Wang Mao, courtesy name Xiu Yuan, is from Qi County in Taiyuan. His grandfather, Wang Shen, held the position of Northern Central Army Marshal. His father, Wang Tiansheng, was a high-ranking military officer during the late Song Dynasty. He defeated Situ Yuancan at Shitoucheng and was rewarded with the titles of Prefect of Baxi County, Prefect of Zitong County, and bestowed the title of Baron of Shanghuang County. When Wang Mao was young, his grandfather Wang Shen had high hopes for him, often telling acquaintances, "This is the pride of our family; he will definitely bring glory to our ancestors one day!"
As Wang Mao grew up, he enjoyed studying military texts, quickly grasping key concepts and understanding their essence. He had a calm and introverted personality, not engaging casually with others. He was tall and handsome, with fair skin and a striking appearance. Emperor Qi of the Qi Dynasty met Wang Mao when he was still a commoner and remarked, "Wang Mao is so dignified at such a young age; he will surely become a pillar of the country in the future!"
As the Song Dynasty was nearing its end and the Ming Dynasty was beginning, Wang Mao began his career as an official, first appointed as a court official, then serving as a military officer and cavalry commander in the Ministry of War. When the Wei army's general Li Wunu attacked Hanzhong, Wang Mao was dispatched to the western front to engage in battle. After the Wei army retreated, Wang Mao returned to court and was appointed as Zhen Nan Marshal, also taking on the role of magistrate of Linxiang County. He was later promoted to Captain of the Yueqi. When the Wei army attacked Yanzhou, Wang Mao served as the Chief of Staff to the Ning Shuo General, stationed at the northern border to provide support for frontline operations. He later returned to court and was appointed as the General of the Vanguard, serving as the Marshal for Prince Jiangxia. He was subsequently promoted to Ning Shuo General and Interior Minister of Jiangxia.
At the beginning of the Jianwu period, the Wei army surrounded Sizhou, and Wang Mao led the Yingzhou army to rescue. Gaozu, referring to Xiao Daocheng, personally led the army to capture Xianshou Mountain. The Wei generals Wang Su and Liu Chang came to confront them in battle, and Wang Mao joined Gaozu in resisting, achieving a great victory over Wang Su and others. Once the Wei army retreated, Wang Mao returned to Yingzhou and was promoted to the positions of Fuguo Changshi and Prefect of Xiangyang.
When Liu Bang raised his army, Mao privately and Zhang Hongce persuaded Liu Bang to welcome Emperor Xian of Han. Liu Bang thought it was not feasible, and this event is documented in the "Records of Gaozu." Liu Bang set out from Yongzhou, and each time he sent Mao as the vanguard. When the army arrived at Yingcheng, Mao led the army to attack Pingjia Lake, defeated Guang Zijin, Wu Ziyang, and others, and killed or captured tens of thousands, then returned to Hanchuan to report victory. After pacifying Yingzhou and Luzhou, Mao followed Liu Bang eastward, continuing to serve as the vanguard. When the army reached Moling, Dongjun Hou sent the general Wang Zhenguo, who deployed two hundred thousand troops at Zhuque Gate, crossed the Yangtze River, and requested battle. Mao, Cao Jingzong, and others fought together and achieved a complete victory. Chasing the fleeing enemies, bodies piled up on the riverbank, and countless more died by throwing themselves into the Huai River. The army pressed forward and reached Xuanyang Gate. Jiankang City fell, and Mao was appointed Guardian General, soon promoted to Shizhong and Commander of the Army.
Later, a group of bandits set fire to Shenghu Gate. Mao led his subordinates to rush to Dongye Gate for support, was shot by bandits, but Mao rode forward, causing the bandits to flee. Because he was unable to completely stop the bandits, Mao submitted a request to resign, but the Emperor specially declined his request. Mao was promoted to Zhenjun General, granted the title of Duke of Cai County, and given a fief of 2,300 households.
