The Zhu family has a total of ten sons. Empress Zhang gave birth to Sha Xuanwu King Zhu Yi, Yongyang Zhaowang Zhu Fu, the later Emperor Zhu (the founder), and Hengyang Xuanwang Zhu Chang. Lady Li gave birth to Guiyang Jianwang Zhu Rong. Zhu Yi and Zhu Rong were killed by Duke Dong Hun of Qi during the Yongyuan era; Zhu Fu and Zhu Chang passed away during the Jianwu period; after Emperor Zhu ascended the throne, he posthumously honored them as princes. Consort Chen gave birth to Linchuan Jinghui King Zhu Hong and Nanping Yuanxiang King Zhu Wei. Consort Wu gave birth to Ancheng Kang King Zhu Xiu and Shixing Zhongwu King Zhu Dan. Consort Fei gave birth to Poyang Zhonglie King Zhu Hui.
Speaking of Linchuan Jinghui King Zhu Hong, whose style name is Xuanda, he is the sixth son of the Zhu family. He is a towering eight feet tall and handsome, with striking eyebrows and a well-groomed beard, exuding an air of dignity. In the tenth year of Qi Yongming, he served as a minor official under the Prince of Luling, as a legal officer in the royal guard, and later was promoted to be the prince's personal attendant. At that time, his brother, Changsha King Zhu Yi, was besieged by the Wei army in Liangzhou. The following year, the court sent Zhu Hong with a thousand elite soldiers for rescue, but before they arrived, the Wei army withdrew. Later, Zhu Hong was promoted again, serving as the chief clerk to the King of Beiqi, Jin'an, and shortly after, he became the historian of the Guizhou King. His brother, Hengyang King Zhu Chang, had a particularly good reputation, and even Xiao Yaoguang respected him. Later, Xiao Yaoguang rebelled and forced Zhu Chang to go to the East Palace. Zhu Chang, fearing for his safety, was the first to flee back to the court. When Old Zhu was in Yongzhou Province, he was always worried about his younger brothers, so he said to Zhu Wei, the King of Nanping, "My sixth brother Zhu Hong is reliable; he will definitely return to the court first." When the news arrived, it confirmed Old Zhu's suspicions.
After Lao Zhu rebelled, Zhu Hong welcomed him in Xinlin and was appointed as the General Assistant to the State. After the recapture of Jiankang City, Zhu Hong was promoted again and became the General of the Western Central Army and Central Guard, and was also responsible for military affairs in Shitoucheng. In the first year of Tianjian, he was granted the title of Prince of Linchuan County, with a fief of 2,000 households. Not long after, he became the Imperial Commissioner, Cavalier Attendant, Commander of the military affairs of Yangzhou and Nanxuzhou, General of the Rear, Governor of Yangzhou, and was accompanied by a ceremonial guard. Three years later, he was further appointed as the Palace Attendant and his official position was elevated to General of the Central Army.
In the fourth year, Emperor Gaozu ordered a northern expedition and appointed Xiao Hong as the Commander, leading the armies of eight provinces including Southern and Northern Yanzhou, Beizhou, Xuzhou, Qingzhou, Jizhou, Yuzhou, Sizhou, and Huozhou to attack the enemies in the north. Xiao Hong, the Emperor's own younger brother, commanded a strong and well-equipped army, with a formation that the northern people hadn't seen in hundreds of years! When the army reached Luokou, Xiao Hong's vanguard successfully captured Liangcheng and even killed the Wei general Chao Qing. Unfortunately, due to the lengthy campaign, the Emperor ordered the troops to return to the capital.
In the summer of the sixth year, Xiao Hong was promoted to General of the Brave Cavalry, appointed as a Palace Attendant, continuing to serve in that role. In the same year, he was further appointed as the Minister of Works, concurrently holding the positions of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. In the summer of the eighth year, he was appointed as the Imperial Commissioner, Commander of the military affairs of Yangzhou and Nanxuzhou, Minister of Works, and Governor of Yangzhou, retaining his role as Palace Attendant. Unexpectedly, in the winter of the same year, due to certain official matters, he was demoted to Grand General of the Brave Cavalry, with the same privileges he had previously, and his position as Palace Attendant remained unchanged. Before he could take up the new position, he was appointed once again as the Imperial Commissioner, Commander of the military affairs of Yangzhou and Xuzhou, Governor of Yangzhou, retaining his roles as Palace Attendant and General. By the twelfth year, he was promoted to Minister of Construction, and all his previous roles remained the same.
In the spring of the fifteenth year, Xiao Hong's biological mother, Empress Chen, fell ill. Xiao Hong and his younger brother, Prince Naping Xiao Wei, stayed by her side, caring for her day and night. Whenever someone from the palace inquired about her condition, Xiao Hong would report back tearfully. After Empress Chen passed away, Xiao Hong went five days without eating or drinking. The Emperor visited him multiple times to comfort him. Xiao Hong had always been filial and sensible since he was young. During the turmoil of the late Qi Dynasty, he secluded himself to avoid the chaos, living apart from his mother but he regularly sent people to check on her. Some advised him to keep a low profile during his escape, but Xiao Hong tearfully replied, "How can I not be there for her? I cannot delay this matter for even a moment!" Later, he was appointed as the Chief of the Imperial Library, but he firmly declined the positions of General of the Cavalry, Imperial Envoy, and Commander. In the summer of the seventeenth year, due to official duties, Xiao Hong was demoted to the position of Palace Attendant, General of the Central Army, and acting Minister of Public Works. In the winter of the same year, he was promoted again to Palace Attendant, Chief of the Imperial Library, and Minister of Public Works. In the first year of the Putong era, he was appointed as Imperial Envoy, Commander of the military forces in Yangzhou and Nanxuzhou, Grand Commandant, Governor of Yangzhou, and Palace Attendant. In the second year of the Putong era, he was assigned to reconstruct the sacrificial sites in the southern and northern suburbs, though this project ultimately did not come to fruition. In July, Prince Hong of Linchuan became ill and requested to be relieved of his position as Governor of Yangzhou, which the Emperor approved, allowing him to retain his other positions. In April, he died at the age of fifty-four. From the time he fell ill until his death, the Emperor had people check on him seven times.
