Zhao Zhili, courtesy name Qidan, was from Tianshui, Gansu. His father, Zhao Xiaomu, served as a county magistrate during the Liang Dynasty. Zhao Zhili was well-versed in various books and was skilled in clerical script. When the founder was campaigning against Yuan Jingzhong, he was recommended and appointed as a military scribe. Zhao Zhili was quick and proficient in writing articles, always able to complete drafting military orders promptly and in accordance with the leader's intentions. He often served by the founder's side, deeply trusted, participating in all plans and frequently offering his own suggestions. After the suppression of the Hou Jing rebellion, Zhao Zhili was appointed as Chancellor of the Palace Library and granted the title of Viscount of Shiping County, with a fief of three hundred households. After the founder became the Minister of Military Affairs, he appointed Zhao Zhili as a cavalry attendant. When the founder took over the government, Zhao Zhili was promoted to Yellow Gate Attendant, concurrently serving as Minister of the Imperial Clan. After the founder's accession, Zhao Zhili was further promoted to Regular Cavalry Attendant, serving in the palace. Shortly after, he was promoted to Mounted Attendant, acting as Minister of the Imperial Clan and overseeing military affairs. In the first year of Tianjia, he was granted the title of Count, with his fief increased to seven hundred households. After the suppression of the Wang Lin rebellion, he was appointed as the Commissioner of Military Affairs in Wuzhou, General of Mingwei Command, and Governor of Wuzhou. Zhao Zhili was a calm and resourceful individual. Whenever the court faced major issues, the emperor would send a decree to solicit his opinions. After his term ended, he was appointed as General of Mingwei and Right Guard General to the Crown Prince. Later, he was promoted to Right Guard General, concurrently serving as General of the Vanguard. He died six years later at the age of forty-seven. The court posthumously promoted him to Imperial Attendant and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of 'Loyal.' His son, Zhao Yungong, succeeded his title.
Cai Jingli, also known by his courtesy name Maoshi, was a native of Kaocheng in Ji'yang, Henan. His grandfather Cai Dian served as Left Minister of Civil Affairs during the Liang Dynasty; his father Cai Datong served as General of Light Chariots and military advisor to the Prince of Yueyang, responsible for the selection of officials in the capital. Cai Jingli was intelligent and filial from a young age. Although his family was poor, he was diligent in his studies and had a talent for writing official documents. He served as an assistant official in several royal mansions when he first started his career and was later dispatched to Haiyang County as the county magistrate, gaining notable political achievements and a strong reputation. During Hou Jing's rebellion, when Emperor Jianwen of Liang was imprisoned by Hou Jing, Cai Jingli and Prince Sui of Nankang, Xiao Hui, secretly conspired to rescue Emperor Jianwen and escape. However, their plan was exposed, leading to his arrest. Fortunately, he was protected by the rebel Wang Wei and was able to escape. Afterward, he traveled widely and eventually reached Jingkou. Once Hou Jing's rebellion was suppressed, Gaozu was stationed in Zhufang and heard of his reputation, so he wrote him an invitation letter. Cai Jingli responded to the messenger promptly, writing smoothly and without needing any revisions. He said: "Hey, I received your letter and was truly delighted after reading it! I've always believed that, like a fine steed, one needs to meet a discerning eye to truly showcase one's talents, and good things must be recognized by someone. But for me, as expressed in the Odes of Clouds and Han and the Odes of Xian You Yi De, I had long since given up on making a name for myself in the Bashu region. I'm like uncarved zimu and qimu; how can I possibly compare to fine timber?"
Think about it, General. You are full of vigor and exceptional abilities, just as the country faces a crisis. You are determined to solve many difficult problems, bring peace to Hengshan and Wuling, administer the source of the Yangtze River, and clear the Jiupai rivers. Leading a hundred thousand strong army, well-equipped, you swear loyalty to the court, unite all righteous men, quickly quell the rebellion, and relieve the people from the ravages of war. Although the Han Dynasty's Zhou Bo and Guan Ying pacified the rebellion, the court primarily depended on Zhou Bo, the Marquis of Jiang; the Jin Dynasty suppressed the rebellion, both internally and externally relying on Tao Kan, but compared to your achievements, what are they worth?
