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馮異字公孫，潁川人也。建武二年為征西大將軍，大破赤眉，屯兵上林苑，威行關中，六年，朝京師。帝謂公卿曰：是我起兵時主簿也。為吾披荊棘，定關中，既罷，使中黄門賜以珍寶衣服錢帛。詔曰：倉卒蕪蔞亭豆粥，呼沱河麥飯，厚意久不報。異稽首謝曰：臣聞管仲謂桓公曰：願君無忘射鈎，臣無忘檻車，齊國賴之，臣今亦願國家無忘河北之難，小臣不敢忘巾車之恩。 |
| | Feng Yi, courtesy name Gongsun, was a native of Yingchuan. In the second year of Jianwu, he became the General Who Pacifies the West and decisively defeated the Chimei rebels. He stationed his troops at Shanglin Garden, and his authority was respected throughout Guanzhong. In the sixth year [of Jianwu], he paid a court visit to the capital. The emperor said to the ministers: "He was my chief clerk when I first raised troops." For having braved thorns and brambles to pacify Guanzhong for me, after the campaign ended, he sent a palace official of Zhonghuangmen to bestow on him treasures, clothing, money, and silk. The imperial edict said: "The hasty bean porridge at Wuluoting, the wheat meal by the Hutuo River—my sincere gratitude has long remained unexpressed." Yi kowtowed and thanked, saying: "I have heard Guan Zhong say to Duke Huan of Qi: 'May Your Majesty never forget the arrow that wounded me, and I shall never forget being shackled in a prison cart.' The state of Qi relied on this. Today, I also wish for our nation not to forget the hardships in Hebei, and as a humble subject, I dare not forget the kindness shown by binding my chariot."
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岑彭字君然，南陽人也。拜廷尉行大將軍事，與大司馬吳漢等圍洛陽，數月，朱鮪等堅守不肯下，帝以彭嘗為鮪校尉，令往說之。鮪曰：大司徒被害時，鮪與其謀，又諫更始無遣蕭王北伐，誠自知罪深，彭還，具言於帝。帝曰：夫建大事者，不忌小怨，鮪今若降，官爵可保，况誅罰乎。河水在此，吾不食言，彭復往吿鮪，鮪乃面縛與彭俱詣河陽，帝即解其縛，拜鮪為平狄將軍，封扶溝侯，建武八年，彭與吳漢圍隗囂於西城，公孫述將李育守上邽，蓋延耿弇圍之。敕彭曰：兩城若下，便可將兵南擊蜀虜，人苦不知足，既平隴復望蜀，每一發兵，頭鬚為白。 |
| | Cen Peng, courtesy name Junran, was a native of Nanyang. Appointed as Tingwei , he served concurrently as commander of a major general, and with the Grand Marshal Wu Han and others besieged Luoyang. After several months, Zhu Yu and others held out resolutely and refused to surrender. The emperor, recalling that Peng had once been an officer under Yu, ordered him to go and persuade them. Yu said: "When the Grand Tutor was killed, I participated in the plot. Moreover, I advised Gengshi not to send Xiao Wang on a northern campaign. I truly know my crimes are grave." After Peng returned, Yu fully reported this to the emperor. The emperor said: "One who undertakes great endeavors does not harbor resentment over minor grievances. If Yu surrenders now, his official rank and title can be preserved; how much more so will he escape punishment?" "The Yellow River is here; I do not break my word." Peng went again to inform Yu, and Yu then came face-to-face in shackles with Peng to present himself at Heyang. The emperor immediately released his bonds and appointed Yu as the General Who Pacifies Di, bestowing on him the title of Fugou Hou. In the eighth year of Jianwu, Peng and Wu Han besieged Wei Xiao in Xicheng. Gong Sunshu's general Li Yu defended Shangui, which was surrounded by Gai Yan and 耿 Yan. The emperor gave orders to Peng: "Once the two cities fall, you may lead your troops southward to attack the Shu bandits. People suffer from insatiability; having pacified Long, they now covet Shu. Every time we mobilize an army, our hair turns white."
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臧宮字君翁，潁川人也。匈奴飢疫，自相分争，帝以問宮。宮曰：願得五千騎以立功。帝笑曰：常勝之家，難與慮敵，吾方自思之，建武二十七年。宮與楊虛侯馬武上書曰：匈奴人畜疫死，旱蝗赤地，疫困之力，不當中國一郡，萬里死命，懸在陛下，福不再來，時或易失，豈宜固守文德而墮武事乎。詔報曰：黄石公記曰：柔能制剛，弱能制强，柔者，德也。剛者，賊也。弱者，仁之助也。强者，怨之歸也。舍近謀遠者，勞而無功，舍遠謀近者，逸而有終，逸政多忠臣，勞政多亂民。故曰：務廣地者荒，務廣德者强，有其有者安，貪人有者殘，殘滅之政，雖成必敗，今國無善政，灾變不息，百姓驚惶，人不自保，而復欲遠事邊外乎。孔子曰：吾恐季孫之憂，不在顓臾，且傳聞之事，恒多失實，苟非其時，不如息民，自是諸將莫敢復言兵事者。 |
| | Zang Gong, courtesy name Junweng, was a native of Yingchua. The Xiongnu were suffering from famine and plague, and were quarreling among themselves. The emperor asked Gong about this. Gong said: "I wish to lead five thousand cavalrymen to achieve a feat of merit." The emperor smiled and said: "A family that always wins is hard to match as an opponent. I am just thinking about this myself." In the twenty-seventh year of Jianwu. Gong and Yang Xu Hou Ma Wu submitted a memorial stating: "The Xiongnu people and their livestock have died from plague, the land is suffering from drought and locusts, turning it red. Their strength weakened by disaster cannot rival even one commandery of China. The lives of those who travel ten thousand miles depend on Your Majesty's decision. Opportunity knocks but once; time may easily be lost. How can we then insist on adhering to literary virtue while neglecting martial affairs?" The imperial decree replied: "According to the records of Huangshi Gong: 'Softness can control hardness, and weakness can overcome strength. Softness is virtue.'" Hardness is banditry. Weakness is the aid of benevolence. Strength is where resentment converges. He who abandons the near to plan for the distant will labor without achievement; he who abandons the distant to focus on the near will find ease and a successful conclusion. A government of ease produces many loyal ministers, while a burdensome administration breeds disorder among the people. Therefore it is said: "He who seeks to expand territory will bring desolation; he who seeks to extend virtue will grow strong. He who possesses what he has will find peace, while the greedy who covet others' possessions will cause destruction. A policy of devastation and ruin, though temporarily successful, will inevitably fail. Now our nation lacks good governance, disasters and changes do not cease, the people are frightened and anxious, each person cannot protect himself, yet you still wish to deal with distant matters beyond the borders?" Confucius said: "I fear the Ji Sun family's troubles do not lie in Zhuan Yu. Moreover, matters of hearsay are often inaccurate. If it is not the right time, it would be better to let the people rest." From then on, none of the generals dared speak further about military affairs.
