| | Initially, Rencheng Zhan Qian served as a county magistrate during the reign of Taizu. Qian's courtesy name was Yanhuang; he is mentioned in Ying Qu's Book Forest. He once supervised the defense of Yecheng. lineno At that time, Emperor Wendi was the crown prince and indulged in hunting, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night. Qian remonstrated: "Princes establish defenses to secure their states; the capital city's guards are there to guard against unforeseen dangers. The Great Elegies say: 'The heir maintains the walls of the state; do not allow them to fall into ruin.' It also says: "Though it is still near, this is why we must be greatly cautious." If one indulges in hunting and leisure, leaving at dawn and returning at dusk, seeking a day's pleasure from chasing game while forgetting the boundless dangers this may bring—this is something I find foolish and perplexing." The crown prince was displeased, yet afterward his hunting excursions became less frequent. During the Huangchu period, Emperor Wendi intended to appoint Guo Guipin as empress. Qian submitted a memorial remonstrating against this; his words are recorded in the biography of Empresses and Consorts. During the reign of Emperor Ming, many public works projects were launched simultaneously and relatives of the imperial family were distantly treated. Qian submitted a memorial saying: "Heaven created all people and established rulers over them in order to shelter and nurture the multitudes, to bring prosperity and care for the common people. Therefore, the division of the four seas into territories is not done solely for the Son of Heaven, nor is the partitioning of land and borders done merely for feudal lords. Since the Three Sovereigns, through to Tang and Yu, all rulers have extended their benevolence across the world, used pure virtue to harmonize society, and common people relied on them. After the Three Kings declined, down to the Han dynasty, good governance became increasingly rare while chaos and disorder multiplied. Since then, no ruler has been able to bring order. Taizu was wise and martially brilliant, clearing away violence and disorder, restoring the royal code of conduct, thus establishing the imperial cause. Emperor Wendi received Heaven's clear mandate and expanded the foundation of the empire; during his seven years on the throne, he had no time for anything but pressing matters. Your Majesty's holy virtue continues this great legacy; you should now promote peace and tranquility, allowing the people to rest and recover. Yet the corners of the realm are not at peace; soldiers march far to garrison distant frontiers. Military campaigns extend overseas, banners fly a thousand miles away. The six armies are in constant motion, with supplies transported by land and water. The people abandon their occupations, and daily expenses amount to thousands of gold pieces. Grand palaces and halls are being built, with countless projects underway. Cui Lai cypress is felled from mountain valleys; strange stones and jasper float down the rivers of He and Huai. Within the imperial capital's vicinity, all land has become a royal domain, originally meant to supply straw, fodder, and grain for state needs, but now it serves as a hunting ground and repository for game, where dense undergrowth thrives and deer and hares multiply in abundance; This harms agricultural labor, allowing thorns and brambles to overrun the fields. Plagues spread widely, causing great suffering among people and livestock. Heaven's harmonious energies are diminished, and even auspicious grains fail to grow. I have heard that King Wen of Zhou built Fengcheng; he began the project without haste, and the people came as if they were his children, completing it in no time. The sacred ponds and hunting grounds were shared with the people. Now, the palaces and towers are excessively luxurious, carved with exquisite artistry. One forgets Youyu's modest simplicity and instead recalls King Xin of Yin's jade halls. The forbidden territory spans a thousand li; every step falls into a trap. These structures rival Afang in splendor, requiring labor from hundreds of streams and valleys. I fear the people's strength will be exhausted, and they will no longer bear the burden. In the past, Qin controlled the world from its strongholds of Xiao and Han, believing itself to surpass the Three Sovereigns in virtue and rival the Five Emperors in achievement. It wished for a posthumous title lasting ten thousand generations, yet within two reigns it collapsed, with the emperor wishing only to be an ordinary commoner. This was because its branches had already been shaken; the root was uprooted before the leaves fell. Indeed, when a sage ruler governs the world, he clearly recognizes and honors virtuous talent, bestows rewards on meritorious officials, and shows affection to his relatives; When capable men hold office, achievements can flourish; when close kin are honored and employed, safety and danger will be shared in common concern; By deepening roots and strengthening the foundation, they become both trunk and wings. Even through times of prosperity or decline, there will always be support from within and without. In the past, King Cheng was young and inexperienced, unable to govern alone; Duke Zhou, Lü, Zhao, and Bi were all stationed at his side; Now there are no Wei Hou or Kang Shu to serve as overseers, and those entrusted with authority in Fen Shan are not like Dan or Shi. The eastern palace has yet to be established; the realm lacks a deputy ruler. I pray Your Majesty pays close attention to the frontiers and always preserves eternal peace, for this would be most fortunate for all under Heaven." Later he was appointed Zhongwei of Yan but declined on grounds of illness. He eventually died.
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