| | In the Eastern Jin dynasty, Langya Shizi died before reaching one year of age. The Grand Minister of Agriculture proposed that since the title of Langya Shizi was reduced by one rank, he should be posthumously honored with the designation "Aimin." Tai Chang He Xun said: "Posthumous names are given to indicate one's achievements and conduct. Therefore, in ancient times, those who had not yet reached adulthood or whose titles and positions were incomplete would all be denied posthumous names." Therefore, the Crown Prince of King Ling of Zhou was wise and intelligent, having surpassed the age of a grown child, yet he still received no posthumous name after his death. In the Spring and Autumn period, when feudal lords assumed their positions, they were referred to as "zi" (son) in the year of their accession, and only after a full year would they be called "jun" (lord). Those who died while still being referred to as "zi" were all without posthumous names, because their titles had not yet been completed. Since they had not yet become a ruler, they could not receive the posthumous name of a ruler. At that time, when they were still referred to as "zi," there was also no posthumous name for a son; this clearly indicates that neither status had been attained. Only Jin's Shen Sheng, who suffered fate due to his benevolence and filial piety, had passed the age of adulthood. The people of Jin mourned for him, so they specially gave him a posthumous name—an example without precedent in other states. By the Han dynasty, although they followed this principle and went beyond ancient rites in some respects, there were still no cases of a ruler who had not yet passed the age threshold being granted a posthumous name. Emperors Shang and Chong both received posthumous names only after they had surpassed the required age. According to records, the posthumous names of Emperor Aichong and the Taigong were established at a young age; it was not necessary to follow ancient precedents. However, they had all assumed their positions and held official posts, formally taking on the title and responsibility, establishing the relationship between ruler and subject with those below them, fulfilling the proper form and dignity of rulership without any compromise in status. Moreover, the title of a ruler is of utmost importance; therefore, those who hold such dignity should also be honored with special rites. Thus, regulations are established according to circumstances, and there are cases in which posthumous names are granted. "Although the Langya Shizi held a legitimate status above others and was born into complete nobility, this is merely sufficient to clarify the principle of legitimacy. It does not provide enough basis for establishing posthumous names."
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