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Wen Li (Shu Han)

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Wen Li
文立
Minister of the Guards
(衛尉)
In office
? (?)–279 (279)
MonarchSima Yan
Administrator of Jiyin
(濟陰太守)
In office
266 (266)–267 (267)
MonarchSima Yan
Bieja
(別駕)
In office
264 (264)–266 (266)
MonarchCao Huan
Master of Writing
(尚書)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
MonarchLiu Shan
Gentleman of the Masters of Writing
(尚書郎)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
MonarchLiu Shan
Personal details
BornUnknown
Zhong County, Chongqing
Died279
Luoyang, Henan
OccupationOfficial, scholar
Courtesy nameGuangxiu (廣休)

Wen Li (died 279), courtesy name Guangxiu, was an official and scholar of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China. After the fall of Shu in 263, he continued serving under the Cao Wei state, then the succeeding Jin dynasty in 266.

Life

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Wen Li was born in Linjiang, Ba Commandery (巴郡), which is present-day Zhong County, Chongqing.[1] Mao Chu (毛楚) and Yang Chong (楊崇), both from the same Ba Commandery (巴郡) as Wen Li, were also known for their virtues and talents. Yang Chong served as the Administrator of Wuling (武陵太守).[2] In his youth, he studied at the Taixue (太學; Imperial Academy) of Shu Han where he specialized himself into Classic of Poetry and The Three Rites as well as a wide range of other texts.[3] He was a student of Qiao Zhou. Among his fellow disciples, he was compared to Yan Hui due to his eagerness to learn and modesty. While other of his classmates such as Chen Shou and Li Mi were compared to Yan Yan and Bu Shang. Along with them, Luo Xian was compared to Duanmu Ci.[4]

When Fei Yi was the Inspector of Yi Province (益州刺史; from 244 to 253), Wen Li served as his secretary. Thereafter, he was appointed Gentleman of the Masters of Writing (尚書郎). While Fei Yi was General-in-Chief (大將軍), Wen Li was also employed to serve as an assistant official in the east bureau of his office. Later, he was relocated as Master of Writing (尚書; wrote up and distributed imperial edicts).[5]

After the conquest of Shu by Wei, he started his career under Wei in Liang Province as Bieja (別駕; important assistant to the governor of the province) where he selected people recommended as xiucai (秀才; person who passed the county level imperial exam) and langzhong (郎中; "Gentleman of the Palace").[6] When Emperor Wu wanted to bring more talents from Liang and Yi provinces, Wen Li was selected among other outstanding scholars. In 266, he was appointed as Administrator of Jiyin (濟陰太守).[7]

When Sima Yan established his son Sima Zhong as the Crown Prince in 267, he appointed the Minister of Works, Li Yin (李胤) as the Prince's tutor, and selected Sima You (司马攸) and Wen Li to be his junior tutors. Wen Li served as zhongshuzi (中庶子) whose role was to manage part of the imperial palace and provide guidance to the crown prince.[8]

Afterwards, Wen Li submitted a memorial stating that the Crown Prince was a gifted and virtuous young man with a bright future, and that the attendants who served him should be selected from among talented and virtuous men. Wen Li further advised that the attendants should be observant and attentive to the Crown Prince's manners and conduct, listen carefully to his words, and be ready to respond with wisdom and insight. He emphasized the great responsibility of serving as attendants to the Crown Prince, which could only be entrusted to the most capable and virtuous individuals.[9]

Sima Yan responded favorably to him by quoting an old saying.[10] Thereafter, Wen Li wrote another memorial in which he appealed for clemency and recommended that the descendants of officials who had served the former state of Shu, including Zhuge Liang, Jiang Wan and Fei Yi should be employed and rewarded regardless of the past, in order to comfort the people of Ba–Shu regions and to furthermore encourage people of Wu to submit to Jin. His propositions were adopted.[11]

Later, Sima Yan issued an edict where he praised Zhuge Liang for his fidelity toward his state and his son Zhuge Zhan for facing death with righteousness. Stating that Zhuge Liang's grandson Zhuge Jing (諸葛京) should be granted official position according to his ability. He also praised Fu Rong and Fu Qian for their loyalty and said that Fu Qian's sons. Fu Zhu (傅著) and Fu Mu (傅募) should be exempted from being commoners and employed them as officials.[12]

