Wen Qiao, styled Taizhen, was the son of Situ Xian's younger brother. His father was named Wen Dan and served as the Governor of Hedong. Wen Qiao was intelligent and knowledgeable from a young age, knowledgeable in many fields and talented in writing. He was known for his filial piety and friendliness in the local area. He was also handsome and eloquent, liked by everyone who met him. At the age of seventeen, many provinces and counties invited him to serve as an official, but he turned down all the offers. Later, he was appointed as an official by the Inspectorate of the Capital.
At that time, there was a Cavalry Attendant named Yu Ai, who had a great reputation but was greedy in private. Wen Qiao reported him, which sent shockwaves through the capital. Later, Wen Qiao participated in the imperial examination and performed exceptionally well. The Situ's office invited him to be the East Pavilion Scholar, and he was later transferred to serve as the Magistrate of Lü County in Shangdang.
The General Liu Kun in the north was the husband of Wen Qiao's aunt. Liu Kun respected Wen Qiao greatly and invited him to serve as his aide. Later, when Liu Kun was promoted to General, Wen Qiao also advanced in rank, becoming a Cavalry Officer, then the Magistrate of Shangdang, and was also appointed as the General of Establishing Might, responsible for overseeing the vanguard troops' military operations. He followed Liu Kun in fighting against Shi Le, achieving numerous military successes. After Liu Kun was appointed as Minister of Works, Wen Qiao was appointed as the Right Marshal. At that time, the northern lands were barren, overrun with bandits, and Shi Le and Liu Cong frequently invaded the borders. Wen Qiao took on the role of Liu Kun's military advisor, and Liu Kun came to rely on him greatly.
During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, it was said that the capital was nearly in ruins, and state sacrifices had been halted. When Emperor Yuan of Jin first established his regime in Jiangdong, Sima Kun was intent on serving the royal family. He said to Wang Dao, "In the past, Ban Biao foresaw the revival of the Liu clan's dynasty, and Ma Yuan also saw that Emperor Guangwu of Han could assist. Although the Jin Dynasty is weak now, the mandate of heaven has not changed. I want to accomplish something in the north, and I’ll let you make a name for yourself in Jiangnan. Will you go or not?" Wang Dao replied, "Although I do not have the talents of Guan Zhong or Zhang Liang, you have the ambitions of Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin, wanting to establish a great achievement in supporting the state. How could I possibly refuse your command!" Thus, Sima Kun appointed Wang Dao as the Left Chief Historian, allowing him to issue proclamations to various places and submit memorials to advise the court.
After Wang Dao arrived in Jiankang, he was summoned by Emperor Yuan of Jin, where he elaborated on Sima Kun’s loyalty and his aspirations to serve the nation, and passionately explained the dire situation of a leaderless state where the people were looking to the court for support. The court officials observed Wang Dao intently, and Emperor Yuan of Jin held him in high regard and praised him. At that time, Wang Dao had good relations with other scholars, including Zhou Yi, Xie Kun, Yu Liang, and Huan Yi. Jiangdong had just been established, and all systems were not yet perfect, which deeply concerned Wang Dao. Later, upon meeting Wang Dao, he exclaimed joyfully, "With talents like Guan Zhong in Jiangdong, what could I possibly worry about?" Wang Dao repeatedly requested to resign and return to his home village, but the emperor refused his requests.
Later, Sima Kun was killed by Duan Pidi, and Wang Dao submitted a memorial stating Sima Kun's loyalty. Although his achievements were not completed, for the sake of the nation and the expectations of the people, he deserved recognition to comfort the people of the realm. The emperor agreed. Therefore, Wang Dao was appointed as a Gentleman of the Cavalry. Initially, Wang Dao wanted to accept the appointment to go to the north, but his mother, Cui Shi, firmly opposed his decision, so Wang Dao left after taking off his official robe. Later, his mother passed away, and due to the ongoing turmoil, Wang Dao was unable to return to bury her. Therefore, he firmly declined the official position and insisted on returning home. The court convened the Three and Eight Ministers to discuss this matter, and everyone said, "Back in the day, Wu Zixu sought revenge, first using the power of King Helu of Wu, heading east to Wu, becoming a general, and then whipping the body of King Ping of Chu. Just like Wang Dao, who has not yet buried his mother and whose body is still in the hands of the enemy, he should do his utmost, relying on the forces of heaven and earth, eliminate the enemy, and then return to bury his mother. How can he give up national affairs for personal reasons?" Wang Dao had no choice but to accept the appointment.
It is said that Wang Qiao later became the Chief Historian for General Wang Dao and was later promoted to the Prince's Chief Scholar. When he was in the Eastern Palace, he was highly favored by the Prince and shared a genuine friendship with him, like brothers raised in the same home. Wang Qiao frequently advised the Prince and even submitted a text titled "The Admonition of a Servant," which was very helpful to the Prince.
Once, the Prince wanted to build the West Pool Pavilion, a grand and costly undertaking. Wang Qiao wrote to the Prince, stating, "The court has just been established, and the great enemy has yet to be defeated; therefore, we should set an example of frugality, focusing on developing agriculture and strengthening the military." The Prince listened to his words and adopted his advice.
Later, Wang Dun rebelled and led his troops into the capital, with the imperial army suffering consecutive defeats. The crown prince at the time wanted to personally go to the battlefield to kill the enemy, but Wang Qiao quickly grabbed the reins of the horse and cautioned him, stating, "I heard that those skilled in warfare do not easily get angry, and those who are good at winning do not boast. You are the heir apparent; how can you risk your life like this?" The crown prince, after hearing Wang Qiao's words, abandoned the idea of going to the battlefield.
After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, he appointed Wang Dao as the royal attendant, involving him in state affairs and confidential plans, and entrusted him with drafting the imperial edicts and official documents. Shortly after, he was promoted to the Minister of the Central Secretariat. Wang Dao was a trusted pillar of the court, and the emperor greatly trusted him, which sparked jealousy in Wang Dun, leading him to request that Wang Dao be appointed as the Left Marshal.
Wang Dun failed to bring his troops to pay their respects at court and behaved arrogantly and recklessly. Wang Dao advised him, saying, "When the Duke of Zhou assisted King Cheng, he was humble, cautious, diligent, and hardworking. Was it because he preferred hardship over ease? No, it's because those in high positions should conduct themselves this way! Now that you have returned to the capital to assist in political affairs, but have neglected the etiquette of paying respects and disregarded the courtiers' rules, those who are unaware of the emperor's intentions will feel unsettled. In the past, Emperor Shun served Emperor Yao, King Yu served wholeheartedly under Emperor Shun, and King Wen of Zhou, despite his prestige, never violated the principles of serving the monarch. Therefore, to embody the great virtue of safeguarding the people, one must have the cautious heart of serving the monarch, to ensure a lasting legacy and allow their merits to be remembered for generations. This is the model set by the sages, and it should not be overlooked. I urge you to reflect on the diligence of Shun, Yu, and the Duke of Zhou in their service to the monarch, and consider the humility and caution exhibited by the Duke of Zhou. This will ultimately benefit all the people!" Wang Dun simply did not listen.
Wang Dao knew that Wang Dun would not wake up to reality, so he pretended to be respectful, managed the affairs of Wang Dun's household with great care, secretly inquired about his plans, and complied with his wishes. He also befriended Qian Feng, spoke highly of him to everyone, and often said, "Qian Shi Yi is talented and exceptionally intelligent." Wang Dao has always had a knack for reading people. Qian Feng was very happy to hear this and formed a deep friendship with Wang Dao.
Coincidentally, the position of the Intendant of the Capital City was vacant. Wang Dao said to Wang Dun, "The Intendant of the Capital City is an important position. It should be filled by someone who is both scholarly and capable in military matters. You should personally select a suitable candidate. If the court appoints someone, there may be mistakes." Wang Dun agreed and asked Wang Dao who would be suitable. Wang Dao said, "I think Qian Feng is capable." Qian Feng also recommended Wang Dao, who pretended to decline. Wang Dun did not listen and appointed Qian Feng as the Intendant of Danyang.
Wang Dao was still worried that Qian Feng would conspire with Wang Dun, so when Wang Dun held a farewell banquet, Wang Dao stood up to toast and walked up to Qian Feng. Before Qian Feng could drink, Wang Dao pretended to be drunk, tapped Qian Feng's hat with the wine cup, causing it to fall off, and angrily said, "Who do you think you are, Qian Feng? Wen Tai Zhen is toasting, and you dare not drink!" Wang Dun assumed Wang Dao was drunk and brushed it off. As he was leaving, Wang Dao tearfully bidding farewell, left the mansion, returned a few times, and finally left.
