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A Chinese Biographical Dictionary
861


life honestly spent in promoting reforms for the good of his country. When first called to office he was loth to undertake its responsibilities, fearing that his salary would be insufficient. His wife's brother allowed him one tael a day, and on that sum he manage J to live. Even in his later years of rank and po^er, simplicity and economy prevailed within his house. He is rajiked as the greatest of the [^ ^ Upright Officials of the present dynasty. Canonised

Wei Hsiao g!|||. Died A.D. 33. A native' of Gh'6ng^chi in 2275 Eansuh, who rose in A.D. 23 against the usurper Wang Mang. In a short time he was at the head of a vast force, and established himself in Shensi and Kansuh. The Emperor Euang Wu Ti induced him to break with Eung-snn Shu in A.D. 28; but a year later he evaded an order to reduce Sstich'uan, although his eldest son was then a hostage at Court. In A.D. 30 he openly rebelled; however meeting with small success he threw in his lot with Eung-sun Shu, who ennobled him as Prince. In A.D. 32 the Emperor proceeded against him in person, and he fled west to ^ ^ Eung-ch'ang Fu where he was besieged. The Sstich'uan forces raised the siege,' and Wei dogged the retreat of the Han army. Soon afterwards he died. His son )^ Ch'un surrendered, and was carried to the capital. In A.D. 34 he too tried to escape to the Turkic tribes, but was captured and put to death.

Wei Huan ^ g (T. >f|& 3£ ). 3rd cent. A.D. A native of ^ g, 2276 An.i in Shansi, who rose to high office under the Emperor Hui Ti of the Chin dynasty. When the latter was Heir Apparent, he was looked upon as a young man of small promise. Wei Huan however held a different opinion; and one day, when tipsy, he fell down on his knees before the Prince and essayed to speak his mind. All he could manage was to stroke the conch with his hand and say, ^*It is a pity your Highness is sitting here.^* The Prince saw the