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祭遵字弟孫，潁川人也。從征河北為軍市令，世祖舍中兒犯法，遵格殺之，世祖怒，命收遵。時主簿陳副諫曰：明公常欲衆軍整齊，今遵奉法不避，是教令行也。世祖乃貰之，以為刺奸將軍。謂諸將曰：當備祭遵，吾舍中兒犯令尚殺之，必不私諸卿也。河北平，拜征虜將軍，遵為人廉約小心，克己奉公，賞賜輒盡與士卒，家無私財，身衣韋袴、布被，夫人裳不加緣，帝以是重焉。及卒，湣悼之尤甚，遵喪至河南縣，詔遣百官先會喪所，車駕素服臨之，望哭哀慟，還幸城門，過其車騎，涕泣不能已，喪禮成，復親祠乙太牢，如宣帝臨霍光故事，至葬，車駕復臨，贈以將軍侯印綬，朱輪容車，介士軍陳送葬，謚曰成侯，既葬，車駕復臨其墳，存見夫人室家，其后朝會。帝每嘆曰：安得憂國奉公之臣如祭征虜者乎。遵之見思若此。 |
| | Ji Zun, courtesy name Disun, was a native of Yingle. He followed the campaign in Hebei and served as the commander of military commerce. When Emperor Shizu's son in the palace violated the law, Zun executed him on the spot. Emperor Shizu became angry and ordered Zun to be arrested. At that time, the chief clerk Chen Fu advised: "Your Excellency has always wished for discipline among the troops. Now Zun upholds the law without fear, this is how orders should be carried out." Emperor Shizu then pardoned him and appointed him as General Who Investigates Wrongdoings. He said to the generals: "You should be wary of Ji Zun. Even my son in the palace who violated an order was executed by him; he certainly will not show favoritism toward any of you." After the pacification of Hebei, he was appointed as General Who Subdues the Bandits. Zun was a man of integrity and frugality, cautious in conduct, self-disciplined and devoted to public service. Whenever rewards or gifts were given, he would distribute them entirely among his soldiers. His family had no private wealth; he himself wore leather trousers and a cloth quilt, and his wife's skirts lacked even a border decoration. The emperor valued him highly for this reason. Upon his death, the emperor mourned him especially deeply. When Zun's funeral procession arrived at Henan Xian, an imperial edict was issued ordering all officials to gather in advance at the mourning site. The emperor himself, dressed in plain attire, attended and gazed from afar, weeping bitterly. After returning, he visited the city gate, passed by Zun's chariots and cavalry, shedding tears that would not cease. Upon completion of the funeral rites, the emperor personally conducted a ceremony with full sacrificial offerings, following the precedent set by Emperor Xuan for General Huo Guang. At the time of burial, the emperor once again attended in person, bestowing on Zun the seal and sash of a general and marquis, a red-rimmed chariot, an ornate carriage, armed soldiers forming a military procession to escort the funeral, and posthumously granting him the title "Cheng Hou." After burial, the emperor visited his tomb again, inquiring about his wife and family. In subsequent court assemblies, The emperor often sighed: "How can I find a minister who is as devoted to the state and public service as General Zhenlou Ji?" Thus was Ji Zun so deeply remembered.
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馬武字子張，南陽人也。封為揚虛侯，為人嗜酒，闊達敢言，時醉在御前面折同列，言其短長，無所避忌，帝故縱之以為笑樂，帝雖制御功臣，而每能回容，宥其小失，遠方貢珍甘，必先遍列侯，而大官無餘，有功輒增邑賞，不任以吏職，故皆保其福禄，終無誅譴者。 |
| | Ma Wu, courtesy name Zizhang, was a native of Nanyangling. He was enfeoffed as Yangxu Hou. Wu was fond of alcohol, open-minded and bold in speech. At times, while drunk, he would openly criticize his peers before the emperor, speaking freely about their strengths and weaknesses without restraint or caution. The emperor thus indulged him for amusement. Although the emperor controlled and managed his meritorious ministers, he always showed tolerance, pardoning minor faults. When rare delicacies were offered from distant regions, they were first distributed to all marquises and counts, leaving nothing for the high officials. Whenever someone rendered service, their fiefs were immediately expanded with rewards, but no one was entrusted with administrative posts. Thus, all of them preserved their blessings and fortune, none ever suffering punishment or censure.
