness may lead to exhaustion without achieving success." "We should send envoys to express condolences and offer assistance, supporting their weak position and relieving their distress. When the four barbarian tribes hear of this, they will all value the benevolence and righteousness of our Chinese civilization." "If they are then favored by grace and allowed to regain their position, they will surely submit as vassals. This would be the height of virtue." The emperor followed his advice; later, he indeed sent troops to protect and assist Huhanye Chanyu in stabilizing his kingdom.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
是時大司農中丞耿壽昌奏設常平倉，上善之，望之非壽昌。丞相丙吉年老，上重焉，望之又奏言：「百姓或乏困，盜賊未止，二千石多材下不任職。三公非其人，則三光為之不明，今首歲日月少光，咎在臣等。」上以望之意輕丞相，乃下侍中建章衛尉金安上、光祿勳楊惲、御史中丞王忠，并詰問望之。望之免冠置對，天子繇是不說。 |
| | At that time, the Director of Revenue and Central Censor Geng Shouchang submitted a proposal to establish permanent granaries. The emperor approved it, but Wangzhi criticized Shouchang. The Prime Minister Bing Ji was old, and the emperor held him in high regard. Wangzhi again submitted a memorial stating: "The people may be weary and exhausted; banditry has not ceased, yet many magistrates of the rank of two-thousand stones are incompetent and unfit for their duties." "If the Three Dukes are not properly appointed, the three luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars—will be dimmed. Now in this first year, the sun and moon have shown less light; the fault lies with us ministers." The emperor believed that Wangzhi's remarks were disrespectful toward the prime minister, so he ordered Attendant-in-Attendance Jianzhang Weiwei Jin Anshang, Minister of Light Merit Yangyun, and Central Censor of the Grand Censorate Wang Zhong to jointly question Wangzhi. Wangzhi removed his official hat in response, but from then on, the emperor was displeased with him.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
後丞相司直茇延壽奏：「侍中謁者良使丞制詔望之，望之再拜已。良與望之言，望之不起，因故下手，而謂御史曰『良禮不備』。故事丞相病，明日御史大夫輒問病；朝奏事會庭中，差居丞相後，丞相謝，大夫少進，揖。今丞相數病，望之不問病；會庭中，與丞相鈞禮。時議事不合意，望之曰：『侯年寧能父我邪！』知御史有令不得擅使，望之多使守史自給車馬，之杜陵護視家事。少史冠法冠，為妻先引，又使賣買，私所附益凡十萬三千。案望之大臣，通經術，居九卿之右，本朝所仰，至不奉法自修，踞慢不遜攘，受所監臧二百五十以上，請逮捕繫治。」上於是策望之曰：「有司奏君責使者禮，遇丞相亡禮，廉聲不聞，敖慢不遜，亡以扶政，帥先百僚。君不深思，陷于茲穢，朕不忍致君于理，使光祿勳惲策詔，左遷君為太子太傅，授印。其上故印使者，便道之官。君其秉道明孝，正直是與，帥意亡伥，靡有後言。」 |
| | Later, Bing Ji's Chief Judicial Officer Ba Yanshou submitted a memorial: "Attendant-in-Attendance Liang was sent by the emperor to issue an imperial decree to Wangzhi; Wangzhi bowed twice in response." "Liang spoke with Wangzhi, but when Wangzhi did not rise to greet him, Liang took the initiative and told the Grand Censor that 'Liang's courtesy was insufficient.'" According to established custom, when a prime minister fell ill, the next day the Grand Censor would visit him to inquire about his condition; when presenting reports in court and assembling in the courtyard, he stood slightly behind the prime minister. When the prime minister expressed thanks, the Grand Censor would step forward a little and bow. "Now that the prime minister has been ill several times, Wangzhi did not inquire about his illness; when assembling in court, he treated him with equal courtesy." At the time, when their opinions on a matter did not align, Wangzhi said: "How can you, Hou Nian, be my father!" Wangzhi knew that the Grand Censor had an order prohibiting unauthorized use of officials, yet he frequently assigned guards to provide carriages and horses for his own use, sending them to Duliu to oversee family affairs. Junior clerks wore official hats and led the way for his wife, while also being ordered to conduct buying and selling. The total private expenses added by these actions amounted to 103,000 coins. "An investigation revealed that Wangzhi, a high-ranking official and scholar of the classics, held a position among the Nine Ministers and was greatly respected by this court. Yet he failed to abide by laws or conduct himself properly, behaving arrogantly and disrespectfully. He accepted bribes exceeding 250 measures of grain; I request his arrest and punishment." The emperor then issued a decree to Wangzhi: "The officials have reported that you failed in your duty by not observing proper courtesy toward the envoys, and treated the prime minister with disrespect. Your reputation for integrity is unknown; instead, you displayed arrogance and rudeness, failing to support governance or lead the officials as an example." "You did not reflect deeply and have fallen into this disgrace. I cannot bear to subject you to formal punishment, so Minister of Light Merit Yun will issue the decree: demote you to Tutor to the Crown Prince and bestow your seal." "You must return your former seal through an official envoy, then proceed on your way to assume your new post by the most convenient route." "May you uphold virtue and clarify filial piety, associate with integrity and uprightness, lead with sincerity without deviation, and leave no room for future reproach."