In the same year, the Governor of Jiangzhou, Chen Bozhi, rebelled, and Mao was appointed as the Commissioner, Gentleman of the Imperial Court, Commander of the various armies in Jiangzhou, General of the Southern Expedition, and Inspector of Jiangzhou, accompanied by a band of musicians to march south to suppress Chen Bozhi. Chen Bozhi fled to the state of Wei. At that time, Jiujang had just suffered from war, and the people were eager to resume production. Mao devoted himself to developing agriculture, reducing taxes, and the people enjoyed a peaceful and prosperous life. Four years later, Wei invaded Hanzhong, and Mao was ordered to march west, causing the Wei army to withdraw. In the sixth year, Mao was promoted to Right Minister of Personnel while retaining his position as Gentleman of the Imperial Court. He firmly declined the promotion and instead was appointed as Court Attendant, General of the Imperial Guard, and concurrently held the position of Crown Prince's Steward. In the seventh year, he was appointed as General of Chariots and Horsemen while retaining his position as Crown Prince's Steward. In the eighth year, he was appointed as the Governor of Yizhou, with the additional title of Secretary to the Palace. At that time, the realm was at peace, and Liu Bang had a strong admiration for refined scholars. Mao was very unhappy about this, and every time he got drunk at a banquet, his demeanor and words were often unpleasant. However, Liu Bang always forgave him with tolerance and never blamed him. In the eleventh year, Mao was promoted to Minister of Works while retaining his positions as Court Attendant and Governor of Yizhou. Mao resigned from his position as Governor of Yizhou and was appointed as General of the Central Authority. He was kind and compassionate, and although he was not well-known as an official, the people felt at ease. He was always well-behaved at home, dressed neatly, and even his servants had never seen him being lazy. He was exceptionally handsome, with eyebrows that looked painted on. Everyone looked at him whenever he attended court. The next year, he was elevated to the positions of Commissioner, Gentleman of the Imperial Court, General of the Valiant Cavalry, Supervisor of the Imperial Equipage, Commander of the various armies in Jiangzhou, and Inspector of Jiangzhou. He served as an official in Jiangzhou for three years before passing away at sixty. Emperor Gaozu was deeply saddened and granted him thirty thousand coins and three hundred bolts of cloth.
The emperor issued an edict saying, "Commending his merits and achievements is what a wise ruler ought to do; to remember his passing and recall his contributions is the model and law of past generations. Therefore, Mao, the General-in-Chief, Minister of Ceremonies, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Supervisor of the Palace Secretariat, and Governor of Jiangzhou, is knowledgeable and upright. Since the country's founding, he has wholeheartedly devoted himself to its service, concerned for the country and its people, and has experienced countless hardships and obstacles. The country is in need of his strategies and talents to consolidate the rule of the court; unexpectedly, he passed away, causing me great sorrow. His funeral rites should be enhanced to honor his achievements. He is posthumously awarded the titles of Palace Attendant and Grand Commandant, with an additional twenty attendants and a full drum and music ensemble. He is posthumously honored with the title of Loyal and Valiant."
Initially, because of his great achievements, the Emperor rewarded him with a set of musical instruments. While in Jiangzhou, he dreamt that the instruments had fallen from the rack, sensing it was an omen. Upon waking up, he had the instruments played. After the performance, the instruments inexplicably broke and fell to the ground. He told the Chief Clerk, Jiang Qiang, "These are the musical instruments the Emperor used to reward me; if the instruments are in this state, how can I not be concerned?" Not long after, he fell ill and passed away within a few days.
His son, Zhenxiu, inherited his title. He was demoted to Yuezhou for not adhering to the rules during the mourning period. Later, he was ordered to go to Guangzhou, where he secretly conspired with the military officer Du Jing from Renwei Prefecture to seize the city, prompting Governor Xiao Ang to launch an attack against him. Du Jing was a defector from the Wei Kingdom, and both he and Zhenxiu were killed.
