A Ming Romantic's Understanding of Footbinding, Yu Huai's (1616-1696) "A Reference for the Footwear of Women"

               

Late Ming Romanticism differed in several respects with English Romanticism. Some of their broad strokes find similarity as an intellectual, cultural, and literary high appeals to the senses.  In some effort to recognize the unique nature of this late Ming movement in thought, some scholars prefer the terminology that emphasizes the Chinese concept that prefigured this phenomenon, that of "qing." Precise translation for such an encompassing word is difficult to manage. "Sentiment" or "love" simply come across as too generic. "Romanticism" conveys some familiarity with its wider connotation, yet scholarly favor may reside more accurately in the jargon, the "Cult of Qing." 

For Yu Huai, this movement of thought collided with a horrific dynastic conquest, which compelled him to a deeper consideration of what "purity" or "authenticity" (zhen) meant. In addition to composing several volumes of poetry, he pursued travel and place writing, and also wrote essays of philosophical and historical import.

The following is a partial translation of his essay on the origins of footbinding and women's footwear. Written sometime around 1664, this piece was included in his collected works, which he commissioned for publication in 1695. When he died the following year at the age of nearly 80, his work was only partially published. This particular essay found publication apart from any other work of his in the collectnea, Tanji congshu (1697).

              

           

"A Reference for the Footwear of Women"

In antiquity, there was no distinction between women’s feet and men’s. In the Zhou Rituals, there is mention of the footwear master, “in charge of the ceremonial footwear used by the king and queen. He makes red and black double-soled shoes, red-bordered shoes and yellow bordered shoes, shoes with green on the double seam of the toe, plain single-soled shoes, hemp single-soled shoes, the ruddy brown formal footwear for outside and inside, the work-shoes, and the casual wear, both for men and women.”1 From this we can see that the shoes of both men and women were made the same in appearance, not like the women’s shoes of today, which are arched and petite. Now, we value small feet and small shoes. 

References for bound feet arise in the Southern Tang dynasty (937-975) with Li Houzhu.2Houzhu had in his harem of royal consorts a concubine called Yao Niang. She was very slender and beautiful, and skilled in dance. And so, Houzhu ordered the crafting of a large golden lotus for her that was as tall as six feet high; and he adorned her with precious treasures such as a tasseled macrame belt and necklace with many jade-like stones. And, in the very center of his creation was a brilliantly blooming lotus. He directed Yao Niang to use cloth to bind up her feet into an arch so that they resembled the shape of the crescent moon and put on silk slippers. He then instructed her to dance for him in the middle of the lotus. She revolved and pirouetted as if rising into the clouds.3 In view of this all, many began to imitate her. These were the beginnings of footbinding. 

Before the Tang, these trends had not been introduced yet. Thus, the poets who then sung the praises of the most beautiful and feminine women--of their radiant looks and elegant beauty, of their youthful complexions, and even of their facial cosmetics, their ornamented hair styles, their adorned gowns and dresses, or of the purity of their hair, eyes, lips, teeth, waists, hands, and wrists--relished incessantly but never once in mentioned with all of their words the smallness of women’s feet.

...

The text, “Instructions for Women from the Straightened Bamboo Pavilion” says, Ben Shou asked his mother, “why is it that girls must bind their feet?” His mother responded,“The gods favored women, and caused it so that women would not be easily exalted. If Fan Ju’s feet had been bound, then he would have never entered the state of Qin.4 Women may be a good comparison. All of this occurred long before the Han dynasty.”

Those who tell these stories and others about the footwear of women are indeed numerous. Nevertheless, these stories seem doubtful. 

---

1 Here Yu Huai quotes the Zhouli, and the translation of this quoted passage is derived from James Steele, The I-li, or Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial Volume I (London: Probsthain Co., 1917), 13.

2 Li Houzhu or Li Yu (r. 961-975) was the last ruler of the Southern Tang, and was a master of the arts, particularly ci poetry, which he is responsible for innovating and popularizing during the middle imperial period.

3 Lin Yutang makes an interesting point concerning the dance involving the billowing of the sleeves, as if in the manner of billowing clouds.

4 Fan Ju (d. 255 BCE), was a talented and able statesman, but came from an impoverished background. Though he succeeded in demonstrating his talent and abilities, more often than not those talents and abilities caused others to be jealous and plot against him. He suffered imprisonment and nearly died in his native state of Wei because he outshined a senior official, though he saved Wei by doing so. This was only the beginning of his troubles, as he escaped Wei and fled to the state of Qin, which was recruiting talented ministers for their growing administration. While escaping to or entering Qin, he narrowly escaped death once again. He was later elevated to the post of Prime Minister because of the shrewd counsel he gave to the King of Qin. He was ultimately responsible for the political and military strategies that led to the rise of Qin, and prepared its way for unification. His rise to power, however, came at great costs, because he is seen as unfortunate, in that he faced the same dilemmas at the height of his power that he suffered in the beginning—the jealousy and betrayal of others; the idiomatic phrase, “bu ru Qin,” then purports to a Confucian sentiment, that it is better not to seek one’s success in an environment like unto the Qin court, which fostered an malicious sense of competition and political desire. Reference Sima Qian, Records of the Grand Historian, Qin Dynasty, Burton Watson, trans. (New York: Columbia University Press, 1993), 131-157.