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論曰：光武中興二十八將，前世以為上應二十八宿，未之詳，然咸能感會風云，奮其智勇，稱為佐命，亦各志能之士也。議者多非光武不以功臣任職，至使英姿茂績，委而勿用，然原夫深圖遠筭，固將有以焉爾，若乃王道既衰，降及霸德，猶能授受惟庸，勛賢兼序，如管、隰之迭升桓世，先、趙之同列文朝，可謂兼通矣。 |
| | Commentary: The twenty-eight generals of Emperor Guangwu who restored the dynasty were regarded by previous generations as corresponding to the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions in the heavens, though this is not clearly detailed. Nevertheless, they all seized their opportunities amidst turbulent times, displaying wisdom and valor, and were thus called "assistants in founding a reign." They were indeed men of ambition and ability. Many critics have blamed Emperor Guangwu for not appointing his meritorious subjects to official posts, leading to the talents and great achievements of these men being neglected. However, considering his deep planning and long-term strategy, there must have been a reason behind this decision. When the Way of Kingship declined and gave way to hegemonic virtue, it was still possible for mediocrity and merit to coexist in appointments, with both distinguished officials and virtuous scholars rising together—such as Guan Zhong and Xi Men Bao who alternately held high office under Duke Huan, or Xian Yu and Zhao She who served side by side during the Wen Emperor's reign. This can truly be called a balanced approach.
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降自秦、漢，世資戰力，至於翼扶王運，皆武人屈起，亦有鬵繒屠狗，輕猾之徒，或崇以連城之賞，或任以阿衡之地，故勢疑則隙生，力侔則亂起，蕭、樊且猶縲紲，信、越終見葅戮，不其然乎。自茲以降，迄於孝武，宰輔五世，莫非公侯，遂使搢紳道塞，賢能蔽雍，朝有世及之私，下多抱關之怨，其懷道無聞，委身草莽者，亦何可勝言哉。故光武鑒前事之違，存矯枉之志，雖寇、鄧之高勛，耿、賈之洪烈，分土不過大縣數四，所加特進朝請而已。 |
| | Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the state relied on military strength. When it came to supporting imperial authority, these were all men of arms who rose suddenly from obscurity—some former butchers or ruffians, light-hearted and cunning individuals—who either received rewards worth entire cities or were entrusted with positions of great influence. Thus, when suspicions arose, conflicts inevitably followed; when power became equal, chaos erupted. Even Xiao He and Fan Zeng nearly ended up in shackles, while Han Xin and Wu Guang ultimately met their deaths through cruel punishment—was this not the case? From this time onward, down to Emperor Xiao Wu, the prime ministers of five successive generations were all marquises or counts. This led to the path for scholars and officials being blocked, with talent and virtue obscured by favoritism. In court there was private succession among noble families; below, resentment festered among commoners. As for those who upheld moral principles but remained unheard, abandoning themselves to obscurity in the wilderness—how could they possibly be counted? Therefore, Emperor Guangwu, reflecting on past mistakes, resolved to correct the imbalance. Although meritorious figures like Kou and Deng, or Geng and Jia, had rendered great service, their territorial grants did not exceed several large counties at most; any special honors bestowed were merely titles of courtesy and permission for court audiences.
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觀其治平臨政，課職責咎，將所謂導之以法，齊之以刑者乎。若格之功臣，其傷已甚，何者，直繩則虧喪恩舊，撓情則違廢禁典，選德則功不必厚，舉勞則人或未賢，參任則羣心難塞，并列則其弊未遠，不得不校其勝否，即以事相權，故高秩厚禮，允答元功，峻文深憲，責成吏職，建武之世，侯者百餘，若夫數公者，則與參國議，分均休咎，其餘并優以寬科，完其封禄，莫不終以功名，延慶於後。 |
| | Observing his governance in times of peace, how he assessed duties and held officials accountable for their failures—was this not what is meant by "guiding through law and unifying with punishment"? Regarding the treatment of meritorious subjects, the challenge was indeed great. Why? If strict standards were applied, it would harm old bonds and betray past favors; if leniency prevailed, it would violate laws and precedents. Selecting by virtue might overlook those with great achievements; selecting by service might include those lacking moral integrity. Sharing power risked dissatisfaction among the group; equal appointments could lead to future problems. Thus, there was no choice but to assess their merits carefully, weighing each case on its own circumstances. Hence, high ranks and generous honors were bestowed as appropriate rewards for original contributions, while strict regulations and legal accountability ensured they fulfilled official duties. During the Jianwu era, over a hundred men were enfeoffed as marquises or counts; among them, several prominent figures participated in state deliberations, sharing both honor and responsibility equally. The rest received generous treatment with lenient policies, their fiefs and salaries preserved intact—none failed to achieve fame through merit, extending blessings to future generations.
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昔留侯以為高祖悉用蕭、曹故人，而郭伋亦譏南陽多顯，鄭興又戒功臣專任，夫崇恩偏授，易啓私溺之失，至公均被，必廣招賢之路，意者不其然乎。永平中，顯宗追感前世功臣，乃圖畫二十八將於南宮雲臺，其外又有王常、李通、竇融、卓茂，合三十二人，故依其本第，係之篇末，以志功臣之次云爾。 |
| | In the past, Liu Hou believed that Emperor Gaozu relied entirely on Xiao He and Cao Can's old associates; Guo Ji also criticized Nanyang for having too many prominent figures, while Zheng Xing warned against exclusive reliance on meritorious subjects. Indeed, granting favors selectively is prone to fostering private favoritism and corruption, whereas impartial distribution of honor must broaden the path for recruiting virtuous talent. Is this not exactly the case? In the middle of Yongping, Emperor Xiansong was moved by a sense of gratitude for the meritorious subjects of previous generations and thus had portraits of the twenty-eight generals painted on the Yuntai in Nan Gong. In addition to these, there were Wang Chang, Li Tong, Dou Rong, and Zhuo Mao, making a total of thirty-two individuals. Therefore, following their original rankings, they are appended at the end of this chapter to record the order of the meritorious subjects.
