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He Pan
何攀
Minister of Finance
(大司農)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
MonarchSima Zhong
Inspector of Yan Province
(兗州刺史)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
MonarchSima Zhong
Minister of Justice
(廷尉)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
MonarchSima Yan
Gentleman of the Palace
(郎中)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
MonarchSima Yan
Registrar
(主簿)
In office
? (?)–263 (263)
MonarchLiu Shan
Personal details
Born244
Pi County, Sichuan
Died301 (aged 57)[1]
Luoyang
SpousePei's daughter
Relations
  • He Xian (ancestor)
  • He Feng (brother)
  • three other brothers
  • He Sui (relative)
ChildrenHe Zhang
Parent
  • He Bao (father)
OccupationOfficial, scholar
Courtesy nameHuixing (惠興)
Posthumous nameDuke Huan (桓公)
PeerageDuke of Xicheng
(西城公)

He Pan (244–301), courtesy name Huixing, was an official and scholar of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China. After the fall of Shu in 263, he continued serving under the Jin dynasty, which succeeded Cao Wei state in 266.

Life[edit]

He Pan was born in Pi County, Shu Commandery (蜀郡), which is present-day Pi County, Sichuan. He was from a distinguished family as he was a descendant of He Xian (何顯), Administrator of Yingchuan (潁川太守) and younger brother of the Han minister, He Wu (何武).[2] His father was He Bao (何包), whose courtesy name, was Xiuyang (休楊), he was recommended as a xiucai (秀才; person who passed the county level imperial exam) and nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) in the Shu Han government but did not pursue these positions.[3] He Pan and his four brothers were all well known. He Pan exhibited extraordinary talent from a young age. Furthermore, his physical appearance is described as unique and outstanding.[4] Before he reached adulthood (around 19 years old), he served in his home commandery (Shu) as Registrar (主簿). Then, as official in the provincial government, likely under Yuan Shao (袁邵) during his brief tenure as Inspector of Yi Province (益州刺史) between 264 and 266.[5][6]

Huangfu Yan (皇甫晏) was the next Inspector of Yi Province (益州刺史). He praised He Pan as one who had the talent to assist an hegemon and appointed him as his Registrar (主簿). However, He Pan returned home to care for his foster mother.[7] Thereafter, in 272. Huangfu Yan was accused of treason and killed by general Zhang Hong (張弘) and others. He Pan took on the responsibility of the mourning period and went directly to the capital Luoyang to argue for his late superior's innocence successfully clearing Huangfu Yan's name.[8] Later, Wang Jun became the new Inspector of Yi Province (益州刺史), he reappointed He Pan as Registrar (主簿) and Bieja (別駕; important assistant to the governor of the province).[9][10]

In 277, Wang Jun received an imperial edict to disband the Tuntian soldiers and build ships for a campaign against the Eastern Wu. He Pan warned Wang Jun that there were only 600 farming soldiers, with those conditions it would take a long time to build the ships. Furthermore, by going so slowy, the wood may rot before the completion is done which would not be efficient and encouraging for the campaign. He suggested calling back the reserve soldiers and military officials, recruiting over 10 000 people to construct the ships. With such number, the task could be completed within a year.[11]

Before the recruitment of so many soldiers, Wang Jun wanted to report the proposal to the capital. However, He Pan disagreed and told him that although Jin officials wanted to conquer Wu, many were still doubtful and fearful about the project therefore they may prevent any advancement under the form of discussions. In that case, the soldiers wouldn't be levied and the ships not completed in time. He highlighted the importance of quick actions in those operations and advised him to start before they reported it so there would be no way to stop the invasion plan.[12] Wang Jun then remarked that going deep in the forests looking for the specified wood such as pine and cypresses then bring him back here for the construction of boats would be an hazardous task. He Pan answered that many structures are built from this wood, encouraging him to use it from those present in the cities or found on the market. Accentuating the importance of speed. Wang Jun agreed with He Pan's proposal and tasked him with overseeing the shipbuilding process.[13]

During the winter, He Pan was sent as an envoy to Luoyang. He suggested that in order to achieve their goals, they needed to gain the trust of influential people, such as Yang Hu, an ally of the state. He Pan traveled from Luoyang to Jing province, discussing the military strategy with Zong Ting (宗廷), who was initially unconvinced. He then met with Yang Hu and together, they planned the key points of the military campaign against the Wu kingdom.[14][15]

