its renewal was sought in corruption. Those who brought money in their hands received appointments under government. Those who could pay escaped the penalties of their guilt. Military merit opened the door to advancement. Shame and scruples of conscience were laid aside. Laws and punishments were administered with severer hand.
From this period must be dated the rise and growth of official venality.
ON CHANG LIANG.
Educated people mostly deny the existence of a spiritual world. Yet they will concede supernatural attributes to things; as for instance in the story of Chang Liang's rencontre with the old man who gave him that wonderful book.[1]
Now, that the founder of the Han dynasty should find himself involved in difficulties was a mere matter of destiny. But that Chang Liang should so often come to his aid,―there we detect the hand of God.
His Majesty said, “In concocting stratagems in the tent for winning battles a thousand miles away, I cannot compare with Chang Liang.” And I too had always entertained great respect for the genius of this remarkable man. But when I saw his portrait, lo and behold! his features were those of a woman. However, according to Confucius, “If we always chose men for their looks, we should have lost Tzŭ-yü.”[2] And the same is true of Chang Liang.
- ↑ Chang Liang was the friend and adviser whose counsels contributed so much to the success of Kao Ti (q.v.), founder of the House of Han. Having had occasion, in his youth, to oblige an old man by picking up his sandal for him, the latter is said to have presented him with a book from which he drew the wisdom that distinguished him so much in after life.
- ↑ A disciple, chiefly remarkable for great ugliness combined with lofty mental characteristics.