You are dressed in magnificent official attire, the carriages and horses are endless as you arrive at the north gate. You return in triumph, with continuous singing along the way, the border is peaceful, the people live in peace and contentment, nothing is lost on the road, market prices are stable. Your merits and political achievements are unparalleled; my literary skills are truly inadequate to describe them. Therefore, people from all corners of the realm admire you and come to pay their respects.
Among these people, there are wise men from the court, high-ranking officials, talents from Qi and Chu, talents from Jing and Wu, warriors who are both brave and ambitious, capable of anything, skilled in archery, superb in swordsmanship, conquering cities and territories like Wen Yang, using fire to attack enemy ships like Huang Gai, victorious in every battle, awe-inspiring. Scholars, all well-versed and talented, with excellent literary skills, writing even better than Yang Xiong, recording events better than Sima Qian, able to swiftly deliver messages to Liaocheng, and discussing state affairs to make the enemy retreat.
There are also orators of unmatched eloquence, able to instantly change people's emotions; strategists with abundant wisdom, able to quickly turn the tide. They govern the people with the love of Zilu, expand the territory with the achievements of Zichan, judge cases like Zilu, fair and upright, speak like Mao Sui, daring to speak directly, go on missions like Lin Xiangru, never dishonoring their mission. They are loyal and grateful, upright and selfless, heroes and champions from across the realm, all united under your leadership.
General Ming dismounted, took off his saddle, moved the table aside, and paused his meal. He recommended the meritorious official for promotion to honor him; he also built him a comfortable residence where he could live in peace. The general held little regard for money but placed great value on the integrity of talented individuals, treated talented individuals with humility, and held great respect for scholars. He was truly remarkable! Absolutely remarkable! "General Ming dismounted, moved the table aside, paused his meal, promoted to honor, built a residence, valued integrity over money, and humbly respected scholars—truly magnificent!" This general is a great leader! Personally dismounting to welcome, pausing his own tasks, and taking the time to reward this meritorious soldier. Promotion and honor are a must, and setting him up with a comfortable place to live and relax is essential. Just look at him—he's not stingy at all, viewing money as something trivial, but he values talent above all else, showing immense respect for talent and maintaining a particularly humble attitude. His demeanor and broad-mindedness are truly admirable! "General Ming dismounted, moved the table aside, paused his meal, promoted to honor, built a residence, valued integrity over money, and humbly respected scholars—truly magnificent!"
I heard that during the Warring States period, generals and prime ministers liked to make friends with guests, and those high-ranking officials also valued making friends. They were all talented individuals, which is why they were able to achieve their prominent positions. As long as suitable positions were arranged according to each person's abilities, allowing them to do their best and entrusting them with important tasks, everyone would work diligently. Those who were idle all day accomplished nothing. I have been studying during the autumn and winter seasons, but I feel ashamed that I have not been able to dedicate myself to becoming even a minor official, nor do I have any special talents. I live in poverty, with no reputation, a low official position, and a meager salary. How could I possibly achieve anything significant? Since the chaos in the world, the situation has been difficult, and those in power have been indulging in pleasure, facing danger as if walking on thin ice. Now that the country is prospering again and the situation is improving, I am fortunate to have survived and can now eat and dress properly, which I consider a recovery.
However, the court has not completely returned to calmness. The areas of Wan and Luo are desolate, and we few are barely the remnants of the army. In the summer, we don't even have half a dou of rice and can only borrow money from old friends to get by. Although this place is good, I find it hard to part with this place. I greatly admire your noble character, General, and have come to visit you, hoping you will be willing to see me and that you will not mind my rudeness if introduced by a few friends, giving me a chance to stay. I feel like a chicken trying to wade into a pond of mandarin ducks, wanting to compare rubble with magnificent things, which is quite presumptuous of me. In the past, when I traveled to the State of Qin, I happened to meet someone who appreciated me; when I went to the State of Zhao, I was also treated well. Now, although I am in a difficult situation, I cannot compare to those people at all. How could I possibly compare to someone like Fan Kuai? But I am like a small vine clinging to a tall pine tree; and like a tiny gnat, flying alongside a spirited horse.