Cao Jingzong, also known as Zizhen, was a native of Xinye, Henan. His father, Cao Xinzhi, was a general of the Song Dynasty, where he held the esteemed positions of General of Conquering Barbarians and Governor of Xuzhou. Cao Jingzong was skilled in horseback riding and archery from a young age and had a passion for hunting. He often led dozens of young companions to chase deer in the marshes, creating a frenzy among the deer and horses. However, Cao Jingzong could accurately shoot the deer in the crowd without harming the horses, which delighted everyone.
Before he reached the age of twenty, Cao Xinzhi was transferred from Xinye to serve as a prefectural official, accompanied by just a horse and a few men. On the way, they were suddenly surrounded by hundreds of barbarian bandits. Cao Jingzong, carrying over a hundred arrows, rode out and fired arrows with precision, killing almost every barbarian with each shot. The bandits, terrified, scattered in all directions, and Cao Jingzong became famous for his remarkable bravery. He loved reading historical books, especially drawn to the tales of "Rang Ju Zhuan" and "Yue Yi Zhuan," and would often exclaim, "A true man should be like them!" He was recommended for a position as a Western Cao Yuan, but he declined the offer.
During the Song Yuanhui period, he followed his father to the capital and became an official in the Ministry of Rites, later rising to the role of Left Minister in the Ministry of Personnel. Shortly after his father's death, he resigned from his official position and returned home to observe the mourning period. After the mourning period, Governor Xiao Chifuban recommended him for a position as a military officer in the Champions Army and appointed him Prefect of Tianshui.
It was the early years of the Jianyuan era, as barbarian uprisings erupted across the land. Cao Jingzong launched campaigns both east and west, winning many battles and capturing numerous foes. After Xiao Qiang, the King of Poyang in Qi State, became the governor of Yongzhou, he appointed Cao Jingzong as the military officer responsible for enemy capture, also serving as the Prefect of Fengyi, overseeing military operations south of Xianshan, and promoted him to the position of Colonel of the Stables. He had a good relationship with the local Zhang Daomen. Zhang Daomen was the son of Xiao Jing'er, the Qi State's General of Chariots and Cavalry, who was serving as the Prefect of Wuling at that time. Later, Xiao Jing'er was assassinated, and Zhang Daomen was executed in the county, with none of his relatives, friends, or subordinates daring to collect his body. Cao Jingzong sent a team from Xiangyang to Wu Ling by boat to bring back Zhang Daomen's body for burial, gaining the locals' admiration for his loyalty.
In 436 AD, the Emperor of Wei, Tuoba Hong, attacked Zheyang, and Jingzong, who was a deputy general at the time, distinguished himself in every battle, leading to his promotion to General of the Light Cavalry.
In 438 AD, the Grand Commandant Chen Xianda led a large army to besiege Maquan, with Jingzong following along. He led two thousand elite soldiers to set up an ambush, defeating the forty thousand troops led by the Wei general Tuoba Ying who came to rescue. After Maquan was captured, Chen Xianda rewarded those who contributed, placing Jingzong behind himself. Jingzong bore no resentment. Later, when the main Wei army arrived, Chen Xianda fled in panic, and Jingzong led them through a mountain path, safeguarding the lives of Chen Xianda and his son.
In 439 AD, Gaozu became the governor of Yongzhou, and Jingzong actively befriended him, inviting Gaozu to his house several times. In these turbulent times, Gaozu also held him in high regard. During the Yongyuan era, Jingzong was appointed as the Champion General and Prefect of Jingling. As the rebels rose in revolt, Jingzong gathered troops and sent his relative Du Sichong to persuade Gaozu to first welcome the King of Nankang to take the throne in Xiangyang and then march out with troops, guaranteeing success. However, Gaozu did not listen, as documented in the "Chronicles of Gaozu."
