Chen Qingzhi, style name Ziyun, was from Yixing, Jiangsu. He followed his ancestor (Xiao Yan) since childhood. His ancestor particularly enjoyed playing chess, often playing chess from dusk till dawn without pause. Everyone else was too tired and fell asleep, but only Chen Qingzhi stayed awake, responding immediately when called, which earned him high regard from his ancestor.
After following his ancestor south to pacify Jianye, Chen Qingzhi gradually rose in rank and became the chief scribe. He spent money to associate with talented individuals, always thinking about making contributions and achieving success. Later, he was appointed as an official in the court. During the ordinary years, the Northern Wei's Xu Province governor Yuan Faseng attempted to surrender to the Southern Dynasty in Pengcheng, prompting the court to appoint Chen Qingzhi as General Wuwei, leading troops with Hu Longya and Cheng Jingjun to welcome him. After completing the mission, Chen Qingzhi was promoted to General Xuanmeng and Commander of Civil and Military Affairs, and he also led two thousand soldiers to escort Prince Yuzhang, Xiao Zong, to Xu Province for his appointment.
The Northern Wei dispatched Prince Anfeng Yuan Yanming and Prince Linhuai Yuan Yu to lead twenty thousand troops to block his advance, encamping at Zhi (a place name, near present-day Suzhou, Anhui Province). Yuan Yanming first sent his subordinate Qiu Daqian to build fortifications at Xunliang to observe the Southern Dynasty's army. Chen Qingzhi approached their camp with his troops and, with a swift charge, defeated them. Later, Prince Yuzhang fled in the face of battle and defected to the Northern Wei, resulting in the collapse of the Southern Dynasty's army, leaving the other generals unable to regain control. Chen Qingzhi hurriedly opened the city gates and retreated under the cover of darkness, thus saving the entire army.
In the seventh year of the ordinary era, General Anxi Yuan Shu set out to conquer Shouchun, and the court appointed Chen Qingzhi as an acting envoy and overall military commander. The Northern Wei's Yuzhou governor Li Xian sent his son Li Changjun to construct two additional fortifications for defense. Chen Qingzhi attacked them, and Li Xian could not withstand the assault, ultimately surrendering, allowing Chen Qingzhi to capture his cities. Subsequently, Chen Qingzhi was promoted to the Eastern Palace’s Direct Pavilion and was granted the title of Marquis of Guanzhong (a title of nobility in the Guanzhong region).
In the first year of the Da Tong era, our commander, Cao Zhongzong, attacked Guoyang. The Wei Kingdom sent General Yuan Zhao, the King of Changshan, with 150,000 cavalry and infantry to provide assistance. Their vanguard reached Tuojian, 40 miles away from Guoyang. Qingzhi wanted to take the initiative and engage the enemy, but Wei Fang said, "The enemy's vanguard is likely to be lightly armed and highly skilled. Even if we win, there won't be much credit. If we lose, it could hurt our troops' morale. The art of war teaches us to 'wait for the enemy to tire.' It's better not to fight." Qingzhi replied, "The Wei army has come from afar and must be tired. They are far from us and won't suspect us. While they are not fully assembled, we should first dampen their spirits and catch them off guard. We will definitely win! Besides, I heard that the Wei army's camp is surrounded by many trees, so they won't come out at night. If anyone still doubts, I, Qingzhi, am willing to lead a small force to test their strength." So, Qingzhi led 200 cavalry to charge, defeated the Wei army's vanguard, and sent them into a panic. Qingzhi then returned to camp with other generals, occupied Guoyang, and faced off against the Wei army.
From spring to winter, after many battles, our army was exhausted. The Wei Kingdom's reinforcements were planning to fortify their position behind our camp, and Zhongzong and others were worried about being attacked from both sides and wanted to retreat. Qingzhi stood at the camp gate with a command baton and said, "We have been here for a year, consuming a lot of food and weapons. Everyone has lost their fighting spirit and wants to retreat. This isn't about glory; it's about survival! I heard that only by putting the army in a desperate situation can we survive. Wait until the enemy is fully assembled, then we will fight them. If anyone really wants to retreat, I have a secret order from the emperor. Today, whoever disobeys the order will face the consequences!" Zhongzong was intimidated by his momentum and followed his advice.
