“The Fall of a Statesman”
The historical account describes the downfall of Wang Hui and Han Anguo, two notable figures during the Han Dynasty. The narrative provides insights into their actions, the political intrigues they faced, and their ultimate fates.
Wang Hui’s Downfall:
Wang Hui was an official responsible for military affairs during a critical period of conflict with the Xiongnu, a nomadic tribe on the northern borders of the Han Empire. The account begins with the charge against Wang Hui, who was accused of “huaitou rao” (恢逗桡), which can be interpreted as retreating or hesitating in the face of the enemy. This term, explained by ancient commentators, refers to a military offense of failing to engage the enemy decisively, either by retreating or showing weakness.
Wang Hui’s conduct during the campaign was severely criticized. He had been tasked with a crucial role in the Ma Yi affair, a major military operation designed to trap and annihilate the Xiongnu forces. However, the plan failed, and the Han army could not achieve a decisive victory. The failure was attributed to Wang Hui’s lack of courage and hesitation, leading to his being sentenced to death.
The case became a matter of great political debate. Prime Minister Tian Fen intervened, arguing that executing Wang Hui would be tantamount to doing the Xiongnu a favor, as he was the mastermind behind the Ma Yi plan. This argument was made to the Empress Dowager, who then spoke to Emperor Wu of Han. However, Emperor Wu was resolute, stating that Wang Hui’s failure had led to a significant loss of resources and morale, and therefore, he could not be spared. Upon hearing of his impending execution, Wang Hui chose to take his own life, marking a tragic end to his career.
Han Anguo’s Rise and Fall:
Han Anguo, another significant figure, was known for his broad strategies and intelligence, which made him a respected statesman of his time. However, his career also had its ups and downs, colored by both his political acumen and personal flaws.
Han Anguo was initially a key official in the Liang Kingdom, where he recommended several notable scholars and officials, such as Hu Sui, Zang Gu, and Zhi Ta. These individuals were considered among the finest scholars of the time, and Han Anguo’s support for them earned him a reputation for valuing talent and integrity. However, Han Anguo’s own conduct was not without reproach, as he was known to be greedy and fond of wealth.
His political career saw him serve as the Grand Censor (御史大夫) for over four years. During this time, he faced challenges, including the death of Prime Minister Tian Fen. Following Fen’s death, Han Anguo was considered for the position of Prime Minister, but his health was in decline, marked by a debilitating injury that left him lame. Consequently, Emperor Wu appointed another official, Xue Ze, as Prime Minister.
After a brief period of recovery, Han Anguo returned to serve as the Captain of the Guards (中尉) and later as the Commandant of the Guards (卫尉). During a military campaign led by General Wei Qing against the Xiongnu, Han Anguo was appointed as the Commander of the Cavalry (材官将军), stationed in Yuyang. His performance in this role was less than stellar; he failed to repel a significant Xiongnu incursion, leading to a severe reprimand from the emperor and his reassignment to a lesser position in Eastern Liaodong.
Han Anguo’s career gradually waned as new military leaders, particularly the young and talented Wei Qing, gained prominence and favor in the court. Han Anguo, feeling marginalized and burdened by his previous failures, became increasingly despondent. His final days were marked by illness, and he eventually died from coughing up blood in the second year of the Yuanshuo era.
Sima Qian’s Commentary:
The historian Sima Qian reflects on the lives of these two officials with a nuanced view. He admires Hu Sui, a scholar recommended by Han Anguo, for his moral integrity and profound character. Sima Qian notes that the people of Liang often spoke highly of Hu Sui, acknowledging his noble qualities. The historian implies that if Hu Sui had lived longer, he might have served as a prime minister, contributing significantly to the Han administration.
In his final assessment, Sima Qian acknowledges the complexities of Han Anguo’s character and career. While he was a capable and strategic thinker, his greed and misjudgments led to his downfall. Han Anguo’s life serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of political life, where personal flaws can overshadow professional achievements, leading to one’s downfall.
The stories of Wang Hui and Han Anguo highlight the turbulent nature of Han Dynasty politics, where military failures, personal flaws, and shifting court allegiances could lead to rapid changes in fortune. Their experiences underscore the importance of integrity, decisiveness, and resilience in navigating the complex and often unforgiving world of ancient Chinese bureaucracy and military affairs.