When Emperor Taizong of the Northern Song Dynasty toured the Wei region, a 16-year-old Kou Zhun seized the opportunity to make a lasting impression. With his father struggling in a foreign land, Kou Zhun approached the emperor’s camp, presenting a letter with passionate conviction and a fearless demeanor. Emperor Taizong was impressed by the young man’s bravery and instructed the relevant department to take note of his name.
Kou Zhun passed the imperial examinations two years later and officially entered government service. At the age of 19, he was appointed to his first official position. At that time, it was common for young officials to inflate their ages to avoid dismissal by the emperor, who favored older candidates. However, when Kou Zhun was advised to do the same, he refused, saying: “I have just taken up my position. How could my first act upon entering his service be to deceive the emperor?”
Bringing prosperity to a remote land
Kou Zhun’s first assignment was as the county magistrate in Badong, a remote and underdeveloped region in present-day Hubei province. Badong was a mountainous area, with most of its residents relying on hunting for survival. Kou Zhun initiated agricultural reforms, teaching the villagers how to farm and raise livestock. Under his guidance, what was once a barren land transformed into fertile fields of mulberry and hemp. He also prioritized educating the people, recognizing the importance of improving both their livelihood and mindsets in such a remote and uncivilized area.
After serving in various remote posts, Kou Zhun passed another set of exams and was appointed to a role managing the imperial treasury. His exceptional performance earned him a promotion to the Imperial Secretariat, where he took charge of military and administrative matters and served as an advisor to the emperor.
Standing up to the emperor
During one particular incident, Kou Zhun submitted a memorial that contradicted Emperor Taizong’s wishes. Angered, the emperor stood up and stormed toward his chambers. Without hesitation, Kou Zhun grabbed the emperor’s robe, gently but firmly persuading him to sit down and resolve the issue.
Impressed by his determination, Emperor Taizong later remarked: “Kou Zhun is to me what Wei Zheng was to Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty.” Wei Zheng was a Tang Dynasty official known for offering bold and honest advice, which helped the empire prosper. The emperor’s comment highlighted his deep appreciation for Kou Zhun’s integrity, even when his advice was hard to accept.
In another notable event, during a severe drought, Emperor Taizong summoned his ministers to ask why the land was suffering from such extreme conditions. While many ministers attributed the drought to natural causes, Kou Zhun took a bold stance, suggesting that it was due to unjust punishments in the imperial court. Furious, the emperor dismissed his remark. However, after some time, the emperor summoned him again and asked for clarification.
Kou Zhun explained that a minor official had been sentenced to death for a small act of corruption, while a much larger crime committed by a high-ranking official’s brother went unpunished. This injustice, he argued, was the actual cause of the drought. Emperor Taizong investigated and found Kou Zhun’s accusations to be true, leading him to remove the corrupt officials from office. Miraculously, rain fell that evening, and the emperor’s trust in Kou Zhun deepened.
A key role in securing peace with the Liao Dynasty
During Emperor Zhenzong’s reign, the Liao Dynasty launched a large-scale invasion, causing panic within the Song court. Many officials urged the emperor to seek peace, but Kou Zhun had a different perspective. He argued that appeasement would only embolden the enemy and proposed that the emperor lead the army himself. By doing so, he believed they could both inspire the Song forces and intimidate the invaders.
Emperor Zhenzong followed Kou Zhun’s advice, and the Song army achieved a critical victory at the Battle of Chanyuan. This victory led to the signing of the Chanyuan Treaty, which established over a century of peace between the Northern Song and Liao Dynasties. This achievement remains one of his most significant contributions to history.
A life of integrity and simplicity
Despite his high-ranking positions and significant contributions to the Northern Song Dynasty, Kou Zhun led a simple life. He never built a luxurious residence, even though he had the means. His close friend, the poet Wei Ye, once wrote: “He holds high office, yet has no land to build a house,” reflecting Kou Zhun’s humility and integrity.
Kou Zhun has been celebrated for his honesty and noble character for centuries. To honor his legacy, a temple known as the “Kou Gong Ancestral Hall” was erected in his memory, ensuring that his virtues continue to inspire future generations.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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