After Gaozu reached Jingling, he ordered Jingzong and Champion General Wang Mao to cross the river together to surround Yingcheng. Yingcheng did not surrender until July, after months of fighting since February. Afterwards, Jingzong led the army to Nanzhou, commanding cavalry and infantry in an attack on Jiankang. When marching to Jiangning, General Li Jushi of Donghun Hou had stationed heavy troops at Xinting. On that day, Jingzong selected a thousand elite cavalry to arrive at Jiangning, but before they could settle in, their weapons and equipment were severely damaged from the long journey. Li Jushi, seeing that Jingzong's army was exhausted, recklessly advanced and charged. Jingzong put on his armor, mounted his horse, and fought bravely in close combat. Li Jushi's army fell into disarray, abandoning their helmets and armor as they fled. Jingzong pursued them all the way to Zaoji Bridge, where he established a camp.
Jingzong teamed up with Wang Mao and Lu Sengzhen to defeat Wang Zhenguo's army at Dahang. Wang Mao charged into the heart of the enemy formation, quickly breaking through, and Jingzong led the troops to pursue the victory. Jingzong's soldiers were brave and strong, but undisciplined. They burned, killed, and plundered along the way, committing various atrocities, looting wealth, and abducting women and children, which Jingzong struggled to control. It was not until Gaozu arrived in Xincheng and ordered a strict overhaul of military discipline, which led to improvements, that the situation began to change. Later, Jingzong joined forces with other armies to surround Liumen. After the city was breached, Jingzong was appointed as a Cavalier Attendant, Right Guard General, and Marquis of Xiangxi County, with a fief of sixteen hundred households, and appointed as an Imperial Commissioner, Commander of military affairs in Ying and Si provinces, Left General, and Governor of Yingzhou. In 502 AD, Jingzong was promoted to General Who Pacifies the West, and his title was changed to Marquis of Jingling County.
At that time, Jingzong was a local official focused on making money and was extremely greedy. He built a large mansion in the south of the city, situated to the east of Changdi and to the north of Xiakou. He also built many streets and alleys, opened several city gates, and extended for miles in both east and west directions, causing great suffering and complaints among the common people, while his soldiers acted arrogantly.
Two years later, in October, the Wei army attacked Sizhou and besieged the governor Cai Daogong. The Wei army's attack was fierce, and the people in the city had to carry wooden planks to the well for water, and the situation was critical. But Jingzong didn't care about any of that; he just took his army out hunting and having fun. Sizhou was eventually breached, and the censor Ren Fang reported the matter to the emperor. Emperor Gaozu, taking into account his past contributions and the time that had passed, didn't investigate much but summoned him back to court and appointed him as a military guard. After arriving at court, he was promoted to the position of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and Right Guard General.
In the fifth year, the Wei general Tuoba Ying launched an attack on Zhongli and besieged the governor Chang Yizhi of Xuzhou. The emperor ordered Jingzong to lead a large force to support Chang Yizhi, and Wei Rui, the governor of Yuzhou, also joined the operation under Jingzong's command. The emperor instructed Jingzong to set up camp at Daoren Island first, and then attack together after all the troops were assembled. Jingzong insisted on occupying the tail of Shaoyang Island first, but the emperor did not agree. Jingzong, wanting to achieve merit alone, disobeyed the order and advanced, but ran into a storm, leading to many people drowning, so he had to retreat to the original camp. The emperor remarked upon hearing this, "This is why we can defeat the enemy. Jingzong's hesitation was likely a matter of fate! If he had pushed ahead alone, the city wouldn’t have fallen right away, and it would have been quite embarrassing. Now, waiting for all the troops to attack together will ensure a big victory."
