| | 崔琰傳: |
崔琰字季珪，清河東武城人也。少樸訥，好擊劒，尚武事。年二十三，鄉移為正，始感激，讀論語、韓詩。至年二十九，乃結公孫方等就鄭玄受學。學未朞，徐州黃巾賊攻破北海，玄與門人到不其山避難。時穀糴縣乏，玄罷謝諸生。琰旣受遣，而寇盜充斥，西道不通。於是周旋青、徐、兖、豫之郊，東下壽春，南望江、湖。自去家四年乃歸，以琴書自娛。 |
| | Cui Yan, courtesy name Jigui, was a native of Dongwucheng, Qinghe. As a youth he was quiet and reserved, fond of sword fighting, and admired martial pursuits. At the age of twenty-three, after being transferred to a regular position by his native district, he was first moved by a sense of gratitude and began studying The Analects of Confucius and Han Shi. It was not until he was twenty-nine years old that he formed a group with Gongsun Fang et al. to study under Zheng Xuan. Before the end of his studies, Huangjin rebels in Xu Zhou attacked and captured Bei Hai, forcing Zheng Xuan and his students to flee for safety into Buqi Mountain. At that time, the county of Gu Dai was short on grain supplies, so Zheng Xuan dismissed all his students in gratitude for their support. After Cui Yan had been dispatched, bandits filled the land and blocked the western route. Thus he wandered through the outskirts of Qing, Xu, Yan, and Yu, went east to Shouchun, and looked south toward the rivers and lakes. After four years away from home he finally returned, entertaining himself with music and books.
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大將軍袁紹聞而辟之。時士卒橫暴，掘發丘壠，琰諫曰：「昔孫卿有言：『士不素教，甲兵不利，雖湯武不能以戰勝。』今道路暴骨，民未見德，宜勑郡縣掩骼埋胔，示憯怛之愛，追文王之仁。」紹以為騎都尉。後紹治兵黎陽，次于延津，琰復諫曰：「天子在許，民望助順，不如守境述職，以寧區宇。」紹不聽，遂敗于官渡。及紹卒，二子交爭，爭欲得琰。琰稱疾固辭，由是獲罪，幽於囹圄，賴陰夔、陳琳營救得免。 |
| | The Grand General Yuan Shao heard of him and extended an official invitation to serve in his administration. At that time, soldiers were lawless and violent, digging up graves. Cui Yan advised, "In the past, Master Xun Qing said: 'If scholars are not trained in advance, their armor and weapons will be ineffective; even Tang and Wu could not achieve victory through war.'" "Now, bones lie exposed along the roads; the people have not yet seen virtue. We should order the commanderies and counties to cover the bones and bury the remains, showing a compassionate love that reflects deep sorrow, following the benevolence of King Wen." Yuan Shao appointed him as Qidouwei. Later, when Yuan Shao stationed his troops at Liyang and encamped at Yanjin, Cui Yan again advised, "The Son of Heaven is in Xu; the people look forward to aiding the righteous. It would be better to defend our borders and fulfill our duties, thus bringing peace to this region." Yuan Shao did not listen, and was eventually defeated at Guandu. After Yuan Shao died, his two sons vied for power, each eager to gain Cui Yan's allegiance. Cui Yan claimed illness and firmly refused, thus incurring their displeasure and being imprisoned. He was rescued from prison thanks to the efforts of Yin Kui and Chen Lin.
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太祖破袁氏，領兾州牧，辟琰為別駕從事，謂琰曰：「昨案戶籍，可得三十萬衆，故為大州也。」琰對曰：「今天下分崩，九州幅裂，二袁兄弟親尋干戈，兾方蒸庶暴骨原野。未聞王師仁聲先路，存問風俗，救其塗炭，而校計甲兵，唯此為先，斯豈鄙州士女所望於明公哉！」太祖改容謝之。于時賔客皆伏失色。 |
| | When the Taizu defeated the Yuan clan and assumed control as Inspector of Ji Zhou, he appointed Cui Yan as Biejia Shiyuan and said to him, "Yesterday I reviewed the household registers and found that thirty thousand people could be mobilized; hence it is a great province." Cui Yan replied, "Now the realm is divided and the nine provinces shattered; the two Yuan brothers have personally taken up arms against each other. In Ji province, the common people are left with their bones exposed in the fields." "We have not heard of the royal army leading with a reputation for benevolence, inquiring about customs and traditions, rescuing people from their suffering, yet instead counting weapons and troops as if this were most important. Is this what the men and women of this humble province expect from you, Your Honor?" The Taizu changed his expression and apologized to him. At that moment, the guests were all startled into silence and turned pale.
