Gong Xi Shi Hua

Author: (Song) Huang Che / Tang Xinxiang (Annotations)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1998-05-01
Features: Emperor Gaozu of Han held a banquet in Pei Palace, becoming intoxicated, and struck the zhu (a traditional stringed instrument) to sing: "The great wind rises, clouds soar, / With imperial might, I return to my homeland, / How can I find brave warriors to guard the four directions!" At that time, the emperor had ruled for thirteen years and should have thought of the elderly and virtuous scholars to share governance with him. Yet he was particularly focused on brave warriors—why? Could it be that the remnants of his arrogant behavior from his horseback conquests were not easily changed? The governance of the realm ultimately involved a mix of hegemonic and benevolent methods, and there was a reason for this. However, the previous year, he issued an edict saying: "Wise scholars and officials, I can honor and elevate them [1]." That year, he issued another edict: "Together with the of the world, let us pacify and govern them [2]." I believe that the words spread to the public were written by someone holding a pen to speak on his behalf, not like his drunken song, which was from the depths of his heart. [1] Book of Han, Volume 43, Biography of Lu Jia: Lu Jia often spoke of poetry and the classics. Emperor Gaozu cursed him, saying, "Your Excellency obtained the realm while on horseback—why do you need poetry and the classics?" Lu Jia replied, "If you obtained the realm while on horseback, can you not govern while on horseback?" Also, Book of Han, Volume 1, Emperor Gaozu's Annals: "Then the emperor cursed him, saying, 'I took the realm while dressed as a commoner with a sword—this is not the will of heaven? The will is in heaven, even Bian Que would be of no use!'" [2] Book of Han, Volume 1, Emperor Gaozu's Annals: Eleventh Year, "In February, an edict was issued: 'Wise men have already helped me achieve peace, but they do not help me maintain prosperity—can this be acceptable? If any wise scholars and officials are willing to join me, I can honor and elevate them. Announce to the world so that they may clearly understand my intentions.'" [3] Book of Han, Volume 1, Emperor Gaozu's Annals: Twelfth Year, "In March, an edict was issued: 'I became an emperor and ruled the realm for twelve years now. Together with the of the world..."