Beware of Rumors...A Warring States Tale

The following translation is from the Records of Warring States, a history produced over the period of 250 years or so during China's 3rd to 1st century BC.

Records of the Warring States

The Book of QinChapter 2

King Wu Calls Upon Gan Mao

            King Wu of Qin addressed Gan Mao saying: “I desire to traverse the Three Rivers to spy on the House of Zhou. Thus, when I die, I will not be corrupted.”[1] Gan Mao replied: “Allow me to go to the kingdom of Wei and make a pact to attack the kingdom ofHan.” The king then ordered Xiang Shou to assist in this action.

            Gan Mao arrived in Wei and addressed Xiang Shou saying: “You return and report to the king; tell him: ‘Wei has listened to his vassal, and thus wishes the king not to attack.’ When this matter is completed, at length it will all be for your benefit.” Xiang Shou returned and thus reported to the king.

            The king received Gan Mao to Xi Rang.[2] When Gan Mao arrived, the king inquired as to the reasons (why he should not attack). And in response, Gan Mao said: “Yi Yang is a great province; Shang Dang as well as Nan Yang have amassed over a long period of time, and are called provinces, but are in actuality commanderies. Up to this point, the king has faced numerous risks. To travel a thousand li and attack them is difficult.”

            “I, your vassal, have heard that in the west, Zhang Yi has united the lands of Ba and Shu; in the north, he has taken the region beyond Xi He; and in the south, he has taken Shang Yong. All under Heaven give no esteem to Zhang Yi though, but reverence the former king.”

            “Prince Wen of Wei dispatched General Dong Yang to attack Zhong Shan, and for three years he set siege against it. Dong Yang retreated, yet he contended the merit of his martial expertise. Prince Wen showed him a denunciatory letter in a small sleeve, and Dong Yang repeatedly prostrated himself and knocked his head on the floor saying: ‘this was not on account of my martial expertise (or the lack thereof), but because of the sovereigns’ power.’”

            “Today, I am a sojourning vassal here; but Shu Liji and Gongsun Bi, these two, embrace Han in their assessments. The king must listen to them. This is the king’s allegiance to Wei. And (for this cause), I have incurred Gong Zhong’s (Peng’s)[3]discontent.”

            “In former times, Master Zeng lived in Bi. There was a man of Bi who had the same given name and surname as Master Zeng, and this man killed someone. Someone gave an account to Master Zeng’s mother saying: ‘Zeng Shen has killed a man.’ Yet, Master Zeng’s mother said: ‘My son has not killed anyone.’ She simply continued weaving as she had been. After a time, a person came again saying: ‘Zeng Shen has killed a man.’ But his mother still continued weaving as she had been before. A short time passed from this, and another person came once more reporting it to his mother saying: ‘Zeng Shen has killed a man.’ His mother frightened, tossed her shuttlecock and leapt over the wall thereby departing.”

            “Now, take into account the virtue of Zeng Shen and his mother’s faith (in him), and (the fact that it took) three to dissuade her; thus (his) benevolent mother was unable to believe (in him). Well, my virtue does not approach Zeng Shen’s. And, the king’s faith in his minister (me), again, has not yet been as Zeng Shen’s mother’s. Those who doubt me are not merely three individuals, and therefore I fear that the king will toss the shuttlecock on my behalf.”

            The king said: “I will not listen (to those that naysay), allow me to take an oath with you.” Thereupon, they took an oath in Xi Rang.

            Therefore, they attacked Yi Yang, and after five months they still were unable to capture it. Shu Liji and Gongsun Bi were both present at this time and confronted the king concerning this. The king was going to listen to their appeal and he called in Gan Mao to indict him. Gan Mao responded saying: “Xi Rang is between us.” The king replied: “Yes, it is.” And, because he determined to assemble the troops, and returned so that Gan Mao could attack it, in the end they captured Yi Yang.

[1] Corrupted in this sense refers to the legacy which would be left behind, rather than the corruption of the physical body. The essence of the statement is to proverbially “live on after death.”

[2] Xi Rang is most likely the name of a city in the Qin Kingdom near the borders of theWei Kingdom.

[3] “Peng” is an alternate name for the individual mentioned, Gong Zhong.

Chinese:

甘茂至魏，謂向壽曰：「子歸告王曰：‘魏聽臣矣，然願王勿攻也。 ’事成，盡以為子功。 」向壽歸以告王，王迎甘茂于息壤。甘茂至，王問其故。對曰：「宜陽，大縣也，上党、南陽積之久矣，名為縣，其實郡也。今王倍數險，行千里而攻之，難矣。臣聞張儀西並巴蜀之地，北取西河之外，南取上庸，天下不以為多張儀而賢先王。魏文侯令樂羊將，攻中山，三年而拔之，樂羊反而語功，文侯示之謗書一篋，樂羊再拜稽首曰：‘此非臣之功，主君之力也。 ’今臣羈旅之臣也，樗裡疾、公孫衍二人者，挾韓而議，王必聽之，是王欺魏，而臣受公仲侈之怨也。昔者曾子處費，費人有與曾子同名族者而殺人，人告曾子母曰：「曾參殺人。 ’曾子之母曰：‘吾子不殺人。 ’織自若。有頃焉，人又曰：‘曾參殺人。 ’其母尚織自若也。頃之，一人又告之曰：‘曾參殺人。 ’其母懼，投杼逾牆而走。夫以曾參之賢與母之信也，而三人疑之，則慈母不能信也。今臣賢不及曾子，而王之信臣又未若曾子之母也，疑臣者不適三人，臣恐王為臣之投杼也。 」王曰：「寡人不聽也，請與子盟。 」於是與之盟于息壤。果攻宜陽，五月而不能拔也。樗裡疾、公孫衍二人在，爭之王，王將聽之，召甘茂而告之。甘茂對曰：「息壤在彼。 」王曰：「有之。 」因悉起兵，複使甘茂攻之，遂拔宜陽.

秦武王謂甘茂曰：「寡人欲車通三川，以窺周室，而寡人死不朽乎？ 」甘茂對曰：「請之魏，約伐韓。 」王令向壽輔行

A Franciscan Missionary in China

Carolus Horatii a Castorano (1673-1750) was a Franciscan Friar (O.F.M.) who ministered in China from 1715-1750. The majority of his time was spent in Beijing, where he ultimately became appointed as the Vicar General of Peking in 1733. He also was instrumental in the translations and presentations of Papal Constitutions regarding the interpretation of doctrines and practices during the Chinese Rites Controversy. He associated and worked closely with many prominent figures of the church and the imperial court in Beijing, including the Vincentian priest, Teodorico Pedrini (1671-1746), as well as the founder of the Collegio dei Cinesi (Chinese College) at the University of Naples, Matteo Ripa (1682-1746). He attended numerous audiences with the Qing emperors of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, earning him at times, either the favor or the censure of the imperial court. The inconsistent treatment he found at court was the product of a political struggle that emerged between the Jesuits, who had long maintained a presence in the imperial court, and those that belonged to other orders, namely the Franciscans or the Dominicans, who were relatively new arrivals. While generally, the controversy hinged on how accommodating the church or its doctrines should be for the dramatically different culture of China, the specifics of this rivalry encompassed a complex of issues. There was more at stake than a political advantage or a moral victory; many of these missionaries, it must be kept in mind, committed their entire adult life to their ministries in China, making this competition between different orders highly personal. In the following translation, the personal nature of this rivalry is illustrated in a few ways. The document is a kind of unofficial testimony collected by Castorano, a Franciscan, concerning the abuse or corruption of a Jesuit priest against the Chinese Christian, Paolo Cing (Chen). This document is contained in the hand-written volume, Monumenta Papyracea Sinesia, held in the Special Collections of the Holy Name Library of the Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure University.

"The 14th Day of the 1st Month in the 7th Year of the Reign of Qianlong.

The Holy Father Fan at the Catholic Church of Wei Village presided over the members of the church in the area of Zhending Prefecture (Hebei Province). A certain Paolo Chen traveled to Wei Village and asked the Holy Father to come and minister to his sick mother-in-law for a few days. The Holy Father Fan did not say that he would go, but he also did not say he would not go. Paolo Chen continued to beseech the Holy Father, saying, “Will you go my lord, or will you not go my lord? The journey is long and the illness is severe. If my lord, you will not go, then this lowly sinner will ask another Holy Father to go.” Upon hearing these words, The Holy Father Fan became agitated and caught sight of the necklace (scapular) around Paolo’s neck, from which hung a small bag made from the holy cloth of the Our Lady of Sorrows Order. He then asked Paolo, “What is in that pouch around your neck?” Paolo answered, “It is the holy cloth of the Our Lady of Sorrows Order.” Upon hearing these words, the Holy Father Fan again became very agitated, and became angry, condemning Paolo, saying, “Is it you who have been proselyting the Our Lady of Sorrows Order? You are the one who has been manufacturing these strips of fabric? Generously giving a piece to this person and a piece to that person? It is you who have been proselyting the Our Lady of Sorrows Order? All of this is a sacrilege of our doctrine. Such things are not for the instruction of underlings.” Thereupon, he tied Paolo down atop a wooden bench and began to beat him. Then, Chapel Leader Xie Fangji (Francis) and Chapel Leader Li Fengrui beseeched the Holy Father, kowtowing repeatedly more than a few times, begging for mercy, whereupon he stopped after a few more beatings with a stick."

The Biograohy of Bao Zheng or Judge Bao

Biography of Bao Zheng 999 – 1062 C.E.

I.

包 拯 字 希 仁,  盧 州 合 肥 人 也.

Bao Zheng[1] named Xiren was a native of Hefei in Luzhou.[2]

 
始 舉 進 士,  除 大 里 評 事,  出 知 建 昌 縣.

He started his career as a graduate of the Presented Scholar[3] rank, and was appointed Arbiter in the Court of Judicial Review, being first assigned to Jianchang County.[4]

以 父 母 皆 老, 辭 不 就.

However, because his father and mother were both aged he declined the post.