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太祖征并州，留琰傅文帝於鄴。世子仍出田獵，變易服乘，志在驅逐。琰書諫曰：「蓋聞盤于游田，書之所戒，魯隱觀魚，春秋譏之，此周、孔之格言，二經之明義。殷鑒夏后，詩稱不遠，子卯不樂，禮以為忌，此又近者之得失，不可不深察也。袁族富彊，公子寬放，盤游滋侈，義聲不聞，哲人君子，俄有色斯之志，熊羆壯士，墯於吞噬之用，固所以擁徒百萬，跨有河朔，無所容足也。今邦國殄瘁，惠康未洽，士女企踵，所思者德。况公親御戎馬，上下勞慘，世子宜遵大路，慎以行正，思經國之高略，內鑒近戒，外揚遠節，深惟儲副，以身為寶。而猥襲虞旅之賤服，忽馳騖而陵險，志雉兎之小娛，忘社稷之為重，斯誠有識所以惻心也。唯世子燔翳捐褶，以塞衆望，不令老臣獲罪於天。」世子報曰：「昨奉嘉命，惠示雅數，欲使燔翳捐褶，翳已壞矣，褶亦去焉。後有此比，蒙復誨諸。」 |
| | When the Taizu launched a campaign against Bing Zhou, he left Cui Yan to tutor Emperor Wen at Ye. The crown prince still went out hunting, changed his clothes and chariots, with the intent of chasing game. Cui Yan wrote to advise, "I have heard that the Book of Documents warns against idling in pleasure grounds and hunting fields; Duke Yin of Lu was criticized for watching fish in Spring and Autumn Annals. These are established sayings from Zhou and Kong, clear meanings from two classical texts." "Yin took a lesson from Xia Hou, and the Book of Songs praises those who do not go far; on Zi Mao days one does not take pleasure, as etiquette regards it as an inauspicious time. This is also a recent example of gains and losses that cannot be overlooked without careful consideration." The Yuan clan was wealthy and powerful, their princes indulgent and unrestrained; they engaged in excessive hunting and revelry without a reputation for righteousness. The wise men and gentlemen soon harbored thoughts of leaving, while the strong warriors fell into idleness and were wasted on trivial pursuits. This is why, despite commanding hundreds of thousands of troops and controlling the region north of the Yellow River, they found no place to stand firmly. Now the state is exhausted and its people in distress; benevolence and peace have not yet been fully realized, and men and women look forward with hope to virtue. Especially since you, Your Honor, personally command the troops and both high and low are weary and distressed, the crown prince should follow the right path, carefully practicing righteousness. He should think of great strategies for governing the state, reflect internally on recent warnings, and uphold noble conduct externally. As a future ruler, he must regard himself as most precious. Yet to wear the lowly clothes of a common soldier, to carelessly gallop and ride recklessly over dangerous terrain, seeking only trivial pleasures in hunting pheasants and hares while forgetting the weight of state affairs—this is indeed what causes those with insight to feel sorrow. "May the crown prince burn away his disguises and discard such attire, so as to satisfy public expectations, not allowing an old minister like me to incur guilt before heaven." The crown prince replied, "Yesterday I received your kind instructions and were kindly shown the proper etiquette. You wished me to burn away my disguises and discard this attire; the disguise is already ruined, and the clothes have also been removed." "If such things happen again in the future, I will certainly heed your teachings once more."