In 274, an imperial edict stated: "The Crown Prince's attendant, Wen Li is loyal, steadfast and thoroughly sincere. Think with reason and act with talent. Previously, when he administered Jiyin, his governmence was clear and bright. Later, he assisted with the Imperial Palace and fulfilled his duties as a mentor. In the past, Emperor Guangwu pacified the regions of Shu by utilizing the talents of the local people, so they could provide him new directions thus achieving success in remote areas and promoting the development of those who were neglected. Therefore, it seems just to have Wen Li as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary (散騎常侍)."[13]

Wen Li repeatedly declined the offer, but Sima Yan did not accept his refusal. Therefore, Wen Li submitted a memorial saying: "The heart of a minister should desire thrift in order to cultivate gain. When it comes to human's emotion, greed should be quieted in order to make place to brightness. Yet, It is a natural tendency for people to covet the opportunity to go from obscurity to prominence. This is true for both the wise and the foolish. How could I be an exception? But when I think about it, I am neither talented nor capable of handling important affairs. I am merely a humble and foolish person; how could I face such an assignment?"[14] An Imperial edict answered: ""The position Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary (散騎常侍) is bestowed upon those with talent. Why are you so modest?"[15]

Wen Li continued to serve Sima Yan, offering suggestions on various matters and making significant contributions. He recruited talented people from Liang and Yi provinces, ensuring that they were fairly asserrted and given appropriate positions. As a result, he was highly regarded by his peers.[16] A former Shu official, who worked as Master of Writing (尚書), Cheng Qiong (程瓊) was known as a virtuous man of high moral character. He had a close relationship with Wen Li. When Sima Yan heard of Cheng Qiong's reputation, he asked Wen Li about him. Wen Li replied: "I am very familiar with this person. However, he is almost eighty years old and, by nature modest and unassuming. He no longer holds the same aspirations as before and that is why I have not mentioned him to Your Majesty." Upon hearing this, Cheng Qiong said: "Guangxiu (Wen Li's courtesy name) can truly be considered impartial! That is why I have always admired him."[17]

When horses were presented from the western border, Sima Yan asked Wen Li: "What do you think of the horses?" Wen Li replied: "I would like to ask the master of the stable." Sima Yan appreciated his humility and prudence.[18] Wen Li was later promoted to the position of Minister of the Guards (衛尉) but still maintained his previous responsibilities. His virtuous and elegant demeanor was admired by the imperial court, and he became a renowned minister of the time.[19]

He often submitted memorials requesting to be relieved of his duties due to his old age and to return to his hometown, but Sima Yan refused.[20] Eventually, Wen Li died in 279. Sima Yan, knowing Wen Li's affection for his homeland ordered his burial in the Shu region and arranged for an envoy to accompany the funeral procession. The local government and people honored him greatly.[21]

Appraisal and anecdote

[edit]

Chang Qu, who wrote Wen Li's biography in the Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi),[a] appraised Wen Li as follows: "Solemn aura, sense of sincerity and sage gentleman."[22]

As Liu Shan's eldest son, Crown Prince Liu Xuan died in Zhong Hui's Rebellion, his second son Liu Yao (劉瑤) was expected to succeed him. However, Liu Shan's favorite son (his sixth son, Liu Xun (劉恂)) was chosen instead. Wen Li strongly advised against this decision, but his advice was not heeded. Liu Xun, who succeeded his father as the Duke of Anle (安樂公), grew up to be arrogant and cruel. People from Liang and Yi provinces wanted to submit a petition to have him removed from his position but Wen Li stopped them, arguing that the Duke's actions only harmed his own family and not the common people.[23] Later, Liu Xun continued his licentious and immoral ways. He Pan, Wang Chong Administrator of Shangyong (上庸太守) and Zhang Yin (張寅) Administrator of Fuling (涪陵太守) wrote letters admonishing him and reminding him to reflect on Wen Li's advice.[24] Wen Li wrote dozens of memorials, essays, poems, and praises who were collected into several volumes. But since then, most of them have been lost.[25]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Wen Li's biography is recorded in the eleventh volume of the Huayang Guo Zhi, titled Biographies of later worthies (後賢志), covering the life of notable persons from the Sichuan region who lived during the Jin dynasty.