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
望之既左遷，而黃霸代為御史大夫。數月間，丙吉薨，霸為丞相。霸薨，于定國復代焉。望之遂見廢，不得相。為太傅，以論語、禮服授皇太子。 |
| | After Wangzhi was demoted, Huang Ba succeeded him as Grand Censor. Within several months, Bing Ji died, and Ba became prime minister. After Ba's death, Yu Dingguo once again succeeded him in the position. Wangzhi was thus dismissed from office and never appointed as prime minister. As Tutor to the Crown Prince, he taught the prince the Analects of Confucius and the Rites.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
初，匈奴呼韓邪單于來朝，詔公卿議其儀，丞相霸、御史大夫定國議曰：「聖王之制，施德行禮，先京師而後諸夏，先諸夏而後夷狄。《》云：『率禮不越，遂視既發；相土烈烈，海外有截。』陛下聖德充塞天地，光被四表，匈奴單于鄉風慕化，奉珍朝賀，自古未之有也。其禮儀宜如諸侯王，位次在下。」望之以為「單于非正朔所加，故稱敵國，宜待以不臣之禮，位在諸侯王上。外夷稽首稱藩，中國讓而不臣，此則羈縻之誼，謙亨之福也。書曰『戎狄荒服』，言其來，荒忽亡常。如使匈奴後嗣卒有鳥竄鼠伏，闕於朝享，不為畔臣。信讓行乎蠻貉，福祚流于亡窮，萬世之長策也。」天子采之，下詔曰：「蓋聞五帝三王教化所不施，不及以政。今匈奴單于稱北藩，朝正朔，朕之不逮，德不能弘覆。其以客禮待之，令單于位在諸侯王上，贊謁稱臣而不名。」 |
| | Initially, when the Xiongnu ruler Huhanye Chanyu came to court, the emperor summoned senior officials to deliberate on the proper ceremony. The prime minister Ba and Grand Censor Dingguo proposed: "The system of sage kings was to extend virtue and observe rites, first applying them in the capital and then among the Chinese states, and finally toward the barbarian tribes." "The Book of Songs says: 'Follow rites without transgression; proceed to observe what has already been set in motion;" 'Assess the land with vigor, and even distant lands will be brought under control.'" "The emperor's virtuous and holy conduct fills the heavens and earth, shining upon all directions. The Xiongnu Chanyu admires our civilization and brings treasures to pay homage; such an event has never occurred in ancient times." "Therefore, the ceremony should be like that for a feudal king, with his position ranked lower than ours." Wangzhi believed: "The Chanyu is not under the authority of our calendar system, so he should be regarded as an equal state. He should therefore be treated with a ceremony that does not require submission, and his position should rank above feudal kings." "Although the foreign barbarian bows in submission as a vassal, China shows courtesy without demanding subordination. This is the proper way to manage relations through restraint and humility, bringing blessings of harmony." "The Book of Documents says 'Rong and Di are wild and distant subjects,' meaning their coming is unpredictable and without regularity. "If in the future, descendants of the Xiongnu should suddenly flee like birds or hide like mice and fail to attend court ceremonies, they would not be considered traitorous subjects." "Confidence and courtesy extended toward the southern and northern barbarians will bring blessings that flow endlessly, a lasting strategy for ten thousand generations." The emperor adopted this view and issued an edict: "I have heard that the Five Emperors and Three Kings did not impose education or governance on those beyond their reach. "Now, the Xiongnu Chanyu has declared himself a northern vassal and paid homage to our calendar system. My virtue is insufficient; I cannot fully extend my benevolence." "Therefore, treat him with the courtesy of a guest. Place his position above that of feudal kings; when he pays homage, let him be addressed as a subject without using his personal name."