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| | 崔琰傳: |
太祖為丞相，琰復為東西曹掾屬徵事。初授東曹時，教曰：「君有伯夷之風，史魚之直，貪夫慕名而清，壯士尚稱而厲，斯可以率時者已。故授東曹，往踐厥職。」魏國初建，拜尚書。時未立太子，臨菑侯植有才而愛。太祖狐疑，以函令密訪於外。唯琰露板荅曰：「蓋聞春秋之義，立子以長，加五官將仁孝聦明，宜承正統。琰以死守之。」植，琰之兄女壻也。太祖貴其公亮，喟然歎息， |
| | When the Taizu became Chancellor, Cui Yan was again appointed as an official of the East and West Cao departments in charge of military affairs. When he was first appointed to the East Cao, he gave instructions saying: "You possess the virtue of Boyi and the integrity of Shiyu. Greedy men will admire your reputation and become clean-hearted; brave warriors will value praise and be inspired. This is how you can lead in this era." Therefore, I appoint you to the East Cao—go forth and fulfill your duties. When the Wei state was first established, he was appointed as a Shangshu (Minister of the Secretariat). At that time, no crown prince had yet been designated. Linzi Hou Cao Zhi was talented and favored. The Taizu hesitated, sending sealed letters to secretly inquire from outside. Only Cui Yan responded openly without sealing the letter, saying: "I have heard that according to the principles of Spring and Autumn Annals, the heir should be chosen based on seniority. Moreover, the Wuguan Jiang is kind, filial, wise, and intelligent; he should succeed as the legitimate ruler." Cui Yan vowed to defend this with his life. Cao Zhi was the son-in-law of Cui Yan's elder sister. The Taizu valued his integrity and fairness, sighing deeply with admiration.
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| | 崔琰傳: |
遷中尉。 |
| | It is said in the world's accounts: Cao Zhi's wife wore embroidered clothes. When the Taizu ascended a terrace and saw her, he considered this a violation of court regulations and ordered that she return home and be executed as a gift from him. He was later transferred to serve as Zhongwei (Commander of the Capital Guards).
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琰聲姿高暢，眉目疏朗，鬚長四尺，甚有威重，朝士瞻望，而太祖亦敬憚焉。琰甞薦鉅鹿楊訓，雖才好不足，而清貞守道，太祖即禮辟之。後太祖為魏王，訓發表稱贊功伐，襃述盛德。時人或笑訓希世浮偽，謂琰為失所舉。琰從訓取表草視之，與訓書曰：「省表，事佳耳！時乎時乎，會當有變時。」琰本意譏論者好譴呵而不尋情理也。有白琰此書傲世怨謗者，太祖怒曰：「諺言『生女耳』，『耳』非佳語。『會當有變時』，意指不遜。」於是罰琰為徒隷，使人視之，辭色不撓。太祖令曰：「琰雖見刑，而通賔客，門若市人，對賔客虬鬚直視，若有所瞋。」遂賜琰死。 |
| | Cui Yan had a tall and imposing presence, with clear and open features. His beard was four chi long, giving him great dignity; officials in court admired him, and even the Taizu respected and feared him. The Records of Conducts of Earlier Sages state: Cui Yan was clear-minded, loyal, and upright; he had a refined understanding of long-term strategies. He promoted integrity and righteousness, maintaining a dignified presence in court. In the early years of the Wei dynasty, he was entrusted with selecting officials; for more than ten years, he presided over and unified the standards of moral judgment. Both literary and military talents were widely recognized and promoted by him. The court revered his high virtue, and the people across the land praised the peace he helped bring about. Cui Yan once recommended Ju Lu's Yang Xun, who though lacking in talent and eloquence, was clear-minded and steadfast in his principles. The Taizu immediately honored him with a formal invitation to serve. Later, when the Taizu became King of Wei, Yang Xun publicly praised his military achievements and extolled his great virtue. At that time, some people mocked Yang Xun for seeking favor through flattery and falsehoods, saying Cui Yan had made a mistaken recommendation. Cui Yan asked Yang Xun to bring the draft of the memorial for him to review, and wrote to Yang Xun: "I have read your memorial; it is well done!" "Times! Times! There will surely be a time of change." Cui Yan's original intention was to satirize those who liked to criticize and scold without seeking the truth or understanding the circumstances. Someone reported to the Taizu that Cui Yan's letter was arrogant and caused resentment, prompting the Taizu to become angry and say: "The proverb says 'It is like giving birth to a daughter,' but 'daughter' is not a good word." "'There will surely be a time of change' clearly implies an impertinent tone." Thus, the Taizu punished Cui Yan by demoting him to a common laborer and had someone watch over him. Yet he remained undaunted in his words and demeanor. The Taizu issued an order: "Although Cui Yan has been punished, he still receives many guests; his gate is as crowded as a market. In the presence of his guests, he stares with his bushy beard and looks angry." Thus, the Taizu ordered Cui Yan's execution. The Wei Lue records: People who obtained Cui Yan's writings used them to wrap their head coverings, carrying them along the main roads of the capital. At that time, there were those who had long been at odds with Cui Yan. Seeing his name written on a head covering from afar, they followed and examined it before reporting the matter. The Taizu believed that Cui Yan had harbored malicious criticism in his heart, and thus ordered him arrested and imprisoned. He was subjected to 髡刑 (hair-cutting punishment) and sent away as a laborer. The person who had previously reported on Cui Yan now again informed the Taizu, saying: "Cui Yan, as a laborer, stares with his bushy eyebrows and seems discontented in heart." At that time, the Taizu also believed this to be true and thus decided to have him killed. He then sent a high-ranking official of great integrity to deal with Cui Yan, instructing the officer: "Report back within three days." Cui Yan did not realize what was happening. After several more days, the official deliberately reported that Cui Yan remained safe and sound. The Taizu angrily said: "Cui Yan must want me to carry out a cruel execution with blades or saws!" The official then informed Cui Yan of the Taizu's anger, and Cui Yan apologized to the official, saying: "I was greatly inappropriate; I did not know that His Honor had been moved to such an extent!" He then committed suicide.