The Wei army constructed thirteen fortifications around Guoyang. Qingzhi ordered the soldiers to steel themselves, quietly set off at night, successfully breached four fortifications, and Wang Wei, the lord of Guoyang, surrendered. The remaining nine fortifications remained well-defended, so Qingzhi displayed the spoils of war, sounded the drums, and rallied the troops for an attack. The Wei army was thrown into disarray, with many killed or captured; nearly the entire force was annihilated, and the Guo River ran red with blood. More than thirty thousand men, women, and children laid down their arms. The emperor ordered the establishment of West Xuzhou in the Guoyang region. The army pressed their advantage and seized Chengfu. Emperor Gaozu was greatly pleased and took the time to personally write a letter commending Qingzhi, writing, "You are not born into a noble family, nor are you wealthy. With your courage and strategy, you have achieved this remarkable success. I hope you continue to think carefully and finish what you have started. You may open your doors wide to welcome guests, and your name will be etched in history. You are truly a great man!"
During the Northern Wei Dynasty, Yuan Hao, the Prince of Beihai, witnessing the chaos in the court, voluntarily surrendered to us, aspiring to become the emperor of the Wei Kingdom. Emperor Gaozu consented and sent Qingzhi to bestow upon him a nominal title of General of the Brave and Valiant, and sent Yuan Hao back to the north to be emperor. Yuan Hao proclaimed himself emperor immediately upon reaching the Huan River and then promoted Qingzhi to General of the Armies, Commander-in-Chief of the North, Protector of the Army, and Commander of the Vanguard. He led his troops from Zhi County to launch an assault on Xingcheng, before advancing to Suiyang.
General Qiu Daqian of Wei, commanding an army of seventy thousand soldiers, had also constructed nine cities for mutual defense. When Qingzhi launched his attack, he broke through three fortresses from morning until afternoon. Qiu Daqian realized the situation was hopeless and surrendered immediately. At that moment, the Wei Kingdom's Eastern General, Prince Yuan Huiye of Jiyin, led twenty thousand elite troops to their rescue, stationed at Kaocheng. Kaocheng was surrounded by water on all sides and had very tight defenses. Qingzhi devised a plan to construct fortifications on the water and subsequently breached Kaocheng, capturing Yuan Huiye and confiscating seven thousand eight hundred military vehicles. Next, Qingzhi marched directly on Daliang, and seeing the situation, Daliang surrendered without hesitation. To reward Qingzhi's achievements, Yuan Hao promoted him to Guard General, Governor of Xuzhou, and Duke of Wudu. Qingzhi then continued his westward campaign.
Yang Yu, Yuan Qing, and Yuan Xian led seventy thousand Imperial Guards, defending Xingyang City against the Wei army. This army was formidable, and Xingyang City's defenses were robust, with Yuan Qing failing to breach it multiple times.
As a result, General Yuan Tianmu of Wei led a large army to attack again. First, Erzhu Tumuer was dispatched to lead five thousand cavalry, while Lu'an brought nine thousand infantry and cavalry to support Yang Yu. Erzhu Shilong and Wang Pi led ten thousand cavalry to occupy Hulao Pass. When Yuan Tianmu and Erzhu Tumuer arrived one after the other, the flags of the two armies were aligned, allowing them to see each other. At that time, Xingyang City had not yet fallen, and everyone was frightened. Yuan Qing ordered the soldiers to rest and feed the horses, then said to everyone, "From fighting until now, we have killed many people, attacked cities, and seized land. You have killed the enemy's parents, siblings, and taken their children, and done many bad things. Now, Yuan Tianmu's large army has arrived, all of them are our enemies. We only have seven thousand troops, while the enemy boasts over three hundred thousand. We never intended to survive this battle. We cannot beat the enemy's cavalry on the plains. While they are not fully assembled, let's first defend the city walls! Don’t hesitate, or you’ll be waiting to be killed!" After speaking, he gave the order, and everyone charged up the city walls together. Song Jingxiu and Yu Tianmin, two fierce generals, even climbed over the walls and fought into the enemy camp, ultimately winning the battle.