References

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  1. ^ (文立, 字廣休, 巴郡臨江人也.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  2. ^ (同郡毛楚、楊「崇」〔宗〕, 皆有德美, 「崇」〔宗〕武陵太守.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  3. ^ (少遊蜀太學, 治《毛詩》、《三禮》, 兼通群書.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  4. ^ (師事譙周, 門人以立為顏回, 陳壽、李虔為游夏, 羅憲為子貢.) Jin Shu vol. 91.
  5. ^ (州刺史費禕命為從事.入為尚書郎.復辟「禕」大將軍東曹掾.稍遷尚書.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  6. ^ (蜀并於魏, 梁州建, 首為別駕從事.咸熙元年, 舉秀才, 除郎中.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  7. ^ (晉武帝方欲懷納梁、益, 引致俊彥, 泰始二年, 拜立濟陰太守.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  8. ^ (武帝立太子, 以司徒李「允」〔〕為太傅, 齊王、驃騎為少傅, 選立為中庶子.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  9. ^ (立上疏曰: 「伏惟皇太子春秋美茂, 盛德日新, 始建幼志, 誕陟大繇, 猶朝日初暉, 良寶耀璞; 侍從之臣, 宜簡俊乂, 妙選賢彥, 使視觀則睹禮容棣棣之則, 聽納當受嘉話駭耳之言, 靜應道軌, 動有所采; 佐清初陽, 緝熙天光, 其任至重, 聖王詳擇, 誠非糞朽能可堪任.臣聞之: 人臣之道, 量力受命, 其所不諧, 得以誠聞.」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  10. ^ (帝報曰: 「古人稱與田、蘇遊, 非舊德乎?」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  11. ^ (立上: 「故蜀大官及盡忠死事者子孫, 雖仕郡國; 或有不才, 同之齊民, 為劇.」又上: 「諸葛亮、蔣琬、費禕等子孫, 流徙中畿, 宜見敘用, 一則以慰巴蜀民之心, 其次傾東吳士人之望.」事皆施行.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  12. ^ (濟陰太守巴西文立上言: 「故蜀之名臣子孫流徙中國者, 宜量才敘用, 以慰巴、蜀之心, 傾吳人之望.」帝從之.己未, 詔曰: 「諸葛亮在蜀, 盡其心力, 其子瞻臨難而死義, 其孫京宜隨才署吏.」又詔曰: 「蜀將傅僉父子死於其主.天下之善一也, 豈由彼此以為異哉!僉息著、募沒入奚官, 宜免為庶人.」) Zizhi Tongjian vol. 79.
  13. ^ (十年, 詔曰: 「太子中庶子立, 忠貞清實, 有思理器幹.前在濟陰, 政事脩明.後事東宮, 盡輔導之節.昔光武平隴、蜀, 皆收其才秀, 所以援濟殊方, 伸敘幽滯也.其以立為散騎常侍.」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  14. ^ (累辭, 不許.上疏曰: 「臣子之心, 願從疏以求昵.凡在人情, 貪從幽以致明.斯實物性, 賢愚所同.臣者何人, 能無此懷.誠自審量: 邊荒遺燼, 犬馬老甚, 非左右機納之器.臣雖至愚, 處之何顏.」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  15. ^ (詔曰: 「常伯之職, 簡才而授.何謙虛也.」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  16. ^ (立自內侍, 獻可替否, 多所補納.甄致二州人士, 銓衡平當, 為士彥所宗.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  17. ^ (故蜀尚書犍為程瓊, 雅有德望, 素與立至厚.武帝聞其名, 以問立.立對曰: 「臣至知其人, 但年垂八十, 稟性謙退, 無復當時之望, 不以上聞耳.」瓊聞之, 曰: 「廣休可謂不黨矣!故吾善夫人也.」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  18. ^ (西界獻馬, 帝問立: 「馬何如?」對曰: 「乞問太僕.」帝每善其恭慎.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  19. ^ (遷衛尉, 猶兼都職, 中朝服其賢雅, 為時名卿.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  20. ^ (連上表: 年老, 乞求解替, 還桑梓.帝不聽.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  21. ^ (咸寧末卒.帝緣立有懷舊性, 乃送葬於蜀, 使者護喪事, 郡縣脩墳塋.當時榮之.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  22. ^ (散騎常侍文立廣休: 散騎穆穆, 誠感聖君.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 01.
  23. ^ (初, 安樂思公世子早沒, 次子宜嗣, 而思公立所愛者.立亟諫之, 不納.及愛子立, 驕暴.二州人士皆欲表廢.立止之, 曰: 「彼自暴其一門, 不及百姓.當以先公故, 得爾也.」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  24. ^ (後安樂公淫亂無道, 何攀與上庸太守王崇、涪陵太守張寅為書諫責, 稱: 「當思立言.」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
  25. ^ (凡立章奏, 集為十篇; 詩、賦、論、頌, 亦數十篇.) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.
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