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太傅高密侯鄧禹，中山太守全椒侯馬成，大司馬廣平侯吳漢，河南尹阜成侯王梁，左將軍膠東侯賈復，琅邪太守祝阿侯陳俊，建威大將軍好畤侯耿弇，驃騎大將軍參遽侯杜茂，執金吾雍奴侯寇恂，積弩將軍昆陽侯傅俊，征南大將軍舞陽侯岑彭，左曹合肥侯堅鐔，征西大將軍陽夏侯馮異，上谷太守淮陽侯王霸，建義大將軍鬲侯朱祐，信都太守阿陵侯任光，征虜將軍潁陽侯祭遵，豫章太守中水侯李忠，驃騎大將軍櫟陽侯景丹，右將軍槐里侯萬修，虎牙大將軍安平侯葢延，太常靈壽侯邳彤，衞尉安成侯銚期，驍騎將軍昌成侯劉植，東郡太守東光侯耿純，横野大將軍山桑侯王常，城門校尉朗陵侯臧宮，大司空固始侯李通，捕虜將軍楊虛侯馬武，大司空安豐侯竇融，驃騎將軍慎侯劉隆，大傅宣德侯卓茂。 |
| | Grand Tutor Gaomi Hou Deng Yu, Tai Shou of Zhongshan Quanjiao Hou Ma Cheng, Grand Marshal Guangping Hou Wu Han, Governor of Henan Fu Cheng Hou Wang Liang, Left General Jiaodong Hou Jia Fu, Tai Shou of Langya Zhu'a Hou Chen Jun, Jianwei Da Jiangjun Haozhi Hou Geng Yan, Piaoqi Da Jiangjun Canju Hou Du Mao, Zhijinwu Yongnu Hou Kou Xun, Jinu Jiangjun Kunyang Hou Fu Jun, Zhengnan Da Jiangjun Wuyang Hou Cen Peng, Zuo Cao Hefei Hou Jian Dan, Zhengxi Da Jiangjun Yangxia Hou Feng Yi, Tai Shou of Shanggu Huaiyang Hou Wang Ba, Jiandi Da Jiangjun Ge Hou Zhu You, Tai Shou of Jindu Aling Hou Ren Guang, Zhenglu Da Jiangjun Yingyang Hou Ji Zun, Tai Shou of Yuzhang Zhongshui Hou Li Zhong, Piaoqi Da Jianggun Linyang Hou Jing Dan, Right General Huili Hou Wan Xiu, Huya Da Jiangjun Anping Hou Gai Yan, Taichang Lingshou Hou Pi Tong, Weiwei Ancheng Hou Chao Qi, Xiaoqi Jiangjun Changcheng Hou Liu Zhi, Tai Shou of Dongjun Dongguang Hou Geng Chun, Hengye Da Jiangjun Shansang Hou Wang Chang, Chengmen Xiaowei Langling Hou Zang Gong, Daskong Guchishi Hou Li Tong, Bulu Jiangjun Yangxu Hou Ma Wu, Daskong Anfeng Hou Dou Rong, Piaoqi Jiangjun Shen Hou Liu Long, Dafu Xuande Hou Zhuo Mao.
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馬援字文淵，扶風人也。建武九年，拜為太中大夫，十七年，交址女子徵側及女弟徵貳反，攻没其郡，九真、日南、合浦蠻夷皆應之，寇略嶺外六十餘城，側自立為王，於是拜援伏波將軍，督樓船將軍段志等，南擊交址，斬徵側、徵貳，傳首洛陽，封援為新息侯。 |
| | Ma Yuan, courtesy name Wenyuan, was a native of Fufeng. In the ninth year of Jianwu, Ma Yuan was appointed as Taizhong Dafu. In the seventeenth year [of Jianwu], a woman named Zhengce from Jiaozhi and her younger sister Zhenger rebelled, attacking and capturing their commandery. The Miao and Yi tribes in Jiuzhen, Rinan, and Hepu all joined them, raiding more than sixty cities beyond the Ling Mountains. Zhengce declared herself queen. At this time, Yuan was appointed as Fu Bo Jiangjun (General Who Pacifies Waves), overseeing General Louchuan Duan Zhi and others to campaign south against Jiaozhi, where they beheaded Zhengce and Zhenger, sending their heads to Luoyang for display. Yuan was enfeoffed with the title Xinxi Hou.
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援嘗有疾，梁松來候之，獨拜床下，援不荅，松去后。諸子問曰：梁伯孫帝壻，貴重朝廷，公卿已下，莫不憚之，大人奈何獨不為禮。援曰：我松父友也。雖貴、何得失其序乎。松由是恨之。 |
| | Yuan once fell ill, and Liang Song came to visit him. He alone knelt in homage at the foot of Yuan's bed, but Yuan did not respond. After Song left, His sons asked: "Liang Bosun is the emperor's son-in-law, a man of great prestige in court. Even ministers and officials rank lower than him all fear him. Why did you alone fail to show him proper courtesy?" Yuan said: "I am a friend of Song's father." "Though he is noble, how can I lose sight of the proper order?" Song thus bore a grudge against him.