When Wei Rui arrived, he and Jing Zong stationed together in Shaoyangzhou, establishing a camp over a hundred paces from the Wei army's city wall. The Wei army's continuous attacks could not be repelled, resulting in around twelve or thirteen casualties. From that point on, the Wei army did not dare to approach. Jing Zong and his men were well-equipped with brand new weapons, and their military presence was quite impressive, completely overwhelming the Wei army. The Wei army general, Yang Dayan, constructed a fort on the north bank of the bridge to facilitate the transport of supplies. Whenever the shepherds crossed the bridge to gather grass, Yang Dayan would seize their haul. Jing Zong recruited over a thousand brave soldiers and crossed the river directly, establishing a camp a few miles south of Yang Dayan's fort, and personally participated in the construction of the camp. Yang Dayan led his troops to attack, but Jing Zong defeated him, and the camp was completed. Jing Zong appointed General Zhao Cao to guard the area, which is why it became known as Zhao Cao City, which made it much easier for the shepherds to gather grass from then on. Yang Dayan occasionally dispatched troops to raid, but they were consistently captured by Zhao Cao.
Before, the emperor ordered Jingzong and others to prepare large warships to confront the Wei army at the bridge, ready to use the strategy of fire attack. Jingzong and Wei Rui were ordered to attack a bridge each, with Wei Rui attacking the bridge to the south and Jingzong attacking the bridge to the north. In the third month of the sixth year, spring arrived, and the river swelled, with the Huai River rising by six or seven feet. Wei Rui sent his commanding generals Feng Daogen, Li Wenzhao, Pei Sui, Wei Ji, and others to land by boat and attack the Wei army on the island, killing them all without mercy. Jingzong took the opportunity to order all the troops to shout and charge the city walls, the battle cries shaking the heavens and the earth. Yang Dayan burned down the camp on the west bank, and Tuoba Ying abandoned the city and fled from the east bank. The various fortresses collapsed one after another, abandoning their weapons and jumping into the river to commit suicide, causing the Huai River to stop flowing. Jingzong ordered the army commander Ma Guang to pursue Yang Dayan, chasing him to the Fei River, more than forty miles away, with bodies piled one after another. Chang Yizhi pursued Tuoba Ying to Luokou, where Tuoba Ying fled into the city alone. Along the banks of the Huai River for more than one hundred miles, bodies littered the ground, with more than fifty thousand people captured alive, and the captured military supplies were heaped like mountains, along with countless cattle, horses, donkeys, and mules. Jingzong gathered over ten thousand prisoners of war and a thousand captured horses, and presented them to the emperor to report victory. The emperor ordered him to rejoin his forces. Jingzong led the army back in triumph, and the emperor rewarded him with four hundred households, in addition to the previous total of two thousand households, and promoted him to duke. The emperor also appointed him as an attendant, military commander, and granted him a trumpet band.
Jingzong is known for his pride and arrogance. Every time he writes, if he encounters characters he doesn't know, he doesn't ask others, but attempts to write them on his own. Although the court officials regard him with disdain, only Wei Rui, who is older and a famous scholar in the local area, earns Jingzong's respect, and he holds him in particularly high regard. Even during the emperor's banquets, Jingzong is very respectful to him, and the emperor thus comes to appreciate Jingzong.
Emperor Jingzong had a particular fondness for women. He kept hundreds of singing courtesans and concubines at home, adorned in gold and silver, enjoying wealth and glory. He was restless and, the moment he stepped outside, he felt the urge to lift the carriage curtain. The people around him advised him, saying that his status was noble now and that everyone was watching, so it was inappropriate for him to do that. Jingzong said to his close companions, "When I was in the countryside before, I rode a fast horse, galloping like a dragon, shooting arrows with a group of young men, dozens of us together, shooting arrows like thunder, the arrows shot out, calling out like hungry eagles. Chasing wild deer on the plains, I would shoot it down with a few arrows, drinking its blood when thirsty, eating its meat when hungry, sweet and delicious, like drinking nectar. Feeling the wind in my ears, fire in my nostrils, that kind of joy made me forget about death, not knowing that I would grow old. Now that I am an official in Yangzhou, I can't even move; I can't even lift the curtain of the carriage when I go out, as the people around me say it's not allowed. They lock me in the carriage, feeling as confined as a newlywed bride. These suffocating days leave me gasping for air!"
