Ma Yuan was one of the most renowned generals who helped Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty establish his rule. Known for his prudence and broad vision, he achieved numerous military successes throughout his life.
After returning to the capital from a military campaign in Jiaozhi (modern-day northern Vietnam), he attended a banquet where his friend Meng Ji congratulated him with flattering remarks. Ma Yuan, however, was displeased. “Others might say such things, but you, a man of insight, should know better. My contributions are minor, yet my rewards are generous. Can this last forever? You don’t need to say such things for my sake,” he replied. Meng Jiwas left speechless, caught off guard by Ma Yuan’s humility and realism.
Ma Yuan expressed his true aspirations in addressing the gathered guests: “The Xiongnu continue to harass our northern borders. I wish to lead an army against them. A true man should earn his merit on the battlefield, and if fate decrees, die honorably, not living a life of luxury while others fight.” His words deeply moved Meng Ji.
A lesson in character and discipline
Despite his military prowess, Ma Yuan was just as concerned with character and discipline. He disapproved of his nephews, Ma Yan and Ma Dun, who indulged in frivolous behavior, associating with shallow aristocrats and openly criticizing the government. From the battlefield, Ma Yuan sent them a stern letter:
“If you hear of another’s faults, treat them as if you are hearing your parents’ names — acknowledge them but do not speak them aloud. I detest idle gossip and political criticism. I would rather die than see my descendants adopt such habits. Learn from Long Bogao, a man of integrity and restraint. I respect him greatly. As for Du Jiliang, though he is righteous and heroic, he thrives on fame and admiration. If you follow Long Bogao’s example and fail, you may still be an honorable and cautious person — like a wild duck instead of a sculpted goose. But if you follow Du Jiliang’s path and fail, you will become nothing more than a frivolous rogue — like a badly drawn tiger that ends up looking like a dog!”
This letter, later known as The Admonition to His Nephews, became an important lesson for future generations.
The dangers of political entanglement
Ma Yuan’s foresight extended beyond his own family. He worried about his niece’s husband, Wang Pan, the son of Wang Ren, a relative of the deposed usurper Wang Mang. Wang Pan, wealthy and influential, spent his time socializing with nobles and officials.
Seeing the potential danger, Ma Yuan warned his nephew Cao Xun: “The Wang family remains under close scrutiny. Instead of keeping a low profile, Wang Pan flaunts his status, making enemies along the way. This will not end well.” As predicted, Wang Pan was implicated in a political scandal and died in prison within a year.
Wang Pan’s son, Wang Su, followed in his father’s footsteps, mingling with the aristocracy despite the risks. Ma Yuan confided his concerns to his friend, Sima Lü Zhong: “The empire is still stabilizing, and Emperor Guangwu has not yet imposed strict rules on the nobility. The powerful continue to gather influential allies, unaware of the danger. If they are not careful, disaster will be inevitable.”
His words proved prophetic. Wang Su was soon accused of conspiring against the throne, leading to mass arrests and executions. Even Lü Zhong, who had ignored Ma Yuan’s warnings, was sentenced to death. As he faced execution, Lü Zhong lamented: “General Ma truly had the foresight of a sage!”
A misunderstood hero
In his later years, Ma Yuan fell ill. Ma Yuan remained indifferent when the emperor’s son-in-law, General Liang Song, visited him with exaggerated reverence. His sons, puzzled, asked why he had shown no courtesy. Ma Yuan replied: “I was friends with his father. Regardless of his status, there is a hierarchy of age. Seniority must be respected.”
Despite his wisdom and loyalty, Ma Yuan’s fate took a tragic turn. In his later years, he undertook one final campaign in Xiangxi, where he suffered defeat and died from illness. His rival, Liang Song, seized the opportunity to falsely accuse him of military negligence. The emperor, swayed by the accusations, stripped Ma Yuan’s family of their noble title. Additional rumors surfaced, claiming that Ma Yuan had returned from Jiaozhi with carts full of pearls, suggesting corruption. His family was left in disgrace.
Fearing repercussions, Ma Yuan’s widow dared not bury him properly. With no officials willing to speak on his behalf, she and her nephew, Ma Yan, knelt before the palace gates day and night, pleading for justice. After six petitions, the emperor finally examined Liang Song’s accusations and realized the deception.
It was revealed that what Ma Yuan had brought back were not pearls, but coix seeds — a medicinal grain known for its ability to ward off disease in humid climates. Understanding the risk of future epidemics, Ma Yuan had intended to cultivate these seeds in China to help prevent outbreaks. Unfortunately, his good intentions had been twisted into accusations of greed.
The only voice of justice
In a time when most officials stayed silent, only one man dared to stand up for Ma Yuan — Zhu Bo, the magistrate of Yunyang County.
Zhu Bo had been a brilliant scholar from a young age, known for his eloquence and keen intellect. Despite his talents, he remained in a modest administrative role while Ma Yuan rose to power. Yet when Ma Yuan’s family was disgraced, it was Zhu Bo — an old friend with no political power to gain — who was the first to speak in his defense.
Unlike the opportunistic officials who distanced themselves from the fallen general, Zhu Bo valued loyalty and justice over self-preservation. His willingness to risk his career to clear Ma Yuan’s name demonstrated the true nature of friendship and integrity.
In the end, Ma Yuan and Zhu Bo stood as two men of virtue — shining together like the sun and moon, illuminating the values of honor and righteousness for generations to come.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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