| | It is said: The Han had a State Preceptor, Sikong Wenlie Hou Yang Gong. The public was the grandson of Siku and the legitimate son of Taiwei Gong. His imperial ancestor father established great virtue, diligently worked hard, and thus founded great achievements. His meritorious deeds initiated the "Hongfan," and the public diligently served the great cause, successfully building upon a grand legacy. Whether in small matters or major ones, he dared not be careless or neglect caution; thus, there were no occasions of inappropriate words or improper actions. This was evident both in his personal conduct and when appointed by imperial recommendation. His former aspirations and recorded words encompassed all aspects. Starting from the position of a minister overseeing state affairs and establishing achievements, he did not refuse any appointment, and his official salary eventually reached that of an imperial censor. He faithfully upheld the national constitution, was appointed as a Attendant-in-Ordinary, and stood at the emperor's side, thus overseeing military affairs. The imperial army was at peace, and the ministers, as men of long-standing virtue and great learning, whose principles were profound and methods clear, deemed it appropriate to establish a teacher or guardian. He was thus invited into Hua Guang Hall, where he attended banquets in the emperor's private chambers, expounding the refined meanings of classical edicts and conveying the wisdom of sage kings. The emperor regarded him with reverence for his confidential duties and entrusted him with important responsibilities as one of the senior officials. Few could discern virtue, so he was appointed to manage and regulate their affairs. The emperor again appointed him as Shaofu, ordering him to lead his subordinates in order to promote the prosperity of various undertakings, even amidst the dangers posed by heaven and earth. The state's great legacy was continued, and military restrictions were lifted at the gates. To curb banditry and oppression, the emperor again appointed him as Guanglu, also placing him in charge of his brave soldiers and loyal subjects who remained faithful without divided hearts, safeguarding the imperial household with a firm and resolute administration of justice. Since governance over the people's lives was crucial, he was appointed as Tingwei. He showed compassion in administering punishments and applied clear judgment throughout all directions, adjudicating cases and determining guilt according to the law. He also adhered strictly to the Three Rites and Six Musics. As a pillar of the state, he was appointed as Taichang. His virtue was fragrant and illustrious; the eight tones were in harmony, achieving concord between gods and people. Thus, perpetual years of abundance were ensured, and all under heaven and across the land followed his example without exception. He was appointed as Sikong, and he diligently carried out his duties, assisting in clarifying governance. At that time, it was indeed a great era; Heaven quietly guided the people below, and thus the established moral order followed its proper sequence. He was appointed as Siku and diligently promoted the Five Teachings to foster closeness among the people: fatherly righteousness, maternal kindness, elder brother's friendliness, younger brother's respectfulness, and filial piety of children. At that time, it was truly a great era. He demonstrated filial piety at the Imperial Academy, and was appointed as Sanlao. The emperor personally honored him with reverence, following the example of Youyu from the upper schools. In the vast course of destiny, his luminous achievements shone brightly. He was appointed as Taiwei; the Xuanji rotated in order and the seven luminaries followed their orbits—truly a great era indeed.
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| | The emperor wished to exert his power throughout all directions, and the public supported him. When the path was obstructed or turned back, he assisted in correcting it. With devout reverence day and night, he dared not indulge in idleness, thus responding to the mandate of the Son of Heaven and greatly glorifying his noble decree. The Son of Heaven highly commended his meritorious deeds, thus bestowing titles and rewards upon him. He was enfeoffed as a marquis at Linjin. With achievements accomplished and civilization harmonized, the illustrious mandate reached its peak. The emperor was deeply grieved, holding the book and weeping. He ordered Zuo Zhonglangjiang Guo Yi to compose a decree, bestowing upon him the seal and sash of Biaoqi Jiangjun Linjin Hou, along with the special title Tejin, and posthumously granting him the honorific title Wenlie. All honors were fully bestowed before he passed away, so his orphaned son Biiao dared to follow ancient precedents and clearly inscribed the illustrious virtue in a memorial.
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| | The inscription reads: Heaven observed the Han dynasty and gave birth to a great assistant. His family held high offices for generations, their meritorious deeds recorded in the royal court. This reached the time of Yi Gong, who honored his ancestors' example with wholehearted devotion and complete effort. He harmonized the hearts of all people, spreading benevolence throughout the vast world. The emperor called him Wenlie. I commend your meritorious service, and have established a fief for you in the region of He and Wei. I hereby bestow upon you these nine honors to further recognize your achievements. Your position as Tejin places you above all other officials. In ancient times, Shenlv assisted and supported King Xuan of Zhou; the Shangshan Ode was composed, and "Daya" extolled their words. Now our Wenlie, honored by the emperor and bringing prosperity, shines alongside sun and moon, his achievements comparable to the four seasons. Though his body perished, his name endures, forever inspiring veneration through the ages.
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