When it came time for the burial, the Emperor decreed: "The Grand Preceptor, Grand Commandant, and King of Linchuan, Wang Hong, was distinguished in appearance, majestic in demeanor, and broad-minded. He was upright and honest from a young age, and his contributions to politics were numerous. Since the establishment of the dynasty, he has always been my trusted confidant, holding important positions and contributing to discussions in court without objection. I regarded him as both a loyal subject and a family member, hoping he would continue to assist me and be a role model for the country. However, fate did not allow it, and he died young. I am deeply saddened and shaken. He deserves a grand ceremony to honor his achievements. I posthumously bestow upon him the titles of Grand Preceptor, Grand General, Governor of Yangzhou, and the ceremonial Yellow Battle-axe, while preserving his royal title. Additionally, I grant him a band of musicians and increase his ceremonial escort to sixty people. He shall be buried in exquisite funerary attire. His posthumous title shall be Jinghui." Hong was kind and compassionate, having served as the governor of Yangzhou for over twenty years, never once using his power to oppress the local counties, earning him the respect of the people.
King Linchuan Wang Hong had seven sons: Zhengren, Zhengyi, Zhengde, Zhengze, Zhengli, Zhengbiao, and Zhengxin. The eldest, Zhengren, served as the Governor of Wuxing and was skilled in governance. When he died in the tenth year of the Tianjian era, he was posthumously given the title of Lamented Crown Prince. Since he had no sons, the Emperor decreed that the Marquis of Luoping, Zhengli, would succeed to the position of Crown Prince according to Hong's wishes. After Hong's passing, Zhengli petitioned for his brother Zhengyi to inherit the title, which the Emperor readily consented to, renaming Zhengli to the Marquis of Jian'an, granting him a fief of one thousand households. After Zhengli's death, his son succeeded to the title. Zhengyi was previously titled as the Marquis of Pingle, Zhengde as the Marquis of Xifeng, Zhengze as the Marquis of Leshan, Zhengli as the Marquis of Luoping, Zhengbiao as the Marquis of Shanyin, Zhengxin as the Marquis of Wuhua, and Zhengde is noted in a separate biography.
Prince Ancheng Kang, whose name was Xiu and style name was Yanda, was the seventh son of Emperor Taizu. When he was twelve years old, his biological mother, Empress Wu, passed away. Xiu's younger brother, Prince Shixing, was only nine at the time. The brothers were renowned for their filial piety, and during their mourning period, they refrained from eating or drinking for several days. Emperor Taizu personally fed them porridge. The Emperor sympathized with these motherless children at such a tender age and had Lady Chen and her two sons look after them. Lady Chen, who had no children of her own, was nurturing and treated the two boys as if they were her own. As Xiu matured, he became a dignified figure with a steady character. Even his close attendants were expected to be well-dressed in his presence. Therefore, his relatives, friends, and family all respected him greatly.
During the Qi Dynasty period, when Xiu was around twenty years old, he became a Zuo Lang, a type of literary official. He later advanced to the position of a military judge within the Rear Army and then became a companion of the Crown Prince. During the Yongyuan era, Prince Yiping of Xuanwu, Changsha, suppressed the rebellion of Cui Huijing and was appointed Minister of Works, attaining a prominent position. His brother, Prince Chang of Hengyang, served as the Commandant of the Guards. At that time, Emperor Donghun was indulging in pleasure, day and night, without restraint in his comings and goings. Many urged Prince Yiping to shut the city gates and stage a revolt while the Emperor was away, but Prince Yiping did not agree. Those in the Emperor's circle were envious of Prince Yiping's considerable achievements and feared he would depose the Emperor, so they constantly sowed discord between them. Consequently, Prince Yiping felt threatened, and all the princes started to be cautious. When the situation finally arose, the brothers and nephews of Prince Hong of Lichuan fled for their lives. They were all in the capital at the time of their escape, and few noticed, except for Prince Rong of Guiyang, who was implicated.
When the Founding Emperor raised troops and marched to Xinlin, Xiao Xiu and other nobles volunteered to join the battlefield. The Founding Emperor appointed him as General of the State. At that time, his brother, King Jinxi, Xiao Baosong, served as the Champion General and concurrently as the Governor of Nanxuzhou, stationed in Jingkou. His Chief of Staff, Fan Xu, handled the affairs of the state, sent people to surrender to the Founding Emperor, and requested military support. Therefore, the Founding Emperor appointed Xiao Xiu as the Chief of Staff of the Champion General and concurrently as the Prefect of South Donghai, also stationed in Jingkou. After Jiankang City was captured, Xiao Xiu was promoted to Commissioner with Imperial Authority, Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of Nansu and Yanzhou, Governor of Nanxuzhou, while retaining the position of General of the State.
In the first year of Tianjian, Xiao Xiu was promoted to General Who Subdues the Barbarians, appointed as the Prince of Ancheng, with a fief of 2,000 households. Since Cui Huijing rebelled in Jingkou, the city suffered from continuous warfare, and the people were displaced. Xiao Xiu actively worked to pacify and resettle the people, implementing numerous welfare policies, and was deeply loved by the people. Just in time for the famine that year, Xiao Xiu used his personal wealth to assist the people, saving many lives. In the second year, Xiao Xiu continued to serve as General Who Subdues the Barbarians while also in charge of the military affairs of Shitou Shu, and was further appointed as Cavalier Attendant. In the third year, he was promoted to Right General. In the fifth year, he was further appointed as General Who Leads the Army and Prefect of the Palace Secretariat, and was also assigned a ceremonial guard.
In the sixth year, he was appointed as Commissioner with Imperial Authority, Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of Jiangzhou, General Who Maintains Peace in the South, and Governor of Jiangzhou. When preparing to depart, the logistics personnel sought sturdy boats for the sacrificial ceremony. Xiu said, "How could I be stingy with resources and not value talent?" So he ordered that sturdy boats be provided for his staff to use, and ordinary boats be used to carry the sacrificial items. As a result, they encountered a storm along the way, and the sacrificial boat was damaged.
After taking office in Jiangzhou, he heard that the previous governor had summoned the great-grandson of Tao Yuanming to serve as an official. Xiu sighed and remarked, "How can Tao Yuanming's virtues be limited to just his generation!" That day, he summoned him to take up a position in the Western Department. It was midsummer at the time, the river was flooding, and the ferry bridges were all washed away. The Department of External Affairs requested to rent ferries as usual and collect fees. Xiu ordered, "If the governor failed to do good and caused this flood disaster, how can they still profit from it?! Provide the boats for free!"