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
及宣帝寢疾，選大臣可屬者，引外屬侍中樂陵侯史高、太子太傅望之、少傅周堪至禁中，拜高為大司馬車騎將軍，望之為前將軍光祿勳，堪為光祿大夫，皆受遺詔輔政，領尚書事。宣帝崩，太子襲尊號，是為孝元帝。望之、堪本以師傅見尊重，上即位，數宴見，言治亂，陳王事。望之選白宗室明經達學散騎諫大夫劉更生給事中，與侍中金敞並拾遺左右。四人同心謀議，勸道上以古制，多所欲匡正，上甚鄉納之。 |
| | When Emperor Xuan fell seriously ill, he selected ministers to whom he could entrust the throne. He summoned his maternal uncle, Attendant-in-Attendance and Leling Hou Shi Gao, Tutor to the Crown Prince Wangzhi, and Deputy Tutor Zhou Kan into the palace. He appointed Gao as Grand Marshal and General of Chariots-and-Horses, Wangzhi as Front General and Minister of Light Merit, and Kan as Minister of Light Affairs. All three received imperial instructions to assist in governance and were entrusted with overseeing the Secretariat. Emperor Xuan died, and the crown prince ascended the throne, becoming Emperor Yuan. Wangzhi and Kan had originally been held in high esteem as teachers to the emperor. After the new emperor ascended the throne, he frequently summoned them for banquets and discussions on governance, where they spoke of order and disorder, offering advice on state affairs. Wangzhi recommended Liu Gengsheng, a scholar of the imperial clan who was well-versed in Confucian classics and served as an Attendant-in-Attendance, to be appointed as an Official of the Secretariat. Alongside Attendant-in-Attendance Jin Chang, they jointly assisted in correcting errors on both sides of court affairs. The four men shared a common purpose, deliberating together and advising the emperor on ancient precedents; they proposed many reforms to correct governance. The emperor was very receptive to their suggestions.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
初，宣帝不甚從儒術，任用法律，而中書宦官用事。中書令弘恭、石顯久典樞機，明習文法，亦與車騎將軍高為表裏，論議常獨持故事，不從望之等。恭、顯又時傾仄見詘。望之以為中書政本，宜以賢明之選，自武帝游宴後庭，故用宦者，非國舊制，又違古不近刑人之義，白欲更置士人，繇是大與高、恭、顯忤。上初即位，謙讓重改作，議久不定，出劉更生為宗正。 |
| | Initially, Emperor Xuan did not greatly favor Confucian learning and relied heavily on legalism, while eunuchs in the Secretariat held significant power. The Secretariat Director Hong Gong and Shi Xian had long controlled the central administration, were well-versed in official procedures, and formed a close alliance with General of Chariots-and-Horse Shi Gao. In deliberations, they often insisted on precedent alone and did not follow Wangzhi's proposals. Hong Gong and Shi Xian also occasionally displayed subtle signs of being undermined. Wangzhi believed that the Secretariat was fundamental to governance and should be staffed by virtuous scholars. Since Emperor Wu had begun using eunuchs for court entertainment, this practice had become established but deviated from ancient customs and violated the Confucian principle of not entrusting important affairs to those who had been castrated. He proposed replacing them with civilian officials, which led to a major conflict with Gao, Gong, and Xian. At the beginning of his reign, the new emperor was cautious and hesitant to make major changes; deliberations on this matter dragged on for a long time. Eventually, Liu Gengsheng was transferred to serve as Minister of Imperial Clan Affairs.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
望之、堪數薦名儒茂材以備諫官。會稽鄭朋陰欲附望之，上疏言車騎將軍高遣客為姦利郡國，及言許、史子弟罪過。章視周堪，堪白令朋待詔金馬門。朋奏記望之曰：「將軍體周召之德，秉公綽之質，有卞莊之威。至乎耳順之年，履折衝之位，號至將軍，誠士之高致也。窟穴黎庶莫不懽喜，咸曰將軍其人也。今將軍橱跻云若管晏而休，遂行日仄至周召乃留乎？若管晏而休，則下走將歸延陵之皋，修農圃之疇，畜雞種黍，俟見二子，沒齒而已矣。如將軍昭然度行，積思塞邪枉之險蹊，宣中庸之常政，興周召之遺業，親日仄之兼聽，則下走其庶幾願竭區區，底厲鋒鍔，奉萬分之一。」望之見納朋，接待以意。朋數稱述望之，短車騎將軍。言許、史過失。 |
