Wang ZhenGuo, with the courtesy name Dezhong, was a native of the Pei State. His father, Wang GuangZhi, was a famous general in the Qi dynasty, holding high positions such as Cavalry Commandant and Chariot General. Wang ZhenGuo initially served as a Champion General, gradually rising in ranks to become Tiger Ben General and the Governor of Nanqiao. He had remarkable achievements and a good reputation. During a famine in the county, he donated his own food and money to aid the impoverished. Emperor Gao praised him in a letter, saying, "You treat the people like your own children, governing the region in a way that truly reflects my ideals!"
In the early years of the Yongming era, he was appointed as the Governor of Guiyang, where he captured thieves and brought order to the region. On his way back to the capital after his term, he passed through Jiangzhou, where the Governor, Liu ShiLong, hosted a banquet by the river to see him off. Seeing Wang ZhenGuo's simple and modest luggage, Governor Liu remarked with admiration, "This is a truly honest and good official!" Upon returning to the capital, he was appointed as a Military Advisor in the Grand Marshal's Office. Emperor Wu admired him greatly, often remarking, "In this day and age, talented individuals like Wang ZhenGuo are truly rare among military families!"
Later, he was sent as the Governor of Ancheng, then promoted to Yuezhi Commander, Champion Historian, and Prefect of Zhongli. He was then further promoted to Prefect of Badong and Jianping. He later served as a General of Guerrilla Warfare, stepping down from his post to fulfill his filial duties after his father's passing.
Towards the end of the Jianwu era, Wei forces surrounded Sizhou. Emperor Ming sent the Governor of Xuzhou, Pei ShuYe, to attack Guoyang to lift the siege of Sizhou, and appointed Wang ZhenGuo as the Assistant General, leading troops to assist Pei ShuYe. When the Wei General Yang Dayan launched a surprise attack, Pei ShuYe panicked and fled, leaving his troops behind. Wang ZhenGuo led the remaining soldiers to provide cover, thus preventing a total defeat. In the inaugural year of Yongtai, the Governor of Kuaiji, Wang JingZe, rebelled, and Wang ZhenGuo mobilized troops to resist. Following the suppression of the rebellion, Wang ZhenGuo was promoted to General of Ning and Shuo Provinces, Inspector of Qing and Ji, with his military position unchanged.
The rebel army had arrived, and Xiao Baojuan (the Marquis of Donghun) hastily summoned Zhen Guo (Xiao Baoyin) to lead the troops back to Jiankang City. After the rebel army arrived, Zhen Guo was stationed at the Vermilion Bird Gate, but his troops were defeated by Wang Mao's army, forcing them to retreat to the city. Zhen Guo secretly sent Qi Zuan with a mirror to offer to the founding emperor Xiao Yan as a token of loyalty, and Xiao Yan promptly broke off a piece of gold to reward him. At that time, everyone in the city wanted to support the uprising, but no one had the courage to be the first to act. Minister of Ceremonies and Commandant Zhang Ji was leading the army, and Zhen Guo secretly contacted Zhang Ji's confidant Zhang Qi, trying to win Zhang Ji over.
On the morning of the twelfth month of Bingyin, Zhen Guo lured Zhang Ji into the Commandant's Office, then led his troops in a surprise attack through the Yunlong Gate and assassinated Xiao Baojuan in the inner hall. Afterwards, Zhen Guo, Zhang Ji, and the Chief Clerk of the Masters of Writing Wang Liang met under the West Bell Tower, and delivered Xiao Baojuan's head to the founding emperor Xiao Yan with the help of the Palace Attendant Pei Changmu. In recognition of his merit, the founding emperor appointed Zhen Guo as the Right Guard General, but Zhen Guo firmly declined nonetheless; he was then appointed as the Inspector of Xuzhou, but Zhen Guo insisted on staying in the capital. The founding emperor rewarded him with gold and silk, but Zhen Guo still firmly declined. The founding emperor issued a decree saying, "In the past, Tian Zitai firmly declined the reward of silk and grain; your deep sense of patriotism is truly admirable."
Later, Zhen Guo attended a court banquet, and the emperor asked him, "Is that bright mirror still with you? And what about the gold I gifted you?" Zhen Guo replied, "I have been keeping the gold carefully tucked away by my side, afraid of losing it." So, the founding emperor once again appointed him as the Right Guard General, and also appointed him as an official in the court, later promoting him to the Left Guard General and adding him as a Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. During the early Tianjian period, he was appointed as the Marquis of Sheyang County with a fief consisting of one thousand households. He was later appointed as the Minister of the Capital Secretariat, while still holding his position as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary.