得 監 和 州 稅, 父 母 又 不 欲 行, 拯 即 解 官 歸 養.

He attained the position of Supervisor of Taxes in Hezhou,[5] yet again his father and mother did not wish him to make the journey. Bao Zheng therefore set aside officialdom to return home and care for them.

後 數 年, 親 繼 亡, 拯 盧 墓 終 喪, 猶 裴 徊 不 忍 去, 里 中 父 老 數 來 勸 勉.

After several years, his parents passed away. Bao Zheng buried his father and mother in Luzhou and completed the period of mourning. Yet, as if drifting forwards and backwards he was reluctant to leave because while he had been in his home town his aged father had come and given advice to him on many occasions.
                                                          
久 之, 赴 調, 知 天 長 縣.

After dealing with this for some time, he left to attend his duty as an Arbitrator assigned to Tianchang County.[6]

有 盜 割 人 牛 舌 者, 主 來 訴.

There, there was a crook who cut off the tongue of a certain man’s ox. The owner came and gave a report of the incident to Bao.

拯 曰: “第 歸, 殺 而 鬻 之.”

Bao Zheng said: “Do nothing more than return home, slaughter the animal, and sell the meat.”
                       
尋 復 有 來 告 私 殺 牛 者, 拯 曰: “何 為 割 牛 舌 而 又 告 之?”

Soon thereafter, there again came a man who made a report. This man accused another of slaughtering an ox.[7] Bao Zheng replied: “How is it that you cut off the ox’s tongue but come to report him for slaughtering it?”

盜 驚 服.

The crook was dumbfounded, and surrendered.

徙 知 端 州 遷 殿 中 丞.

Bao Zheng was transferred to Duanzhou[8] and reassigned as Palace Administration Attaché.

端 土 產 硯 , 前 守 緣 貢 , 率 取 數 十 倍 以 遺 權 貴.

Duanzhou’s local specialty product were inkstones. Formerly, the surplus of the tribute was set aside; it was common practice that ten times the quota was taken as a token tribute to preserve favor with the nobles.

拯 命 製 者 才 足 貢 數,

Bao Zheng ordered the manufacturers to fulfill only the amount of the tribute quota.

歲 滿 不 持 一硯 歸.

That year’s quota was filled without one inkstone taken in return.

II.

尋 拜 監 察 御 吏 裏 行 , 改 監 察 御 吏.

Soon thereafter, Bao was appointed as Acting Investigative Censor, and later promoted to Investigative Censor proper.

時 張 堯 佐 除 節 度˛ 宣 徽 兩 使 ,

At that time, Zhang Yaozuo[9] was appointed as both the Minister of Revenues and as Minister of Xuan Hui Palace.

右 司 諫 張 擇 行 ˛ 唐 介 與 拯 共 論 之 , 語 甚 切.

Remonstrators of the Right Offices,[10] Zhang Zexing [11]and Tang Jie,[12] together with Bao Zheng indicted him, articulating their case with acute skill.

又 嘗 建 言 曰:  “國 家 歲 賂 契 丹 , 非 禦 戎 之 策 , 宜 練 兵 選 將 , 務 實 邊 備.”

Bao made a proposal to the throne on yet another occasion saying: “The kingdom presents a gift annually to Khitan,[13] yet we have no strategy for military defense against them; neither do we properly drill our troops or select our generals; nor do we devote attention to reality concerning our frontier preparations/defense.

又 請 重 門 下 封 駁 之 制 ,  及 廢 錮 贓 吏 , 選 守 宰 , 行 考 試 補 蔭 弟 子 之 法.

Bao also requested a system of veto[14] for high officials, as well as the deprivation of rights for a life sentence for corrupt officials. He also proposed more cautious selections of magistrates and the implementation of codes for exams for those of junior ranks and hereditary ranks in order to attain the robes of insignia.

當 時 諸 道 轉 運 加 按 察 使 ,

At that time, the various circuits of the Tax Transport Bureau were adding honorific titles of Surveillance Commissioner.[15]

其 奏 劾 官 吏 多 摭 細 故 ,

The result of which was countless piles of Memorials of Impeachment to the Throne of ministers and officials, all concerning trifling affairs.

務 苛 察 相 高 尚 , 吏 不 自 安 ,

The endeavors of petty investigations and high-mindedness were the result of their work—officials without self-constraint.

拯 於 是 請 罷 按 察 使.

Bao Zheng thereupon requested the eradication of the Surveillance Commissioner position. 

III.

去 使 契 丹 , 契 丹 令 典 客 謂 拯 曰:

Bao was sent as an envoy to the Khitan. The Khitan ambassador to the empire addressed Bao Zheng saying:

“雄 州 新 開 便 門 , 乃 欲 誘 我 叛 人 ,

“Xiongzhou[16] has recently opened a side gate to my city because they wish to spy on my insurgent force.

以 刺 疆 事 耶?”

Will this not provoke border affairs?”

拯 曰: “涿 州 亦 嘗 開 門 矣 , 刺 疆 事 何 必 開 便 門 哉?”

Bao Zheng replied: “Zhuozhou[17] has already opened its main gate for you to come in. As for provoking border affairs, why should we not open a side gate?!”[18]

其 人 遂 無 以 對.