| | Wangzhi and Kan repeatedly recommended renowned Confucian scholars and talented individuals for positions in the advisory offices. Yueji Zheng Peng secretly sought to align himself with Wangzhi and submitted a memorial accusing General of Chariots-and-Mares Shi Gao of sending agents to engage in corrupt dealings across the commanderies, as well as exposing misconduct by members of the Xu and Shi families. The memorial was reviewed by Zhou Kan, who reported to the emperor and ordered Zheng Peng to await further instructions at Jinma Gate. Zheng Peng submitted a letter to Wangzhi saying: "General, you embody the virtue of Zhou Gong and Zhao Gong, possess the integrity of Gongchuo, and have the authority of Bian Zhuang. "Having reached an age of wisdom, you now hold a position of great responsibility and are honored with the title of General—truly the highest aspiration for any scholar." "Common people in every corner of the land rejoice, all saying that you are indeed the right person to lead." "Now, should General ascend like Guan Zhong and Yan Ying and retire, or remain in office until you reach the virtue of Zhou Gong or Zhao Gong?" "If you retire like Guan Zhong or Yan Ying, then I shall return to the fields of Yaling, cultivate my farmland, raise chickens and grow millet, waiting until I meet those two sages in old age." "But if General clearly demonstrates your virtue and conduct, carefully block the treacherous paths of injustice, promote policies of moderation and balance, revive the legacy of Zhou Gong and Zhao Gong by personally listening to all sides with impartiality, then I would be honored to devote my humble self, sharpening my resolve like a blade, ready to serve even in the smallest way." Wangzhi welcomed Zheng Peng warmly and treated him with courtesy. Zheng Peng frequently praised Wangzhi while criticizing General Shi Gao. He also spoke of the faults and misconduct of Xu and Shi family members.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
後朋行傾邪，望之絕不與通。朋與大司農史李宮俱待詔，堪獨白宮為黃門郎。朋，楚士，怨恨，更求入許、史，推所言許、史事曰：「皆周堪、劉更生教我，我關東人，何以知此？」於是侍中許章白見朋。朋出揚言曰：「我見，言前將軍小過五，大罪一。中書令在旁，知我言狀。」望之聞之，以問弘恭、石顯。顯、恭恐望之自訟，下於它吏，即挾朋及待詔華龍。龍者，宣帝時與張子蟜等待詔，以行汙濊不進，欲入堪等，堪等不納，故與朋相結。恭、顯令二人告望之等謀欲罷車騎將軍疏退許、史狀，候望之出休日，令朋、龍上之。事下弘恭問狀，望之對曰：「外戚在位多奢淫，欲以匡正國家，非為邪也。」恭、顯奏「望之、堪、更生朋黨相稱舉，數譖訴大臣，毀離親戚，欲以專擅權勢，為臣不忠，誣上不道，請謁者召致廷尉。」時上初即位，不省「謁者召致廷尉」為下獄也，可其奏。後上召堪、更生，曰繫獄。上大驚曰：「非但廷尉問邪？」以責恭、顯，皆叩頭謝。上曰：「令出視事。」恭、顯因使高言：「上新即位，未以德化聞於天下，而先驗師傅，既下九卿大夫獄，宜因決免。」於是制詔丞相御史：「前將軍望之傅朕八年，亡它罪過，今事久遠，識忘難明。其赦望之罪，收前將軍光祿勳印綬，及堪、更生皆免為庶人。」而朋為黃門郎。 |
| | Later, when Zheng Peng's conduct became increasingly deceitful, Wangzhi completely cut off contact with him. Zheng Peng and the Director of Revenue Shi Li Gong were both awaiting imperial appointments, but Zhou Kan alone recommended Li Gong for a position as Yellow Gate Attendant. Zheng Peng, a native of Chu, became resentful and sought to ingratiate himself with Xu and Shi. He spread the claim that "all I said about Xu and Shi was taught by Zhou Kan and Liu Gengsheng; I am an easterner, how could I possibly know these things?" At this time, Attendant-in-Attendance Xu Zhang reported to the emperor about Zheng Peng. Zheng Peng then publicly declared: "I was summoned, and I spoke of five minor faults and one major crime committed by the former general." "The Secretariat Director was present and knows exactly what I said." Wangzhi heard of this and inquired about it from Hong Gong and Shi Xian. Shi Xian and Hong Gong feared that Wangzhi would bring a lawsuit himself, so they handed Zheng Peng over to other officials. They also detained Hua Long, who was awaiting an imperial appointment. Hua Long had, during Emperor Xuan's reign, been awaiting an appointment along with Zhang Zijiao. Because of his corrupt conduct and failure to advance in rank, he wished to align himself with Zhou Kan and others, but they refused him; thus, he formed a connection with Zheng Peng. Hong Gong and Shi Xian instructed the two men to accuse Wangzhi of plotting to remove General Shi Gao from office and to depose Xu and Shi, waiting for a day when Wangzhi was on leave before sending Zheng Peng and Hua Long to submit the accusation. The matter was referred to Hong Gong for investigation, and Wangzhi responded: "Imperial relatives in office are often extravagant and immoral. I wished to correct the state's affairs