Yang Hu was delighted with the plans, and they eventually submitted a request to launch the campaign against Wu. Soon after, Wang Jun was promoted to the position of Prancing Dragon General (龍驤將軍), with He Pan appointed as Gentleman of the Palace (郎中). Sima Yan appreciated his ability and knew that He Pan was a talented military instructor therefore he ordered him to keep serving as advisor to the army.[16] He Pan frequently traveled to Luoyang on official business. At that time, he was not yet married, but the Excellency of Works (司空), Pei (裴) admired his talents and arranged for his daughter to betrothed him.[17]

In the autumn of 279, He Pan was sent to Luoyang. The General Who Stabilizes the East (安東將軍), Wang Hun reported that Sun Hao of the Eastern Wu was planning a northern expedition and the border guards were on high alert. The court discussed making preparations to resist however it would take a long time to assemble the defenses. He Pan submitted a memorial stating that Sun Hao would not dare to attack advising that it would be better to seize the opportunity to launch an offensive campaign and take advantage of the current alertness, which would make the victory easy. Zhang Hua consulted with He Pan on various difficulties and He Pan provided solutions for all of them. He Pan also suggested that Wang Jun who was loyal and resolute should be promoted to a higher position. The imperial decree appointed Wang Jun as the General Who Pacifies the East (平東將軍) and placed him in charge of affairs in the two western provinces of Liang and Yi.[18]

During the invasion, Sun Hao surrendered to Wang Jun rather than Wang Hun. As the latter was jealous of the former's achievement and wanted to attack his armies. He Pan convinced his superior to send Sun Hao to Wang Hun hence avoiding further conflict. With this, the matter was resolved peacefully.[19]

After the conquest of Wu, He Pan was enfeoffed as a Secondary Marquis (關內侯). Wang Jun entered the capital to assist the government, and He Pan served as his Major (司馬). He Pan submitted five essays on current affairs and was appointed as the Prefect of Xingyang (滎陽令). Later, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Justice (廷尉). At this time, another minister Zhuge Chong (諸葛沖) thought lightly of him as he was from Shu, it was only after working with him that he realized He Pan's talents. Once, there was a case of a thief opening the city gates which according to the law warranted the death penalty. He Pan argued that the punishment should be reduced as the upper gates were for the display of trust while the lower gates were for storage. His argument prevailed and the death penalty was reduced. He Pan was involved in many legal discussions and was later appointed as a Cavalier Gentleman-in-Attendance (散騎侍郎).[20][21]

When Yang Jun conspired to rebel, He Pan was among the officials who were summoned. He Pan along with the Palace Attendants Fu Zhi (傅祗), Wang Kai (王愷) and others went to the meeting. Emperor Hui of Jin, following the advice of Sima Wei and the Palace Gentleman, Meng Guan (孟觀) ordered a strict guard and executed Yang Jun. As Yang Jun's external forces were in a hurry, He Pan and Fu Zhi climbed over the wall and managed to escape to serve the emperor.[22] The Emperor appointed He Pan as the Colonel Who Assists the Army (翊軍校尉) and gave him command of the Xiongqu troops. In one battle, Yang Jun was beheaded and the state was secure. He Pan was enfeoffed as the Duke of Xicheng (西城公) with a fief of 10 000 households along with 10 000 rolls of silk .[23] The Emperor praised He Pan's loyalty, bravery and determination.[24] Other members of He Pan's family also received titles and wealth by association. He Pan refused half of the households and riches while distributed the rest among his distant relatives with nothing for himself.[25][26]

He Pan was later promoted to various positions. During his tenure, he was known for his virtuous teachings and effective administration.[27] He served for 3 years as Inspector of Yan Province (兗州刺史). When the General Who Conquers Barbarians, Shi Chong reported military activities in the southeast, He Pan was recalled and appointed as the Minister of Finance (大司農) overseeing the administration of three provinces.[28][29] He Pan later resigned from his post due to illness and old age, requested that Ren Xi and Fei Ji take over his duties. However, his request was denied. He was then reappointed as the Inspector of Yan Province (兗州刺史); although other officials tried to convince him to accept the function, he declined the position along with the offered treasures.[30][31]

At that time, the imperial court was in decline and many loyal and upright officials were persecuted. Princes were constantly rising and forming factions. He Pan closed his doors to focus on treating his illness and stayed away from worldly affairs. Until Sima Lun usurped power from the Emperor and summoned him. He Pan was critically ill but Sima Lun threatened to have him killed. Therefore, he had no choice but to come to Luoyang. At his arrival, the court wanted to promote him but he passed away at the age of 57 (by East Asian age reckoning) according to the Huayang Guo Zhi or at the age of 58 (by East Asian age reckoning) according to the Jin Shu. The Emperor mourned his death, granting him the posthumous title "Duke Huan" (桓公). His son, He Zhang (何璋) inherited his father's title.[32][33]

