Preface
The world is full of knowledge, and the idle clouds are full of joy. In the change of dynasties and officialdom disputes, in which era has there not been corrupt bureaucrats who have bent the law for bribes and deceived their superiors and subordinates?
However, how many people can be like Sun Jiagan, unswervingly uphold the right path, not afraid of power, lead by example, and vividly interpret the character of "clean officials"?
As the saying goes, "the way is to govern, all to be punished, and the people are free and shameless; The way is virtuous, all are courteous, shameful and qualified". Relying solely on the imperial power and the coercive means of the law, it is difficult to make the people unified. Only by cultivating people with virtue and influencing others with righteous and awe-inspiring conduct can we truly realize the ideal realm of social well-being and the people not fearing the law.
So, how did the most famous "Qing official" in the history of the Qing Dynasty reach the peak step by step, and how did he still maintain his moral integrity in the face of adversity? Let's walk into the legendary life of Sun Jiagan and feel the true connotation of this gentleman's demeanor.
1. A handsome and talented man in the scholarly family
In the fortieth year of Kangxi (1701), a well-off family with a long history of books ushered in an expected boy: Sun Jiagan. He was born in a poor scholarly family in Shanxi, with a family history and extraordinary talent.
The Sun family is like a local "talent manor". Sun Jiagan's father, Sun Chenglan, was a rigorous scholar and education-minded squire, who devoted his life to nurturing future generations. During the day, he taught seriously at the county school, and at night, he personally tutored his three sons in reading. He hopes that future generations can carry the glory of the family's "gentleman like jade".
Under the careful cultivation of his father, Sun Jiagan showed an amazing talent for learning at a young age. By the age of 15, he was fluent in reciting poetry and books, and had an insight into ancient and modern texts. The writing is even more superb, and every word is exquisite. The neighbors all admired the miracle of this family's "three jinshi".
This family atmosphere has undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for Sun Jiagan's personality formation. He sincerely admired his father's attitude towards learning and the way of governing the family, regarded his brother as a mentor, and absorbed a steady stream of righteousness and wisdom in the first school of the family. All of this has become an important support for his extraordinary achievements in the future.
A three-jinshi, the pride of his hometown
When Sun Jiagan was 24 years old, he was promoted to Jinshi and became another "champion" of this well-off family. The good news spread throughout my hometown. It turned out that Sun Jiagan's two elder brothers, Sun Jiagui and Sun Jianan, had also been promoted and made important members in the early years, which can be described as "a three-entry scholar".
This proud achievement of the Sun family immediately attracted the attention of the entire township. Friends and relatives came to congratulate and praise the family for their "talent". Even ordinary people cheered for it, feeling that this family was really not simple.
Young Sun Jiagan was both excited and felt a heavy responsibility. He knew that the glory of his family was both a spur to him and a responsibility he had to shoulder in the future. To be an upright gentleman, live up to expectations, become the backbone of this family, and become his responsibility for the next 40 years of his life.
A one-step three-difficult way to take up a new job
However, this high-spirited Jinshi official did not ascend to the sky as his brother did. On the contrary, his career path can be described as "one step and three difficulties" at the beginning.
When he was just promoted, Sun Jiagan was only assigned to serve in a remote county magistrate. At first, he didn't quite understand the reason behind this. Later, I learned that it was because he had spoken out in the imperial court before, and his advice was improper, which angered some powerful people and was almost dismissed.
However, Sun Jiagan was not discouraged. He upheld his integrity, conscientiously carried out various duties, and worked for the benefit of the people at the grassroots level, and soon accumulated a good reputation in the local area.
Gradually, the superiors also saw the talent and conduct of this upright young official. Soon, the new emperor Yongzheng ascended the throne and began to reuse a group of talents with excellent moral character. As a result, Sun Jiagan was gradually reused and entered the imperial court.
Second, speak uprightly and anger the powerful
Safeguard the interests of the people and give courageous and direct advice
Just when Sun Jiagan stepped into an important position in the court, Emperor Yongzheng, who had just ascended the throne, was embarking on a series of political reforms. Among them, there are some measures that offend the old ministers, such as cracking down on dissidents, rectifying corruption, and donating officials to enrich the state treasury.
