Revisiting Shanxi (5)

On the third day of our journey, we were traveling from Yuncheng to Xinjiang. Passing through Xia County, we visited the former residence of a famous person: Sima Wen Gong Temple.

This renowned historian, writer, and statesman of the Northern Song dynasty—a leading prime minister—left two lasting impressions on me. First, he compiled eight volumes of the Tongzhi (Comprehensive Records) and presented them to Emperor Yingzong of Song, who highly valued them. Yingzong ordered the establishment of a bureau to continue the work, and later Emperor Shenzong bestowed the title Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government). The second is the story we often heard as children: he smashed a vat to save a neighbor's child.

In Sima Guang's political career, the most significant event was his involvement in opposing Wang Anshi's reforms. This involved many events of the time, from Emperor Shenzong's ascension and acceptance of Wang Anshi's radical and bold reform proposals. When Wang Anshi issued the 'Green Sprouts Law', Sima Guang expressed his dissent. He believed that county officials lending money and collecting interest by virtue of their authority was more harmful than commoners doing so, showing strong discontent. This marked the beginning of the factional strife between the new and old parties. In the subsequent developments, the old party led by Sima Guang ultimately had the last laugh.

However, historically, although Sima Guang was known for his conservatism, he was critical of matters, not individuals. Moreover, he was filial to his parents, fraternal to his brothers, loyal to his monarch, and trustworthy to others. He was respectful, frugal, upright, gentle, modest, and principled, an outstanding thinker and educator.