Dong Xun 董尋

Chapter 105 of the Romance first says that in the 13th year of Jianxing of Shu-Han, that is, the 3rd year of Qinglong (235) of Cao Rui, ruler of Wei, none of the three states raised troops, and then records that Cao Rui built palaces at Xuchang, erected at Luoyang the Chaoyang and Taiji Halls and the Zongzhang Belvedere, all ten zhang high, as well as the Chonghua Hall, the Qingxiao Pavilion, the Phoenix Tower and the Nine Dragons Pool, and had the Erudite Ma Jun supervise the works. More than 30,000 artisans and more than 300,000 laborers work day and night, so that the people's strength is exhausted and their complaints never cease. When Cao Rui further launches construction works in Fanglin Park and makes the high ministers all carry earth and plant trees, the Minister over the Masses Dong Xun submits a memorial earnestly remonstrating. Romance, Ch. 105 §35–37

Dong Xun says that since the Jian'an era men have died in battles in the field, some households wiped out entirely and their lines cut off, and that even where some survive, they are only orphans left behind and the old and weak. He asks why, when even enlarging the palace because it was too small ought to be done at the proper time so as not to hinder farming, useless things should be built. He also says that His Majesty has honored the ministers, distinguishing them from petty men with caps and crowns, embroidered robes and splendid carriages, yet now makes them carry wood and shoulder earth, soaking their bodies and muddying their feet, which destroys the glory of the state to exalt what is useless. Then, citing Confucius's words, 'The ruler employs his ministers according to propriety, and ministers serve their ruler with loyalty,' he asks on what the state could stand if there were neither loyalty nor propriety. Romance, Ch. 105 §37–38

At the end of the memorial Dong Xun writes that he knows he will surely die once these words are spoken, but that, comparing himself to a single hair on an ox, since he has been of no use alive, what loss would there be in his death; holding his brush and shedding tears, he says, in his heart he takes leave of the world. He adds that he has eight sons, who will be a burden to His Majesty after his death. Cao Rui angrily says, 'Is Dong Xun not afraid of death?', and when his attendants ask that he be beheaded, he says that since the man has always been loyal and righteous he will for now strip him of office and make him a commoner, and declares that anyone else who speaks recklessly will surely be beheaded. Then the Retainer of the Heir Apparent Zhang Mao also submits a memorial earnestly remonstrating, and Cao Rui has him beheaded. Romance, Ch. 105 §38–39

That same day Cao Rui summons Ma Jun and asks about a way to consort with immortals and live long without growing old, and on Ma Jun's advice has the bronze figure and the Dew-Collecting Plate of the Boliang Terrace at Chang'an moved to Fanglin Park. When the bronze figure is taken down, tears stream from its eyes, and amid a violent wind the terrace tilts and its pillars topple, crushing more than a thousand people to death. Dong Xun's name does not appear again in the Romance after this. Romance, Ch. 105 §39–42