After Wang Dao left, Qian Feng slandered Wang Dao to Wang Dun, saying, "Wang Dao has close ties with the court and has a deep relationship with Yu Liang. He may not be reliable." Wang Dun said, "Tai Zhen was drunk yesterday and had a bit of an overreaction. How can we say he is rebelling because of this?" Therefore, Qian Feng's conspiracy did not succeed, and Wang Dao was able to return to the capital city. He then detailed Wang Dun's rebellion plan to the court and requested the court to prepare in advance.
When Wang Dun rebelled, the court promoted Tao Kan to the position of General of the Central Army, entrusting him with the imperial seal and allowing him to command the military in the Dong'an and northern regions. Tao Kan wrote a letter to Wang Dao saying, "Since we parted ways, this has happened!" Then Tao Kan submitted a request to execute the traitorous officials, with Wang Dun named as the chief offender, and ordered that anyone who captured Wang Dun could cut off his tongue!
Later, Wang Han and Qian Feng arrived in Jiankang in no time, and Tao Kan set fire to the Zhuque Bridge to stop them from crossing the river. The emperor was furious, but Tao Kan replied, "The palace defenses are weak, reinforcements have not arrived yet. If the enemy breaks in, the country will be in danger. Your Majesty, why worry about a bridge?" As a result, the enemy couldn't cross the river. Tao Kan personally led the army in a fierce battle against the enemy by the river, defeated Wang Han's forces, and urged Liu Xia to pursue Qian Feng in Jiangning. Once the situation was under control, Tao Kan was granted the title of Duke of Jianning, rewarded with 5,400 bolts of silk, and his rank was elevated to General.
At that time, the court wanted to punish those involved in Wang Dun's rebellion, remove their names from the official list of officials, and impose strict control on the officials and staff involved in the rebellion. Tao Kan wrote to the emperor, saying, "Wang Dun is headstrong and self-willed, ignoring principles of righteousness, killing indiscriminately, promoting the unscrupulous, and excluding gentlemen. The court cannot suppress him, and not even his relatives can advise him. Court officials live in constant fear of losing their lives at any time, so everyone dares not voice their concerns, only able to observe each other secretly. This is truly an era where wise men and honorable individuals are left with no choice but to retreat into hiding! Furthermore, during Wang Dun's rebellion, many individuals were arrested. These individuals had nowhere to turn, but were implicated because of their private connections with Wang Dun. Individuals such as Lu Wan, Yang Man, Liu Yin, Cai Mo, and Guo Pu frequently discuss these issues with me, and I am quite aware of the situation. Those who have committed serious offenses must be punished severely; but those who have been wrongly implicated in the rebellion should receive leniency. If I tell the emperor about the situations that Lu Wan and others have talked to me about, they may also be treated as accomplices, which would betray their loyalty. Your Majesty is kind and wise. You should carefully consider and investigate the truth; though my rank is modest, I dare to speak frankly, in fact, to protect talents and not forget loyal ministers." The emperor heeded his advice.
At that time, the country was in widespread ruin, and the national finances were insufficient. The court summoned all officials to the capital to prioritize national affairs, and Pei Qiao took the opportunity to put forward several important suggestions. First, he said, "Zu Di retreated from Shouyang back then, foreseeing future difficulties. Now both sides are on the defensive, making it easier to achieve military success. The commander in the Huai-Si region should fully support Shouyang. We must select esteemed generals to lead five thousand troops to bolster the defenses of Shouyang, and select a deputy general to lead two thousand troops to support Shouyang together, thereby strengthening the defense lines of Xuzhou and Yuzhou while also supporting Sizhou."
Secondly, he said, "If a person does not cultivate the land, there will inevitably be hungry people. There are currently tens of thousands of people not cultivating the land. In the spring, if agricultural production is not valued, and taxes are increased in the winter, the common people have yet to see any benefits and are already struggling under the weight of these taxes. Taxes cannot be exempted, so we must find ways to help the people prosper. In the past, the Ministry of Agriculture had officials in charge of farming, and each province also had one person responsible for supervising agricultural production and evaluating officials' performance. This system should be restored. Officials who are honest, upright, and dedicated to the people must be selected to truly benefit the people."
Furthermore, he said, "In the various provinces and prefectures, apart from the combat troops, the other soldiers should farm while also guarding. In the past, the court had five battalions of soldiers go out to cultivate the fields. Now, soldiers from the four armies and five battalions, along with the troops commanded by the military governor, can be dispatched to cultivate the land, stationed at important locations. There are many good fields along the Yangtze River, and after just one year of reclaiming wasteland, a harvest can be expected. Moreover, allowing soldiers to farm in other places enables them to cut wood and gather wild vegetables, making things more convenient."
He continued, "Establishing official positions is for governing the country, not for personal gain. This is the only way to ensure we have fewer but more effective officials. In the Zhou Dynasty, the system placed the Six Ministers in charge of government affairs. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the Six Ministers both assisted the monarch and led the army. The growing number of official positions in later generations stems from the complexities of governance. However, in the six southern provinces, the land is largely barren, with only one-tenth cultivated. In the Three Provinces and Military Academies where there are no troops, in the Nine Departments and Temples where management can be combined, positions can be consolidated, and redundant personnel can be reduced accordingly. For those barren counties in the same city, they can be merged. This way, personnel can be streamlined, and treatment can be improved, enabling them to support their families, and then holding them accountable for honesty and public service."
Fifth, he said: "In ancient times, emperors personally cultivated the land to offer sacrifices. Previously, positions such as the Jitian (land cultivation) and Linxi (sacrificial offerings) officials were established. Now, the temporary purchase of sacrificial offerings not only damages the dignity of the royal family but also wastes manpower and resources. This is not a sincere way to worship our ancestors. We should restore the old system and establish these two positions."
Sixth, he said: "The farther the envoys are sent, the more suitable talents should be selected in order to promote the royal culture and enhance the country's reputation. If low-ranking officials are dispatched, it will damage the country's image and cause many troubles. Therefore, envoys should be carefully selected, at least choosing officials of the rank equivalent to two thousand shi."
Finally, he said: "The practice of implicating the family in criminal charges is an ancient system. The recent rebellion was due to brutality and cruelty. Brutality and cruelty are merely temporary measures. Now, implementing the practice of implicating the family is not the action of a wise and enlightened court; it should be like the previous dynasty, executing only the three generations of the offenders." Most of Pei Qiao's suggestions were adopted.
The emperor fell seriously ill, and I, together with Wang Dao, Chi Jian, Yu Liang, Lu Ye, and Bian Hong, were entrusted with important responsibilities during a time of crisis. At that time, the Commandery Administrator of Liyang, Su Jun, secretly hid fugitives, arousing suspicion from the court. General Tao Kan, known for his conquests in the West, had high prestige in the Jingchu area and was concerned about issues in the Xia Prefecture in the west, so he sent me to provide support to the upper regions.
In the early years of the Xianhe period, I succeeded Ying Zhan as the Inspector of Jiangzhou and was also appointed as Commissioner, Commander, and General Who Pacifies the South, stationed in Wuchang. I implemented many policies to benefit the people during my tenure, with remarkable achievements, and personally paid respects at the grave of Xu Ruzi. I also submitted a memorial stating that the ten counties of Yuzhang are strategically important and should be governed by the Inspector. Xunyang is located by the river, so the Commander should be stationed there. Currently, the provincial capital and its administration have been merged, which makes administrative operations quite cumbersome. Furthermore, most military commanders historically did not hold the position of provincial inspector at the same time, due to the differing nature of civil and military positions. Therefore, another inspector should be appointed to Yuzhang to specifically oversee the welfare of the people. Unfortunately, the emperor did not approve my proposal.
During my time stationed at Wuchang, I saw Wang Dun's portrait and said, "Wang Dun committed the gravest of crimes and should have his coffin cleaved open, his bones ground to dust, and his ashes scattered, to suffer the same punishment as Cui Zhu. In ancient times, posthumous titles were only conferred after death, and the historical records in the Spring and Autumn Annals adhered to principles of righteousness, upholding the commands of the former kings. I have never heard of anyone being punished by the emperor while their portrait still hung for others to see." I then commanded that Wang Dun's portrait be destroyed.