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二十四年，武威將軍劉尚擊武陵五谿蠻夷，軍没，援因復請行，遂遣援率中郞將馬武、耿舒等徵五谿，援夜與送者訣。謂友人謁者杜愔曰：吾受厚恩，年迫餘日索，常恐不得死國事，今獲所願，甘心瞑目，但畏長者家兒，或在左右，或與從事，殊難得調，獨惡是耳，初，軍次下雋，有兩道可入，從壺頭，則路近而水嶮，從充道，則塗夷而運遠，帝初以為疑，及軍至，耿舒欲從充道，援以為弃日費糧，不如進壺頭，扼其喉咽，充賊自破，以事上之，帝從援策。 |
| | In the twenty-fourth year of Jianwu, General Wuwei Liu Shang attacked the Miao and Yi tribes at Wuxi in Wuling, but his entire army was wiped out. Yuan then requested to lead another campaign, so he was sent with Zhonglangjiang Ma Wu, Geng Shu, and others to subdue Wuxi. At night, Yuan took leave of those who came to see him off. He said to his friend Yezhe Du Yin: "I have received great favors. With my years nearly spent and time running short, I often fear that I may not die for the state's cause. Now I am granted this wish; with peace of mind, I can close my eyes in contentment. My only concern is the sons of noble families—some might be stationed nearby or serve as my subordinates. It will be difficult to manage them properly. That is my sole regret." Initially, when the army was stationed at Xiajun, there were two possible routes into Wuxi: one through Houtu, which was shorter but perilous by water; and another via Chongdao, which was easier but required longer supply lines. The emperor had initially been uncertain about this decision. When Yuan's forces arrived, Geng Shu wished to take the Chongdao route. Yuan, however, argued that abandoning time and consuming provisions for such a path would be worse than advancing through Houtu to seize control of their strategic throat, which would lead to the rebels' inevitable defeat. He submitted this plan to the emperor, who followed Yuan's strategy.
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進營壺頭，賊乘高守隘，水疾、船不得上，會暑甚，士卒多疫死，援亦中病，遂困，乃穿岸為室以避炎氣，賊每升險鼓譟，援輒曳足以觀之，左右哀其壯意，莫不為之流涕。耿舒與兄好畤侯弇書曰：前舒上言當先擊充，糧雖難運，而兵馬得用，軍人數萬，争欲先奮，今壺頭竟不得進，大衆怫鬱行死，誠可痛惜，弇得書奏之，帝乃使虎賁中郞將梁松乘驛責問援，因代監軍，會援病卒，松宿懷不平，遂因事陷之，帝大怒，追收援新息侯印綬。 |
| | Advancing the camp to Houtu, the rebels occupied high ground and controlled the narrow pass. The river current was swift, making it impossible for boats to proceed upstream. At this time, summer heat was intense, and many soldiers died from disease. Yuan himself fell ill and became trapped. He then dug a room into the riverbank to escape the scorching heat. Whenever the rebels climbed the heights and shouted in defiance, Yuan would drag his sick body to observe them. Those around him were moved by his indomitable spirit, and none could help but weep for him. Geng Shu wrote to his brother Haozhi Hou Geng Yan: "Earlier, I recommended that we strike Chong first. Although transporting supplies was difficult, our troops could still be deployed effectively. Tens of thousands of soldiers were eager to fight at the forefront. Now, however, we have been unable to advance from Houtu, and the entire army is in a state of frustration, slowly dying away—this is truly heartbreaking." Upon receiving this letter, Geng Yan submitted it to the emperor, who then dispatched Hu Ben Zhonglangjiang Liang Song by imperial courier to reprimand Yuan and replace him as military supervisor. At that time, however, Yuan had already died from illness. Liang Song, long harboring resentment toward Yuan, took advantage of this opportunity to falsely accuse him. The emperor was furious and ordered the retrieval of Yuan's seal and sash as Marquis of Xinxi.
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初，援在交址，常餌薏苡實，用能輕身省欲，以勝瘴氣，南方薏苡實大，援欲以為種，軍還，載之一車，時人以為南土珍怪，權貴皆望之，援時方有寵，故莫以聞，及卒后，有上書譖之者，以為前所載還皆明珠文犀，馬武、於陵侯侯昱等皆以章言其狀，帝益怒，援妻孥惶懼，不敢以喪還舊塋，裁買城西數畝地稾葬而已，賓客故人莫敢吊會，援兄子嚴與援妻子草索相連，詣闕請罪，帝乃出松書以示之，方知所坐，上書訴冤，前后六上，辭甚哀切，然后得葬。 |
| | Initially, when Yuan was in Jiaozhi, he often consumed the seeds of yiyi (a type of water lily), which were believed to lighten the body and reduce desires, helping one resist malarial vapors. The yiyi fruits in southern regions were particularly large, so Yuan wanted to bring some back as seedlings. When his army returned, he loaded a cart with them. At that time, people thought these were rare treasures from the south, and powerful officials all coveted them. Since Yuan was then enjoying imperial favor, no one dared report this matter. After his death, however, someone submitted an accusation against him, claiming that what he had previously brought back in carts were actually pearls and carved ivory. Ma Wu, Yu Ling Hou Hou Yu, and others all submitted memorials detailing the situation to the emperor, who became even more enraged. Yuan's wife and children were terrified and dared not return his body for burial at their ancestral tomb; they could only purchase a few acres of land west of the city for a simple funeral in straw-covered earth. Friends and former guests did not dare attend or mourn him. Yuan's nephew Yan, along with Yuan's wife and children, tied themselves together with ropes made from grass and presented themselves at court to plead guilty. The emperor then showed them Liang Song's documents, revealing the true cause of their accusation. They submitted a petition for redress, doing so six times in total, each time with deeply sorrowful words. Only after this did they finally receive permission to properly bury Yuan.