I truly do not wish to be presumptuous; I just want to work under your command, even if it means doing some menial tasks. To serve you, General, even in the smallest of ways, would be more than enough for me. I already consider myself fortunate to have the chance to change my fate. "The sea is never too deep, nor the mountains too high," I take the liberty of opening my heart to you, hoping you can see my sincerity.
After receiving the letter, Gaozu was greatly impressed and responded. That very day, he appointed him as a deputy military officer in the Northern Court while retaining his role as a secretary. Legend has it that when Wang Chang was the governor of Wuxing County in Hengyang, he was still very young. Wuxing was his hometown, and the elders and fellow villagers all knew him. People of various identities were there. The emperor worried that his youth might hinder his understanding of social etiquette, so he sent Jingli to assist him. Jingli later became an official in the Ministry of Personnel and returned to serve as a deputy in the Wang mansion.
When the emperor planned to confront Wang Sengbian, he only consulted with Hou Andu and a select few. Jingli was completely unaware of this plan. After the matter was completed, the emperor tasked Jingli with drafting the document for the campaign. Jingli wrote it down immediately, with passionate and stirring language that delighted the emperor. Wang Sengbian was killed, and the emperor began to assist in governing. Jingli was promoted to an official position, continuing to oversee office affairs. In the first year of Shaotai, Jingli was elevated to the position of Yellow Gate Attendant, and he also managed the affairs of the prime minister's office. After the emperor ascended the throne, Jingli was promoted to be the secretary-general, responsible for drafting edicts. In the second year of Yongding, Jingli was demoted to the position of attendant in the Ministry of Personnel because his brother-in-law Liu Yan cheated the Zhou dynasty of the reward for the Baoan horses, accused by the chief censor Shen Jiong.
Three years later, the emperor died. At that time, there were formidable enemies outside, the crown prince was stationed at Nanwan, and there were no senior officials in the court. The empress dowager summoned Jing Li, Jiang Daquan, and Du Leng to discuss their decision to keep the death a secret and quickly summon the crown prince back. Jing Li personally coordinated with eunuchs and palace maids to secretly prepare for the funeral. It was very hot in the summer at the time, so they had to make a temporary coffin out of wax to prevent the sound of woodcutting from being heard outside. Other official documents and edicts continued to be issued as usual. After the crown prince ascended the throne, Jing Li was appointed Secretary Supervisor and continued to serve as a close aide. For his significant contributions, he was granted the title of Marquis of Xinfeng County, with a fief of four hundred households. He was later promoted to several higher ranks and became a Cavalier In Regular Attendance. When the emperor killed Hou Andu, Jing Li also advised the emperor to do so. In the third year of Tianjia, Jing Li was promoted to the Left Guard of the Crown Prince due to his merits and was granted the title of Marquis with an additional fief of one hundred households. His positions as Cavalier In Regular Attendance and close aide were retained. In the sixth year, Jing Li's brother-in-law Liu Qia exploited Jing Li's influence to commit numerous wrongdoings, including accepting one hundred rolls of silk from Ouyang Wuwei, which led to Jing Li's dismissal. After the deposed emperor ascended to the throne, he appointed Jing Li as the military advisor to the Prince of Zhendong Poyang, holding the position of Consultant to the Imperial Secretariat, and also concurrently served as the Minister of the Imperial Household, overseeing the warehouses. Later, when Hua Jiao rebelled, the court appointed Jing Li as the General of Wusheng to assist General Wu Mingche in battle. After the rebellion of Hua Jiao was quelled, General Wu Mingche unexpectedly killed Yang Wentong, the Intendant of Ancheng, while in the army, and the accounts were disorganized when handling surrendered soldiers, prisoners, and seized weapons and equipment. Jing Li was in the army at the time but failed to stop this chaos in time, so he was implicated and arrested for investigation. After a long time, he was pardoned and reappointed as the military advisor to the Prince of Zhendong Poyang, essentially returning to his former position.
