Fu Xuan - Life

Life

Although he lost his father early and spent impoverished life in his childhood, he had profound knowledge and became famous both in literature and music. As he had the personality of incorruptible, he did not overlook others' fault. Being a genius of the province, he became a (郎中), and he was recommand to the position of managing the concurrent writings, and he was in charge of compiling the Book of Wei (魏書). Afterwards he became an subordinate of Sima Zhao, his position reached 温県令, and prefect of Hongnong(弘農太守), and Colonel Who Oversees Agriculture (典農校尉). He was good at these office jobs, he corrected many corruptions and irregularities. In 265, Sima Yan became the King of Jin (晋王), He was promoted to Attendant of Scattered Cavalry (散騎常侍), and to a viscount(子爵), and became also a Imperial Son-in-Law Commandant (駙馬都尉).

In the same year, Sima Yan became was enthroned, and Fu Xuan became a 諫官 also. Though he was recommended to Palace Attendant (侍中), however as the incident of querrel with colleagues was reported, he was dismissed from office. In 268, he became Palace Assistant Imperial Clerk (御史中丞), and in 259 Minister Coachman (太僕). As those days floods occurred many times, and the outside ethnic groups invaded frequently, he memorialized to put his opinions about these issues. Though it is not that his opinios were accepted always, his advices were always welcomed. Afterwards he became a metropolitan commandant (司隷校尉).

He also once wrote an essay praising the Chinese mechanical engineers Ma Jun and Zhang Heng, where he lamented on the fact that extraordinary talents of natural geniuses were often ignored or neglected by those in charge (of government).

He rose to be Censor and Chamberlain under Emperor Wu of Jin. He was of such an impatient disposition that whenever he had any memorial or impeachment to submit, he would proceed at once to the palace, no matter at what hour of the day or night, and sit there until audience at the following dawn. It was while thus waiting that he caught the chill of which he died.