As a loyal courtier, Sun Jiagan certainly knew the necessity of this move. However, after all, he was an upright and strong person, and he still had reservations about some of the emperor's decisions. So, he plucked up the courage and bluntly stated his opinion to Yongzheng:
"Your Majesty, although you have good intentions in implementing these new policies, please consider it carefully. For example, if you are now fighting against a dissident and breaking with your relatives, I am afraid that it will have a negative impact. If you stop the war in the west, the burden on the people will undoubtedly be greatly lightened, but I am afraid that this move will cause trouble; Moreover, if you are now conscripting a large number of officials to pay taxes, it is actually equivalent to a form of 'buying officials', which will inevitably breed new corruption. "
Sun Jiagan's outspoken angry admonition was like a slap in the face, and it slammed into Emperor Yongzheng's heart. As a new emperor who has just ascended the throne, Yongzheng is bound to need to consolidate his ruling position, where can he tolerate someone so brazenly accusing him of his new policy actions? Suddenly, he was furious with this upright courtier.
Nearly died
Seeing that Sun Jiagan was reasoning vigorously and criticizing his new policy, Yongzheng finally couldn't bear it anymore, and immediately reprimanded angrily: "You bold guy, you dare to disobey my decision!" You really think of yourself as a minister, and you can comment on my decrees at will! "
Then, Yongzheng immediately sent someone to arrest Sun Jiagan, preparing to punish him severely. This originally upright minister is really likely to die at this time.
Fortunately, someone stood up in time at this time - that is Sun Jiagan's teacher and seat teacher, Zhu Shi, a university scholar. Zhu Shi was very anxious when he saw this, and hurriedly went to Yongzheng and explained to Sun Jiagan 1510:
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Sun Qing didn't mean to contradict you, but he was too straightforward, open-mouthed, and didn't know what to do. But if you listen carefully, he does find some shortcomings in your new policy, all out of loyalty and devotion to the country. If he really has other intentions, how can he be so outspoken?"
Zhu Shi's confession finally calmed Yongzheng's anger. He sighed and said, "It seems that Sun Jiagan is indeed a loyal minister who dares to speak, but his personality is too straightforward, and he needs me to educate him well." He pardoned Sun Jiagan and promoted him.
After this turmoil, Sun Jiagan became more and more aware of the disadvantages of his straightforward personality. However, his sense of justice and his original intention of serving the people have not changed in the slightest. Since then, he has continued to put forward beneficial reform proposals throughout the imperial court, all out of a sincere heart of concern for the country and the people.
Adhere to principles, justice is not innocent
In the tenth year of Yongzheng, an incident once again tested Sun Jiagan's integrity. This time, not only did he not fall short, but he showed his iron backbone.
At that time, Sun Jiagan was instructed to recommend a group of candidates suitable for serving as the prince's teacher. However, the emperor's son, Prince Guo, questioned this, believing that Sun Jiagan's recommendation was not very realistic. So, Yongzheng asked Sun Jiagan to re-verify.
However, Sun Jiagan insisted on his own judgment, believing that these talents were very familiar with him, and there was no need to repeat the review, which would only waste time. He decisively stepped forward and picked up the seal in the emperor's hand and prepared to sign on his behalf.
Seeing this situation, Emperor Yongzheng was furious and immediately accused Sun Jiagan: "You dare to touch my imperial pen, this is a great rebellion!" "
Sun Jiagan suddenly came to his senses, hurriedly put on the seal with both hands, and humbly stated his mistake to the emperor. However, this move clearly could not prevent the retaliation of the powers. In the end, Sun Jiagan was not only removed from his official position, but also almost sentenced to death.
Yes, Sun Jiagan made a mistake in this matter, but this is by no means a reason for him to abandon his principles and deviate from the right path. Instead, he would rather risk his life than assert his judgment. Isn't this upright and upright spirit that regards death as if it were his home is the creed he has followed all his life as an official?
Fortunately, Yongzheng finally understood Sun Jiagan's loyalty and integrity, so he was exempted from his guilt and only transferred him to work in the silver treasury. In this way, the minister who insisted on justice was able to save his life and continue to serve the country in his new post.