through these actions; this was not an act of malice." Hong Gong and Shi Xian submitted a report: "Wangzhi, Zhou Kan, and Liu Gengsheng formed a faction, supporting each other while repeatedly falsely accusing senior officials and undermining close relatives. They sought to monopolize power; this is disloyalty as a minister and an act of slandering the emperor with grave disrespect. We request that an official summon them for trial by the Minister of Justice." At this time, the emperor had just ascended the throne and did not understand that "an official summoning them to the Minister of Justice" meant imprisonment. He approved their request. Later, when the emperor summoned Zhou Kan and Liu Gengshen, he was told they were in prison. The emperor was greatly shocked and asked: "Is this not merely an investigation by the Minister of Justice?" He rebuked Hong Gong and Shi Xian, who both kowtowed in apology. The emperor said: "Order them to be released and resume their duties." Hong Gong and Shi Xian then had Gao say: "The emperor has just ascended the throne, but before his virtue is known to all under heaven, he first tests his teachers. Now that senior officials have been imprisoned, it would be appropriate to proceed with their dismissal." The emperor then issued an imperial decree through the prime minister and Grand Censor: "Former General Wangzhi served as my tutor for eight years, with no other crimes or misconduct. Now that this matter has been long past, memories have faded and it is difficult to clarify." "Therefore, pardon Wangzhi's crime. Retrieve the seal and sash of his former position as Minister of Light Merit for the Front General, and Zhou Kan and Liu Gengshang shall all be demoted to commoners." Zheng Peng was appointed as a Yellow Gate Attendant.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
後數月，制詔御史：「國之將興，尊師而重傅。故前將軍望之傅朕八年，道以經術，厥功茂焉。其賜望之爵關內侯，食邑六百戶，給事中，朝朔望，坐次將軍。」天子方倚欲以為丞相，會望之子散騎中郎伋上書訟望之前事，事下有司，復奏「望之前所坐明白，無譖訴者，而教子上書，稱引亡辜之詩，失大臣體，不敬，請逮捕。」弘恭、石顯等知望之素高節，不詘辱，建白「望之前為將軍輔政，欲排退許、史，專權擅朝。幸得不坐，復賜爵邑，與聞政事，不悔過服罪，深懷怨望，教子上書，歸非於上，自以託師傅，懷終不坐。非頗詘望之於牢獄，塞其怏怏心，則聖朝亡以施恩厚。」上曰：「蕭太傅素剛，安肯就吏？」顯等曰：「人命至重，望之所坐，語言薄罪，必亡所憂。」上乃可其奏。 |
| | A few months later, the emperor issued an imperial decree through the Grand Censor: "When a state is about to flourish, it honors its teachers and respects its mentors. Former General Wangzhi tutored me for eight years, instructing me in the classics and scholarship; his contribution was great indeed. "Therefore, bestow upon Wangzhi the title of Guannei Hou (Marquis within the Pass), with a fief of six hundred households. Appoint him as an Attendant-in-Attendance, granting him audience on the first and fifteenth days of each month, and seating him in order among the generals." The emperor was just about to appoint him as prime minister when Wangzhi's son, Sanqi Zhonglang Ji, submitted a memorial petitioning for his father's case. The matter was referred to the relevant officials, who again reported: "Wangzhi's previous offense is clear; there are no false accusations against him. However, he instructed his son to submit this petition, citing verses from poems about innocent people, which violates the decorum of a high minister and constitutes disrespect. We request that he be arrested." Hong Gong and Shi Xian knew that Wangzhi had always been of high moral integrity and would not bend to humiliation, so they proposed: "Former General Wangzhi once assisted in governance and sought to remove Xu and Shi from power, thereby seizing authority and monopolizing the court. Fortunately, he was not punished and was later granted a title and fief, allowing him to participate in political affairs. Yet he has shown no remorse or acceptance of guilt, but instead harbors deep resentment. He instructed his son to submit the petition, shifting blame onto the emperor. Considering himself as a former tutor, he believes that ultimately he will not be held accountable. "If we do not humble Wangzhi in prison and quell his discontent, the holy dynasty will have no way to demonstrate its benevolence." The emperor said: "Grand Tutor Xiao has always been resolute; how would he willingly submit to officials?" Shi Xian and others said: "Human life is of the utmost importance. The offense Wangzhi committed was a minor verbal one, so there should be no cause for concern." The emperor then approved their proposal.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
