| | 宦者传: |
周礼阍者守中门之禁，寺人掌女宫之戒，然宦人之在王朝，其来旧矣。汉兴，仍袭秦制，置中常侍官，然亦引用士人，以参其选，及高后称制，乃以张卿为大谒者，出入卧内，受宣诏命，至于孝武，数宴后庭，潜游离宫，故请奏机事，多以宦人主之，元帝之世，史游为黄门令，勤心纳忠，有所补益，其后弘恭，石显，以佞险自进，卒有萧，周之祸，损秽帝德焉。中兴之初，宦官悉用阉人，自明帝以后，委用渐大，非复掖庭永巷之职，闺牖房闼之任也。其后孙程定立顺之功，曹腾参建桓之策，迹因公正，恩固主心，故中外服从，上下屏气，举动回山海，呼吸变霜露，阿旨曲求，则光宠三族，直情忤意，则参夷五宗，汉之纲纪大乱矣。 |
| | The Zhou Li states that shunzhe guarded the central gate and siren were responsible for overseeing the female attendants, yet eunuchs had long been present in the imperial court. When the Han dynasty was founded, it continued to follow the Qin system and established the office of Zhongchangshi. However, it also recruited scholars to participate in their selection. When Empress Dowager Gao assumed imperial authority, she appointed Zhang Qing as Da Yezhe, who entered and exited her private quarters and received and transmitted imperial edicts. By the time of Emperor Wu, frequent banquets were held in the inner palace, and he secretly visited other palaces; thus, many confidential matters and petitions were entrusted to eunuchs. During the reign of Emperor Yuan, Shi You served as Huangmen Ling, diligently offering loyal advice that proved beneficial. Later, Hong Gong and Shi Xian advanced themselves through flattery and treachery, ultimately causing the calamities involving Xiao and Zhou, which tarnished the emperor's virtue. At the beginning of the revival period, eunuchs were exclusively castrated men. Since Emperor Ming, their entrusted authority gradually increased; they no longer held merely the duties of the Yeting and Yongxiang or the responsibilities within palace chambers and private quarters. Later, Sun Cheng achieved the merit of establishing Emperor Shun's rule, and Cao Teng participated in planning strategies for Emperor Huan. Their actions were justified as upright, and their favors secured the emperor's trust; thus, both inside and outside the court obeyed them, while officials at all levels held their breath in fear. Their every move could shift mountains and seas, and even a single breath could change frost and dew. Those who flattered imperial wishes or sought to please would gain glory and honor for their entire clan, whereas those who expressed sincerity against the emperor's will were punished with the extermination of five generations. The Han dynasty's system of order was greatly disrupted.
|
| | 宦者传: |
若夫高冠长剑，纡朱怀金者，布满宫闱，苴茅分虎，南面臣民者，盖以十数，府署第馆，棊列于都鄙，子弟支附，过半于州国，南金和宝冰纨雾縠之积，盈仞珍藏，嫱媛侍儿歌童舞女之玩，充备绮室，狗马饰雕文，土木被缇绣，皆剥割萌黎，竞恣奢欲，构害明贤，专树党类，败国蠹政之事，不可单书，所以海内嗟毒，志士穷栖，寇剧缘间，摇乱区夏，虽忠良怀愤，时或奋发，而言出祸从，旋见孥戮，凡称善士，莫不离被灾毒，斯亦运之极乎。 |
| | Those who wore tall hats and carried long swords, adorned in red silk and carrying gold, were spread throughout the palace. Those granted titles of nobility or military authority, seated southward as rulers over their subjects, numbered in the dozens. Their mansions and estates were arranged like chess pieces across the capital and outlying regions; their sons, grandsons, and relatives occupied more than half the positions within the states and commanderies. Accumulations of rare southern gold, harmonious treasures, fine silk, and gauze-like fabrics reached towering heights in their treasuries. Concubines, attendants, singing boys, and dancing girls filled their luxurious chambers for entertainment. Their dogs and horses were adorned with carved decorations, while their buildings and structures were draped in embroidered tapestries—all these luxuries were extracted from the suffering of common people, indulging extravagant desires at will. They plotted against virtuous officials, established factions, and committed acts that corrupted the state and damaged governance—too numerous to record individually. Thus, within the empire, people sighed under their oppression; men of virtue withdrew in despair as bandits took advantage of the chaos to shake and disrupt the realm. Although loyal and upright individuals harbored anger and occasionally rose up, they were swiftly punished with death or the destruction of their families. Any man deemed virtuous could not escape suffering and calamity—was this not the extreme of misfortune?