3. Qianlong knew and made outstanding achievements
Qianlong ascended the throne, and Sun Jiagan created brilliance again
In the thirteenth year of Yongzheng, Sun Jiagan's deeds finally attracted Yongzheng's attention. The newly enthroned emperor was deeply touched by his unremitting pursuit of justice and selfless dedication, so he transferred him to the right attendant of the ministry.
Shortly thereafter, Sun Jiagan was appointed as the Imperial Historian of the Left Capital of the Imperial Procuratorate. This position was undoubtedly an extremely important position in the imperial court at that time. As the master of Emperor Qianlong, Sun Jiagan finally opened his second spring.
On this new stage, Sun Jiagan has demonstrated his usual loyalty, integrity and enterprising spirit. He went deep into various places to conduct field investigations and boldly put forward many pragmatic policy suggestions to the new Qianlong Emperor.
Among them, the most famous is his book Qianlong's "Three Habits and One Disadvantages". In this recital, Sun Jiagan bluntly pointed out that the young and vigorous Qianlong was easily "accustomed to what he heard, and he liked and was evil; When the eye is accustomed to what it sees, it likes softness and evil rigidity; If the mind is accustomed to what it is, it will like to be evil", and it is recommended to "never put an end to one evil".
Qianlong was greatly appreciative of it, and immediately ordered the whole dynasty to be widely recited by the civil and military forces to "abstain from the three habits". This fully shows Sun Jiagan's special status in Qianlong's mind. Since then, he has become a highly respected minister of the court.
The governor of Huguang, iron-faced and selfless and incorruptible
Only an incorruptible person can be so majestic in the court full of powerful people. Sun Jiagan's lifelong way of doing politics is undoubtedly the best proof.
In the sixth year of Qianlong, Sun Jiagan was appointed governor of Huguang. In this important local official position, he fully demonstrated his iron-faced selflessness and meticulous integrity.
After taking office, Sun Jiagan went to Hunan Customs to conduct on-site inspections. After learning more about the situation, he found that Liu Yinglong, the local political envoy, was collecting customs duties privately, embezzling corruption, and wantonly violating the law. Sun Jiagan immediately launched a thorough investigation and finally punished Liu Yinglong in accordance with the law.
This kind of righteousness that dares to offend the powerful is even more amazing that in the 15th year of Qianlong, Sun Jiagan, who was already 67 years old, was once again appointed to the post of secretary of the Ministry of Industry.
In this post, he continued to be strict with himself, found out dozens of corrupt officials, such as Zarafen, Fu De, and Tian Siqi, and cooperated with Liu Tongxun, the secretary of the Criminal Department, to wipe them out and punish them according to law.
It is precisely with this kind of righteousness that has no fear of power and is selfless with an iron face that Sun Jiagan has become the most prestigious model of "Qing official" in the Qing Dynasty. Everywhere he went, he would make a big move to sweep away the accumulated evils, and this style undoubtedly greatly deterred those corrupt officials at that time.
Deter the powerful and pursue justice
Sun Jiagan is an upright person, decisive, and never afraid of the powerful. This kind of integrity has been repeatedly reflected in the career of his life. In the first year of Qianlong, Sun Jiagan served as the imperial history of the left capital of the Imperial Procuratorate, and when he wrote to Emperor Qianlong, he pointed out that the behavior of those lower-level officials giving "festival gifts" to higher-level officials in the name of festivals was bribery in disguise, which was a burden on the people and must be strictly prohibited.
After that, after he and his wife took the lead in returning all the "rituals", Emperor Qianlong immediately issued an order to strictly prohibit this unhealthy trend, and it never happened again. At the same time, Sun Jiagan not only served himself honestly, but also severely punished the corruption of others.
For example, in the fifth year of Yongzheng, he severely punished an assistant leader who used his power to blackmail students. Another example is the tenth year of Yongzheng, when he was in office in the Household Treasury Bank, he happily found out a group of corrupt officials, and assisted in investigating and dealing with many criminal evidence of Nian Qianyao.
In the first year of Qianlong, Zhu Zao, an official of the Zhili General River, was impeached because of his mistakes. Emperor Qianlong personally sent Sun Jiagan and Prince Na to investigate and deal with the case. Prince Na wanted to shield Zhu Zao, but was resolutely opposed by Sun Jiagan. At Sun Jiagan's insistence, Zhu Zao finally received the punishment he deserved.