Five years prior, King Yuancheng of Wei attacked Zhongli, and Emperor Gaozu sent Chen Qingzhi (Zhen Guo is Chen Qingzhi's style name) to ask how to confront the enemy. Chen Qingzhi said, "I have always worried that the Wei army is too small; I never thought they had many troops." Upon hearing this, Emperor Gaozu considered Chen Qingzhi very brave, so he granted him command to lead the troops into battle. The Wei army retreated, and they returned victorious. Chen Qingzhi was appointed as the Commissioner, Commander of military affairs in Liangzhou and Qinzhou, General of Conquering the Barbarians, Governor of Southern Qinzhou, and Governor of Liangzhou. During this time, the Chief Historian of Liangzhou, Xiahou Dao, surrendered to the Wei Kingdom. Chen Qingzhi led his troops from Weixing to launch a surprise attack, but failed, so he remained there to garrison the region. Due to his lack of significant military accomplishments, he repeatedly petitioned for resignation, but Emperor Gaozu did not allow it. Later, his title was changed to Marquis of Yiyang, but his fiefdom remained unchanged. He was later summoned back to the court and appointed as a Gentleman Attendant, Right Commander of the Crown Prince's Guard, and also given the position of Rear General. Shortly after, he was promoted to Chief of the Left Guard. Nine years later, he was sent to serve as the Commissioner, Commander of military affairs in Xiangzhou, General of Trustworthy Valor, and Governor of Xiangzhou. He served in Xiangzhou for four years, then was recalled to the court and appointed as General of the Guard, and later promoted to Gentleman Attendant of the Palace Library and Intendant of Danyang. In the fourteenth year of his reign, he passed away. The court posthumously awarded him the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry, provided him with a band, rewarded him with one hundred thousand coins and one hundred bolts of silk, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title "Wei." His son, Chen Sengdu, succeeded him in his title.
Ma Xianjun, styled Lingfu, was a native of Meixian in Fufeng. His father, Ma Boluan, served as a Champion General in the Song Dynasty. Ma Xianjun was known for his bravery and decisiveness from a young age. When his father passed away, he mourned deeply, observing mourning rites more elaborately than usual. He even personally carried soil to the tomb and planted pine and cypress trees. He initially served as a registrar in Yingzhou, later rising to the position of Cavalry Attendant and becoming a minor general under King Xiao Mian of Anlu. After Xiao Mian's death, he served under Emperor Ming. During the Yongyuan period, when Xiao Yaoguang and Cui Huijing rebelled, he distinguished himself in battle on multiple occasions and was eventually promoted to Front General for his contributions. He was then appointed as Longxiang General, Prefect of Nanruyin Commandery, and Prefect of Qiao Commandery. At that time, Shouyang had recently fallen, and the Wei general Wang Su invaded the border. Ma Xianjun fought fiercely against the enemy, winning against greater odds, striking fear into the Wei army. He was subsequently promoted to Ning Shuo General and Governor of Yuzhou due to his military achievements. When the righteous army rose, support poured in from across the country. Emperor Gaozu sent envoys to persuade Ma Xianjun's old friend Yao Zhongbin. As a result, Xianjun directly killed Yao Zhongbin in the camp to set an example for others. When the righteous army reached Xinlin, Xianjun was still in Jiangxi, leading troops and busy transporting military provisions every day. When Jiankang fell, Xianjun wept all night; it was only then that he laid down his arms and surrendered.
Emperor Gaozu comforted him, saying, "Look, in the past, ancient people have all done things like 'shooting hooks and slaying enemies', there's nothing to be ashamed of. Don't let killing Yao Zhongbin make you feel ashamed to face others; it will affect the military food transportation!" Xian Pin quickly said, "I’m like a dog that has lost its master, and now a new master has taken me in; of course, I will continue to serve my master!" Emperor Gaozu laughed heartily after hearing this, finding his metaphor quite amusing and appreciating him. Not long after, Xian Pin's mother died. Emperor Gaozu, knowing his family was poor, rewarded him generously. Xian Pin cried and told his brother Zhong Ai, "The Emperor has shown me such great kindness; I haven't had a chance to repay him, and now he has given me such great favor. I must use all my body and mind to repay him!"
In the fourth year of Tianjian, the imperial army launched a northern campaign. Xian Pin always led the charge in battles, demonstrating unmatched bravery, and defeating the enemy with ease. When discussing battle plans with other generals, he never boasted about his achievements. When asked why, Xian Pin said, "A true man, as long as he is loyal to the country, should act when needed, without seeking fame or fortune, and should retreat when necessary, not shirking responsibility. That's enough. What’s there to brag about?" Later, he was appointed as the Assistant General of the Kingdom, the Prefect of Song'an County, the Prefect of Anman County, and then promoted to the Prefect of Nanyiyang. He defeated the mountain barbarians multiple times, restoring peace and stability to the lands he governed. Due to his outstanding military achievements, he was granted the title of Count of Hanchu County, with a fief of four hundred households, and was appointed as the Military Commander of Sizhou and the Governor of Sizhou, while keeping his position as Assistant General of the Kingdom. Shortly after, he was subsequently promoted to General of Zhenwei.