The Khitan delegation then had no argument with which they could respond.

IV.

歷 三 司 戶 部 判 官 , 出 為 京 東 轉 運 使 ,

Bao’s experience included Administrative Assistant to the State Finance Commission of the Ministry of Revenue. Upon leaving this section he had become Minister of the Tax Transport Bureau of the East Capital Road.[19]

改 尚 書 工 部 員 外 郎 ˛  直 集 賢 院 , 徙 陝 西 , 又 徙 河 北 ,

He was reassigned as Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, and he was nominated to the Academy of Scholarly Worthies.[20] He was transferred to Shanxi,[21] and subsequently to Hebei.[22]

入 為 三 司 戶 部 副 使 .

Therein, he became the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.

奏 隴 斜 谷 務 造 船 材 木 ,

The locale, Zoulong Xiegu,[23] was responsible for the levy for the timber of boat manufacturing.

率 課 取 於 民 ;

Bao proposed this levy should be remitted to the people.

又 七 州 出 賦 河 橋 竹 索 , 恆 數 十 萬 , 拯 皆 奏 罷 之.

Moreover, the seven states that were levied this tax gave the bamboo from the bridges over rivers. The amount that was levied was fixed at 100,000 annually. Bao Zheng memorialized for this to be completely eliminated.

契 丹 聚 兵 近 塞 , 邊 郡 稍 警 , 命 拯 往 河 北 調 發 軍 食.

At one point the Khitan gathered troops close to the border, which in the provinces bordering the frontier created a slight alarm. Bao Zheng was ordered to go to Hebei to attend to food supply and distribution for the military.

拯 曰:“漳 河 沃 壤 ,人 不 得 耕 ,邢 ˛ 洛 ˛ 趙 三 州 民 田 萬 五 千 頃 , 

Bao Zheng said: “In Zhanghe[24] the soil is irragated, but the people are unable to plow it, and in the three states of Xing, Luo, and Zhao[25] the people’s fields number 15,000 hectares.

率 用 牧 馬 , 請 悉 以 賦 民.” 從 之.

I propose these lands be use as horse pasture, requesting that it be recognized as a bequest to the people.” It was done.

解 州 鹽 法 率 病 民 , 拯 往 經 度 之 , 請 一 切 通 商 販.

In Jiezhou[26] the Salt Bureau was responsible for the administration over public health, Bao Zheng went over to Jiezhou to assist in this matter, where he requested that all transports of salt be done commercially.[27]

V.

除 天 章 閣 待 制 ˛ 知 諫 院.

Bao was appointed to Tianzhang Pavilion as Academician in Waiting,[28] and was assigned to the Bureau of Remonstrance.

數 論 斥 權 倖 大 臣 , 請 罷 一 切 內 除 曲 恩.

He denounced interim appointments of sycophants as Grand Ministers, and requested the discharge of all the inner court-appointees who were beneficiaries of underhanded favour.

又 列 上 唐 魏 鄭 公 三 疏 ,

He also enumerated three Dukes, those of Tang, Wei, and Bao Zheng, as negligent.

願 置 之 坐 右 , 以 為 龜 鑒.

Though they wished to be recognized in the seats to the right of the emperor, they should have been considered examples of debauchery.

又 上 言 天 子 當 明 聽 納 ,

Bao also addressed the issue of the awaited appointment of the crown prince being made public.

辨 朋 黨 , 惜 人 才 , 不 主 先 入 之 說 , 凡 七 事;

He, moreover addressed the issues of bias toward certain political factions, the need to treasure individual talent, not giving too much weight to preconceived speech, and the importance of the Seven Indispensable Things.[29]

請 去 刻 薄 , 抑 僥 倖 , 正 刑 明 禁 , 戎 興 作 , 禁 妖 妄.

He also made requests on topics such as departing from harsh punishments, the notion of manipulated felicity, the concealment of suitable punishments, the initiation of war, and the preclusion of prophetic apparitions.

朝 廷 多 施 行 之.

The imperial court implemented many of these.

VI.

除 龍 圖 閣 直 學 士 ˛ 河 北 都 轉 運 使.

He was appointed as Auxiliary Academician of the Longtu Pavilion,[30] and elevated to Tax Transport Commissioner of the Hebei municipality. 

嘗 建 議 無 事 時 徙 兵 內 地 , 不 報.

There, he suggested that in times of peace the military should be relocated to the inner territories, but this was not approved.

至 是 , 請: “罷 河 北 屯 兵 , 分之 河 南 兗 ˛ 鄆 ˛ 齊 ˛ 濮 ˛ 曹 ˛ 濟 都 郡 ,

To this, he responded with a request: “The Hebei Militia  should be disassembled, and divided among the regions south of the River,[31] in the provincial municipalities of Yan, Yun, Qi, Pu, Cao, and Ji.[32]

設 有 警 , 無 後 期 之 憂.

They can be established there as a policing force so that at some later date there will be no concerns for the people.