|
| | 宦者传: |
单超，河南人，徐璜，下邳人，具瑗，魏郡人，左悺，河南人，唐衡，颍川人也。桓帝初，超，璜，瑗为中常侍，悺，衡为小黄门史，初，梁冀两妹为顺，桓二帝皇后，冀代父商为大将军，再世权戚，威振天下，冀自诛李固，杜乔等，骄横益甚，皇后乘势忌恣，多所鸩毒，上下钳口，莫有言者，帝逼畏久，恒怀不平，延熹二年，皇后崩，帝因如厕，独呼衡问，左右与外舍不相得者皆谁乎。衡对单超，左悺，徐璜，具瑗，常私忿疾外舍放横，口不敢道，于是帝呼超，悺，璜，瑗等五人，遂定其议，诏收冀及宗亲党与诛之，悺，衡迁中常侍，封超新丰侯，二万户，璜武原侯，瑗东武阳侯，各万五千户，赐钱各千五百万，悺上蔡侯，衡汝阳侯，各万三千户，赐钱各千三百万，五人同日封，故世谓之五侯，又封小黄门刘普，赵忠等八人为鄕侯。 |
| | Shan Chao was a native of Henan, Xu Huang of Xiapi, Ju Yuan of Wei Jun, Zuo Kuan of Henan, and Tang Heng of Yingchuan. At the beginning of Emperor Huan's reign, Chao, Huang, and Yuan served as Zhongchangshi, while Kuan and Heng were Xiaohuangmen Shi. Initially, Liang Ji had two sisters who became empresses to Emperors Shun and Huan. Ji succeeded his father Liang Shang as Da Jiangjun (Grand General), holding power for two generations; thus, he wielded authority that shook the empire. After Ji executed Li Gu, Du Qiao, and others, his arrogance grew even greater. The empress, taking advantage of this situation, became increasingly jealous and indulged in her own will, committing many acts of poisoning. Everyone above and below kept their mouths shut, afraid to speak out. Emperor Huan had long been oppressed by Ji's power and often felt resentment. In the second year of Yanchi (159 AD), after the empress died, the emperor went to the toilet alone and called for Heng, asking, "Who among my attendants and those in the outer court are not getting along well?" Heng replied, "Shan Chao, Zuo Kuan, Xu Huang, and Ju Yuan have long harbored private resentment toward the outer court officials who act recklessly but dare not speak openly." Thus, the emperor summoned Chao, Kuan, Huang, Yuan, and five others. They then decided on a plan and issued an imperial decree to arrest Liang Ji along with his relatives and associates for execution. Kuan and Heng were promoted to Zhongchangshi; Shan Chao was enfeoffed as Xin Feng Hou (Lord of New Abundance) with 20,000 households, Xu Huang as Wu Yuan Hou (Lord of Wuyuan), Ju Yuan as Dongwuyang Hou (Lord of Dongwuyang), each receiving 15,000 households. Each was granted 1,500,000 coins in reward. Zuo Kuan was enfeoffed as Shangcai Hou (Lord of Shangcai) and Tang Heng as Ruyang Hou (Lord of Ruyang), each with 13,000 households and a grant of 1,300,000 in coins. The five were enfeoffed on the same day; thus, they became known as the Five Marquises (Wu Hou). Additionally, eight Xiaohuangmen officials—Liu Pu and Zhao Zhong among them—were also enfeoffed as Xiang Hou (Barons of their native towns).
|
| | 宦者传: |
自是权归宦官，朝廷日乱矣。超疾病，帝遣使者就拜车骑将军，薨，赐东园秘器，棺中玉具，赠侯将军印绶，使者治丧，及葬，发五营骑士侍御史护丧，将作大匠起冢茔，其后四侯转横。天下为之语曰：左回天，具独坐，徐卧虎，唐两堕，皆竞起第宅，楼观壮丽，穷极伎巧，金银罽毦，施于犬马，多取良人美女以为姬妾，皆珍饰华侈，拟则宫人，其仆从皆乘牛车而从列骑，又飬其疏属，或乞嗣异姓，或买苍头为子，并以传国袭封，兄弟姻戚，皆宰州临郡，辜驳驳作较，百姓，与盗贼无异，五侯宗族宾客，虐遍天下，民不堪命，起为寇贼，衡卒，亦赠车骑将军，如超故事，司隶校尉韩演奏悺罪恶，及其兄大仆南鄕侯称请托州郡，聚敛为奸，宾客放纵，侵犯吏民，悺，称皆自杀，演又奏瑗兄沛相恭赃罪，徵诣廷尉，瑗诣狱谢，贬为都鄕侯，卒于家，超及璜，衡袭封者并降为鄕侯，子弟分封者，悉夺爵土，刘普等贬为关内侯。 |