I heard that Su Jun is preparing for battle, and Wang Dao sensed that things were bound to change, so he wanted to return to the court to prepare for any unexpected developments, but he was denied permission. Not long after, Su Jun indeed rebelled. Wang Dao, stationed in Xunyang, sent Inspector Wang Qianqi, Deng Yue, the Prefect of Xiyang, and Ji Zhan, the Interior Minister of Poyang, to lead troops in support. When news of Jiankang City's fall reached him, Wang Dao broke down in tears. A visitor came to see him, and they embraced and cried together. After a while, Yu Liang arrived as a refugee, with a decree from the Empress Dowager to appoint Wang Dao as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and to the rank of Yitong Sanqi. Wang Dao said, "The most important thing now is to eliminate the rebels. I have not yet achieved any merit to accept such a high reward. This isn't how things are supposed to work. How can I explain this to the people of the world?" He firmly declined the offer. Though Yu Liang had come as a refugee, Wang Dao respected him and even allocated some of his troops to him. Wang Dao also sent Wang Qianqi to invite Tao Kan to join in the fight. Tao Kan refused, feeling resentful for not being given a significant role. Wang Dao initially agreed with Tao Kan's opinion, but after listening to his subordinate Mao Bao's persuasion, he once again firmly requested Tao Kan to send troops, as detailed in Mao Bao's biography. Initially, Wang Dao and Yu Liang took turns recommending each other as the alliance leader. Wang Dao's cousin Wang Chong said to Wang Dao, "General Who Conquers the West (Yu Liang) holds a high position and great power, with a strong army; we should recommend him together." Thus, Wang Dao sent Wang Qianqi to invite Tao Kan to lead the alliance. Tao Kan agreed and sent Inspector Gong Deng to meet Wang Dao with troops. Wang Dao then memorialized to the court, listing Su Jun's crimes, and with seven thousand troops, he boarded the ship in tears, sending letters to various prefectures, calling on everyone to unite against Su Jun. Those scoundrels, Zu Yue and Su Jun, conspired together, with malicious intent, and they're in for divine retribution; their time is up! They’ve betrayed both heaven and earth, cutting themselves off from humanity! These bandits must not be spared; we need to send reinforcements to strike, and the army should set up camp at Penkou.
That day, General Yu Liang arrived with a decree from the Empress Dowager. He said that the bandits were approaching the palace, and the imperial army had been defeated, so they were seeking help from the vassal states to discuss strategies for defending the realm. General Guo Mo, Champion General Zhao Yin, Fierce Warrior General Gong Bao, as well as Inspector Wang Qianqi, Prefect Deng Yue, and Internal Historian Ji Zhan, all brought their own troops and arrived one after another.
The rebels were exceedingly arrogant. They invaded the ancestral temple, set fire to the palace, shot arrows at the palace, and the Emperor and Empress were in a dire situation. The Prime Minister was also at a loss. They harmed courtiers, insulted women and children, and everyone cried out for help, terrified. My (Qiao) abilities are limited; I am not good at fighting, and I was unable to rescue everyone in time. I feel deep remorse and unworthy of the late Emperor's trust. I am determined to do my utmost, even if it costs me my life! I am now personally leading the troops to charge into battle, encouraging the soldiers to bravely kill the enemy. Prefects Deng Yue of Xiyang and Chu Dan of Xunyang have already led their troops to arrive. Inspector Huan Yi of Xuancheng has already stationed his troops at the riverside fortress, and Prefect Zhou Fu of Jiangxia has also actively responded to the call, with the troops having already set out.
In ancient times, Bao Xu was a minor official of the Chu State; he traveled far to seek help, and his sincerity moved the vassals. Lin Xiangru was just a minor official of the Zhao State, but because of the shame of the country, he dared to draw his sword against the Qin court. At the end of the Han Dynasty, Dong Zhuo rebelled, holding the Emperor hostage and harming loyal subjects, while the various states and counties in the eastern region united to resist him. Zang Hong, a minor official in Guangling, climbed the altar to pray to the heavens, crying and shedding tears; his passionate spirit inspired future generations. Moreover, we now hold high positions of power, occupy important positions, and receive the country's favor. In this critical moment, isn't it our duty to unite against the enemy?
Two bandit groups joined forces, numbering fewer than five thousand men. They were also fearful of an invasion by the Hu people. The city was short on food and supplies, and General Guo Mo managed to capture and kill a thousand of them in battle. Even though the bandits have breached the capital, their guards have dispersed and are no longer of any use. Furthermore, both Zu Yue and Su Jun are narrow-minded and cruel. Su Jun, that guy, is solely focused on his own interests; he's ruthless and arrogant. Their alliance is merely a stopgap. A rebel army has emerged in Jiangzhou to fight back against them; fierce Hu warriors are invading from outside, pursuing them; supply lines have been cut, food supplies are disrupted, and they face shortages internally while being threatened externally. How much longer can this situation last?
Generals sent by the court, your duty is to resist foreign invasions. General Tao Gong, a veteran of the nation, loyal and upright, who has made significant contributions. The states and counties are like sharp swords, united and working together to formulate strategies to restore the nation's honor. As long as it is beneficial to the country, they are willing to face any peril without a second thought. Although I am not capable enough, I am fortunate to have the backing of loyal and righteous people, as well as the assistance of civil and military officials. Honorable men have joined the army, and even common people who usually gather firewood are bravely rushing to the battlefield, bringing their servants and weapons to participate in the war. The people's genuine dedication is beyond words. How can it be said that I have no merit? The soldiers are inspired by righteousness, and the people feel the grace of the court. In addition, the protector Yu Gong, the emperor's uncle, is highly respected. He leads three armies—the Guo army, Zhao army, and Gong army—to fight alongside me. With these reinforcements, I feel both sad and fortunate, knowing that the court has not forsaken us. Everyone should lead their own troops and steer clear of any surprises. Those who earn their rewards should be recognized as clearly as day and night. Anyone who can defeat Zu Yue and Su Jun will be granted the title of fifth-rank Marquis and rewarded with ten thousand pieces of cloth. Loyalty is the best virtue, and doing good starts from within. Promises made from afar do not need to be reiterated.
Although General Tao Kan agreed to send troops, he has not yet moved, and even recalled the commander Gong Deng. I wrote to General Tao Kan again, insisting that we should advance, not retreat, and that troops should be increased rather than decreased. I have recently sent letters near and far, explaining the situation to the allied headquarters, and planning a large-scale attack in mid-next month. The troops from Nankang, Jian'an, and Jin'an are en route and will come together for a joint attack once General Ren (referring to Tao Kan) arrives with his troops. General Ren's decision to recall the troops has left soldiers both near and far confused, and the key to victory lies in this.
My abilities are limited, but the burden is great. It is all thanks to your kindness and guidance, Sir, that I can only just manage. As for leading troops into battle, I dare not refuse. You and I are like the Changshan snake, intertwined and protective of one another. I worry that some may not understand your brilliance and may mistakenly think you hesitate in suppressing the rebels, which would be difficult to clarify. We both bear heavy responsibilities, and our fates are intertwined and our fortunes are linked. Since I arrived here, our relationship has been close, and should an emergency arise, I hope you will help me with all your might, especially now that the safety of the state is at stake!
I am solely responsible for a province, and the officials there are all eagerly awaiting my actions. If this province falls, and the court sends officials to guard it, the Jingchu region will face threats from western enemies and eastern rebels, along with famine. The dangers we will face in the future will be much greater than the risks we currently face. If the state falls and the ruler is humiliated, the ministers will die. If you lead the troops, you will be a loyal subject of the Great Jin Dynasty, just like Huan Gong and Wen Gong, establishing peace and leaving a mark in history. If you do not act, you can only console a father grieving for his son.
Yue Jun's cruelty and ruthlessness imprison and torture the people. The recent events have been unbearable. The separation of families is heartbreaking, and the people are angry. Going to war now is as easy as smashing an egg with a stone! Delaying military action and recalling the troops will only result in failure. I urge you to carefully consider my advice and not disappoint the expectations of the soldiers.
Yue Jun killed Kan's son Zhan, so Kan became even angrier. He then led his own army, along with Jiao and Liang, to the capital city. The army had sixty thousand men, with banners stretching for seven hundred miles, and the sound of war drums reverberating for a hundred miles, heading straight for Shitou City and stationed at Caizhou. Kan was stationed at Chapu, and Jiao was stationed at Shamenpu. At that time, Zu Yue occupied Liyang, and he and Yue Jun supported each other. Seeing the impressive display of Jiao and the other armies, he said to his comrades, "I knew that Jiao could serve the Fourth Prince, and now it is true."
Hearing that Shi Le was about to arrive, the emperor was compelled to flee to Shitou City. At that time, Shi Le's army had many cavalry, while our southern army mainly relied on boats for battle and did not dare to engage him head-on. We used General Li Gen's strategy to build defensive fortifications on Baishishan to protect ourselves, with General Yu Liang guarding. Shi Le's infantry and cavalry of more than ten thousand men came to attack, but they failed to breach our defenses and retreated. We pursued and killed over two hundred enemy soldiers.