借 曰 戍 兵 不 可 遽 減 , 請 訓 練 義 勇 , 少 給 糇 糧 , 每 歲 之 費 ,

I make pretext to say that our regular defensive forces can not be suddenly diminished, and I request the training and drilling of volunteers and irregular troops. In addition, I request they should be given some provisions as well as a minor remuneration every year.

不 當 屯 兵 一 月 之 用 , 一 州 之 賦 , 則 所 給 者 多 矣.” 不 報.

And, if one of the municipalities does not perform a month’s duty as militia, then they shall be responsible for levies of one state. Thus, those who are willing to give their service will be many.” This was not approved.

徙 知 瀛 州 , 諸 州 以 公 錢 貿 易 , 積 歲 所 負 十 餘 萬 , 悉 奏 除 之.

Bao was transferred to Yingzhou.[33] The various states there were using the state coffers for commercial trade. Year after year the state was responsible for more than ten thousand in costs. Bao memorialized that this should altogether be brought to an end.

以 喪 子 乞 便 郡 , 知 揚 州 , 徙 盧 州 , 遷 刑 部 郎 中.

In order to mourn for his son that had died, Bao requested a transfer to a closer province. He was assigned to Yangzhou,[34] but was transferred to Luzhou and reassigned to the Ministry of Justice as a Senior Secretary.

坐 失 保 任 , 左 授 兵 部 員 外 郎˛ 知 池 州.

However, he let the opportunity slip by to secure this commission, and was conferred a lesser post in the Ministry of War as Vice Director, assigned to Chizhou.[35]

VII.

復 官 , 徙 江 寧 府 , 召 權 知 開 封 府 , 遷 右 司 郎 中.

Upon returning to regular service, he was transferred to Jiangning Prefecture,[36] and summoned provisionally to serve in Kaifeng Prefecture,[37] reassigned as a Senior Secretary of the Right Offices.

拯 立 朝 剛 毅 , 貴 戚 宦 官 為 之 斂 手 , 聞 者 皆 憚 之.

At court, Bao Zheng was known for his resolute and steadfast manner. Nobles, relatives of the emperor, eunuchs, officials and all those considered to have long sleeves[38] who had heard of his reputation feared him.

人 以 包 拯 笑 比 黃 河 清 , 童 稚 婦 女 , 亦 知 其 名 , 呼 曰 “包 待 制.”

People jokingly compared Bao Zheng as being more pure than the Yellow River. Young children and housewives also knew his name, and called him “Academician Bao.”

京 師 為 之 語 曰: “關 節 不 到 , 有 閻 羅 包 老.”

In the capital there grew a quip concerning him: “Before collusion is accomplished, the King of Hell,[39] Old Bao will be there.”

舊 制 , 凡 訟 訴 不 得 徑 造 庭 下.

In the old system, all who wanted to file a suit were unable to pass through the narrow path created to reach the great hall.[40]

拯 開 正 門 , 使 得 至 前 陳 曲 直 , 吏 不 敢 欺.

Bao Zheng opened the main gate making it possible for people to go before the judge and plea their rights and wrongs. Thus, officials were too afraid and did not dare to intimidate the people any longer.

中 官 勢 族 築 園 榭 , 侵 惠 民 河 , 以 故 河 塞 不 通 ,

A mid-ranked eunuch’s family home and garden pavilion was encroaching upon the Huimin River, so that it was causing the river to become blocked up and unable to flow.

適 京 師 大 水 , 拯 乃 悉 毀 去.

It reached the capital as a minor flood. Bao Zheng thereupon ordered that it all be demolished.

或 持 地 券 自 言 有 偽 增 步 者 , 皆 審 驗 劾 奏 之.

The eunuch took a land voucher which he personally, yet falsely claimed had an increased amount of land. It was examined and he the eunuch was impeached.

VIII.

遷 諫 議 大 夫 ˛ 權 御 吏 中 丞.

Bao was reassigned as a Grand Minister of Remonstrance and Provisional Imperial Service Administration Attaché.

奏 曰: “東 宮 虛 位 日 久 , 天 下 以 為 憂 , 陛 下 持 久 不 決 , 何 也?”

He memorialized to the throne saying: “There has been an empty place in the Eastern Palace for many days, and all under Heaven deem this as troubling.[41] Your majesty endures without resolution to this, how can this be?”

                                                              
仁 宗 曰: “卿 欲 誰 立?”

The Emperor Renzong replied: “Who would you have me establish as heir-apparent?”

拯 曰: “臣 不 才 備 位 , 乞 豫 建 太 子 者 , 為 宗 廟 萬 世 計 也.

Bao Zheng responded: “I am not merely trying to prepare a position for myself in the future by pleading of your hesitation of the establishment of the crown prince. I am planning for your ancestral temple’s fulfillment 10,000 generations.

陛 下 問 臣 欲 誰 立 , 是 疑 臣 也.

You majesty inquires of me who I desire to be established as crown prince, but this eludes me.

臣 年 七 十 , 且 無 子 , 非 邀 福 者.”

My years are seventy, yet I have no son. This is not a case of my seeking fortune.

帝 喜 曰: “徐 當 議 之.”

The emperor delighted, said: “You have advised this with dignity and propriety.”

 

御 吏 府 得 自 舉 屬 官 , 減 一 歲 休 暇 日 , 事 皆 施 行.

