ExclusiveTraditional Chinese Tales: Kou Zhun - A Courageous and Upright Statesman Renowned for His Candor and Integrity

Koujun, a courageous and upright statesman renowned for his candour and integrity. Koujun, a renowned minister of the northern Song dynasty, was known for his bold ideas and decisive actions as well as his integrity and honesty from a young age. At the age of 16, while Emperor Taizong of Song toured the Wei region, Koujun courageously wrote to the Emperor at his camp for his father, who had fallen into exile in a frontier region, expressing his thoughts passionately without fear. Impressed by his courage, Emperor Taizong ordered the talent selection department to record his name. Two years later, Koujun indeed successfully passed the imperial examination and became a a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations. By the age of 19, Koujun became a At that time, when Emperor Taizong appointed talents, he often inquired about their ages. Younger individuals were often dismissed and returned to their hometowns. Some advised Koujun to inflate his age, but he replied, I have just passed the examination, how dare I deceive the Emperor? One year, a severe drought struck the land, causing great distress for Emperor Taizong. He once wrote in the imperial carriage to the historical archives to inquire about the cause of the drought. Everyone replied, floods and droughts are caused by changes in the weather, and even the ancient sages like Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang could do nothing about it. Only Koujun spoke up, saying, according to the book Shang Shu, which discusses the harmony between heaven and humanity, the court's punishments must be biased and flawed. The severe drought is a consequence of that. Emperor Taizong was infuriated by Koujun's words and returned to the palace. After a short while, he calmed down and summoned Koujun to the palace, asking why he spoke so harshly. Koujun responded, a certain person convicted of embezzling a small amount was sentenced to death, while official Wang Mian's younger brother, Wang Huai, stole goods worth over 10 million, but escaped the death penalty due to favoritism. Is this not an example of unjust punishment? Emperor Taizong then summoned Wang Mian for questioning. Wang Mian, terrified, knelt and confessed. The Emperor subsequently dismissed Wang Mian and his associates from their positions. That very evening, rain indeed fell from the heavens. Overjoyed, Emperor Taizong recognized Koujun's merit and quickly promoted him. Koujun was known for his frankness and loyalty, often speaking his mind without reservation. It was said at the time, when Koujun enters the court, all the officials tremble. Later, in 1004, during a critical time when the Qitan were invading the Northern Song, Koujun strongly opposed the majority opinion and persuaded Emperor Zhenzong to lead a personal campaign. When Emperor Zhenzong appeared at the north gate of Chanzhou, it greatly boosted the morale of the troops, leading to the death of the Qitan commander and a major victory for the Song army. Ultimately, the Treaty of Chanyuan was signed, securing nearly a century of peace along the northern border. In this significant event, Koujun's courage to speak frankly and his calm demeanor was crucial.