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始琰與司馬朗善，晉宣王方壯，琰謂朗曰：「子之弟，聦哲明允，剛斷英跱，殆非子之所及也。」朗以為不然，而琰每秉此論。琰從弟林，少無名望，雖姻族猶多輕之，而琰常曰：「此所謂大器晚成者也，終必遠至。」涿郡孫禮、盧毓始入軍府，琰又名之曰：「孫疏亮亢烈，剛簡能斷，盧清警明理，百鍊不消，皆公才也。」後林、禮、毓咸至鼎輔。及琰友人公孫方、宋階早卒，琰撫其遺孤，恩若己子。其鑒識篤義，類皆如此。 |
| | Initially, Cui Yan was on good terms with Sima Lang. When the Jin Xuanwang was still young and vigorous, Cui Yan told Sima Lang: "Your younger brother is intelligent, wise, fair-minded, resolute, and outstanding in talent; he may well be beyond your reach." Minister Song Zhi remarks: "Zhi" is sometimes written as "Te," and I secretly believe that "Yingte" (outstanding talent) to be the correct reading. Sima Lang did not agree, but Cui Yan consistently held this view. Cui Lin, Cui Yan's cousin, was young and had no reputation or prestige; even his in-laws and relatives often looked down on him. Yet Cui Yan often said: "This is what they call a great talent that matures late; he will eventually achieve something far-reaching." When Zhuo Jun's Sun Li and Lu Yu first entered the military office, Cui Yan also praised them by name: "Sun is open-minded, upright, and bold; he is firm and decisive. Lu is clear-sighted, prudent, and rational; even after a hundred trials, his virtue remains unshaken. Both are talents of great public service." Later, Cui Lin, Sun Li, and Lu Yu all rose to become top ministers. When his friend Gongsun Fang and Song Jie died young, Cui Yan took care of their orphans with the same affection as if they were his own children. His discernment in recognizing talent and his steadfast sense of righteousness were often like this. The Wei Lue states: During the reign of Emperor Mingdi, Cui Lin once discussed the men of Ji Zhou with Sima Kong Chen Qun and ranked Cui Yan as first. Chen Qun, however, criticized him by saying "his wisdom did not preserve his own life." Cui Lin replied: "A great man is bound to have some misfortunes. Even if you and others like you were in his position, would it be any different? Is that not also precious?"
