| | Min Shangshu Yong was stripped of his official hat and kowtowed to death for a capital offense. I, in my humble and obscure position, have been fortunate enough to serve during such a flourishing era. I was promoted from among the common officials to take part in confidential matters of state, yet before I could fully contribute my strength or devote myself wholeheartedly to the affairs at court, ... The Five Offices recommended me for the position of Taishou of Ba Jun, and Your Majesty did not review or discuss it further. The recommendation was directly submitted to court, leaving me in a state of alarm and confusion, unable to remain at ease. I have been anxiously seeking ways to respond, my mind full of uncertainty and distress. Min Yong kowtowed and confessed his capital offense. I am aware that the responsibility of a minister is great, and it is not something I can long deserve or hold onto. On the Dingchou day of this month, I submitted one memorial to report on my own initiative. I requested a position in an idle or redundant office, merely as a gatekeeper holding a key and a token of authority. Unexpectedly, I was appointed with a silver seal and green ribbon, given responsibility over a territory spanning thousands of li; instead of being granted retirement, I received promotion. To be promoted before resigning from my previous post is something that has caused surprise among the people and does not conform to proper procedures. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to return the imperial decree and relinquish this appointment. I will exert my utmost effort in other duties, until death do me part. I, in my humble ignorance, have dared to bask in this enlightened era. I have served among the Three Offices, participated in matters of state importance, entered and exited the palace halls, ascended the vermilion steps, followed alongside my peers, and stood among their ranks. I received the honor of wine rites and generous gifts from Your Majesty. The imperial edicts before and after granted me a stone mirror casket, ritual texts with plain characters, annotated chapters of the Shangshu (Book of Documents), memorials on the White Tiger Hall debates, totaling 212 volumes, as well as lotus-scented gourds for spitting, stone chessboards, sugarcane juice vessels, and various other items such as Lu-style game pieces. Your Majesty's kindness has extended even to one like me, bestowing gifts in a most thorough manner. I was repeatedly commanded not to offer thanks, with repeated instructions emphasizing this. Though even the love of parents for their children cannot surpass this, I have not yet had an opportunity to express my gratitude or repay what has been bestowed upon me. Unexpectedly, a sudden promotion was granted, placing me in a position beyond my capacity. At that time, I presented my own petition but did not receive Your Majesty's approval. Deeply distressed and anxious, I stood trembling with embarrassment as I accepted the appointment, donning the silver seal and green sash. This radiant honor and distinguished recognition shine upon my ancestors above and bring glory to my descendants below—this is truly beyond what I ever dared hope for. Min Yong kowtowed in acknowledgment of his capital offense. The land of Ba is vast and distant, with rivers and mountains stretching far apart. Recently, harmony has not yet been fully achieved; Liu Yan's governance in pacifying the people was effective, and his achievements in winning over distant subjects were notable. I, in my dullness and ignorance, am unskilled in official duties. To proclaim the holy teachings of Your Majesty and guide the people to follow harmonious policies is beyond my capacity; I would inevitably bring disgrace and pollution through incompetence. If the holy dynasty kindly allows me to continue in my former post, I shall devote myself wholeheartedly, sparing no effort. Even if it costs me broken bones and drained strength, I will give my life for this duty.
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