Shi Le then built a fort at Siwangji to approach us. He said, "The enemy will definitely fight for this place. Let's set up an ambush, wait for them to tire themselves out. This is a clever strategy for defeating the enemy!" At that time, the rebel forces had suffered consecutive defeats, and Shi Le's army was running out of food. Tao Kan angrily said, "You said before that you're not afraid of not having soldiers, as long as I'm the commander. But now we've lost several battles, where have all the good generals gone? Jingzhou is close to the enemies of the Hu and Shu states; the granary needs to be stocked for emergencies. If we run out of food again, I may consider retreating to the west to reassess our strategy. However, according to this year's plan, it's not too late to defeat Shi Le."
Shi Le said, "No. Since ancient times, the key to success in warfare lies in unity. Emperor Guangwu's victory at the Battle of Kunyang and Cao Cao's success at the Battle of Guandu were achieved by defeating larger forces, relying on righteous armies. These two petty thieves, Shi Le and Shi Zun, are a national disaster. Today's battle will determine our fate. Shi Le is brave but lacks strategy. With his arrogance, he thinks he’s invincible. By taking the initiative and attacking now, we can capture him in one fell swoop. Why give up on easy victories and not plan our next moves? The emperor is in dire straits, the country is on the brink of danger, and all the citizens are willing to sacrifice for the country. Both of us have benefited from the country. Today is a day to fight to the death. If successful, we will share glory and wealth, and if we fail, even if I die, it will be enough to apologize to the late emperor. In our current situation, we can't back down; it's like riding a fierce beast—how can we just jump off halfway? If you go back alone against the opinions of others, people will lose heart. Disunity will lead to chaos, and the banners of the righteous army will turn against you." Tao Kan was left speechless and had no choice but to stay.
Wow, Wang Dun rebelled, and things are getting serious! Xie Shang immediately set up a temporary palace, arranged a large area, offered sacrifices to heaven and earth, recited heartfelt prayers, crying his eyes out, and the soldiers didn’t dare to look him in the eye. That day, Tao Kan led the navy to attack Shitoucheng, while Xie Shang and his ten thousand elite soldiers went to challenge from the direction of Baishigang. That guy Wang Dun was totally worn out, drank too much, fell off his horse, and was straight-up cut down by Tao Kan's men. Wang Dun's brother Wang Yi and son Wang Shuo hunkered down in the city to hold the fort. Xie Shang quickly threw together a platform, issued a notice, and officials from all over the country, from the two thousand stone officials to the imperial censor, had to check in. The crowd really swelled! Wang Dao, the Minister of Works, even sent a report to the emperor, asking for promotions for Xie Shang and Tao Kan, but both of them turned it down.
The rebel general Kuang Shu surrendered along with Taicheng, but got taken down by Wang Yi and quickly sought help from Xie Shang. Luo Dong, the deputy of Jiangzhou, said, "The water's really rising now; help is tricky right now. We should just go straight for Tahang. If Tahang's army loses, Kuang Shu will naturally be relieved." Xie Shang thought that made sense and went for it. As a result, the rebel troops at Shitoucheng were defeated. The Chief Historian Fenwei Teng Han scooped up the emperor and rushed to Xie Shang's boat. Although Tao Kan was the leader, really, all the strategies were Xie Shang's brainchildren. After the rebellion was quelled, Xie Shang was made the General of Cavalry, the Left Supervisor, and also got the title of Cavalier Attendant. He was named Duke of Shi'an County, with a fief of three thousand households to his name.
Initially, Wang Dun's followers Lu Yong, Kuang Shu, and Jia Ning all surrendered halfway. Wang Dao wanted to grant them titles as a form of commendation. Xie Shang, however, said, "These men are the ringleaders of the rebellion, and their crimes are atrocious! Although they have since repented, their past sins cannot be forgiven. It was already a great mercy to spare their lives; how could they be promoted again?" Wang Dao was helpless.
The court intended to let him stay and assist the new emperor, but he claimed he was appointed by the late emperor and insisted on returning to his fiefdom. He also mentioned that the capital was now in ruins and in dire need of everything, so he personally gathered funds and resources before returning to Wuchang. When he reached Niuzhuji, the water was so deep it was impossible to gauge, and the locals said there were many monsters underwater. He pulled out his rhinoceros horn and illuminated the water. In a short while, he saw a variety of bizarre aquatic creatures, glowing as if they were on fire, some even wearing red clothes and sitting in carriages. That night, he dreamt that someone told him, "I am separated from you by the realms of life and death; why are you shining on me?" He felt deeply unsettled. He already had a toothache, which worsened after it was extracted, resulting in a stroke that led to his death just a few days later. He was only forty-two years old. When the people of Jiangzhou learned of his passing, they exchanged glances and began to weep.
The emperor issued a decree, saying: "I, a person with no special talents, inherited the throne, but failed to govern the country well, allowing the treacherous ministers to run rampant, putting the country in jeopardy. Only you, with sharp insight and wide knowledge, worried about the power of the court falling into the wrong hands, hated the arrogance of the rebels, and led the charge in answering the call. People from all corners rallied behind you, and you were the first to lead the troops into battle and defeat the enemy. The country went from crisis to stability, and peace was restored throughout the land. Your accomplishments have made waves, and your name will be remembered in history. I was relying on you to keep helping me in governing the country, but fate did not allow you to live a long life. Your premature death has left me deeply saddened! In recognition of your merits, following the customs of the previous kings, you are posthumously appointed as a Court Attendant, Grand General, Imperial Commissioner, Commander-in-Chief, and Governor, retaining your previous status. You will be rewarded with one million coins, one thousand rolls of fabric, and posthumously awarded the title of Loyal and Martial, with offerings made in the ancestral temple."
Initially, Wen Qiao was buried in Yuzhang. Later, the court sought to honor Wen Qiao's contributions and character, planning to build a large tomb for him, located just north of the tombs of Emperor Yuan and Emperor Ming. Tao Kan then submitted a memorial, saying, "The late General Wen Qiao was loyal and upright, his name will go down in history; his achievements and righteous deeds shook the heavens and the earth, and my humble writing cannot adequately express his greatness. When he was on his deathbed, he even wrote me a letter, which I have always treasured and often take out to read. Every time I read this letter, I find myself beating my chest and lamenting in the dead of night, unable to eat. 'When a person dies, they have nothing left,' this saying is particularly fitting for Wen Qiao. I now present Wen Qiao's letter to Your Majesty, hoping that Your Majesty can carefully read it and appreciate his unwavering loyalty and posthumous sentiments. Although he has passed away, he still cares about the country's shame, yearning for us to diligently serve the nation and overcome challenges. If there truly is consciousness after death, he would certainly worry about the country and would wish to become grass or trees in service to the nation; how could he possibly take joy in the current extravagant construction? I respectfully implore Your Majesty to halt the relocation of his tomb, to allow Wen Qiao's coffin to remain undisturbed, and grant his soul peace." The Emperor listened and agreed.
Later, Wen Qiao's second wife, Lady He, passed away, and his son Wen Fang brought his mother's coffin back to the capital. The court ordered Lady He to be buried in the north of Jianping Tomb and posthumously conferred the title and seal of "Lady Shi'an" upon both Wen Qiao's first wife, Lady Wang, and his second wife, Lady He. Wen Fang inherited his father's title, held some upright official positions when he was young, and later became an assistant minister in the Yellow Gate. Because his family was poor, he requested to serve as an official in Jiaozhou, which the court approved. Wang Shu wrote a letter to King Wuyi saying, "Wen Fang is Wen Qiao's son and should be treated well. But now he has been sent to a remote place like Lingnan, which I really can't understand. I hope the court can consider the rules of Zhouli while also taking into account human relationships, in order to make the right decision." However, the court ultimately did not take his suggestion. Upon his arrival in Nanhai, Wen Fang effectively governed the region and won the people's hearts. Later, when he wanted to conquer Linyi, the Prefect of Jiaozhou, Du Bao, and the Attendant Ruan Lang did not support him. Wen Fang believed they were undermining military morale, so he killed them and led his troops to victory over Linyi. Sadly, Wen Fang later died while still in office.
His brother, Wen Shi, was granted the title of Marquis of Xinjian County and rose to the position of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary.
Xi Jian, styled Daohui, was from Jinxiang, Gaoping, and was the great-grandson of the Han Dynasty's Grand Master of the Palace Writers, Xi Lu. When he was young, his family was poor, but he was well-read, tended to his own fields, and often composed poetry and essays, finding joy in it. Because of his reputation for being refined and cultured, he declined many official positions offered by local authorities. Later, Prince Zhao Lun invited him to be his aide, but Xi Jian discovered that Prince Zhao Lun had treacherous intentions, so he resigned due to illness. After Prince Zhao Lun usurped the throne, his followers all became high officials, while Xi Jian remained secluded, upholding his integrity and refraining from their chaotic activities.