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初，太祖性忌，有所不堪者，魯國孔融、南陽許攸、婁圭，皆以恃舊不虔見誅。而琰最為世所痛惜，至今冤之。 |
| | Initially, the Taizu was suspicious and jealous by nature. Those who could not endure this included Kong Rong of Lu Guo, courtesy name Wenju. Xu Han Shu: Kong Rong was the twentieth-generation descendant of Confucius. His great-great-grandfather, Kong Shang, served as Tai Shou (Governor) of Ju Lu. His father, Kong Zhou, was Tai Shan Du Wei. Kong Rong had extraordinary talent from a young age. At that time, Li Ying, the Inspector of Henan, was a man of great reputation. He issued an order to his attendants at the gate to carefully screen visitors; he would only receive those who were outstanding talents or descendants from prominent families. When Kong Rong was still in his early teens, he wanted to see what kind of person Li Ying was. So he went to visit him and told the gatekeeper: "I am a descendant from Li Jun's allied family." Li Ying saw Kong Rong and asked, "Have your distinguished father or grandfather ever associated with me?" Kong Rong replied: "Yes." "My late father, Confucius, and your late ancestor, Master Laozi of the Li family, shared virtue and righteousness and were mutual teachers and friends. Therefore, I am a descendant from your family's allied lineage for generations." Everyone present was amazed by this and all said: "What an extraordinary child!" Later, Tai Zhong Dafu Chen Wei arrived. Those present told him about the incident, and he said: "A child who is clever at a young age may not necessarily be remarkable when grown up." Kong Rong replied: "If that is the case, was your childhood truly wise?" Li Ying laughed heartily and turned to say: "This child will surely become a great talent when he grows up." Zhang Jian of Shanyang was hated by Hou Lan, a Zhongzheng and Zhongchangshi. Hou Lan had the official records altered to issue an order for Zhang Jian's arrest from the commanderies and states. Zhang Jian, who was on friendly terms with Kong Rong's elder brother Kong Bao, fled to take refuge with him. When he arrived and found Kong Bao away, Zhang Jian, thinking that the sixteen-year-old Kong Rong was too young to be trusted, did not inform him of his presence. Kong Rong realized that Zhang Jian was a man of virtue and saw the signs of distress on his face, so he said: "Am I not able to be your host?" He then kept him in the house and concealed him. Later, when the secret was exposed, officials below the level of Chancellor secretly came to arrest them. Zhang Jian managed to escape, but Kong Rong and his elder brother Kong Bao were immediately arrested and sent to prison. Kong Rong said: "The one who sheltered Zhang Jian in my house was me, so I should be held responsible." Kong Bao said: "He came to seek me out. The reason for the crime lies with me, not my younger brother. I should be held responsible." The brothers contended to take the blame for death, and the local officials were uncertain how to decide. They thus submitted the case for imperial review, and an edict was issued ordering Kong Bao to be held responsible. Because of this, Kong Rong became famous near and far. He was ranked together with Taoqiu Hong of Pingyuan and Bianrang of Chenliu as a paragon among the rising generation for their outstanding talent. Kong Rong's scholarship in classical learning was not as profound as Bianrang and others, but his extraordinary talents and broad knowledge surpassed theirs. He was recommended by the Situ Grand General as a top scholar and, through successive promotions, became the Zhonghou of the Northern Army, Huhen Zhonglangjiang, and Xiang of Beihai, at the age of twenty-eight. After inheriting a region devastated by the remnants of the Yellow Turban rebels, he restored cities and towns, promoted schools, established academies, recommended talented individuals, and honored Confucian scholars. He appointed Peng Qiu as Fangzheng, Bing Yuan as Youdao, and Wang Xiu as Xiaolian. He instructed Gaomi County to establish a special district for Zheng Xuan, naming it Zhenggong Xiang. He also provided coffins and arranged burials for any native citizens without descendants, as well as for wandering scholars from all directions who had died. Zhen Ziran of the commandery was known for his filial piety and reputation, but he died young. Kong Rong regretted not having met him in person, so he ordered that Ziran be honored with a place at the county's ancestral shrine offerings. Such was his respect for virtuous and talented individuals. He governed the commandery for six years, when Liu Bei submitted a memorial recommending Kong Rong to concurrently serve as Inspector of Qingzhou. In Jian'an Year 1, he was summoned back and appointed as Jiangzuo Dajiang, later promoted to Shaofu. Whenever court meetings were held for consultation, he was always the main speaker in deliberations; all other ministers and officials merely signed their names. Sima Biao's Jiuzhou Chunqiu states: "While Kong Rong was in Beihai, he considered himself to possess superior intelligence and talent. His extraordinary abilities were unmatched by the leading figures of his time." He also held great ambitions for himself, and wished to raise