Once upon a time, in the Wei Kingdom's Yuzhou, there was a man named Bai Zao who killed Sima Qingzeng, the Governor of Langye. He proclaimed himself the General of Pacifying the North, nominated his fellow villager Hu Xun as the new Governor, and then surrendered to our forces at Xuanhu City. Emperor Gaozu then sent Xian Pin to handle the situation, as well as Generals Wu Huichao and Ma Guang to support. Xian Pin set up camp at the Chu King's City and sent Deputy General Qi Gou'er with two thousand soldiers to help defend Xuanhu City. Consequently, the King of Zhongshan in Wei led an army of a hundred thousand to assault Xuanhu. Xian Pin dispatched Ma Guang and Wu Huichao to defend the three passes. In December, Yuan Ying breached Xuanhu, captured Qi Gou'er, defeated Ma Guang, and captured him alive and escorted him to Luoyang. Xian Pin could not provide reinforcements in time. Wu Huichao and the others all fled, and the Wei forces seized control of the three passes. The court held Xian Pin accountable for this, recalled him to the capital, and appointed him as Cloud Cavalry General. Later, he was appointed as Sima and awarded the title of Zhenyuan General.
Ten years later, the people of Qushan killed Liu Jie, the Prefect of Langye, and surrendered their city to the Wei Kingdom. The court ordered Xian Pin to lead troops to quell the rebellion. The Inspector of Xuzhou, Lu Chang, brought over a hundred thousand troops to support. Xian Pin fought against them and defeated them one after another, forcing Lu Chang to flee. Xian Pin pursued the fleeing enemy, and most of the Wei forces were annihilated, capturing countless weapons, provisions, livestock, and horses. After returning to the capital, Xian Pin was promoted to Left Guard Commander for the Crown Prince, granted a noble title and a fief of six hundred households. In his eleventh year, he was promoted to Commissioner, overseeing military affairs in Yuzhou, Beiyu, Huo, and Xinyu, appointed as Faithful General, Governor of Yuzhou, and also took on the role of Prefect of Nanruyin.
At first, Xian Jiu's nickname was Xian Bi. When he grew up, he felt that the character "婢" didn't sound appealing to him, so he replaced "女" with "玉," thus, he became "琕." When Xian Jiu was a general and a prefect, he could share hardships with the soldiers. He wore simple clothing, lived without any curtains or screens, and ate the same rations as the lowest-ranking soldiers. When he was on the border, he often infiltrated enemy camps alone to gather intelligence on the enemy's fortifications, villages, and terrain, so he always won battles, and the soldiers were eager to fight for him. The Emperor held him in high regard and entrusted him with important responsibilities. He served in the province for four years before his death. The court posthumously conferred upon him the title of General of the Left Guard and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of "Gang." His son Yan Fu inherited his title.
Zhang Qi, courtesy name Zixiang, was from Fengyi County and had lived in Hengsang for generations; some even claimed he was a native of Hengsang. He was fearless and determined from a young age. Initially, he served as an aide to Sima Yuanli in Jingzhou Prefecture. Yuanli was a heavy drinker, harsh with his subordinates, and often disrespectful towards Zhang Qi. Later, when Yuanli was dismissed from office and returned home, Zhang Ji from Wu County succeeded Yuanli as the Sima of Jingzhou Prefecture, and Zhang Qi followed him. Zhang Ji recognized Zhang Qi's potential, entrusted him with significant responsibilities, and Zhang Qi remained loyal and never turned down a task. Eventually, he accompanied Zhang Ji back to the capital. Zhang Ji became the Inspector of Nanyuan Province and promoted Zhang Qi to be a military officer in the prefecture, allowing him to participate in military affairs.
During the Yongyuan period, the righteous army rebelled, and the Eastern Han Marquis summoned Zhang Ji back to oversee military matters in the palace city and reside in the Ministry of State. The righteous army tightened their siege on the city, and Zhang Qi went to see Wang Zhenguo every day to secretly discuss countermeasures with him. After the plan was finalized, at night, Zhang Qi brought Wang Zhenguo before Zhang Ji, where they knelt, with Zhang Qi holding a candle to assist their discussion. The next morning, Zhang Qi, Zhang Ji, and Wang Zhenguo together killed the Eastern Han Marquis in the inner hall. The following year, Gaozu ascended the throne, appointed Zhang Qi as the Marquis of Anchang County with a fief of five hundred families, and also appointed him as the General of Ning Shuo and the Prefect of Liyang. Zhang Qi did not know how to read, but his governance in Liyang County was exemplary, and his administration was well-organized.