Appraisal[edit]

Chang Qu, who wrote He Pan's biography in the Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi),[a] appraised He Pan as follows: "Prepare plans, his thoughts auspicious and bring peace."[34]

He Pan's character was inclined toward justice. In office, his conduct was solemn. He also enjoyed giving appraisal of people, was an honest scholar and noble talent.[35] From the provinces of Liang and Yi, he would seek those with ability. Chen Shou, Yan Yi (閻乂) and Fei Li were all famous scholars from the western lands yet were slandered by the villagers of their countrysides for more than 10 years. He Pan cleared away those rumors and repaired their reputations.[36] Although he hold a major office, his family lived in extreme poverty. He Pan didn't have any concubines or female dancers and singers. He only saw helping the poor as an important affair. His son, He Zhang resembled him.[37]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ He Pan's biography is recorded in the eleventh volume of the Huayang Guo Zhi, titled Biographies of later worthies (後賢志), covering the life of notable persons from the Sichuan region who lived during the Jin dynasty.

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "卒于洛陽,時年五十八。"
  2. ^ (何攀,字惠興,蜀郡郫人,漢司空汜鄉侯武弟潁川太守顯後也。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  3. ^ (父包,字休楊,察舉秀、孝,皆不行;除瑯琊王中尉,不就。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  4. ^ (攀兄弟五人,皆知名。攀少夙成,奇姿卓逸。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  5. ^ (弱冠,郡主簿,上計吏。州辟從事。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  6. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "何攀,字惠興,蜀郡郫人也。仕州為主薄。"
  7. ^ (刺史皇甫晏,稱攀:「王佐才也。」以為主簿。泰始十年,養母歸家。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  8. ^ (晏為牙門張弘等所害,攀操「喪」〔表〕徑詣洛訟釋,事得清。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  9. ^ (刺史王濬復辟主簿,別駕。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  10. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "屬刺史皇甫晏為牙門張弘所害,誣以大逆。時攀適丁母喪,遂詣梁州拜表,證晏不反,故晏冤理得申。王濬為益州,辟為別駕。"
  11. ^ (咸寧三年,濬被詔罷屯田兵,作船,為伐吳調。攀進曰:「今見佃兵但六百人,計作船六七年財可勝萬人。後者未成,前者已腐,無以輔成國意。宜輒召回守休兵,及諸武吏,并萬餘人造作,歲終可辨。」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  12. ^ (濬及綱紀疑輒召萬兵,欲先上,須報。攀曰:「官家雖欲伐吳,疑者尚多,卒聞召萬兵,必不見聽。以佃兵作船,船不時成。當輒召,以速為機。設當見卻,功夫已成,勢不得止。」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  13. ^ (濬善之。議欲入山裁船,動數百里,艱難。攀曰:「今冢墓多種松柏,當什四市取。以速為機。」濬悅之,任攀典舟船器「杖」〔仗〕。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  14. ^ (冬,遣攀使洛。攀曰:「聖人之功可成。使人信之,不可必也。夫高祖之大略,猶未察於韓信、婁敬,因蕭何、子房而後用之。今建非常之功,或莫之信。羊公,使君同盟,國家所重。加曩日失策江陵,思有夙駕,宜與相聞。此一助也。」濬曰:「何但羊叔子,亦宗元亮之憂。君至洛,官家未有舉意,便前至襄陽,與羊、宗論之。」攀既至洛,拜表獻策,因至荊州,與刺史宗廷論。宗未許,乃見羊祜。累日,共畫用兵之要。攀曰:「若令〔青徐〕循「清」海以趣京下,壽春、「楊」〔揚〕州直指秣陵,兗、豫踰「海」〔淮〕並據桑浦,則武昌以東、會稽以西,必然駭困。荊州、平南徑造夏口,巴東諸軍「固」〔圍〕守西陵,益、梁之眾浮江東下,封樂鄉,要巴丘,則武陵、零、桂、長沙、湘東從風而靡矣。但明信賞,首尾俱會,旌旗耀天,四面雲合,乘勝席捲,傳檄南極,吳會不盡平者未之有也。」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  15. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "濬謀伐吳,遣攀奉表詣台,口陳事機,詔再引見,乃令張華與攀籌量進時討之宜。濬兼遣攀過羊祜,面陳伐吳之策。"