After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, Jing Li was promoted and became the Chief Historian to the Prince of Xuanhui Yuzhang, as well as the Prefect of Kuaiji County, overseeing the affairs of Dongyangzhou. After his term ended, he was promoted as Rongzhao General, Chief Historian of Xuanyi Changsha Wang, and the Prefect of Xunyang, also responsible for the affairs of Jiangzhou. However, due to illness, he resigned from this position and never took office. Later, he returned to the court and served as the Imperial Secretariat and Palace Attendant, mainly responsible for drafting and issuing edicts, while keeping his previous fief. Shortly after, he was promoted to the position of Left Guard of the Crown Prince, while retaining his previous positions.
In the fifth year of Taijian, General Wu Mingche launched a successful northern campaign, defeating Liang Shiyi of the Zhou Dynasty in Luliang, killing and capturing tens of thousands, and was preparing to continue the attack on Pengcheng. At this time, Emperor Gaozong was intent on capturing Henan, believing it was achievable with the right strategy. However, Jing Li argued that the army was exhausted and the soldiers were becoming overconfident, and it was not suitable to engage in further distant expeditions. Emperor Gaozong was very angry, thinking Jing Li had put a damper on his enthusiasm. Even though Jing Li was a veteran courtier, the emperor was still displeased and demoted him to Xuan Yuan General and Interior Minister of Yuzhang. Before he could take office, he was accused of corruption and serious misconduct during his time in office. The emperor ordered an investigation, and Jing Li confessed to half of the charges.
Then Deputy Imperial Censor Zong Yuanrao submitted a memorial stating, "I have heard that one should be loyal to their duties and maintain integrity and self-discipline in their conduct and actions. If one violates these principles, they should be punished without exception. It has been found that General Xuan Yuan, the Interior Minister of Yuzhang, and the Marquis of Xinfeng County, Jing Li, have engaged in serious corruption while assisting Prince Xing and participating in national affairs due to the Emperor's favor. During the Tianjia reign, he was already involved in corruption. The Emperor, out of old affection, allowed him to resume his official position, even promoted him and bestowed him with titles. However, he failed to amend his ways and instead became even more corrupt, engaging in bribery that became widely known. This has happened once already; how can we allow it to happen again? After discussion, we believe Jing Li should be dismissed from his post and stripped of his titles and fiefdom. This is our memorial." The Emperor approved. Jing Li was then demoted to Kuaiji. Later, after Wu Mingche's defeat in battle, the Emperor recalled Jing Li's previous words. That day, Jing Li was summoned back and reappointed as a military advisor to Prince Zixi of Southern Poyang. A few days later, he was promoted to Supervisor of the Left Cavalry and Deputy Imperial Censor, his titles were restored, and he was appointed as Minister of Revenue. In ancient times, officials typically took office in the afternoon. On the day Jing Li took office, the Emperor happened to be at Xuanwu Temple, where all officials in office were required to attend a banquet. The Emperor, concerned that Jing Li might arrive late, intentionally had him assume his duties early, demonstrating his high regard for him. That year, Jing Li passed away at the age of sixty after a prolonged illness. The court posthumously appointed him as Minister of Ceremonies and honored him with the title of Jing. Thirteen years later, Jing Li was reburied, and the court posthumously appointed him as Chief General. In the first year of the Zhengming era, Jing Li was posthumously honored at the Emperor's ancestral temple. The following year, the Emperor personally visited Jing Li's family and posthumously appointed him as Palace Attendant and General Who Calms the Army, bestowing upon him the title of Zhongjing. He also gifted him a set of musical instruments and had a stele erected at his tomb. Jing Li's writings, which did not seek ornate language, were skilled in narrative and quick in response, earning him considerable fame at the time. He left behind a collection of thirty volumes of writings.