an army with shining armor, join forces with virtuous men to achieve merit. He intended to establish a solid foundation in the Hai-Dai region, and refused to live as an ordinary commandery governor, merely serving under regional officials and attending scheduled meetings. However, those he appointed were people of eccentricity and novelty, all possessing talents marked by superficiality and recklessness. As for those who studied ancient texts and possessed learning, he mistakenly treated them with respect; although the rites were fully observed, he did not consult them on state affairs. Zheng Xuan of Gaomi was addressed as Master Zheng Gong and treated with the respect due to a grandfather or great-grandfather. When he delivered lofty speeches on governance, his words filled the government offices; his eloquence and tone were warm and refined, worthy of being recited and savored. His discussions of matters were based on factual examination, but they proved difficult to fully implement. He could only spread out a wide net and cast it broadly; his own management was very lax. When the collection of taxes and levies was slightly delayed, he executed five postal supervisors in one day. Corrupt civilians and corrupt officials who caused disorder in the marketplace could not be properly dealt with by him either. When elite troops from Youzhou rebelled, they reached Xuzhou and suddenly arrived at the city walls, causing panic throughout the region. Kong Rong personally went out to reason with them, ordering them not to entertain any rebellious intentions. He then conspired with a subordinate officer to launch a surprise attack on Youzhou at night. The Youzhou forces were defeated, and their entire army was captured by Kong Rong. However, after only a short time, the rebels once again fled and rebelled. When the Yellow Turbans were about to arrive, Kong Rong drank heavily of strong wine and personally mounted his horse to confront them on the banks of the Lai River. The bandits ordered their vanguard forces to oppose Kong Rong, while two flanking units crossed the river directly and advanced toward his administrative city. The city walls were breached, and Kong Rong could not enter. He fled to Naxian instead, but those around him gradually defected. After years of repeated defeats and failures in his endeavors, he could no longer defend the four borders of his territory and abandoned the commandery to leave. Later, when moving to Xuzhou, he returned as Inspector of Qingzhou while still holding the title of Xiang of Beihai and governed a district in the northern frontier. He wished to ally with Shandong and connect externally with Liaodong, gaining the advantage of military horses, establishing a solid foundation. He sought to stand alone in one corner rather than join forces with others. At that time, Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Gongsun were supporting each other at the front and rear. Kong Rong had no more than several hundred soldiers and less than ten thousand hu of grain. Wang Zifa and Liu Kongci, who were wicked and eloquent but possessed only minor talents, were trusted as his close confidants. Zuo Chengzu and Liu Yixun, who were upright and talented men, were merely present at the banquet. Kong Rong remarked that they represented public expectations and could not be ignored. Zuo Chengzu advised Kong Rong to seek protection from a powerful state, but Kong Rong did not listen and had him executed. Liu Yixun abandoned him and left. lington He was then attacked by Yuan Tan, from spring to summer. The city was small but the enemy forces were numerous; arrows rained down like a storm. Yet Kong Rong sat calmly by his desk, reading and discussing matters as if nothing had happened. When the city walls collapsed and his troops scattered, he fled to Shandong alone, while his family was captured by Yuan Tan. Zhang Fan's Han Ji records: "Kong Rong governed the commandery for eight years and barely escaped with his life." When the emperor first established his capital at Xu, Kong Rong believed that the old system should be roughly followed. He proposed to establish a royal domain and set up a fief of one thousand li under the jurisdiction of the imperial officials. He thus led the high ministers in submitting a memorial to present his argument. At that time, the world was still in chaos and the power between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao had not yet been decided. Kong Rong's proposal failed to recognize the realities of the situation. Moreover, by nature he was haughty and proud; he often expressed his lifelong ideals freely and treated Cao Cao with disdain and contempt. Cao Cao had issued a prohibition on alcohol, but Kong Rong wrote to mock him, saying: "Heaven has the constellation of Jiuqi; Earth has Juquan Commandery. Humans possess virtue in fine wine. Therefore, Yao could not become a sage without drinking a thousand zhong." "Moreover, Jie and Zhou lost their kingdoms because of women; yet today the decree does not prohibit marriage either." Cao Cao outwardly showed tolerance but inwardly could not bear it. Yushi Dafu Xi Lü, understanding the emperor's intent, dismissed Kong Rong from