Jingzong was particularly fond of drinking and revelry. In the twelfth month, he held rowdy celebrations at his own home, visiting others' homes to scrounge for wine and food. Originally just for fun, but his followers were excessively unruly, bullying women and robbing others of their belongings. The emperor was aware of this, prompting Jingzong to cease his actions. The emperor often hosted banquets to entertain the heroes, reminiscing about the past. Jingzong would get drunk and talk nonsense, sometimes even calling lower-ranking officials by the wrong names, and the emperor would pretend not to see, taking it lightly as a joke.
Seven years later, Jing Zong was promoted to Attendant, General of the Guards, and Governor of Jiangzhou. However, he died on the way to Jiangzhou at the age of fifty-two. The court rewarded him with two hundred thousand coins, three hundred pieces of cloth, and posthumously granted him the title of General Who Conquers the North, Governor of Yongzhou, and Supervisor of the Palace Attendants, with the posthumous title of "Zhuang" (壮). His son Jiao inherited his title.
Liu Qingyuan, styled Wenhe, was from Jie County, Hedong. His uncle Liu Yuanjing was the Grand Commandant of the Song Dynasty. Liu Qingyuan initially worked as the Registrar in Yingzhou. During the Qi Dynasty, he held various positions such as Attendant Official of the Imperial Secretariat, Military Advisor to the Grand Marshal, General of Establishing Martial Might, and Prefect of Weixing. When Weixing Commandery was hit by a severe flood, many people's homes were destroyed, and officials suggested relocating the people to the city for refuge. However, Liu Qingyuan said, "What do city walls have to do with the rain from heaven? I heard that even if the river level rises, it will not exceed three days. What’s there to worry about?" So he only ordered the reinforcement of the embankments. Soon after, the water receded, and the people greatly admired him. He was later promoted to Chief Water Officer and then served as Military Advisor in charge of records for the Northern Expeditions and Magistrate of Xiangyang.
While in Yongzhou, Emperor Gaozu Xiao Daocheng asked Du Yun from Jingzhao for a recommendation for a talented person to govern the prefectures and commanderies. Du Yun recommended Liu Qingyuan. Emperor Gaozu said, "I’ve known about this person for a long time; I just wanted to hear from others." So he appointed Liu Qingyuan as an Official Historian. During the turmoil both inside and outside the Qi Dynasty, Liu Qingyuan told his close associates, "The world is about to descend into chaos; heroes and warriors will surely rise up. Who can protect the people and establish dominance? Could it be our monarch?" Thus, he devoted himself to assisting Xiao Daocheng. When Xiao Daocheng raised his army, Liu Qingyuan was always there to offer advice and strategies.
In the first year of the Zhengxing era, Xi Tai selected him to be a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, and later promoted him to be a General of Champions and Chief of the Eastern Campaign. He always led the army at the forefront during the eastern expeditions. When Emperor Gaozu inspected the camps, he saw that Liu Qingyuan's camp was well-organized, and he would always exclaim, "If everyone were like this, what do I have to worry about?" After the capture of Jiankang City, Liu Qingyuan returned to the court as an Imperial Attendant, also serving as the General of the Front and overseeing the administration of Huailing and Qichang. One night, a fire broke out in Jiankang City, causing panic among those in the palace. Emperor Gaozu, who was in the palace at the time, quickly collected all the keys and asked, "Where is Minister Liu Qingyuan?" When Liu Qingyuan arrived, Emperor Gaozu handed all the keys to him, showing how much trust he had in him.