Seven years later, his mother, Empress Chen, passed away, and the court ordered him to return home to manage the funeral arrangements. Shortly after, he was promoted to Commander of Military Affairs in the Nine Provinces: Jing, Xiang, Yong, Yi, Ning, Nan, Bei Liang, and Nan, Bei Qinzhou, and he was further promoted to General of Western Pacification. He established schools and recruited reclusive scholars. He ordered, "Birds that resemble quail in flight will not hide in the Dan mountains; those treasures like Zhao Hua will shine in the Blue Fields. Therefore, the Jianghan River has the song 'Zhuoying', the empty valley has the chanting of 'Laisi', and the promotion of education and the spread of morality all stem from this. Han Huaiming of Hedong, Han Wang of Nanping, Yu Chengxian of Nanjun, Guo Ma of Hedong, these recluses have escaped the worldly noise and live an ascetic life. The two Hans are pure and honest, Yu and Guo are emaciated; some eat acorn rice and drink shepherd's purse soup, feeling pressed for time; some live in houses with reed walls and mugwort mats, but enjoy it. In the past, Bo Wu was steadfast and resolute, serving in Henan; the history books say he was aloof and resigned in Chenliu. Is it because he was as unremarkable as the crops in the field? In fact, he was refining himself like one would refine jade. You may order their summoning and send someone to express my meaning. Since I am inviting them sincerely, just like the Marquis of Wei, I hope they will no longer have any concerns about refusing."
This year, the common folk of Xuanhu City in the Wei Kingdom revolted, killing Sima Yue, the governor of Yuzhou, and then brought in Ma Xianpin, the governor of Sizhou. Ma Xianpin went to Jingzhou seeking reinforcements. Everyone believed they should wait for orders from the court before taking action, but Liu Xiu remarked, "People are relying on us for help, so we must act swiftly." So, he immediately sent troops to support. Previously, the barbarians from the Baling Horse Camp frequently roamed along the river, causing trouble. General Gao Jiangchan of the rear army led troops from Yingzhou to confront them, but they were defeated, and he was killed in battle, which only emboldened the barbarians. Liu Xiu dispatched Fangge Wenchu to lead the army against them, setting fire to their forests and cutting off their escape routes. The barbarians lost their hiding spots, and a year later, the roads along the river were secured, and thieves in various states were pacified. Later, the Ju River flooded, damaging many fields of the common people. Liu Xiu allocated 20,000 bushels of grain to assist them. He also instructed Chief Clerk Xiaochen to select elderly, impoverished individuals and officials from the prefecture and surrounding states. In just one day, over 500 individuals were organized for assistance, and the common folk were extremely grateful.
After several years, in the 11th year of the common era, Liu Xiu was summoned by the court to serve as an attendant minister, General of the Central Guard, concurrently holding the positions of Minister of Ceremonies and in charge of military affairs in Shitou. In the 13th year of the common era, he was sent out to serve as a regional inspector, Cavalry Commandant, Commander of military affairs in the three provinces of Ying, Si, and Huo, General of Pacification in the West, and Governor of Yingzhou. The area of Dangtu in Yingzhou was a very important strategic location, but the local populace was impoverished, to the extent that even women had to perform labor service; the situation was dire. After assuming office, Liu Xiu was determined to win the people's trust. Some officials wanted to gather some clerks, but Liu Xiu said, "I’m not sure how to address these issues. This province is currently in decline and cannot afford any more chaos." So he was diligent and thrifty, reducing unnecessary expenses, enabling the populace to live and work in peace, resulting in a state of tranquility. Previously, Xia Kou was often at war, with a heap of bones beneath the Yellow Crane Tower. Liu Xiu held a memorial for them and buried their remains. That night, he dreamt that hundreds of souls came to express their gratitude before departing. Every winter, he often distributed cotton clothes and pants to those suffering from the cold. At that time, the rebellious chieftain Tian Lusheng in Sizhou, along with his brothers Lu Xian and Chao Xiu, led their followers to surrender. The Emperor Gaozu Liu Xiu appointed Lusheng as the Governor of North Sizhou, Lu Xian as the Governor of North Yuzhou, and Chao Xiu as the Governor of Dingzhou, to defend against enemies in the north. However, Lusheng and Chao Xiu clashed with each other and both had thoughts of leaving. Liu Xiu reconciled them and allowed them to each utilize their strengths, relying on them to guard the border at that time. In the sixteenth year of his reign, he was appointed as a regional inspector, Commander of military affairs in the four provinces of Yong, Liang, South, and North Qin, in Jingling of Yingzhou and Sizhou, General who Pacifies the North, Colonel who Pacifies the Barbarians, and Governor of Yongzhou, and then went to take up his post. In the spring of the seventeenth year, he passed away at Shifan in Jingling, at the age of forty-four. The Emperor Gaozu was deeply saddened upon hearing the news and sent his son, Prince of Nankang, to escort his coffin along the route.
When he set out westward, the people of Yingzhou came to see him off, and when they heard he was sick, both the people and the merchants pleaded on his behalf. After he passed away, the people from the four provinces tore their clothes to fashion white hats, crying to welcome and bid him farewell. The tribes of Yongzhou welcomed him, but when they heard of his death, they mourned and then departed. After the coffin arrived in the capital, the Emperor Gaozu sent people to posthumously appoint him as the Minister of Central Affairs and Minister of Works, and conferred upon him the posthumous title of Kang.
He carried himself with dignity, and every time he attended court, all the officials watched him. He was kind and generous, never revealing his emotions. Once, his subordinates killed a goose he had raised by throwing stones, and the military commander requested that they be punished. While in the capital, he attended to public affairs every morning, and when the cook accidentally dropped his meal, he got up and left, not eating for the entire morning, without blaming the cook. He was well-versed in the arts and sciences, collected and organized historical classics, and invited the scholar Pingyuan Liu Xiaobiao to write "Lei Yuan," which gained notoriety even before its completion.
He shared a brotherly bond with Emperor Gaozu during their youth and later became his subject. He was cautious, respectful, and more respectful than the common people, which further endeared him to Emperor Gaozu. He lost both his parents at a young age and had a special relationship with King Shi Xing. After the prosperity of the Liang Dynasty, Shi served as the Inspector of Jingzhou for a long time and consistently shared part of his salary with Xiuhui, who gladly accepted without refusing. The harmony between the two brothers was widely praised by the people. Therefore, his subordinates, such as Xiahou Bing, petitioned the Emperor to have a tombstone erected in his honor, which the Emperor approved. Many talented individuals came forward to write epitaphs in his honor, such as Prince Sengru of Donghai, Lu Cui of Wu County, Liu Xiaochuo of Pengcheng, and Pei Ziye of Hedong, each contributing a piece, an unprecedented occurrence in history! His son, Crown Prince Ji, succeeded him in his title.