Soon, the Wei army flanked from the outside, and Yuan Qing led three thousand cavalry to counterattack with their backs against the city walls, achieving a great victory. Lu'an surrendered on the battlefield, while Yuan Tianmu and Erzhu Tumuer escaped with only a few horses. Yuan Qing confiscated the supplies in Xingyang, with countless cattle, horses, grain, and cloth. Next, he attacked Hulao Pass, where Erzhu Shilong abandoned the city and fled. Wei Xiaoming Emperor Yuanzi You was afraid and fled to Bingzhou. Yuan Yu and Yuan Yanming, along with court officials, sealed off the treasury, prepared the emperor's regalia to welcome Gao Huan into the Luoyang Palace. Gao Huan ascended the throne in the Taiji Hall, changing the era name and granting amnesty to the world. Gao Huan appointed Yuan Qing as the Palace Attendant, Chariot and Cavalry General, and Left Guanglu Doctor, while also increasing his fiefdom.
General Yuan Tianmu, Wang Laosheng, and Li Shuren led forty thousand troops to attack Daliang City. Wang Laosheng and Feimu were stationed at Hulao Pass with twenty thousand troops. Diao Xuan and Diao Shuang attacked Liangzhou and Songzhou, while Yuan Qing launched attacks in various locations, all of which surrendered. Yuan Tianmu escaped across the Yellow River with a dozen cavalrymen. Gaozu personally wrote a letter praising Yuan Qing. Yuan Qing's army wore white robes and was invincible. A nursery rhyme circulated in Luoyang that went, "Don't fall for the famous generals; steer clear of the white-robed troops with their thousands of soldiers." Yuan Qing set out from Zhixian to Luoyang and took fourteen days to pacify thirty-two cities, winning forty-seven battles, all of which were victorious.
At the beginning, Yuan Ziyu fled alone on horseback. The palace staff, including concubines and guards, carried on with their duties as usual. After becoming emperor, Hao spent his days indulging in pleasure and neglecting state affairs. He conspired with Anfeng and Linhuai to betray the court and stop paying tribute. They claimed that due to the unstable situation, they needed to rely on the power of Chen Qingzhi, but in reality, they harbored ulterior motives, speaking with caution and sharpness. Chen Qingzhi grasped their intentions and quietly devised countermeasures.
Chen Qingzhi advised Hao, "We have come a long way and have not fully stabilized yet. If others find out about our strengths and weaknesses, they may revolt again. We need to be prepared. We should request reinforcements from the emperor and order all provinces to register and properly settle any defectors from the south." Hao wanted to listen to him, but Yuan Yanming advised him, "Chen Qingzhi's forces are already difficult to control with only a few thousand troops. If we boost his forces now, will he still follow our orders? Once power shifts, everything will be at the mercy of others, and the future of Wei will be at stake!" Hao grew suspicious and slowly distanced himself from Chen Qingzhi.
He was worried that Chen Qingzhi would secretly report to the court, so he submitted a memorial to Gaozu, saying, "The regions of Hebei and Henan have already been pacified; only Erzhu Rong dares to be arrogant and overbearing. Chen Qingzhi and I can completely take him down. Now that the various states and counties have just surrendered, we need to reassure the people and avoid increasing troop numbers to prevent disturbing their peace." Gaozu then ordered all troops to halt their advance and remain stationed at the border. There were less than ten thousand people from the south of Luoyang, while the Qiang and Yi tribes had ten times as many. General Ma Fonian warned Chen Qingzhi, "Great accomplishments can easily lead to suspicion; angering the emperor may endanger your life. You find yourself in both situations; shouldn't the general be worried? Very few have ended well after deposing a foolish ruler, supporting a wise ruler, and saving from danger. Now the general's prestige is reverberating through the Central Plains and his name is spreading in the Hebei region. If you can capture Hao, it is a rare opportunity!" Chen Qingzhi did not adopt his advice.
Before that, Hao appointed Chen Qingzhi as the governor of Xuzhou, and Chen Qingzhi had also requested many times for him to be stationed in Xuzhou. Hao was wary of him and had never agreed. Hao also said, "The emperor has entrusted such an important area as Luoyang to you, but you suddenly want to leave here to meet the emperor, and you also want to go to Pengcheng. This is a reckless pursuit of wealth and status without regard for the country! The emperor has issued decrees urging you many times, fearing that you will be punished for this." Chen Qingzhi dared not mention this matter again.