When Emperor Hui regained power, Chi Jian was appointed to participate in the military affairs of the Minister of War, and later promoted to be the Attendant to the Crown Prince and the Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat. Prince Sima Yue of Donghai invited him to serve as his registrar and recommend talented individuals, but he did not agree. General Gou Xi of Eastern Jin also wrote to invite him to serve as an official, but Gou Xi and Sima Yue were at war at the time, and Chi Jian still did not agree. His brother Chi Xu served as Gou Xi's charioteer and, fearing for his own safety, urged Chi Jian to take up the position, but Chi Jian still refused, and Gou Xi did not force him. Later, the capital was captured, chaos ensued, and Chi Jian ultimately fell into the hands of the rebel Chen Wu.
Zhang Shi, a fellow villager, had previously sought to befriend Chi Jian but was turned away. At this time, Zhang Shi went to visit the sick Chi Jian at Chen Wu's camp and even paid him a visit. Chi Jian said to Zhang Shi, "We live in the same place, yet we haven't even become friends; why would you still seek refuge with rebels in such turbulent times!" Zhang Shi left feeling ashamed. Chen Wu knew that Chi Jian was famous and wanted to force him to be his subordinate, but Chi Jian managed to escape, saving his own life. Chen Wu later suffered defeat and dispersal, and Chi Jian returned to his hometown.
At that time, famine was widespread, and many people in the province remembered Chi Jian's kindness and helped him. Chi Jian distributed the received items to the elderly and widows in his clan and village, enabling many to survive. Everyone said to each other, "Now that the Emperor is in exile, there is no ruler in the Central Plains. We should rely on righteous individuals to avoid destruction." So the community elected Chi Jian as their leader and fled with thousands of families to Yishan in the state of Lu.
Emperor Yuan had just arrived in the Jiangdong region and ordered the appointment of Chi Jian as General of the Dragon Cavalry and the Governor of Yanzhou, stationed at Mount Zou. At that time, Xun Fan relied on Li Shu, while Liu Kun depended on his nephew Liu Yan, both serving as Governors of Yanzhou, each governing a commandery and clashing with one another, leaving the people of Yanzhou at a loss. Furthermore, Xu Gan and Shi Le invaded from both sides, amidst ongoing warfare and without any outside reinforcements. The people were starving, some even resorted to digging up wild rats and swallow nests for food. However, within three years, Chi Jian's forces swelled to tens of thousands, with not a single one betraying him. Later, the Emperor promoted him to the position of Assistant General of State, overseeing all military matters in Yanzhou.
At the start of the Yongchang period, the court summoned him to take up the post of General of the Vanguard. Upon arrival, he was promoted to the position of Imperial Secretary, but he was unable to assume the position due to illness. At that time, Emperor Ming had just ascended the throne, while Wang Dun held all power, creating a climate of crisis across the court and the realm. Some proposed Le Guang as an external ally, so the court appointed him as the General of Anxi, Governor of Yanzhou, and Commander of the forces in Yangzhou and Jiangxi, bestowing upon him a command token to secure Hefei. Wang Dun, wary of him, recommended him for the position of Minister of Personnel and summoned him back to the court. While en route, Le Guang passed through Gushu and encountered Wang Dun. Wang Dun said to him, "Le Yanfu (Le Guang's courtesy name) is just an untalented man. In his youth, he wandered aimlessly, and his actions do not match his reputation. How can he even be compared to Wu Qiu?" Le Guang replied, "When comparing individuals, one should compare them to their peers. Yanfu is gentle and humble, honest and simple. Staying neutral in such a tumultuous court is no easy feat. Regarding the issue of mourning the deposed Crown Prince, one could say he possesses a gentle strength. Wu Qiu is a corrupt man; how can he even be compared to Yanfu?"
Wang Dun said, "When the Crown Prince was deposed and exiled, the situation was dire. Who would be willing to lay down their life for him? In comparison, Yue Guang's character pales!" Yue Guang replied, "A true man, having kept his integrity and loyalty to the court, should uphold righteousness even in dire times, as the Book of Songs states, 'Righteousness is shared among three.' How can one live deceitfully, seek to compromise, and fool both heaven and earth? If all hope is lost, then one should die for their own righteousness!" Wang Dun, harboring treacherous intentions, was very angry after hearing Yue Guang's words and never saw him again, and kept him detained. Every day, Wang Dun's followers spread rumors and slander against Yue Guang, but he remained composed and unflinching. Wang Dun told Qian Feng, "Chi Daohui (another name for Yue Guang) is a refined gentleman of high repute. How could we harm him?" So he released him back into the court. Yue Guang then plotted with the Emperor to bring down Wang Dun.
Later, Qian Feng closed in on the capital. The Emperor wanted to promote him to the rank of Wei General, entrusting him with command of the troops accompanying the emperor. Xie An believed this would be futile and firmly refused the position. Many believed that Wang Han and Qian Feng had powerful forces and that the capital's defenses were lacking, so they should seize the opportunity while the enemy forces were still not fully assembled and lead the troops out of the city to meet them in battle. Xie An said, "The rebel forces are arrogant and aggressive, and are not to be confronted head-on. We must rely on strategy rather than brute force. Besides, there is no unified command among Wang Han and his troops; they are only interested in looting, and the common people have already endured enough suffering. They are now defending their homes. If we exploit the enemy's weaknesses and align with the people's will, how can we possibly lose? These rebels lack long-term plans and only seek a swift, fierce attack. In time, their morale will inevitably waver, creating an opportunity for us. If we were to confront them directly with our limited forces, victory or defeat would be determined in a heartbeat. Even with loyal individuals like Shen Baoxu, what difference would it make?" The Emperor listened to his words. Xie An was then appointed as the Chancellor, tasked with overseeing the armies across various regions.
After Wang Han and Qian Feng were subdued, Wen Qiao suggested pardoning the officials and subordinates who participated in the rebellion. Xie An believed that wise monarchs in ancient times valued the relationship between ruler and subject, which is why they honored those subjects who sacrificed their lives for the country; while incompetent monarchs would easily pardon rebels. Although Wang Dun's subordinates acted under duress, they did not uphold their loyalty to the court in troubled times and should be severely punished according to established precedents. He also suggested that Qian Feng's 80-year-old mother should be pardoned. The emperor accepted his suggestion. Xie An was granted the title of Marquis of Gaoping and was rewarded with 4,800 rolls of silk. The emperor held Xie An in high regard, consulting him on major and minor matters in the court, even issuing an edict that permitted Xie An to draft memorials directly, simplifying the process. Wang Dao suggested posthumously appointing Zhou Zha to an official position, but Xie An considered this inappropriate, as outlined in the "Zha Zhuan." Wang Dao ignored his advice. Xie An then argued, "Wang Dun's treasonous intentions had been apparent for some time, and Zhou Zha's actions hindered the army's timely response. If Wang Dun's behavior had been the same as Huan Wen and Emperor Wen, wouldn't that have made the late emperor as incompetent as King You and King Li?" While the courtiers could not counter his arguments, they did not adopt his opinion. Shortly after, Xie An was elevated to the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry, military governor of Xu, Yan, and Qing states, and governor of Yan province, and was granted an honorary insignia to oversee the defense of Guangling. Later, the emperor passed away, and Xie An, along with Wang Dao, Bian Rang, Wen Qiao, Yu Liang, Lu Ye, and others, aided the young ruler in accordance with the posthumous edict, and subsequently promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Supervisor of the Palace Attendants, and appointed as a Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary.
At the beginning of the Xianhe era, I was appointed as the governor of Xuzhou. Later, when Zu Yue and Su Jun rebelled, I realized the situation was critical and wanted to lead the army east to support the throne. However, the court did not approve my request because of enemy invasions in the north. So I sent Sima Liu Ju with three thousand men to guard the capital and protect the imperial palace. Not long after, the court's army was defeated, and Liu Ju had to retreat back.
The Minister of State, Yu Liang, conveyed the empress dowager's order to promote me to Minister of Works (Sikong). At that time, the rebels were drawing near, and the city's food supplies were running low. Everyone was fearful and lacked morale. Upon receiving the imperial decree, I cried and set up an altar in the city to worship the heavens, sacrificed a white horse, and then swore to the entire army, "The rebels Zu Yue and Su Jun do not respect the mandate of heaven, are not afraid of punishment from the court, are cruel and violent, violate the laws of the country, trample on morality, play with the state's treasures, hold the emperor hostage, destroy the foundation, harm the loyal, and cause trouble for the people, making the heavens and earth restless. Therefore, the common people are crying out for vengeance against the rebels, to eliminate these evil culprits.
In the past, when the barbarians destroyed the Zhou Dynasty, Duke Huan of Qi united the vassals to attack; when Dong Zhuo usurped the Han, the vassals united to attack him. Serving the monarch and the country, the principle remains the same across the ages. Now that the emperor is in danger and the people are suffering, loyal subjects all want to serve the country. Since we have already formed an alliance, we must work together to save the country. If these two rebels are not dealt with, we won't have any peace. May heaven punish anyone who breaks this oath!" I stood on the altar, filled with fervor, and swore, and the soldiers all eagerly requested to battle.
