| | The official's given name was Ci, courtesy name Boxian. He had a thorough knowledge of the Five Classics and extensively studied various texts, believing that the Book of Documents was essential to imperial governance and the fundamental basis for ruling a state. Therefore, through three generations of inheritance, they studied its profound meanings; it contained the subtle teachings of five dynasties and formed the essential framework of royal governance. They left no aspect unexamined, tracing its origins and thoroughly investigating its structure, clearly revealing the intentions and emotions of the sage. Indeed, by concealing their traces and aspiring to the level of You Yu and Zixia, they initially remained in seclusion among mountains and lakes, instructing both children and young adults. Many later generations relied on them to dispel ignorance, enlighten minds, and cultivate their talents—such individuals were too numerous to count. He was then appointed by the prime minister's office and thus became an imperial minister. At that time, the young emperor was about to begin his education. The high officials believed that reviewing past knowledge and gaining new insights required a virtuous teacher or guardian; thus, they appointed Yuan, an officer of the Yueqi Cavalry, as a companion within the Hua Guang palace. The emperor sat facing north to receive great instruction. His method of teaching was skillful and patient, so that his students were always eager and willing to learn without exception. By drawing on emotions and using apt metaphors, he made even the most difficult concepts clear so that no one failed to understand them. Eventually, his efforts bore fruit, bringing forth brightness and prosperity. The emperor remembered his contributions, bestowing upon him six positions among the Nine Ministers and the Three Offices. His meritorious deeds were recognized by Heaven itself; his grace filled the land. He was granted fiefs with territorial boundaries established, and his household and territory were repeatedly expanded. He attained the highest rank of a subject, holding all these honors simultaneously. Yet in times of abundance he remained modest and respectful despite his high rank; one might say that he lived a noble life, ending honorably with a beginning as virtuous as an end. At this time, his disciples such as the Grand General He Jin looked up to the traditions of Zhousi and observed the rites for mourning the public official. They gathered their associates and examined the established rules, all agreeing that his contributions to advising and assisting in governance, as well as the content of imperial edicts, should be recorded in detail by the official historians. As for his moral teachings and scholarly methods, which were passed down in written form, it is the special responsibility of a few devoted disciples to compile them comprehensively. We dare not hesitate despite our lack of talent, and have carefully recorded what we deemed worthy on this stele.
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| | Thus, the eulogy reads: Lofty are the teachings of sages; without a teacher they would not be illuminated. When we were young and ignorant, it was only through our teachers that we learned. O great scholar! How lofty your virtue is! As firm as jade, as lofty as a mountain; the deeper we study, the more solid it becomes, and the higher we look up, the greater its height. You showed us noble virtue, taught us without concealment, sat in proper position to transmit knowledge, answered imperial inquiries, instructed this one ruler so that all nations followed in harmony. We, your humble disciples, truly relied on your teachings. Your example in both literary and martial virtues became a model; having rendered great service, you were honored with titles and fiefs, establishing a legacy for future generations. Though you passed away, your honor remains unshaken and your name will never fade.
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