| | From then on, power fell into the hands of eunuchs, and the court grew increasingly chaotic. When Chao fell ill, the emperor sent envoys to bestow upon him the title of Chaji Jiangjun (General-in-Chief). After his death, he was granted secret funeral equipment from the Dongyuan workshop, jade fittings for the coffin, and a posthumous marquis and general seal with sash. Envoys were dispatched to oversee the mourning rites. At the time of burial, five military camps' cavalrymen and Shiyushi (Attendant Historian) officials escorted his funeral procession, while the Jiangzuo Dajiang (Master Builder) oversaw the construction of his tomb. After this, the remaining four marquises grew increasingly arrogant and reckless. People across the land remarked: "Zuo Kuan could turn back heaven, Ju Yuan sat alone in authority, Xu Huang was a crouching tiger, and Tang Heng fell twice." All competed to build grand mansions and pavilions of extraordinary beauty, exhausting all kinds of artistry. They adorned their dogs and horses with gold, silver, furs, and brocade. Many took fine men and beautiful women as concubines or mistresses, lavishly dressed in luxurious finery that rivaled the palace attendants. Their servants rode ox-drawn carts followed by mounted attendants. Moreover, they adopted distant relatives, sometimes requesting heirs from other families or buying commoners to serve as their sons, passing on titles and inheritances through these means. Brothers, in-laws, and kinsmen all held positions governing states and commanderies; they committed injustices without restraint, treating the people no differently than bandits. The five marquises' clans and guests oppressed the entire realm, making life unbearable for commoners who rose up as rebels. After Heng's death, he was also posthumously honored with the title of Chaji Jiangjun, following the same precedent as Chao. Shili Jiaoyue Han Yan reported Kuan's crimes, including how his elder brother Dapu Nanxiang Hou Chen had used influence in states and commanderies to amass wealth through corruption, while his guests acted recklessly, infringing upon officials and commoners. Both Kuan and Chen committed suicide. Han Yan also impeached Ju Yuan's elder brother Gong, the Xiang of Pei, for embezzlement; he was summoned to 廷尉 (the imperial tribunal). Ju Yuan went to prison to apologize and was demoted to Duxiang Hou (Lord of Dudu). He later died at home. Shan Chao, Xu Huang, and Tang Heng's descendants who had inherited their titles were all reduced to Xiang Hou status; the sons and relatives granted fiefs had their titles and lands stripped away. Liu Pu and others were demoted to Guannei Hou (Inner Pass Baron).
|
| | 宦者传: |
侯览者，山阳人也。桓帝初为中常侍，以佞猾进，倚埶贪放，受纳货遗，以巨万计，爵关内侯，又托以与议诛梁冀功进封高鄕侯，览兄参为益州刺史，民有丰富者，辄诬以大逆，皆诛灭之，没入财物，前后累亿计，大尉杨秉奏参，槛车徵，于道自杀，参车重三百馀两，皆金银锦帛，珍玩不可胜数，览坐免，旋复复官。 |
| | Hou Lan was a native of Shanyang. At the beginning of Emperor Huan's reign, Hou Lan became a Zhongchangshi through flattery and cunning. Relying on his power, he was greedy and indulgent, accepting bribes and gifts amounting to tens of thousands in wealth. He was granted the title Guannei Hou (Lord within the Pass). Later, he falsely claimed credit for participating in the plot against Liang Ji and was enfeoffed as Gaoxiang Hou (Lord of Gaoxiang). Lan's elder brother, Can, served as Shu of Yizhou. For any wealthy local residents, Can would falsely accuse them of great treason and have them executed, seizing their property; the total value accumulated to hundreds of millions over time. Grand Marshal Yang Bing impeached Can, who was ordered transported in a cage-like carriage for interrogation but committed suicide en route. Can's funeral procession included more than 300 carts loaded with gold, silver, brocade, and countless treasures. Hou Lan was implicated and dismissed from office, but soon had his position restored.