顯等封以付謁者，敕令召望之手付，因令太常急發執金吾車騎馳圍其第。使者至，召望之。望之欲自殺，其夫人止之，以為非天子意。望之以問門下生朱雲。雲者好節士，勸望之自裁。於是望之卬天歎曰：「吾嘗備位將相，年踰六十矣，老入牢獄，苟求生活，不亦鄙乎！」字謂雲曰：「游，趣和藥來，無久留我死！」竟飲鴆自殺。天子聞之驚，拊手曰：「曩固疑其不就牢獄，果然殺吾賢傅！」是時太官方上晝食，上乃卻食，為之涕泣，哀慟左右。於是召顯等責問以議不詳。皆免冠謝，良久然後已。 |
| | Shi Xian and his associates sealed the order and handed it to a palace attendant, instructing him to personally deliver it to Wangzhi. They also ordered the Grand Commandant of Rites to urgently dispatch cavalry from the Office of the Gold-Whip General to swiftly surround his residence. The envoy arrived and summoned Wangzhi. Wangzhi wanted to commit suicide, but his wife stopped him, saying that it was not the emperor's intention. Wangzhi consulted Zhu Yun, a student under his door. Zhu Yun was a man of high integrity and advised Wangzhi to commit suicide. Wangzhi then looked up to the sky and sighed, saying: "I once held a position among generals and ministers, and I am now over sixty years old. To enter prison in my old age and merely seek to stay alive is not disgraceful!" He said to Yun: "You, You [courtesy name of Zhu Yun], hurry and prepare the medicine. Do not keep me waiting for long before I die!" In the end, he drank poison and committed suicide. The emperor heard of it and was shocked, clapping his hands and saying: "I had indeed suspected that he would not submit to prison; as expected, he has killed my virtuous tutor!" At this time, the prime minister was just about to have his midday meal. The emperor immediately stopped eating and wept for him, grieving so deeply that those around him were moved. The emperor then summoned Shi Xian and others to reprimand them for their ill-considered advice. They all removed their hats in apology, and it took a long time before the emperor finally forgave them.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
望之有罪死，有司請絕其爵邑。有詔加恩，長子伋嗣為關內侯。天子追念望之不忘，每歲時遣使者祠祭望之冢，終元帝世。望之八子，至大官者育、咸、由。 |
| | Since Wangzhi had died while under accusation of guilt, the officials requested that his title and fief be revoked. An imperial decree was issued to show clemency; Wangzhi's eldest son Ji succeeded as Guannei Hou (Marquis Within the Pass). The emperor never forgot to remember Wangzhi with affection. Every year, during seasonal festivals, he sent envoys to offer sacrifices at Wangzhi's tomb throughout the reign of Emperor Yuan. Wangzhi had eight sons; among them, Yu, Yan, and You rose to high official positions.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
育字次君，少以父任為太子庶子。元帝即位，為郎，病免，後為御史。大將軍王鳳以育名父子，著材能，除為功曹，遷謁者，使匈奴副校尉。後為茂陵令，會課，育第六。而漆令郭舜殿，見責問，育為之請，扶風怒曰：「君課第六，裁自脫，何暇欲為左右言？」及罷出，傳召茂陵令詣後曹，當以職事對。育徑出曹，書佐隨牽育，育案佩刀曰：「蕭育杜陵男子，何詣曹也！」遂趨出，欲去官。明旦，詔召入，拜為司隸校尉。育過扶風府門，官屬掾史數百人拜謁車下。後坐失大將軍指免官。復為中郎將使匈奴。歷冀州、青州兩郡刺史，長水校尉，泰山太守，入守大鴻臚。以鄠名賊梁子政阻山為害，久不伏辜，育為右扶風數月，盡誅子政等。坐與定陵侯淳于長厚善免官。 |
| | Yu, courtesy name Cijun, was young when he assumed the position of Shuzi (Attendant) to the Crown Prince by virtue of his father's status. When Emperor Yuan ascended the throne, he became a Lang officer but was dismissed due to illness; later, he served as an official of the Grand Censorate. Grand General Wang Feng, considering Yu to be the son of a man of great reputation and talent, appointed him as Gongcao (attendant official), promoted him to Yeshi (palace attendant), and sent him as deputy commander on an envoy mission to the Xiongnu. Later, he became magistrate of Maoling, and during a performance