It is said that a man named Xiao Ji, who was smart and clever, was titled the Crown Prince of Ancheng in the second year of Tianjian. Six years later, he was promoted to General of Ningyuan, Governor of Kuaiji, and later became Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat. In the first year of Putong, he inherited the title and became the Prince of Ancheng. In the same year, he also became the stablemaster to the Crown Prince and was promoted to Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat. In the second year, he was appointed as General Mingwei and Intendant of Danyang. In the third year, he was further promoted to Commissioner, Commander of military affairs in Xiang, Heng, and Gui provinces, General Ningyuan, and Governor of Xiangzhou. Unfortunately, in the second year of Datong, he passed away in office at the young age of thirty.
Xiao Ji was quite handsome, articulate, and had a vast collection of books at home. He was a talented scholar who had a remarkable memory. However, he had a flaw: he enjoyed revelry and was prone to violence, distancing himself from learned scholars and choosing instead to associate with lesser individuals. When he was the Governor of the province, he only focused on exploiting the populace and had no political achievements, and was often investigated. After his death, the authorities wanted to give him a posthumous title, but Emperor Gaozu issued a decree: "This Prince Xiao, who indulged in pleasures and neglected his responsibilities, shall be posthumously named 'Yang'!" He had written many poems and essays during his lifetime, amounting to thousands of words. His grandson Xiao Yi collected these works and later wrote a preface. His son Xiao Cao inherited his title.
Xiao Ji's younger brother, named Xiao Tui, styled Zhi Jin, was intelligent from a young age and enjoyed writing. He was highly esteemed by Emperor Taizong and was appointed to a noble rank in the sixth year of Putong. Later, he became General of Ningyuan, Governor of Huainan, and was later promoted to General of the Chariots and Prefect of Jinling. He also served as an official, the Prince's stablemaster, and served as Chief Secretary. He was later sent away and became General Rongzhao and Prefect of Wu County. Strangely, wherever he went, drought followed him, and the people of Wu called him the "Mother of Drought."
During the rebellion of Hou Jing, he defended the Eastern Capital City. The rebel army set up towering siege weapons and attacked with all their might. Xiao Tui led the soldiers to fiercely resist, repelling the enemy's attacks multiple times. However, at night, the defending general Xu Yuhua, stationed in the northeast corner, unexpectedly opened the city gates to welcome the rebel army. The city was lost, and Xiao Tui died in battle clutching his ceremonial staff.
King Yuan Xiang of Nanping, whose name was Xiao Wei and courtesy name Wenda, was the eighth son of Song Taizu. He was intelligent and studious from a young age. During the Qi Dynasty, he initially served as an official in the North Law Office of Jin'an Town, later promoted to the General of the Valiant Cavalry, and then transferred to the external army.
When his father Song Gaozu was in power in Yongzhou, he sensed that chaos was imminent, so he sent people to bring Xiao Wei and Prince Shixing Xiao Dan to Xiangyang. Soon after, he learned that the two brothers had reached the Mian River Basin. Song Gaozu happily told the officials around him, "Now I have nothing left to worry about!"
Later, Song Gaozu raised troops to suppress the rebellion, with Prince Nankang serving as regent, appointing Xiao Wei as the Champion General to stay in Yongzhou to handle affairs. After the volunteer army set out, the reserves and troops in Yongzhou were all but depleted. The Prefect of Weixing, Pei Shiren, and the Prefect of Qixing, Yan Sengdou, each took control of their respective counties, disobeying the court's orders and preparing to attack Yongzhou. Xiao Wei and Prince Shixing Xiao Dan deployed troops to set an ambush in Shiping County. When Pei Shiren and the others arrived, they secured a decisive victory, completely routing them, which ultimately stabilized the situation in Yongzhou.
After Gaozu conquered Yingdu and Lu, he attacked Xunyang and surrounded Jianye. At this time, the son of Ba Dong Prefect Xiao Huixun, Xiao Yingzhou, and Ba Xi Prefect Lu Xiulie led troops to attack Jingzhou, stationed at Shangming, and defeated the Jingzhou army in succession. General Xiao Yingzhou dispatched Liu Xiaoqing and others to resist, but they were ultimately defeated, which instilled fear among the court officials.
Xiahou Xiang suggested that troops be recruited from Yongzhou, so Xiao Wei selected local officials and, together with Prince Shixing Dan, proceeded to Yongzhou. Upon their arrival, Xiao Yingzhou and his men surrendered. The Emperor appointed Xiao Wei as the Commissioner, Commander of Yong, Liang, South, and North Qin Four Provinces, Jingling Sizhou, Suijun, Ningman Xiaowei, Governor of Yongzhou, while maintaining his military rank. Shortly after, he was promoted to the rank of Shizhong and further appointed as General of the North.
In the first year of Tianjian, Xiao Wei was appointed as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and promoted to Inspector of Jing and Ning Provinces, while keeping his other titles. He was granted the title of Prince of Jian'an County, with a fief of two thousand households along with a troupe of musicians. Four years later, he was transferred to Commander of the Southern Xuzhou Military Affairs, Inspector of Southern Xuzhou, while retaining his positions. Five years later, Xiao Wei returned to the capital, appointed as General Who Pacifies the Army, Intendant of Danyang, while keeping his other titles.
In the sixth year, Xiao Wei was promoted to Commissioner, Commander of Yang and Southern Xuzhou Military Affairs, General of the Right Army, and Inspector of Yangzhou. Before assuming office, he was further promoted to General of the Central Authority. In the seventh year, due to illness, he requested to resign from his position as Inspector of the province and was appointed as Cavalier Attendant, Central Army Calmer, acting Minister of Personnel. In the ninth year, he was promoted to Protector of the Army, Stone Guard Military Affairs, while retaining his other positions. In the same year, he was sent to Jiangzhou as Commissioner, Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, Commander of Jiangzhou Military Affairs, General Who Guards the South, and Inspector of Jiangzhou, while retaining his other positions.