|
| | 宦者传: |
建宁二年，丧母还家，大起茔冢，督邮张俭因举奏览贪侈奢纵，前后请夺人宅三百八十一所，田百一十八顷，起立第宅十有六区，皆有高楼池苑，堂阁相望，饰以绮画丹漆之属，制度深广，僭类宫省，又豫作寿冢，石椁双阙，高庑百尺，破人居室，发掘坟墓，虏夺良民，妻略妇子，及诸罪舋，请诛之，而览伺侯遮截，章竟不上，俭遂破览冢宅，籍没资财，具言罪状，又奏览母生时交通宾客，干乱郡国，复不得御览，遂诬俭为钩党，及故长乐少府李膺太仆杜密等，皆夷灭之，遂领长乐太仆，熹平元年，有司举奏览专权骄奢，策收印绶自杀，阿党者皆免。 |
| | In the second year of Jianning (169 AD), Hou Lan returned home after his mother's death and built an extravagant tomb. Du You Zou Jian, a local official, reported to higher authorities that Lan was greedy, luxurious, and indulgent in excesses, having previously seized 381 homes and 118 mu of farmland from others, constructing sixteen estates with tall towers, ponds, gardens, halls, and pavilions connected by sightlines. These were decorated with colorful paintings and red lacquer, their scale and grandeur rivaling the imperial palace. Lan had also prebuilt a lavish tomb with stone coffins, twin gate towers, and high eaves reaching 100 chi in height. He destroyed people's homes, excavated graves, enslaved free citizens, and abducted women and children. Zou Jian detailed these crimes and requested that Lan be executed. However, Lan intercepted the report before it could reach the emperor. In response, Zou Jian stormed into Lan's tomb estate, seized his assets, listed all his offenses, and further impeached Lan for having his mother, while still alive, maintain connections with guests who meddled in affairs of commanderies and states. This report also failed to reach the emperor, so Lan falsely accused Zou Jian as part of a conspiracy involving former Shao Fu of Changle Li Ying, former Taipu Du Mi, and others; all were executed. Lan then assumed the position of Taipu of Changle. In the first year of Xiping (172 AD), officials impeached Lan for monopolizing power and indulging in arrogance and luxury. The emperor issued an edict ordering his seal and sash to be confiscated, compelling him to commit suicide; those who had supported him were all dismissed from office.
|
| | 宦者传: |
曹节字汉丰，南阳人也。建宁元年，持节将中黄门虎贲羽林千人北迎灵帝，陪乘入宫，及即位，以定策封长安鄕侯，时窦太后临朝，后父大将军武与太傅陈蕃谋诛中官，节与长乐五官史朱瑀，从官史张亮，中黄门王尊等十七人共矫诏以长乐食监王甫为黄门令，将兵诛武蕃等，节迁长乐衞尉，封育阳侯，甫迁中常侍，黄门令如故瑀封都鄕侯，亮等五人各三百户，馀十一人皆为关内侯，岁食租二千斛，赐瑀钱五千万，馀各有差，后更封华容侯，二年，节病困，诏拜为车骑将军，有顷疾瘳，复为中常侍，位特进，秩中二千石，寻转大长秋。 |
| | Cao Jie, courtesy name Hanfeng, was a native of Nanyang. In the first year of Jianning (168 AD), Cao Jie, holding an imperial scepter, led a thousand men from Zhonghuangmen, Hufen, and Yulin to the north to welcome Emperor Ling. He accompanied the emperor on his journey into the palace. After the emperor ascended the throne, for participating in determining the succession plan, Jie was enfeoffed as Chang'an Xiang Hou (Lord of Chang'an). At that time, Empress Dowager Dou was regent; her father, Da Jiangjun Wu, and Tai Fu Chen Fan plotted to eliminate eunuchs. Jie conspired with Zouguan Shi Zhu Yu from Changle, Cenguan Shi Zhang Liang, Zhonghuangmen Wang Zun, and seventeen others to forge an imperial edict appointing Wang Fu, the Shijian of Changle, as Huangmen Ling (Head of the Yellow Gate). They led troops to execute Wu and Fan. Jie was promoted to Weiwei of Changle and enfeoffed as Yuyang Hou (Lord of Yuyang). Wang Fu became Zhongchangshi while retaining his position as Huangmen Ling; Zhu Yu was enfeoffed as Dudu Xiang Hou, Zhang Liang and four others each received fiefs with 300 households. The remaining eleven were granted Guannei Hou titles, receiving annual rents of 2,000 hu of grain. Zhu Yu was given 50 million coins in reward; the rest received varying amounts. Later, Jie was re-enfeoffed as Huarong Hou (Lord of Huarong). In the second year (169 AD), when Jie fell seriously ill, an imperial decree appointed him Chaji Jiangjun (General-in Chief). Soon after his recovery, he resumed serving as Zhongchangshi and was granted a special rank of Tejin, with a salary equivalent to Zhongerqianshi. Shortly thereafter, he transferred to the position of Dachangqiu.