evaluation, Yu ranked sixth. Meanwhile, the magistrate of Qi Commandery, Guo Shun, ranked last and was reprimanded. Yu petitioned on his behalf, but Fu Feng angrily said: "Your performance ranking is sixth—only barely escaping punishment yourself. How dare you have time to speak in defense of others?" After the meeting ended, Yu was summoned and ordered to appear before the rear office of Maoling Commandery to answer for his official duties. Yu directly left the office, and a clerk followed him to restrain him. Yu brandished his sword and said: "I am Xiao Yu of Duliu; why should I appear before this office?" He then hurried out, intending to resign from office. The next morning, an imperial decree summoned him in and appointed him as Shili Jiao Wei (Inspector of the Imperial Secretariat). When Yu passed by the gate of Fu Feng's office, hundreds of officials and clerks knelt to pay respects beneath his carriage. Later, he was dismissed from office for failing to follow Grand General Wang Feng's instructions. He was later reappointed as Zhonglang Jiang (Central Lang General) and sent on a mission to the Xiongnu again. He served successively as Inspector of Ji Zhou and Qing Zhou, as Commander of Changshui, as Governor of Tai Shan, and then entered the capital to serve as Keeper of the Grand Sacrificial Rites. Because the notorious bandit Liang Zizheng in Hu Commandery had been causing trouble by hiding in the mountains and had long evaded punishment, Yu, as Right Fu Feng, within a few months completely exterminated Liang Zizheng and his gang. He was dismissed from office due to being closely associated with Duke Dingling Chongyu Chang.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
哀帝時，南郡江中多盜賊，拜育為南郡太守。上以育耆舊名臣，乃以三公使車載育入殿中受策，曰：「南郡盜賊群輩為害，朕甚憂之。以太守威信素著，故委南郡太守，之官，其於為民除害，安元元而已，亡拘於小文。」加賜黃金二十斤。育至南郡，盜賊靜。病去官，起家復為光祿大夫執金吾，以壽終於官。 |
| | During the reign of Emperor Ai, there were many bandits in the rivers of Nanjun Commandery; Yu was appointed as Governor of Nanjun. The emperor, considering Yu an elder and renowned minister, specially arranged for a carriage of the Three Dukes to transport him into the palace where he received his commission. The emperor said: "Bandits in Nanjun are causing great harm; I am deeply concerned about this." "Because the governor has long been known for his authority and reputation, I have entrusted him with the position of Governor of Nanjun. Upon assuming office, he should focus solely on eliminating harm to the people and ensuring their well-being; do not bind him with trivial formalities." He was additionally granted twenty catties of gold. When Yu arrived in Nanjun, the bandits ceased their activities. After falling ill and resigning from office, he was later appointed as Guanglu Daifu (Minister of Light Merit) and Commander of the Gold-Whip Guards. He died in office at an advanced age.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
育為人嚴猛尚威，居官數免，稀遷。少與陳咸、朱博為友，著聞當世。往者有王陽、貢公，故長安語曰「蕭、朱結綬，王、貢彈冠」，言其相薦達也。始育與陳咸俱以公卿子顯名，咸最先進，年十八為左曹，二十餘御史中丞。時朱博尚為杜陵亭長，為咸、育所攀援，入王氏。後遂並歷刺史郡守相，及為九卿，而博先至將軍上卿，歷位多於咸、育，遂至丞相。育與博後有隙，不能終，故世以交為難。 |
| | Yu was a strict and fierce man who valued authority; he held official positions several times but was often dismissed, thus advancing slowly in rank. From his youth, Yu had been friends with Chen Yan and Zhu Bo, and all three were well known in their time. In the past, there had been Wang Yang and Gong Gong; thus, Chang'an's common saying was: "Xiao and Zhu tie their official sashes, while Wang and Gong put on their hats," meaning that they recommended each other for positions. Initially, Yu and Chen Yan both became famous as sons of high-ranking officials; Chen Yan advanced first, becoming a Zuo Cao (Left Attendant) at the age of eighteen and Zhongcheng of the Grand Censorate before he was twenty. At that time, Zhu Bo was still merely a Du Ling village headman, but with the support of Chen Yan and Yu, he entered the Wang clan's circle. Later, they all successively held positions as Inspectors and Commandery Governors. When they reached the rank of Nine Ministers, Zhu Bo first became a General and High Minister, holding more posts than Chen Yan or Yu, eventually rising to become prime minister. Later, Yu and Zhu Bo fell out and could not maintain their friendship until the end; thus, people of the time regarded true friendship as difficult to sustain.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