office according to law. After more than a year, he was appointed Tai Zhong Dafu. Although he was at home and had lost power, his door was daily filled with guests. He loved talent and enjoyed wine, often sighing: "If my hall is always full of guests and the wine jar never runs dry, I have no worries." There was a Huhen soldier who resembled Cai Yong in appearance. Whenever Kong Rong became drunk, he would invite him to sit together and say: "Though there are no old virtuous men left, at least the model of virtue remains." Such was his love for talented individuals. The Xu Han Shu records: "Taiwei Yang Biao was married to Yuan Shu. When Yuan Shu assumed an imperial title, Cao Cao had a conflict with Yang Biao and therefore arrested him, intending to execute him." Kong Rong heard of this and, without waiting to put on his court robes, went to see Cao Cao. He said: "The Yang family has for generations upheld upright virtue; four successive generations have brought honor. The Book of Zhou says 'the sins of father and son or brothers should not be transferred to one another.' How much more so when the crime is only that of Yuan Shu?" "The Yi Jing says 'accumulated virtue brings lasting blessings,' but this is merely a deception to people." Cao Cao replied: "This is the will of the state." Kong Rong said: "Suppose King Cheng wanted to kill Zhao Gong, could Duke of Zhou have claimed ignorance?" "Now, the reason why scholars and officials with official hats and sashes throughout the land look up to you, Your Excellence, is because they believe in your wisdom, intelligence, and benevolence. You assist the Han dynasty by promoting upright men and punishing the corrupt, bringing about a time of harmony and prosperity." "If you now unjustly kill an innocent man, how will people throughout the realm view your actions? Who would not lose faith in you?" "Kong Rong is a man from Lu. Tomorrow, I shall immediately lift my robe and leave, never to attend court again." Cao Cao relented and eventually released Yang Biao. The Wei Shi Chunqiu records: "After Yuan Shao's defeat, Kong Rong sent a letter to Cao Cao saying: 'King Wu of Zhou attacked King Zhou and granted Daji to Duke of Zhou.'" Cao Cao, considering Kong Rong's extensive learning, assumed the statement was recorded in historical texts. Later, when he investigated it, Kong Rong replied: "Judging by current circumstances, I suppose that is how it must have been!" In the thirteenth year [of Jian'an], when Kong Rong addressed an envoy of Sun Quan, he made slanderous remarks and was therefore executed in public. His two sons were eight years old at the time and were playing go when Kong Rong was arrested; they sat upright without rising. Those around them said: "Your father has been taken into custody, why do you not rise?" The two boys replied: "How can there be a case where the nest is destroyed but the eggs remain unbroken?" They were thus both executed. Kong Rong possessed a lofty reputation and refined talent, and many in later generations mourned for him. Cao Cao feared the criticism from both near and far, so he issued an order: "The Tai Zhong Dafu Kong Rong has already confessed to his crimes. However, many people in the world have been swayed by his reputation without thoroughly examining the facts. They are dazzled by his flamboyant style and fondness for novelty, deceived by his deceptions, and no longer scrutinize how he disrupted social customs." People in this region claimed that Pingyuan Mi Heng received Kong Rong's teachings, arguing that parents and children have no inherent bond, just as a jar merely holds things temporarily. He also said that if there were famine and the father was unworthy, it would be better to support others rather than feed him. Kong Rong violated heaven's will and defied morality; he destroyed ethical norms and disrupted reason. Even though he was executed in the public square, it is still regrettable that his punishment came too late. This matter should be recorded and submitted for announcement to all military commanders, officers, and subordinates so that they may all hear and witness it." The Shiyu says: "Kong Rong's two sons were still children with baby teeth." When Kong Rong was taken into custody, he looked back at his two sons and said: "Why did you not bid me farewell?" Both boys replied together: "If our father is like this, what more is there to say!" They thought they would surely die with him. Min Songzhi believes that the Shiyu's account of Kong Rong's sons not bidding farewell, knowing they would surely die together, is still somewhat plausible. As Sun Sheng said, this is indeed something I cannot fully understand. An eight-year-old child who could understand the concepts of calamity and fortune, possessing exceptional intelligence and insight, standing out as extraordinary—his emotions of sorrow or joy should naturally surpass those of adults. How could he remain expressionless when seeing his father arrested, continue playing go without rising, and act as if in leisurely ease? In the past, Shen Sheng accepted his fate, yet he did not forget his father. He did not abandon his filial feelings toward his father even though he himself was about