The imperial officials’ residences obtained a self-proposed elevation to that of the ministers’ class, and they were deducted for one year’s summer retreat. These matters were all implemented.

IX.

張 方 平 為 三 司 使 , 坐 買 豪 民 產 , 拯 劾 奏 罷 之;

While Zhang Fangping was State Finance Commissioner, he purchased a luxurious civilian estate while sitting on the bench, so to speak. Bao Zheng memorialized an impeachment and he Zhang was removed

而 宋 祁 代 方 平 , 拯 又 論 之;

Thereafter, Song Qi replaced Fangping, but Bao Zheng criticized him also.

祁 罷 , 而 拯 以 樞 密 直 學 士 權 三 司 使.

Qi bowed out, and Bao Zheng by virtue of his title as Auxiliary Academician of State Affairs was provisionally instated as State Finance Commissioner.

歐 陽 修 言: “拯 所 謂 牽 牛 蹊 田 而 奪 之 牛, 罰 已 重 矣, 又 貪 其 富 , 不 亦 甚 乎!”

Ouyang Xiu said: “That which Bao Zheng proposes in this case is like leading an ox across the field to steal the ox. The penalties these officials endured were already too severe, yet he covets their fortune. Is this not too much?!

拯 因 家 居 避 命 , 久 之 乃 出.

Bao Zheng retired to his hometown to evade appointment, and resided there for some time before coming out and back into the panorama of officialdom.

其 在 三 司 , 凡 諸 筦 庫 供 上 物 , 舊 皆 科 率 外 郡 , 積 以 困 民.

While in the State Finance Commission, Bao had all of the various management warehouses supply a full complement of goods, while all of the old was moved out along the border provinces as support for the troubled and poor populations.

拯 特 為 置 場 和 市 , 民 得 無 擾.

Bao Zheng specifically established a square to stabilize the city market, simply for the peoples’ sake.[42]

吏 負 錢 帛 多 縲 繫 , 間 輒 逃 去 , 并 械 其 妻 子 者 , 類 皆 釋 之.

Officials often bore the responsibility for the cost of many bolts of silk, which were born off on the flanks of chariots, along with the people’s wives shackled one after the other to the chariots, tied ready to release them all.[43]

遷 給 事 中 , 為 三 司 使.

Bao was reassigned to the Board of Supervising Censors as State Finance Commissioner.

數 日 , 拜 樞 密 副 使.

After several days, he was appointed Vice Minister of State Affairs.

頃 之 , 遷 禮 部 侍 郎 , 辭 不 受 , 尋 以 疾 卒 , 年 六 十 四.

Yet again after some time, he was transferred to the Ministry of Rites as an Attendant Gentleman, but declined and did not accept the position. Soon thereafter, because of illness, he passed away at the age of sixty-four.

贈 禮 部 尚 書 , 謚 孝 肅.

He was posthumously designated as Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and conferred the name Xiaosu[44]

X.

拯 性 峭 直 , 惡 吏 苛 刻 , 務 敦 厚 , 雖 甚 嫉 惡 , 而 未 嘗 不 推 以 忠 恕 也.

Bao Zheng’s character was stern and upright, he loathed officials who were merciless and harsh, he was devoted to honesty and sincerity. Although deeply resented and hated, he never failed to reciprocate with anything but honesty and consideration.

與 人 不 茍 合 , 不 偽 辭 色 悅 人 , 平 居 無 私 書 , 故 人 ˛ 親 黨 皆 絕 之.

He was not careless with others. He was not like others who were pleased by superficially fleeting beauty. He lived in a common residence and had no books of his own. Therefore, people, intimate ties, and cliques all disregarded him.

雖 貴 , 衣 服 ˛ 器 用 ˛ 飲 食 如 布 衣 時.

Though noble, his clothes, utensils, drink and food were as the common people of the time.

嘗 曰: “後 世 子 孫 仕 宦 , 有 犯 贓 者 , 不 得 放 歸 本 家 , 死 不 得 葬 大 塋 中.

He once said: “Later generations, the posterity of officials entering service: there are those that commit corruption, not returning anything of worth to their roots or family, and who die but do not attain burial in the midst of great luminosity.

不 從 吾 志 , 非 吾 子 若 孫 也.”

If they have not followed my will, then they are no son of my posterity.

初 , 有 子 名 繶 , 娶 催 氏 , 通 判 潭 州 , 卒.

Bao initially had a son named Yi, who took a wife from the Cui clan, but passing through Tanzhou[45] he died.

催 守 死 , 不 更 嫁.

The Cui family then feared death, and were not willing to married off anymore daughters.

拯 嘗 出 其 媵 , 在 父 母 家 生 子 ,

Bao Zheng once went to visit his concubine, who at his father and mother’s home gave birth to a son.

催 密 撫 其 母 , 使 謹 視 之.

Cui secretly reared her mother, causing her to lose her sight.

繶 死 後 , 娶 媵 子 歸 , 名 曰 綖.

After Yi died, Bao took a concubine as his wife. Her name was Yan.

有 奏 議 十 五 卷.

Bao Left fifteen volumes of Memorials of Advisement to the Throne.