咸字仲，為丞相史，舉茂材，好畤令，遷淮陽、泗水內史，張掖、弘農、河東太守。所居有跡，數增秩賜金。後免官，復為越騎校尉、護軍都尉、中郎將，使匈奴，至大司農，終官。 |
| | Yan, courtesy name Zhong, served as a clerk in the prime minister's office. He was recommended for his outstanding talent and became magistrate of Haoci; he later successively held posts as Neishi (Interior Administrator) of Huaiyang and Sishui Commanderies, and as Governor of Zhangye, Hongnong, and Hedong. Wherever he served, his performance was notable; on multiple occasions, he received promotions in rank and gold rewards. After being dismissed from office, he was reappointed as Yuqi Jiao Wei (Commander of the Yueji Cavalry), Hujun Duyi (Guard General), and Zhonglang Jiang. He served as envoy to the Xiongnu and eventually rose to become Da Sinao (Minister of Agriculture), where his career ended.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
由字子驕，為丞相西曹衛將軍掾，遷謁者，使匈奴副校尉。後舉賢良，為定陶令，遷太原都尉，安定太守。治郡有聲，多稱薦者。初，哀帝為定陶王時，由為定陶令，失王指，頃之，制書免由為庶人。哀帝崩，為復土校尉、京輔左輔都尉，遷江夏太守。平江賊成重等有功，增秩為陳留太守。元始中，作明堂辟雍，大朝諸侯，徵由為大鴻臚，會病，不及賓贊，還歸故官，病免。復為中散大夫，終官。家至吏二千石者六七人。 |
| | You, courtesy name Zijiao, served as a clerk under the Western Cao of the prime minister for Wei Jiangjun. He was later promoted to Yeshi and appointed as deputy commander on an envoy mission with the Xiongnu. Later, he was recommended for his virtue and talent and became magistrate of Dingtao; he then successively held the posts of Taiyuan Duyi (Commander) and Governor of Pingding. He governed his commandery with distinction, earning many commendations and recommendations. Initially, when Emperor Ai was still the Duke of Dingtao, You served as magistrate of Dingtao and failed to follow the duke's instructions. Soon after, an imperial decree dismissed him from office and reduced him to a commoner. After Emperor Ai's death, he was appointed as Futi Jiao Wei (commander of earthworks) and Zuo Fu Duyi of the capital garrison. He later became Governor of Jiangxia. For his success in quelling the bandits Cheng Chong and others in Jiang Commandery, he was promoted to Governor of Chenliu. During Yuanshi, when the Mingtang and Biyong were constructed for a grand audience with feudal lords, You was summoned to serve as Keeper of Grand Sacrificial Rites; however, he fell ill and could not participate in the ceremony. He returned to his former post but soon resigned due to illness. He was later reappointed as a Zhong San Daifu (Central Dispersed Minister) and held this position until the end of his career. Several—six or seven members—of his family rose to positions as high-ranking officials with salaries equivalent to two thousand dan of grain per year.
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| | 蕭望之傳: |
贊曰：蕭望之歷位將相，籍師傅之恩，可謂親昵亡間。及至謀泄隙開，讒邪搆之，卒為便嬖宦豎所圖，哀哉！，望之堂堂，折而不橈，身為儒宗，有輔佐之能，近古社稷臣也。 |
| | Commentary: Xiao Wangzhi held positions among generals and ministers; through the grace of being a teacher, he could be said to have enjoyed an intimate relationship with no distance. But when his plans were exposed and a rift emerged, malicious schemers plotted against him, and in the end he was victimized by sycophantic eunuchs. How tragic! Xiao Wangzhi was a noble and upright man, unbent even in adversity. As a leader of Confucian scholars, he possessed the ability to assist and advise; he was indeed a minister of state for the nation, comparable to those of ancient times.
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