General Wei Tianzhu Erzhu Rong, along with Erzhu Shilong, Yuan Tianmu, Erzhu Tumuer, and other big shots, as well as Gao Huan and a large group of Xianbei soldiers, totaling a million troops, held Emperor Wei Xiaozhuang's son Yuanyou hostage to attack Hou Jing. Hou Jing defended Luoyang for sixty-five days, and the cities he occupied all rebelled in the blink of an eye. As for Wang Qingzhi, he fled to the north bank of the river to defend Beizhonglang City, engaging in eleven battles over three days, causing heavy casualties to the enemy.
Er Zhu Rong was preparing to retreat when a man named Liu Zhu, who understood astronomy, said to him, "In less than ten days, the Henan region will be stabilized." Er Zhu Rong then had people lash logs together to make rafts and crossed the Yellow River at Xia Shi. He fought a battle with Hou Jing at the river crossing, where Hou Jing was defeated and fled to Lingying, only to be captured by bandits on the way, leading to the fall of Luoyang. Wang Qingzhi, with several thousand cavalry and infantry, arranged his troops and retreated eastward, while Er Zhu Rong personally led his troops in pursuit. They encountered a flood at Hao Gao Mountain, resulting in heavy casualties and the army's rout. Wang Qingzhi shaved his beard and hair, disguised himself as a monk, and stealthily fled to Yuzhou, where local leaders, such as Cheng Daoyong, secretly sent him to Ruyin. After arriving in the capital and having distinguished himself, he was appointed as the Right Guard General, granted the title of Marquis of Yongxing County, with an estate of 1,500 households.
Later, Wang Qingzhi was dispatched to serve as a military commissioner, commander of the military affairs along the Huai River, General of Valor, and Governor of North Yanzhou. At that time, there was a bandit, a monk who claimed to be an emperor, and a local tyrant named Cai Bolong who also rebelled. This monk had some tricks up his sleeve, fooling many into joining him, and his forces grew to thirty thousand, capturing North Xuzhou. The governor of Jiyin, Yang Qiwen, fled, and the governor of Zhongli, Shan Xibao, was killed. The court subsequently dispatched Wang Qingzhi to suppress the rebellion. The emperor personally bid him farewell at Baixia and said to Wang Qingzhi, "The troops in the Jianghuai region are formidable, and their offensive capabilities are strong. You must find a way to manage them and avoid a direct clash." Wang Qingzhi accepted the order and set off. Before long, he killed Cai Bolong and the monk, sending their heads to the court.
In the second year of the Zhongdatong era, the emperor appointed him military governor of the four provinces of Nansi, Beisi, Xiyu, and Yuzhou, while concurrently serving as the inspector of Nansi and Beisi, with his other official positions unchanged. Upon taking office, he besieged Xuanhu City. He defeated the Wei state's Yingzhou inspector, Lou Qi, and the Yangzhou inspector, Shi Yunbao, at Qingshui, and also defeated the Wei state's Xingtai, Sun Teng, the grand commander, Hou Jin, Yuzhou inspector Yao Xiong, and Liangzhou inspector Sima Gong at Chucheng. He also disbanded the troops at Yiyang Town, halted both water and land transport, allowing the counties in the Jianghuai region to recover. He cultivated six thousand mu of land, and two years later, the granaries were stocked full. The emperor always praised him and awarded him multiple times. He also petitioned the court to abolish Nansi and restore Anlu Prefecture, establishing Shangming County.
In the second year of the Datong era, the Wei state sent General Hou Jing to lead seventy thousand troops to attack Chuzhou, where the Chuzhou inspector, Huan He, was defeated and captured. Hou Jing continued to advance towards the Huai River, writing to Qingzhi, urging him to surrender. The emperor then ordered Xiangtan Hou Tui, Right Guard General Xiahou Kui, and others to go for rescue. When the army reached Lijiang, Qingzhi had already defeated Hou Jing. It was a heavy snow day, and Hou Jing abandoned his supplies and fled, allowing Qingzhi to recover all of them. The emperor then promoted him to Renwei General. That year, Yuzhou experienced a famine, and Qingzhi opened the granaries to provide relief to the disaster victims, saving many people. Eight hundred commoners from Yuzhou, including a man named Li Sheng, requested to erect a monument in his honor, which the emperor approved. In October of the fifth year, he passed away at the age of fifty-six. The emperor posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Sanqi Changshi and Left Guard General, and granted him a ceremonial escort of musicians and banners. His posthumous title was "Wu." The emperor also ordered Yixing County to send five hundred laborers to handle his funeral.