Then I sent General Xiahou Chang and others secretly to meet with General Wen Qiao and said to him: "The rebel army is planning to take the emperor eastward to Kuaiji. We should first build fortifications in key areas and station troops for defense, not only to prevent them from breaking through the defense line but also to cut off their supply lines. Then we can wait for the opportunity in Jingkou and defend the city. The rebel army won't be able to capture the city or plunder the countryside; the eastern road is blocked, and their supplies are cut off. Within a hundred days, they will collapse on their own." Wen Qiao thought my plan was very correct.
Tao Kan rose to become the leader, receiving a promotion and taking command of military affairs across the eight counties of Yangzhou. At that time, General Wang Shu and Assistant General Yu Tan all listened to Tao Kan's command, crossed the Yangtze River with troops, and met Tao Kan at Qiezi Pu. Tao Kan built defensive fortifications at Baishi Lei and defended there. Consequently, Wang Shu and Yu Tan were defeated in battle, and Tao Kan and Rear General Guo Mo retreated to Dantu, where they built defensive fortifications near Dantu in Daye, Qu'a, and Chengting to resist the enemy.
The enemy general Zhang Jian attacked Daye; the city was running low on water, and Guo Mo was anxious, so he led the troops to break out, throwing the troops into disarray. The staff officer Cao Na believed that Daye was the key to Jingkou. If it was lost, the enemy would advance straight in, so he advised Tao Kan to retreat to Guangling and wait for the opportunity to counterattack. Tao Kan then summoned his subordinates for a meeting, harshly criticizing Cao Na, saying, "The emperor's kindness to me is so deep, giving me such an important task; even if I die in battle, I cannot repay the emperor's kindness. Now the strong enemy is outside the city, and everyone is very afraid. You, as my confidant, at this time, instead of rallying the troops and maintaining morale, you’re undermining your own authority by boosting others’ spirits. How should you lead and inspire morale, stabilize the military spirit?" Tao Kan nearly executed him but ultimately spared his life. Later, Zhang Jian died, and the siege of Daye was lifted.
Su Yi and his group fled to Wuxing. Tao Kan dispatched the military officer Li Hong to pursue them and eliminate them, capturing over ten thousand men, women, and children. Tao Kan was appointed as the Minister of Works (Sikong) and was additionally granted the title of Palace Attendant. He was relieved of his position as governor of eight prefectures and was granted the title of Duke of Nanchang. His son, Tao Tan, was also awarded a title reflecting his father's former rank.
Regarding Liu Zheng, the bandit leader, he rallied a few thousand followers and dared to sail along the southeast coast to plunder county towns. General Jian promptly strengthened the city defenses at Jingkou, and the Emperor elevated him to a higher rank, appointing him as the Governor of Yangzhou (Yangzhou Shizhi). He was charged with defending Jinling and Wu Prefectures and leading troops to quell the insurrection. General Jian was later promoted to Grand Commandant.
General Jian fell seriously ill later and submitted a memorial requesting to resign, saying: "My illness is getting worse; it has become quite serious. I feel my health is failing, and it is difficult to hope for improvement. Life and death are natural laws. But the position I hold is beyond my capabilities, and there is no merit to repay the emperor. I feel I have let down the late emperor and also the conscience of heaven and earth. As I lie in bed sighing, my heart is full of regrets. I am now weak, and it is uncertain whether I can live until tomorrow morning, so I entrust the affairs of the mansion to the Chief Clerk Liu Xia. I wish to retire and return home. I only hope that Your Majesty will be magnanimous, continue to implement your great political policies, appoint talented individuals, streamline affairs, and let the peaceful and prosperous times return, so that even if I die, I can be as happy as if I were alive. The people under my command are quite diverse, mostly northerners; some were forcibly relocated, while others are newcomers. The common folk long for their hometowns and wish to return. I speak of the emperor's grace and inform them about the court's affairs, giving them land and housing, and they gradually settle down. Upon hearing of my serious illness, everyone was taken aback. If they return north, they are likely to rebel again. Cai Mo, the Minister of Ceremonies, is an upright man whom everyone trusts. I believe he would be well-suited to serve as the Inspector and Governor of Xuzhou. My late brother, Wang Mai, who served as the Interior Minister of Jinling, was modest and valued talent. Many exiles admire him, and he is a family member of mine, so he can serve as the Inspector of Yanzhou. He is capable of managing state affairs effectively, therefore, I am bold enough to follow Qi Xi's example of recommending talent." The emperor approved his request and appointed Cai Mo to replace General Jian. Shortly afterwards, General Jian passed away at the age of seventy-one. The emperor wept for a long time in the court and even dispatched an official with imperial tokens to escort his coffin, with the same honors as those previously accorded to Wen Qiao.
The emperor issued an edict stating: "General Jian has noble character, extensive knowledge, loyalty, integrity, and is a role model for the people. Whether in court or in the field, he has made great contributions. During the recent rebellion, when the rebels were rampant and endangering the court, the country was on the brink of disaster; it was General Jian who restored stability. His accomplishments rival those of ancient heroes, even greater than Huan Wen. Just as we relied on him to govern the country and help us through difficult times, he suddenly passed away, and I am deeply saddened. Titles honor achievements, while posthumous names reflect virtues, in order to commend their accomplishments and promote their virtues. Now he is posthumously named Grand Preceptor, with the posthumous name Wen Cheng, and sacrifices will be made to him. If his soul knows, it will surely be pleased."
At first, Xie An struggled with poverty back home due to the Yongjia Rebellion. The villagers, respecting his reputation, brought him food. At that time, his nephew Xie Mai and his niece Zhou Yi were still young, and Xie An often ate with them. The villagers said, "We can barely feed ourselves; it's because of your high reputation that we want to help you, but we may not be able to look after your nephew and niece." So Xie An went to collect food alone, and after eating, he packed the food in his cheeks and shared it with the two kids. Eventually, both of them survived and crossed the Yangtze River together. Xie Mai later became the General of the Guard, and Zhou Yi became the magistrate of Jian County. After Xie An's death, Zhou Yi, to repay Xie An's kindness, resigned from his official position, returned home, wore mourning attire, and mourned for three years. Xie An had two sons: Xie Yin and Xie Tan.
Xie Yin, styled Fanghui. When he was young, he was not one to compete or strive for personal gain. In his early twenties, he was appointed as a cavalry attendant, but he declined the position. He was very filial, and when his parents passed away, he was devastated by grief, nearly losing his mind. After the mourning period, he inherited the title of Duke of Nanchang, and the court summoned him to serve as a minister in the Imperial Secretariat. General He Chong was in charge of political affairs, General Chu Pou was stationed in Jingkou, and both requested Xie Yin to serve as their chief historian. Xie Yin was later promoted to the Yellow Gate Minister. At that time, the position of Governor of Wu County was vacant, and they wanted Xie Yin to assume the position. Xie Yin believed he was still inexperienced and unsuitable for such an important role, and the court officials all praised his humility. So, he was transferred to be the Governor of Linhai. Just as his younger brother Xie Tan passed away, Xie Yin grew increasingly disinterested in pursuing a career. He led a leisurely life in the county, remaining quiet and reserved, similar to his brother-in-law Wang Xizhi and the scholar Xu Xun, all sharing an extraordinary and refined demeanor, finding solace in nature and practicing the teachings of Huang-Lao. Later, due to illness, Xie Yin resigned from his official position, constructed a home in Zhang'an, and intended to spend his remaining years there. For more than a decade, he lived in seclusion.
During the reign of Emperor Jianwen, he and the Minister of Works, Jiang Bin, recommended Xie Yin, praising his high moral character, integrity, law-abiding nature, broad knowledge, meticulous thinking, and his ability to resign from office and live in seclusion. They believed he was a rare talent and should not be left to enjoy his own success, but should be called upon to participate in political affairs. Therefore, the court summoned him to be the Lord of the Yellow Gate and appointed him as a Cavalier Attendant. After Xie Yin took office, the court appointed him as the Minister of Ceremonies, but he firmly declined. He longed for peace and seclusion, willing to serve as an official in remote counties, so the court appointed him as the General for Supporting the State and the Governor of Kuaiji. Grand Marshal Huan Wen, due to their longstanding friendship from Xuzhou and Yanzhou, transferred him to oversee military affairs in Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Youzhou, Yangzhou, Jinling, and other places, concurrently serving as the Governors of Xuzhou and Yanzhou, and granting him the power of acting as an imperial commissioner. Although in a high position, this was not what he sought.