|
| | 宦者传: |
熹平元年，窦太后崩，有何人书朱雀阙，言天下大乱，曹节王甫幽杀太后，常侍侯览多杀党人，公卿皆尸禄无有忠言者，于是诏司隶校尉刘猛逐捕，猛以诽书言直，不肯急捕，月馀，主名不立，猛坐右转谏议大夫，以御史中丞段熲代猛，乃四出逐捕，及太学游生系者千馀人，节等怨猛不已，使熲以他事奏猛抵罪，输左校，节遂与王甫等诬奏桓帝弟勃海王悝谋反，诛之，以功封者十二人，甫封冠军侯，节亦增邑四千六百户，父兄子弟皆为公卿列校，牧守令长，布满天下也。 |
| | In the first year of Xiping, Empress Dowager Dou died. Someone wrote on the Zhuque Gate that "the empire is in great chaos; Cao Jie and Wang Fu secretly killed the empress dowager. The Zhongchangshi Hou Lan has executed many members of the Party of the Literati (Tang Ren), while all the high officials merely collected salaries without offering loyal advice." As a result, an imperial decree was issued ordering Shili Jiaoyue Liu Meng to pursue and capture those responsible. However, Meng considered the accusations just and refused to act aggressively; after more than a month, no suspects were identified. Meng was punished for negligence and transferred to serve as Youzhuan Yanyi Daifu (Right Counselor of the Imperial Council), with Duan Jing, Zhongchen of the 御史台 (Imperial Censorate), replacing him. Jing then launched an extensive campaign, capturing over a thousand students from the Taixue who were detained. Jie and others harbored resentment toward Meng and had Jing impeach Meng on unrelated charges, resulting in his punishment and transfer to Zuoxiao (a penal labor station). Jie then conspired with Wang Fu and others to falsely accuse Emperor Huan's younger brother, Bohai Wang Kui, of plotting rebellion. He was executed as a result. Twelve people were enfeoffed for this "merit," including Wang Fu, who received the title Guanjun Hou (Lord of Guanjun), while Jie also had his fief increased by 4,600 households. His father, brothers, and sons all held positions as high officials, military commanders, provincial governors, and magistrates, spreading throughout the empire.
|
| | 宦者传: |
吕强字汉盛，河南人也。少以宦者小黄门迁中常侍，清忠奉公，灵帝时，例封宦者，以强为都鄕侯，强辞让恳恻，帝乃听之。因上疏陈事曰：臣闻诸侯上象四七，下裂王土，高祖重约，非功臣不侯，所以重天爵，明劝戒也。伏闻中常侍曹节，王甫等，并为列侯，节等谗谄媚主，佞邪徼宠，放毒人物，嫉妒忠良，有赵高之祸，未被轘裂之诛，掩朝廷之明，成私树之党。 |
| | Lü Qiang, courtesy name Hansheng, was a native of Henan. As a young man, Qiang began as a Xiaohuangmen eunuch and was later promoted to Zhongchangshi. He remained clean, loyal, and devoted to public service. During Emperor Ling's reign, it became customary to enfeoff eunuchs; the emperor intended to grant Qiang the title of Dudu Xiang Hou. However, Qiang earnestly declined with heartfelt sincerity, and the emperor eventually accepted his refusal. He therefore submitted a memorial stating: "Your servant has heard that the feudal lords above correspond to the four sevens (28 constellations), and below they divide the emperor's territory. Emperor Gaozu established strict regulations, stipulating that only meritorious subjects could be enfeoffed as marquises; this was done to honor heavenly titles and clearly demonstrate rewards and punishments." I have heard that Zhongchangshi Cao Jie, Wang Fu, and others have all been enfeoffed as feudal lords. However, Jie and his ilk flatter the emperor with sycophantic behavior, use deceit to gain favor, poison people's lives, and envy loyal officials. They are no different from Zhao Gao in causing calamity, yet they remain unscathed by punishment for their crimes. They obscure the clarity of the imperial court and foster private factions.
|
| | 宦者传: |
而陛下不悟，妄授茅土，世为藩辅，受国重恩，不念尔祖，述修厥德，而交结邪党，下比羣佞，陛下惑其琐才，特蒙恩泽，又授位乖越，阴阳乖剌，罔不由兹，臣诚知封事已行，言之无逮，所以冒死，干触陈愚忠者，实愿陛下捐改既谬，从此一止，又今外戚四姓贵幸之家，及中官公族无功德者，造起馆舍，凡有万数，雕刻之饰，不可单言，丧葬逾制，奢丽过礼，竞相放效，莫肯矫拂。 |
| | Yet Your Majesty remains unaware, bestowing fiefs and lands upon them recklessly. They have become hereditary vassals, receiving the state's great favors, yet they do not honor their ancestors or cultivate virtue; instead, they associate with wicked factions and align themselves with groups of flatterers. Your Majesty is deceived by their trivial talents and has granted them special grace without merit. Furthermore, appointments are made in violation of proper ranks, causing disorder between yin and yang, and all such misfortunes stem from this. I truly know that the enfeoffment has already been carried out, so speaking now will be too late; however, I dare to risk my life to offer this humble loyalty, sincerely hoping Your Majesty will abandon these mistaken actions and cease them henceforth. Moreover, today's powerful families of imperial relatives—those from four noble clans enjoying favor—and eunuch officials without virtue or merit are constructing countless mansions, the number reaching into the thousands. The elaborate carvings and decorations cannot be fully described; their funerals exceed established regulations in extravagance and luxury, surpassing proper rites. They compete to imitate one another, with no one willing to correct these excesses.