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又前云陽令同郡朱勃。詣闕上書曰：臣聞王德聖政，不忘人之功，採其一美，不求備於衆，故高祖赦蒯通而以王禮葬田横，大臣曠然，咸不自疑，夫大將在外，讒言在內，微過輒記，大功不計，誠為國之所慎也。故章邯畏口而奔楚，燕將據聊而不下，豈其甘心未規哉。悼巧言之傷類也。竊見故伏波將軍馬援，拔自西州，欽慕聖義，間關險難，觸冒萬死，孤立羣貴之間，傍無一言之佐，馳深淵，入虎口，豈顧計哉。寧自知當要七郡之使，徼封侯之福耶。 |
| | Another was Zhu Bo, former magistrate of Yunyang and a native of the same commandery as Yuan. He presented himself at court and submitted a memorial: "I have heard that the virtue of a wise ruler is to remember the merits of his people, to appreciate one virtue without demanding perfection from all. Thus Emperor Gaozu pardoned Kuaitong and honored Tianheng with royal funeral rites. His ministers were thus reassured, none doubting their loyalty. When great generals are on campaign abroad, slander festers within; minor faults are remembered while major achievements go unacknowledged—this is indeed something the state must be cautious about." Therefore, Zhang Han fled to Chu out of fear of false accusations, and the Yan general held onto Liaocheng but refused to surrender—was it because they were content with their situation without seeking a plan? This is indeed lamentable for how slanderous words harm the innocent. I secretly observe the late General Fu Bo Ma Yuan, who rose from the western regions. He revered virtue and righteousness, braved countless dangers, risked his life a thousand times over, stood alone amidst powerful nobles, with no one to support him on any side, yet he rushed into deep abysses and entered tiger's mouths—was this out of calculation? Did he know at the time that he would be entrusted with the authority over seven commanderies or receive the blessings of a marquis title?
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八年，車駕西討隗囂，國計狐疑，衆營未集，援建宜進之策，卒破西州，及吳漢下隴，冀路斷隔，唯獨狄道為國堅守，士民飢困，寄命漏刻，援奉詔西使，鎭慰邊衆，乃招集豪杰，曉誘羌戎，謀如涌泉，勢如轉規，遂救倒懸之急，存幾亡之城，兵全師進，因糧敵人，隴冀略平，而獨守空郡，兵動有功，師進輒克，誅鋤先零，緣入山谷，猛怒力戰，飛矢貫脛，又出征交址，土多瘴氣，援與妻子生訣，無悔吝之心，遂斬滅徵側，克平一州，間復南討，立陷臨鄕，師已有業，未竟而死，吏士雖疫，援不獨存，夫戰或以久而立功，或以速而致敗，深入未必為得，不進未必為非，人情豈樂久屯絕地，不生歸哉。惟援得事朝廷二十二年二年，作三年，北出塞漠，南渡江海，觸冒害氣，僵死軍事，名滅爵絕，國土不傳，海內不知其過，衆庶未聞其毁，卒遇三夫之言，横被誣罔之讒，家屬杜門，葬不歸墓，怨隙并興，宗親怖慄，死者不能自列，生者莫為之訟，臣竊傷之。 |
| | In the eighth year, when the emperor personally led a western campaign against Wei Xiao, the national strategy was uncertain and indecisive; the various camps had not yet assembled. Yuan proposed the plan to advance immediately, which ultimately led to the defeat of the western forces. When Wu Han captured Long, the road between Ji and Long was cut off, with only Didao remaining as a stronghold for the state. The people there were starving and desperate, their lives hanging by a thread. Yuan received an imperial order to travel westward, to pacify and reassure the frontier troops. He then gathered local leaders, persuaded the Qiang and Rong tribes through persuasion and explanation, his strategies flowing like spring water, his momentum as smooth as turning a compass. Thus he relieved the desperate crisis, saved the nearly lost city, preserved his entire army while advancing, and sustained himself by seizing enemy supplies. The regions of Long and Ji were roughly pacified. When alone defending an empty commandery, whenever troops moved they achieved success; when armies advanced, they always won victories. He exterminated the Xianling rebels, penetrating mountain valleys with fierce determination, fighting fiercely even as arrows pierced his shins. Later he went on campaign to Jiaozhi again, where the land was filled with malarial vapors, and Yuan bid farewell to his wife and children in life or death, without regret or hesitation, ultimately beheading Zhengce and pacifying an entire province. He once more led a southern expedition, capturing Linxiang by storming it directly; though the army had already achieved success, he died before completing his mission. Even as soldiers and officials fell ill, Yuan did not survive alone. In war, some achieve merit through prolonged campaigns, others suffer defeat due to hasty actions. Deep penetration is not always right, nor is inaction necessarily wrong. Is it human nature to enjoy being stranded for long periods in isolated lands without hope of returning home? For twenty-two years, Yuan served the court. For three of those years, he marched north beyond the deserts and south across rivers and seas, braving harmful vapors and dying on campaign. His name was erased, his title lost, his fief not passed down to descendants. People throughout the land did not know of his faults; commoners had never heard of any accusations against him. Yet he suddenly encountered the words of three men, falsely accused by slanderous rumors. His family closed their doors in fear, and he was buried without returning to his ancestral tomb. Grievances arose on all sides, relatives trembling with terror. The dead could not defend themselves; the living found no one willing to speak for them. I secretly mourn this injustice.
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夫明主醲於用賞，約於用刑，高祖嘗與陳平金四萬斤以間楚軍，不問出入所為，豈復疑以錢穀間哉。夫操孔父之忠，不能自免於讒，此鄒陽之所悲也。惟陛下留思竪儒之言，無使功臣懷恨黄泉，臣聞春秋之義，罪以功除，聖王之祀，臣有五義，若援所謂以死勤事者也。願下公卿，平援功罪，宜絕、宜續，以厭海內之望，臣年已六十，常伏田里，竊感欒布哭彭越之義，冒陳悲憤，戰慄闕庭，書奏，報歸田里。 |
| | A wise ruler is generous in rewarding merit and cautious in applying punishment. Emperor Gaozu once gave Chen Ping four thousand catties of gold to sow discord within the Chu army, without questioning how it was spent. Would he then doubt someone for expenditures involving money or grain? To possess the loyalty of Kong Fu yet still be unable to escape slander—this is what Zou Yang lamented. I beg Your Majesty to reflect on the words of this humble scholar, and not allow meritorious subjects to harbor resentment in their graves. I have heard that according to the principles of Chunqiu, one's sins may be expiated by merit; among the five virtues of ministers under a sage king, Ma Yuan is precisely an example of one who died serving his duties with utmost diligence. I humbly request that Your Majesty summon the ministers to assess Yuan's merits and faults, deciding whether his title should be revoked or restored, so as to satisfy public expectations throughout the realm. I am now over sixty years old, a humble farmer in the fields, yet I secretly feel moved by Lu Bu's act of mourning Peng Yue. I dare to present this sorrowful petition, trembling with fear before court. After submitting my memorial, I was granted permission to return to my rural home.