to die. Even when the father is safe, such filial devotion still exists; how much more so in times of hardship and distress? Sun Sheng regards this as a beautiful tale. Is it not, however, an act that betrays the nature of a true son! This is probably because he was overly eager to pursue novelty and curiosity, without realizing how such words harm reason. Nanyang Xu You, according to the Wei Lue: Xu You, courtesy name Ziyuan, was young and on good terms with Yuan Shao and Taizu. In the middle of Chuping, he followed Yuan Shao in Ji Zhou, and once participated in discussions at a banquet. During the Battle of Guandu, he advised Yuan Shao not to engage Taizu in battle; this account is recorded in Yuan Shao's biography. Yuan Shao considered himself powerful and strong, and was determined to fully exert his military might. Xu You realized that there was no way to change Yuan Shao's mind, so he fled to visit Taizu. After Yuan Shao was defeated and driven away, and later when Ji Zhou was captured, Xu You had played a role in the success. Xu You, relying on his meritorious service, often joked with Taizu. At banquets, he did not restrain himself and even called out Taizu's childhood name, saying: "Moujia, you could not have captured Ji Zhou without me." Taizu laughed and said, "What you say is true." Yet he harbored inner resentment toward him. Later, when accompanying Taizu on an outing through the eastern gate of Ye, he looked back and said to those around him: "This family would not have been able to enter or exit this gate without me." When someone reported this, Xu You was immediately arrested. Lou Gui were all executed for relying on their past relationships and showing disrespect. The Wei Lue says: Lou Gui, courtesy name Zibo, was young and had an old relationship with Taizu. In the middle of Chuping he gathered followers at the northern border of Jingzhou, then went to visit Taizu. Taizu appointed him as a general but did not allow him command over troops; he was often present at banquets for discussions. After the northern regions were pacified, he followed Taizu to Ji Zhou. Later, when Taizu took his sons on an outing, Zibo also accompanied them at that time. Zibo looked back and said to those nearby: "This family's father and sons are enjoying themselves today." When someone reported this, Taizu believed that Zibo had seditious intentions in his heart, so he arrested and punished him. The Wu Shu says: Zibo, when young, had bold ambitions. He once sighed and said: "A man should live in the world with a force of tens of thousands of soldiers and a thousand horsemen at his back!" His peers laughed at him. Later, when his companion was a fugitive and captured to face death, he managed to escape from prison. Pursuers were in hot pursuit, so Zibo changed into clothes resembling those of an assistant captor; the officials failed to notice, and thus he escaped unscathed. When uprisings erupted across the land, Zibo also gathered followers and allied with Liu Biao. Later he defected to Cao Cao, who treated him well; he often participated in major military and state affairs. After Liu Biao died, Cao Cao marched toward Jingzhou. Liu Biao's son Liu Cong surrendered and welcomed Cao Cao with a ceremonial staff; the generals all suspected deception, so Cao Cao asked Zibo for his opinion. Zibo said: "In these turbulent times, everyone seeks to gain authority through the Son of Heaven's mandate in order to elevate their own status. Now that they have come with a ceremonial staff, this must be genuine sincerity." Cao Cao said: "That is very good." He then advanced his troops. Cao Cao lavished honors and wealth upon Zibo, whose family accumulated thousands of gold. He said: "Liu Zibo is richer and more content than I am, but only in terms of status does he fall short of me!" Following the defeat of Ma Chao and others, Zibo's contributions were among the greatest. Cao Cao often sighed and said: "Zibo's strategies are beyond my ability." Later, while traveling together with Xi Shou of Nanjun, they saw Cao Cao going out. Xi Shou said: "Father and son like this—how delightful!" Zibo replied: "Living in the world, one should achieve things by oneself; why merely watch others?" Xi Shou then reported this to Cao Cao. As a result, Zibo was executed. Yu Guan said: The ancients once said: "The one who catches the bird does so through a single mesh of the net, but if you spread out only one mesh of a net, you will never catch any birds." "Birds can fly far; the ability to fly far is due to their six wings, but without the help of all the feathers, they cannot fly very far." By this reasoning, although the great achievements of the Wei state were due to meritorious ministers, it may not be entirely without the contribution of these kinds of followers. Yet Cui Yan was most deeply mourned by the world and remains unjustly blamed to this day. The Shiyu says: Cui Yan's elder brother, Sun Liang, courtesy name Shiwén, was known for his simplicity and integrity. He served in the Jin dynasty as a Grand Secretary (Shangshu Dahanlu). Xun Chuo's Ji Zhou Ji states that Sun Liang was actually Cui Yan's grandson.
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