In the second year of Tianjian, Zhang Qi was appointed as the General of the Tiger Warriors. Before he assumed the position, he was transferred to Tianmen as the Prefect, while still holding the title of General of Ning Shuo. In the fourth year of Tianjian, the Wei general Wang Zu launched an invasion of the Bashu region, and Gaozu appointed Zhang Qi as the General of Fuguo to rescue Bashu. Before reaching Bashu, Wang Zu withdrew his troops, so Zhang Qi stationed his forces in Nan'an. In the autumn of the seventh year of Tianjian, the court dispatched Zhang Qi to set up two garrisons, Dajian and Hanzhong, in the region, and the army later returned to Yizhou. In the same year, Zhang Qi was promoted to General of Wulü and appointed Prefect of Baxi, and shortly after was further appointed as General of Expedition Far.
In the tenth year of Tianjian, Yao Jinghe, a local leader, in alliance with the local tribes, blocked the river route and successfully breached Jinjing. Zhang Qi went to attack Yao Jinghe in Pingchang and defeated him. Initially, Nanzheng fell into the hands of Wei, leading to the establishment of Nanzheng Prefecture in western Yizhou. The newly established prefecture depended on Yizhou for various resources. Zhang Qi collected taxes from the local tribes and obtained two hundred thousand bushels of grain. He also built post stations, fostered metallurgy and casting industries to meet the needs of Nanzheng Prefecture.
In the eleventh year of our era, he was appointed as a provisional commander to supervise the various military forces outside Yizhou. In the twelfth year, the Wei general Fu Shuyan arrived in Nan'an to stir up trouble, and he led the army to resist and successfully drove Fu Shuyan off.
In the fourteenth year of his service, he was promoted to General of Xinwu and also served as the prefect of Baxi County and Zitong County. That year, in Jiameng County, a man named Ren Lingzong could no longer endure the oppression of the Wei Kingdom, so he killed the Prefect of Jinshou of Wei and then offered the city to us. The Governor of Yizhou, Prince Poyang, sent him to lead thirty thousand troops to meet Ren Lingzong along with the Chief Historian of the Southern Liang Province, Xi Zongfan.
In the fifteenth year, the Eastern Governor of Yizhou, Yuan Faseng, sent his son Jinglong to intercept our army. The Prefect of Nan'an, Huangfu Chen, and Xi Zongfan counterattacked, defeating the Wei army in Jiameng and capturing more than ten cities. The Wei generals Qiu Tu and Wang Mu surrendered. However, Wei reinforced their troops and sent Fu Shuyan to attack again. Our army was outnumbered and at a significant disadvantage, so we retreated, and Jiameng City fell back into the hands of Wei.
He stayed in Yizhou for several years, constantly fighting against the barbarian tribes and bandits, never experiencing a moment of peace. In the military camp, he always worked alongside the soldiers, sharing the hardships together. He personally designed the barracks and fortifications with practicality in mind; distributing clothing, food, and various supplies, ensuring that everyone had sufficient supplies without shortages. Because of this, everyone supported him, and the barbarian tribes and bandits dared not easily invade, which earned him a great reputation in Yongzhou and Shuzhou. Baxi County was located in the central area of Yizhou, a crucial point along the eastern trade route, where the Governor's inspections and military marches often passed through, which often faced supply shortages. He organized the collection of food along the way, planting vegetables so that the marching troops could be supplied. His capability in managing logistics was clearly demonstrated through these efforts.
In the seventeenth year, he was promoted again, appointed as the bearer of the ceremonial staff, the commander of military affairs in Southern Liang Province, the General of Intelligence and Martial Arts, and the governor of Nanliangzhou. Four years later, he was promoted to the General of Trustworthy Military, the Sima of the Prince of Poyang in the West, and the Prefect of Xinxing and Yongning Counties. Unfortunately, he passed away before taking office, at the age of sixty-seven. The court posthumously honored him as a Cavalier Attendant and the General of the Right Guard, awarded him one hundred thousand coins and one hundred bolts of silk, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title "Zhuang."
The Minister of Personnel, Chen Yaocha, said: Wang Zhenguo, Shen Zhou, Xu Yuanyu, and Li Jushi, these four individuals served as senior military commanders during the final stages of the Qi Kingdom's downfall, with powerful forces under their command. Some were captured and surrendered without resistance, while others broke through enemy lines and secured victories, presenting their success to the court. However, only Ma Xianpin was able to submit to the court later. Oh, what really defines benevolence and righteousness? If you achieve it, then you are indeed a true gentleman! Their ability to govern the borders and pacify the people even surpasses that of the renowned general Li Mu! Zhang Qi's accomplishments are also comparable to theirs. There are very few records of Shen Zhou, Xu Yuanyu, and Li Jushi in the history of the Liang Kingdom, which is why they were not included in their biographies.