  16. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "攀善於將命,帝善之,詔攀參濬軍事。"
  17. ^ (羊祜大悅,遂表請伐吳。尋徵濬大司農,至晉壽,詔以濬為龍驤將軍,除攀郎中,參濬軍事。攀頻奉使詣洛,時未婚,司空裴公奇其才,以女妻之。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  18. ^ (五年秋,攀使在洛。安東將軍王渾表孫皓欲北上,邊戍警戒。朝議征,卻須六年。攀上疏:「策皓必不敢出。宜因今戒嚴掩取,甚易。」中書令張華命宿下舍,設諸難,攀皆通之。又〔言〕:「濬性在忠烈,受命必果,宜重其位號。」詔書遷濬平東將軍,督二州事。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  19. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "及孫皓降于濬,而王渾恚於後機,欲攻濬,攀勸濬送皓與渾,由是事解。"
  20. ^ (吳平,封關內侯。濬入拜輔國,攀為司馬。上《論時務》五篇,除滎陽令。進廷尉「平」〔評〕。有盜開城門下關者,法據大辟。攀駁之曰:「上關,執信之主。下關,儲備之物。設有開上關,何以加刑?」遂減死。多所議讞。遷散騎侍郎。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  21. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "時廷尉卿諸葛沖以攀蜀士,輕之,及共斷疑獄,沖始嘆服。遷宣城太守,不行,轉散騎侍郎。"
  22. ^ (太傅楊駿謀逆,請眾官。攀與侍中傅祗、侍郎王愷等往。惠帝從楚王瑋、殿中中郎孟觀策,戒嚴,誅駿。駿外已匆匆,攀與祗踰牆,得出侍天子。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  23. ^ (天子以為翊軍校尉,領熊渠兵,一戰斬駿,社稷用安。封西城公,邑萬戶。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  24. ^ (策曰:「於戲!在昔先王,光濟厥世,罔不開國列土,建德表功也。故逆臣楊駿,謀危社稷,構兵,飛矢集於殿庭,白刃交於宮闈。攀受命奮討,凶逆速殄。忠烈果毅,朕甚嘉焉。今以魏興之西城為攀封國。錫茲玄社,苴以白茅,永為晉藩輔。往欽哉!敬乃有土,惠康黎元,無或以隳爾顯烈。」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  25. ^ (又賞絹萬匹。攀固辭,受五千疋。又錫拜弟逢平鄉侯,兄子夔關內侯。遷宣〔城〕內史,不就。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  26. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "楊駿執政,多樹親屬,大開封嘗,欲以恩澤自衛。攀以為非,乃與石崇共立議奏之。語在崇傳。帝不納。以豫誅駿功,封西城侯,邑萬戶,賜絹萬匹,弟逢平卿侯,兄子逵關中侯。攀固讓所封戶及絹之半,餘所受者分給中外宗親,略不入己。"
  27. ^ (轉東羌校尉。西虜寇邊,遣長史楊威討之,違攀指授,失利。徵還,領越騎校尉。武庫,百官皆「救」〔赴〕火。攀獨以兵衛宮。復賞絹五百匹。領河南尹,遷揚州刺史,假節。在職數年,德教敷宣。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  28. ^ (征虜將軍石崇表東南有兵氣,不宜用遠人。徵拜大司農。兼三州都。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  29. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "遷翊軍校尉,頃之,出為東羌校尉。徵為揚州刺史,在任三年,遷大司農。"
  30. ^ (自表以被疾錯忘,不堪銓量人物。讓都職於任熙、費緝。不聽。遷兗州刺史,錫寶劍、赤舄。固辭,不之官。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  31. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "轉兗州刺史,加鷹揚將軍,固讓不就。太常成粲、左將軍卞粹勸攀蒞職,中詔又加切厲,攀竟稱疾不起。"
  32. ^ (時帝室政衰,多害忠直。又諸王迭起,好結黨徒。攀闔門治疾,不與世務。朝議欲以為公,會薨。時年五十七。天子愍悼,追贈司農印綬,謚曰桓公。遺令世子務行恭儉,引荀公曾、諸葛德林為模範。子璋嗣。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 14.
  33. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "及趙王倫篡位,遣使召攀,更稱疾篤。倫怒,將誅之,攀不得已,扶疾赴召。卒于洛陽,時年五十八。"
  34. ^ (大司農、西城公何攀惠興:司農運籌,思侔良、平。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 01.
  35. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "攀居心平允,蒞官整肅,愛樂人物,敦儒貴才。"
  36. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "為梁、益二州中正,引致遺滯。巴西陳壽、閻乂、犍為費立皆西州名士,並被鄉閭所謗,清議十餘年。攀申明曲直,咸免冤濫。"
  37. ^ Book of Jin 648, vol. 45: "攀雖居顯職,家甚貧素,無妾媵伎樂,惟以周窮濟乏為事。子璋嗣,亦有父風。"

Sources[edit]

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