He was prudent and unpretentious, never donning extravagant clothing, with little interest in singing and dancing, and was not skilled in archery or horseback riding, but he excelled at comforting the soldiers, earning their unwavering support. His eldest son was called Zhao Si.
The fifth son, Xin, also known by his style name Junzhang, was pretty impressive, right? At the age of seven, he could ride horses and shoot arrows! When he was twelve years old, he accompanied his father to Luoyang but fell ill along the way and had to turn back to the capital. Later, he visited the Minister of War Zhu Yi, who asked about the situation in the north. Xin grabbed a handful of soil from the ground, gestured, and detailed the northern situation to Zhu Yi. Zhu Yi was taken aback, thinking this kid was something else!
In the fourth year of the Daming era, he was appointed as the Assistant to Prince Shaoling, the Wende Chief General, and the Commander of the Right Guard. The emperor also sent him to Yiyang to help with defense. At that time, the Governor of Weiyu Province, Yao Xiong, was a renowned general from the north, and his nephew Baole was known for his bravery. During the siege of Qingzhou, Yao Xiong went to provide support, and Baole even wanted to fight one-on-one! Xin didn't hesitate; he rode towards Baole, resulting in a decisive defeat for Yao Xiong's army, and Xin even captured Zhen City. In the sixth year, he was promoted to General Weiyuan and the Lord of Xiaoxian City, but later he was dismissed from his position due to issues at work.
Ten years later, a bandit called Wang Qinzong started a rebellion in Bashan County, so the emperor appointed Xin as General Xuanmeng, leading troops to suppress the rebellion. After pacifying Wang Qinzong's rebellion, he was appointed as the Lord of Yinling Garrison and the Governor of North Qiao, but unfortunately, he was unable to assume the position because of illness. Later, he was appointed Commander of the Cavalry, and shortly after, he became the Governor of Linyuan. In the second year of the Taiqing era, Hou Jing besieged Liyang, so the emperor called Xin back. However, Xin said, "We urgently need heavy troops on the other side of Caishi Ji; Wang Zhi's navy is too weak, I'm afraid they won't be able to hold on!" The emperor appointed him General Yunqi, replacing Wang Zhi. Before they even reached Xiazhu, Hou Jing had already crossed the Yangtze River, so the emperor ordered him to patrol outside the city with his troops rather than defend it.
Xin wanted to escape to Jingkou, but was captured by Hou Jing. Hou Jing saw potential in Xin and invited him to drink, saying, "I've got you this time; no one else can match that!" Hou Jing intended to use him for his own purposes, but Xin refused. Hou Jing then assigned his subordinate, Fan Taobang, to keep a close watch on Xin. Xin persuaded Fan Taobang to surrender with his troops, even suggesting killing Wang Wei and Song Zixian as a show of good faith. Fan Taobang agreed, and the two sides swore an oath of loyalty. Xin shot an arrow with a message to the city, then secretly sneaked into the city at night. Gaozu was overjoyed when he heard about it and immediately ordered the acceptance of the surrender, but Taizong hesitated for several days before making a decision. Word of this spread outside, but Xin remained unaware and continued to follow his plan. When Hou Jing found out, he forced Xin to shoot another message into the city, saying, "Fan Taobang and a few dozen people will go in first." Hou Jing himself also wanted to follow in armor. Xin refused to write the letter, demonstrating his willingness to die rather than surrender, and was finally killed by Hou Jing. He was only thirty-three years old that year.
Lan Qin, styled Xiuming, hailed from Zhongchang in Wei State. He and his father, during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Southern Liang Dynasty, achieved high ranks as General of the Cloud Banners and Governor of Jizhou through military success. Lan Qin was resolute and brave from a young age, far more agile than most. He followed his father in battles to the north and was later appointed to the position of East Palace Guard (equivalent to the emperor's personal guard).