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子廖字敬平，少以父任為郎，肅宗甚尊重之，時皇太后躬履節儉，事從簡約，廖慮美業難終，上疏長樂宮，以勸成德政。曰：臣案前世詔令，以百姓不足，起於世尚奢靡，故元帝罷服官，成帝御浣衣，哀帝去樂府，然而侈費不息，至於衰亂者，百姓從行不從言也。夫改政移風，必有其本。 |
| | Yuan's son Liao, courtesy name Jingping, was young when he became a Lang official by virtue of his father's status. Emperor Suzong held him in high regard. At that time, the empress dowager personally practiced frugality and simplicity in her affairs. Liao, fearing these virtuous practices might not endure, submitted a memorial to Changle Gong to encourage the completion of moral governance. He said: "I have examined the imperial edicts of previous generations, which stated that the people's hardship stemmed from a societal preference for luxury and extravagance. Thus Emperor Yuan dismissed his clothing officials, Emperor Cheng wore plain clothes, and Emperor Ai abolished the music bureau. Yet wastefulness did not cease; decline and disorder followed because the people follow actions, not words." Changing governance and shifting customs must begin with addressing their root causes.
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傳曰：吳王好劍客，百姓多瘢瘡，楚王好細腰，宮中多餓死。長安語曰：城中好高髻，四方高一尺，城中好廣眉，四方且半額，城中好大袖，四方用匹帛，斯言如戲，有切事實，前下制度未幾，后稍不行，雖或吏不奉法，良由慢起京師，今陛下躬服厚繒，斥去華餝，素簡所安，發自聖情，此誠上合天心，下順民望，浩大之福，莫尚於此，陛下既已得之自然，猶宜加以勉勖，法大宗之隆德，戒成哀之不終。易曰：不恒其德，或承之羞誠令斯事一竟，則四海誦德，聲熏天地，神明可通，金石可勒，而况於人心乎。况於行令乎。願置章坐側，以當瞽人夜誦之音，大后深納之。 |
| | The Classic says: "When King Wu of Wu favored swordsmen, the common people were full of scars. When King Chu favored slender waists, many in his palace starved to death." The saying in Chang'an goes: "If the city favors high hairstyles, then all over the land will raise their hair a foot higher; if the city prefers wide eyebrows, then across the realm women will shave half their foreheads; if the capital loves large sleeves, then throughout the country people will use entire bolts of silk for one garment." These words may sound like jest, but they reflect profound truths. Previously issued regulations had not been in place long before gradually falling into disuse—not because officials failed to follow laws, but due to a slow erosion beginning from the capital itself. Now that Your Majesty personally wears plain and thick fabrics, rejects luxurious adornments, and finds peace in simplicity, this originates from your own virtuous disposition. This is indeed in harmony with Heaven above and satisfies the people below; no greater blessing could exist than this. Since Your Majesty has already achieved this naturally, you should still strive to maintain it, emulating the great virtue of Emperor Da, while warning against the failure to sustain such virtue seen under Emperors Cheng and Ai. The Book of Changes says: "One who does not maintain virtue will bring shame upon himself." If this matter is truly carried to completion, then the four seas will chant your virtues; its fame will permeate heaven and earth. Even spirits and deities may be moved, and inscriptions can be carved in gold and stone—how much more so would it affect human hearts? How much more so for the enforcement of imperial decrees! I humbly request to place this memorial beside Your Majesty, as a substitute for the blind man's nocturnal recitations. The empress dowager deeply accepted his words.
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卓茂字子康，南陽人也。以儒術舉，遷密令，視民如子，舉善而教，口無惡言，吏民親愛，而不忍欺之，民常有言部亭長受其米肉遺者。茂避左右問之曰：亭長為從汝求乎。為汝有事屬之而受乎。將平居自以恩意遺之乎。民曰：往遺之耳。茂曰：遺之而受，何故言邪。民曰：竊聞賢明之君，使民不畏吏，吏不取民，今我畏吏，是以遺之，吏既卒受，故來言耳。茂曰：汝為弊民矣。凡人所以貴於禽獸者，以有仁愛知相敬事也。今鄰里長老尚致饋遺，此乃人道所以相親，况吏與民乎。吏顧不當乘威力强請求耳。 |
| | Zhuo Mao, courtesy name Zikang, was a native of Nanyan. Recommended for office through his Confucian learning, he was promoted to Magistrate of Mi. He treated the people as his own children, promoting virtue and teaching with kind words, never uttering harsh language. Officials and commoners alike loved and respected him, unwilling to deceive him. The people often said that a certain subcommandery official had accepted rice and meat from them as gifts. Mao turned aside his attendants and asked: "Did the subcommandery officer request these things of you?" "Or did he accept them because you had matters to entrust him with?" "Or was it that, in times of peace and ease, you voluntarily gave these gifts out of goodwill?" The people replied: "We simply went to give them." Mao said: "If you gave and he accepted, why do you complain about it?" The people said: "I secretly heard that a wise and virtuous ruler ensures the people do not fear officials, and officials do not take from the people. Now I feared my official, so I gave him gifts. Since he accepted them without hesitation, I have come to report this." Mao said: "You are a corrupt member of the people." What distinguishes human beings from beasts is that we possess benevolence and love, knowing how to respect and care for one another. Even now, elders in the neighborhood still offer gifts of food; this is how human relationships are maintained through mutual affection. How much more so should it be between officials and the people? It is only that officials must not use their power to demand or forcefully request things.
