“Han Anguo: The Loyalty and Diplomacy of a Han Dynasty Statesman”

Now, here’s a translated version of the passage into English, expanding upon the original content and context:

Han Anguo: The Loyalty and Diplomacy of a Han Dynasty Statesman

Han Anguo, a native of Liangcheng in the state of Liang, later relocated to Suiyang. He once studied under the teachings of Master Han and various eclectic schools under the guidance of Zoutian Sheng. During the rebellion of Wu Chu, Han Anguo, along with Zhang Yu, was appointed as a general by Prince Xiaowang of Liang to defend the eastern border against the Wu forces.

Zhang Yu displayed great valor in battle, while Han Anguo maintained strategic reserves, thereby preventing the Wu army from crossing into Liang territory. The defeat of the Wu Chu rebellion elevated the reputations of both Han Anguo and Zhang Yu.

Prince Xiaowang of Liang, being the younger brother of Empress Dowager Dou, was highly favored by her. She allowed him to appoint his own prime minister and officials of the second rank, freely engaging in games and pleasures, almost rivaling the authority of the Emperor himself. When Emperor Jing heard of this, he was displeased. The Empress Dowager, sensing the Emperor’s disapproval, reprimanded Prince Xiaowang through the envoy Han Anguo.

Han Anguo tearfully addressed the Grand Princess Dowager, saying, “Why does the Prince of Liang, as a filial son and loyal subject, go unnoticed by Your Majesty? In the recent uprisings of the seven states—Wu, Chu, Qi, and Zhao—all joined forces from the east of Guan. Only Liang faced the most hardships. Prince Xiaowang, mindful of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor being in the central regions, yet the various vassals cause disturbances. With just a few words and several lines of tears, I, along with five others, led troops to repel the forces of Wu Chu. Because of this, the forces of Wu Chu dared not venture west and were ultimately defeated and scattered. This was all due to the efforts of Prince Xiaowang. Now, the Empress Dowager, due to minor details and strict rituals, is criticizing Prince Xiaowang. His father and brothers are all emperors; he has seen great things. The chariots and banners are all gifts from the Emperor himself. Yet, he wishes to chastise the counties, race through the country, and boast to the vassals, so that everyone knows that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor favor him. Now that the envoy from Liang has arrived, he is immediately criticized. Prince Xiaowang is anxious day and night, crying and yearning, unsure of what to do. Why does the Prince of Liang act as a filial son and loyal subject, yet the Empress Dowager does not show concern?”

The Grand Princess Dowager reported everything to the Empress Dowager, who was pleased and said, “These words should be conveyed to the Emperor.” After hearing this, the Emperor’s heart softened, and he granted an audience without wearing his crown, thanking the Empress Dowager, saying, “My brothers cannot teach each other, and this has caused the Empress Dowager to worry.” He welcomed the envoy from Liang and generously rewarded him. From then on, Prince Xiaowang of Liang became even more favored.

Later, Han Anguo was implicated in a legal case and was insulted by the prison officials. Han Anguo said, “Can’t ashes be restored to their former state?” Prison official Tian Jia replied, “If that’s the case, then drown him.” Shortly after, the position of Interior Minister of Liang became vacant. Han Anguo was appointed by the Han envoy as the Interior Minister of Liang and was promoted to the position of second-rank official.

Tian Jia fled and Han Anguo said, “If Jia doesn’t come to the office, I will extinguish his family.” Jia then stripped off his clothes and begged for mercy. Han Anguo smiled and said, “He can be drowned! Can you all handle it?” Eventually, he treated him well.

When the position of Interior Minister was vacant, Prince Xiaowang of Liang acquired Qi’s public servant Gong Sun Gu, spoke to him, and wished to appoint him as the Interior Minister. Empress Dowager Du heard about it, and the Prince ordered Han Anguo to be the Interior Minister. Gong Sun Gu and Yang Sheng spoke to the Prince and added to the voices of those who are being. me to the