In the first year of the Datong era, Lan Qin attacked and captured Xiao City in the Wei Kingdom. He then defeated Wei's general Jiao Zhong, attacked Nishan City, and defeated the 200,000-strong army commanded by Liu Shu, the Grand Commander of Wei. After capturing Longcheng, he seized over a thousand warhorses. Lan Qin also defeated the Wei general Chai Ji, along with Xiangcheng Prefect Gao Xuan and generals Fan Sinian and Zheng Chengzong. He then attacked Juegu, Zhanglong, and Zicheng, but was unable to capture them. At this time, Wei's Pengcheng defender Yang Mu sent his son Yang Xiaoyong with light troops to provide aid, but Lan Qin engaged them and drove them off. He also defeated Qiaozhou Governor Liu Haiyou, then took Juegu City and captured all the people inside. Yang Mu then dispatched General Fan Sinian and General Cao Longya, leading tens of thousands of troops, to provide aid, but Lan Qin fought them and killed Cao Longya on the battlefield, sending his head to the capital.
He was appointed Grand Commander, leading the army of three counties in Hengzhou to quell the barbarian rebellions in Guiyang, Yangshan, and Shixing. He quickly quelled the rebellion and was granted the title of Lord of Anhuai County, with a fief of five hundred households. He then defeated the leader Wan Shide of the Tianqi barbarians.
At this time, Hengzhou Governor Yuan Qing and others were besieged by the people of Guiyang, and they sent a request for help. Lan Qin immediately went to their rescue, defeated Yan Rong in Loxi, and the barbarians hiding in various caves in Changle surrendered en masse. The Emperor secretly commanded him to proceed to Weixing, and on the way, passing through Nanzheng, he heard that Wei's general Tobasong was attacking Xiangyang, so the Emperor instructed him to provide support.
He was appointed as the Imperial Envoy, the commander of the military affairs of the Southern Liang, Southern Qin, Northern Qin, and Sha provinces, the General of Glorious Valor, the Colonel of Pacifying the West, and the governors of Liang and Southern Qin provinces. He was also awarded an additional five hundred households and his title was elevated to Marquis. He defeated Tong Sheng, captured the Prime Minister Yuan Zili, the great general Xue Jun, and Zhang Pusa. The governor of Liangzhou in the Wei Kingdom, Yuan Luo, also surrendered, and the Liangzhou and Hanzhong regions were brought under control. The emperor then promoted him to the General of Wisdom and Valor and awarded him an additional two thousand households.
Not long after, he was appointed as the Imperial Envoy, the commander of the military affairs of the Heng and Gui provinces, and the governor of Hengzhou. Before he could assume his post, the Wei Kingdom sent commanders Dong Shao and Zhang Xian to attack Nanzheng, and the governor of Liangzhou, Du Huaiyao, requested reinforcements. He led his troops to support and defeated Dong Shao and Zhang Xian at Gaoqiao City, killing more than three thousand enemy troops. Dong Shao and Zhang Xian fled, and he pursued them to Xiegu, almost wiping them out. The Prime Minister of Western Wei, Yuwen Heitai, sent two thousand horses and requested to establish friendly relations. The emperor then appointed him as the Royal Attendant, promoted him to the Generous and Mighty General, awarded him an additional five hundred households, and instructed him to report on his duties.
Passing through Guangzhou, he defeated the leaders of the Li tribe, Chen Wencheng and his brothers, and captured them. Upon reaching Hengzhou, he was promoted to the Pacifying South General, enfeoffed as the Duke of Qujiang County, and granted an additional five hundred households. He enforced benevolent governance in Hengzhou, and both the people and officials petitioned the emperor to erect a stele praising his merits, which the emperor graciously approved. Later, he was summoned to be the Royal Attendant, the General of the Left Guard, and shortly after, he was appointed as the Royal Attendant, the Peaceful South General, and the governor of Guangzhou.
Upon taking office in Guangzhou, the former governor, the Marquis of Nan'an, secretly had poison placed in his food, leading to his death at the age of forty-two. The emperor posthumously appointed him as the Palace Attendant, the General of the Central Guard, and granted him a set of drums.
His son, Xia Li, intercepted Hou Jing's army when they attacked Liyang and met his end in battle.
Historical records state that Generals Chen Qingzhi and Lan Qin both had exceptional military skills, were formidable in battle, and won many victories. They could stand alongside renowned ancient generals like Wei Qing and Huo Qubing! Chen Qingzhi was sharp and astute, having joined Emperor Gaozu early on, which helped him gain favor. Due to his cautious nature, he rose to high ranks, dressed in fine robes and elegant hats, and truly lived a life of luxury.