|
| | 宦者传: |
上之化下，犹风之靡草，今上无去奢之俭，下有纵欲之獘，至使禽兽食民之甘，木土衣民之帛。昔师旷谏晋平公曰：梁柱衣绣，民无褐衣，池有弃酒，士有渴死，廏马秣粟，民有饥色，近臣不敢谏，远臣不得畅，此之谓也。又闻前召议郞蔡邕对问于金商门，而令中常侍曹节，王甫诏书喻旨，邕不敢怀道迷国，而切言极对，毁剌贵臣，讥呵竪宦，陛下不密其言，至令宣露，羣邪竞欲咀嚼，造作飞条，陛下回受诽谤，致邕刑罪，室家徙放，老幼流离，岂不负忠臣哉。今羣臣皆以邕为戒，上畏不测之难，下惧剑客之害，臣知朝廷不复得闻忠言矣。夫立言无显过之咎，明镜无见玼之尤，如恶立言以记过，则不当学也。不欲明镜之见玼，则不当照也。愿陛下详思臣言，不以记过见玼为责。 |
| | The emperor's example influences the people below, just as wind bends grass. Now that Your Majesty does not practice frugality to counter extravagance above, those beneath indulge in desires and corruption, leading to a situation where beasts consume what the people grow sweetly, and trees and earth wear the silks of the common folk. In the past, Shi Kuang advised King Ping of Jin: "When beams and pillars are dressed in brocade, the people have no coarse cloth to wear; when pools overflow with discarded wine, scholars die from thirst. When stables feed horses grain, the common folk suffer hunger. Close ministers dare not advise, while distant officials cannot speak freely—this is precisely what I mean." I also heard that previously, when Cai Yong, a former Zhaoyi Lang (Imperial Counselor), was questioned at the Jinshang Gate, the Zhongchangshi Cao Jue and Wang Fu issued an imperial decree to convey the emperor's intent. Yong dared not conceal his principles or mislead the state; instead, he spoke bluntly and directly, criticizing high-ranking officials and rebuking eunuchs. However, Your Majesty did not keep his words confidential but allowed them to be publicly revealed. As a result, wicked ministers eagerly fabricated false accusations and rumors. Your Majesty accepted these slanders and punished Yong with corporal punishment; his family was exiled, the young and old scattered—was this not an injustice against loyal officials? Now, all ministers regard Yong as a warning. Above, they fear unpredictable calamities; below, they dread the harm of swordsmen. I know that the court will no longer hear loyal advice. To speak truthfully without evident fault is like a clear mirror that does not reveal flaws. If one dislikes truthful speech for recording faults, then one should not pursue learning at all. If one does not wish the mirror to reveal blemishes, then one should not look into it at all. I pray that Your Majesty will carefully consider my words and not hold me accountable for recording faults or revealing blemishes.
|
| | 宦者传: |
张让，颍川人，赵忠，安平人也。少时给事省中，灵帝时让，忠并迁中常侍，封列侯，与曹节，王甫等相为表里，节死后，忠领大长秋，让有监奴典任家事，交通货赂，威形喧赫，扶风人孟他资産饶赡，与奴朋结，倾竭馈问，无所遗爱，奴咸德之。问他曰：君何所欲，力能办也。他曰：吾望汝曹为我一拜耳，时宾客求谒让者，车恒数百千两，他时诣让，后至不得进，监奴乃率诸苍头迎拜于路，遂共舆车入门，宾客咸惊，谓他善于让，皆争以珍玩赂之，他分以遗让，让大喜，遂以他为凉州刺史。 |
| | Zhang Rang was a native of Yingchuan, and Zhao Zhong of Anping. As a youth, Rang served in the palace. During Emperor Ling's reign, both Rang and Zhong were promoted to Zhongchang Shi and enfeoffed as Feidu Hou (Feudal Lords). They formed close alliances with Cao Jie, Wang Fu and others, acting in concert. After Jie's death, Zhong assumed the position of Dachangqiou. Rang employed a supervisory eunuch to manage his household affairs; he engaged in bribery and corruption, wielding great influence and power. Meng Ta from Fufeng was wealthy and generous. He formed an alliance with Rang's eunuchs, lavishing them with gifts and showing no restraint in his generosity. As a result, the eunuchs all felt indebted to him. They asked Ta: "What is it that you desire? We have the power to provide it for you." Ta replied: "All I want is for you to bow to me once." At that time, guests seeking an audience with Rang often arrived in caravans of hundreds or even thousands. When Ta visited Rang, he always arrived late and was unable to enter. The supervisory eunuch then led a group of commoners to greet and bow to him on the road, allowing them to carry Ta into the gate together. All the guests were astonished, believing that Ta had special favor with Rang. They all competed to bribe him with rare treasures, which he in turn distributed to Rang. Delighted, Rang appointed Ta as Shu of Liangzhou.