In the eleventh year, he was promoted to the position of Governor of the Left and Right, holding the title of Three Excellencies. In the same year, he requested to resign due to illness. In the twelfth year, he was summoned back to the court to serve as General, with the positions of Three Excellencies and Palace Attendant unchanged, but he did not take up the post due to illness. In the thirteenth year, he was appointed as Left Guanglu Minister. The court also added forty trusted aides to him, supplying him with ten thousand shi of rice, five thousand pieces of silk and satin, 2,400,000 coins worth of medicinal materials each year, a monthly food allowance of two hundred thousand coins, and two hundred miscellaneous attendants from two guards and two camps, twice as many as before. He was also equipped with a hundred-person White Guard Bureau for Left and Right. In his later years, Xiao Wei's health deteriorated, and he never returned to serve as an external vassal again, so the court continued to increase his salary and benefits. Fifteen years ago, my mother, the late Empress Chen, fell ill. Prince Hong of Linqing and I took care of her at her bedside, going several days without changing clothes or sleeping. After the Empress passed away, I was so overcome with grief that I couldn't eat or drink for several days. Even my grandfather, the Emperor, came to see me to offer comfort. Although I followed my grandfather's orders, I became so thin that I could hardly bear the weight of this loss.
At the age of seventeen, my grandfather felt that Jian'an was too poor, so he changed my fiefdom to Nanping County, with no change in the number of households. Then he appointed me as a Palace Attendant, Left Minister of Guanglu, and Grand Counselor. In just four years, my fiefdom expanded to include a thousand more households. In the fifth year, I was promoted to General of the Imperial Guard. In the first year of Zhongdatong, I continued to serve as the Prince's Tutor. Four years later, I was promoted to Prefect of the Palace Secretariat and Grand Marshal. Five years later, I died at the age of fifty-eight. The Emperor (Gaozu) ordered that I be buried in ceremonial robes and also granted me the secret treasures of the East Garden. The Emperor also decreed, "Recognizing merits, recording achievements, this is a tradition upheld by emperors throughout history; handling funerals with caution, remembering ancestors, this is the tradition passed down through the ages. The Palace Attendant, Prefect of the Palace Secretariat, Grand Marshal, Prince of Nanping, Wei, has a magnificent presence and broad knowledge. Since childhood, he has been upright and honest, assisting in the founding of the country, with achievements on par with those of Fan Kuai and Peng Yue, enduring hardships and difficulties, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the tasks entrusted to him. When participating in court affairs, assisting the Emperor, he fulfilled his duties diligently. Unfortunately, he passed away at a young age, causing me great sorrow. He should be honored posthumously in a grand manner to reflect his contributions. Posthumously appointed as Palace Attendant and Grand Preceptor, with his princely title remaining unchanged. Bestowed with a set of feathered banners and musical instruments, as well as forty swords. His posthumous title is Yuanxiang." Prince Xiao Wei of Jian'an loved learning from a young age, was honest, generous, and especially respected talents, always feeling that he was not doing well enough. Therefore, renowned scholars from all over the country would visit him. During the Qi Dynasty, Qingxi Palace was renamed Fanglin Garden; in the early years of Tianjian, the Emperor bestowed him a mansion, which he expanded and decorated with many precious trees and fruits, making it incredibly luxurious and beautiful. He often entertained guests at the mansion and had his attendant Xiao Zifan write a description. The mansions of the nobles during the Liang Dynasty paled in comparison to his grandeur.
Xiao Wei is extremely kind and especially sympathetic to the poor. He often sends his trusted subordinates to go door to door. When Wang Manying of Taiyuan passed away, his family was so poor that they couldn't afford the funeral expenses. His friend Jiang Ge went to pay his respects. Manying's wife and children pleaded with Jiang Ge for help. Jiang Ge said, "Jian'an Wang will definitely know about this; he will definitely help take care of it." Before he finished speaking, Xiao Wei's people arrived, covering Manying's funeral costs and addressing their urgent needs. Whenever it was cold and snowy, he sent people with firewood and rice to help those in need. In his later years, he embraced Buddhism and became particularly skilled in metaphysics. He wrote the book "Two Purposes" and provided a new interpretation of it. He also wrote articles such as "Nature" and "Several Gods" to articulate his views. Famous scholars such as Seng Chong, Zhou She, Yin Jun, and Lu Fu were well-versed in these teachings, but could not fully understand them. Xiao Wei had four sons: Ke, Gong, Qian, and Zhi, with his eldest son Ke inheriting his title. His second son Gong, also known as Jingfan, was made the Marquis of Hengshan County in the eighth year of Tianjian. He was honored for his achievements in the Yuanxiang Battle, which increased his fiefdom to one thousand households. Initially, he served as a junior official, then was promoted to the position of the prince's stablemaster. He was later sent to oversee eleven counties including Qi'an, appointed as the General of Ningyuan, and the prefect of Xiyang and Wuchang. He was then summoned back to the court, serving as a secretary, and was promoted to Lang in the Central Secretariat, monitoring the Intendant of Danyang and handling affairs in Xuzhou and Nanxuzhou. He stepped down from his position after his mother passed away. Soon after, he was appointed General of the Cloud Banner and Governor of Xiangzhou.
Li Gong, this person, is especially skilled at managing government affairs and is praised wherever he goes. However, he has a rather extravagant personality. He builds houses and mansions, decorating them lavishly, akin to an imperial palace. He also loves making friends, often hosting lavish feasts and drinking sessions that last all day. The seats are filled with guests, chatting endlessly.
At that time, the emperor was still in his fief, placing great importance on reputation and diligent study, and rarely indulging in alcohol. Li Gong often calmly remarked to others, "I observe people; many do not know how to enjoy life, lying in bed all day, staring at the ceiling while writing books. Who will remember them thousands of years later? They exhaust themselves yet leave no legacy. How can it compare to singing happily under the clear moonlight, or climbing mountains and crossing waters?" Later, the barbarians of Yongzhou conspired with the rebels of Wei to incite chaos. The court sent Li Gong to suppress the rebellion, promoting him to the ranks of General of Chijie, Renwei, and Ningman, as well as Governor of Yongzhou, empowering him to directly quell the rebellion.
Emperor Taizong had valued his friendship with Li Gong since youth and greatly appreciated him. This time, he personally ordered, "Those scholars, each of them is narrow-minded, clinging to the outdated bureaucratic habits of Guanzhong. The common people are stubborn, knowing only how to struggle rather than adapt. Those surrendered Hu people are insatiable; the border barbarians do not understand respect and courtesy, their thoughts are unpredictable, and the law cannot control them. I hope you will strengthen border defenses, relocate more people, enhance intelligence gathering, stockpile more supplies, use overwhelming force to subdue those weaker factions, and use peace to stop the turmoil. I have always valued you, so I am sharing my thoughts with you."