During Huan Wen's northern expedition, Xie Yin requested to move his troops north of the Yellow River and used his son's plan, stating that he felt he was not suited to be a general and could not bear the life of a military camp. He firmly declined and advised Huan Wen to directly take over his troops. Later, Xie Yin was promoted to Champion General and the Governor of Kuaiji.
When Emperor Xiaowu of Jin ascended the throne, Xie Yin was promoted to General of the Guard and oversaw military affairs in five eastern counties of Zhejiang. After a long time, due to his old age, Xie Yin requested retirement and lived in Kuaiji. The court summoned him to serve as Minister of Works, with an eloquent imperial edict conveying high praise and earnest expectations, but he still firmly declined and did not accept. In the ninth year of Taiyuan, Xie Yin passed away at the age of seventy-two. He was posthumously honored with the titles of Palace Attendant and Minister of Works, with the posthumous title Wenmu. He had three sons: Xie Chao, Xie Rong, and Xie Chong, among whom Xie Chao was the most famous.
Xie Chao, whose courtesy name is Jingxing and another name is Jiabin, was talented and versatile at a young age, unconventional, possessing a demeanor that set him apart from the ordinary. He mingled with scholars and literati, consistently showcasing his exceptional abilities, skilled in debate and possessing a profound understanding of principles. Xie Yin practiced the Way of the Heavenly Masters, while Xie Chao followed Buddhism. Xie Yin also liked to accumulate wealth, amassing tens of millions of coins, and once opened his storerooms, allowing Xie Chao to take whatever he wanted. Xie Chao was generous by nature, as he could give away all that wealth to friends and family in a single day. This carefree nature of his was simply how he was.
Huan Wen appointed him as the General of the Western Campaign. After Huan Wen was promoted to Grand Marshal, Xie Chao was also promoted to serve as an aide. Huan Wen was full of vigor and rarely appreciated others. When speaking with Xie Chao, he often remarked that he found him inscrutable, so he respected him very much. Xie Chao also established a deep personal relationship with Huan Wen. At that time, Wang Xun was Huan Wen's chief clerk and was held in high regard by Huan Wen. People in Huan Wen's household said, "Captain Xie (who had a beard) and Chief Clerk Wang (who was short) can both make the general happy and angry." This was because Xie Chao had a beard and Wang Xun was short. Shortly after, Xie Chao was appointed as the Cavalry Attendant. At that time, Xie Yin was in the North Mansion, and most people in Xuzhou were tough. Huan Wen always said, "The wine in Jingkou is good, and the soldiers are reliable." He was very reluctant to let Xie Yin stay there. Xie Yin was not adept at dealing with such matters, so he wrote a letter to Huan Wen, wanting to assist the royal family together and repair the tombs. Xie Chao read the letter, thought it was poorly written, tore it up, and rewrote a letter, claiming to be old and weak, unsuitable for living in the world, and requested to be allowed to retire to a quiet place. Huan Wen was very happy when he received the letter and immediately transferred Xie Yin to be the Governor of Kuaiji. Huan Wen had rebellious intentions and wanted to establish a dominant position, and Xie Chao advised him. Xie An and Wang Tanzhi once went to visit Huan Wen to discuss matters. Huan Wen instructed Xie Chao to lie in the tent and listen in. As the wind blew open the tent, Xie An smiled and said, "Xi Sheng (Xie Chao's style name) can indeed be considered a guest in the tent."
During the Taihe period, it is said that General Wen planned to attack the Murong clan in Linzhang. Xie An advised him, saying that the journey was long, the Bian River was too shallow, and transportation of supplies was simply not feasible. General Wen did not listen and stubbornly led his troops across the Jishui River and into the Yellow River. Xie An advised General Wen again, "Once this clear water enters the Yellow River, transporting supplies will be impossible! Even if the enemy does not resist, transportation will still be difficult. We can't do without food and supplies; this is a major problem. It is midsummer now, and we should concentrate our forces and directly attack Ye City. When the Murong clan sees our strong momentum, they will surely be frightened and retreat to Youzhou and Shuofang. If they dare to fight, we can quickly defeat them. If we want to siege Ye City, it will be time-consuming and laborious, and the people will flee into the wilderness, which will burden the authorities. People south of the Yi River will definitely come to seek our help. However, this plan might be a bit risky, so you need to be cautious. If this plan fails, then we should station troops by the Yellow River, control the transportation of food and supplies, and wait until the reserves are sufficient to last until next summer. Although it will be slower, it will eventually succeed. If we do not use these two strategies and rashly advance west, the march will be slow, and we'll face shortages of food and supplies during the retreat. The enemy will exploit this opportunity to stall, and by autumn and winter, the river will freeze, making transport even harder. Besides, the north has already turned cold, with few soldiers in our ranks wearing fur coats; they may not survive the winter. This is a serious problem, and it's not just about running out of food!" General Wen still did not listen, leaving him filled with regret after suffering a defeat at Fangtou. Later, he won a victory in Shouyang and asked Xie An, "Can this victory redeem the shame of the Fangtou defeat?" Xie An replied, "That's nowhere near enough to be satisfying."
Later, Xie An stayed overnight with General Wen. In the middle of the night, he said to General Wen, "Have you ever considered...?" General Wen replied, "Just say what you have to say!" Xie An continued, "General, you are now in a high position of power, and the future of the realm depends on you. If you cannot handle important matters such as the establishment and abolition of rulers, if you cannot assist the monarch like Yi Yin and Huo Guang, then you will not be able to suppress the world or conquer the four seas. Shouldn't you give it some serious thought?" General Wen already had this idea, and after hearing Xie An's words, he deeply agreed and decided to abolish the new monarch, which was exactly Xie An's initial plan.
He was promoted to Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Xie An once went to visit him (Wang Tanzhi) with Wang Wendu, but by the time the sun had set and it was still not their turn, Wang Wendu wanted to leave. Xie An said, "Can't you even endure this bit of time?" This shows how much power he had at that time. Later, he was promoted to Left Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works and resigned after his mother passed away. He always felt that, as a noble family member, his status should be above Xie An, but Xie An held great power while he lived leisurely, which left him feeling resentful and dissatisfied. He spoke with passion and fervor, which led to a bad relationship with the Xie family. Xie An also deeply resented him. After the mourning period, he was appointed as a Cavalry Attendant, but he did not take up the position. Later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Linhai and conferred the title of General Who Pacifies the North, but he turned it down. Wang Tanzhi passed away before he turned forty-two.
Initially, although Wang Tanzhi was actually a member of the Huan family, he was loyal to the royal family. Before he passed away, he took out a box and handed it to his student, saying, "I originally wanted to burn these things, but I worry it might make you sad later. After I’m gone, if you feel very sad, you can open this box to see what's inside. Otherwise, just burn it." After Wang Tanzhi's death, his student presented the box to him according to his will, and inside were the plans he had conspired with Wen Qiao. Wang Tanzhi was enraged upon seeing this and said, "That kid! I should have died sooner!" From then on, he never cried again. Wang Tanzhi was friends with many prominent figures of his time, and even if they were from humble backgrounds, he promoted them and befriended them. On the day of his death, over forty officials and common folks wrote eulogies for him, which shows how highly regarded he was. Wang Xian's brothers would visit Wang Tanzhi before his death, always greeting him respectfully and observing the proper uncle-nephew etiquette. After Wang Tanzhi's death, they became much more dismissive in their visits, showing up in wooden clogs to pay their respects. Wang Tanzhi had seats arranged for them, but they kept making excuses and dragging their feet. Wang Tanzhi often lamented, "If those important guests were not dead, would these kids dare to be so arrogant?" He enjoyed listening to stories from reclusive individuals, and he would build them houses, provide clothing and utensils, hire servants, and spend lavishly, even hundreds of gold coins. At that time, the monk Zhi Dun was known for his eloquence and charm. No officials or nobles did not respect him, believing his scholarly achievements rivaled those of the era's most renowned scholars. Zhi Dun also held Wang Tanzhi in high esteem, viewing him as a remarkable figure of his time, and they both admired each other greatly. Since Wang Tanzhi had no sons, his cousin Wang Jian's son, Monk Shi, succeeded him.
Sengshi, courtesy name Huituo, inherited the title of Duke of Nanchang. He was well-known at a young age, alongside Wang Sui and Huan Yin, holding prestigious positions, including the Interior Minister of Xuancheng and the Intendant of Danyang. When Liu Yi was stationed in Jiangling, he invited Sengshi to be the Colonel of the Southern Barbarians and granted him command authority. Later, both Sengshi and Liu Yi were executed, and their titles were stripped.