|
| | 宦者传: |
是时，让，忠及夏恽，郭胜，孙璋，毕岚，栗嵩，段圭，高望，张恭，韩悝，宋典十二人皆为中常侍，封侯贵宠，父兄子弟，布列州郡，所在贪残，为人蠹害，黄巾既作，盗贼糜沸。郞中中山张钧上书曰：窃惟张角所以能兴兵作乱，万民所以乐附之者，其源皆由十常侍多放父兄子弟婚亲宾客典据州郡，辜榷财利，侵掠百姓，百姓之寃，无所告诉，故谋议不轨，聚为盗贼，宜斩十常侍，悬头南郊，以谢百姓，又遣使者布告天下，可不须师旅而大寇自消。 |
| | At that time, Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and ten others—Xia Yun, Guo Sheng, Sun Zhang, Bi Lan, Li Song, Duan Gui, Gao Wang, Zhang Gong, Han Kui, and Song Dian—all served as Zhongchangshi (Attendants of the Central Office), were enfeoffed as marquise, and enjoyed great favor. Their fathers, brothers, sons, and relatives held positions in states and commanderies throughout the land; wherever they went, they were greedy and cruel, becoming pests to the people. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion began, bandits surged like boiling water across the realm. Langzhong Zhang Jun of Zhongshan submitted a memorial, stating: "I secretly believe that Zhang Jiao was able to raise an army and incite rebellion, while the common people were willing to follow him, because at its root it all stemmed from the ten Zhongchangshi who allowed their fathers, brothers, sons, relatives, guests, and subordinates to hold positions in states and commanderies, monopolizing wealth, exploiting the people. The grievances of the populace had nowhere to be heard or addressed; thus, they plotted rebellion and gathered as bandits. Therefore, it is appropriate to execute these ten Zhongchangshi, hang their heads at Nanjiao (the southern suburbs), to apologize to the common people. Then send envoys throughout the empire to announce this decision—without needing an army, great rebels will naturally disappear."
|
| | 宦者传: |
天子以钧章示让等，皆免冠徒跣顿首，乞自致洛阳诏狱，并出家财以助军费，有诏皆冠履视事如故。帝怒钧曰：此真狂子也。钧复重上，犹如前章，辄寝不报，诏使廷尉，侍御史考为张角道者，御史承让等旨，遂诬奏钧学黄巾道，收掠死狱中后中常侍封諝徐奏事，独发觉坐诛。帝因怒诘让等曰：汝曹常言党人欲为不轨，皆令禁锢，或有伏诛，今党人更为国用，汝曹反与张角通，为可斩未，皆叩头云，故中常侍王甫，侯览所为，帝乃止。 |
| | The emperor showed Jun's memorial to Zhang Rang and the others. All of them removed their hats, went barefoot, kowtowed repeatedly, and begged for permission to surrender themselves to the imperial prison in Luoyang while also offering their family wealth to support military expenses. An edict was then issued allowing them all to resume wearing their hats and shoes and continue with their official duties as before. The emperor angrily remarked about Jun: "This is truly a madman." Jun submitted another memorial, identical to the previous one; it was again ignored and not responded to. The emperor then issued an order for Tingwei (Imperial Judge) and Shiyushi officials to investigate those who had spread Zhang Jiao's teachings. Following instructions from Zhang Rang and others, the yushi falsely impeached Jun for studying the Yellow Turban doctrine. He was arrested, tortured, and died in prison. Later, Zhongchangshi Feng Xu submitted a report on official matters; he alone was discovered and executed for his crime. The emperor then angrily confronted Zhang Rang and others: "You have always claimed that the members of the Party (Tang Ren) intended to commit treason, ordering them banned or executed. Now these so-called 'rebels' are serving the state, yet you conspire with Zhang Jiao—should you not be put to death?" All kowtowed and replied: "This was done by former Zhongchangshi Wang Fu and Hou Lan." The emperor then relented.