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凡人之生，羣居雜處，故有經紀禮義，以相交接，汝獨不欲修之，寧能高飛遠走，不在人間邪，亭長素善吏，歲時遺之，禮也。民曰：苟如此，律何故禁之。茂笑曰：律設大法，禮順人情，今我以禮教汝，必無怨惡，以律治汝，何所厝其手足乎。一門之內，小者可論，大者可殺也。且歸念之，於是人納其訓，吏懷其恩，治密數年，教化大行，道不拾遺，平帝時，天下大蝗，河南二十餘縣，皆被其灾，獨不入密界，王莽居攝，以病免歸，世祖即位。乃下詔曰：前密令卓茂，束身自修，執節淳固，誠能為人所不能為，夫名冠天下，當受天下重賞，今以茂為太傅，封褒德侯，食邑二千户。 |
| | Human life is inherently one of communal living and mingling, so we have established principles of propriety and righteousness to regulate our interactions. Do you alone wish to ignore these? Can you truly fly high and run far away from human society? The subcommandery officer has long been a virtuous official; it is proper for the people to give him seasonal gifts as an expression of courtesy. The people said: "If this is so, then why does law prohibit such actions?" Mao smiled and said: "Laws establish great principles, while rites regulate human feelings. Now I teach you through propriety; there will be no resentment or hatred. If I were to punish you by law, where would your hands and feet find a place?" Within the confines of one household, minor offenses may be discussed, but serious ones can lead to execution. "Go home and reflect on this." Thus, the people accepted his instruction, and officials cherished his kindness. For several years under his governance of Mi, moral education flourished; lost items were never picked up by strangers from the road. During Emperor Pingdi's reign, a great locust plague swept across the land, affecting more than twenty counties in Henan, yet not entering the borders of Mi. When Wang Mang assumed regency, Mao was dismissed due to illness and returned home. After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, the emperor issued an edict: "The former magistrate of Mi, Zhuo Mao, restrained himself and cultivated virtue, upholding integrity with sincerity and steadfastness. He was truly able to do what others could not. His reputation is renowned throughout the land; he deserves a reward from all under heaven. Now I appoint Mao as Taifu (Grand Tutor) and enfeoff him as Hou of Bao De, granting him two thousand households for his fief."
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魯恭字仲康，扶風人也。太傅趙熹舉恭直言，拜中牟令，恭以德化為治，不任刑罰，民許伯等，争田累年，守令不能决，恭為平理曲直，皆退而自責，輟耕相讓，亭長從民借牛，而不肯還之，牛主訟於恭，恭召亭長，敕令歸牛者再三，猶不從。恭嘆曰：是教化不行也。欲解印綬去，掾史泣涕共留之，亭長乃慚悔，還牛，詣獄受罪，恭貰不問，於是吏民信服。 |
| | Lu Gong, courtesy name Zhongkang, was a native of Fufu. Grand Tutor Zhao Xi recommended Gong for his straightforwardness, and he was appointed as Magistrate of Zhongmou. Gong governed through moral influence rather than relying on punishment. Some villagers, such as Xu Bo, had quarreled over land for many years without resolution by previous magistrates or officials. Gong fairly adjudicated the dispute; both sides withdrew in shame, abandoned their plows, and voluntarily gave way to each other. A subcommandery officer borrowed a cow from a farmer but refused to return it. The owner of the cow petitioned Gong, who summoned the official and repeatedly ordered him to return the animal, yet he still refused. Gong sighed: "This is a failure of moral instruction." He was about to resign and return his seal, but the clerks and officials wept and implored him to stay. The subcommandery official then felt ashamed and repented, returning the cow and presenting himself at the prison to accept punishment. Gong pardoned him without further inquiry. Thus, both officials and commoners came to respect and trust him.
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建初七年，郡國螟傷稼，犬牙緣界，不入中牟，河南尹袁安聞之，疑其不實，使仁恕掾肥親往廉之，恭隨行阡陌，俱坐桑下，有雉過，止其傍，傍有童兒。親曰：兒何不捕之，兒言雉方將雛，親瞿然而起。與恭訣曰：所以來者，欲察君之治迹耳，今蟲不犯境，此一異也。化及鳥獸，此二異也。竪子有仁心，此三異也。久留徒擾賢者耳，還府，具以狀白安，是歲嘉禾生中牟，安上書言狀，帝異之。 |
| | In the seventh year of Jianchu, locusts ravaged crops in various commanderies and states. They spread like dog's teeth along borders but did not enter Zhongmou County. Governor Yuan An of Henan 尹 heard about this and doubted its authenticity, so he sent Ren Shu Yuan Fei Qin to investigate personally. Gong accompanied them as they walked through the fields, sitting together under a mulberry tree when a pheasant passed by and stopped nearby. A child was playing beside it. Fei Qin said: "Why don't you catch the pheasant, boy?" The child replied that the pheasant was about to lead its chicks. Fei Qin suddenly stood up in alarm. He took leave of Gong and said: "The reason I came was to investigate your governance. Now the locusts do not cross into this territory; this is one marvel." Moral influence has reached even birds and beasts; this is a second marvel. A child possesses compassion; this is the third marvel. Remaining here any longer would only disturb a worthy man," Fei Qin returned to the governor's office and fully reported the situation to Yuan An. In that year, auspicious rice grew in Zhongmou; Yuan An submitted a memorial describing this, and the emperor was astonished by it.
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