After Li Gong arrived in Yongzhou, he effectively governed the region, and the people even requested to erect a monument in the south of the city to praise his merits, which the court approved.
During his grandfather Li Gaozu's time, Yongzhou was considered a key border town, and grain and fodder were transported from several states to be stored there. However, Li Gong often took the government's grain back home for personal use and was reported by Luling Wang, the Governor of Jingzhou, resulting in his dismissal and loss of rank. He remained out of office for several years. Later, when Hou Jing rebelled, Li Gong died in the city at the age of fifty-two. The court posthumously restored him to his former title, and Emperor Sui Zong posthumously appointed him as the Grand Attendant and Left Guard General, with the posthumous title of "Xi."
Shizi Jing, styled Anren, had a good reputation and was considered a promising young talent in the imperial family. He was eloquent, loved learning, and had a decent family background. He collected many classics and historical works, with books piled high on his desk, which he personally proofread. He rejected the proposal of He Jingrong to marry his daughter due to her powerful background, a decision that was widely approved by the people. He later served as the Prince's Attendant, the Chief of the East Palace, and was promoted to the position of Deputy Intendant of Danyang and Assistant Yellow Gate Minister, gaining the favor of Emperor Taizong. In the third year of Taiqing, Shizi Jing passed away and was posthumously appointed as the Grand Attendant.
Prince Zhonglie of Poyang, styled Hongda, was the ninth son of Emperor Taizu. He was intelligent from a young age, grasping the meanings of the "Classic of Filial Piety" and the "Analects" at the age of seven. As he grew up, he became handsome and was widely read in historical texts. During the reign of Emperor Ming, the court was facing multiple crises, and Emperor Ming sought recommendations from Prince Yiyi of Changsha to find trustworthy individuals among his brothers, which led to Hui's recommendation. Emperor Ming appointed Hui as the General of Ningyuan, assigned him a hundred soldiers to guard the East Palace, and appointed him as the military officer in charge of Cavalry affairs. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, the East Palace was formally established, and Hui became the Prince's Attendant, later rising to the position of Northern Army Consultant and Chief Clerk of the Vanguard. During the rebellion of Prince Yiyi, he successfully avoided the disaster in the capital.
When the rebel army arrived, Xiao Hui welcomed Gaozu in Xinlin and was granted the title of General Assistant to the State. At that time, the Jiangnan region was in turmoil, and Gaozu sent him to suppress the rebellion. After Jiankang City was pacified, he was promoted to Champion General and Right Guard General. In the first year of Tianjian, he became the Palace Attendant and General of the Front, and was responsible for the military affairs of Shitoucheng. He was appointed as the Prince of Poyang, with a fief comprising two thousand households. The following year, he was appointed as the Commissioner with the authority, Commander of military affairs in Southern Xu Province, General for Conquering the Barbarians, and Governor of Southern Xu Province. Four years later, he was transferred to the Commander of Yingzhou and Sizhou, General of the Rear, and Governor of Yingzhou, while retaining his duties as Commissioner.
When the rebel army had just arrived, an epidemic was sweeping through Yingzhou City, causing numerous deaths and leaving many bodies unburied. Upon his arrival, he immediately ordered the burial of the bodies. He also sent four envoys to inspect the state, and the situation was swiftly brought under control. In his seventh year of service, he was promoted to Cloud Banner General and transferred to the Commander of Huozhou. In his eighth year, he was promoted to General Pacifying the West. In his tenth year, he was recalled to the court to serve as Palace Attendant and General of the Guard, while continuing to oversee the military affairs of Shitoucheng, and also took on the role of Minister of Rites. In the eleventh year, he was appointed as the Commissioner and Commander of military affairs across nine provinces including Jing, Xiang, Yong, Yi, Ning, South and North Liang, South and North Qin, General Pacifying the West, Governor of Jingzhou, and was accompanied by an honor guard.
Thirteen years later, he was promoted to the position of Cavalier Attendant, Commander of military affairs in the seven provinces of Yi, Ning, South Qin, North Qin, and Sha, General Who Guards the West, and Governor of Yizhou. Retaining his previous duties, he went directly to assume his post in Yizhou. The distance from Chengdu to Xincheng is five hundred li, with all local people forcing the common people to provide horses. The common people were suffering greatly, and previous officials had failed to resolve this issue. Xiao Hui bought a thousand horses and distributed them to the families from whom horses had been forcibly taken, allowing them to ride them. When horses were needed, they were allocated in sequence. The common people were very grateful to him. In the seventeenth year, he was recalled to court and appointed as Palace Attendant, General Who Maintains Order, and General Who Leads the Army. In the eighteenth year, he was appointed as Cavalier Attendant, Commander of military affairs in the eight provinces of Jing, Xiang, Yong, Liang, Yi, Ning, South Qin, and North Qin, General Who Conquers the West, and granted the title of equal to the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Jingzhou. In the fifth year of the Ordinary Era, he was promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry. In the ninth month of the seventh year of the Ordinary Era, he passed away while in office at the age of fifty-one. The court issued a decree that read: "The late Cavalier Attendant, Commander of military affairs in the eight provinces of Jing, Xiang, Yong, Liang, Yi, Ning, South Qin, and North Qin, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, equal to the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Jingzhou, Prince of Poyang, Hui, was a man of cheerful demeanor and steady character. He had a good reputation since childhood, and his achievements as an official were remarkable. He was about to display his ambitions and make great achievements, but he suddenly passed away, and we are deeply grieved. He should be posthumously honored to demonstrate the exemplary nature of the court. He was posthumously appointed Palace Attendant and Minister, with his royal title unchanged, and was granted twenty swords. He was posthumously honored with the title of Loyal and Meritorious." Imperial Secretary Liu Xian was assigned to oversee his funeral arrangements.