Tan, courtesy name Zhongxi, was initially granted the title of Duke of Dong'an County because of his noble lineage. Minister Wang Dao appointed him as a Secretary. Court officials believed he relied on his father's reputation and often used rules to hold him back, so he only became a Cavalier Attendant at the age of thirty. He was later promoted to Gentleman of the Secretariat. During Emperor Jianwen's tenure as the General, he appointed Tan as his Marshal. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Minister of Personnel of the Secretariat, then promoted to the Deputy Imperial Secretary. When the North's General, Xun Xiansheng, fell ill, the court sent Tan to serve as Xun Xiansheng's military commander, also granting him the title of Cavalier Attendant. After a while, Xun Xiansheng returned to the court, and Tan was appointed as the General of the North, concurrently serving as the Commander of military affairs in Xuyan, Qingyou, and Yangzhou, as well as the Inspector of Xuyan, with the title of acting General, stationed in Jinling. Later, he was defeated by the rebel leader Fu Mobo, and his title was demoted to General of Might. He died shortly after, at the age of forty-two. He was posthumously promoted to General of the North and honored with the title Jian. His son Hui succeeded him in his title.
Hui Zidao, who inherited his father's title at a young age, later became a cavalry attendant and was promoted all the way to the position of Attendant at the Yellow Gates, and concurrently held the position of Right Guard Commander for the Crown Prince. Hui was tall and formidable, standing eight feet tall and sporting a handsome beard. Emperor Xiaowu valued him highly, seeing him as someone who could become a regional lord one day. When Zhu Xu requested to resign from his position, Emperor Xiaowu promoted Hui to the position of General of the armies of Liang, Qin, Yong, Jing, and Yang provinces, Governor of Yongzhou, where he was stationed at Xiangyang, and granted him a nominal title. Hui was well-received in the Guanzhong region, with thousands swearing loyalty to him.
Initially, Dou Chong, a subordinate of Yao Chang, surrendered and was appointed Colonel of the Eastern Qiang. Later, Dou Chong rebelled, entered Hanchuan, and attacked Liangzhou. At that time, many armies from Ba Shu in the Guanzhong region turned against Yao Chang, occupied Hongnong and allied with Fu Deng. Fu Deng appointed Dou Chong as the Left Prime Minister and stationed him in Huayin. The Prefect of Henan, Yang Quanqi, sent Xun Jing, the Prefect of Shangdang, to defend Huangtianwu against Dou Chong. Dou Chong launched several attacks, with Hui dispatching General Zhao Mu to defend Jinyong City, while Yang Quanqi led his troops into battle against Dou Chong at Hucheng, successfully driving him away.
Murong Chui surrounded Murong Yong at Luchuan. Murong Yong was left with no way out, so he sent his son Murong Hong to seek assistance from Yao Xing, and presented a jade seal button as well. Yao Xing submitted the jade seal to the court and said, "If Murong Chui were to conquer Murong Yong, the situation would become unpredictable. In light of national interests, I believe we should save Murong Yong. Allowing Murong Yong and Murong Chui to coexist will lead to their mutual destruction, creating chaos and posing no threat to us. We can then take the opportunity to eliminate them both, thereby restoring peace to Hebei." Emperor Xiaowu found his reasoning convincing, so he ordered Wang Gong and Yu Kai to depart for the rescue, but before they could leave, Murong Yong died. Yang Quanqi stepped down from his post due to illness. Yao Xing appointed Xiahou Zongzhi as the Governor of Henan, stationed in Luoyang. Yao Chang sent his son Yao Lue to attack Hucheng and Shangluo, and appointed General Yang Fosong to besiege Luoyang. Yao Xing sent General Xin Gongjing to aid Luoyang, and Wang Zhengyin, the Governor of Liangzhou, led troops from Ziyu Valley to provide reinforcements. Yao Lue, fearing defeat, ordered a retreat. Yao Xing was promoted to General of the Conquering Barbarians due to this victory, and was also appointed as the Governor of Qinzhou, and additionally given command over the Longshan Army. At that time, the Wei dynasty was powerful, and the situation was dire, prompting Yao Xing to send Deng Qifang and others with ten thousand troops to resist. They clashed with Wei Emperor Tuoba Gui at Yingyang and suffered a heavy defeat.
Later, Wang Gong launched a campaign against Wang Guobao. Huan Xuan and Yin Zhongkan both raised troops in response to Wang Gong. Yao Xing and the court cooperated to restrain Huan Xuan and others. The Prefect of Xiangyang, Xiahou Zongzhi, and the Chief Clerk of the Prefecture, Guo Pi, both believed that this was not feasible, and as a result, they were both killed by Yao Xing. Later, Huan Xuan and others retreated to Xunyang. Yao Xing was appointed as Minister of Personnel and returned to the capital with his family. When they reached Yangkou, Yin Zhongkan secretly sent people to kill him and his four sons on the road, and publicly claimed that they were killed by barbarians. His body was transported back to the capital, and he was posthumously appointed as General Who Pacifies the Army. His son Yao Xun inherited his title.
Yao Long, whose courtesy name was Hongshi, was upright, honest, and uncompromising. He initially served as a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat and was later promoted to Left Minister. He earned the respect of court officials but was dismissed for leaking confidential information. After some time, he was appointed as the Prefect of Dong commandery.
Long had a good relationship with Prince Zhao Lun. When Prince Zhao Lun held power, he appointed Long as a Cavalier in Regular Attendance. Later, when Prince Zhao Lun usurped the throne, he appointed Long as the Inspector of Yangzhou. If any of his officials made mistakes, he punished them strictly according to the court's regulations, leading to widespread resentment against him. Shortly after, he was promoted to General Who Maintains the East, but before he could assume his new position, a proclamation from Prince Qi arrived. At that time, the people from the Central Plains in the army wanted to support Prince Qi, but Long's nephew served as a counselor under Prince Zhao, and his sons were stationed in Luoyang, so he found himself hesitating.
His chief secretary Zhao You and former scholar Yu Tan said to him, "The best way now is for you to personally lead the elite troops to join the Prince of Qi directly. Alternatively, you can stay here to command and quickly send a formidable general with elite troops to move forward. The worst way is to send troops to support in appearance, but actually betray Prince Zhao Lun in secret." Long had always respected his deputy, Gu Yan, and consulted him privately. Gu Yan said, "The worst way mentioned by Zhao You is actually the best strategy." Xi Cao Liucheng heard Gu Yan's words and requested to see Long, asking him, "May I ask what your plans are?" Long said, "I have received favor from two emperors before and cannot favor either side. I only wish to defend the state and counties." Liucheng said, "The world is the Emperor Taizu's! The Emperor has been in power for ten years now, and although he is facing obstacles in regaining control, the Prince of Qi is following the will of heaven and the course of history. Success or failure is obvious. If you are concerned about the favor of the two emperors, you can certainly remain passive, but you should quickly issue a decree and dispatch elite troops and formidable generals. If you hesitate, this state and counties will not be able to hold on!" Long remained silent, and it took him six days to issue the decree.
At that time, General Ningyuan Chenliu Wang Sui served as the commander of Donghai, stationed in Shitoucheng, and many of Long's soldiers went to Sui. Long sent people to Niu Zhu Pass to stop them, but to no avail. The soldiers were enraged, and at night they crowned Sui as their leader and attacked Long. Long and his son were killed, and Gu Yan was also killed. Later, someone falsely accused Long of secretly colluding with various forces and conspiring against the state. After Long's death, people mourned deeply.
Historical records say that loyal ministers come from filial sons, serving the monarch is like honoring parents, putting their own lives at risk, and sacrificing themselves for the country; this represents the highest ideal of loyalty for a minister.
Taizhen was a person of noble character, with a far-reaching reputation. At first, she served her in-laws with a devotion that surpassed even the most devoted son; later, for the sake of the country's honor, she resolutely bid farewell to her parents, a deed more admirable than that of Shen Xu. She traveled to the borderlands without hesitation, devoting herself to her country; facing numerous enemies, she bravely advanced without regard for her own safety. In the end, she made great contributions to the court, achieved great renown, inherited her ancestors' aspirations, and always maintained a noble character. She was filled with indignation at the humiliation of the monarch, her righteous oath shone as brightly as the sun and moon. She wept bitterly on her pillow, as if to avenge a grievance; she assisted the emperor in turning peril into safety, ultimately restoring the country's stability. Without this lady's loyalty and efforts, the country would have faced ruin at the hands of bandits!
Her husband, Daohui, was cultured, gentle, and principled. The couple jointly governed the country with love and harmony, serving as a paragon of marital harmony. Their descendants also inherited their excellent traditions, serving the country generation after generation. After their son's death, she looked at her son's belongings; although in deep sorrow, she still upheld her dignified sense of righteousness.
Praise: Taizhen was faithful and diligent, embodying sincerity. Daohui was loyal and strong, with a noble presence that resonated far and wide. They shouldered their responsibilities with humility, surpassing all with elegance and righteousness.