Liu Shizhi is a native of the State of Pei. His family background is prestigious. His grandfather, Xi Zhi, once served as a consultant to the military for the Prince of Jin'an in Qi and as the Administrator of Huainan, and had a distinguished record. Emperor Wu of Qi even issued several edicts praising him. His father, Jing Yan, was the Left Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat and the Minister of Agriculture in the Liang Dynasty. Liu Shizhi was studious from a young age, talented, well-read, and a fluent writer, with a proper demeanor, and he was very familiar with the court's rules and regulations. During the Liang Dynasty, he served as a military consultant at the royal court. During the Shaotai period, Emperor Gaozu (referring to Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan) was in power and appointed Liu Shizhi as an official in the Imperial Secretariat, responsible for drafting edicts and decrees. At that time, following the turmoil of war, many ceremonial practices had been lost. Emperor Gaozu became Prime Minister, received the Nine Bestowments, and later ascended the throne as emperor. These rituals and ceremonies were all established by Liu Shizhi. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, Liu Shizhi still served as an official. He was straightforward and blunt, which often offended others. Although he did not receive any promotions, the emperor trusted him deeply and assigned him important tasks, and his suggestions and reforms were very beneficial to the country.
On the sixth day after the death of Emperor Gaozu, there was a debate about whether the guards of the imperial coffin should wear auspicious or mourning attire. The scholar Shen Wena argued that they should wear auspicious attire. Shizhi said, "Since it is called 'mourning attire,' it means preparing for a funeral ceremony, and the accompanying items for the coffin should all be plain white. Although there are no official guards for the emperor now, we can refer to the example when the Crown Prince Zhaoming of Liang passed away; at that time, the guards wore mourning attire, only the armor remained unchanged; this can serve as a reference. I believe that on the sixth day of mourning, the guards of the coffin should wear mourning attire." The official in the Imperial Secretariat, Cai Jingli, also said, "Although we cannot completely copy it, the ceremonial procession at the mausoleum has auspicious and ominous distinctions; 'mourning attire' has only ominous without auspicious. The civil and military guards cannot wear jade earrings and sable robes separately; it stands to reason that they should wear mourning attire." The officials in the Imperial Secretariat, Jiang Dezao, Xie Qi, and others also agreed with Shizhi's opinion.
Shen Wena said, "I consulted the records of the Jin Dynasty and the Song Dynasty's 'Shanling Ceremony': 'When the coffin is taken into the Zigong Hall, it is reported by each attendant.' Also, the 'Chengfu Ceremony' records: 'The Lingyu Zigong allows the guards and incense offerings.' I also consulted the records of the 'Lingyu Zigong Procession Ceremony': 'The officials guarding the coffin wear auspicious attire during the procession.' He also said, 'The guards of the Zigong wear mourning attire, in the funeral procession.' In other words, in the palace, there are regulations for whether the officials guarding the coffin wear auspicious or mourning attire." Because the opinions of both parties differed, they asked Left Minister Xu Ling to arbitrate.
Xu Ling said, "The Zigong enters the mountain tomb, and the spirit tablet is enshrined in the ancestral temple. There is a distinction between auspicious and inauspicious, so it is easy to determine what clothing to wear. Judging from the procession of the Shanling Ceremony, from the guiding personnel of officials and ministers to the military guards, the drummers, umbrella bearers, and charioteers, all wear auspicious attire. How could the guards alone wear mourning attire? This is quite clear. If officials and attendants all wear mourning attire, then what is the difference between them and the Zigong ceremonial procession? If civil officials wear auspicious attire while administrative personnel wear mourning attire, how can they carry the canopy and ride in the imperial carriage while wearing mourning attire? I side with the scholar on this."