It is this indelible sense of justice and determination to pursue fairness that made Sun Jiagan the most influential "Qing official" in the history of the Qing Dynasty. At all times, he always put the protection of the interests of the people and the safety of the society in the first place, and never succumbed to the temptation of any power.
Teaching and educating people, and contributing to Chinese culture
Sun Jiagan has made great achievements not only in politics, but also in the field of education and academia. As an official who was born as a Confucian scholar, he never forgot his true character as a scholar.
In the process of becoming an official in the court, Sun Jiagan successively served as the review of the Hanlin Academy, the supervision of the sacrificial wine of the country, and the study and administration of Shuntian. In these positions, he gave full play to his talents and accomplishments, and devoted himself to the revitalization of the cause of Chinese culture.
For example, during the period when he was the prince of the country, Sun Jiagan put forward the "Opinions on the Management of Matters Concerning the Revitalization of Chinese Studies" on Emperor Yongzheng, and put forward reform suggestions from many aspects such as teacher allocation, curriculum setting, and financial guarantee, which were highly recognized by Yongzheng.
For another example, when he was serving as a scholar in Anhui, he put forward to Emperor Yongzheng the reform proposition of "each Ming and one scripture, and each governing one thing" in view of the local teaching shortcomings of "emphasizing resignation and ignoring scripture learning", which greatly promoted the professionalization process of Chinese culture education.
Not only that, Sun Jiagan also personally compiled the work "Compendium of Recent Thoughts", which was free for scholars to study, and received good practical results. In this work, he put forward the view that "talents come from the school, the subjects are mostly literature and art, and there is no use for barnyard purposes, and the Qi family should govern the country and level the world with scripture and art", which undoubtedly greatly impacted the emphasis on literary rhetoric in the imperial examination system at that time.
It can be said that Sun Jiagan has made unremitting efforts for the revitalization of the cause of Chinese culture all his life. He has never forgotten his true character as a scholar, and regards teaching and educating people as the highest pursuit in life. This spirit of enthusiasm for Chinese culture will forever become the most brilliant pearl in the spiritual treasure house of the Chinese nation.
Fourth, retirement and retreat, Qianlong's acquaintance
The hardships of the road to retirement
In the twelfth year of Qianlong, Sun Jiagan, who was seventy years old, finally applied for retirement and returned to his hometown for retirement. For this minister, who has been a minister all his life and has not been greedy, this is not an easy task.
The reason is very simple, Sun Jiagan has been honest all his life, and the wealth he has accumulated is not rich. If he returns to his hometown destitutely, I am afraid that outsiders will misunderstand that he has been disappointed in his career, which will undoubtedly be a big blow to his reputation.
In order to maintain his dignity, Sun Jiagan came up with a strange trick: he asked his subordinates to prepare more than a dozen large boxes, all filled with ordinary stones, and returned to his hometown in a mighty way.
This move really sparked a lot of suspicion and discussion. Some people accused Sun Jiagan of secretly hiding a huge amount of wealth in an attempt to escape investigation. When Emperor Qianlong learned of this, he couldn't help but feel suspicious.
Qianlong's acquaintance and praise
Fortunately, Qianlong finally saw through all this. He sent someone to investigate secretly and found that the chests really contained only ordinary stones. Qianlong couldn't help but sigh with emotion, and only then did he understand Sun Jiagan's hardship.
Qianlong immediately ordered that all those stones be replaced with gold as a reward for Sun Jiagan's honesty and honesty throughout his life. This undoubtedly encouraged the veteran minister to finally return to his hometown and live a comfortable old age.
This scene undoubtedly drew a perfect end to Sun Jiagan's life. This most prestigious "Qing official" of the Qing Dynasty finally received the respect and praise he deserved. His lifelong integrity and philosophy of serving the people will surely become the highest model that future generations of officials should learn from.
epilogue
Sun Jiagan, the most famous "Qing official" giant in the history of the Qing Dynasty, has a righteous and awe-inspiring personality charm throughout his life, and is still admired by the world.
Today, when we look back at Sun Jiagan's life, it is not difficult to find that the righteousness and honesty he pursued are exactly what our times urgently need.
His noble character and heartfelt care for the country and the people will forever become the most brilliant pearl in the spiritual lineage of the Chinese nation.