Lao Guo is particularly filial. When he was first stationed in the Shu region, his mother, Lady Fei, still lived in the capital. Later, his mother fell ill in the capital, and Lao Guo was unaware. One night, he suddenly dreamed of returning to the capital to serve by his mother's sickbed. Upon waking, he was extremely anxious and couldn't eat or sleep. Before long, he received a letter from the capital informing him that his mother had recovered. Later, Lao Guo developed eye problems and struggled to see clearly for a long time. A monk named Hui Long came from the north, who was reputed to be able to cure eye ailments, so Lao Guo invited him. While Hui Long was treating him, a holy monk suddenly appeared in the sky. After Hui Long performed acupuncture, Lao Guo's eyesight was restored immediately. Everyone claimed that Lao Guo's filial piety had touched the heavens. Lao Guo was generous and always willing to help others, often spending money lavishly. In the regions where he served, he oversaw four prefectures and distributed his entire salary to the people. While in Jingzhou, he would often casually ask his subordinates, "Prince Zhongshan likes to drink; Prince Zhao likes to use good officials. Which of these two hobbies is better?" No one could respond for a moment. Lao Guo then turned to Chief Clerk Xiao Chen and remarked, "The princes of the Han Dynasty are merely the nation's shields. Managing state affairs and caring for the people is their responsibility. Prince Zhongshan enjoys music; that is his personal hobby; Pengzu managing imperial affairs on behalf of the emperor is a bit overstepping. Nowadays, the princes should not overstep their bounds but assist the emperor in governing the populace. Integrity is paramount!" The officials present all agreed. Lao Guo's son is named Fan Si.
Old Guo's son Fan Si, courtesy name Shi Yi, was gentle and knowledgeable. He started out as a stable attendant for the Crown Prince and a secretary, later becoming a Yellow Gate Official, and finally rising to the position of Minister of Defense. Every night, he personally patrolled the area to maintain public order, and his father, Emperor Gaozu, greatly admired his diligence. Later, he was sent to Yizhou as the Inspector, reconstructed the road to Jiange, reclaimed Huayang, and was rewarded by the court with a thousand households and an expanded ceremonial band. Eventually, he was recalled by the court to serve as General of the Northern Defense and Court Attendant.
Although Fan Zhen lacked formal academic accomplishments, he prided himself on his military strategy skills. He enjoyed collecting antiques, gathering scholars and poets, and spontaneously composed poetry and essays, occasionally crafting remarkable pieces. He was later appointed as Imperial Envoy, Commander overseeing military affairs across the five provinces of Yong, Liang, Dongyi, Nan, and Beiqin, General of the Northern Defense, and Governor of Yongzhou. Fan Zhen governed the region very well, winning the affection of the people; he was kind to his soldiers, gaining their loyalty.
In the first year of Taiqing, the court launched a large-scale northern expedition, appointing Fan Zhen as the Envoy, Grand General of the Northern Campaign, and Governor of the Northern Han Expeditionary Forces, leading the army to attack Rangcheng. Not long after, he was promoted to General of Anbei and Governor of Southern Yuzhou. Hou Jing was defeated in Woyang and retreated to Shouyang. Fan Zhen was subsequently reassigned as the Governor of Hezhou, where he was stationed in Hefei. At that time, Hou Jing was already secretly plotting rebellion, and his treacherous intentions were on the verge of being exposed. Fan Zhen repeatedly advised the court through memorials, but Zhu Yi always suppressed the reports. When Hou Jing besieged Jiankang, Fan Zhen sent his son Fan Si, Pei Zhigao, and others to rescue, while he himself was promoted to the rank of Grand Minister of the Palace and appointed General of the Northern Campaign. After the fall of Jiankang, Fan Zhen abandoned Hefei, exited the city through the east gate, sought help from Northern Wei, and sent two sons as hostages. However, Northern Wei occupied Hefei but refused to send troops to help Fan Zhen. Fan Zhen found himself in a dilemma and was forced to march west along the river, where he camped in Zongyang and sent a letter to Prince Xunyang for help. Prince Xunyang wanted to return to Jiujiang, intending to gather forces with Fan Zhen to march west. Fan Zhen was very happy when he received the letter, so he led his army to Pencity, renamed Jinxian County to Jinzhou, and appointed his son Fan Si as the governor.
Fan Zhen constantly changed the counties of Jiangzhou, while the decrees issued by Prince Xunyang were only applicable within a single county, which was considered too little by the people at that time. Due to the breakdown of trade and communication, messengers also lost contact. Fan Zhen's army of tens of thousands was unable to find food, leading to many starving to death. Out of anger, Fan Zhen died of a carbuncle at the age of fifty-two.
His son, Fan Si, styled Changyin, was tall and powerful, with a ten-span waist. He was brave and resolute, possessing both courage and wisdom, straightforward in character, not one to sweat the small stuff. He could set aside his ego and treat his subordinates well, so everyone was willing to follow him through thick and thin. After Fan Zhen's death, Fan Si continued to hold Jinxixi. The city ran out of food, and the soldiers were exhausted. Hou Jing sent Ren Yue to attack, and Fan Si personally led the troops out of the city to meet the enemy. At that time, the enemy forces were formidable, and everyone urged him to retreat. Fan Si drew his sword and angrily rebuked them, "In today's battle, where is the way back? This is the time when I, Xiao Si, loyal to the throne, sacrifice for the country!" In the end, he was shot by an arrow and died in battle.
The King of Zhongwu of Shixing, named Xiao Dan, styled Sengda, was the eleventh son of Song Taizu. When he was young, his mother, Empress Wu, passed away, leaving young Xiao Dan heartbroken, evoking sympathy from those around him. When Emperor Qi Gao was in power, Xiao Dan was still young. He became the legal advisor to the Western Zhonglang General as soon as he came of age and was later promoted to Colonel of the Outer Army. When the righteous forces rose up, King Nankang was regent and appointed Xiao Dan as Champion General and Advisor to the Western Zhonglang General, and later promoted him to Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, remaining behind with Prince Nanping, Xiao Wei.
After Emperor He of the Song dynasty ascended the throne, Xiao Dan was appointed as the Attendant of the Yellow Gate in the Imperial Secretariat. At that time, the son of Xiao Hui Xun, the Governor of Ba Dong, as well as the Governor of Ba Xi, Lu Xiu Lie, raised troops and advanced towards Jingzhou, setting up camp at Shang Ming. General of the Garrison, Xiao Yingzhou, suddenly fell ill and passed away, causing great fear in the Western Court. The Minister of Works, Xiahou Xiang, suggested that troops be recruited from Yongzhou. Prince of Nanping, Xiao Wei, sent Xiao Dan to handle the matter. Xiao Dan wrote a letter persuading Xiao Gui and others, and within a few days, they all requested to surrender. That winter, the Emperor subdued Jianye. In the following spring, the Emperor planned to leave Jiangling and issued an edict appointing Xiao Dan as Commissioner, Commander of military affairs in Jing, Xiang, Yi, Ning, Nan, and Bei Qin provinces, General Who Pacifies the West, and Governor of Jingzhou, though he had not yet officially assumed the position.
