“The Unyielding Integrity of Ji An”

Ji An, whose courtesy name was Changru, hailed from Puyang. His family had been esteemed officials since the ancient rulers of Wei, maintaining a lineage of high-ranking officials for seven generations. Ji An, inheriting his father’s position, began his career as an official during Emperor Jing of Han’s reign, serving as a Taizi Weima (horse groom) to the Crown Prince. Known for his stern demeanor and unyielding principles, he often struck fear into those around him.

When Emperor Jing passed away and the Crown Prince ascended the throne as Emperor Wu, Ji An was appointed as a court official. During his tenure, he was tasked with investigating the internal strife among the Eastern Yue people and a significant fire in Henei. His reports were always blunt and unembellished, often minimizing the importance of the issues. For instance, he reported that internal conflicts were common among the Eastern Yue and did not warrant imperial intervention. When a fire in Henei destroyed over a thousand homes, he noted that while the fire’s spread was alarming, the real issue was the famine and hardship faced by the people in Henan due to droughts, some even resorting to cannibalism. He took the initiative to distribute grain from the government’s granaries to relieve the suffering, an act of compassion that he reported to the emperor, even at the risk of punishment for overstepping his authority.

Impressed by Ji An’s integrity, the emperor promoted him to the position of Commandant of Yingyang. However, Ji An was uncomfortable with the role and soon resigned, retiring to his rural home. His reputation for frankness and unyielding honesty led to his recall as a court advisor, and eventually, he became the Grand Minister of Justice. In this role, Ji An continued his policy of minimal intervention, focusing on major issues and avoiding unnecessary legal entanglements. His leadership style, characterized by simplicity and fairness, brought peace and prosperity to the region he governed.

Ji An’s character was marked by his arrogance and lack of social graces, often clashing with others due to his uncompromising nature. He was a scholar and a man of principle, admired for his direct criticism of the emperor and high officials, including Chancellor Gongsun Hong and Judge Zhang Tang. Ji An valued integrity and was unafraid to speak the truth, regardless of the consequences. His sharp criticisms of Zhang Tang, accusing him of failing to uphold the law and enriching himself through deceitful means, were particularly notable. Ji An argued that officials like Zhang Tang, who manipulated the law for personal gain, were a detriment to the state.

During Emperor Wu’s reign, when discussions arose about expanding the empire’s influence and cultivating scholarly talents, Ji An voiced his concerns. He argued that while the emperor’s intentions were to follow the virtuous governance of ancient sage kings, the internal contradictions of desiring power while outwardly promoting benevolence would undermine these efforts. His forthrightness often angered the emperor, who once remarked on Ji An’s obstinacy, yet he respected Ji An’s sincerity and commitment to the state.

Despite his principled stance, Ji An’s blunt manner often isolated him from his peers. His refusal to show undue deference to powerful officials, like the Chancellor’s brother, Marquis of Wuan, was a testament to his unyielding nature. Even in the presence of Emperor Wu, Ji An maintained his integrity, refusing to meet the emperor unless the latter was properly attired, signifying his respect for proper conduct and ceremony.

Ji An’s later years saw him frequently ill, but he remained a crucial advisor. His loyalty and commitment were evident when he advised against the emperor’s lavish spending on rewards for Xiongnu defectors, arguing that the resources could be better used to support the people. His steadfastness in advocating for the common good, even at the expense of his own career, exemplified his dedication to public service.

Ji An’s story highlights the complexities of serving as a high-ranking official in the Han Dynasty. His strict adherence to principles, often at personal cost, made him a respected yet polarizing figure. His legacy is a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities of public service, the importance of integrity, and the need for honest counsel in governance. Despite the emperor’s occasional frustrations with Ji An’s candor, he ultimately valued him as a loyal and principled advisor, recognizing the rarity of such a steadfast servant of the state.