|
| | 宦者传: |
明年南宫灾，让，忠等说帝令敛天下田亩税十钱以修宫室，发大原，河东，狄道诸郡材木及文石，每州郡部送至京师，黄门常侍辄令谴呵不中者，因强折贱买，十分雇一，因复货之于宦官，复不为即受材木，遂至腐积，宫室连年不成，刺史太守复增私调，百姓呼嗟，凡诏所徵求，皆令西园驺密约敕，号曰中使，恐动州郡，多受赇赂，刺史二千石及茂才孝廉迁除，皆责助军修宫钱，大郡至二三千万，馀各有差，当之官者，皆先至西园谐价，然后得去，有钱不毕者，或至自杀，其守清者，乞不之官，皆迫遣之。 |
| | The following year, the Nangong palace was destroyed by fire. Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong advised the emperor to levy ten coins per mu of farmland across the empire for rebuilding palaces. They ordered timber and ornamental stones from Taiyuan, Hedong, Dido, and other commanderies, with each state and commandery responsible for transporting these materials to the capital. However, Huangmen Changshi officials would often criticize and reject shipments they deemed unsatisfactory, then force purchases at low prices—paying only one-tenth of the actual cost—and resell them to eunuchs again. These officials also refused to accept deliveries immediately, leading to rotting and accumulation of materials. As a result, palace construction remained unfinished for years. Governors and magistrates further imposed private levies on top of official demands, causing widespread lamentation among the people. All imperial decrees for requisitions were secretly issued by Xiyuan zou (imperial attendants), known as Zhongshi (central envoys). These officials intimidated local authorities into compliance and accepted bribes in large amounts. Appointments of governors, magistrates, and those selected through the Mocai or Xiaolian systems all required candidates to pay money for military and palace construction projects. In major commanderies, these fees reached two or three million coins; other regions had varying amounts. Those appointed to office were first required to visit Xiyuan to negotiate prices before they could proceed. If unable to fully pay the amount, some officials committed suicide. Those who remained upright and refused to pay would request not to take up their posts but were still forced into service by imperial orders.
|
| | 宦者传: |
时巨鹿太守河内司马直新除，以有清名，减责三百万，直被诏。怅然曰：为民父母而反割剥百姓以称时求，吾不忍也。辞疾，不听，行至孟津，上书极陈当世之失，古今祸败之戒，即吞药自杀，书奏，帝为暂绝修宫钱，又造万金堂于西园，引司农金钱缯帛仞积其中，又还河间买田宅，起第观。 |
| | At that time, Si Ma Zhi, newly appointed as Tai Shou of Julu from Hedong, was known for his integrity. His required payment was reduced to three million coins. Zhi received the imperial decree. He sighed and said: "As a father and mother to the people, how can I now strip them of their wealth to satisfy current demands? I cannot bear it." Zhi claimed illness and refused, but his request was not accepted. On the way to Mengjin, he submitted a memorial strongly criticizing the failures of the current era and warning against past and present calamities caused by corruption. He then swallowed poison and committed suicide. After receiving Zhi's memorial, the emperor briefly suspended the collection of funds for palace construction. However, he soon ordered the construction of Wanjin Tang (Hall of Ten Thousand Gold) in Xiyuan, where vast amounts of gold coins and silk from the Sinao (Imperial Granary) were stored. He also returned to Hejian to purchase farmland and houses, building luxurious mansions and pavilions there.
|
| | 宦者传: |
帝本侯，家宿贫，每叹桓帝不能作家居，故聚为私藏，复寄小黄门常侍钱各数千万，常云，张常侍是我父，赵常侍是我母，宦官得志，无所惮畏，并起第宅，拟则宫室，帝常登永安候台，宦官恐其望见居处。乃使中大夫尚但谏曰：天子不当登高，登高则百姓虚散，自是不敢复升台榭，复以忠为车骑将军，帝崩，中军校尉袁绍说大将军何进令诛中官，谋泄，让，忠等因进入省，遂共杀进，而绍勒兵斩忠，捕宦官无少长悉斩之，让等数十人劫质天子走之河上，追急，皆投河而死也。 |
| | Originally a marquis, the emperor had long been poor. He often lamented that Emperor Huan was unable to build a proper home for his family and thus accumulated private wealth. Additionally, he entrusted Xiaohuangmen Changshi officials with several million coins each. He frequently said: "Zhang Changshi is my father; Zhao Changshi is my mother." With eunuchs in power and unafraid of consequences, they all constructed grand mansions modeled after imperial palaces. The emperor often ascended the Yong'an Hou Tai (Observation Tower), but the eunuchs feared he might glimpse their residences from there. They then sent Zhongdaren Shang Dan to advise the emperor: "An emperor should not ascend high places; if he does, the people will become restless and disperse." From then on, the emperor dared not climb towers or pavilions again. He reappointed Zhong as Chaji Jiangjun (General of the Chariot). After the emperor died, Zhongjun Jiaoyue Yuan Shao advised Da Jiangjun He Jin to order the execution of eunuchs. When this plot was revealed, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong led their men into the palace and jointly killed He Jin. However, Yuan Shao mobilized his troops, beheaded Zhao Zhong, captured all remaining eunuchs regardless of age, and executed them. Zhang Rang and dozens of others seized the emperor as a hostage and fled toward the river. Pursued urgently, they all threw themselves into the river and drowned.
|