After Xiao Daocheng established his hegemony, he appointed Liu Qingyuan as the Attendant to the Grand Commandant. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, Liu Qingyuan was promoted to be a Cavalier Regular Attendant, the Right Guard General, and was also granted the title of General for Pacifying the Barbarians and the Marquis of Chongan with a fief of 1,000 households. After his mother passed away, he resigned from his official position. The court offered him his old position again, but he resolutely declined. In the second year of Tianjian, he was promoted to be the Zhonglingjun and was titled the Marquis of Yundu. In the fourth year of Tianjian, he was appointed as the Commissioner, Commander of military affairs in the four provinces of Yong, Liang, South and North Qin, the General for Pacifying the Barbarians, the General for Pacifying the Miao, and the Governor of Yongzhou. Emperor Gaozu saw him off at Xinting, saying, "With your glorious return, I no longer have any worries!"
Seven years ago, Liu Qingyuan was appointed as the Guard General and also the guardian of the Crown Prince. Before he could take up his new position, he was promoted to be a Cavalier Regular Attendant, the Right Guard General, and also the leader of the Right Valiant Cavalry. When he arrived in the capital, he was ordered to assist with the Wei Kingdom's surrender at Suyu City. The Emperor instructed him to assist, so he temporarily took on the role of Administrator of Huaiyin. The Wei army later withdrew.
Eight years later, he returned to the capital, and his official position was promoted again; he became the Gentleman of the Cavalry, Crown Prince's Attendant, and Grand Supervisor of Yong Province. Ten years later, he was promoted to Palace Attendant and Leading General, and the Emperor also assigned him a ceremonial guard and an accompanying music ensemble. Twelve years later, he was promoted to General of the North, Pacification Inspector of the Southern Tribes, and Governor of Yong Province. During his tenure in Yong Province, Liu Qingyuan was known for his honesty and integrity, and the local people held him in high regard. In the spring of the following year, he passed away at the age of fifty-seven.
The Emperor proclaimed: "Considering his lifelong loyalty and adherence to the laws of the ancestors; bestowing high titles and rewards posthumously has been a longstanding tradition. Therefore, we posthumously appoint him as the General of Order, Commander of the armies of Yong, Liang, South, and North Qin, Jingling of Yizhou, Suijun of Sizhou, General of the North, Pacification Inspector of the Southern Tribes, Governor of Yong Province, and Marquis of Yundu County, Liu Qingyuan, who was wise and open-minded. He participated in national affairs at a young age and later served in the military for a long time. He held an important position in the western border, ready to implement grand strategies, but passed away suddenly, causing us great sorrow. In recognition of his achievements, we posthumously promote him to Palace Attendant, General of the Central Army, and Supervisor of the Imperial Granaries, while maintaining his accompanying music ensemble and marquis title. His posthumous title shall be 'Loyal and Benevolent.' He is rewarded with two hundred thousand coins and two hundred bolts of cloth." After Liu Qingyuan's passing, his remains were brought back to the capital, and the Emperor personally came out to mourn. His son, Liu Jin, inherited his title.
Initially, Liu Qingyuan's uncle, General Wei Liu Shilong, had once said to Liu Qingyuan: "I dreamed that the Grand Commandant gifted me bedding, and later I became an officer. Then I dreamed that I gave my bedding to you; you will surely bring honor to our family." Now it seems that Liu Qingyuan indeed continued Liu Shilong's legacy.
Chen Yaocha, the Minister of Personnel, remarked: Wang Mao, Cao Jingzong, and Liu Qingyuan, although coming from a family of military generals for generations, have not made any particularly remarkable accomplishments. In contrast, Liang Xing seized the moment, capitalized on the circumstances, and fulfilled his ambitions. His merits can be compared to those of Fang Xiaosu and Shao Rong, and his name will be immortalized on bronze vessels for generations. This is truly impressive! In the past, although Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty valued his meritorious officials, the highest ranks were merely court attendants or special envoys. Individuals such as Kou Xun, Deng Yu, Geng Yan, and Jia Fu did not fully realize their potential. However, Wang Mao and his peers have alternately held significant military posts and eventually all rose to the rank of general. The relationship between the monarch and his ministers is far better than in the previous dynasty!