Master Zhi said again: "The Left Minister mentioned that when the coffin enters the burial mountain, the tablet of the deceased is enshrined in the ancestral temple; there must be processions for both auspicious and inauspicious occasions. 'Chengfu' cannot wear inauspicious attire. The scholars continue to uphold their previous judgment, which ultimately pertains to the burial rites. If the dragon carriage is used for the funeral, the imperial palanquin should also be prepared simultaneously, and there are already auspicious and inauspicious processions. Judging 'Chengfu' in this way, I still have some concerns. The system of funeral rites is regulated from the emperor to the common people. According to Wang Wenxian's 'Mourning Attire Record': 'For officials of the third rank, there are twenty people serving the coffin; for officials of the fourth rank and below to scholars, there are ten people serving the coffin. They all wear white cloth garments and hats. The number of female attendants is the same as the male attendants, but they wear full mourning attire. Someone asked why the attire of the inner and outer attendants serving the coffin is different. The answer is, according to the etiquette of ruler and subjects, the outer attendants wear slashed mourning attire, while the inner attendants wear full mourning attire. In recent years, due to constant wars, the etiquette has been simplified. Below the feudal lords, officials are insignificant, and as for serving the coffin, it is mostly out of loyalty. The etiquette between ruler and subjects is incomplete, and there is indeed a lack of funds for full mourning attire, so they wear ordinary clothes, only changing their hats. The women serving the coffin are all humble servants. The etiquette of ruler and concubines is already very pure, so their attire should be complete.' Even the imperial dynasty's regulations are not like this. By analogy, it is known that slashed mourning attire should be worn. Those serving the coffin, like guards, since they wear white hats, there is no reason to wear red clothes. Moreover, the Prince Liang Zhaoming's 'Rites and Ceremonies' is still preserved; these two articles can be used as evidence and reference. Moreover, etiquette originates from human emotions and can be found in its basis. When a commoner has a funeral, after setting up the spirit tablet, hanging curtains, and changing their usual appearance, reed mats and grass sheds are signs of inauspicious rites. In the hall, relatives and friends all come, wearing mourning attire made of sackcloth, with different orders of crying. Those wearing black caps do not participate in the mourning rituals, and those not wearing plain clothes are not considered mourners. Would you see students and former officials running around in silk clothes, with concubines on the left and maids on the right, mixing red and purple clothes? Moreover, the whole country is in a state of emergency, and the mood of the people is the same. The military all wear plain clothes, so the funeral attire should be uniform. All households are ordered to open their doors in the morning, not to paint white lime on the red doors; all officials stop working, and changing their attire is more crude than the red covering of a carriage, and the dazzling processions, adorned with jade, are not what is appropriate. According to the etiquette classics, there is no precedent. How can the processions of 'Chengfu' be compared to the etiquette surrounding the burial rites? The term 'Chengfu' fundamentally refers to the completion of the funeral rites, with both officials inside and outside changing into auspicious attire, except for the guards. How can this be called 'Chengfu'? If there are no guards for the coffin, then it's fine, but if there are, they must wear mourning attire."
Not provided.
Xie Qi said, "The spirit tablet (灵位) is enshrined in the ancestral temple, and the coffin is placed in the tomb, just as the Left Minister said. However, there is a distinction between the procession of the tomb, while those following the spirit carriage wear regular clothing and those following the coffin wear mourning attire. Even the rituals observed by scholars follow this system, which relates to the tomb and is unrelated to 'mourning attire (成服).' Now, the coffin and spirit tablet are both at the west steps, referred to as 'mourning attire (成服),' without a procession. From the lowest official to the nobility, everyone must wear mourning attire within the realm, following the example of the passing of Prince Zhaoming of Liang. How can we expect all the people to wear deep mourning attire, while the officials closest to the emperor, from attendants to imperial guards, wear jade ornaments and blue clothing, indistinguishable from usual celebratory clothing? Since the Left Minister drew conclusions based on the tomb, I believe this differs from 'mourning attire.' If the guards and officials that day were indistinguishable, and only those directly attending the coffin—such as the chief scribe, the announcer, Qigan, and Yingchi—should have their attire unchanged."
