Legacy of Loyalty and Honor in Han Dynasty Court

In the annals of Chinese history, the Han Dynasty stands as a pinnacle of imperial achievement, marked not only by territorial expansion and cultural flourishing but also by the enduring virtues of loyalty and honor among its courtiers. Among the many figures who exemplified these virtues, none are perhaps as illustrious as the descendants of Jin Ridi and An Shang, whose commitment to duty and righteousness resonated through generations.

During the reign of Emperor Yuan, the court was fraught with intrigue following his demise. Many close aides retreated to the countryside, mourning the loss of their liege with solemn displays of loyalty and filial piety. Among them was Chang, known for his integrity and fearlessness in the face of authority. Even the emperor found it challenging to confront Chang’s unwavering demeanor. As illness gripped him, Chang received emissaries from the emperor, inquiring about his last wishes, which he entrusted to his brother Cen.

Cen was subsequently appointed as the master of ceremonies, a position of great honor. Chang’s son She, known for his frugality and adherence to Confucian principles, garnered praise from scholars of his time. Serving as the Grand Commandant and Cavalry Commandant of the Northern and Southern borders during the reign of Emperor Cheng, he displayed remarkable leadership.

Upon the ascension of Emperor Ai, She was entrusted with the role of the Commander of the Chariots, eventually rising to the position of Minister of Works in the Changxin Palace. Meanwhile, his brother Can was dispatched to the Xiongnu as the Cavalry Commandant, Inspector of the Yuezhi, and Commandant of the Imperial Guards and Administrators of Anding and Donghai.

Chang’s other son Rao served as the Cavalry Commandant of the Xu district. She’s two sons, Tang and Rong, both served as palace attendants, ministers, and officers. Tang’s cousin Qin, known for his profound knowledge of Confucian classics, became the Grand Master of the Palace Gates during Emperor Ai’s reign. Qin’s cousin, elevated to the position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, wielded considerable influence alongside his siblings.

During the reign of Empress Dowager Fu, Qin’s efforts to oversee the preservation of ancestral rites earned him the appointment as the Prefect of Mount Tai and Hongnong, where his reputation for upholding authority flourished. When Emperor Ping assumed the throne, he was summoned to serve as the Grand Marshal and Director of the Imperial Guard in Chang’an. With the emperor’s youthfulness in mind, the selection of teachers and mentors became paramount.

Kong Guang, the Grand Tutor, advocated for Confucian principles and moral rectitude, earning recognition as the master of the Kong family. Jin Qin, the Intendant of Justice for Chang’an, was esteemed for his family’s loyalty and filial piety. Jin was later appointed as the Grand Master of the Palace Gates and Minister of Works, with his family ennobled as the Duke of Cheng.

During the period when Wang Mang eliminated the Wei clan from Emperor Ping’s extended family, Phoenix, the Junior Keeper of the Imperial Insignia and Viceroy, was summoned to endorse the forthcoming imperial succession. Public officials, generals, palace attendants, and courtiers were all in attendance, eager to discuss the matter. Jin and his relatives were granted noble titles.

Originally, Jin’s great-grandfather, Sun Di, received the title of Marquis Jiehou. However, Jin’s grandfather, An Shang, was posthumously granted the title of Marquis Yihouchang. Both were without heirs, and their estates were extinguished. Consequently, Wang Mang ennobled Jin and Sun as their successors. Sun’s mother, Consort Nan, was the daughter of Wang Mang’s mother, and she became the Empress Dowager of the South. Jin’s ties prompted him to address Sun:

“The decree records Sun Di’s achievements, but there are no rewards for his merit. Sun should be named the successor to his ancestors, and should be established as the father and grandfather of the temple. The reward of the previous country lord is to make the ministers in charge of their sacrifices.”

At that time, Zhen Han was in the side, and Ting Ting said, “Sun is fortunate to have a thorough knowledge of the classics and is highly promoted to serve the empire, and to be re-elected to the position of counselor, brothers use the law. When the empress dowager Fu died, and Zhen sent the guards to work, she was appointed as the governor of the Tai Shan and Hong district, and she was famous.平帝 ascended the throne and was appointed as the minister of the military and the capital. His young age was selected for the society, and the teacher of the Cong family, Wei Kang, was appointed as the leader of the road, as and capital. Kong is all, than added combined This palace will be whose If Moreover