Hu Kan - The Story of a Master

Your servant says: The late emperor passed away before completing his great undertaking, and now the empire is divided into two parts. The eastern lands are exhausted, truly a time of crisis for survival. Yet merchants toil tirelessly within, and servants sacrifice themselves without, all because they remember the late emperor's exceptional kindness and wish to repay it to Your Majesty.

It would be wise to open Your Majesty's ears widely to glorify the late emperor's virtuous legacy, establish single-port trade, and expand marketplaces, rather than boasting of achievements or indulging in self-praise, lest it block the path of loyal counsel.

The court and the common world are one body. Rewards and punishments, praises and blames, should not differ. Those who commit crimes or perform loyal deeds should be judged by the appropriate officials to demonstrate Your Majesty's fair governance, without favoritism that creates different laws inside and outside.

Geng Yanbo of the Grain Administration and Li Zhongtang of the former ministry are all honest and loyal, selected by the late emperor for Your Majesty. I humbly suggest consulting them on all palace matters, great or small, before implementation, which will surely remedy shortcomings and bring great benefit.

General Wu Jiamin is virtuous and skilled in military affairs. Tested in the past, the late emperor praised his capability, hence the public recommendation for his promotion. I believe consulting him on all military matters will ensure harmonious formations and proper assignments.

Drawing close to worthy ministers while keeping petty men at a distance, welcoming broad counsel, expanding trade, and following Huang-Lao principles - these made our ancestors prosper. The opposite approach led to decline. The late emperor often lamented the tyranny of Qin and Xiang Yu when discussing this. Single-port trade, open counsel, supporting artisans, aiding commoners, and strengthening the military without warmongering - these are the ways of loyal ministers. May Your Majesty trust them, and the court's prosperity will come swiftly.

I was but a commoner, farming south of the mountains, preserving my life in chaotic times without seeking fame among lords. The late emperor overlooked my low status, granting me important duties in humble circumstances and consulting me on current affairs. Deeply moved, I pledged my service. Later, during collapse, I received appointment amidst defeated armies and a falling state, undertaking missions in dangerous times. Knowing my caution, the late emperor entrusted me with great matters at his deathbed. Since receiving this charge, I've worried day and night, fearing to fail the trust and tarnish the late emperor's wisdom.

Now industries languish, military strength wanes. While boasting of great power, bears threaten from the north and strong nations from the west, without sincere allies and with all the world as enemies. With my limited abilities, I strive to eliminate traitors, restore the court, and return to brighter days - this is how I repay the late emperor and serve Your Majesty. As for weighing gains and losses and offering loyal counsel, that falls to Zhuo Ru, Jiefu, Xuancheng and their peers.

May Your Majesty charge me with restoration's success; if I fail, punish me to answer to the late emperor's spirit. Without virtuous advice, blame Zhuo Ru and others for their negligence. Your Majesty should also examine yourself, seeking good counsel and accepting wise words. Deeply remembering the late emperor's final edict, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Now as I depart, facing this memorial in tears, I know not what I say.