Cai Jingli added, "The guards originally numbered five hundred and were at home in regular clothes that day, and then escorted the emperor to the court in the provincial capital. How could they suddenly change into jade ornaments? If other officials were assigned to wear the jade ornaments, then there would be individuals not in 'mourning attire' that day. There are two interpretations of good and bad omens regarding the tomb, with 'mourning attire' seen as inauspicious rather than auspicious. Therefore, I concur with the previous opinion and endorse Master Liu's perspective."
Jiang Dezao said again: "I think that on the day of the ancestors' burial, everything was carried out from beginning to end. The nobles need to show their gratitude and honor; there are auspicious ceremonies, and perhaps because of this, private imitations have emerged, leading to established customs. The clothes worn were originally intended to turn good fortune into misfortune, so there is no reason to still wear luxurious clothes. Liu Sheren referred to Wang Weijun's 'Funeral Rites' and referenced the story of Liang Zhaoming. These clear pieces of evidence have been reviewed. The scholars and left ministers have voiced their opinions. Since no evidence has been obtained, further inquiries about the detailed situation should be made to consult with the Eight Officials, Zhanshi, Taichang, Zhongcheng, and Zhongshu Yu.
As for Liu Shizhi, he was appointed Hongluqing, but he remained the same as when he served as a Middle Book Sheren. In the first year of Tianjia, he was dismissed for committing an offense. Initially, Emperor Shizu ordered him to write the 'Annals of the Emperor' from the autumn of the second year of Yongding to the winter of the first year of Tianjia, totaling ten volumes. Later, he became the Middle Book Sheren again, continuing to draft edicts. In the first year of Tiankang, Emperor Shizu was in poor health, and Liu Shizhi, along with other officials, served by the emperor's side, attending to his diet, daily needs, and medical care. After Emperor Shizu's death, Liu Shizhi participated in the ceremony of assisting the new emperor as per the posthumous edict. When Gaozong ascended to the position of Shangshu Ling, Liu Shizhi entered the court to assist him. In the first year of Guangda, Liu Shizhi and others actually had the attendant Yin Buneng forge an edict, trying to get Emperor Gaozong back to the Eastern Palace. After the incident was exposed, Liu Shizhi was sentenced to death in Beiyu."
Next, let's talk about Xie Qi, who was from Shan Yin in Kuaiji. His father, Xie Da, was a Doctor of the Imperial Academy in the Liang Dynasty. Xie Qi was bright and eager to learn from a young age, gaining fame during the Liang Dynasty. He served as an Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and as the Magistrate of Shan Yin County. When the Hou Jing rebellion broke out, Xie Qi fled to Dongyang. After Hou Jing was quelled, he sought refuge with Zhang Biao. While Zhang Biao was in Wu County and Kuaiji, he entrusted all affairs to Xie Qi. Every time Zhang Biao went on a campaign, he always left Xie Qi in charge of the county's affairs and handling various logistical tasks. Following Zhang Biao's defeat, Emperor Gaozu recognized Xie Qi's abilities, entrusted him with confidential matters, and appointed him as the Deputy Director of the Secretariat. During that period, wars were frequent, and military supplies were often in short supply, which earned him the Emperor's esteem. In the first year of Yongding, he was appointed as an Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and a Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat, continuing to serve as the Deputy Director. In the second year of Tianjia, Xie Qi passed away and was posthumously honored as a Cavalier In Regular Attendance. Xie Qi's younger brother, Xie Qiao, was also a dedicated scholar at the time. Historical records indicate that Emperor Gaozu established the country and quelled the chaos; his military achievements laid the groundwork for his success, while his civil governance played a crucial role. Zhao Zhili and Cai Jingli had joined him early on and were key contributors to the establishment of his great enterprise. Liu Shizhi was well-versed but lacked the ability to adapt. Though he sought to uphold his integrity, he ultimately faced a tragic fate, which was quite unwise!