In the first year of Tianjian, Xiao Dan was further promoted to General Who Safeguards the West, while retaining his roles as Commander and Governor. He was also granted the title of Prince of Shixing County, with a fief of two thousand households. At that time, following the war, both the country and its people were impoverished. Xiao Dan governed the region diligently, actively promoting agricultural development, reducing forced labor, supporting the families of fallen soldiers, and assisting those in need, resulting in a peaceful and prosperous life for the people. Feeling that he was young to hold such an important position, Xiao Dan stressed the need to guide public sentiment to his subordinates, stating, "If politics are mismanaged, it is an issue that scholars should all take seriously. Good suggestions, use them; if they cannot be used, what loss is it to me? I’m open-minded, so feel free to share anything!" As a result, the common folk appreciated his kindness, and the upright officials worked diligently. If there were disputes among the people, they would patiently await instructions from Xiao Dan, who quickly resolved their issues. There were no pending cases in the government offices, and no prisoners held in jails, which further endeared him to the people. Three years later, the court awarded him a musical band as a reward.
When he was six years old, there was a flood in the state, and the river overflowed its banks. Dan personally led the officials and soldiers from the mansion, braving the heavy rain to quickly measure and reinforce the embankment. The rain was heavy, and the current was strong; everyone was afraid, and some suggested that Dan should take cover. Dan said, "The emperor wants to personally block the river embankment; how can I selfishly avoid danger?" So he sacrificed a white horse to the river god. Not long after, the water receded, and the embankment was successfully repaired. Bingzhou was on the south bank, and hundreds of households saw the water rise so high that they panicked and fled, climbing onto rooftops and trees. Dan recruited people to rescue them, offering a reward of ten thousand coins for each person saved. Several dozen merchants responded to the call to rescue people, and the people of Bingzhou were saved. He also sent teams to various counties to distribute coffins and lumber to the victims and provided food and seeds to those who lost their fields. That year, the state enjoyed a bountiful harvest, and the people credited him for it, but he modestly declined. In the seventh year, his beloved mother, Lady Chen, passed away. He fasted for six days, observing the mourning rituals with even greater solemnity than required. The emperor specially issued an edict to comfort and encourage him, allowing him to continue serving as the state's representative. That winter, the emperor issued another edict for him to return to his original position. The people sang songs praising him, saying, "King Shixing, our father. He plunges into danger to save lives. When will he return to nurture us again?" In the eighth year, he was appointed as General of the Northern Campaign, General of the Guard, and concurrently in charge of the defense of Shitou. Shortly after, he was promoted to General of the Central Army, Prefect of the Palace Library, and then appointed as Minister of the Guards. Dan was diligent, humble, and approachable, often sitting on the floor with guests, and was well-regarded by the people of his time. In the autumn of that year, he was appointed as Commissioner, Cavalry Commandant, and Commander of military affairs for the five provinces of Nan, Beiyan, Xuying, Qing, and Ji, General of the Northern Garrison, and Governor of Nanyan Province.
In the spring of the ninth year of the reign, he was appointed the military governor of six states including Yizhou, Ningzhou, Nanliangzhou, Nanzhou, Beiqinzhou, and Shazhou, as well as General of the Western Front, and the Governor of Yizhou. Upon assuming his position, he immediately established schools, encouraged agricultural production, and even sent his own son to study at school, so many people followed his example. During that time, the Wei army attacked Banan and besieged Nan'an. The Governor of Nan'an, Yuan Jigui, who steadfastly held his ground, did not surrender. He dispatched troops for rescue, and the Wei army eventually retreated, leaving behind a large amount of weapons and equipment.
In the fourteenth year of his reign, he was promoted to the military governor of seven states including Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, Yongzhou, Ningzhou, Nanliangzhou, Nanzhou, and Beiqinzhou, as well as General of the Right, and the Governor of Jingzhou. His half-brother, Xiao Xiu, was appointed as the Governor of Yongzhou but tragically died en route to Yongzhou. Upon hearing this news, he was consumed by grief, fell to the ground, sat on the ground, and wept inconsolably for days, refusing to eat or drink. He spent his entire fortune on his brother's funeral, ensuring all his subordinates were well taken care of. People all over the world praised his filial piety and brotherly love.
In the eighteenth year of his reign, he was summoned by the court to serve as Palace Attendant, General Who Calms the Waves, and General Who Leads the Army. In the eleventh month of the third year, he passed away at the age of forty-five years. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Palace Attendant, Minister of Works, and General of Chariots and Cavalry, granted him thirty sword-bearing attendants, and a complete set of feathered banners and musical instruments. The imperial edict stated: "To the late Palace Attendant, Minister of Works, and General of Chariots and Cavalry, King of Shixing: Loyalty is the highest virtue of leadership, while martial prowess signifies the cessation of hostilities. To apply these virtues is to honor the aspirations of the past. The King had made significant contributions in support of the mandate, the abundant virtues of benefiting the people, for two decades, unwavering from beginning to end. Thus, he followed the path of the virtuous, abiding by the ancient teachings, his illustrious name and righteous deeds have reached their zenith. Now, dispatch the Grand Herald Cheng Shuang, posthumously named Loyal and Martial. May his soul rest in peace, and his legacy endure. Alas, what a profound loss!"
Before he passed away, he dreamed he had been granted the title of King of Zhongshan. The enfeoffment ceremony in the dream was just like in reality, but he felt an unsettling discomfort and shortly thereafter, he passed away. His son, Xiao Liang, succeeded him to the title. Historians have commented: From ancient times to the present day, emperors have prioritized consolidating their familial power, granting fiefs and establishing vassal states. Therefore, the strength of the states of Lu and Wei, along with the solid foundations of Liang and Chu, stemmed from the robust support of their powerful clans. Emperor Gaozu also emulated the practices of previous dynasties to strengthen the imperial family's power. The achievements of Prince Ancheng, Prince Nanping, Prince Poyang, and Prince Shixing are all recorded in history, which was quite rare during the Han Dynasty.