---

[1] References to Bao Zheng can be found in Song shi: Juan 316 Lie zhuan 75; Dong du shi lue: Juan 73; Long ping ji: Juan 11.

[2] In modern-day Anhui Province.

[3] The rank of Presented Scholar is the highest attainment in imperial civil service exams. (jinshi, 進士).

[4] In modern-day Jiangxi Province.

[5] Also in modern-day Anhui Province, not far from his native Luzhou.

[6] In modern-day Jiangsu Province.

[7] I believe fu (復) somewhat complicates the grammar of this sentence in English. Its function in this sentence is meant to emphasize the fact that there was a second visit to Bao concerning this case, thus the separation of the single sentence into two. Otherwise, the translation might read: “Soon thereafter, there again came one who accused an individual of slaughtering his own ox.” This could possibly be misinterpreted as a second, separate case of identical circumstances.

[8] In modern-day Guangdong Province.

[9] Reference to Zhang Yaozuo can be found in Long ping ji: Juan 11.

[10] Officials in/over the Ministries of War, Justice, Works, or State Affairs.

[11] Reference to Zhang Zexing can be found in Song shi: Juan 301, Lie zhuan 60.

[12] Reference to Tang Jie can be found in Song shi: Juan 316, Lie zhuan 78.

[13] Khitan Tartars: Non-Chinese tribes people along the frontier regions.

[14] The term “veto” in this case is representative of  the power and right of officials to request a stay of orders while debating or memorializing the issue thereof.

[15] Also known as “Fiscal Circuit Intendant.”

[16] In modern-day Hebei Province.

[17] Also in modern-day Hebei Province.

[18] This incident seems a little vague in contextual detail, however I believe the key notion presented in this exchange is one of suspicion on account of the spying taking place between the two nations. I believe the Khitan ambassador is insinuating the that spies from Xiongzhou have managed an undetected way to enter (a side gate/door) into a Khitan city or settlement. Zheng’s reply to this obvious farce of rhetorical attack (“Will this not provoke border affairs?”) is blunt—the way (door) into Zhuozhou is wide open for Khitan spies to enter, and therefore “provoking border affairs” should not be an issue.

[19] The “East Capital Road” was one of many circuits of commerce and travel that flowed into and around the capital. There was likewise West Capital Road etc.

[20] An association of honorary distinction, primarily composed of academicians and officials recognized for contributions to the body of notable public and civil service policy as well as literary works. See Charles O. Hucker, The Dictionary of Official Titles in Imperial China, (Stanford: Stanford University Press) entry 553.

[21] In modern-day Shanxi Province.

[22] In modern-day Hebei Province.

[23] In modern-day Sichuan.

[24] In modern-day Hubei Province.

[25] All three of these locales are also in modern-day Hubei Province.

[26] In modern-day Shanxi Province.

[27] Again, this instance lacks some detail and context. I surmise that there was apparently some burden upon the Salt Bureau in Jiezhou dealing with “the sick populace” (bing min病 民), or perhaps more suitably phrased as “public health” in English, where Bao was most likely requested to assist in the matter since he was experienced with both the salt industry and transportation matters and policy while in Shanxi [see Bao Zheng Ji Bian Nian Jiao Bu (Huangshan shu she: Hefei, China, 1989) 121.] As to the solution of the problem being that of commercial transport of the salt, it is unclear exactly how that eased the burden of the salt bureau, but perhaps it was a fiscally redeeming resolution removing the task of transport from the civil service.

[28] The notability of being a Scholar of the Tianzhang Pavilion is comparable to that of the Academy of Scholarly Worthies, and is equivalent to the induction into the Hanlin Academy. The distinction between them is one of prestige.

[29] The “Seven Indispensable Things” were fuel/fire, rice, oil, salt, soy, vinegar, and tea. 

[30] Again, the notability of being an Academician of the Longtu Pavilion is similar to that of the Tianzhang Pavilion and the Academy of Scholarly Worthies, except only more prestigious.

[31] The Yellow River.

[32] These municipalities were all, obviously, located south of the Yellow River; in modern-day Henan Province.

[33] Modern-day Beijing.

[34] In modern-day Jiangsu Province

[35] In Modern-day Anhui Province.

[36] In modern-day Jiangsu Province.

[37] In modern-day Henan Province.

[38] The Chinese phrase “lian shou” (斂手) is more along the meaning of retracting ones hand into their long sleeves. However, I believe the idea behind this represents the highbrow atmosphere at court, as well as all those who belong to it—those with long sleeves.

[39] The “King of Hell,” is actually named Yan Luo, fabled to be the Judge of the Underworld.

[40] This, I believe, is an allusion to the difficulty common people might have had in accessing the formal process of recourse due to the elevated nature of officialdom over the them.

[41] An allusion to the lack of an appointed heir, the crown prince.

[42] With the last expression I was quite liberal, but I believe I have captured the feeling of the phrase—literally: “the people’s gain was that of no disturbance.”

[43] This entire passage baffles me. I have no clue as to its place in the sequence of events, but have translated it as best as I could.

[44] “Filial and Solemn”

[45] In modern-day Hunan Province.